Chapter ten: Let the celebration begin.
The music was in full swing. Everywhere I looked, it was vibrant color, mask, and immortal red eyes. Each flaring color of red, gold, even purple was enough to remind me of the great problem this caused. Everyone within this room, so far, was immortal. They were all coven's or nomads under Aro's strict laws. I didn't think they were stupid enough to even dare try anything on this certain celebration, but you could never be too sure when it came to things such as immortal beings. Especially when their royalty, and most probably viewed as their enemy, were sitting; dancing and watching them in the very same room. In plain sight, and not hiding the fact that they were the ones with the authority.
I wasn't nervous. Of course not. I had been in situations where countless vampire's had been causing problems and we had to deal with such things. Granted, it had never been this sheer amount. Every vampire in the known population was here. Even nomads, who hadn't received an invitation; but had heard through passing ears of Aro's celebration, and the risk of punishment if one wasn't to show up. In some ways, I viewed this as good thing. Merely because now Aro had an exact number on who was part of our world. He had their names, ages, coven, location and knew what they looked like. He was truly putting himself ahead with this; but there was this ikling feeling within the back of my mind that I didn't think she knew exactly what he was getting himself into. My own set of rich bright crimson eyes casted across the floor yet again, seeing if I could spot out anyone who I would have somewhat of a acquaintanceship with. Someone who could pass this never ending wait as to when Renesmee would arrive. As Aro's orders stood, I was to leave her be as soon as we arrived back from the 'trip' into the city. Allow her time to ready herself for the long night ahead of her.
Ahead of me, I could see Felix and Renata dancing. Twirling among the many others spinning on the makeshift floor. Grand in their updo's of gold and blue. Beside them, Afton and Chelsea dancing as if they were the only two within this room. And to think, a couple of years ago I would have turned my nose up at such a sight. I'd have merely rolled my eyes, and looked away in disgust and spoke with Jane to ignore all that was going on around me.
Thinking about Jane... Where was she?
I cast my eyes across the faces again; trying to pinpoint my darling sister. Surely she couldn't be so blended in with this lot. Jane stood out over everyone within these walls. To me, anyhow. Be it because I saw her as a beacon of superiority, or merely because there should be a large space separating her from the others out of fear. But as of now, there was no such a thing. Everyone was dancing, chatting or merely sitting and enjoying the show. Listening to the live music created by the orchestra under Aro's orders. Which could only mean one thing... Jane wasn't here.
So that brought the question up. Where the hell was that little witch?
Across the room from where I stood, Demetri caught my eye. His head held high as he watched me. In his eyes, guarded by a outrageous mask of swirls and feathers, I presumed he had been watching me for a while. Keeping his distance until I had noticed his curious gaze. He set the makeshift cup down - clearly taking this 'act human' thing a tad too far - and began towards me. I wanted to point out that there were no humans here as of yet, so he had no need to be holding a cup, nor pretend to be human. But then behind him, as he walked around the swirling dancefloor, I caught sight of Natalia; standing within a rich green dress, picking up the cup Demetri had been holding. Had he been holding it for her?
Well, she was looking around to see where he could have gone, or that's what it looked like to me anyhow. Was Demetri going soft for the hired help? I knew Demetri had low standards, but I would never have thought he'd stoop as low when it came to our staff. To everyone in this room, we were superior. We were royalty. So to Natalia, no; infact, to all human's, we should be viewed as gods. Or, merely to the ones who know about us. Especially the ones who work for us.
Demetri finally found my side, and adjusted his dark purple waistcoat; his hand roaming up his chest to fiddle with the crest holding his odd cape in place. Of course, the crest was the Volturi one; but the grey cape... It was long, flowing to his ankles and at the neck... The collar was up into a firm V; shaping up to be like those the human's portrayed Dracula to having. Granted, his was only small. Aro's had been taken to the extreme. His cloak, rope or cape... Whatever you wanted to call it was clad black, causing his gold clothing - the very same clothing he had once worn when Carlisle had been in our coven - to stand out all the more, coming far up over his head as if it were a halo. In fact, all three of our masters had them. Aro's was by far the largest, but they were all equally as big.
"Turning out rather pleasantly, isn't it?" Demetri asked within a toneless voice.
"It's only just began, Demetri." I muttered, hiding all sense of emotion from my voice. If Demetri wanted to play the toneless voice game, he was in for losing.
