Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight
Then we arrived at a grate with rusted bars. Next to it was a smaller door made of ornate metal so short I had to duck through it and speedily moved to a bright room, compared to the pervious ones. Once again Demetri closed the door with a loud clank to make sure we knew there was no escape, and locked it. We made out way across the room and through a wide wooden door. Bella looked around in surprise to the room, relaxing her muscles. Felix saw this too and thought about killing her now. I clenched my teeth. We were going to die.
***
The hallway we were in was brighter than the others. With no design on its cream colored walls or metal gray floor. The goose bumps on Bella's arms faded from the warmer temperature, and she blinked a few times adjusting to the fluorescent lights overhead. We continued walking toward Jane who stood by an elevator.
Can't we just kill them and get it over with? Although, it would be nice to use my powers again, give that little human a surprise, Jane thought carelessly. I glowered at her.
Alice and I flanked Bella, very aware of the Volturi members around us. Although Alice's mind was in a different moment.
I can't see, the situation is too decisive. They're interested in us, she thought to herself. Edward we must be cautious, they will try to fool us, Aro especially, Alice warned. I moved my eyes up then down, in silent communication.
Jane looked very indifferent while she held the elevator open for us. In her mind though, she was wondering what our death sentence would be. My jaw clenched once again.
The elevator was to compact for my liking. I stood protectively beside Bella while Felix and Demetri unveiled their faces letting their hoods fall to their shoulders. Felix noticed Bella's appealing scent in the compressed space.
She does have quite a flavor, he thought picturing himself sinking his teeth in her throat. It was not his thoughts I was most worried about, though they did terrify me—at the moment he couldn't do anything without Aro, Caius and Marcus's consent—I was most vexed about Jane. She kept her expression consistent throughout this whole ordeal, but was secretly waiting for an excuse to use her ability. Aro wouldn't mind that too much, Jane knew she was somewhat his favorite member. Bella cringed against me the whole time while I rubbed her arm. I wish I could give her better news.
The elevator ride was too long for my liking—forty-three seconds. We arrived at a reception that had jade green carpeting and wooden paneled walls. The pleasant paintings hung around the room of various landscapes were to calm for me to look at. With pale leather couches and off-white pillows the room looked to human—too much like home—to belong to the Volturi.
We stopped a large mahogany counter where a tall tan woman sat behind. Her greens eyes locked with Jane's.
Make yourself presentable, have a good impression, the woman thought to herself. I forced back a shudder. She wanted to join them.
"Good afternoon, Jane," she smiled warmly. She was a smart woman, not even thinking to ask about our presence.
"Gianna," Jane nodded not throwing a glance her way as she descended upon lighter wooden doors. Felix winked at Gianna and she giggled quietly, apparently she had a very good chance of being a member of the Volturi.
We entered another room greeted by Alec who had deep black hair and a light gray robe. He reached for Jane immediately. "Jane," his eyes lit up.
"Alec" Jane replied matching his tone, hugging him and kissing each other's cheeks.
My sister never fails, Alec thought proudly when they broke away. Alec set his eyes on our group.
A human too, how odd. "They send you out for one and you come back with two…and a half." He eyes Bella, "Nice work."
My brother. What a delight, Jane thought and laughed a sugar sweet laugh.
"Welcome back, Edward," Alec smiled "You seem in a better mood." Odd, I hadn't noticed him in my last visit. It amazes me how much I didn't account for without Bella.
"Marginally," I replied in a blank voice. I'm about to get Bella killed—I do not consider that as better. In Alec's mind he remembered me as I was before, lifeless, emotionless, flat, full of grief.
Alec only chuckled in response, as if he found my situation ludicrous. Which, he most likely did. He took in Bella's tired form that I held to my side. "And this is the cause of all the trouble?" he wondered. He was willing to kill himself for this mere human? he thought. I smiled at him disdainfully until I heard Felix.
I can see Alec sizing her up. I saw her first. She's mine, and what a great fight Edward would put up! "Dibs" Felix called almost bored.
