Bella POV
Alice picked me up that Friday to take me over to her house before heading out to Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle. Giving the excuse to where I would be for the weekend to Charlie had been easier than expected. He was already resigned to the fact that Edward and I were getting married and never asked too much about the planning process. As long as he was told what to wear, what to do and where to stand, he was a happy man.
For me, I wished the only thing I had to worry about was wedding planning and not having to face the Vampire equivalency to judge, jury and executioner.
"Really, Alice? Fendi?" I asked as she proudly showed me the luggage she purchased for me that would be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of the airplane so I wouldn't have to check any bags.
Alice seemed proud that I knew the designer label and I tried not to be insulted. I didn't grow up in hicks town USA, after all even though the only thing that alerted me to the fact that it was Fendi were the block letter "F"'s all over the brown bag.
"Well you are going to Italy. It's only fitting that you have an Italian bag."
"Because American Tourister would have been way too…err…American?" I said teasing her.
"Exactly!" She beamed. "And you don't have to worry, the clothes inside are all Edward proofed."
After Alice's last attempt to dress me, I wouldn't have been surprised if Edward handpicked each item himself. Though I didn't understand why my own wardrobe wouldn't suffice for the brief time we were going to spend in Italy. And no matter what the outcome was, I did know my stay there would be brief.
Alice was trying to alleviate my fears in her own small way but I just couldn't bring myself to stop and think of what was to come. As if sensing my unease she placed a gentle hand on my arm.
"Bella, I want you to know that despite this worrisome setback, my visions of you and Edward's futures together remain strong."
This caught me off guard considering that up until two days ago she couldn't see any clear visions at all. "You've seen something?" I asked her with hope clear in my voice.
She shook her head sadly and scrunched her face in a show of annoyance. "I still haven't been able to see exactly what's going to happen in Volterra but I can see past it. So try not to stress out too much."
Easy for her to say, I thought. My burst of hope fizzled and died.
As Carlisle, Edward and I boarded the first class portion of the plane in uneasy silence, I experienced a strange sense of déjà vu. After all, hadn't I done this very same thing with Alice only a few short months ago?
During the flight I alternated between drinking soda and drinking coffee, anything that had caffeine, feeling the need to stay awake by any means necessary, unwilling to succumb to the dreams that would invade my mind as soon as I closed my eyes.
Edward was a constant next to me. The whole way to JFK where we would catch the next leg of our flight, he held me, touched me, and kissed me, never for one second let me go unless I had to leave for a "human moment" after drinking so much. He tried to get me to eat but I couldn't. The thought of ingesting anything other than caffeine made bile rise to my throat.
"Please Bella, you need to eat something. I don't think you ate since lunch at school and that wasn't all that much." Edward asked me pleadingly. Under normal circumstances, I could refuse him nothing. But these weren't normal circumstances. How could I tell him that even the thought of eating something made my stomach revolt in denial?
"I'm really not that hungry." I told him.
Carlisle leaned over to look at me from the other side of the aisle. "Bella, I know you must be feeling very nervous right now and understandably so but I think Edward is right. The last thing we want to see happen is you fainting from hunger. It will not help our cause. I'll see if I can get you some toast with Jam. Is that acceptable to you?"
Sighing, I realized Carlisle was right. It would not do to show any weakness in front of the Volturi. I would need all my wits about me. I nodded in acquiescence.
"Excellent." Carlisle smiled and waved the flight attendant over.
Some of the tension left Edward's body as well. "Thank you." He said smoothing my hair and tucked an errant strand behind my ear.
I did feel better after I got something in my stomach and before I knew it we were boarding Lufthansa for the final leg of our trip. Next stop: Galileo Galilei Airport Pisa Italy
The first class cabin on the jet was designed specifically for the overnight traveler who wanted all the comforts of home; complete with semi-private beds and individual TV sets. Edward and I laid back on the bed after he closed the fabric partition blocking us off from anyone's view. The TV was on a low volume but I really wasn't paying attention to it. Instead I rested my head on Edward's chest and curled my body into him as he caressed my back in a circular motion.
