Disclaimer: This chapter contains many, many direct quotes from New Moon, chapters 20 and 21. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
But I've added a few Demetri tidbits here and there, to keep it interesting. The only major addition is the moment when Chelsea tries to bind Bella, and then Edward, to Aro- but fails, of course. She fails with Bella because of the shield, and she fails with Edward because his mate cannot be bound. I know this wasn't mentioned in the book, but Bella wouldn't have even noticed Chelsea's effort taking place- and I can't imagine that Aro didn't at least try. Also, it explains Edward's hesitant "I'd... rather... not".
"We do have rules to obey," I told Edward. And I'm afraid you've forced my hand.
Edward bared his teeth again. "Then I'm afraid that I'll be unable to accept Aro's invitation, Demetri."
"That's just fine," Felix purred. His eyes were still trained on the girl's throat; he was no doubt hoping to claim the spoils of the fight Edward was promising.
"Aro will be disappointed," I sighed.
"I'm sure he'll survive the letdown," Edward scoffed.
I clenched my teeth, growing impatient. This game had gone on long enough. I nodded to Felix, and we spread apart, flanking Edward and the human against the sunlight. He had to know that there was no point in resisting. Come now, Edward. If you value human life, as you pretend to, you will come peacefully. It would be a shame if I had to dispose of any other witnesses.
But instead of defeat, I saw a sudden gleam of hope in his eye. His head snapped around toward the darker end of the alley, and I smelled another vampire approaching: a stranger.
"Let's behave ourselves, shall we? There are ladies present."
The voice was high and feminine, matching the petite female that waltzed up to Edward's side. She was almost as tiny as Jane, though physically mature. Edward quirked a weak smile toward her and turned to face us again, with more courage this time. Felix and I paused our advance, unsure how to proceed. Who was this? Another creation of Carlisle Cullen, judging by her yellow eyes.
"We're not alone," she announced, nodding toward the crowd. I glanced over my shoulder, frowning when I saw a family of humans watching us. The oldest female looked upset, and was whispering in the male's ear.
"It looks like that girl's in trouble, John. We should do something!"
Unbelievable. I glared at the human female, all but baring my teeth in warning to mind her own business. But the male took offense to this especially, and promptly walked over to the security guards.
"Your Master wouldn't want you to cause a scene," Edward murmured under his breath. "We part ways now."
I shook my head. "Please, Edward, let's be reasonable."
"Let's," he said darkly. "And we'll leave quietly now, with no one the wiser."
I sighed, glancing back in annoyance at the security guards who were converging on our position. "At least let us discuss this more privately."
Edward snapped his teeth shut; he might be a criminal, but he was no idiot. "No." Felix laughed quietly, taking another step forward.
"Not in front of the humans," I muttered, catching his wrist.
"Enough."
We all turned to see Jane approaching. Felix and I relaxed; there was no chance of Edward escaping now. I leaned casually against the brick wall, smiling pleasantly at the security guards, who lost interest immediately. Edward relaxed his defensive pose as well; he knew he was beaten. He had met Jane before. The female stranger crossed her arms in defiance, but made no protest.
"Follow me," Jane ordered, turning to lead us home. I normally couldn't stand the girl, but I had to admit her timing was impeccable. As we made our way deeper into the shadows, the human moved to speak, but Edward silenced her with a shake of his head. Then he turned to the stranger.
"Well, Alice, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here."
As they murmured their reunion, I couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. Not only was I bringing Edward back in one piece, not only had I captured the human liability, but now I discovered I was delivering the mysterious Alice right into Aro's eager presence. I still had no idea what her significance was, but I knew that he was going to be thrilled to see her; it was a shame that she would have to implicated, along with Edward. She was referring to the human with familiarity: definitely an accomplice. Even if Edward had insisted on dooming himself, she should have reported the crime immediately. Her loyalty to her "brother" was going to cost her.
.
.
.
