A/N: Ok.. PLEASE read this! There was a huge mix up last week when I posted. By accident I posted this chapter (points below) in its raw and un-edited phase. *shudders* When I figured it out, I did go back and correct it. So, please go and make sure that you have read Ch. 23. For thos of you who read this before I removed it- I ask you it read again- It's polished and there are a few changes and such! I apologize profusely over my rather crazy error. I hope I am forgiven.
Enjoy!
Let the Games Begin
The hallway we entered was brightly lit and warmer which I knew would benefit Bella. I could not help but stare at Jane. The vile and evil thoughts that were going through her mind were testing the limits of my control. She was envisioning what she would do to Bella, and then ways to drain her dry, all while I watched. She was waiting for us by the elevator. Together, Alice and I surrounded Bella. It was purely symbolic, but I wanted her to feel protected, safe.
We entered the elevator and all three guard members relaxed and pulled back the hoods of their cloaks. Demetri was happy to be rid of Felix. I found it interesting that he was tired of Felix's antics and attitude. I filed that away just in case I needed it to help us get out of here. He could be a sympathetic ear. While my mind was busy focusing on the thoughts around me, I kept my eyes trained on Jane. There was something about her set me on edge. I also kept touching Bella. I needed to, if not to comfort her then to reassure me that she was really alive and well.
When the doors opened I sensed Bella's confusion at what she was seeing. It had to be an odd and almost comical site, to see such a benign office in a castle for vampires. We were surrounded by plush carpets, rich wood paneled walls and comfy looking couches. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Bella zeroed in on the receptionist. I could almost see the gears turning in her mind, for I was certain she noticed that she was human.
Gianna's situation was interesting, but needed, to keep up the pretences that Aro was so find of keeping. I wanted to explain to Bella, but now was not the time or the place.
"Good afternoon, Jane." Her voice was calm and rather matter of fact when she addressed Jane. Again, Bella's response did not surprise me; she was astonished to say the least. I was sure she could figure out that Gianna knew what everyone in the room was and that she was more than comfortable about it all. If only she understood the half of it.
Jane acknowledged Gianna with the smallest of nods, "Gianna." Of course Felix had to take it to the next level by winking at her as he passed and she giggled. I wanted to scream at her, to shake her from the little fantasy she has imagined. But she was lost to the mystique and the lure of it all. It was so very sad.
We were led to a set of doors and when they were opened, we were greeted by Alec. Once again, Bella shrunk a little closer to me. Part of me rejoiced in this small movement, another was saddened that she was placed in yet again another dangerous situation.
Smiling, Alec greeted his evil sister, "Jane."
"Alec." Who knew that Jane could inject warmth into her voice? I didn't. Of course the moment was ruined when they placed kisses on each other's cheeks. They have one weird and twisted relationship and I tried to stay out of their minds.
As if he was noticing us for the first time, "They send you out for one and you come back with two…and a half." His gaze moved onto Bella and I could see the leering. "Nice work."
"Welcome back, Edward. You seem in a better mood." He laughed at his own stupid joke. I tried my best to control my emotions as I answered.
"Marginally." I could feel Bella's eyes on me, trying to figure out exactly what was going through my mind.
Alec, upon seeing my less than enthusiastic mood looked back between Bella and I. "And this is the cause of all the trouble?" I clenched my hands; Bella was far from the trouble, as it was me who had messed things up. I threw a withering look at him at his absurd thoughts.
"Dibs." Felix playfully called out and I saw red. Slowly, I turned towards him and let loose a snarl that was warning him to back off. Felix saw it as a challenge and gave me a 'come hither' motion with his fingers. I dare you, Edward. I will beat you every time.
"Patience." Alice's voice cut through the red haze that slowly going to make me go insane. You know this is not the time and place. You have got to keep you temper in check, for Bella's sake. It was the only thing that would penetrate the heady mix of anger and need for vengeance. I took a deep cleansing breath and faced Alec. I pushed Felix and his relentless taunting to the back of my mind. He was trying to make me give him a reason to destroy me. I had to remind myself that I had too much to lose now.
"Aro will be pleased to see you again," Alec continued as if nothing had happened. Not that I understand the fascination he has with you and the rest of your coven. He gave a little shake and was interrupted by Jane.
