Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or any of its characters
(A/N: This chapter contains vast amounts of text from pages 413 - 426 of New Moon though I've attempted to interpret it from a member of the Volturi's point of view.)
Let me give my love to you,
Let me take your hand...
His lips had moved so carefully that I was sure that no one else saw.
He had heard my assessment of Caius's arrival and knew it was true. I didn't know precisely what he meant, whether he wanted me to fight with him or offer him help through my thoughts. Could my knowledge of our workings help him escape? I didn't know. But I would give Edward Cullen everything I could, so I nodded my head once – cautiously – and his eyes looked away again.
"Marcus! Caius! Look!" Aro sang, it was so patronising I had to bite down on my lip to stop myself from making a sound in protest. "Bella is alive after all! And Alice is here with her! Isn't that wonderful?"
As the two brothers entered, I saw Marcus glance quickly between myself and Edward. I knew what he saw now... a blue ribbon – not only of friendship, but off alliance. And I knew what this meant for me, even more so when Marcus's hand reached for Aro's after it was requested.
Adrenaline pumped through my body as they touched. Fight or flight... the most instinctive reaction of any living being was all my mind could focus on. I had to battle with it in order to keep my feet grounded. I felt that if I had a heart then it wouldn't have been able to cope and would have exploded in my chest. My stomach was doing somersaults and cramping at the same time. I was a traitor now, to Aro, to our cause, and to our coven.
That's it... Well, you know what they say Edward, there's always someone else worse off then you...
Edward scoffed loudly and despite the doom now hanging over both of us, I smiled softly.
Alice turned her head and looked at him inquisitively.
"Thank you, Marcus. That's quite interesting." Aro said solemnly.
Marcus moved on to his chair. Chelsea followed him there as usual, and though I now felt ridiculous doing so, I followed suit.
Chelsea's head bowed and her ear fell near Marcus's lips receiving his instructions in light of his new information. It didn't take long before her eyes raised to look at me. Her lips parted in shock and her head shook slightly.
I couldn't look into my betrayed friend's eyes. I wish there was a way for me to share what I knew with her, maybe then she'd understand.
"Amazing, absolutely amazing." Aro exhaled, more delighted than before. I wondered if he was trying to distract himself from this new revelation.
As I looked at Edwards party once again, Alice's eyes bulged, apparently annoyed that Edward was not letting her in on what was happening.
"Marcus sees relationships. He's surprised by the intensity of ours." Edward explained, turning back to his sister. I wondered if he was referring to his and Alice's, or his and Bella's. Chelsea had mentioned previously that Marcus saw many intriguing bonds coming from Edward.
Aro grinned like a mad man. "So convenient." He said to himself and I wondered if the human girl would be able to hear. "It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus, I can assure you." Aro was looking at Bella and Edward now, observing how they were standing together, how their bodies were angled towards each other and how close he was to her. "It's just so difficult to understand, even now." He paused. "How can you stand so close to her like that?" He almost gasped.
Edward grimaced. "It's not without effort."
Aro's eyebrows creased, but his eyes were sympathetic. "But still... La tua cantante..." He said dramatically.
Around me, everyone seemed to take another look at the bizarre couple, as if they were seeing them in a new light. 'La tua cantante' was nothing but a story in our ranks... I had always assumed that it was used as an excuse when a member of the guard had killed conspicuously. "I couldn't resist it! The human was my singer!" I had heard many variations of the justification many times in my existence. Bella smelled wonderful, and would be hard to resist. But if this was true then Edward's resistance was... unheard of! Impossible. Not only did he resist the urge to kill her... but he had the courage to go back again and again, to hold it... to kiss it! It made me thirsty just thinking about it... Sorry Edward.
Aro's laugh distracted me. "If I hadn't smelled her through your memories, I wouldn't have believed the call of anyone's blood could be so strong. I've never felt anything like it myself. Most of us would trade much for such a gift..."
I wondered what I would trade, the idea of such blood appealing to me made me want to scour the earth for it. Search every human for the rest of my existence just hoping to find my singer.
