Chapter 21 - Edwards POV

"Anything I can do within the next few minutes to ensure Bella's safety I will do" I whispered quickly to my siblings their nods assured me of their agreement as the door to the passage creped open and the Volturi leaders entered the room. Their faces again solemn but their ideas swirling madly around their minds. The small sparse room suddenly was filled to capacity with thoughts and feelings I was having a hard time keeping things clear.

Aro approached "Your Decision?"

Both Jasper and Alice looked to me, I could feel Bella's body tense. "We will do what we can, of course..... however....." Caius cut me off "Yes, yes what are your conditions... I told you Aro they can't be trusted, they are delaying trying to stall, for all we know it is they who took my Athenadora." he stomped forward again in aggression and stopped short I could feel his angst his heartbreak his love for the woman that was missing.

I tensed "Lies Aro, all you need do is take my hand to know I tell the truth." I let go of Bella then pushing her towards Alice extending my hand to Aro. Christ I hope Alec was right and Aro couldn't hear our conversation from the plane.

Aro took my hand closing his eyes I let myself go, showing him all that I knew. He insisted to know all that had happened since our last encounter. He pushed deeper into my memory to things that made me want to rip my hand from his. I cringed as he was able to see every touch, every precious moment every intimate detail of my relationship with Bella. He finally settled on the last hour the most important thoughts in the current situation his eyes flickered open and he dropped my hand.

"There is no subterfuge Caius, but as Edward was saying there are some things they require. Please Edward continue." I stepped back a few paces and took Bella's hand in mine. She was practically vibrating, concern for me no doubt, sometimes I didn't understand her. I continues with my speech this time without interruption. "Alice's talent is subjective she needs information on her subject. Since she has never met Athenadora she will need to ask you that know her best questions. The more Alice knows of the subject she is trying to find the faster and possibly clearer the vision will be. The only other thing that concerns all of us is Bella's safety, she can't be expected to be kept in this place. I ask for your assurance of her safety we will not help you if we fell she is at any risk. I need your personal pledge Aro that she remains 'Untouchable.'" Having lived among the Volturi Carlisle had mentioned to me that once one of the ancients deemed that anyone be untouchable that ancient took the life of the one protected as their own. It was a part of a code of honour that bound the Volturi. All of the guard were untouchable, if one was injured or killed by anyone the leaders took it upon themselves to punish the offender. I had never heard of a human being deemed untouchable but it was the strongest protection that I could request for her.

Caius was the first to respond "Untouchable.... that's absurd, Aro you can't think of allowing this." his thought were violent he would kill us all where we stood if he had more guard to support him. Aro on the other hand looked to be considering the request. "You are saying that you will not help us if we do not pledge to keep your Bella safe, ah Edward you do so remind me of my dear friend Carlisle." His thoughts becoming reflective of his time with Carlisle. "You will allow us to discuss this of course." I nodded and the leaders retreated to the far corner speaking an ancient language I did not understand.

I turned to Bella wrapping my arms around her. Jasper's thoughts were questioning "Do you really think this is wise Edward?" I shrugged at him focusing at Bella's face she was obviously exhausted her eyes were dull and stared not at me but through me. I could not fault her i'm sure she hadn't slept since the couch back home at least a day and a half ago. "That was a smart idea to protect her, even the guard can't touch her if they allow it." Alice's voice chirped in my head she was holding Jasper's hand smiling at him reassuringly.

The conversation among the volturi was becoming heated I could see by the look on Jasper's face and his body language that it disturbed him. Not knowing what they were saying was frustrating even their thoughts were in that language. "ENOUGH!" The loud voice was not what I expected it was that of Suplicia. "No more of this we are loosing time arguing this matter. Aro if you do not give it then I will. I will announce to the entire guard that all four of them have my protection and are untouchable as long as they remain in Voltera. This is madness, Athenadora may be in peril and you argue over this minor detail. If you will not extend them this protection after all that we have put them through Aro you are not the man I believe you to be."

Along with everyone else in the room my mouth was agape Sulpicia's words were fierce she was very serious and as Alice's thoughts entered my mind I had to agree with her. "She just told Aro to man up didn't she?" She absolutely did, I had to agree. Aro, Caius and Marcus all exchanged looks that bordered on an combination of fright and understanding. The volturi guards standing along the wall where they had entered with the others looks exceedingly uncomfortable. From their thoughts I gathered that the wives rarely disagreed with their mates, they felt extremely uncomfortable being privy to this family argument.

A moment later Aro had collected himself "Of course my dear you are correct." I locked my face in a blank stare not wishing to reveal my glee to this turn of events. "Caius, Marcus we will extend our protection to the Cullen's and Ms. Swan while they are in Voltera" Caius moved to object. "Your mate is missing and we waste time on trivial matters. It will be announced to the guard and council, is that all Edward?"

I looked to my siblings their faces not betraying their relief at the situation. I looked at Bella to see her yawn widely. "If I may....would there be a place for Bella to rest?" I asked pulling her tightly to my side. Suplicia stepped forward "Of course, we have arranged quarters for you all adjacent to the human quarters. I will take you there myself after the announcement is made." With the end of her sentence she turned to glare at Aro.

Aro cringed "Of course... shall we?" He motioned for Suplicia to join him and they along with Caius and Marcus led the way to the main council chambers.

I could only hope that my actions will keep Bella Alive