"Let's not keep him waiting." She was impatient to return and hear his praise. She lived to make him happy and I found their relationship to be mildly repulsive and disturbing. I shudder at the visuals that were running through her mind.
Once again, our small progression made our way through another long hallway, the sounds of our shoes the only sounds being made. Half way down we stopped and Alec moved in front of his sister to hold open the doors. Hmm, he at least had some manners. As we filed through I could feel Bella shudder as the atmosphere changed once again. I am sure it was reminding her of the coldness of the sewers we passed through earlier. But it was short lived as the cold stone gave way to a brighter and bigger room. This one was perfectly round and was situated in one of the turrets of the castle.
The windows were high and narrow and let in soft light. Seeing that it was midday there was quite a lot of light that entered into the room. Bella curiously swept the room, amazement and then caution flitted across her face. It was a lot to take in and for a human it had to be overwhelming. I watched as she took in several members of the family and guard as the light glinted off their skin. As I swept the room I noticed the drain in the center of the room. Another sweep of the minds in the room and I realized what they use this room for. I glanced at Alice and she looked at me. I know where we are, Edward. Dinner will be on its way shortly, we will have to get out of here fast. Still unable to see what will happen. I think Aro wants to talk. He is so very interested in us both.
I was afraid of that. I didn't like that Aro was privy to my family and our talents. He was far too envious of what Carlisle had, it made me nervous. I was worried about the price Aro would demand to allow us to go without incident or reprisals. I sensed that Aro was not the type of vampire to do something without getting something in return. As we ventured farther into the room, everyone stopped and stared.
It was at that moment Aro addressed us, "Jane, dear one, you've returned!" He was delighted in her and it showed in his words. Of course as she walked to greet her I had to fight back a grimace as he lightly grasped her face and brushed a gentle kiss on her lips. An inward shudder raced through me as Jane's obvious delight and excitement in the kiss consumed her every thought. Bella watched their interaction with part fascination and revulsion. She had no idea what to make of the man before us and the way he interacted with the others.
"Yes, Master." Her face beamed a brilliant smile at him; it was nauseating. "I brought him back alive, just as you wished."
"Ah, Jane you are such a comfort to me." So willing to serve, my dear. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the enjoyment he gets off of everyone doing his bidding.
He finally glanced in our direction. It was time for the games to begin, for that is what this was to him, a game. It was an elaborate game of wits and strategy, to see who would fold or break first. The problem with this little set up was that I had something that Aro did not have. I had a deep desire to keep Bella from harm; I had something worth fighting for. All he had was the need to collect and dominate.
"And Alice and Bella, too!" He clapped his hands together in utter excitement. It seemed rather childish and contrite to me. "This is a happy surprise! Wonderful!" The fact that he took a very casual and overly friendly tone did not escape my notice. He was trying to be very non-threatening and it was keeping me on edge.
Just as quickly as he greeted us he turned towards Felix, "Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers about our company. I'm sure they wouldn't want to miss this." Marcus will be most interested, I am certain.
"Yes, Master," replied Felix and in a flash was out of the room.
"You see, Edward?" he kept his back to us for a brief second, letting the question hang in the air. Then he spun towards us and stared right at me. His tone was condescending and playful. "What did I tell you? Aren't you glad that I didn't give you what you wanted yesterday?"
I was but I did not want to admit how much, I did not like the feeling of being indebted to him.
"Yes, Aro, I am." I kept it short and sweet. There was no need to give him anymore ammunition than he had. I pulled Bella even closer. Wanting to shield her and protect her but feeling woefully inadequate at the moment. As long as she was near me, and I could smell her and feel her warmth, I would protect her at all costs.
With a huge smile, Aro continued as if I hadn't spoken, "I love a happy ending. They are so rare. But I want the whole story. How did this happen? Alice?" he turned towards her with a curious stare, one that was full of hope and determination. Is her gift not as stable as Edward leads me to believe?
"Your brother seemed to think you infallible, but apparently there was some mistake." I could not miss the hope in his voice. There was no mistaking his interest in her, he wanted her gift and this was the first time he let it be known in his thoughts.