I turned to face him. A snarl bubbling to my lips, I couldn't take his thoughts anymore. He couldn't call Bella like some useless piece of trash. I would stop his ravenous thoughts right here and now. Felix curled his fingers inward inviting me in.
Edward we don't have a chance here, not with Jane and Alec. Alice warned touching my arm. "Patience" she cautioned. I looked in her mind. She showed me her recent vision…
I advanced to Felix but Jane stopped me and I fell in my knees writhing in pain. Bella screamed for me but I couldn't respond. My own screams of pain echoed in the hall. Alice was numbed my Alec and Felix moved toward Bella, who kept her eyes on my form, tears threatening to spill over. He jumped on her quickly his lips landing on her throat…
I blew out a deep breath. We truly did not stand a chance with the uneven numbers. I turned to Alec, holding Bella tighter to my side.
"Aro will be so pleased to see you again," Alec said calmly noting my protective side stance by Bella.
"Lets not keep them waiting" Jane said feeling much better with her brother by her side.
I nodded once.
The twins strode off hand in hand before us. Bella's footfalls fell heavier and I could tell she was getting tired of hurrying up and down the lengthy hallways of Volterra.
We passed many golden doors until Jane and Alec stopped at one door in the middle of the corridor. Alec held the door for Jane and she passed through. The door led us into an identical stone chamber that again was wet, cold, and had an uneven surface.
Thankfully for Bella we did not stay in that room for long. It led to a castle turret. It was perfectly round and symmetrical, two stories above the roof. It was different room than the last time I was here. There were rectangular window slits the let the sunlight trickle through onto the floor. The furniture consisted of wooden throne. I recognized the occupant.
The murmur of casual conversation stopped once we entered the room. All eyes were on us. Aro spoke first from the center chair.
"Jane, dear one, you've returned!" he cried gleefully. A very good chance to get him back with us. And his sister! What use I could do with knowing the future! He thought strategically.
Aro moved from his perch and drifted toward us, with his guard behind him and shields in front. Bella gawked at his grace, even for a vampire. The Volturi were a very unusual group, their age gave them the knowledge to know how to intimidate people. They did not know Bella though, to her Aro looked like he was floating. While to other humans this would be frightening, Bella was in awe.
She continued to stare at Aro's features. His milky complexion, and hair blacker than Alice and Alec's, his iris's were red but clouded with decades of sitting on his throne. Aro approached Jane, taking her angelic face in his hands and kissed her lightly. Then took a step back to speak to her.
He should know, I never fail, Jane thought arrogantly. "Yes master" she said sweetly. "I brought him back alive, just as you wished."
Truly, a great decision to change her on my part, thought Aro smugly. "Ah, Jane" he smiled back. "You are such a comfort to me." She will be treated well, bringing me the mind reader, future teller, and human who can block him out.
"And Alice and Bella, too!" he sang as if he just noticed their presence, clapping his hands together. "This is a happy surprise! Wonderful!" Bella looked at him in shock as he called their names informally.
Imagine how Caius and Marcus will respond, he thought and turned toward his minion. "Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers about our company. I'm sure they wouldn't want to miss this," I do have a feeling this will turn out quite interesting.
"Yes, Master" Felix agreed loyally and drifted out of the room.
"You see, Edward?" Aro looked at me with his abnormal eyes. "What did I tell you? Aren't you glad that I didn't give you what you wanted yesterday?" What a remarkable effect this human girl has on him.
"Yes, Aro, I am" I agreed partly lying. If we lived, I would be forever grateful. If not—I couldn't think about that. I held Bella closer reassuring myself that she was here, for now. I wouldn't let her die, not without a fight.
Odd, they seem closer than I expected, he watched our arms around each other.
"I love a happy ending," sighed Aro. "They are so rare. But I want the whole story. How did this happen? Alice?" He looked at Alice in delight. "Your brother seemed to think you infallible, but apparently there was a mistake."
"Oh, I'm far from infallible" Alice forced a smile at him. "As you can see today, I cause problems as often as I cure them," she added.
She must be holding back. "You are to modest," he disagreed. "I've seen some of your more amazing exploits, and I must admit I've never observed anything like your talent. Wonderful!"