The human gave us some trouble when it was time to enter the subterranean tunnel. She was afraid to descend into what to her must have looked like a dark pit, and it took Alice and Edward a few moments to coax her down through the portal. Edward held her more tightly after that, as we walked; he understood that he would need to surrender her soon, if not his own life. She held him tightly, as well; I wondered if she understood that she wouldn't make it out of here alive. Edward's mistaken grief earlier was not far from the mark. He was the one who had doomed her to this. I waited for Edward to turn with teeth bared against my thought, but he was completely absorbed in the girl. He pressed his lips to her hair, her face as they walked.
Disgusting. And yet, touching, in an unexpected way.
As we descended, the girl began to shiver. Her clothes were wet for some reason, and Edward's closeness was making her colder. As soon as he heard my observation, he pulled away from her, looking guilty. But she protested, refusing to be anywhere except under his arm. He sighed and allowed her to pull him close again, rubbing her arms with his cold hands in a vain attempt to warm her. What was the point? She was going to die in a matter of minutes, anyway.
I couldn't imagine what Edward saw in this shivering, fragrant human. She was rather plain, even as humans went. She didn't even seem to be a healthy specimen: she was too thin, and looked even more exhausted than Edward had when he had first come to us. Her wet clothes and hair made her look like a drowned rat. She couldn't even walk properly- she kept tripping over her own feet in the darkness, Edward propping her up when necessary. He performed this task patiently, reverently. As if there were no greater joy in the world than to keep this human upright. Why hadn't he just turned her, if he loved her so much? He had known the risk of keeping her human all along, and now, depending on Aro's mercy, he might need to pay the ultimate price. Even if Aro spared him after killing the girl, he would only return to the useless mass of suicidal stone he had been last night. What a confounded waste of immortality.
We continued on, through the gate and into the lower level hall. Jane already had the elevator door open, and the human backed into one of the corners as we ascended, staring at Felix and I. Jane was smiling serenely at Edward, no doubt giving him some nasty silent message. I was still angry at Jane for her childishness in 1926, when she had accompanied me on the recruitment mission to the U.S. I had no doubt that her abrasive thoughts had been part of the reason for Edward's refusal to accompany us… and her "sample" certainly hadn't helped either. Granted, Edward had asked her to do it- one of the many symptoms of the mental effects of his artificial diet- but still. I suppose it had been partly my fault, for allowing it.
Well, it didn't matter now. I was actually surprised that Jane was behaving herself this well. But she might be suspecting the same possibility as I had: that Aro might still spare Edward, and give him the cloak after all. He had certainly known about the crime after taking Edward's hand yesterday, and done nothing about it. Though I supposed judgment had been unnecessary, considering he had thought the girl dead, as well. We would see how Edward would fare now, with the evidence of his crime walking into Aro's presence on her own two feet. Or stumbling, as the case may be.
The elevator opened, and we stepped into the lobby. Gianna was stinking of food; she must have taken her lunch break early. She greeted Jane, ignoring the rest of us. As Edward stepped into the lights, I remembered with annoyance that none of us had thought to pick up his shirt back in the alley; his bare chest was glistening in the white lights overhead. As we moved toward the wooden doors, Felix favored Gianna with a wink, which sent her into a blushing giggle. She had been told, just like her predecessors before her, that Felix had interceded on her behalf with The Three. She believed that she was to be spared, that she would be given immortality so that she could be with Felix forever.
One of Felix's many roles was Human Resources- an ironic term, to be sure- and the charade was always the same. Felix proclaimed his eternal love to each receptionist in turn, and promised them immortality at the end of their two years of service. This ensured their silence and their optimum job performance. They always fell for the ruse, and Felix always enjoyed his role. Gianna had been promised to him, actually, but not in the way she thought.
Alec was waiting for us in the hall. He and his sister greeted one another affectionately. "They send you out for one and you come back with two… and a half," he added, glancing curiously at the human.
I ground my teeth. So that was why Jane had made her timely appearance! We had hidden cameras in the alley; Aro must have seen our difficulty and sent Jane to bring us in. It was mortifying; not only had the surprise been ruined, but now Jane was the one who would get the honor of bringing everyone in. Nasty, childish girl! She was already petted and spoiled enough. She would be intolerable after this.
"Welcome back, Edward," Alec said. "You seem to be in a better mood."