"…And yet you –"
"Waste it." Edward interrupted, mocking humour clouding his tone.
It reminded me of a similar conversation Aro had had with Carlisle almost three hundred years ago.
"Carlisle, my friend. We are about to feed, wont you consider joining us?" Aro chimed.
"Aro, you ask me this every week and every week I give you the same answer." Carlisle smiled.
"And every week I will try to convince you to embrace what you are!"
"It is something that I would never even consider. Aro, you of all people know the sincerity behind my words and the reasons behind my decisions."
Aro laughed. "You don't know what you're missing."
"But I am gaining so much more, friend."
Aro's hands gestured apologetically. "As you wish. I'll see you in a few hours."
We walked with Aro back to the same hall where we were standing now. "So unusual." Aro shrugged. "The poor man doesn't even realise what he is wasting."
To my right, Caius shifted in his seat. He was done with the pointless conversation Aro was having, infuriated by his nonchalance. I could hear his teeth grinding together. I hoped that Aro would never stop talking, for when he stopped, a sentence would be passed.
Aro was still talking, reminiscing about Carlisle as I had been.
Edward, it won't be long now. I don't know what I can do to help you... Theoretically there should be no way out for you... but I would have said the same thing last night. So many things have changed, so many things are different, so many things are wrong... but it could save your lives. Do whatever you can do to impress him. If Aro wishes you to live then Caius will not be able to go against him. But if Aro cannot find any justification then there will be nothing even he can do. There are answers all around you... in the thoughts of everyone here. But only you can get them… how I wished I could.
Edwards face was blank, not letting anyone in on our secret conversation. But suddenly his expression changed. His eyes widened and his body tensed.
Aro just chuckled. "Don't be disturbed. I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular." He looked intensely at Bella for a split second before turning back to Edward. "May I?" He asked, holding his hand out. He wanted to read her thoughts... but surely he would have been able to hear them through Edward?
"Ask her." Edward said simply.
"Of course, how rude of me. Bella?" He spoke to her for the first time. "I am fascinated that you are the one exception to Edward's impressive talent -"
'Fascinating!' This was it! This is what Aro had been referring to. Edward cannot hear Bella's thoughts. And it was not a common case... she was the 'one exception'. And now Aro wanted to see if she was the exception for him as well? His outreached hand suggested that I was right.
Aro's abilities had progressed immensely since I have known him. At first he was able to hear a few minutes worth of memories, then hours... then days... then years. And three thousand years later he could hear every though you have ever had. But in all that time he has never met someone whose mind was strong enough to keep him out. "Such a shame though, to loose such a fascinating being…" I remembered again. Aro didn't want to lose this girl!
I looked at Edward's worried eyes. You have to let him... this could be it Edward... this could save your lives! If he fails also... well... it would hurt him to lose such an anomaly!
"So very interesting that such a thing should occur..." Aro continued.
Edward still looked worried, but at the same time... intrigued.
She'll be fine Edward... there is nothing being risked. Aro has a refined sense of control – you know that.
His face relaxed just as the girl looked at him again, searching for reassurance. He encouraged her forward and she raised her trembling hand towards Aro.
I tried not to show my smile as Aro's face fell – obviously failing to penetrate the mortals mind. "So very interesting..."
Wow, Edward... Three thousand years of mind reading and his stopped by a human girl. She's something special...
Edward smiled at what I hoped were my thoughts. Bella looked back at him again seeing nothing but a smug face.
Aro started to step backwards looking thoughtfully between our three guests. I knew that look too well... he wanted them, looking at them in a completely different light... as three immortals, dressed in black cloaks, drifting by his side with burning red eyes. For it wasn't just Bella that was special... they all were... exceptionally.