Edward, what is he planning? I can't tell his intentions she glanced at me.
Look at how they communicate, what a gift! thought Aro. "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced properly at all, have we? It's just I feel like I know you already, and I tend to get ahead of myself. Your brother introduced us yesterday, in a peculiar way. You see, I share some of your brother's talent, only I am limited in a way that he is not," if only I was unlimited the way he is, he mused.
"And also exponentially more powerful," I added hastily.
He's wants us to join him, doesn't he? asked Alice.
"Aro needs physical contact to hear your thoughts, but her hears much more than I do," I looked at Alice while I explained, carefully looking up then down again as a yes. "You know I can only hear what's passing through your head at the moment. Aro hears every thought your mind as ever had."
Alice's eyebrows shoot up. And he wants us so he can me be all-powerful? she asked. I inclined my head in agreement.
To communicate silently, what surprises I could throw at our enemies! He had seen our silent conversation. "But to be able to hear from a distance…" he said and waved his hand toward us. "That would be so convenient," Aro sighed. Ah, there they are.
Aro directed his gaze to behind, where everyone else followed. Felix guided Caius and Marcus into the room under our wary eyes. Aro was the first to speak.
"Marcus, Caius, look!" Aro shouted. "Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her! Isn't that wonderful?" cooed Aro.
Neither Marcus nor Caius thought it was very wonderful at all.
Great, they're alive after all. Caius glowered.
Oh, Didyme how I miss the, Marcus thought. He had a special power. Marcus could see bonds between people. Whether it was love, hate, or a bond of a coven. He could also see how strong they were, a very valuable thing during battle. Bella and mine bond apparently reminded him of his deceased wife, Didyme. Marcus was left to an eternity without her. I knew that feeling—unfortunately. I was no stranger to the emotions of despair, sorrow, and emptiness. I had never felt so much sympathy for a member of the Volturi ever before.
"Let us have the story" Aro exclaimed again. While Caius drifted to his own throne Marcus stood in front of Aro for a moment and touched palms with him.
They're bonds are very strong, its surprising. The man and other vampire are very close. And the man with the human impossibly so, I didn't know a human could have so much feeling, and with a vampire. Marcus told Aro, thinking very apathetically of the whole situation. I snorted softly; I didn't know Bella could have feelings this strong either.
What is it Edward? Alice asked. I turned my head slightly to the right to imply it was nothing.
"Thank you, Marcus. That's quite interesting," Aro said. Marcus merely walked away to his own chair and looked terribly bored as he watched the scene unfold. Two vampires follow him—their protection. Two women shields went to Caius's side.
Amazing, this is not some small crush or fascination. They love each other very deeply. Their relationship intrigues me. "Amazing," Aro shook his head in shock. "Absolutely amazing."
How frustrating, could they at least say things out loud? Alice huffed.
"Marcus sees relationships. He's surprised by the intensity of ours," I explained rapidly. I wish I hadn't, Aro picked up on it.
"So convenient," Aro murmured to himself. "It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus. I can assure you."
Centuries of the same thing over and over again, Marcus thought drearily to himself. I'm shocked to be shocked, again I felt sorry for him.
"It's just so difficult to understand, even now," Aro's eyes returned to my arm wound around Bella's waist. Her blood, smelling a thousand timed better than anyone else's, and yet they insist on being together. Look at his eyes; it looks like he hasn't feed in weeks. "How can you stand so close to her like that?" he asked.
"It's not without effort," I answered, making my throat blaze a little more. But the monster that craved to drink from her did not arrive. The monster had run with his tail between his legs. Driven of by fear of losing Bella and locked back into his cage, with no sign of return.
"But still—la tua cantante!" he quoted in Italian. "What a waste!"
I chuckled dryly at the bold statement. "I look at it as a price," one that I was willing to pay.
"A very high price" he challenged.
"Opportunity cost."
Aro laughed. A very high cost I suppose. "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, and yet you…"
"Waste it," I finished sarcastically, letting her die would be the only waste.
Ha! He sees wasting it as a joke. Vegetarians are so odd. "Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle! You remind me of him—only he was not so angry." I could only wish I had the strength Carlisle had. Then Bella wouldn't be in this mess.