"Are you scared?' I asked him, my voice sounding small to my ears. He didn't answer at first but kissed my forehead instead.
"No." He finally answered.
"Why not?" I asked him getting up to a semi sitting position so I could look at him.
He shrugged. "Because Bella, no matter what happens. We will be together. That is all that matters in the end anyway."
"Well that doesn't exactly make me confident. If you're thinking that this won't turn out well, why didn't you just change me when the Volturi summoned us? It would have saved us from all of this."
"Because I won't have this life forced on you when you're not ready." He said raking his hand through his hair. " Besides your sudden disappearance would raise too many questions; questions that could potentially expose us. Carlisle is going to explain that to Aro."
"Do you think that Carlisle will be able to reason with him?"
"Bella, if I for one second thought there was no hope, there is no way I would expose you to this…to them. I have faith in Carlisle as well as Alice's visions of our future…I have to. But what I said previously…we will be together no matter what."
"Edward Cullen, I hope you don't' mean what I think you mean." My eyes narrowed at him. "Carlisle wouldn't let you do that."
"Carlisle wouldn't be able to stop me" He said determinedly then sighed. "Just relax Bella and try to get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."
I didn't say anything else after that not wanting to argue with him but I made a mental note to myself to have a chat with Carlisle about it. Turning my head toward the window as he spooned me, I retreated into my own mind. Before I knew it and despite all the caffeine I had, Edward was kissing me awake to get ready for the plane's descent into the airport.
While Carlisle and Edward went about the business of procuring a rental car, I took a much needed human moment to go to the bathroom, change, brush my teeth and run a brush through my tangled hair. When I was satisfied I looked presentable, I went to meet them outside. I noted, Edward's face was tense as he spoke to Carlisle although I couldn't hear what he was saying yet. Sensing my presence, he turned to me, his face softening as he took me into his embrace.
"We have agreed that Carlisle will do most of the talking." He told me. "I want you to say as little as possible. The less attention you call to yourself the better." That was fine by me and I hope my natural inquisitiveness would not rear it's ugly head.
"I intend to play this like a chess game." Carlisle informed us. "I know their weaknesses and their strengths after spending so much time with them and I intend to use those against him."
As vague as that was, at least he had a plan.
I spent much of the ride gazing out the window at the Italian countryside; its colors vivid with rich hues of green and brown, watching it go by in blur. None of us spoke much on the way and as we seemed to get closer to the city, Carlisle's pace slowed down.
The city itself was remarkable, the architecture ornate and centuries old. Carlisle parked us in an inconspicuous place where we could walk shrouded in shadow to our destination.
"The Palazzo Vito." Carlisle remarked pointing to a large castle like structure. "This is where the Volturi reside…though much of their domain lies in the underground portion. It is not open to the public with the exception of feeding days." He pointed out sounding almost like a tour guide.
Edward gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as we walked through the darkened underpass to the side of the building where we would gain entry. We were met soon after we entered by two male vampires.
"Demetri and Felix" Edward whispered in my ear. The one known as Felixwas tall and powerful and quite frightening. Edward took a protective stance in front me and emitted a low growl when it became apparent that Felix was eyeing me up and down; not as a meal but more as something else. My stomach did a flip-flop and all I wanted to do was run out of there, My flight or fight instincts were screaming for flight. Demetri was of slighter build but still tall enough to be intimidating.
"Aro is expecting you." Demetri said calmly. "Come, we will escort you to the lower levels."
I sensed some silent communication going on between Edward and Carlisle as we made our way through the corridors laden with fresco art works and alabaster statues. If we weren't under these circumstances, I may have admired the beauty of it all.
As we entered another darkened passageway, I felt Edward stiffen beside me as a small blonde haired figure came into view.
"Hello Jane" Both Carlisle and Edward greeted her. I was at a loss. Though her eyes glowed red, she was barely taller than I was and I silently wondered why Edward seemed so daunted by her.
