𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐚 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [2] ✔️

5. TURNING TABLES

TEN MINUTES HAD PASSED SINCE IRINA had offered her apologies, but my mind was still consumed with the words my father had exchanged with her. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling us, something that he was keeping hidden deep within the recesses of his mind. Was it possible that he was secretly afraid of the Volturi? Was that why he had left us all those years ago?

"I witnessed a coven committing a heinous crime, and it must be reported to the Volturi. Surely you understand."

As I pondered these questions, my mind began to race with even more uncertainty. What coven was Irina referring to? What had they done to make her seek out the Volturi? The mere thought of it sent shivers down my spine. Whatever it was, it couldn't have been good.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I sat there, lost in thought. The mystery surrounding my father's past and Irina's involvement with the Volturi was enough to make my head spin. But one thing was for certain - I needed to find out the truth, no matter what the cost.

The hunt had been a success, Mum and Dad had returned with six magnificent deer and even a rat, which Mum had made sure was real before bringing it home. The memory of Ethan's prank with the fake rat still lingered in my mind, the image of Mum going animalistic and ripping its head off was not one easily forgotten.

As we sat around the table, the scent of blood filled the air and everyone was enjoying the feast. Simon, Alana and Ethan sat on the left, while Joseph, Rhona and I sat on the right. Mum and Dad sat at the head of the table, their presence commanding respect.

I couldn't help but notice that something was off with Dad. He hadn't been himself since Irina's visit and I felt like a child sensing a shift in my parents' atmosphere. Mum seemed to notice it too, as she walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, a silent gesture of support.

"Darling, are you alright?" Mum inquired, her voice laced with worry.

"I'm fine, my love," Dad replied, taking her hand and giving it a gentle rub.

"I couldn't help but notice that you've been rather quiet for the past few minutes," Mum said, her concern growing.

"It's just that Irina stopped by," Dad explained.

"Really? That must have been quite a journey. Why did she come?" Mum asked, her curiosity piqued.

"She wanted to speak with me," I interjected, causing Mum to turn her gaze towards me, her striking gold eyes filled with intrigue.

"She wanted to apologise," I continued.

Mum's concern deepened as she asked, "Apologise for what?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain the situation. "It was a moment of confusion, really. Irina was upset and she lashed out at me. But it wasn't because of anything I did. It was because of a shapeshifter that she saw. And I misunderstood the situation, thinking that Irina was being prejudiced against Native Americans. So I spoke up, defending Edward and Bella, and things got a little heated."

Mum shook her head, still clearly upset. "I can't believe this. At a wedding, of all places."

"I know, Mum," I said, trying to placate her. "But it's all in the past now. We've talked it out and everything's fine."