"Carlisle outshines me in many other ways as well," I added.
"I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you put shame to him," Carlisle would also to wonders to our coven too, he knows so much about humans civilization.
"Hardly," I said impatiently. Aro was beating around the bush, I was tired of not knowing if I had to fight for Bella's life or not.
"I am gratified by his success," Aro continued not curbed by my tone. "Your memories of him are quite a gift for me, though they astonish me exceedingly. I am surprised by how it…pleases me, his success in this unorthodox path he's chosen," even the oldest of vampires have some sort of humanity. Aro was feeling proud of his friend. "I expected that he would waste, weaken with time. I'd scoffed at his plan to find others who would share his peculiar vision. Yet, somehow, I'm happy to be wrong," he was growing more curious with our family. That was good, the more curious he got, the better chances we had to live. I didn't respond hoping not to answer his questions.
"But your restraint!" he sighed. " I did not know such strength was possible, to inure yourself against such a siren call, not just once but again and again—" here he wondered if I somehow enjoyed the pain. I would have snorted if we weren't in such danger—"if I had not felt it myself. I would have not believed."
I kept my face blank so he could not read me. So he couldn't read my anger, fear, so he couldn't know that I had a plan brewing in my mind. "Just remembering how she appeals to you…" he laughed darkly. "It makes me thirsty."
I tensed by Bella, a growl threatening to form in my chest. Hmm, fascinating he is oh so protective of her. "Don't be disturbed" Aro trilled. "I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular," he looked at Bella as a shiny new toy. "May I?" he asked me lifting his hand.
"Ask her," I suggested flatly.
Right, he does not decide for her. Their relations are peculiar also. "Of course, how rude of me!" Aro exclaimed. "Bella," he said looking at only her now.
Dear God, why is Aro so intrigued by her? thought Caius.
I wonder if I get to test my powers on her also? Jane wondered. I glared at her.
"I'm fascinated that you are the one exception to Edward's impressive talent—so very interesting that such a thing should occur! And I was wondering, since our talents are similar in many ways, if you would be so kind as to allow me to try—to see if you are an exception for me as well?" Aro asked politely teeming with interest.
She glanced at me with crazed eyes. Silently asking me if it was safe.
I see, he does not decide for her. But she stills wants his input. A dependent yet independent relationship, noted Aro.
He won't able to hear her Edward, it's all right, and Alice told me. I looked back at Bella and nodded.
She turned back to the ancient vampire slowly. Bella raised her trembling hand to reach for his.
Humans, scared so easily.
Why would Aro think a human could deny his talent?
Can we kill them and feed already?
Mmm, listen to that heartbeat.
Oh dear, the girls afraid, thought Aro. He put on his best reassuring face but it didn't stop Bella's shaking hand. Aro's hand touched Bella's when he didn't hear anything at first he looked her in the eyes. For a moment there was silence.
Nothing, I can't hear a thing. She may be a useful vampire. "So very interesting" he repeated, taking a step backwards.
I was a little smug. My Bella was strong.
Immune to Mind readers, but yet Alice can see her future easily. Why is that? Not once have I come across a vampire that has that ability. And she is so strong with it as a human, not even trying to shield herself. I wonder… "A first" he announced shocking his brothers and guard. "I wonder if she is immune to our other talents…Jane?"
"No!" I growled Alice tried to reach out for me but I shook her off.
Yes! Jane thought triumphantly. "Yes, Master?" she asked innocently. I continued trying to ward them off the snarls. I glared at Aro and Jane with hatred. There was no way that they were going to even try that on Bella. Not my Bella. The rest were shocked with my show of protection for a 'petty human', as they called her. I ignored their disapproving glances. Nothing was happening to Bella. Felix grinned at me planning an attack while Aro glanced at him. Felix frowned and stepped back into place. Aro overlooked my snarls and spoke to Jane.
"I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you." My growling grew louder as Jane imagined Bella screaming in pain. I moved to another protective stance in front of Bella while Caius and his protection moved in for a better look.
I saw everything in slow motion then. Jane's grim smile as she turned to face us. How she planed on torturing Bella.