"Oh, I am far from infallible." While Alice was all smiles and calm on the outside, inside she was seething. He's looking for a way to keep us here, Edward. But nothing set. He's quite undecided what he wants to do. "As you can see today, I cause problems as often as I cure them."
"You're too modest. I've seen some of your more amazing exploits, and I must admit I've never observed anything like your talent. Wonderful!" To have such an extraordinary talent at my disposal, that would be sublime. I was growing wary of his fascination with Alice; I knew now that getting out of here alive was getting harder and harder the longer we stayed talking to Aro.
He really wants me, but he also wants you as well Edward. He's excited by the idea. She flicked her gaze at me and I caught it, letting her know I agreed with her assessment. We need to be on the lookout for anything that can get us out of here.
Look at them, talking, communicating, such a special combination. Aro's eyes narrowed slightly at out silent exchange and then he continued speaking.
"I'm sorry. We haven't been introduced properly at all, have we? It's just that 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." His tone had turned to one of envy and he shook his head at that notion. In a weird way, Aro almost preferred my gift to his.
"And also exponentially more powerful," I quickly explained. Looking at Alice I clarified for her, thought I had a feeling she may already know. "Aro needs physical contact to hear your thoughts, but he hears much more that I do. You know I can only hear what's passing through your head in the moment. Aro hears every thought your mind has ever had."
Hmm, we could use that to our advantage, Edward. I am sure of it. The future is still too hazy to really know what will get us out. But I think we do, it's the how I am missing.
I nodded to her. Aro of course watched everything with rapt attention.
"But to be able to hear from a distance…" He let loose another sigh and gestured towards us both. "That would be so convenient." There are so many benefits to you and your Alice, my dear Edward. I am sure you can see it?
I did not react or even acknowledge his question. I needed to keep him as much in the dark as possible if I wanted to get us out of here in one piece. Just in that moment, Aro turned to look behind him and we all focused our attention there as well. Coming into the room were the remaining two brothers. Felix was in the lead and then behind him came Marcus and Caius.
"Marcus, Caius, look! Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her! Isn't that wonderful?" I wanted to snort in disgust at the absolute joy that was present in Aro's mind. To him this was like one big social gathering. His brothers were less than enthused and their divergent thoughts were almost comical.
Caius felt that much was being made about nothing. He saw me as weak and pathetic for loving a human and could barely contain his disgust for me as he took in my arms wrapped securely around Bella. Of course, Caius also took offense at our chosen lifestyle and was hard-pressed to understand Aro's fascination with us.
"Let us have the story." Aro seemed oblivious to the lack of excitement from either of his two brothers; it was kind of funny if you thought about it.
Ignoring Aro, I focused on Marcus; his reaction was the most intriguing, for he was intently studying Bella and me. What surprised me was how he saw us. I knew that he can 'see' relationships, but the mechanics of it had me stumped. Looking at his thoughts, it was fascinating and I soaked it up. In his mind he saw that Bella and I were bound, connected in an intricate web of what looked like strings. They wove around us, between us and even through us. There looked like there were millions of them and they each started and ended with us. I could not help but focus on the image. But even more than that, they were glowing brilliant silver. It sparkled and shone and encompassed us completely.
When focused on Alice and I, we were also connected, although in a completely different way than I saw with Bella. The web was not as intricate and was more like strings between us, it showed that we were close, but not as enmeshed as I saw with Bella. The light swirling around us was a honeyed gold. Just as surprising was the connection shared by Alice and Bella. It also had strings the flowed between, although not nearly as many as between Alice and I. Their color was a pale yellow.
They each have their own unique connections, but I have never seen something as intense as Edward and his human. Aro would find this very interesting. I let loose a snort and watched as Marcus walked past Aro and briefly touched his hand letting him know how closely we were connected. I could feel Alice's gaze on me.
"Thank you, Marcus. That's quite interesting." Their connection is stronger than I thought it would be. That is very intriguing. Silently Marcus continued on his way and sat in his chair located in the back of the room.
Aro was still shaking his head over the information that Marcus revealed. Not sure what to make of it, yet. "Amazing. Absolutely amazing."