"I was sent to see what was taking you so long." She sneered, casting an accusing glance at the other two vampires that came to greet us.
"They have only just arrived." Felix explained.
"Be that as it may, Aro doesn't like to be kept waiting." That snide comment was meant for us, I was sure.
We descended a steep, damp and dark stone staircase. Edward kept a firm guiding grip on me, helping me to navigate the stairs. The last thing I wanted was my clumsiness to get the better of me and fall. My luck the staircase would be the end of me before I even got to see the Volturi.
When we got to the bottom, the temperature must have dropped 20 degrees and I couldn't suppress the shivers that wracked my body. Edward, thinking the shivers were from fear (and admittedly some of them were) rubbed small circles on my back in an effort of reassurance.
Although the light was dim at best I observed my surroundings. Massive 30 foot double doors loomed ahead. On the left of those doors stood what could only be described as a receptionist's desk. How odd. Odder still was the girl that sat behind it with a bright smile on her face. She was actually tan with brown eyes; not red like the others, not butterscotch like Edward and Carlisle but brown. She was like me; she was human.
"Is she…?" I whispered to Edward.
"Yes."
"Does she know?" Although, how could she not?
"Yes."
"Then…why?...Oh ." I said in quick understanding. She wants to be.
"Yes."
And I thought, how hypocritical. The Volturi wanted to kill me for knowing about the existence of vampires and yet here they employed a human that knew probably even more than I did.
Almost as if he could sense my thoughts, I saw Edwards calculated smile. "Leverage." He mouthed not daring to make a sound.
As we entered the large chamber I experienced what Dorothy must have felt like when she finally gained entry to see the Great Wizard of Oz, only there was no kindly old man behind a curtain maneuvering controls. I suppressed the giggle that came to my throat as I pictured Edward as the Scarecrow and Carlisle as the Tin Man. No Bella, you are definitely not in Forks anymore.
The room was large complete with high ceilings, marble floors, stained glass windows and beautifully painted murals. Straight ahead sitting on what looked like thrones on raised platform were three figures dressed in black. There were others milling about, staring at us but it was these three that my attentions were focused on. Briefly I glanced over at Victoria who stood to the side with a smug smile on her face. Of course she would be here. Nothing would give her greater pleasure than to see me die with the exception that it was done by her own hand.
"Aro is in the middle" Edward leaned down to whisper to me. "Marcus is to the left and Caius to the right."
I saw the one called Marcus lean towards Aro and say something to him. I knew Edward could hear so I looked to him for an explanation. Edward's face held a one-sided smile "Marcus is telling Aro to tread carefully. That he has never seen a bond as strong as ours between two vampires let alone a vampire and a human." For some reason that made me feel better.
Aro stood up and walked towards us, his hands outstretched in greeting. "Carlisle, my friend. It has been too long."
"Yes it has Aro."
"You are looking well despite your rather…unconventional diet. I see you have brought your son, Edward and is that Isabella? I am so glad you decided to bring her after all. I had feared you would change your mind."
"You left no room for choice." Carlisle said with an edge to his usually calm voice.
"There is that I suppose."
Edward stood rigid beside me. I wondered if he was getting as frustrated with the insincere pleasantries as I was.
"Will you get on with it Aro. We do not have all day." Caius voiced from his seat, clearly impatient.
"Victoria has told us that you have allowed a human in your midst. At first I did not believe her. I thought Carlisle would never do such a thing but here she stands before us…a human…a knowledgeable one." He said peering at me with unblinking red eyes.
Edward moved swiftly to stand in front of me in a protective gesture.
"She is Edward's mate." Carlisle explained. "We have intentions of changing her to one of us. You have only to touch me to know it is the truth."
"But why wait? Why has it not already been done? You have risked much."