"Don't!" Alice called but she seemed far away. There was no chance anything would hurt Bella; I had already put her through too much. I leapt Jane with full intention on stopping her plan.
Then I was on the ground. The pain inside of me was unbearable; it was like something had lit my mind on fire. I dropped to my knees in agony, only semi-aware of Bella behind me. I had to be strong for her, I couldn't scream.
If I had not gone through eight months without Bella. If I had not gone three days thinking she was dead then I wouldn't be able to handle Jane. But I knew a pain worse than one in my head.
"Stop!" I heard my angel sheik. Her voice was floating away and I bit my tongue to keep from shouting. My body continued to shake and cringed on the floor I clamped my eyes shut. It hurt so badly.
Stay strong, for Bella. Stay strong.
Everything faded away until I couldn't only think about the pain. Searing from within me. Then as quickly as it started it was gone. For a moment I was frozen, only comprehending that it was gone. Then my senses came back to me. Oh God, Bella.
"He's fine" I heard Alice whisper to Bella. I sat up quickly trying to gather myself, and then fluidly got to my feet.
Lets see how she responds to this, Jane thought smugly. I looked at Bella in horror, Jane was doing her worst. Bella stared back at me but did not struggle against Alice's arms. She made no move to scream.
I looked at Jane again who was staring angrily at Bella, focusing on her intently. I glanced back at Bella again. She was fine. Thank Heavens. Bella was no longer looking at me but now at Jane, who was glaring daggers at her.
Damn, stupid, good for nothing, petty, weak, human, her mind continued with profanities. Bella shuddered for a moment, probably expecting the pain to hit her as it did to me.
Nothing happened.
When I realized she was immune to Jane as well I was back at her side in an instant, and touched Alice's arm. She released Bella immediately.
How very wonderful! "Ha, ha, ha," Aro laughed merrily. "This is wonderful!" Jane hissed at Bella crouching forward. Hoping to scare her.
Stupid, idiotic human! There is something wrong with her! I want her dead! Her mind hissed.
"Don't be put out, dear one," Aro put a restraining hand on her shoulder. "She confounds us all." Jane curled her upper lip, revealing her teeth.
She wont attack, Edward, Alice thought.
"Ha, ha, ha," chuckled Aro. "You're very brave, Edward, to endure in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me once—just out of curiosity." He shook his head, disbelieving, starting to imagine me in a cloak like Jane's.
I glared at him in disgust.
"So what do we do with you now?" sighed Aro, finally getting to important matters. Our future was unclear to Alice. We stiffened simultaneously. Bella trembled by my side.
"I don't suppose there's any chance that you've changed your mind?" he asked wishfully. Once again imagining me I a dark cloak with crimson eyes. Felix and Jane grimaced.
Please, not that boy, thought Felix.
No way. I wont let it happen, Jane thought.
"I'd…rather…not," I said, very careful in choosing my words. If I offended them, the chances weren't good of keeping Bella alive.
Shame, such a waste of talent, he thought before turning to Alice. "Alice?" he asked hopefully. To Aro I was a gem to his collection. But Alice was a treasure.
"No, thank you," she declined politely. Pity, she would have done wonders with us.
None of us was prepared for his next questioned. "And you, Bella?" he asked. I hissed lowly seeing Bella with bright ruby eyes and dark cloak, smiling viciously. Bella didn't respond. I was scared to ashes thinking she might accept. Caius spoke before Bella.
"What?" he hissed in a whisper.
"Caius, surely you see the potential," Aro said as if it were obvious. "I haven't seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Jane and Alec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?"
There is no way in hell…Caius thought. Marcus thoughts were far away, he didn't care much of the circumstances. Jane also did not like the comparison.
What! I could cause pain to people when I was human! What can she do, not let people hear her? I hardly see that as equal. Her thoughts were livid.
I was still fuming beside Bella. She could join them if she wanted to. Who am I to stop her? But I prayed she wouldn't.
"No, thank you," she whispered.
"That's unfortunate, such a waste," he sighed. They would be much more useful here than dead.