"Mm, but I can't help to feel this is as grand as it will become. Especially if we are all being left in the anticipation as to what the young Cullen girl will be wearing."
He had a point. Even I, her supposed mate - or boyfriend; whatever she called it, or anyone called it these days,- had no inkling as to what she would be clothed in. It didn't make much difference to me anyhow, for I believed Renesmee would look ravishing in practically anything and everything. But there was that side of me that longed to see her dressed within clothes of my past. A time period where I had grown to be the man I was today. Would she suit it? Would the dated dresses, and the timeless classics of dancing prove to bring out every aspect of her beauty; inner and outer?
If I was human, I would no doubt be sweating with the anticipation.
"Natalia looks rather astonishing tonight." I quickly switched the conversation, not wishing to dwell on my Reny any longer than what was needed. I was already beginning to feel irritated at not being by her side. Knowing she was somewhere within this castle, but not with me... It didn't sit down well.
Demetri let out a low chuckle, his head bowing. A white feather rushed the v of his cape, and he was quick to flick it back into place.
"I always believed green was her color." He agreed with a nod.
"It isn't like Aro to involve the help in celebrations." I pointed out, not even bothering to turn my eyes from the dancing figures to him. I knew from the scoff that he had heard me.
"I believe it is merely a test for everyone within this room. She is human, and she would without a doubt be tempting; especially in that dress with her throat on show. Those who are not as well restrained as us will be pushed to their limits. So far, however; all is well. Five minutes or so, and the other humans may come and join us."
I couldn't argue with that. In fact, it was rather smart. Natalia had no surreal importance to us, other than she was good as her job. But there were others like her, somewhere out there. Easily to find, easily to reel in. So if one immortal decided they could not stand her scent any longer and took her out; it was no real loss to us. Aro probably had a long line of mortals wishing to work for us, in hope that one day they would become like us. Becomes one of us.
At least testing this out, the others would be safe. Come to think of it, I hadn't had any interaction with the mortals I had come to know in Forks two years ago. I knew they were here. I could smell them the moment I stepped back into the castle walls, but I was to return Renesmee to her dorm; and go back to my own and prepare. I was very well awake at the fact she wouldn't be alone within her dorm. Heidi was still absent, so no doubt she had been given the imperial job of helping the young halfling into her dress for the night. I couldn't complain all too much. Heidi was attractive, very much so. I just hoped she didn't rid Renesmee of that overall innocence she had about her. The little spark that made her... Well, her. I shouldn't need to worry, for when I dropped her off I could practically hear her family behind her room doors... Waiting for that reunion.
"All seems to be well." I pointed, raising my head to point my chin towards the human in green. "Who is that she's talking too?"
Demetri was silent for a matter of seconds, probably trying to pinpoint whom he was himself. The young male was dressed in a fine black suit; his waistcoat and such a vivid orange. His face was shielded with a black and white mask, swirling up at the top to create a almost wave like effect over his face.
"Nomad, I believe." Demetri pursed his lips. "I don't believe I've met him before."
The young man's arm was then pushed out. Natalia rested down the cup she had been idly drinking from in Demetri's absence, and took it. Both Demetri and myself stood watching carefully at the rookies work. Eagerly pulling the young maiden into the middle of the dancing bodies, and joining in. Soon, they were engulfed in the many colors upon the dancefloor. I instantly lost interest the moment they blended in with the others.
"I presume if anything is to occur tonight, it may be on that boy's head." Demetri scoffed, his lips twitching into a somewhat sadistic smirk. His head turned halfly towards me as I settled my eyes onto Aro, sitting upon his throne. Watching his world dancing before him.
"I'm curious as to why Aro's giving it a blind eye." I muttered.
"Dancing may cause her scent to flow into the air more, tempting more than one vampire at a time."
I nodded my head with his words. That was a possibility. Or perhaps Aro wasn't as interested in Natalia as we had presumed. If she died, she died. If she didn't, she didn't. Aro may have been thinking on the same wavelength as Alec.
"Felix has a feeling the orchestra is going to play a certain song." Demetri then piped up. "He's even bet on it."
I wasn't interested. Truthfully, I wanted to stand in silence. But this was the most small talk Demetri had given in quite a while. If not ever. Why, I didn't know. Nor did I care, but I decided I would humor him. If anything, having Demetri at my side would keep me from noticing the hateful glances being sent our way.