"Marginally," Edward replied. Alec then looked down again at the human, who was still tucked under Edward's arm.
"And this is the cause of all the trouble?" he asked in amusement. He inhaled deeply, his eyes darkening at her scent.
"Dibs," Felix grunted. Alec frowned politely, but Edward turned around to face Felix, an angry snarl rumbling in his chest. Felix grinned and beckoned for Edward to attack. We weren't in public anymore, but this was ridiculous. If Aro had seen us on the cameras, he would be waiting eagerly to meet Alice.
But Edward didn't attack, after all. Alice restrained him with a gentle hand, and he looked down at her, taking a deep breath and turning back around after a moment. Perhaps she was a drug, like Corin and Chelsea. If so, I didn't see why she merited Aro's attention.
Alec slipped his hand in Jane's, turning to lead us down the hall. "Aro will be so pleased to see you again," he said to Edward politely. Alec always had better manners than his sister, but he was really putting on a show now. Perhaps he, too, thought Aro would spare Edward. I couldn't really blame him for trying to get on Edward's good side, in that case; his cloak was destined to be darker than any of ours. If he did join us, I hoped he would forgive me for bringing his human to her doom. He would understand… eventually.
"Let's not keep him waiting," Jane said. Edward nodded, his earlier defiance gone. I supposed he didn't want to feel the flames a second time. A wise choice.
Instead of going to the library this time, Jane and Alec led us straight to the Dining Room. My throat burned as I saw everyone gathered there; it was almost time. The wives were dressed well, as usual, and everyone except Aro had already taken off their cloaks for feeding.
"Jane, dear one, you've returned!" Aro stepped forward, smiling without surprise at our guests; yes, he had seen the cameras. He took Jane's thoughts with a kiss.
"Yes, Master," Jane said sweetly. "I brought him back alive, just as you wished."
"Ah, Jane. You are such a comfort to me."
I held back the jealous snarl that wanted to tear out of my throat. How dare she take credit for this! Felix and I had wasted the past twelve hours out there with Edward, not to mention the extra time I put in at that odiferous café last night. All she had done was waltz up to us in the alley and look at him. In fact, that was all she ever did. It was all she needed to do. We had all, at one time or another, felt Jane's fire. I hated the privileges it gave her. I hated how she was nothing more than a flamethrower with feet, and yet Aro treated her like a daughter. I hated how she walked around the castle like she owned the place. I hated her.
Aro turned toward our guests. "And Alice and Bella, too!" he cried, clapping his hands in delight. "This is a happy surprise! Wonderful!"
My anger melted into embarrassment as I saw the delight on my Master's face. It didn't matter who brought him what; all that mattered was his happiness. I felt ashamed, now, at my jealous thoughts. Forgive me, I thought for his attention later on. Sometimes I covet your praise too much. I am content with whatever role serves best.
Aro turned to Felix and I, as though he had heard my thought. But his smile was for Felix, not for me. "Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers about our company. I'm sure they wouldn't want to miss this."
Felix bowed slightly. "Yes, Master." He turned to go, and I withdrew to stand beside the others in the Guard. Aro turned finally to Edward, and I waited for his pronouncement of judgment. But his face was kind.
"You see, Edward? What did I tell you? Aren't you glad that I didn't give you what you wanted yesterday?"
Be careful, Edward, I warned him silently. This is no time for another of your rude displays. You're in enough trouble as it is.
Edward, for once, appeared to listen to me. "Yes, Aro, I am," he said calmly.
"I love a happy ending," Aro said kindly. "They are so rare. But I want the whole story. How did this happen? Alice? Your brother seems to think you infallible, but apparently there was some mistake."
"Oh, I'm far from infallible," Alice said stiffly, despite her smile. "As you can see today, I cause problems as often as I cure them."
"You're too modest," Aro scolded. "I've seen some of your more amazing exploits, and I must admit I've never observed anything like your talent. Wonderful!"
Alice finally looked uneasy, glancing at Edward in question. He briefly explained Aro's talent to her, and she asked him some sort of silent question. He nodded.
