Chapter 7

Tunnel

The Cullens and the Quileutes had been on quite a journey. When they arrived at Seattle's airport, the weather continued its bad streak so they sought out the cause of all of it. It turned out that a Vampire named Thor had been recruited by the Volturi to follow them and to ensure bad weather on their travels. He was, as predicted, a weather-controller.

Carlisle offered him a significant amount of money to join them on their quest to find Bella. He accepted and went with them to Italy, ensuring clear skies along the way.

It was almost time to land in Italy. The flight went by rather quickly for Edward because he spent most of the journey thinking.

Why is it that you can use your power but your sister can't? Edward heard Jacob thinking behind him. Good question, Edward thought. He was so worried. Not just because Bella was in grave danger, but also because she was with Aro. And Edward knew what Aro was like. If he had revealed his secret to Bella, then all of this would have been for nothing. She can never know. He can never tell her. It was the first time that Bella had been in Aro's company without Edward present as well which gave Aro the opportunity to tell Bella his secret.

"Alice?" he said to her as she sat next to him with headphones on. "What if-?" he started.

Alice took off her headphones and paid attention to her brother.

"What if he tells her?"

He won't tell her.

"But I just have this feeling. Like he will."

Bella loves you. Firstly, she'd never believe it. And secondly, even if she did, we all know that nothing can tear you two apart.

"But this is different. This is-"

Edward, I know.

"And Jacob just asked a good question."

Yeah?

"He asked why I can use my power and you can't. Do you have any ideas?"

It seems like they've grown stronger since the last time we encountered them. Anything is possible. Besides the fact that the wolves are here and I can't predict with them around.

"But why block you and not me?"

Maybe there's a perfectly twisted reason? You know Aro.

"Indeed I do."

"Cabin crew, please prepare for landing. We will be in Pisa within the next ten minutes." said the Captain.

In the meantime, just relax. I can assure you that Aro will not tell Bella.

"Okay,"

After they landed, Carlisle gathered everyone together and proceeded to head to Palazzo dei Priori also known as the Clocktower. They traveled in taxi cabs, as it would be rather obtrusive to be running there, especially considering the wolf pack. When they got there, Carlisle, Edward and Alice led the way to the alleyway that led to the Volturi.

"Come, everyone," said Carlisle. "Down this drain."

"What?" said Jacob.

"Just go!" Edward screamed.

"I'll go first," said Emmett. "I'll help everyone down."

Everyone went down the drain, one by one, being caught by Emmett on the way through. Once down, everyone ran through the tunnel, following Carlisle, Edward and Alice's lead.

"Wow, you really do remember the way quite well, Carlisle," said Alice.

The path continued downward, getting more and more claustrophobic.

They reached the end of the tunnel where a grate stood. Edward broke it open with his strength and everyone piled into the stone room. At the end of the long room was a wooden door. The Cullen men all charged at it at full speed and broke it down. The entire party gathered in the next room and continued down the hallway up to the elevator.

"Why has no one stopped us yet?" said Rosalie.

No one answered her.

They all entered the elevator together. It was such a cramped, confined space. They all exited the elevator as soon as the doors opened. But instead of being welcomed by Gianna or another secretary for that matter, the room was completely deserted.

Carlisle turned to Thor. "And now? Where are they?"

"Maybe they're out?" said Thor.

Edward approached him. "Where. Are. They?!"

"I don't know, I-"

The gang then burst open every door but there were no other Vampires to be found. They weren't there. And it appeared as if they hadn't been there for a very long time.

"Thor?" said Carlisle. "Did you know that they weren't here?"

"No. I can swear to that on my life. I haven't actually been here. They spoke to me whilst we were in Seattle."

"Seattle?" said Esme.

"Yes, the last time they were up in Washington. During the attacks."

Edward's emotions were going crazy. He wanted to trash the entire room but he maintained his anger and kept his cool.

"Carlisle?" said Edward. "What now?"

"I don't know, son. I don't know."