"Which song?" I asked, though I highly regretted it.
"One that our guest adores. Aro heard it within her head, and Felix believes he has had the orchestra learn it."
Of course he would. Because that's the type of person Aro was. He liked to surprise, in a good and bad way.
"Which song?" I asked again.
"You'll find out, Alec. I have no doubt the girl will pull you to dance to it." Demetri gave a chuckle, and rested a hand onto my shoulder. "Excuse me while I go find a dance partner."
Removing his hand, he replaced it to behind his back; the other in front. Gracefully, he bowed his head down. Clearly the old approach of saying goodbye. Demetri was really getting into this whole renaissance ball wasn't he?
He sighed, and copied his actions.
With that, Demetri vanished into the dancing figures, and I was left to mull over my thoughts once again. Jane... Where the hell are you?!
Two cords of the music continued on as I glanced around. Watching very few, then turning my eyes away to carry on in search, and then the music stopped. Everyone became still, and they turned to clap towards the orchestra. Idly, I brought my own hands up; giving a silent, bored and irritated clap of approval to the music makers. Honestly, I wanted this to hurry up. No. I wanted Reny to hurry up. How long could it possibly take for a girl to dress!?
—xXx—
"Hair up?"
"Yes... But then, her hair does shape her face rather remarkably."
Twenty whole minutes this had gone on, and they were still at it. Debating on whether I should have my hair up, or down. I didn't think it was possible for there to be someone as dedicated in style as Alice, but it seemed I had been proven wrong. Heidi, the Volturi's fisher, had proven that statement very, very wrong. At the present moment, and for the hour or two, she and Alice had been debating on the type of style, the colors, the overall package on what I should be presenting myself out as. I wasn't sure how old Heidi was, but it seemed she had more of an idea on the type of style these occasions had. Had she been around for them? I could only presume so. The dress had already been settled. Both elder immortals had practically jumped at the same dress as it was presented to them. Out of four, they went for the same one instantly. Thank god. I could just imagine the trainwreck if they had gone for different ones.
Bella was sitting on the bed, watching with bright topaz eyes as my aunt and... Well, Alec's coven mate, fiddled around with my hair. As requested from Heidi the moment she arrived for the makeover; allowing me all of five minutes to reunite with my family; all the boys were to leave. Edward, Carlisle, Emmett, Jasper and the pack. The girls were allowed to stay, but I think I caught onto the 'you can stay, but stay out of my way' vibe from Heidi when she agreed to let them be within the same room. But to be truthful, I think she was enjoying Alice's company. Having someone beside her to agree, disagree and debate with when it came to my look. Everyone else, apart from Alice and my mother left eventually. Leaving us three within the spacious room.
"Why not make a compromise." Alice eventually piped up.
"... Hmm, half up half down." Heidi pondered, lifting up half of my long ringlets and staring at it within the mirror. After several seconds of her fussing around with it, she nodded.
"Keep the curls, however. Lord knows how much Alec likes them."
I noticed Bella roll her eyes from behind; but I chose to ignore it. If anything, I needed to have my attention on controlling my blush. Alec liked my hair curly? He had never said anything in the past.
"Taken by surprise, my dear?" Heidi smiled, setting to work with Alice beside her.
"Hmm?" I blinked.
"The statement. Your cheeks have come to life. Is it surprising to hear Alec has spoken of you?"
Well, a little. But god damn it. My cheeks had given me away. So much for having it under control! Clearing my throat, I readjusted my posture into a more comfortable one. Giving them more access to work with. "Has he said much?"
"Not precisely. In the beginning, he wouldn't speak a word. In fact, he never spoke at all. Not to any of us. But I heard from Felix and Demetri that he had said something about your hair. And eyes."
"What did he say?" I was completely interested now.
"Well, if I can remember correctly," she and Alice gave a little laugh. Merely because it was practically impossible for any vampire to forget besides their human years. "They had stated how you had your mothers eyes, and your fathers hair. Alec had said something along the lines of 'Her eyes are more brighter. More incredible. And the ringlets is nothing like Cullen's hair.'"
Cullen's. Obviously my dad. It had taken a while for him to actually call him 'Edward' so it was no surprise that he didn't call him it within his own home. Truth be told, I knew Alec wasn't all too fond of Edward. But he was my father, and I guessed he just... Learnt to live with it.
