*** 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 Thirty One:
The Reformer Arrives
The east tower ballroom was overflowing with guests. Edward gripped my hand as we made our way through the crowd that had gathered outside the entry doors. Everyone, to my horror, was wearing red or black; their suits, gowns, and cloaks seemed to blend into the low light…while my dress glowed like a Luna Moth. They pressed in, curiosity bringing some to reach out with icy hands to touch my arms, my face, my hair, and I suddenly froze, hysteria rising in my throat. I didn't realize that I'd let go of Edward's hand.
"Edward!" I called out, my eyes searching the mob around me for Edward's face. But the faces before me were all strange, their eyes red and manic.
Their chiming whispers filled my ears:
She's the Reformer.
Her scent…delicious.
So warm…
Bella…Bella…Bella…
And then the loud snarl, "Leave her alone," from up ahead, and Edward was bulldozing his way through to get to me. However, the crowd paid him no attention, pressing in until their cold bodies enveloped me. A large man thrust his pale face into mine, his red eyes glowing, "What are you going to do—save us from the wolf-men?" His laughter exploded into the air and I reached up and covered my ears. But then he was yanked backwards as if by invisible hands and thrown high above the crowd, his legs flailing in the air. And then suddenly Demetri was there, clearing the space around me as the vampires shrank back and cowered. Their feeble protests were spoken in hisses and groans and were not human.
He picked me up in one arm and pointed to them. "You forget where you are and why you are here!" his voice thundered. "Descending like pack animals—you're no better than the Lycans!"
"She intrigues us," a woman's voice whined loudly. "We wish her no harm."
Demetri scowled, and immediately the crowd thinned, many scurried to leave the ballroom all together.
As if to indicate that the drama was now over, the orchestra in the far corner started playing again.
Edward appeared at my side, unhappy that Demetri had reached me first. However, Demetri gingerly handed me over to Edward and nodded to him.
Edward returned the nod. I had the feeling that something unspoken had just passed between them. For the first time, it was as if they were on the same team.
I thanked Demetri.
"It shouldn't have happened," Demetri admitted. "But the excitement has had some time to build. They've been waiting for a glimpse of you all day."
"Yes, well, I'd like to keep things low key for the rest of my stay—."
He smiled at me and nodded. "I'll pass that along to Aro. No more parties."
Edward led me over to the lounging area where we found an empty sofa.
The ballroom wasn't nearly as crowded now; I could see the architecture of the room—the giant arches, the colorful frescoes of cherubs and Gods fighting red-eyed serpents. I gazed at the alabaster statues on pedestals situated inside the four alcoves of the room, but didn't recognize them by name. By their meditative posture they looked to be ancient philosophers.
The ballroom was extremely gothic, everything but the ceiling. Overhead, a gently arching glass ceiling opened up the ballroom to the heavens. All you had to do was look up to see the clouds drifting across the moon.
Still holding my hand, Edward wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Are you alright?"
I nodded. "Hopefully that concludes my introduction to curious vampires."
His lips twitched and he almost smiled. "We're like that unfortunately. Living with Carlisle, I forget how it works elsewhere; it even shocks me when I see it in action. It's like we can't restrain their primitive instincts—not without a lot of practice. "
I witnessed something like it in the Cullen's vault when Elena couldn't control herself with Edward. I didn't think I'd ever be the recipient of such attention, though.
Edward squeezed my hand and I looked up. Aro was gliding across the floor toward us. His face was a mask of concern. "Bella, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your discomfort. I should have prevented such a display—but I was below with Marcus and Caius tending to an important matter."
"Demetri stepped in," Edward told him. I didn't detect any jealousy in his voice, which was a good sign.
"Ahhh, I can always count on Demetri to keep everything in order." He then looked down at me. "You should sleep as much as you like after the festivities. The transformation will go much easier if you're well-rested. I'll make sure no one disturbs you."
His eyes made a point of staring at my neck for a moment too long, and I knew he had noticed the absence of the teardrop necklace.
I smiled politely.
He went on to say something else, but I wasn't listening; a tremor had just gone through Edward's hand. It had been days since the virus had surfaced, and, true to Edward's prediction, it had picked its moment with perfection. I had to think of some excuse to get Edward back to the room and quick; his life depended on it. I stood, prepared to invent a headache, but then Marcus drifted up like a wraith, and Aro excused himself with an apology.
I waited a few seconds before taking Edward's arm and tugging him from the sofa. Already I could feel his skin growing hot through the suit he wore. "I would love to take a walk," I said aloud just in case there were eavesdroppers.
Within seconds we were out of the ballroom and into entrance hall. Edward's lips began to peel back and he clenched his jaws together to keep from panting. If we could just get to the crosswalk, I thought, our chances would improve.
I heard faint footsteps behind me and glanced back. It was two Volturi guards.
"They're going to follow you," Edward whispered. "Aro's orders; He's making sure there's not another mob scene." His teeth clattered together and he was losing the battle to keep from panting. "Go...Go back to the ballroom. I can make it back to the room by myself."
"No. I'm not leaving you alone like this," I choked.
"You have to. If you don't, you'll give me away."
I hesitated for a second too long; the first ragged pant left his clenched teeth, and I instantly let go of his arm. "I'll be there as soon as I can," I told him, and turned to the guards who had now crept closer and were watching our odd behavior with interest.
***
(A longer chapter this time. As usual, forgive any mistakes that were typed-on-the-run. Also, if you liked the chapter, say so—sometimes I think my writing is getting too adult for the younger readers. If it is, tell me so. Thanks for reading. – OTM)