"A first... I wonder if she is immune to our other talents..." It appeared as though Aro's experiments were not over. I thought to my self who he would choose... Chelsea already admitted that she couldn't get a read on the girl so perhaps he would ask me, or Afton. Memory manipulation was his gift, the ability to make anyone – immortal or not – forget, with a simple touch. Well, technically we immortals could never forget. We remembered in such vivid detail that our intelligent minds remembered everything. Afton's ability worked by numbing or paralysing a particular part of your mind which was associated with a certain memory – or memories – making it impossible for your mind to think about it. But it worked so well that you wouldn't be able to even consider that your thoughts had been tampered with. However, as soon as you were reminded of the memories you had lost then the electrical links in your mind begin to recharge and reconnect… and then it's only a matter of time before the subject will remember everything again.
But Aro's eyes did not even pass to my gifted friend. Instead - to my horror - it was Jane's eyes that Aro found. "Jane, dear."
That's too far!
"No!" Edward snarled, echoing my opinion.
His sister grabbed hold of his arm, but he shook off her tiny hand easily.
"Yes master?" She almost sang, questioning him as though she didn't understand what he was asking. But her sickly smile showed her excitement about hurting the girl.
Edward was roaring from the centre of the room and behind him Felix was smiling widely – just waiting for him to flip.
I looked at my large colleague with worried eyes, but he just winked wickedly.
Edward please calm down! This won't help anyone! I said, but doubted that he was even listening. Alice's pleading eyes looked as though she was trying to get through exactly the same message... I wonder what she had seen.
My eyes fluttered behind the three of them again just in time to see Felix take a step forward. Aro gave him one quick look and the brute stopped immediately.
"I wondered, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you..."
There was a rumble in Edward's chest. If possible he looked even more demonic, primal even. But Bella didn't seem to care as he put her behind his back. She even pulled herself closer towards him, going against any survival instincts her human mind had.
Caius chuckled once lowly to himself and moved forwards. I was right... Aro was putting on a show which Caius certainly didn't want to miss, Jane's sadistic side in kin to his.
"Don't'" Alice breathed, seeing something which had obviously not yet happened.
Edward was already in the air before Alice had finished the word. His eyes were fixed on Jane, his hands reached out towards her. We all knew what was coming now, it was almost too expectable. Edward fell to the ground in no time at all. His body arching in unnatural ways, though no sound escaped his lips.
I had to look away for if I kept my eyes on the contorted boy I wouldn't be able to control my reactions.
"Stop!" Bella squealed, her voice rough and hoarse. She looked directly at Jane, her eyes were steady, not afraid. She looked as though – if she was able – that she would launch herself across the room and rip of the sadistic girls head. There was such courage from the human girl which, I had no doubt in thinking, stemmed from her undying love for Edward Cullen.
"Jane." Aro said finally, as though he was teasing with her playfully.
Bella looked at Edward now, while she struggled in Alice's tiny, but strong, arms.
"He's fine." Alice soothed, as Jane's eyes looked back to our master.
Aro gestured again to Bella and Jane smiled evilly, her eyes smug and confident.
Edward stood and his head moved rapidly between Jane and Bella.
I was waiting for it, for her mortal screams to fill the stone room... but they never came... I waited still, perhaps Jane was playing with he girl... but still... there was nothing. I looked back at Edward, hoping the answers would be in his expression... Relief, undeniable relief.
My head wasn't the only one to turn back to Jane, who was no longer smiling. Her face was infuriated. Her chest and shoulders rising as she panted angrily. I looked over to Chelsea and Afton who were smiling along with me, enjoying that someone had finally put the spoilt child in her place... the fact that it was a human made it so much better. Santiago even laughed once under his breath.
Aro laughed darkly. "This is wonderful!"
Jane hissed loudly, her knees bent and she leaned forwards. Her anger was evidently getting the best of her and her instinct cried to attack.
Aro stopped her with a simple look. "Don't be put out dear one. She confounds us all." He didn't sound sympathetic though. He sounded pleased.
Though her body relaxed her eyes still glared at the defenceless Bella. I wondered if she was still trying to force her pain upon her.
Aro laughed again, though slightly quieter. "You're very brave Edward, to endure in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me once, just out of curiosity."