"My son" I heard Carlisle emphasize the word "son" warning Aro of his relationship to Edward. "is very much a man of his time and wanted to wait until Bella and he are bonded by the sanctity of marriage before turning her. She is still attending high school." At Aro's amused expression he continued. "Her father is also the chief of police and we thought it prudent to wait until such a union took place. After all, her sudden death or disappearance would raise many questions…questions that would be wise to leave unanswered."
Aro nodded once, conceding the point. "Point taken. And when is this "blessed" event to take place?"
"Mid August." Carlisle answered him. Aro moved quickly to stand in front of Carlisle and took his hand in his. After a brief moment, he let him go. "You do not lie." He said surprised then took Edward's hand as if he needed more proof.
"La Tua Cantante." He said. "Her blood calls to you so much. Just thinking about it makes me…thirsty." Edward hissed pulling his hand back from Aro's grip. "How do you stand it, being so close?"
"It is not without effort." Edward informed him through clenched teeth.
The whole exchange was making me very nervous. Were the Volturi convinced of our intentions? I somehow did not think so. Aro was playing with us if the wicked gleam in his crimson eyes were any indication.
"I can see that. Tell me, you had thought her dead once and you were planning to come here to us to end your existence…would you ask the same of us now if I were to decide to not let your human mate live?"
Edward didn't hesitate. "You know that would be the case."
"Mmm yes, your thoughts were quite clear about that. Still…" he shrugged "It doesn't hurt to ask. It would be a waste to lose abilities like yours. I do find it interesting however that as powerful a mind reader as you are, you are unable to read her thoughts. Shall we see who is the stronger mind reader?"
What? He was going to compete with Edward now over whose gift was stronger and my mind was the playing field? What if Aro could read my mind? I saw Edward give Carlisle a terrified look. Carlisle nodded his head in reassurance.
"May I?" Aro asked politely holding his hand out to me motioning for me to take it.
"It's okay Bella." Edward told me. I slowly extended my hand. Aro grasped it quickly. I fought the urge to pull it from his grasp. His touch did not feel anything like Edward's or Carlisle's. No. Aro's skin was papery and cold. It was like holding hands with a lizard.
After a moment of heavy concentration, Aro looked directly at me. He didn't look happy. In fact he looked down right angry.
"Intriguing. I see nothing." I caught Edward's satisfied smirk in my peripheral vision. "I wonder then if Isabella here is immune to all of our gifts…Jane dear." He motioned to the small blonde girl who up until that point stood by and watched the exchange with barely disguised boredom.
"Yes master." The little girlish voice said.
"Go ahead."
At these words, Edward acted. He shoved me behind him so quickly I lost my breath. Carlisle caught me just as Edward crouched ready to launch at Jane. As he was about to attack, I heard her utter one word with a smile on her face as she stared at Edward.
"Pain"
Edward's feet rose a good foot off the ground, his face was contorted in agony. I struggled in Carlisle's grip.
"Stop her!" I screamed. "Can't you see she's hurting him?"
"It's okay Bella. It's just a mind trick. Edward will be fine." Carlisle tried to soothe me but even I could tell he was nervous.
How could he say that? Edward was clearly not fine. He was being tortured, writhing from intolerable pain. But no matter how much I struggled, Carlisle's grip was stead fast. I stopped trying to fight Carlisle then.
"I'm okay. I'm okay" I told him. I hated to lie to Carlisle but it may be the only way that he would release me. He hesitated but removed his arms. As soon as he let me go, I ran in front of Edward.
"STOP!" I yelled at her. Edward dropped to the floor, Jane's invisible torture of him stopped as she turned her eyes to me. She could do anything to me as long as she stopped hurting him.
"Bella…don't" I heard Edward plead from his position on the floor behind me but I paid no attention as I looked at Jane.
She could have been shooting daggers at me with the evil glare in her eyes but surprisingly I felt nothing. Not one damn thing
"Amazing!" I heard Aro clap his hands and laugh. "Don't be too upset Jane. She confounds us all."
As soon as Edward picked himself off the floor with Carlisle's help, he had me in his arms holding me tightly. "You risk too much. She could have killed you." He whispered fervently in my ear. Didn't he realize I would risk anything…even death itself for him?