"Talking about your father," Bella piped up. "Where is he?"
"In the room at the end of the corridor. I had Santiago take them there when they left. They shall meet us at the bottom of the stairs once we are finished for the entrance of your family and the true beginning to the night."
Bella nodded with Heidi's words, even though Heidi wasn't paying much attention. She was too busy with getting the hair right. As was Alice.
After a vibrating ten minutes, it was done. My hair was up, in somewhat of a messy bun; get sleek and stylish. Half of it still cascaded around my shoulders, ringlets gone wild. Truth be told, I liked it. Looking back at me was some... Older, more mature looking being. Someone who may even belong in this type of place. A medieval castle, attending a ball created centuries ago.
"Will Alec be waiting also?" I asked as they moved onto applying small amounts of makeup.
"Not at the stairs." Heidi replied. "He will be within the ball. Even though this is a celebration, Miss. Cullen; he is still very much on duty. He'll be ensuring all is safe under Aro's orders. But I have no doubt that he will be waiting for you. Anxiously, I presume."
I gave a small breath of relief. At least I wouldn't have to go in search for him. Is he was indeed waiting for me within the throne room, he would find me.
Alice applied a bright shade of red to my lips, only to have Heidi shake her head and tone it down with a somewhat black/brown. If anything, it just made it look all the more... Noticeable. But in a nicer way. If anything, the darkness of the center of the lips looked as though it was supporting the red. Almost like Alec and myself. He being the darkness, and me being the bright. Two colors that would stand out on their own, and yet together they looked... Remarkable. I could only begin to imagine what he would look like down there. Beautiful, of course. Alec was always beautiful; no matter what he wore... Or didn't wear. Either way, Alec was truly a god. But best of all, he was my god.
The door opened, causing all of our eyes to turn.
Standing within the doorway was someone I didn't think I'd ever expect to willingly come. Her hair was long and blonde, in sensual waves around her shoulders. The dark eye makeup behind the even darker mask made her crimson eyes stand out like razors. The full lips were a transparent dark pink. Her skin looked so flawless contrasted with the two colors of her dress. Purple, and black. The purple wasn't bright at all. Oh no, I don't think she was a bright colored type of girl. If anything, I wouldn't have expected her to wear purple at all. But she did, and it looked heavenly. Flowing all the way to the floor, but with a little height. I guessed she must of had an underskirt or something on to make it stick out the way it did. Long sleeves, flowing out larger around her hands and past them. All of her front was purple. Gentle, dark and dazzling swirls of light, dark and shimmering purple all up her front; surrounded by a black barrier that made up the rest of the dress. It was beautiful. She was beautiful.
"Your family want to know what is keeping you so long." Jane spoke in a bored voice, her eyes not even casting to me. Instead, they rested on Alice. I can remember Alec saying once that Jane didn't like Alice, almost as much as she hated my mother.
"They're waiting?" Bella spoke, raising to stand from her perch on my bed.
"Bottom of the stairs with the... Dogs." The small pause that came with Jane's answer provided she was looking for a suitable thing to call them. Dog's wasn't so bad. I had heard a lot worse from Alec in the past. My lips almost curved with the mere memory.
Bella didn't say another word. She just smiled at me, and walked out of the room. Scooting past the angel with dagger like eyes. Her footsteps disappeared down the corridor.
"Time for the dress." Heidi spoke, clasping her hands together after putting down the eyelash curler. Alice nodded quickly in agreement; and both of them dashed to the bathroom where the dress was hanging. They wanted to keep it well away from the makeup. Meaning it wasn't allowed to be in the same room when they were 'doing their thing.'
Looking at myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was me. So different, yet still very much the same. I looked like... Like a woman. A woman that belonged to the ancient immortal waiting for me within that ball. Should I talk like him? All sophisticated, and elegant? As easy as it might sound; it was harder to do. Some of the words Alec spoke... I didn't even know the real meaning behind them.
A small clearance of a throat stole my attention, and I noticed that Jane was still there. Standing stone like within the doorway. She was watching me. Evaluating me. I felt my stomach twist instantly.
"Nice seeing you. Did the others take off?"
Edward smirked. "It was best if we let them go. Your brothers arrival had been a nuisance at the beginning."
