THE QUEENS

Sulpicia rose gracefully from her throne, her movements as fluid as the air around her. She wore a simple blue dress with spaghetti straps that accentuated her elegance, paired with black high-heeled shoes that clicked softly on the marble floor. Seated beside her were Athenodora, who wore a white blouse and black pants with matching black flats, and Didyme, dressed in a lavender, sleeveless collared dress.

Sulphicia's eyes scanned the room, taking in the presence of the Denali and the outcasts, but her gaze halted when it landed on a particular girl—one with an unusual complexion. The sight of her made Sulpicia's long-dead heart flutter for a split second, and she knew her mates felt it too. Without speaking, they shared a powerful realization: they had found their daughter.

Didyme leaned in and whispered to Atheodorra, "It's two of them." Her voice trembled with awe. She followed her mate's gaze to a blonde woman standing among the Cullens outcasts, surprise, and happiness clear on her face. The bond between them was undeniable. Athenodora felt it, too—a daughterly connection. Joy filled her heart, but she knew there was more to discuss. This was her first time meeting some of the Cullens, and though she would address this newfound bond later, her curiosity was piqued. Why had Tanya sought their audience so urgently?

Turning to Tanya, Sulpicia's voice cut through the tension. "What is the problem you mentioned over the phone?"

Tanya sighed, her expression grave. "Carlisle and Edward have created a newborn army to take revenge on the rest of the Cullens you see here."

Sulpicia's brows furrowed in disbelief.

"Carlisle? The one known for his compassion toward humans? The reason he drinks animal blood and practices medicine? Why would your mate do such a thing?" Athenodora's question was directed at Esme. She had remained seated on her throne, a bored look masking her concern.

Esme bowed her head, guilt heavy in her voice. "Because we left him. And I've only just discovered that Carlisle isn't my true mate."

Sulpicia raised an eyebrow. "Why did you leave him? And didn't you feel, from the beginning, that he wasn't your mate? You are a vampire, after all."

Esme sighed deeply, her voice trembling. "I left because Carlisle and Edward were treating Bella unfairly. Carlisle turned me, claiming I was his mate from the moment I awoke in this world. I didn't know what a true mate felt like... I grew to love him, thinking it was real. I didn't know any better."

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"I see," Athenodora said quietly.

"Who is Bella?" Sulpicia asked, her gaze piercing.

"It's me, Your Majesty," Bella replied softly.

Sulpicia's eyes locked onto her daughter. Before she could respond, Tanya spoke up, her voice filled with urgency.

"Please, Your Majesty, allow me to explain everything. You need to hear the full story."

Sulpicia nodded and returned to her throne, gesturing for Tanya to continue. As she sat down, Tanya recounted the entire ordeal—starting from the beginning. She spoke of Bella's true nature as a dragon and that they've mated, how Bree had entered their lives, and the stories that had unfolded along the way. When Tanya finished, Rosalie stepped forward, adding her perspective. She narrated the events from the moment they first met Bella to the present, filling in details and providing context. The story wasn't told in perfect order, but by the end, the queens had a clear picture of what had happened.

Disturbed by the tale, Sulhicia and her mates were also shocked to learn that Bella was a dragon—a species thought to have been extinct for centuries. Athenodora sighed, sensing that Carlisle's behavior had always been a ticking time bomb. His controlling nature had been well-hidden, but she wasn't entirely surprised by his actions.

Sulpicia's gaze narrowed as she turned to Esme. "You realize you broke the law by allowing a human to learn about vampires without either turning or killing her, yes? All of this could have been avoided."

Gasps echoed through the throne room as her mates and the other occupants were taken aback by her words. But Sulpicia held up her hand, silencing them. "I know it seems cruel, especially knowing what Bella is to us, but the law must be followed."

Esme's head dropped in shame, and Bree instinctively moved closer to comfort her. The room was thick with tension as Rosalie stepped forward, her voice pleading.

"Please, Your Majesty, we didn't know what else to do. We couldn't harm Bella—she's one of us. We all love her."

"The charges will be dropped," Didyme interrupted, speaking for the first time. Her voice was firm but compassionate. "Since you've come to us and warned us of your coven's wrongdoings, we will help you with Carlisle and his army."

Esme exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Your Majesties," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Athenodora turned her sharp gaze to Alice. "Do you know when they plan to attack?"

Alice blinked, coming out of a vision. "Tomorrow night, Your Majesty. Carlisle is waiting for more newborns to be created, and they'll be turned by tomorrow evening."

"Good," Athenodora said, her voice laced with strategy. She turned to Bree. "Can you lead us to the warehouse?"

Bree nodded, her voice was soft but sure. "Yes, I can."

Athenodora's eyes gleamed with determination. "We need to attack tonight. It's best not to delay."

Sulpicia squeezed her mates' hands, her voice carrying the weight of the decision. "We will plan our attack, but first, I must know this—Rosalie, Bella, do you feel the bond between us?"

"Yes," Bella replied, confusion evident in her tone. "But I don't understand it."

Rosalie, standing beside her, gently squeezed Bella's hand. "They are our mothers."

Emmett's voice rang out in shock. "What?!"

The Denali and outcasts shared Emmett's surprise, but they stayed quiet, watching events unfold.

"Do you both accept the bond?" Didyme asked softly, her voice filled with hope.

"I do," Rosalie answered without hesitation.

"Yes," Bella replied a moment later, her voice steady.