*** This story contains some mild language, suspense, romance, and some frightening images and situations—13 and older, please.

In the Grip of Twilight

By:

Olivia Tannis Moore

Chapter Twenty Nine:

The Fortress—Part One

I closed my eyes and held my breath in panic as I fell through the darkness. My hair whipped around my face wildly. And then the air hissed from my mouth as Demetri caught me in his arms. It was a harder landing than I had expected. Stunned, I tried to gasp for air but it was if my lungs were frozen. My eyes grew wide in alarm. Demetri stared down at me in concern, then he lowered his head and, drawing air into his own mouth, blew it past my lips.

Behind me, I heard the soft thud of Edward's landing—and then his furious growl.

I coughed and sputtered, trying to both breathe and warn Edward that it wasn't as it looked—but I was still locked in the circle of Demetri's arms, his mouth still hovering above mine.

"Let go of her," I heard Edward snarl.

Demetri slowly raised his head and smiled. "She had the air knocked from her when I caught her," he said, patiently. "I was only trying to help."

I nodded, not yet able to draw a complete breath to speak. But I managed to push at Demetri's arms and he gently lowered my feet to the ground.

Edward's fierce expression didn't change. I had the feeling that he still wanted a confrontation with Demetri. I held my hand out to him and was relieved when he took it.

Demetri smiled again. "See? No harm done." Then he began walking down the dark tunnel. "This way, please."

Edward bent to pick me up and carry me, but I shook my head. "I'm fine. Really."

And I demonstrated this fact by walking ahead of him a few feet, and turning. "Are you coming?"

He said nothing as he strode up beside me.

We came to another brick wall with a similar grate as before, except this grate was much larger and mortared into the wall. An iron door was in the center of the grate, slightly ajar. Demetri opened it and then ushered us through before closing it loudly behind him. I watched as he slid the long metal bolt in place, locking it. From there we walked through another such door and were met with a crumbling stone staircase that curved upward into a spiral. The walls of the staircase were so narrow that two people could not go up side by side, so Edward slipped behind me as I followed Demetri.

Once we reached the top, a thick, paneled-wooden door stood open and waiting. And on the other side, in direct opposite of the decrepit staircase, was the most lavish hallway I'd ever seen.

***

(I'm going to beg off today with a short update and finish this chapter tomorrow. I have a severe sinus headache and can't even think straight—but didn't want to disappoint. Thanks for reading. –OTM )

3/13/09—Chapter 29 continued

Chapter Twenty Nine

The Fortress—Part Two

A deep, dark red was the general color in the long hall, from the carpeting to the flowing velvet drapery over the one large window at the end. From the high ceiling hung an enormous crystal and gold-leaf chandelier, and after the darkness of the tunnel and staircase, I had to shield my eyes from the countless prisms bursting and twinkling from the glass teardrops.

The wide hallway had half a dozen doors on each side. The mahogany paneling of the doors gleamed invitingly. Initially, I was confused by this pretense of warmth from such cold creatures as the Volturi. To me, it seemed an elaborate spider's web, where the spiders lurked in the dark corners and waited to ensnare their victims.

Demetri strode into the hall and pushed the hood back from his cloak revealing his long dark hair. In the crystalline light his face was smooth and pale as porcelain, and quite beautiful in a youthful and surprisingly human way. His manner was more relaxed now, as if he belonged here in these baroque surroundings.

He turned, gesturing us forward as he smiled broadly. "Aro has given you adjoining rooms. I hope that is to your satisfaction," he said pleasantly, although his eyes were on my face, as if his words held a hidden meaning.

"I'm sure that will suffice," Edward said briskly, as we took our first step onto the plush red carpet and into the spider's lair. He set our bags down and placed his hands on his hips impatiently. Clearly, he'd had enough of Demetri and was waiting for him to finish his welcoming duties and leave us.

"Right," Demetri said. Then he reached into his pocket and brought out two long keys. "The last two rooms on the left. He handed both keys to me, in a deliberate snub of Edward. "I'll be back in half an hour to escort you to the east tower. Will that be enough time?" he asked me.

I nodded. I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.

Edward spoke up, "I'm sure we can find it. No need to trouble yourself." He picked up our bags once again and started for our rooms. I followed him trying to avoid Demetri's bold gaze.

"It's no trouble…" Demetri smiled. "…But if that's what you wish, take the staircase up two floors and then take the crosswalk over to the east tower." He pointed to the large window, "The staircase is to the right." He bowed and winked at us. "See you there." And then he disappeared around the corner where he'd just indicated we'd find the staircase.

I offered Edward one of the keys from my palm and he looked at it for a long moment before taking it from my hand. "Don't let him get to you," I said, slipping the key into the lock and turning. "Once he realizes we're bonded, he'll leave me alone and the two of you can be friends."

He didn't say anything until we were inside and had closed the door behind us. There were no lights on in the room, and I couldn't see his face as he said in a low voice, "He's enthralled with you."

"I smell good to him, so what?" I said flippantly. "Have you found a lamp or a light switch yet?" I asked, changing the subject.

Instantly, there was light as Edward had found a lamp next to the bed. "Oh!" I said, seeing the room for the first time. The furnishings were a soft blue, from the bed covers to the magnificent, woven rugs. Yet, what really caught and held my attention was the blue evening gown that seemed to spill across the bed. I assumed by the way it was so prominently laid out that I was to wear it to the celebration. Good thing, too, since I'd packed only jeans and shorts.

But Edward wouldn't allow me to become sidetracked. He came and stood in front of me. "It's more than just your smell."

I sighed, not really wanting to talk about Demetri. I was tired, and in less than half an hour we'd have to go to the party and pretend that we were enjoying ourselves—that we were glad to be here.

"How can it be more than the smell of my blood? We just met."

Edward shook his head. "He's good at hiding his thoughts, I'll give him that. But you took him by surprise and he let the veil fall just enough for me to hear…"

There was something in Edward's voice, a vulnerability, which troubled me. I rested my hand on his arm. "What did you hear?"

"He's not going to give up…" it sounded as if he were whispering to himself.

"Edward, I'm not going to—"

He looked at me, then, with such intensity, remembering what he'd heard. "You remind him of someone. Someone he'd lost long ago…but now thinks he's found again."

***

(Thanks for all the well wishes…and thanks for reading. See you guys tomorrow. –OTM)