AN: Thank you all so much for the wonderful review and for sticking with this story.
This is going to be a shorter chapter, but it is important because it is focused on a very integral part of getting Bella out.
Again- not SM and do not own anything twilight
One Answered Prayer
CPOV
As twilight approaches my family begins our descent unto the house of the Volturi. Alice is unable to see if our rouse with the gloves will be successful, but it was the only option we had to try and maintain our secrets. The plan was for Alice, Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper to search for my little one; Alice informed us that Heidi will take them on a tour of sorts and they will take this time to search for her location. Esme, Edward and I will meet with the elders in Aro's study, Alice will look out for our future as well and kept Edward informed. It wasn't the most organized plan because we couldn't predict other's decisions to our actions, but we couldn't wait any longer to try and get my Bella home.
Demitri greets us again and leads us to the hall that we have been to before, or their slaughter house for meals. We are greeted by Aro and company and Jasper makes the request for the tour, Esme declines as stating that she wishes to remain with me, while Edward's excuse is to learn more from the elders. Heidi approaches and takes four of my children out of the room, while Aro leads us three to his study and asks us to take a seat. Marcus and Casious also file into the room as well as Jane and Alec. Small talk is had for a few moments; Aro directs questions at all of us, trivial things as far as how we like Italy, how America is and our diet. Suddenly Edward stiffens and I look at him, unknown what caused his change in poster I ask Bella? He subtly shakes his head in the negative; my question is answered when Aro's voice breaks back into my thoughts.
"My old friend, I appreciate the information and updates on your life and your coven, but I feel it would be more beneficial and educational to me if I am able to see it for myself. So if you please remove your gloves I can delve into the great mind of Carlisle Cullen." I simply nod my head aware that any attempt to refuse would not hold well for my family, especially since we are separated at the moment. I remove the leather off of my hands and stand to shake Aro's own across his desk. Once my skin is in contact with his he closes his eyes, after a moment his face turns into a grimace and a faint chuckle is heard from Edward. Aro drops my hand and motions for Jane to step forward. The little girl has the same evil smirk that she has had since the moment I met her, but her face, like Aro's falters. She huffs and stomps her feet like the child she is before declaring "Impossible!" I look to Edward who seems to be struggling to keep his composure.
"Carlisle," I turn my attention back to Aro "Do you have any in your coven with talents?" I see from the corner of my eye Edward shake his head before I respond "No, Aro, we are a simple coven." This seems to not be the answer he is looking for as he directs for Esme to stand as well and motions for her to remove her glove. The same tests are performed on her as well as Edward. Aro's frustration appears to be growing more powerful by the moment. "Alec, please gather the rest of Carlisle's coven and meet us back in the main hall." Alec nods and leaves, but Edward's growl and stiff posture cause me to worry. Edward, do you know why he can't read us? He simply states no, and follows Jane behind the elders to the main hall.
Once we enter we are greeted with the rest of our family, minus Bella, Jasper moves his head slightly informing me they do not know where my little one is. Alice's face is not as drown down as the rest, and Edward's own posture seems to relax as we near the others. Like Esme and Edward, Aro performs his tests on the rest of our coven; he asks us again if any have powers, before apologizing to me about undermining my answer I provided before. Confusion seems to be the main emotion everyone in the hall has, but the Volturi also have frustration and anger etched on their faces as well. Edward, does Alice know why he cannot read us? Again another negative answer is given before we request to take our leave with a promise to return again tomorrow. When questioned why we need to take our leave we simply cite the need to feed.
As we left the walls Edward pauses and turns, a look of disbelief and warmth cross over his face. We were aware of the Volturi's reluctance to let us leave, but they had no valid reason to hold us at this time. Emmett pulls on Edward's shirt in an effort to get him to start to run so we can return to our hotel. Once we near the hotel Alice gasps and smiles bigger than I have seen in years, and shares a look at Edward who had a matching grin. Once inside our room and Edward is positive that no one has followed us or spying he begins to speak, the words that fall instill hope and sadness to my already dead heart. "I know why their powers didn't work on us." He paused and we all looked on expectantly before he continued "Bella, she was able to project her shield onto us. Apparently while she was living there Aro had attempted to teach her and he thought she was unable to project, or that is what she led him to believe." Jasper piped in at this time, "How do you know this," Edward simple widened his smile "She is also able to move it away from her own mind, as we were leaving she spoke to me." At this his expression faltered and the sadness I felt crept in. "She told me what she did, but asked that we leave. She said she will try and get out, but would rather die than have any of us harmed. She said if we were stubborn, as she suspected that she will try and protect us when we are within the walls of the building. Emmett pulled me away before she was able to tell me where she was." As soon as he was finished I said a silent prayer to keep my little one safe, and a thank you for allowing us this gift of being able to communicate to her and for her protection of us. Edward's soft "Amen," broke me from my thoughts and we began to plan our next day.