I snarled. "Join or die, is that it? I suspected as much when we were brought to this room." The room we were in is they're feeding room. Most had noticed what a nice snack Bella would be. "So much for your laws" I hissed choosing my words careful. As I thought they caused a trigger in Aro.
"Of course not," he argued in astonishment. "We were already convened here, Edward, waiting for Heidi's return. Not for you."
"Aro," Caius hissed. "The laws claim them."
"How so?" I demanded, ready to argue about anything to keep Bella alive. I already knew, of course. But if I argued with his thoughts, he could deny he thought that.
Caius jabbed a finger at Bella. "She knows too much. You have exposed our secrets."
"There are a few humans in on your charade here, as well," I reminded. Felix's thoughts quickly went to Gianna. Caius features twisted in a grim smile.
"Yes," agreed Caius. "But when they are no longer useful to us, they will serve to sustain us. That is not you plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to destroy her? I think not."
"I wouldn't—" Bella whispered. Caius glared at her to stop.
"Nor do you intend to make her one of us," he continued. "Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish." Or do you still wish to waste your life for this human. He mocked me.
I bared my teeth at him.
"That's what I thought" he finished. Felix prepared for a fight.
"Unless…" interrupted Aro. He didn't really want to kill us. Aro was still curious in our life like our life was some kind of novel. "Unless you do intend to giver her immortality?" Then we might me able to strike a deal.
I thought it over. I didn't want Bella to be damned like all of us here. But if we had more time, then would could figure something out…
"And if I do?" I questioned.
Aro smiled. "Why, then you would be free to go him and give my regards to my friend Carlisle." Hmm, it would not turn out well if they did not follow through. "But I'm afraid you would have to mean it," his face darkened and he raised his hand toward me.
I cursed internally. He would know my plans. I stared into Bella's brown eyes for a long while, pondering whether I could let them turn ruby. I had left her to save her soul. Know would I give it up to keep her alive?
"Mean it," she finally spoke. "Please," Bella begged.
Here she was asking for death, and it was on my hands. Really it was our only option. Death or damned. She didn't understand how long eternity really was, although forever with her sounded splendid. I searched her eyes hoping that I would find a third option magically. One that would keep her alive, and human.
Without warning Alice stepped forward to meet Aro before I could decide. Aro took two steps toward Alice and waved off his guard. He was very excited to see what her visions were like. Silently she touched her hand with Aro's and he bent his head down in concentration.
Alice was concentrating also; she showed him the most concrete vision of Bella as a vampire I have ever seen. I snapped my teeth together, she was promising Aro something that wasn't hers.
I didn't dare move. Alice proceeded to show Aro different visions, Bella hunting, her arms wrapped around a vampire Bella, moving into a different home with us, at our Forks home as a vampire. Aro looked at different images then, ones Alice didn't show him that were not of Bella. When her and Jasper first moved in with us. Waking up to see Jaspers face, going through school, and then back to the most concrete vision of Bella as a vampire None of us moved until Aro laughed.
"Ha, ha, ha," he trilled opening his eyes. "That was fascinating!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," said Alice.
"To see the things you've seen—especially the ones that haven't happened yet!" he threw his ands up in awe.
"But that will" she promised with a calm voice.
"Yes, yes, its quite determined. Certainly there's no problem." I knew that Alice promised that Bella would give up her soul. I knew that I would eventually have to hide her from the Volturi. I knew that we were safe for now, and together. At that moment, it was enough for me. I have never felt so relieved.
I can't believe he's going through with this; we don't need another vampire in this world. "Aro" Caius complained.
"Dear Caius," Aro stopped him. "Do not fret. Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine young Alice alone would bring to our little household…Besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out!" He had already started to envision the potential.
Yes, Aro that's the thing. I don't want them with us, Caius thought to himself.
I could tell the days events were started to get to Bella. Her stance was swaying and her eyes grew wide.
"Then we are free to go now?" I asked trying to keep the triumph out of my voice. I wouldn't let Bella's soul go to waste.
"Yes, yes" he agreed. "But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling!"
I wish something as riveting as today happened more often! Aro thought.