"And she tried to protect you as well. A human…so ready to sacrifice herself for one of us…a soulless creature."
"You know nothing about his soul." I told Aro though gritted teeth. Silence be damned. I was not going out without a fight.
"Such a waste." He made a tsking sound. "I wish could be sure of the future. Things can change in few months time." Aro said contemplatively.
If possible, Edward's hold on me got tighter and I knew Aro had come to his decision. And it didn't bode well for me.
"May I remind you that you employ a human that knows the truth as well?" Carlisle said. "It would be very hypocritical for you to destroy Bella when you have disregarded your own rules so blatantly."
"Gianna is of no significance." Aro gave a dismissive wave of his hand.
"He is right Aro. Surely you must see the consequences if we do not let them go." Marcus spoke up. Aro seemed to consider this and sighed.
"Checkmate." Edward whispered so that only I could hear.
Aro looked at the three of us and gave a false smile. He had a calculating gleam in his eyes that I did not like. "You are both right. But I trust that she will be changed before the summer is over."
"You have my word." Carlisle told him sincerely.
Aro walked right up to me and despite Edward's protective embrace, he held my chin in his cold hands. "I will be quite interested to see how you turn out…Isabella." He said my name like an eerie caress.
"NO!" Victoria screeched. She had remained silent throughout the whole encounter; I almost forgot she was there. "You can't let her go! A mate for a mate. He killed my James."
"Silence!" Aro shouted at her. "He wouldn't have killed your James if he did not attack Edward's mate first. Did you think I wouldn't see that?"
He turned back to us. "Go now. Have a safe journey back home. I hope when we see each other again it will be under more pleasant circumstances."
"We will be checking up on you" Caius said. "The Volturi do not give second chances."
"What of Victoria?" Edward asked of them.
"She will be our guest for a while. You need not worry about any interference from her. Not yet...anyway. I can't give you any reassurances when the end of the summer comes however."
"Thank you for your consideration." Carlisle bowed to him and signaled for us to say our farewells and leave in all due haste.
"Arividerchi" Gianna said with a smile and we hurried towards the stairwell. It was then that I noticed a group of tourists heading toward the chamber we just barely escaped from.
"Feeding day." Edward explained. "Don't turn around Bella, just move quickly."
These poor people were being herded to their deaths and they didn't even know it. I felt sick to my stomach. There was nothing I could do to stop it. As we made our way back up the staircase, I had to hold my ears to keep myself from hearing the screams that started. They reverberated through me like tortured echoes. My legs no longer wanted to hold me.
Edward saw I was on the verge of collapse and he picked me up bridal style, carrying me the rest of the way all the while whispering soothing words that made no sense.
When we reached the outside, Edward sat me down against the building telling me to put my head between my knees until the dizziness passed.
"I'm going to be sick." I warned them before turning my head to the side. Edward held my hair back as I lost whatever was left in my stomach. The bile burned my throat and I couldn't control my shaking body.
"Will she be alright Carlisle?" Edward asked him concerned.
"She'll be fine." He said. "Her body is just responding to stress overload and fatigue."
"I'm so sorry" I said to the both of them wiping my mouth on the handkerchief Carlisle handed to me. "I hope you are not disappointed in me." I felt the tears roll down my face. All I could think about were those poor people and how happy I was that I wasn't them.
"Disappointed?" Carlisle asked kneeling down next to me. "Bella. I am so proud of you, you have no idea. You were very courageous in there."
"I don't' feel very courageous." I felt weak and vulnerable. I felt human.
Edward rocked me in his arms as he wiped the tears off my face with his thumb. "Bella, love, you truly do not see yourself very clearly."
Carlisle glanced behind him. "Come, it would not do for us to linger here too much longer."
I glanced in the direction that Carlisle had looked and saw just a pair if bright red eyes glaring at us from the darkened passageway. I stumbled quickly to my feet and we headed towards the rental car. We were going home.