CHAPTER TWELVE
(peaceful revenge)

Kachiri looked out into the distance and then spoke, announcing, "It's time." Vivienne took a deep breath, her resolve firm, as she led the way forward. They walked together, not utilizing their enhanced speed, instead setting a slow and measured pace.

Once they emerged from the cover of the trees, Vivienne noticed the expressions of shock and relief on the faces of the allies. She then met Benjamin's gaze, their eyes locked in a silent exchange. As they continued their slow, measured approach, she gave him a look of remorse, and in return, he nodded with understanding, offering her a small smile, which she returned discreetly.

Aro spoke up, a cunning gleam in his eyes as he addressed her, "Ah, my dear Vivienne." Vivienne fought the overwhelming urge to scowl at him, her anger and revulsion concealed beneath a veneer of composure.

"The time for witnesses is over!" Caius bellowed, his hostility clear. "Cast your vote, Aro!" His disdain for Vivienne was evident, as he despised her immense power. He felt threatened by her strengths and believed she could potentially usurp his position.

Marcus, on the other hand, had a more favorable opinion of Vivienne. In their encounters, he had found solace in her company. Despite her formidable abilities, her knowledge had provided him with a glimmer of respite from his constant thoughts.

"This is Huilen and her nephew, Nahuel," Vivienne stated, deliberately ignoring Caius's outburst as she introduced them. She couldn't help but smirk as she noticed the narrowing of eyes from the white-haired male, and the collective sense of unease that washed over them all with the mention of 'nephew.'

The revelation of Huilen and Nahuel's existence had struck a chord of fear in the Volturi's hearts. It seemed that there were secrets and knowledge within the vampire world that they too were unaware of.

Aro instructed Huilen, his gaze flickering towards her as he said, "Give us the witness you were brought to bear." After issuing his command, his attention shifted once more to Vivienne, observing her silently.

Huilen glanced towards Alice and then to Vivienne, who both offered supportive nods of encouragement. Kachiri placed a reassuring hand on Huilen's shoulder, bolstering her confidence.

"I am Huilen," the woman spoke up, her voice steady and practiced, as if revisiting a well-known tale. "A century and a half ago, I lived among my people, the Mapuche. My sister was Pire, and our parents named her after the snow on the mountains due to her fair skin. She was exceedingly beautiful, but her beauty would become her downfall."

Huilen's voice trembled with grief as she recounted the events. "One day, she came to me in secrecy and revealed to me that an angel had found her in the woods, and that he visited her by night. I warned her, but she paid no heed to my cautions, despite the visible injuries on her skin. I knew it was the Libishomen, the creature from our legends, but she refused to listen."

Huilen continued her tragic tale, the pain clearly visible in her expression. "When she was certain that her dark angel's child was growing within her, she confided in me. I didn't try to dissuade her from her plan to flee, for I knew even our father and mother would agree that the child needed to be destroyed, along with Pire. I accompanied her deep into the heart of the forest, where she sought her demon angel, but found nothing. I tended to her, hunted for her when her strength faltered, and watched as she consumed the animals raw, drinking their blood."

"Despite the horror of what was growing inside her, Pire loved the child. She named him Nahuel, after the elusive jungle cat, as he grew strong and crushed the bones within her. Yet, deep down, she still harbored a fervent affection for him."

Huilen's voice trembled with sadness as she recounted the tragic outcome. "I was helpless to save her. As the beastly child tore his way out of her, she died rapidly, begging me constantly to care for her Nahuel. It was her dying plea, and I had no choice but to agree."

Huilen paused, reliving the painful memory. "He bit me, though, as I tried to pull him away from her lifeless form. I tried to crawl deeper into the jungle, hoping to meet my own demise, but the overwhelming pain rendered me immobile. However, he found me, the newborn child, straining through the thick underbrush to my side. He then curled up beside me, his small body pressed against mine, and fell asleep."

Huilen spoke softly as she remembered her timespent with Nahuel. "I devoted my life to caring for him until he gained the ability to hunt on his own. We subsisted by hunting the villages near our forest, living in solitude. We have never ventured this far from our home before, but Nahuel expressed a desire to encounter the child here."

Vivienne spoke up, her head held high, adding, "Nahuel bears many similarities to my dear niece. Thus, no rules have been transgressed."