Aro watched the exchange with curiosity. "But to be able to hear from a distance," he sighed, looking back at Edward with fondness, "That would be so convenient."
We all turned as Caius and Marcus entered the Dining Room, with Felix bringing up the rear. He slid into place beside me.
"Marcus, Caius, look!" Aro cried, raising his hands in greeting. "Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her! Isn't that wonderful?"
Caius glanced toward the human with distaste, and took his seat without a word. Marcus did not; he slowed his steps, his impassive expression breaking with momentary interest as his gaze moved over the three visitors. He paused at Aro's side, touching his hand briefly.
Aro's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Thank you, Marcus. That's quite interesting."
Marcus himself seemed to lose interest then, continuing on to his throne. Athenodora took her place behind Caius, and Sulpicia stood waiting beside her, her hand resting on the back of Aro's empty throne. Aro himself was staring at our visitors with renewed interest, his delight now turned to awe.
"Amazing," he said, shaking his head. "Simply amazing." Edward turned to Alice, briefly explaining Marcus' gift. "It's just so difficult to understand, even now," Aro continued. "How can you stand so close to her like that?"
"It's not without effort," Edward replied.
"But still- la tue cantante! What a waste!"
My eyes snapped back over to the defendants in surprise. The girl was Edward's singer? It wasn't possible! There was no way he could have left her alive this long. The flame in my throat burst into an inferno as I remembered my own singer. It had happened back in 1550, when I was tracking one of the Southern Covens. One whiff, and I was lost. I abandoned my mission without a thought. In the end, I had to slaughter an entire village and burn it to the ground to cover my tracks. It had been the most embarrassing moment in my career. I had never been so afraid as I had been that next day, when I reported back to Caius, my clothes stained with blood and smoke. And he had been furious… but at least he had understood. When your singer calls, you answer. How was Edward standing there next to her? Aro couldn't have been mistaken, but it still seemed impossible.
Edward laughed darkly. "I look at it more as a price."
Aro looked skeptical. "A very high price."
"Opportunity cost."
Aro laughed. "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…" he trailed off, looking disappointed. It was one of the great injustices of our world, that Aro himself had never personally had a singer. Only Chelsea, Caius, myself, and Felix had experienced this glorious phenomenon, though Aro had also observed it through various other vampires whose hand he had taken over the millennia. And he might never have one of his own; it wasn't a given that each vampire would ever encounter a singer. Felix boasted having found two, though I was skeptical. It irked me that Edward, so young and careless, had already been given this great gift. And yet he did not accept it!
"Waste it," Edward finished.
Aro laughed again. "Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle! You remind me of him – only he was not so angry."
Edward dropped his eyes. "Carlisle outshines me in many other ways as well."
"I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you put him to shame."
"Hardly."
"I am gratified by his success," Aro continued. "Your memories of him are quite a gift for me, though they astonished me exceedingly. I am surprised by how it… pleases me, his success in this unorthodox path he's chosen. I expected to find that he would waste, weaken with time. I'd scoffed at his plan to find others who share his peculiar vision. Yet, somehow, I'm happy to be wrong. But your restraint! I did not know such strength was possible. To inure yourself against such a siren call, not just once but again and again – if I had not felt it myself, I would not have believed. Just remembering how she appeals to you… it makes me thirsty."
Edward tensed as Aro's eyes drifted down to the human's throat, his eyes darkening. I tensed as well, ready to restrain him if necessary. The girl's blood would go to Aro, then. It was better to have done with it soon; she was delectable, and all of us were suffering now. But he did not move to take her.
"Don't be disturbed," he told Edward, pulling his eyes reluctantly away from the girl's pulse. "I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular. May I?" He lifted his hand toward the girl.
"Ask her," Edward said flatly.
"Of course, how rude of me!" Aro exclaimed. "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?
The girl shrank away from his hand, looking up to Edward. He nodded. She took a deep breath and turned back to Aro, offering him her shaking hand. His face was excited, hopeful as he took her hand. But as too many seconds passed, his smile faded. He finally released her.