I cringed at the memory. Jane had protested at first, not wanting to harm her Master, but eventually agreed. Aro had fallen to the floor immediately, screaming and writhing in pain. As though it was second nature, myself and the rest of the guard ran towards Jane in an attempt to stop her – to save our leader. She took her eyes off Aro quickly and had floored the rest of us before the second was over. In an attempt to protect his sister from any harm, Alec had put each of us under his mental cloud and everything went dark. It was so bewildering – to still have your thoughts but no senses... When they finally came back, the scene in front of me was completely different. Guards had lashed out under the confusion, but had no idea what they were doing. Some were left without limbs, while another lay in pieces. Everything was a mess, apart from the angelic Jane and Alec who just stood with smug looks on their faces. Needless to say, it never happened again.
Aro's deep inhale brought me back to the present.
"So what do we do with you now?" He said, finally getting to the reason we were all here.
Alice's body stiffened and no more than a tenth of a second later, Edwards did as well. Perhaps Alice had seen what would happen and Edward picked it from her thoughts.
"I don't suppose there's any chance that you've changed your mind? You're talent would be an excellent addition to our little company." Aro said, in a friendly and hopeful manner.
Without a direct order – because she was so used to it – Chelsea's eyes focused strongly on Edward. I could tell she was trying hard. She had mentioned yesterday that his links with his family were strong and almost impossible to break, but it didn't mean that she wasn't able to form some synthetic bond with us.
From the other side of the hall, I could see Caius look at me questioningly. He knew I wasn't working as I was supposed to – making Chelsea's gift undeniable.
I looked at Edward, his eyes were hard and his head was turning away. He had looked the same when he was trying to resist my gift all of those hours ago.
Despite the strength of his ties to his family, it was hard to defy Chelsea. He needed help.
I sent a wave of persuasion to him, trying to convince him to leave. But unlike Chelsea, I couldn't work on just one person. My gift emanated from me and hit anyone in its path.
Beside the human girl both Felix and Jane grimaced, probably fighting to keep their feet on the ground. Realisation hit them quickly and they both turned their heads to me with an accusing glance.
"I'd... rather... not." Edward finally managed to reply.
Aro raised an eyebrow to Chelsea, but didn't mention it. Instead he turned to Alice. "Alice? Would you perhaps be interested in joining us?"
"No thank you." She said easily, my tsunami of persuasion still enveloping her, meaning Chelsea's work did no good.
"And you Bella?" Aro said suddenly, surprising us all. But of course, Aro would want the girl. Not to drink... but to keep. I looked around the room at his unique collection of immortals – a collection that included me. We all have our purpose, I had though to myself earlier… who would have guessed that our purpose was to be nothing more than a part of somebody's pastime.
I was stumped, I didn't know if my talent would work on the girl... but then again, neither did Chelsea's. She would be able to make the decision without any manipulation.
Edward hissed.
"What?" Caius barked.
"Caius, surely you can see the potential?" Aro swooned. "I haven't seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Alec and Jane!"
Jane's head shot to her master, insulted by the comparison between herself and the human.
"Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?" Aro smiled.
I turned my head, slightly – almost unnoticeably – towards Caius. I knew he wouldn't let this go. He wanted this girl dead. He was not interested in her potential ability as Aro was. He believed – and rightly so – that we were already powerful enough to survive and to continue to patrol our world. He was not a collector, he was a punisher.
Gently and subtly, I attempted to persuade Caius to refrain from arguing. He wouldn't feel anything if I did it right. He would just feel as though nothing more needed to be said.
Edward was still angry.
I don't know what to do Edward. Once Aro wants something it's hard to tempt him otherwise... I'm trying so hard to stop Caius from wanting to kill you all.
"No, thank you." Bella's voice whispered. It was so quiet, breaking as she spoke. So human.
"That's unfortunate." Aro sighed. "Such a waste."
An audible gasp came from my lips.
