*** 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 Four:

The Crumbling Wall

Something was wrong.

Really wrong.

I sat there on the bed and went over the strange encounter with Demetri and Aro.

Why send Edward to help Demetri? Aro hadn't bothered to answer my question as he walked into our room—even though I was certain he heard me. It was apparent now that he never intended to answer my question. And that bothered me. I hoped Demetri could tell me why all the secrecy. Why did he have to wait until he and Edward were away from the castle? No, nothing felt right—and with both Demetri and Edward away, I felt vulnerable in a way that I hadn't since I had arrived here in Volterra. My only comfort was knowing that the rest of the Cullens were here under the same roof.

I held Thaddeus' book in my lap as the minutes flew by and still I'd heard nothing from Demetri. I was going to wait until I'd heard from Demetri before going to Carlisle, for I didn't think that Carlisle or Esme knew that Edward was gone and I wanted to at least give them some information.

Half an hour…an hour…and I was ready to tear my hair out. It was almost five a.m. and the Cullens would be waiting for me…no, they'd be waiting for us.

I went to the adjoining door of Alice and Jasper's room and knocked gently. And when no one answered, I pressed my ear to the door and listened for a sign that they were there, but the room was curiously silent. They must've already left to meet up with the others. And knowing how Alice and Jasper valued their privacy, they wouldn't have disturbed ours—not on our first night alone together.

That meant the Cullens were all on the other side of the castle. And I was alone.

I stood up, suddenly spooked by the situation. I was sitting there in our room with Thaddeus' lethal book in my lap. I had to get out of there and find the Cullens.

Just as I was about to wrap Thaddeus' book in my parka, Demetri's voice echoed in my head.

Bella?

Where are you? I asked. His voice sounded as if he were far away. But I knew that couldn't be; it had only been a little over an hour since they left.

Somewhere safe…

Safe? Where's Edward? Aren't you supposed to be tracking Elena?

Bella…that was never the idea. Now you need to listen to me carefully…

My stomach clenched. It had to be worse than I thought.

…Muriel sent a messenger to Aro. She insists on talking to Edward. It's unheard of—she's a Lycan elder. She's even willing to come to the castle, which she knows would mean her death. Whatever she wants with Edward, it must be huge for her to lay down her own life. And I don't have to tell you how that looks with Elena being branded a traitor…

What could Edward have to do with anything? He hasn't even been here. And what did you say about Elena? I was wondering if I'd heard Demetri right. Did you just say Elena was a traitor? What are you talking about? My mind was spinning.

Demetri grunted. That was one of the new developments Aro spoke of before we left. It was Elena who gave the Lycans the information concerning our underground tunnels. It's no wonder she wanted so desperately to leave with Edward. And now Aro thinks Edward is part of the betrayal. He actually wants to believe that Edward put Elena up to it.

Oh God… My stomach felt like it was twisting apart; I had to sit down.

Bella…Aro has ordered me to kill Edward. That's why he sent Edward along with me on this farce of a tracking mission.

I was struck silent.

Bella?

You wouldn't…

He sounded stung when he half-growled, Of course I wouldn't. I know what that would do to you.

Yeah, my voice quivered. It would kill me.

I have to think of something, though. Aro wants me to bring back proof of Edward's demise. I don't know how I'm going to pull this off…maybe I won't be able to. But Edward won't die from my hand. I promise. I'm going to take him to Muriel; he'll be safer there. Maybe she can come up with some idea of how to pull this off.

I was trying to absorb everything he was telling me, yet I was reeling from it all. And he had more…

Can you remember how to get back to Muriel's place…the tunnels and the forest?

My voice quivered, I don't know, maybe… Ira tried to confuse us the first time so we couldn't find our way back to Muriel's house…

His voice softened to a lull, If you get to a point where you don't know the way, don't think, just try to feel the direction. Let the venom inside you show you the way. You have to trust that part of you.

Is that Tracker advice? Because I've never had that great of a sense of direction, I half-joked; I didn't want him to know how terrified I was.

His chuckle was light, Well you do now. Get the Cullens and get to Muriel's place as quick as you can. I think the Lycans are planning another attack—soon.

I sighed. Lovely. And then it hit me... Edward doesn't know any of this, does he? You haven't told him…I accused

There was a pause, then he mumbled, No…Edward and his family would've confronted the Volturi right then. It would've been a massacre. And I wasn't sure how you would react either. So I waited until we arrived here before telling you.

The sad thing was he was probably right. I shivered. No. You did the right thing. I'm glad you didn't tell him. I'll tell him when I get to Muriel's house—yeah, won't that be a surprise…

Suddenly, I knew that Muriel's house would be the time and place where I'd tell Edward everything. No more secrets. No more half-truths.

Bella…you need to leave before noon. And be extra careful.

I will. See you at Muriel's.

He chuckled again. That's the spirit.

***

(Thanks for reading. OTM)