"So very interesting," he said. Could it be that she was some sort of shield? It certainly explained my inability to latch onto her mind earlier. It was a comforting thought- it meant there was nothing wrong with me.
"A first," he murmured. "I wonder if she is immune to our other talents… Jane, dear?"
And that was when Edward lost it. I could tell that he had been trying to stay calm as the interrogation had progressed, though he had again failed to speak respectfully. But now he snarled his anger, and this time Alice was unable to calm him. Jane stepped out of our line, looking angelic. "Yes, Master?" she cooed. Edward's snarls grew to open growling now. He bared his teeth at Aro, and everyone in the room gasped in shock at his behavior. Caius stood and drew closer, motioning for the rest of to be ready. Felix surged forward eagerly, but froze as Aro sent him a sharp, disapproving glance.
"I was wondering, my dear one, is Bella is immune to you," Aro said to Jane.
Edward's snarls became a roar of anger, and he shot forward in attack. "Don't!" Alice cried too late. Jane smiled, and Edward dropped in a heap to the floor at her feet, writhing under her fiery gaze for the second time in his short life. At least he knew what to expect this time; he was silent in his torment. Unlike last time. I shivered as I remembered the various times I had felt it. Fourteen times Jane had burned me, and I had never been able to remain silent like this. Edward did have quite the self-control, it seemed. I felt an ounce of my admiration for him return. Not that it mattered; he had just signed his own death warrant, twice over. I didn't think I had ever seen anyone try to attack Jane before.
"Stop!" The human moved toward him, but Alice grabbed her and held her fast. I waited for Aro to give the signal for execution, but his patience was endless. He let Edward burn for ten more seconds before calling Jane off. Edward's body jerked one last time, and then he was still. The human was weeping for him now.
"He's fine," Alice assured her. Edward sprang back up into standing, watching in horror as Jane turned her gaze toward his human mate. But Jane's smile faded just as Aro's had; she had been foiled, as well. Edward pulled his mate back into his arms, looking smug. Jane was furious.
Aro's eyes flicked to me in question now; he wondered, no doubt, whether my own gift had worked on the girl. I shook my head, and he bubbled into laughter. "This is wonderful!" he cried, clapping his hands in delight as he turned to Jane. "Don't be put out, dear one," he soothed as he touched her shoulder. "She confounds us all." Jane bared her teeth at the girl one last time, but stayed put.
Aro laughed again. "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, smiling indulgently. But in a moment, his smile faded. "So what do we do with you now?" he sighed.
The moment had come. Aro had delayed judgment because of his curiosity, but he had his duty- we all did. But he still seemed reluctant. "I don't suppose there's any chance that you've changed your mind?" he asked Edward hopefully. "Your talent would be an excellent addition to our little company."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chelsea inching forward. Aro's eyes flashed to hers just briefly, with the slightest of nods. She turned to look at the human- attempting to calm her in her last moments, I guessed- but ground her teeth in annoyance. Her gaze turned to Edward then, and Aro held his breath.
For the first time, Edward seemed to consider the offer. Uncertainty replaced his anger, and he opened his mouth to speak. Marcus leaned forward in his throne, his face suddenly alight with interest. He stared at Edward and the human, and then at Chelsea. Aro glanced back to him, and he shook his head. I took Edward's delay as encouragement, and added my own. This is it, Edward, I called urgently. This is your last chance. Don't be a fool!
But a fool he remained. "I'd rather not," he said, grinding out each word with effort. He hadn't been lying last night then; he really would rather die than serve my Master. I couldn't even wrap my head around it. Marcus relaxed in his throne, and Aro frowned politely.
"Alice?" he asked. "Would you perhaps be interested in joining with us?"
"No, thank you."
Aro turned to the human, looking hopeful again. "And you, Bella?"
Edward hissed protectively, and Caius stepped closer, looking shocked. "What?"
Aro turned his head slightly toward his brother, his eyes still on the human. "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?"
Caius snorted his disapproval, and Edward began growling again.
"No, thank you," the girl stammered.
Aro sighed. "That's unfortunate. Such a waste."
"Join or die, is that it?" Edward hissed. "I suspected as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your laws." He spoke the last phrase deliberately, as though he were making some sort of strategic play.