Join us or die? Was that the option? If Aro didn't get them – no one did? Was he really jealous of his former friend that much? I doubted that the honest and honourable Carlisle would ever dream of using his family's abilities for his own gain!
Edward! This is not right. Tell them! The answers are all around you. Find a way out. Accuse them!
Edward hissed. "Join or die, is that it? I suspected as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your laws." He spoke strongly and had chosen his words carefully.
In my peripheral vision I saw Chelsea look at me with an angry and disappointed expression. She bowed her head once again and spoke gently in Marcus's ear.
In reply, he whispered something into hers.
She stood erect and the tickle in my stomach became more pronounced. I knew what she was doing, and a part of me wondered why she had waited so long. Perhaps my friend was letting me make my own choices, but now couldn't ignore the fact that those choices would lead to my lynching.
I looked back at Edward and I could feel my bond with him weaken. With every nanosecond that passed, the more I didn't really want to help him. I shot my head to Chelsea quickly and I could feel my jaw tighten. I was hurt by her manipulation. Why couldn't she see what I could? That this was wrong now! That everything we do is wrong!
I fought against her, persuading her to stop what she was doing. Never before had I attempted to counteract her abilities. I imagined that whatever invisible atoms carried our talents were clashing somewhere in the space between us.
"Of course not." Aro spoke, almost insulted by Edward's words. Something I was hoping for. "We were already convened here Edward, awaiting Heidi's return. Not for you."
"Aro, the law claims them." Caius interrupted.
Argue Edward!
"How so?" He asked.
Caius scowled and pointed his long, stony finger at Bella. "She knows too much. You have exposed our secrets!"
There was no arguing against that... but if Edward was going to be punished for that, he would already be dead.
"There are a few humans in on your charade here, as well." Edward said with no help from me. I hadn't even considered Gianna, she was always so insignificant.
But Edward had chosen the perfect counter argument. This had always been a sore spot for Caius, something he tried not to think about. But Aro had always argued that the petty job would always be wasted on an immortal.
"Yes," Caius attempted to smile, hiding how this angered him. "But when they are no longer useful to us they will serve to sustain us. That is not your plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to destroy her? I think not."
"I wouldn't -" Bella began to argue, but Caius silenced her quickly, without a word. She was brave to stand up to him... or just naive.
"Nor do you intend to make her one of us. Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is true for this only her life is to forfeit. You may leave if you wish."
Edward bared his teeth. Of course he would never agree, and Caius would get his wish, having reason to kill them all.
"That's what I thought." Caius smirked, his eyes flickered to Felix who leaned forward, eager for the girls blood and the fight that would surely follow.
I couldn't do anything with Caius now. His mind was made up and his passion for our law would make him undeterred.
My attention drifted to Aro. It was obvious that he did not want to lose these three impressive beings. Say something Aro, say something!
"Unless..." He breathed, "Unless you do intend to give her immortality?"
"And if I do?" Edward sparred, though there was no confidence in his words.
Aro smiled. "Why, then you would be free to go home and give my regards to my friend Carlisle... but I'm afraid you would have to mean it."
Caius's scowling face turned up into a smiled. He was in a win-win situation... either all three would be killed as he wished, or Bella would be changed and there would be nothing to worry about. But it was obvious from his expression that he was expecting the first.
I rejoiced in my head. They were going to get out – alive! Well, if Aro kept his word. And I presumed that he would as he had already made it clear how much he wanted them. But Edward still lacked the joy and confidence I had expected he would have... and then it dawned on me... why wasn't Bella one of us already? He hadn't changed her. They were obviously in love, but he hadn't changed her... So he didn't want to? He didn't want to change her? Why? Why, Edward?
"Mean it, please." Bella whispered, looking into Edward's eyes. She knew it too.
Edward Cullen! You'd rather die – rather she'd die! – than change her? I always knew you were a bit strange, but this is insane!
Edward looked at me pitifully. 'I can't.' He mouthed.
I physically took a step back, in shock.