"And we will visit you as well" Caius intervened and tried to narrow his eyes. But his papery skin made him look like a reptile. "To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I would not delay too long. We do not offer second chances." If you do not change her I will kill both of you myself, Edward Cullen. Do not forget Demetri, we can find you easily, he warned. I nodded once with a clenched jaw. He moved back to his brother Marcus who seemed like he hadn't noticed the entire ordeal.
If that human does not leave quickly, I wont be able to control myself. Fight or not, Felix thought and groaned.
"Ah Felix" Aro smiled still entertained by the days events. "Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience."
"Hmm." I said, distressed. "In that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later."
Good idea, Alice thought. The conditions were making her tense also. She really did want to get back to Jasper.
"Yes," Aro agreed. "That's a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you don't mind," he suggested.
"Of course" I replied and Bella shuddered. I didn't know why, maybe because she was condemned to be damned forever, maybe because we almost died, or maybe because she was the one human in the crowd of thirsty vampires. Any or all would suffice.
"And here," Aro said waving Felix forward. He did so and much to Felix's demise undressed the cloak he was wearing and gave it to me.
What?! Felix shouted.
"Take this. You're a little conspicuous," he recommended. I put it on over my bare chest. The cloak felt horrible, like I was sentenced to death for life.
"It suits you" Aro sighed. Maybe some day, I will see it on all three of them. I really hope he wouldn't. I chuckled at his sudden mood swing but stopped when I heard the approaching thoughts.
What a beautiful palace! Such a good vacation for work.
My camera! Where's my camera?
Gorgeous, how old is this place?
I have always wanted to go to Italy.
Their meals were approaching. "Thank you, Aro. We will wait below," I rushed.
"Goodbye, young friends," waved Aro. His mind more focused on his impending meal.
Remember, Edward Cullen. We will find you, Caius warned once more.
"Let's go," I said urgently.
Follow me, Demetri ordered, and lead us out the way we came. I hurried Bella much quicker than the last time. I didn't want her to hear what was about to happen. She has been traumatized enough today.
Alice looked into the future, "No fast enough" she informed. My face chagrinned, they group was getting so close that I was sure Bella could hear them by now.
"Well this is unusual," a man mentioned.
"So medieval" a woman agreed. We pressed up against a wall so the horde could pass us. I wish I could save them, tell them to run while they still had the chance. I couldn't though. It was too dangerous. I had partly saved Bella; I wasn't going to push my luck.
"Welcome guests!" Aro sang. "Welcome to Volterra!" His thoughts were revolting and monstrous. They made me sound like a seraph—even after what I had done to Bella.
Most of the tourists took pictures of the room and marveled at it. A few intelligent visitors though noticed that what had led them there did not add up to where they were now. I followed Bella's gaze to a woman with a rosary. She was frantically praying and asking other travelers, "Do you know what they are?" But none of them could understand her. I pulled Bella's face to my chest before she could see anymore. I had a bad feeling she already understood.
When a small divot in the crowd formed I pulled her through it and out the door. It emptied to an elaborate golden hallway with us as its only population along with another vampire, Heidi.
"Welcome home, Heidi," smiled Demetri. Heidi returned his smile, thirsty from her 'fishing' as they called it. Heidi's job was a lure. She dressed in alluring clothing to bring humans all over the world for the Volturi to feed on. It was evident that she had just arrived from work. Heidi was wearing dark tights and a too short mini skirt. Her shirt was ostentatious and tight to attract humans, men practically. She had long brown hair, almost the shade of Bella's but not quite. Her blue contacts had just faded giving het an indigo look in her eyes.
"Demetri" she replied. What all has happened while I was gone? she wondered. Do we have a new member and human servant?
"Nice fishing" he complimented.
"Thanks" she smiled brightly. "Aren't you coming?"
"In a minute. Save a few for me," he asked casually. She nodded, eyes still on Bella.
Hmm, I hate when I miss all the good news, she thought before going to her catch.
I walked out of there so swiftly that Bella jogged beside me. We had just reached the door when screams ricocheted off the walls.
A/N: Phew! Just over 11 pgs. On word, longest chapter yet!