Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer (Tally, of course, is all mine).
Chapter 19
EPOV
I crumpled to the floor. What were they doing to my Bella, my sweet wife, my forever love?
I felt a comforting arm on my shoulder. I looked up to see Alice with such sadness in her eyes. "Did you see her? Did you see what they are doing to her?"
Alice shook her head, "Yes, Edward. I can't see her directly, but I saw you see her. We need to go talk to Carlisle."
BPOV
I was resting on my bed, trying to see Edward again. I couldn't seem to access that part of my mind. Maybe it was Edward that was making the connection and I just had to open my mind to it.
I tried again, nothing. I was getting frustrated, and I was so tired. Maybe I was too weak. I hadn't eaten since I was changed. How long could I go?
My doorknob turned slightly as the door began to open. A young boy was pushed through the small opening. His face was full of fear until our eyes met. Suddenly I saw compassion and concern fill his eyes and face. He began to walk towards me.
"Are you alright?"
The monster inside me laughed as it knew I wouldn't be able to resist much longer. My mind filled with disgust. Why was this human tormenting me? Did he have a death wish? Maybe I should grant his wish.
"Bella, careful love, he doesn't understand. He is just trying to help you."
What, I hadn't been able to find…
"It's okay, sweetheart. Just tell him to sit in the chair across the room from you."
I did as the voice asked. I would do anything for the voice. We sat there in silence, me and the human boy. Edward and I, however, were enjoying every minute together.
I could see him now, behind my closed eyes. He was sitting at his piano, playing my favorites. I wondered how he had made the connection, but wasn't willing to risk breaking it by asking.
Soon another presence entered the room. It was Tally again, I could tell by her scent. I didn't bother opening my eyes, I knew what she was about to do.
"Come on, Isabella, share this snack with me."
I wrinkled my nose at the revolting smell and replied, "I will never drink from a human."
I returned my focus to my amazing husband's playing, and smiled as he told me how proud he was of my control.
EPOV
Carlisle was right, I would be able to see and hear Bella when she needed me. Somehow, her mind was able to connect with mine and it was getting stronger each time.
I was sitting at my piano, thinking of her, when suddenly I could see her in a small room. Her eyes were filled with anger towards a young human boy. I spoke to her softly, and began to play for her to help her relax. I could've played forever, if it meant we could stay like this.
I missed her with every inch of my being, and every muscle ached with the longing to hold her, but I lived for any moment with her and cherished them all unlike anything else.
I heard her tell someone she would never drink from a human. My mind filled with pride for her control. I didn't know how or when, but I knew we would be together again. My only desire was that it would be soon!
Chapter 20
BPOV
A knock came at the door, then it was opened and Tally was back after disposing of her snack. I tried not to think of that poor young boy. She was looking at me again with her probing eyes. She would never understand me, no matter how hard she tried.
She told me Aro was requesting my presence again, and like before, I got the feeling it was not a choice.
I got up from the bed, and obediently followed her down yet another pathway. We walked for what seemed like hours, twisting and turning through various doorways and tunnels. I was beginning to wonder if she was as turned around as I was, when the room suddenly opened up into a large atrium.
I could feel the warmth of the sun hit my body as I stepped out from the shadows. My body glistened in the sun, like it was covered with millions of tiny shards of diamonds. It reminded me of seeing Edward that day in the meadow for the first time.
It almost felt like we were outside of the prison, except that I could still see and feel the confines of those four stone walls.
All of my muscles begin to tingle as I caught the scent of something amazing. My eyes glimpsed the source of the delicious scent filling my head. A small herd of deer was quietly grazing at the other end of the room.
I could feel a small rumble building in my chest, and a low growl came out of my mouth.
My instincts were taking over, and I let go.
I could see myself crouching and silently approaching a small doe that had wandered away from the rest. Her ears perked up just as I lunged for her.
It took longer than it should have. I definitely was showing signs of inexperience and clumsiness. I never thought that part of my humanity would follow me to this new life. Of all the traits to bring with me, I bring my insufferable clumsiness.
I finally had drank my fill from three of the smaller deer. I wasn't sure what to do with the carcasses. As I deliberated, I heard Aro's voice tell me not to worry that they would take care of them.
I looked around and then saw him at the other end of the room, just on the edge of the shadows. Had he been there all along? Did he watch the awful display of my first hunt?
"My dear Isabella, I decided I didn't have enough patience to wait for you to come around after all. So, I thought if I helped you quench your thirst your way (which was very entertaining by the way), you would return the favor.
"I will not harm a human, Aro." I answered quietly, though I was sure he could hear me. I was more than a little embarrassed by my lack of skill.
"Of course not, my dear, we don't want you to harm them. On the contrary, we'd like you to become close with them and get into their inner circle, if you understand."
I didn't understand. I was completely confused.
"You see, my dear, we have a need for someone on the inside. There are certain circumstances where we need to know how much the humans know or what direction they are thinking. Unfortunately, our attempts in the past have failed as there isn't one among us (at least not until now) that could resist the close contact long enough to learn anything of value.
I began to understand. My natural aversion to human blood was a rare blessing.
"I'm sure you understand how important our secrecy is." He looked at me, waiting for my response.
"I'll…I'll need some time to think about this, Aro."
"Don't take too long, my dear, I am anxious for your training to begin. Why don't you try hunting again, it appears your methods could use some more practice."
He smiles as he saw me grimace in frustration. He knew he had hit a sore spot. He left me, then, alone to think.
I didn't want to work for the Volturi, but maybe that was the answer I'd been searching for, my way to escape. I would have to earn their trust at first, of course, but soon I would be outside the walls of this castle-like prison meeting with some humans. Aro had said none of them could do it, so surely that meant there would be a time when I would be left alone, unguarded. That would be the perfect time, the moment when I would escape and run back to the arms of my love.
I was still thirsty, so I tried to practice the skill of the hunt.