What's going on, Edward? A quick glance out of the corner of my eye and I saw the evident frustration on Alice's face. Certain that Bella was curious as well, I explained to them what happened.
"Marcus sees relationships. He is surprised by the intensity of ours."
"So convenient." While Aro may have chuckled, I could hear the twangs of jealousy. He wanted what Alice and I could do. "It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus, I can assure you. It's just so difficult to understand, even now."
He paused to gaze and Bella and I. He took him how she had her arms wrapped around me, seemingly able to ignore the iciness of my skin. He watched how I kept her close and even how I would occasionally inhale her scent. He was perplexed by it all.
"How can you stand so close to her like that?" He was honest in his questions; he could not begin to understand it.
"It's not without effort." I was calm when I replied. It was then that I realized how much easier it seemed to be near her. I breathed deeply, and was amazed by the lack of a real burn. I longed to dissect this, but I needed to remain in the present situation.
"But still- la tua cantante! What a waste!"
I laughed at his characterization of Bella, "I look at it more as a price." I was genuinely surprised by his choice of words. Even more stunning was the truth in them. A vampire coming across his singer was rare, but for me to let her live, even more unheard of. But I had no other choice but to let her live, the other option was unthinkable.
He looked at me rather pointedly, "A very high price."
"Opportunity cost." I was not going to rise to his baiting. My primary focus was to get us out of here. In the background hum of the room, a few stray thoughts were beginning to leak out and I needed to figure out who they were coming from. I continually scanned the room while also keeping tabs on Aro musings.
"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 knew that is how he saw it, he could not comprehend the power she held over me, the lure that her love had for me. No, all he saw her as was his next meal. It was downright repulsive.
I was irked that he had the nerve to laugh at me. "Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle! You remind me of him- only he was not so angry."
"Carlisle outshines me in many other ways as well." I spoke of my father with pride. It was him who gave me this existence and I would show no shame.
"I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you put him to shame."
"Hardly." I briefly wondered if he remembered my earlier days with Bella and the lure and potency her scent had to me and the near constant battle I had to keep her alive. The monster in me craved her, everyday and I struggled to keep him under lock and key.
I was bored withal this inane chatter. I wanted to leave, but I knew that I could not bring it up. We had to play Aro's little social game a while longer. However, I was not the only one bored with Aro's need for the spotlight, Caius was also wondering why he is putting on such a show. He wanted to get to the heart of the matter, unfortunately, he was not thinking about what he wanted to get to.
Aro continued on, "I am gratified by his success. Your memories of him are quite a gift for me, though they astonish me, his success in this unorthodox path he's chosen. 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." Aro truly was amazed by Carlisle and the life he has led since leaving Italy. He was fond of my father and in a way, truly missed him.
"But your restraint! I did not know such strength was possible. To inure yourself against such a siren call, not once but again and again- if I had not felt it myself, I would not have believed." I did not like the path his thoughts were taking and I fixed my gaze on him to let him know that.
"Just remembering how she appeals to you… It makes me thirsty." He had the gall to chuckle at that. I could not help that I tensed, ready to protect Bella come what may.
"Don't be disturbed," Aro chided. "I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular." He stared right at me. You know what I am asking, Edward. I am sure that you do. "May I?" He lifted his hand toward Bella. It sickened me, but I felt we had little choice in the matter.
"Ask her." I intoned flatly, hoping that he would refuse. But I knew his curiosity was too enthralled by Bella to pass up a chance to touch her.
"Of course, how rude of me! Bella, 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?"
Bella looked at me; it pained me to see fear and apprehension in her eyes. I knew she wanted to refuse, but felt like she wouldn't be able. She wanted reassurance that everything would be ok. While I wasn't sure about that, I was almost completely confident that she would be immune to Aro.
I gave her a sure nod, encouraging her allow him to touch her. It will be ok, Edward. He won't be able to hear her. I was pleased by Alice's reassurance. I watched as she hesitantly raised her arm and Aro slid closer to her. With bated breath I watched as he clasped it and stared right at her. Bella held his gaze, but I could see the apprehension rolling off her; she was intimated by him. I honed in on Aro's mind, eager to latch onto whatever he may uncover.