"I should hope so." Her lips curved. This wasn't a smile. It was more of a snarl. "Renesmee is present,"
"You have eyes, do you not?" Edward answered back. Her lips curved again. Clearly, she was enjoying this. "I do," she blinked. "And if Bella was kind enough to drop her shield, you'd find out what they can do."
These eyes were on me now. Those traumatizing, deadly, and painfully brightly beautiful were watching me. Bella wasn't here to protect me now if she tried something. I would be under the full wrath of Jane's harsh painful glare.
But there was nothing. She was just watching. Her face blank. Was that something both of the twins could do? Remove any trace of emotion? Granted, she couldn't do it quite as well as Alec could... But she was close second.
"You uh... You don't have to stand watch." I pulled up enough courage to say.
Her lips twitched. "I know. But watching you squirm is entertaining. You're afraid of me..."
Well, that was an understatement. Jane didn't just scare me. She terrified me. But so had Alec once upon a time. Everything I did once scared me, since I was unsure how he would react. I wasn't scared of him now, obviously. But Jane on the other hand...
I looked down, shielding my eyes, and hopefully my face from her. Heidi and Alice came back; one holding the hanger, the other holding the bottom of the dress to keep it from touching the floor. As if the floor where lava, and would destroy it's beauty. A piece of my hair fell from it's place, and Heidi groaned in annoyance.
"Not enough hairpins." She stated, hanging the dress up onto the four posted bed.
"On the contrary..." Jane spoke, moving into the room and closing the door behind her. "Too many."
Watching her come closer, I felt myself go stiff.
"Raise your head."
I did as I was told instantly. Her hand moved out to push the piece that had fallen back to it's designated place. Then, she turned her attention to the sides of my face. Slek, cold, nimble fingers fiddled around until two strands of curls that had been pinned back fell to either side of my face.
"Much better." Jane mused, stepping back from me completely.
I looked at the mirror, seeing the difference instantly. There wasn't much, obviously. But the two strands either side of my face gave me that... Girlish tint I had always had. With it all pushed back, I looked more womanly. Now, I resembled the girl Alec had met.
"Thank you." Was all I could say. Honestly, Jane's movement on fixing my hair may have seem like a small thing. It may have seemed like a little minor thing anyone could have done; but to me... It was a whole lot more. Was it a step forward? Was she trying to put that deep feeling of despising the fact I was with Alec behind her? I could only hope so.
Jane didn't have a chance to reply. Heidi and aunt Alice were already pulling me to my feet and making me step into the dress. Of course I was a little self conscious on the fact three girls, one being the twin sister to the boy I loved, had now seen me in my underwear, but they didn't seem to care all that much. Aunt Alice had seen me stark naked when I was a child; dancing across Grandpa and Grandma's livingroom dancing in nothing but my birthday suit. Granted now I was older, and had matured from the days I was running around naked.
Jane didn't seem to care, and Heidi seemed far too interested in getting the dress to sit right.
"Lean forward." Alice said. Again, I did as I was told; and instantly regretted it.
The two of them began to pull at the bow that would tie behind my back. Once that was tight enough, and sitting perfectly; they moved to the front. Pulling the strings tighter around my front, leading all the way up my bust. It took a moment or two to get used too; something being so tightly wound around my body when I was so used to somewhat loose clothes. But after those few seconds, I got used to it. If women from Alec's day and age wore these types of dresses everyday; I'm sure I could manage one for a single night.
Heidi turned her attention back to fixing my hair; setting it right against the new garments I was wearing, and not the robe. Alice touched up my cheeks with a light pinch, placed a small clip into the back of my hair where it was being held up; and then turned to find the mask. Jane already had it in her hands.
All I could do was sit back and watch as Alice moved out the way as Jane stepped closer. I was frozen in place as she put the mask against my face, and Heidi tied it at the back. Jane adjusted it, making sure it was sitting right - and made it a lot more comfortable upon my face, I must admit. Her hands fell off my face the moment the mask was in place, and her eyes fell to my neck. Examining the Volturi necklace Alec had once given to me. I had kept my promise. I never took it off. Not once. She straightened it out, and pressed it flat against my chest. Once she was done, Jane stepped out the way; and I was able to see myself in the mirror.
The air instantly left my lungs. I looked... Beautiful. The black and red dress surrounding my body. Much like Jane's style. The long sleeves, the embroidered front. Apart from where hers were purple, mine was red. And where she had rays of dark and light purple swirling together, I had a vivid red; with black twists of vines, and embroidered flowers. It was stunning. I was stunning.