"Of course not!" Aro said quickly. "We were already convened here, Edward, awaiting Heidi's return. Not for you."
"Aro," Caius interrupted, "The law claims them."
"How so?" Edward demanded.
Caius pointed at the human. "She knows too much. You have exposed our secrets."
"There are a few humans in your charade here, as well," Edward challenged.
"Yes, 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."
"I wouldn't-" the girl began.
"Nor to do you intend to make her one of us," Caius continued, ignoring her. "Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is true, for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish."
Edward bared his teeth, and Caius smirked, pleased with his bluff. "That's what I thought," he said smugly. Felix took a single step forward, and Caius' hand drifted toward his pocket, where he kept the torch.
Aro held up his hand. "Unless… unless you do intend to give her immortality?" He stared hard at Edward, looking desperate for a moment.
Edward hesitated, listening to whatever it was Aro was telling him. "And if I do?" he asked aloud.
Aro's face relaxed into a smile. "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." He held out his hand expectantly.
Edward looked down at the human, looking tortured. "Mean it," she said to him lifelessly. "Please."
But it was Alice who stepped forward, offering her hand. Aro swept forward, taking it hungrily. He closed his eyes, a frozen statue over the tiny hand he held. Five seconds passed. Ten. Fifteen. Alice had to be younger than Edward, since she wasn't with the Cullens back in 1926. What gift could possibly expand her collection of thoughts to this magnitude?
Aro laughed in sheer delight, his eyes still closed. After another second, he looked up at Alice with glowing eyes. "That was fascinating!"
Alice smiled stiffly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"To see the things you've seen – especially the ones that haven't happened yet!"
A chorus of quiet gasps filled the room. So this was Alice's gift- she could see the future! Such a gift had never even been dreamed of, not even by Aro himself. No wonder he had been so delighted to have Alice arrived unannounced!
"But that will," Alice said firmly.
"Yes, yes, it's quite determined. Certainly there's no problem," Aro said cheerfully.
"Aro," Caius growled.
"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!"
"Then we are free to go now?" Edward asked.
Aro smiled kindly. "Yes, yes. But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling!"
"And we will visit you as well," Caius threatened. "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."
Edward's jaw clenched, and I braced myself for his next outburst. But he knew he lucky he was to receive this mercy. He simply nodded. Caius watched him a moment more, and then returned to Marcus' side. Felix groaned in disappointment beside me.
"Ah, Felix," Aro sighed, "Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience."
Edward stiffened. "Hmm. In that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later." He had a good point. Once we began feeding, not even Aro's orders would be able to stop us from feeding on the girl, were she to remain.
"Yes, that's a good idea," Aro agreed. "Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you don't mind."
"Of course."
"And here," Aro added, finally motioning Felix forward. But he merely reached up and pulled Felix's cloak away, tossing it to Edward. "Take this. You're a little conspicuous."
Edward knew better than to disobey now- though the irony was not lost on any of us. He donned the cloak, barely masking his distaste.
"It suits you," Aro sighed.
Edward chuckled darkly, but maintained his newfound respect. "Thank you, Aro. We'll wait below." He looked back at the door anxiously, hearing something. I stretched out with my own gift, my venom flowing as I felt Heidi's presence within the walls. Finally! But Aro caught my eye, nodding towards our departing guests. I nodded and turned to escort them out.
"Goodbye, young friends," Aro called from behind us. As I turned around to close the door behind us, I saw Aro summon Chelsea and take her hand.
"Fascinating," he breathed as he released her. "Simply fascinating."
Well, that covers most of the text from New Moon. The next chapter will be mostly original stuff- Demetri's reflection on Edward's choices, and a little surprise that Aro has in store for him. Then a little Aro-POV chapter, so we can really feel sorry for Demetri, since I've decided he's not particularly evil. After that I may or may not have an intervening chapter before the BD conclusion... Demetri doesn't seem to do/say anything much during the Eclipse visit, so I'm probably not going to do a whole lot with that. But it might be fun to have a chapter back in Volterra, leading up to the final confrontation.