The second he touched her, I heard the silence. He looked at her, probingly. I saw the tiniest of slips in his careful façade. A part of me rejoiced that Bella kept him out as well, even as part of me was saddened by it as well.
"So very interesting." He then dropped her hand and paced away from us. I could not keep the smile off my face. I was pleased she was just as silent to him. I watched as Aro paced and how every once in a while he would look at all three of us. He was trying to keep his thoughts from me and what I was able to catch was a scrambled mess of disjointed thoughts and randomness. Just as quickly as he began his pacing, he stopped and whirled on us.
'A first. I wonder if she is immune to our other talents…Jane?" In that instant I saw what he wanted her to do.
"No!" I snarled at him, the growls coming unfettered from my chest. Alice grabbed me but I shook her off easily.
'Yes, Master?" Jane's voice was irritatingly sweet. I wanted to rip her head off. She would not make Bella her guinea pig. I continued to stare at Aro, not bothering to stop the snarls that were being heaved from my chest. I sensed Felix as he began to move behind me, but I kept my focus on Aro and Jane; they were the bigger threats to Bella. Aro waved him off with a determined look in his direction.
"I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella was immune to you?" I moved to put me between Jane and Bella. I knew it was not far enough away, but it was all I had. Furiously I scanned the room, searching for a way out, wondering if I could just pick her up and run. The growls and snarls continued on a never ending loop, I couldn't stop them if I tried. The urge to protect her was crushing. I watched as Caius drew closer, intrigue by what may occur.
Slowly, Jane turned toward us. A smile so deviously wicked and sickly sweet was etched on her face. It was then several things happened at once and I was powerless to stop them. The first was my motion towards Jane, which caused Alice to cry out, "Don't!" just as the vision of what would happen slammed into me.
But it was all mute as soon as Jane unleashed her power upon me. Then all I felt was the fire and the burning and the ripping and the shredding. My brain exploded into white-hot shards of glass and shrapnel. I tensed my jaw, refusing to let her see me cry out or beg. Bella was there and I could not let her hear me scream. I met the floor but I did not feel it. Instead my veins filled with acid and I boiled from the inside. I tried to fix my gaze on Bella but my eyes would not cooperate. So I suffered in silence.
Through the haze of pain and torment, I heard Bella cry out and it was such an anguished sound, "Stop!"
I wanted to tell her that I was ok, that this was just Jane's sick and twisted power, but I did not trust myself not to scream. Once again, I heard a voice call out, "Jane." In that second the pain subsided greatly and I shook off the remaining jolts of pain.
"He's fine." I looked in Alice's direction when she spoke and saw that she held Bella tightly. In one smooth movement I rose up and that's when I heard Jane's thought.
Going to make this one hurt, little girl. What I did to your Edward was just a small taste; I'm going to give my all to you.
I could not believe the malice of her thoughts, it was vile and repugnant. I looked over to Jane and back to Bella. Seconds later, I heard Jane's fury at being thwarted.
Impossible, she is just a tiny, frail human! How can see be immune to my power. I am the stronger one!
Jane stared so hard at Bella, trying to find a way to make her feel her power. To her it was inconceivable that anyone could escape her pain and torment. Her jaw was clenched in absolute concentration, her eyes narrowed on Bella. Her lips slightly curled. Her thoughts were so chaotic, when she realized that she could not inflict pain on Bella.
Bella noticed the murderous glare coming from Jane and shrank back into Alice. I flashed to her side and touched Alice to give Bella back to me.
"Ha, ha,ha," chortled Aro. He really found this amusing. "This is wonderful!"
Jane continued to spew hateful thoughts and looks in our direction.
"Don't be put out, dear one," he placed a reassuring hand on Jane's shoulder. "She confounds us all."
Jane hissed at us and stopped trying to put Bella into screaming agony.
"Ha, ha, ha, you're very brave, Edward, to endure that in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me once- just out of curiosity." While Aro was admiring my 'bravery' I was disgusted by his morbid fascination. I held back a shudder.
Sighing, Aro asked the one question we have been waiting for. "So what do we do with you now?"
Alice immediately scanned the future, but everything was still too hazy, undefined. There was too much up in the air to make a decision on what is the best way to get out of here.