"I look..." I breathed, not managing to finish my words. So Alice and Heidi did for me.
"Beautiful."
Jane opened the door, and all I could do was blink. Was this really happening? Was I really here? About to be lead into a grand ball, all for me, where I could dance the night away with my... As cheesy as it may sound, my prince.
This was all beginning to feel like a fairy tail. I had been nothing but a simple girl from a small town. Normal friends, and a somewhat normal life. And now I was here, with the royality of our world, and totally in love with one of the most respected vampires in all world.
"Lets not keep them waiting." Heidi ushered in a calm voice. She stepped out of the room, as did Jane. Alice slinked her arm with mine, and began leading me out from the room. Her light blue dress, which also blessed in with this special occasion complimented the dark, yet bright colors of mine. Both Heidi and Alice began to apply their own masks. Only, Heidi's wasn't one that tied onto her head. It was held with a simple yet fashionable stick, which she held to her face. I supposed she wasn't willing to ruin her impeccable hair. Never the less, it complimented her silver toned dress.
The final set of stairs, and at the bottom I could see everyone. Jane standing at the door besides Heidi. Even though her face was masked, I could tell she really didn't want to be there. Perhaps it was because the pack were there. Jacob standing beside my father, the others cluttered around the back. Seth was oddly close to Jane and Heidi also, but that was nothing new. Seth had always been the one to try and befriend vampires. I just hoped he wasn't trying to befriend Jane. God knows what good would come of that. Aunt Alice let go of my arm and began down the steps; jumping into uncle Jasper's awaiting arms and presenting him with a gentle kiss. They matched. in fact... All the couples matched. In their 'old attire' each of them wore complimented and matched their partners. Aunt Rosalie and uncle Em. Aunt Alice and uncle Jasper. Grandma and Grandpa. Momma and Dad. And...
Oh.
My breath caught within my throat.
In amongst all the eyes now watching me at the top of the stairs were light shades of green, blue and brown. Ivy, Shannon and Suzannah. Their lips were all curled up at me, grinning as if I were some angel. I honestly felt like one. My own eyes began to water as I noticed them all. It wasn't just them, though they were the ones I was focusing on most. With them were Mark, Nathan, Chris and Josh. Besides them, Amber, Mercedes and Brittany. Nathan had Brittany's arm on hers. Shannon and Josh. Suzannah and Mark. And Chris and Ivy. The two girls, Mercades and Amber were beside Paul and Seth, who had now moved away from Jane at my arrival.
I probably should have done a slow elegant walk down to them; but I hadn't seen them for two years! I ran as fast as I could down the steps, trying my best not to trip over the dress, or the heals. As soon as I met the bottom step I bounced into Ivy, Suzannah and Shannon's arms. A small huddle of the three best friends. The trio that no one could break up. Oh, god! Don't cry! Please don't cry!
It amazed me how Aro could go into making the best detail ever. He brought my friends here. The only way Aro would have known to bring these special people here was from Alec. That must have meant Alec knew how amazing it would have been, how phenomenal it would have been if they came here. And they were.
"You look amazing!" Ivy stammered behind her sobs.
"So beautiful!" Suzannah pressed a hand to my cheek.
"God, we've missed you!" Shannon hyped, wiping away tears running down her mask.
"I hate to interrupt the moment, girls... But I think it's time." Nathan chuckled, and I didn't wait in giving him a large hug either. In fact, I bounced between all of them. Nathan, Mark, Chris, Josh, Brittany, Mercedes and Amber.
"Alright, everyone who is not Renesmee or her parents into the ball." Heidi spoke up; tapping the door and stepping out the way. The doors opened from the inside, and each of the many people standing waiting entered. Jacob was a little reluctant but went anyhow.
"Isabella," Heidi spoke; and I noticed the small glare she received at calling my mother by her full name. "Edward; you will both go in next. Then Renesmee, the doors will reopen when it is your turn to enter. Understand?"
I nodded. Butterflies already forming within the pit of my stomach. This was really happening.
Heidi and Jane entered a few seconds after the group, and the doors closed.
"Everything will be alright,Renesmee." Bella whispered, brushing her thumb across my cheek. I moved in closer and gave her a tight squeeze. "Once you are inside, I'm sure everything will be calmer. Jasper may help with that." Edward assured by kissing the top of my head.