After all I've done for you? Do you even realise that my alliance with you will be seen as nothing more than treason? I didn't mind because I was giving my life so that you three would live, because it was the right thing to do! But this is not right any more! I have fought for our cause and defended our laws for hundreds of times longer than your entire existence and you're breaking them! As much as I detest what we have become, I can not – and will not - turn my back on the rules that I have fought to uphold for two thousand years! I've done as much as I can to prevent you from being killed and now you're throwing it in my face! I felt completely betrayed.
Alice suddenly stepped forward, begrudgingly, holding up her hand.
Aro took it, smiling happily. He stood there for a long time. Too long. The guards around me were getting irritated.
After a long moment, Aro laughed. "That was fascinating!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it..." She replied deprecatingly.
He stared at her in wonder. "To see the things that you have seen – especially the ones that haven't happened yet!"
"But that will!" Her high soprano voice was strong and determined.
"Yes, yes, it's quite determined. Certainly there is no problem." Aro waved them away, still high from his futuristic experience.
Disappointed looks resonated throughout the guard.
"Aro..." Caius warned.
"Dear Caius, do not fret! Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household... besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out..."
"We are free to go then?" Edward said strongly.
"And we will visit you as well..." Caius whispered, "To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I wouldn't wait to long. We do not offer second chances."
Edward's jaw clenched as he nodded once at one of Caius's silent thoughts.
Caius turned gracefully and floated back to where we still stood with Marcus.
Felix groaned, disappointed once again that he did not get his appetiser.
"Ah Felix, Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience." Aro soothed.
"Hmm," Edward sighed, "In that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later." He turned to leave, but caught my eye as he did. His eyes were apologetic, 'thank you' he mouthed.
I turned my head away, still hurt by his actions. If it wasn't for his sister then all four of us would be dead... at least now it's only I that shall perish.
"Yes, that's a good idea..." Aro said, hurriedly. "Accidents do happen... please wait until after dark though if you don't mind."
"Of course." Edward agreed, though I was sure he wanted nothing more than to get out of here. The heartbeat of the girl rose, obviously she was scared to stay any longer as well.
"It suits you." Aro complemented after giving Edward Felix's cloak.
Edward laughed, but stopped suddenly, looking over his left shoulder to the long corridor behind them. "Thank you Aro, we'll wait below."
I wish you the best of luck, Edward. Though my thoughts couldn't help but show my disappointment in him. But I had more things to worry about now. To you and your family. Watch your backs... they are not going to drop this easily. You're as much as a threat as you are a prize to be won. Take care of yourself, and your Bella.
Edward smiled genuinely, in reply.
"Good bye friends!" Aro called.
I could hear Heidi approaching now, the scent of at least thirty humans following her... no, forty seven.
Edward and Alice rushed now, pulling Bella along with them.
"Welcome guests! Welcome to Volterra!" Aro bellowed dramatically.
The doors shut just as Jane picked her first victim. Sometimes she was kind and killed them instantly... but she was angry today. Infuriated even. She knocked down three of them one after the other and their screams filled the hall. I watched as she just stood there, choosing to inflict pain before she fed. She focused on one in particular – a young girl with brown wavy hair with deep brown eyes.
Felix was the first to kill, choosing to slash a man's throat and bask in the blood spouting from it.
The scent and heat of the blood made everyone give in to their instinct and they all fed, biting and draining.
The sound of the doors opening grabbed my attention. Some part of my mind hoped it would be Edward coming back for me, taking advantage of my coven's distractions. But I was not surprised at all when Demetri practically flew into the room, his eyes burning with thirst.
He jumped on one of Jane's 'toys', attempting to drain it from the neck. I doubted that he had even started by the time he was writhing around on the floor with Jane standing over him.
"She's mine!" She hissed ferociously.
He stood and stepped back carefully, and leapt on an elderly lady hiding in the corner.
My body was still, just taking in everything that was happening, as if it was happening in slow motion. For some reason, I was no longer thirsty. Edward Cullen's judgment day may have come to an end... but mine was about to begin.