The Volturi was struck with surprise at Vivienne's declaration. They looked at one another in confusion and shock, clearly not expecting this bombshell.

Aro directed his attention toward Nahuel, his eyes narrowing as he questioned him, "You are approximately a hundred and fifty years old?"

With a shrug, Nahuel replied, "Roughly, we don't bother with keeping precise track of the passing years."

Aro continued to probe for more information, addressing Nahuel with curiosity, "And at what point did you reach maturity?"

Nahuel responded without hesitation, "Approximately seven years after my birth, I attained full growth."

Aro's astonishment grew further as he questioned Nahuel yet again, "And you have not undergone any changes since reaching maturity?"

Nahuel nonchalantly shrugged once more, replying, "Not that I've noticed."

Aro's gaze remained fixed on Nahuel, his expression intense as he listened intently to his heartbeat, a deep frown forming on his forehead. He then inquired, "And your diet, what do you typically consume?"

Nahuel responded nonchalantly, "My diet consists primarily of blood, but I also partake in human food occasionally. I can thrive on either."

As the revelation unfolded, Vivienne exhaled silently in relief, reassured by the knowledge that her niece's growth might not surpass their time together. She found comfort in the fact that they might not be condemned to witnessing her passing away.

Aro's interest was piqued as he posed a question full of intrigue, "You possess the ability to create immortals?"

Vivienne picked up on Aro's subtle intent, sensing he sought any justification to take a life. As the leader of their kind, he relished instilling fear, eager to assert his authority through any means.

Vivienne interjected, her smirk unwavering, as she answered confidently, "He possesses that ability. However, the rest can not do the same."

Aro's eyes widened at her declaration, and the other leaders exchanged baffled murmurs, clearly taken aback by her words. He stared at her, a perplexed expression on his face, and asked, "The rest?"

Vivienne continued to stand poised, her hands clasped behind her back as she swayed gently on her feet, an amused smile playing on her lips. She spoke confidently, addressing Aro directly, "Would you like to know about Nahuel's sisters?"

Nahuel watched intently, awaiting Aro's response.

Aro's curiosity was apparent as he stated, "Indeed, it seems your story has more to unravel. I implore you, share the full extent of your tale."

Vivienne couldn't help but revel in the edge in his voice, her smirk growing as she returned her focus to Nahuel.

"After a few years following my mother's demise, my father sought me out," Nahuel's expression shifted slightly, hinting at some undisclosed emotions. "He was glad to discover me." Nahuel's tone conveyed a sense of indifference, perhaps even a hint of dislike. "He had two daughters, yet no sons, and he anticipated me to join him, just as my sisters had done."

"He was taken aback to find that I was not alone," Nahuel explained. "My sisters lack venom, but the reason for their condition remains uncertain—it could be attributed to their gender or a mere act of fate. Having already established a family with Huilen, I was not inclined to shift course." He paused, then went on, "I occasionally cross paths with him. My newest sibling reached maturity about a decade ago."

Caius pressed on, his irritation evident as he spoke through clenched teeth, "What is your father's name?"

Nahuel responded, the distaste clear in his voice as he spoke, "He goes by the name Joham. He sees himself as a scientist, devoted to the creation of what he believes to be a new, superior race."

Caius' expression darkened as he made his proposition, his voice filled with determination. "We'll handle the deviation here before proceeding southward."

Vivienne interjected forcefully, her voice commanding attention as she spoke up, "Wait a moment. I have something of great importance to convey, and 'no' is not an option."

Caius shot a fierce glare at Vivienne, anger evident in his eyes. He was just about to turn to Jane to issue a command when Aro intervened, gently gesturing for him to hold off.

Aro spoke soothingly, addressing Caius as "brother," before directing his attention back to Vivienne. "Please, my dear Vivienne, do continue."

"You witnessed what Alice revealed to you, and it's a vision that remains unalterable, no matter the circumstances," Vivienne stated confidently. "I am positive of this."

"The course of the future is subject to change," Aro responded firmly.

Vivienne disagreed, her head shaking gently. "Indeed, that is true. However, the manner in which your position ends will always remain constant. You're aware of my abilities, the extent of my potential. I possess the power to bring an end to all of you in this very moment, and I would do so without reluctance."

Aro fixed his gaze on Vivienne, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "If you were to unleash your power to such an extent, it would prove lethal to you as well."