Only, I didn't want to feel calm. I wanted everything to be as it was. Nerves, the almost feeling of throwing up, I wanted it all. Because these feelings only reminded me of how perfect it was.
"I'll let him know." Edward chuckled, taking Bella by her arm.
The doors opened.
"That's our cue. Shall we, Mrs. Cullen?"
I noticed the little flash in my mother's eyes at being called that once again. It never got old for her. Being reminded that she and my father were forever. Until the end of time. I hoped Alec and I were like that one day..
They cast me a final loving glance and entered the standstill hall. The doors closed right after they entered.
Control your breathing, Reny. You can do this. Count if you have too...
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten.
The doors opened, and I stepped forward. Here goes.
—xXx—
Demetri had found a partner. I have spotted him twice. Spinning her around as if she were a doll ready for his disposal. And honestly, she probably was. Also upon my watch of the second dance, I had spotted Felix and Renata; but Natalia and her immortal partner. She seemed to be enjoying herself. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at the mere thought. At least someone was enjoying the beginning of this long ceremony. The moment Renesmee stepped through those doors would be when I would start to enjoy it; for she'd be at my side.
I searched the room endlessly for Jane, however. No matter where I looked, I couldn't seem to find her. It was plausible that perhaps she wasn't here just yet, but it wasn't like Jane to be late for something Aro was conducting. Usually, she would be there. Either at his side, or more often; at mine. And yet there I stood, beside a heavily decorated pillar on my own. Well, not completely. There were a few immortals sitting at the table to my right, but I was paying no attention. I was far too engrossed in searching, and waiting for my Juliet.
"Bénéficiant de la partie, monsieur?"
My head snapped to the side instantly to take in the person who dared break my from my thoughts. Standing happily beside me was a girl, dressed in white and black. Her hair was pinned back into a elegant ponytail, which flowed all the way to the middle of her back. Her face was guarded with a complicated white mask, with black feathers flicking off at the sides. From her language, she was obviously French. And the way she held herself, pull the radiant pale skin proved she was also a vampire. I instantly had to translate her words within my head, and zone in on the language I had learnt a long, long time ago.
"Enjoying the party, sir?" She had said.
I pursed my lips, and turned my attention back to the dancing pairs.
"It's exceedingly dull as of yet." I replied in her native tongue.
"Exactly my thoughts. You seem troubled. Are you missing someone, boy?"
Boy? Was she kidding? She had to be. No one would dare talk to me in this way.
"Do you have any idea as to whom I am?" I somewhat snarled in an emotionless, bemused tone.
"Of course I do, mister Alec of the Volturi." She smiled, turning her bright crimson eyes towards me. "How could someone simply not know whom you are?"
I rolled my eyes at her response, giving nothing but a shake of my head.
"Such a charmer, aren't you?" She then played on. "Usually men would have already asked for a dance by now after exchanging pleasantries."
I chuckled, unable to fight the sinister smile spreading on my lips.
"I am not like most men."
"So I have heard. I shall break tradition, in these circumstances. Would you like to dance?"
I turned to look at her once again. Dull, bored and not amused. She wasn't serious was she? If I hated wanted to dance, I would have asked her already. That much was a given. If I had wanted to dance with anyone, I'd have asked. Because, quite frankly, who would refuse a Volturi member? Especially one of my ranking? The only person whom I intended on dancing with was the person that this ball's name this was in.
I parted my lips to refuse, but the music died off; and an applause was given. Just as it was about to start up again, Aro stood from his throne; sending everything into complete and utter silence.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you in coming."
He spoke like a true leader, addressing each and every person within this room. Not just the ones he ruled over, but the human's also. The smell of fresh blood had now fully entered the room. As did the stench of dog. Which could only mean one thing. She was coming.
"And now I would like to welcome my dear friends, the parents of our very special guest. Edward and Isabella Cullen."
The doors opened, and in wandered the pair. The very pair who had caused such a stir once in our world. A gentle applause was given as they entered the room and took beside the rest of the family.
"This is as much as a special day for them as it is for our guest. Eighteen years ago today, Isabella Swan went through the most magical thing any woman could. Without that sacrifice of her life," to the humans, it probably meant that she gave up her freedom as she entered into motherhood. But to us all, who knew of our kind, it meant exactly that. She gave up her life. "we wouldn't have the tremendous experience of throwing this here celebration. So, without further adieu," Aro raised his hands. With this movement, two guards either side of the entrance pulled the doors open.