"I don't suppose there's any chance that you've changed your mind?" Aro glanced at me pointedly. "Your talent would be an excellent addition to our little company." I wondered if Aro knew that the rest of his guard did not share his sentiment. They were all hoping that I would be destroyed.
"I'd…rather…not." I slowly worded my response. I had a feeling that is what you would say, Edward.
"Alice? Would you perhaps be interested in joining with us?" There was no mistaking the hopefulness layered in that question.
Is he serious, Edward? "No, thank you," she replied quietly.
"And you, Bella?" I felt Bella stiffen as he asked her. I could not help the hiss that escaped; it was an involuntary reaction to danger towards Bella. I wanted to spew more, but we were interrupted by Caius' outburst.
"What?" Caius was astonished that Aro would even suggest such a thing. It was then that I saw his reason why and wondered if it could be our ticket out of here.
"Caius, surely you see the potential. 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?"
Neither Caius nor Jane liked with Aro was implying. Caius thought Aro had lost his mind and Jane was upset that Aro was implying that Bella could be as powerful as she was, or even more so. But Aro was giddy at the idea of Bella as a vampire and his mind was running away with the possibilities of what her gift could be. The idea of her as a vampire was still hard to swallow and seeing it in Aro's mind was upsetting. Low growls continued to emanate from me.
"No, thank you," Bella whispered.
"That's unfortunate. Such a waste." It would be wonderful to have you all, what a pity to lose you.
That was the last straw, but it was the opening I needed. Hissing, I seethed at Aro.
"Join or die, is that it? I suspected as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your laws."
Well played, Edward. I think it will work. Alice's confidence gave me hope and I clung to it. This was our best hope to get out of here. Now I needed Caius to take the bait.
"Of course not." Aro was surprised by my words, but I knew they were the ones to cause Caius to get angry. "We were already convened here, Edward, awaiting Heidi's return. Not for you."
"Aro, the law claims them." Caius was furious at Aro's less than strict adherence to the rules. The let a human live once she found out what they were.
I glared at him, "How so?" I wanted him to spell it out, give the choices that are available to someone in this situation. It's going to work, Edward. I have seen it! That was the first break we have caught since we have been in this room and I am running with it!
Caius focused on Bella as he pointed at her, "She knows too much. You have exposed our secrets."
Bingo, I had him, now for the kill. "There are a few humans in on your charade here, as well." I gave him a knowing look back. He tried to smile at me, thinking he had backed me into a corner.
"Yes," he sneered. "But when they are no longer useful to us, they will serve to sustain us. That is not your plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to destroy her? I think not." He scowled.
"I wouldn't-," Bella plead, but Caius silenced her with an angry glare.
"Nor do you intend to make her one of us. Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is true, for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish."
Over my dead body would I think to leave her behind. I showed Caius exactly what I thought of his idea.
"That's what I thought." Caius sat back looking rather smug as if he had played us into a corner.
"Unless…unless you do intend to give her immortality?" Aro queried to me. Once again, I heard and saw the hope in his eyes. He did not want to destroy Bella, he wanted her. He was upset that Caius had to be so hot tempered.
I pretended to give his question some thought. He has seen in my thoughts that at one time I was opposed to the idea. He also saw the epiphany I had just before I came here and that a part of me wanted to make her an immortal.
"And if I do?" I wanted to make Aro say it.
Smiling he gave me what I wanted, "Why, then you would be free to go home and give my regards to my friend Carlisle. But I'm afraid you would have to mean it." With that he raised his hand and looked at me expectantly.
I looked at Bella who was pleading with me, "Mean it, please." Her eyes were full of sadness, longing and something else, resignation? What was that for? If she only knew what the deep dark places of me really wanted. But it was too much for me to hope for and want, not when there was so much more out there for her. If only I could tell her.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Alice stepped up and offered her hand to Aro. No words were spoken and I turned to face them, anxious to see what she could show him.
Aro reached for her hand eagerly and closed his eyes as the images flooded his mind. I snapped my teeth when I saw a replay of the conversation between Alice and Bella where she admitted to thinking of turning herself. I knew she was capable of going behind my back and doing something like that.
