Chapter 11: "Déjà Vu"

Disclaimer: The proprietary elements of Breaking Dawn, including its original treatment and all of the characters, belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Edward's POV

"Why isn't she answering," I wondered aloud, experiencing a strange sense of déjà vu, as Carlisle and I made our way around the perimeter of the familiar piazza paved with uneven stones. It was twilight in Volterra, and the golden sun was descending reluctantly toward the scarlet horizon. A pair of sightseeing lovers—probably honeymooners, I surmised, as they didn't seem to be noticing anything but each other—strolled hand in hand near the wide, square fountain set into the center of the principal plaza. I missed my wife.

Carlisle and I had agreed to meet our 'escorts' at the clock tower just minutes from now and be ushered directly to Aro's private chambers. I'd been assured that Elizabeth was being well cared for and that Alice and Jasper were with her; none of them had been harmed. If this had not been the case, my strategic methods upon arriving in this God-forsaken city would have been markedly more aggressive—even indulgently antagonist. In truth, it was requiring every ounce of self-control I could muster to maintain—or at least tactically portray—a diplomatic demeanor in such close proximity to my daughter and the heartless culprits responsible for her recent abduction. Instinct told me to dispense with the formalities and forcibly reclaim what was mine. But that approach, Carlisle had reminded me repeatedly on the flight from Seattle, 'would not be well received' by the Volturi guard. And I knew he was right. Despite Alice and Jasper's presence, we were clearly outnumbered in Volterra. So patience would be paramount in this battle of wits—I'd have to play my cards exactly right or risk being forced to fold. One thing was certain: Failure was not an option.

"I'll try Esme," Carlisle offered, removing his cell phone from his jacket pocket and entering the appropriate international calling codes. "They're probably together."

I watched the couple come full circle round the fountain and waited—strangely ill at ease. Bella would have been expecting my call. I couldn't imagine why she wouldn't have picked up on the first ring.

"Hello, darling. Yes. We arrived safely. We'll be meeting with him soon. But Edward's been trying to reach Bella and…" Carlisle's voice trailed off as he listened, so I switched to reading his thoughts in an effort to save time. "What was that?" he asked politely, his brow furrowed in confusion.

I froze where I stood, unable to move.

"What?" Carlisle responded in a flat voice—incredulous. "I see," he continued—softer now. "No, we haven't spoken with her, yet. Yes, I understand. Please don't blame yourself—Edward and I will handle it from here. I promise, yes. I'll call you when I know more. Thank you. I love you, too," Carlisle added sincerely, then snapped his phone shut and shook his head slowly back and forth.

I struggled for composure. Bella in Volterra? Impossible, especially now.

"Edward," Carlisle began, after a moment of silence. "Are you alright?"

The air had been sucked from my lungs—I couldn't breathe to answer him.

"I'm…sorry, son. Once she made up her mind, there was apparently no stopping her—not without a fight."

I didn't even blink. Just stared past him, deep into the shadows. Until I noticed two dark shapes detach themselves from the brick wall of the alley adjacent to the clock tower. I spun to face them.

"Greetings, gentlemen," my voice was calm on the surface, though I was seething inside. My temper wouldn't save her, nor would it make negotiating for Elizabeth's life any less complicated. No mistakes. I needed to buy some time.

"Edward, Carlisle. Welcome to Volterra," a smooth voice whispered menacingly, as passersby milled about the square.

"Thank you, Felix," Carlisle replied, more civilly than was deserved.

I cleared my throat and glanced furtively at Carlisle—hoping he'd follow my lead. "We regret to inform you," I began, "that it's become necessary for us to meet with your masters at a later time—perhaps tomorrow. I would very much appreciate it if you would personally convey that message to Aro with my apologies. Unfortunately, another matter of urgent business requires our attention this evening."

"I can't imagine another matter more pressing than the one at hand, can you?" Felix sneered coldly.

My teeth ground together. No mistakes. "I trust that your guests will be afforded the same hospitality they've hitherto received for one more night," my voice was harder now. Then, as if of their own accord, my hands balled into fists at my sides, and the words flew out—sharp as daggers: "I swear to you—if even one hair on her innocent head is harmed, I'll take great pleasure in—"

"Felix merely meant to point out," the other shadow said in a soothing tone, "that our masters are eagerly anticipating your arrival, Edward. Aro, especially, has been looking forward to seeing both of you again. Come, at least let us discuss this more privately."

"I'll be right behind you, Demetri," I said dryly. "Carlisle, why don't you attend to our urgent matter of business and perhaps join us later?"

We should face Aro together, Carlisle thought. Trust me, I conveyed with my eyes.

Demetri shook his head. "Please, Edward, let's be reasonable," he said.

"Let's," I agreed. "I'll come with you now. Alone. Or, we'll meet with your masters tomorrow."

"No, we want you both," Felix said, somehow injecting a leer into his whisper.

"I don't think so." The pretense of civility disappeared. My voice was flat and icy. His weight shifted infinitesimally, and I could see that Felix was preparing to fight. A third member of the Volturi guard, a woman with long mahogany hair, appeared from where she'd been lurking in the dark alley. I recognized Heidi at once. Apparently, they didn't like even numbers.

No, Carlisle advised sternly in his mind.

"Felix, Heidi," Demetri cautioned. "Not here." He turned to me. "Aro would simply like to speak with you. Now."

"Certainly," I agreed. "But Carlisle's attention is required elsewhere."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Demetri said regretfully. "We have our instructions."

"I know your instructions," I answered. "Then I'm afraid we'll be unable to accept Aro's invitation tonight."

"That's just fine," Felix purred.

"Aro will be disappointed," Demetri sighed.

"I'm sure he'll survive the letdown," I replied.

Felix, Heidi, and Demetri stole closer toward the mouth of the alley, spreading out slightly to come at us from different angles. They meant to force us deeper into the alley, to avoid a scene.

We didn't move an inch.

Abruptly, Carlisle's head whipped around toward the darkness of the winding alley.

"Let's behave ourselves, shall we?" a high, reedy voice suggested. Jane. "We're not alone," she reminded them. I dropped my arms and relaxed my position. In the same moment, Carlisle straightened—his expression impassive.

Demetri glanced over his shoulder. A few yards into the square, the honeymooning couple had noticed the six of us. They looked away when Demetri met their gaze. I can only imagine how we must have appeared to them—ominous, threatening. Bella must not be allowed anywhere near this company of monsters. Considering that possibility now, my teeth came together with a snap. "No."

Felix smiled.

"Enough," Jane spoke again, her childish voice a monotone. "Follow me." She turned her back on us and drifted silently into the dark.

Felix gestured for us to go first, smirking. We had no choice. Déjà vu.