"Miss Renesmee Carlie Cullen."
All heads turned to the door; and there she was. Angel was not the word that should be used to describe her. She was far better than angelositity. She was tranquil, mesmerizing, exquisite, astonishing, dazzling and above everything else; she was beautiful.
Renesmee walked with her head high, masked behind a metallic black mask. Gentle curls shaping her face in superosity. It was safe to say Renesmee took my unneeded breath from me. She stood in the large area where people had separated to create a walkway for her.
Aro bowed his head to her, and in return Renesmee gave a gentle curtsie.
"It seems your date has arrived. I shall wait in line for that dance, mister Alec.." The French whisper of the girl beside me battered her eyes, and moved off into the crowd.
"Let the celebration begin!" Aro announced; clasping his hands together loudly. The applause followed, and the orchestra began to play once more. Renesmee moved from the center to the side, being surrounded by her friends in conversation. I went to move closer, only to be stopped by a small, petite frame dressed in black and purple. My lips curved instantly.
"There you are."
"I was missed?" She toyed, a small smile spreading onto her own lips.
"Of course. You look beautiful, sister." I leant down and pressed a gentle kiss onto her cheek.
"And you look dashing. I always did like you in crimson." She scoffed in reply. "And it seems you and the hybrid are in matching attire. How quaint and different it is for me. Usually it is I who is in matching clothing to you."
She was right. On special occasions, Jane and I did wear matching clothing. In all honesty, I had expected her to be wearing something similar to mine anyhow. But dark purple did suit her dashingly.
"Where were you while I was waiting patiently for your company?" I changed the subject entirely. Merely because I wasn't sure if she was annoyed by the fact we were in different attire, or she didn't seem to mind at all.
"Well, getting ready and seeing to giving Heidi and the fortune teller a helping hand with getting miss Cullen ready."
She was helping? She must have caught onto my questioning look, for she gave a gentle laugh and brushed my cheek with her hand.
"And what were you doing in my absence?"
"Oh, I had a rather interesting chat with a French woman, and somewhat of a dull conversation with Demetri."
"I could imagine how both conversations went." She scoffed, offering out her hand for a dance. Who was I to refuse my sister? Just as I raised my own to place into hers, someone took it from me. Another pale set of hands took hold of it, clasped it within both of them. Both Jane and I looked up to look at the intruder. I relaxed somewhat when I recognized the attire, and mask.
"I heard my name." He beamed with a sly grin. "It seems you and I are meant to be dancing, Jane."
I frowned somewhat, and then I caught on. The purple dress. The purple waistcoat. They matched. Was it a coincidence? Demetri usually wore a purple waistcoat anyhow, but on special occasions, he always changed it. Was this on purpose? "That is, if you don't mind Alec?" Demetri then countered, looking at me now rather than my sister.
Jane frowned, and then looked up to me. "That would be entirely up to Jane, Demetri. It is her hand you are asking for, not mine. Jane is certainly capable enough of making up her own mind."
Jane chuckled, and turned to Demetri. "You're in luck today, Demetri. For once I do not feel the need to be around my brother for the entire night. One dance won't hurt."
He flashed her a smile, let go of her hand and offered her his arm. Taking it gently, she turned to me; gave a nod of goodbye and wandered off towards the dance floor.
I turned my head to look around for Renesmee. I'd find her, and the moment I would; I'd sweep her off her feet. Literally.
A/N:
Hello all. Sorry about the long wait. I've been on something like a hiatus from Twilight, after being roped into adoring American Horror Story. Due to the long wait you lot have experienced, I've made this chapter a little longer than what I usually do. That, and the fact I got so into writing it I passed the word limit I usually set.
I'm currently working on the next chapter as we speak. Hopefully it will be up within the next few days. I've found my Reneslec mojo again! So, lets keep this up. What will help with keeping this muse running in me would be the reviews. Keep them coming, guys!
Little shout out to who asked for one. Happy birthday for when it comes/if it's already been. Shout out to FatFaceChey also for her continuous reviews. They helped bring my muse back. So thank you, you guys are great.
So, tell me... Any idea's who this French girl is? ;3
-C.H