Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Twilight – just Isabel and Alex

The figures in the middle of the clearing were tense, controlled, and ready to strike at any moment. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Isabel Cavanaugh looked at her husband with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. His face was full of worry as he glanced to the showdown before them. "It was meant to be, Alex, you know that." Softly, she kissed him and brushed his mahogany hair out of his eyes. "Wish me luck."

Alex snorted. "Like you need it. Go scare the wits out of them."

Isabel laughed and kissed him again before drawing the hood of her cloak up to conceal her hair and face. She wasn't ready to reveal her identity just yet. The group's voices danced softly on the wind to the trees and Isabel paused as she heard Jane.

"We're not used to being rendered unnecessary. It's too bad we missed the fight. It sounds like it would have been entertaining to watch." Her girlish voice caused Isabel to shudder.

Edward's voice replied sharply and Isabel suppressed a smile as she edged closer to the trees. "Yes. And you were so close. It's a shame you didn't arrive just a half hour earlier. Perhaps then you could have fulfilled your purpose here."

Bracing herself, she stepped out of the trees and into the clearing, walking at a controlled pace, yet one that said she was not to be messed with. Jane's voice filtered to her. "Yes. Quite a pity how things turned out, isn't it?" Her voice faded in shock as she recognized the figure approaching.

"Ah, Jane. What an unexpected surprise." Isabel's voice was dripping with malice as she stalked to the clearing, her crimson cloak billowing around her like a living creature.

Jane immediately fell to the ground, the grey cloaked figures beside her following. "Princess. I was not informed you would be here."

"And I was informed you'd be here sooner. When last I spoke to my grandfather you were to have left four days ago to deal with the pesky Seattle problem." Isabel's voice held no room for argument.

"We were delayed longer in Seattle than anticipated," Jane said, eyes still focused on the ground. She knew the rules – do not speak unless spoken to. Eyes down until told otherwise.

"Of course. Apparently the hunt was more difficult as they all managed to elude you and flocked here instead. Perhaps it was for the crisp mountain air," she said sarcastically. "Really, I must speak with my uncle if it takes his best guards four days to find renegade newborns." Isabel made a motion with her hand and Jane's head jerked up forcefully, her eyes meeting Isabel's. "Unless you're lying to me, little one," she hissed, deliberately using Aro's pet name for her.

"No, Princess. We were only following orders," Jane said quietly.

"Your orders were to take your time and make sure Seattle was clean, yes? If they happened to elude your grasp, you were to make sure the city was safe; no matter the time it took."

"Yes, Princess."

"And if it happened to lead toward Forks, you needed to be thorough, naturally. Make sure there were no strays lurking in the shadows unsuspectingly to pounce on the Cullen coven. Fortuitous timing on your part, don't you think? Be sure to pass my appreciation for making sure such a thorough job was done to my uncle, won't you Jane? I'm sure he did it all with me in mind." Isabel's voice and words were polite but her tone was anything but. She gave a disgusted noise and raised her hand. "Stand up," she growled.

Before anyone could blink the figures were upright. "We have our orders, Princess," Felix said softly. "They don't come from you." He had not yet been acknowledged and his face showed he understood the grave error he just made.

"Not yet," Isabel threatened, ignoring his blatant rebellion. "I understand you are my uncle's guard; however you are now in my territory – these creatures threatened my family."

"Of course, Princess. That's why we were sent to dispose of them."

"By taking your sweet time, I know." Isabel made a frustrated sound and locked

eyes with Carlisle. The two had a silent communication for a moment before Isabel shook her head swiftly and Carlisle nodded in resignation. "You'll convey my frustrations to my uncle, of course, and remind him of my vow." It wasn't a question, but Jane nodded nonetheless.

Isabel nodded in acquiesce before her face turned grim. "About the girl," she started, pointing to Bree.

"She must die, Princess. She broke the rules. Even you must concede to that." Felix stared at her incredulously.

"She threatened your family as well. Anyone who made a move on young Isabella is punished with immediate death, per your orders," Jane added.

Isabel took a deep breath as she felt several curious pairs of eyes on her. She was grateful the cloak's hood concealed her face and even more grateful that Edward was holding Bella protectively. "Technically, she didn't attack Bella," Isabel tried.

"She surrendered," Carlisle spoke up. "She'd like to try our ways."

Jane's eyes were wide. "Until she kills Bella or draws unwanted attention elsewhere." She turned a shrewd eye on Bella once more. "Speaking of, Caius will be so interested to hear that you're still human, Bella. Perhaps he'll decide to visit."

"It's dealt with," Isabel said, as Alice yelled, "A date has been set."

Jane looked to Isabel for confirmation. "I have it in hand. He has my word."

Jane nodded. "As you command, Princess." She turned to Bree, still writhing in pain. "She must die, Princess. Orders are orders."

An infinitesimal second seemed to pass and no one breathed. Reluctantly, Isabel nodded, turning toward Carlisle as Jane motioned to Felix, closing her eyes in pain at the shrieks. After a moment she looked up, only to hear Edward whisper, "Don't watch" to Bella, holding her tighter in his arms. The shrieks, however, overpowered all and Isabel watched in stunned silence as Jane dismembered the young girl. Felix threw a match to her remains and watched a moment as the flames reached heights to his satisfaction. She looked back over and met Carlisle's sad eyes, conveying to him wordlessly the remorse she felt as well. "I believe you're finished here," Isabel said after a moment, her words harsh and conveying the true meaning. Leave.

Jane met her eyes and smiled slightly. "Of course," she said bowing. She motioned to her minions and turned, their cloaks billowing behind them as they disappeared.

As soon as they left, Isabel sunk to the ground. The motion set her hood backwards, revealing her face and hair. Shaking, she ran her hands through the midnight black tresses, revealing deep waves and long locks as she threaded her hands through and squeezed, screaming in frustration. When she looked up, eight pairs of eyes were staring at her somewhere between sympathy and curiosity. When she met the last set, wary violet eyes met stunned chocolate brown. "Hello, love," she said softly.

"Aunt Isabel?"