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The next day arrived, and my thoughts were still occupied by Emmett and what he had said. However, I decided not to bring it up, not wanting to upset him further. Everyone had gathered in the room where Renesmee was playing the piano, a skill Edward had taught her given his extended lifespan. Carlisle and Esme played chess, their focus divided between the game and the beautiful performance Renesmee was giving.
Emmett leaned on the piano while I stood beside him, my hand resting on his shoulder as I leaned into him. Renesmee's piano playing was so beautiful, and I couldn't help but wish I could play as skilfully as she did. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice enter the room, holding a vase filled with flowers. I watched her with concern as she suddenly stopped, her eyes drifting into space as if she saw something in the distance.
A moment later, she dropped the vase—flowers and all—onto the floor. Whatever she had seen must have been significant, as the glass shattered on impact, sending shards and water scattering across the room. Everyone halted their activities and turned to look at her, their faces etched with concern. Jasper was the first to reach her, his vampire speed allowing him to be by her side in an instant.
"What is it, Alice?" Jasper asked with concern, placing his hand gently on her lower back for comfort, as Esme and Carlisle rose from their seats.
"The Volturi..." she said, looking at Jasper for a moment before turning to face the rest of us. "They're coming for us. Aro. Caius. Marcus. The Guard," she said their names slowly, each as terrifying as the next. "And Irina," Alice added. Her name shocked us, as we had thought she was family and was coming here to speak with us.
"Honey, come here," Bella said, her eyes locking onto her daughter as she called her over. Renesmee stood in front of her mother, as Bella latched her hands on her daughter for protection.
"Why?" Carlisle asked, taking a step forward.
"What did Irina see in the woods?" Edward questioned urgently.
"We were just walking," Bella answered, holding her daughter close.
"Ness was catching snowflakes," Jake added, glancing at Edward.
"I was using a bit of magic for her," I said, looking at Edward, as the act was innocent, and I didn't think she was there to see me witness it.
"Of course..." Edward said softly, as Bella and I exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what he meant. " "Irina thinks Renesmee is an Immortal Child," Edward said. The term sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I had heard it before.
We had moved into Carlisle's study, which was more like a small library but spacious. Bella sat in a chair, while Carlisle placed a book in front of her, flipping to the appropriate page. The room was scattered with people; Rose was with Renesmee, and I stood next to Emmett, his arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close.