Seconds passed and Aro soaked up all that Alice had to offer. All of the visions of the past and how they have come to fruition, her journey to our family, her time with Jasper and most importantly, her visions of Bella. There were the ones when James was involved and her jumping off the cliff. I wanted to lash out at that one. Lastly, we came to the one of Bella as a vampire. It was clear and pristine and Bella was remarkable. For the briefest of seconds I longed for that stronger, more durable, less breakable version of my love.
"Ha, ha, ha. That was fascinating!" She will make a outstanding vampire, exquisite. For the first time since I arrived in Italy, I agreed with him. She would make an exceptional vampire.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Alice was smiling brightly. We will get out of her, a few more minutes.
"To see the things you've seen- especially the ones that haven't happened yet!" His excitement was palatable.
"But that will," Alice chirped.
"Yes, yes, it's quite determined. Certainly there's no problem." If he only knew what would happen if someone changed their mind in the next second. Behind Aro, there were several disappointed vampires, all wishing and hoping for a different outcome then the one that was likely.
"Aro," whined Caius.
"Dear Caius, do not fret. Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household…Besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out!" There is plenty of time for them to change their mind, I will bide my time.
That was the opening I needed, "Then we are free to go?" I had to play it calm, in no way could I let on that we have been lying.
'Yes, yes. But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling!" He was full of smiles.
"And we will visit you as well," reminded Caius. "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." I don't trust you.
Leave it to Caius to try and gain the upper hand, but I nodded to let him know that I heard him. Behind me Felix groaned. Whether it was from the idea I would walkout out of here alive or that he was growing thirsty, but either way, I wanted us out of here, fast.
"Ah, Felix, Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience," chided Aro.
I scanned outwards and heard Heidi, she was close to returning. That would not be good. "Hmm, in that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later."
"Yes, that's a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though if you don't mind."
"Of course," I agreed.
Waving a finger at Felix, Aro motioned to me, "And here. Take this. You're a little conspicuous." With that he placed Felix's cloak around my shoulders. I clasped it closed. "It suits you." He let out a large sigh.
I laughed at his whimsical desire, "Thank you, Aro. We'll wait below."
Edward, we got to go, NOW! I knew Alice was right, we would be cutting it too close.
"Goodbye, young friends." His gaze became fixed on the door behind us and I knew that meant we better move quickly.
"Let's go," I spoke to Alice. Demetri gestured that we were to follow him. I took Bella and pulled her close and Alice fell beside her other side. Her face was one of concern, it would be too close and that left too big of a chance of an incident.
"Not fast enough." I saw that she was right. For just then the quiet was broken by several voices, all talking and whispering. They were coming at us and Demetri moved to push us along the wall, allowing them to pass by.
Aro's voice boomed out when the first human made it into the room, "Welcome, guests. Welcome to Volterra!" Like sheep they were herded into the room and I was sickened. In that moment I was truly repulsed at what I was, even thought I rose above my instinct, I was ashamed of what I was. Fearful of what Bella would be thinking, I pulled her close, trying to shield her eyes from figuring out what would be happening. Seeing a small break in the crowd, I pushed us through it and that is when Bella's tears began to fall. She knew.
When we made it to the hallway, all that was left was Heidi and she was dressed for her job. Tall, with long brown hair, she was made up to appear very human, even going so far as to wear colored contacts. Demetri greeted her warmly.
"Welcome home, Heidi."
She smiled at him simply. "Demetri."
"Nice fishing," and he nodded in the direction of the room we had just vacated.
She simpered at his compliment, "Thanks. Aren't you coming?"
"In a minute. Save me a few." I strove to keep my temper in check; we were going to get out of here in a few hours. I could not risk it now. I just wish Bella did not have to privy to this part of what I am.
Heidi nodded at him and then continued on through the door. I practically dragged Bella with me, trying to get away from that room. Even though she knew what would happen, she did not need to hear it. Once again, I failed her. The screaming could be heard before we made it to the other door.
A/N: Ahh our lovers are together. Here is a bit of Hidden Moon news: we are down to the last 6 chapters! Can you believe it! Thanks for staying with me on this ride! I appreciate every single one of you.
Leave me a review and I will give you a teaser!