*** 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 Sixty Three:
Visitation
"We must dare,
And dare again,
And go on daring."
George Jacques Danton
Demetri shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry Edward…Bella… I realize this is awful timing." When he looked to me, I could see that his apology was sincere. His eyes were somber with regret when he sighed and said, "Aro has ordered Edward to accompany me on my tracking mission for Elena."
"Edward? Why Edward?" I asked. It made no sense, unless Aro was still under the impression that Edward had certain feelings for Elena, or that he could somehow be of assistance to the renowned tracker.
Like a wraith, Aro's black-robed form drifted from the hall into the room. Demetri's eyes widened; it appeared Aro's stealth entrance had even caught him off guard.
I immediately thought of Thaddeus' book underneath the covers of the bed, right behind where I sat, and my heart raced with the knowledge that we were two feet away from discovery and certain death.
Edward's flickering and worried glance in my direction told me that he was thinking the same. And I could tell he didn't like it that I was in such close proximity to the book and the danger it presented.
"My Liege," Demetri addressed him, unable to keep a slight bit of surprise from his voice.
"At ease, Demetri," Aro said pleasantly. "I want to welcome our guests—even those returning so quickly…" he said, gazing at Edward.
"Thank you, Aro," Edward said evenly. "I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is missing. Of course I'll do anything to help find her
"Yes…that." Aro's eyes narrowed. "She didn't perchance tell you of any plans to leave, did she? I worry because in these dark times there is nothing the Lycans would love more than to snare a Volturi—especially my daughter."
Edward tilted his head and looked at Aro. "No, she did not. But I think you overestimate our relationship. I don't think Elena would tell me something like that."
Aro's eyebrows arched. "Really?" he said as if he didn't believe Edward's words. Then, he turned to me as I sat there on the edge of the bed. "I'll have need of you tonight, Isabella. By then the army will be assembled." His smile was sinister. "It will be your first test."
"Tonight?" I didn't think he meant now—it was after three o'clock in the morning—but I wanted to make sure.
"Yes. At sundown." His smile showed the tips of his white teeth. "The last of my army arrives later this afternoon. I'll come by and collect you when all have assembled down in the Temple."
The Temple? I was confused. "The cavern…where I was changed?" But of course he meant the cavern, I thought. Where else other than that unholy place with its hideous wall paintings and blood rituals.
Aro nodded. "It is a cavern of man-made means—but it is our Temple of…well, never-mind that…it is the place where you'll make your grandest mark on our history," he explained patiently.
I took a deep breath. With his wide-eyed stare, Edward warned me that this was not the time to defy Aro.
Demetri stood with his eyes half-closed, his hand resting on the hilt of his silver sword. It was understood that both men were willing to do battle if I provoked Aro to the point where I was in danger. But I had no intentions of provoking Aro at that time. I had a little over twelve hours to decide how I'd handle Aro when the time came.
Aro moved closer to the bed, towering over me. Edward's body tensed. If Aro saw the lump underneath the covers and became curious, I knew Edward would spring. And that in turn would leave me no other option but to assist Edward. I looked up at the white column of Aro's ancient throat so close to me. Between the three of us, could we subdue the master vampire? –did we have a fighting chance? I shuddered as his tall form threw dark gray shadows across my lap. If only he knew how close he was to the truth, as we knew it…
"There's no need to be frightened, child. If you do your best, it will be fine."
"I'll do my best," I said, hoping to appease him.
There was that diabolical smile again as he reached down with his icy hand and stroked my cheek. "I'm sure you will."
"Demetri…" he said, turning away from me. "Additional information has come forth."
Demetri stepped forward as Aro reached out to him. The information passed silently between them over a matter of minutes as Edward and I looked on.
When Aro had at last finished, Demetri frowned. "As you wish, Aro," he said aloud.
Aro paused before leaving the room. "Make sure you are rested, Isabella. I want you in top shape for tonight."
After Aro had exited the room and hallway, Demetri looked at Edward. "Are you ready?"
Edward turned to me. "You'll have to entertain my family while I'm gone." He looked pointedly at the lump beneath the bed covers where Thaddeus' book had gone undetected. I understood that I was expected to take it to Carlisle. "Be careful…please," he emphasized, his eyes troubled and unwilling to look away from me.
"I will," I promised.
Once we're away from the castle, I'll contact you, Demetri's voice whispered in my head. And just so you know, there'll be little time for entertainment. We're now against the wall—and the wall is crumbling around us.
***
(Thanks for the kind PMs—and thanks for reading. OTM)