CHAPTER ELEVEN
(vivienne's role)

Carlisle's voice quivered, barely a whisper, as he asked, "What do you mean she left?" Benjamin stood before him, his eyes filled with sorrow and pain. It was evident that he was crushed by heartache.

Benjamin held up the ring he had gifted to her, opening his mouth to speak, yet no words could find their way out. Edward, having read Benjamin's thoughts, felt the weight of the anguish coursing through his mind. With a heavy heart, Edward took the lead, declaring, "Vivienne left, Carlisle."

Maggie's voice trembled as she spoke in a hushed tone, fear evident in her words, "You don't think she left because she was scared, right?" The thought of losing Vivienne, one of the main sources of her own strength and courage, terrified Maggie.

Rosalie's gaze was fixed on the ring, filled with a mixture of pain and disappointment, as she contemplated her sister's abrupt departure once more. Emmett held her tightly in his arms, equally bewildered and distraught by the news of Vivienne's absence.

Amun spoke out loudly, his voice filled with anger as he growled, "I warned you all, but none of you listened! I may not see eye to eye with Vivienne, but for once, she did make a wise decision." He huffed defiantly, earning himself a barrage of scathing glances from the others present.

Benjamin was drained of any biting remark in his mate's defense. The cold reality of her absence, validated by the very ring he held in his hands, weighed heavily on his heart. She had chosen to leave him, and the sudden nature of her departure gnawed at him. Yet, despite the pain, he couldn't help but hold onto a glimmer of hope, believing there had to be a reason behind her unexpected disappearance.

Edward, his mind delving into Benjamin's thoughts, closed his eyes. "Vivienne must have had a reason—" he murmured, attempting to comfort him.

Amun, his voice low but sharp, interjected, "Or she left just like Alistair." The words hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow of doubt over the situation.

Bella stepped forward, her voice firm as she suggested, "Or perhaps Vivienne had a plan." The room fell quiet, and everyone exchanged hopeful glances, silently praying that her words held the answer they desperately sought.

Carlisle spoke up, his voice solemn and tinged with resignation, "The sun is nearly rising, signaling that it's time to make our way to the clearing to see if the Volturi arrive today," he informed the group. He paused, his heart heavy, then continued, "As much as it pains me to say it, Vivienne is no longer here," he acknowledged. "If there is anyone else who wishes to leave, now is the time to do so."

No one stirred, their bodies still as they absorbed Edward and Bella's words. Perhaps Vivienne had indeed devised a plan, and that knowledge fortified their resolve. They couldn't afford to flee now.

...

Vivienne stood firm between her siblings Alice and Jasper, her gaze fixated on the trio standing before them. She recognized only Kachiri's face, her expression a mix of astonishment. "You found someone," she blurted, her voice tinged with disbelief as her eyes locked on the male among the newcomers.

Kachiri, indeed, had followed through on the message conveyed by Zafrina and Senna to the other allies. In contrast to her sisters, she showcased a more muscular build and more untamed locks. Her attire, though distinct, also covered up more skin than her sisters'. Kachiri exuded a raw, untamed aura, hinting at her status as the leader among the three.

Kachiri approached Vivienne and enveloped her in a warm embrace. In a hushed tone, she inquired, "How are my sisters faring?"

Vivienne smiled softly, nodding in agreement. "Everyone finds them quite comforting," she confirmed, "and my niece adores the imagery Zafrina can create. She refers to it as 'Pretty Pictures.'"

"That's reassuring to hear," Kachiri responded, returning to the side of the witnesses.

Vivienne then turned to Alice and Jasper, her voice sincere. "You never cease to astound me, Alice, Jasper."

Alice flashed a cheeky smile, her voice brimming with confidence. "I told you, surprises are our specialty," she declared. Turning to Vivienne, she inquired, "Are you positive none of them are aware?"

Vivienne's voice wavered, laced with a mixture of guilt and pain. "None of them have a clue," she replied, her voice cracking slightly. "Leaving was part of the plan from the beginning," she confessed, her heart heavy with conflicted feelings. "Benjamin's presence simply made it more difficult."

Leaving would have been a simple decision, but instead, she allowed herself the pleasure of living in a blissfully ignorant bliss for each day leading up to her departure. Yet, she knew that her true purpose was to infiltrate their minds, just as Alice had seen. Vivienne had bestowed them with the hope that her sacrifice would lead to victory and had taken the necessary steps to ensure everyone was ready to face the coming battle.

Vivienne had been initially puzzled by the plan, particularly since revealing her involvement to Aro would make her intentions known. However, it quickly dawned on her that the ploy would serve their purpose. By drawing attention to her, Aro would become vulnerable in his focus on her rather than the family, and that was precisely what they desired.

Should they successfully demonstrate that they are not defying any of the Volturi's rules, Vivienne would seize the opportunity to catch them off guard. She was prepared to terrify them so severely that they would flee back to their castle, never to meddle with anyone again.

Vivienne had the potential to revel in the chance to take down some opponents and reduce their ranks, if she so desired. She could exact her revenge while also becoming the kind of powerful and alluring figure that Aro craved. Alternatively, she could prove to be the exact opposite, demonstrating that she was not merely a venomous, shiny toy for his collection.

Aro would be paralyzed with dread, a fear that would haunt him for the remainder of his days. He would be compelled to cower in hiding, forever fearful of touching anything precious of Vivienne's, ever again.

It was a pivotal decision that lay before her. Should she choose to embrace the shadows or remain in the light? Both options held their own consequences and implications. The fate of her actions would determine the path she would take.

"Vivienne Beckett," she introduced herself, inclining her head in a polite gesture.

Nahuel responded in kind, his voice soft and measured. "I am Nahuel," he greeted, bowing his head in return.

The female spoke up, "I am Huilen."

Vivienne bowed her head again, gratitude in her voice. "Thank you for assisting my family," she expressed, appreciating their aid.

Nahuel nodded with a smile, stating, "No problem, it's a pleasure to realize that I can be of help."

Vivienne concurred, her smile widening. "Absolutely, it's truly the best feeling in the world, isn't it?"

Jasper let out a chuckle, and Alice gave her sister a slightly teasing nudge. "Vivi," she teased.

Vivienne feigned innocence, replying, "What? It's the truth." She then continued, "You can go ahead, and we'll join you when needed."

Alice nodded in agreement and hugged her sister, Jasper following suit. They bid a brief farewell to Vivienne, walking together toward the clearing.

Vivienne turned to face the three, preparing to describe the Volturi. "There will be a group of vampires wearing all black standing in the center," she began, "and I'll take some time to introduce you to their leaders."

"To start, there's Marcus," Vivienne elaborated, "He's known as the sad king, and honestly, he doesn't even want to be part of the Volturi. He lost his mate, and a part of him is simply waiting for his time to pass. It's a truly sad tale, but that's not what I'm here to tell you. He is probably the least of our concerns, since he usually just keeps quiet and makes a few brief comments here and there."

"Next, there's Caius," she proceeded, "His hair stands out, being as white as snow. Unlike many of the Volturi leaders and guards, he doesn't possess a gift, but he remains one of the strong leaders nonetheless. He tends to indulge in lengthy ramblings, so don't give much credit to his threats. They're mostly just intended to intimidate."

"And last but not least, there's Aro," Vivienne continued, "He is their leader, and at first glance, he may seem mild, but he's the one who sets all the rules. So, one word from him, and it could all be over. In truth, he's the one most to be feared. He has a penchant for collecting rarities, but fear not; that's where I come in. I pledge to prevent him from harming any of you, I promise."