"The consequences are clear to me, Aro," Vivienne affirmed, her determination unwavering. "And when the moment arrives that it becomes necessary, I will willingly make that sacrifice."

Aro and Caius were both taken aback by her declaration, their expressions a mixture of horror and disbelief. In contrast, Marcus appeared intrigued by the prospect. Interestingly, Aro's reaction was not entirely terrorized, but rather he seemed more focused on the potential loss of someone with such exceptional abilities and unique heritage.

Vivienne spoke firmly, her voice carrying a sense of finality. "You will depart without causing further strife. You will abide by the designated laws, just as we ourselves are bound to them. You will not take lives unless warranted."

"Do you recollect our conversation, Aro?" Vivienne inquired, and he nodded in affirmation as she continued to speak.

Vivienne smiled slightly as she repeated Aro's own words, "Vivienne Beckett possesses venomous abilities. Her touch alone is capable of bringing about your demise. Be cautious, and don't underestimate the potency of poison." She then spoke sweetly, adding, "Those were your exact words, Aro. You have become ensnared in my venom, and there's no escaping its potency. You are already ensnared, and you orchestrated this predicament yourself. So heed my warning. You shall not depart with threats, for none will be made, for we are not naive."

"You've stolen—"

Vivienne raised her hand as a warning, causing Caius to abruptly fall silent. With a firm voice, she declared, "I have reclaimed the possessions you took from me, so refrain from starting any further confrontations with me, Caius. You are aware of the repercussions should you cross me."

Aro nodded, his response measured. "Indeed, there will be no conflict today. That much is certain."

Vivienne spoke firmly, her voice holding a warning, as she looked directly at Aro. "However, keep this in mind. I possess the ability to rally most immortals from across the globe, and I'm willing to reveal the depths of your corruption if necessary. Even your formidable subordinates, Jane and Alec, would be helpless in such a scenario."

Vivienne's tone remained firm yet restrained as she made her stance clear. "I am not initiating a war," she reiterated. "I am only offering a fair warning, Aro. You are well aware that I have the ability to strike from any distance, yet I have chosen not to. I refuse to become your venomous instrument, merely to destroy the things you grow tired of."

"Understand this," Vivienne declared, her voice resolute. "I shall not interfere as long as someone here truly infringes upon the established laws. However, should you threaten an innocent life, I will be aware, for my network of acquaintances extends far and wide."

Aro reluctantly lowered his hands, his expression solemn as Carlisle spoke up for the first time since Vivienne's declaration.

"Leave in peace," Carlisle said sternly, addressing Aro. "Please keep in mind the importance of maintaining our anonymity. Additionally, refrain from hunting in this region."

Aro's gaze fixated on Vivienne, his voice holding a measure of confidence, "Of course, Carlisle. I assure you, I will honor my word and adhere to the laws. Should I fail to do so, then you have the authority to act accordingly."

Vivienne regarded Aro, her tone serious, "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Aro. While I may believe you deserve such a fate, I am fully aware of the consequences if your rule were to be overthrown. I am not naïve enough to remove a king from his throne without first considering the potential bloodshed that would likely follow."

Aro observed the rest of the Volturi, his footsteps carrying him toward them. They left swiftly, and for a few moments, no one moved, their ears attuned to the surrounding sounds, confirming their safety. Once they were certain the area was clear, they all exhaled collectively, the tension finally releasing.

The sound of triumph echoed behind them as Vivienne slowly made her way towards the jubilant crowd. She sought to apologize to Benjamin, but her efforts proved fruitless as he immediately tackled her upon her approach.

Vivienne mentally chastised herself for her foolishness in even entertaining the thought that Benjamin would believe she was abandoning him. He showered her with an abundance of kisses, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter in response. Finally, she had found her joy, and though she had resorted to threatening the King, she realized something profound.

A satisfied smile played on her lips as she contemplated her plan. She was going to make him live in fear, which, in her mind, had already earned her a victory. She knew that her revenge was going to be a slow, methodical one, and with this method, she wouldn't have to lose her sense of righteousness by staining her hands with darkness.

Vivienne Beckett was indeed a little venomous, but then again, sometimes having a hint of poison could be the perfect solution, as long as it's done correctly. In the right hands, the poison is like water, leaving only a slight sting in its wake. The burn it causes can either be a mild annoyance or a lasting pain, but ultimately, it's up to you to decide how you react to it.