Chapter 30 - Never Think
Girl, save your soul
Go on, save your soul
Before it's too far gone
And before nothing can be done
"Alice?" Jasper questioned as his mate abruptly disappeared from his side. Disappointed they had not been able to detect any emotions or visions that could aid in their cause, they were on their way back to base outside the walls of the city when, without warning, Alice had come to a halt. Jasper circled back to retrieve her.
He found her immobilized, eyes open wide. The cry of horror sent through her emotions was echoed in the depths of her gold eyes. Jasper could feel her plea to be released from the vision that wounded her deeply.
"It's okay, baby. I'm here," he soothed, rubbing her shoulders as he stood before her struggling to sound calm as her quickly ramping emotions swirled around him like gathering storm.
Alice began shaking her head even before her eyes refocused, "It's too late! We're too late!" Her knees weakened and Jasper quickly pulled her in to steady her.
"What do you mean? Bella? Is she dead?"
"Worse," Alice sobbed. "Oh, no! Edward!"
Several miles away, Edward waited with Tanya for Jasper and Alice's return from their failed mission. True to his plan, Carlisle had set out with Eleazar to request an audience with the Volturi. Edward was, to put it mildly, reluctant to be left behind; however, Carlisle had convinced him the initial contact must be business-like and diplomatic – without emotion.
As Carlisle saw it, the Volturi would perhaps be willing to negotiate, and he and Eleazar were the most logical ones to handle this situation. In addition, there was also the slight possibility of the Volturi's innocence that Carlisle still clung to. In either regard, there was no benefit in handing over what Aro may desire most: Alice and Edward. Having them walk into the castle would make any strategic negotiations less probably. Instead, Carlisle had instructed them to split up and move locations, keeping their phones handy. Carlisle also banked on Edward keeping track of his thoughts. Hopefully, he would be able to sound the alarm if needed.
Tanya sat silently in the dark observing Edward's facial expressions as he listened to the thoughts of the others for any signs of trouble. Occasionally he would nod or his mouth would turn down into a dissatisfied frown. It took all her energy not to keep asking "What?" every time his expression changed. She crossed her arms petulantly across her chest. It was bad enough sitting in the devil's backyard, but not knowing what was going on with the rest of the family was almost intolerable.
Suddenly Edward stiffened. Three seconds later, his cell phone began to vibrate in his pocket. This time Tanya didn't hold back. "Edward, what's going on! You look like you've seen a ghost." She instinctually inched away from him as his face began to contort with such anger and disgust. Tanya was certain he was going to explode. "Edward? Say something, dammit! What's going on?"
"Those bastards!" Edward growled. He bolted to his feet and took off running. Tanya again gave chase.
"Edward! What the hell!" she called after him as her cell phone began to buzz. Keeping her eyes trained on Edward, she reached for it. "Hello?"
"Tanya! It's Alice. Where's Edward?" Alice's voice was full of tension and barely controlled fear. "Did he see?"
"He's en route to Volterra as best I can tell. I'm behind him, but I don't know if I can catch him. Damn him! What is going on in that thick head of his?"
Tanya heard a slight rustling and then it was Jasper's voice on the phone. "Tanya, Alice saw Bella. She saw her in the castle – wearing a dark cloak."
"What? When? A Volturi cloak?"
"Alice said her vision was like seeing Bella on an old style TV, one with an antenna. The scene was fuzzy, like a signal was trying to break though. She said she saw Bella in the turret section, standing beside Aro. Then it blanked out."
"What the hell would the Volturi being doing with a human as part of the guard? What kind of game is he playing?"
There was silence for several seconds before Jasper responded. "Tanya, she isn't human anymore."
The news hit Tanya like a sucker punch to the gut. She wanted to stop running to take in the magnitude of what Jasper had told her: Bella was a vampire and a member of the Volturi Guard. This just wasn't possible! However, she didn't have the luxury of stopping as Edward was catapulting headlong into the spiders' web. At least she had an answer to why he was running toward the castle...
"Jasper, Alice sees the future. Maybe there's time? We can get Bella back before –"
"We'll see," he replied somberly.
"You have to help me intercept Edward! He must have seen Alice's vision." Tanya panicked.
"No doubt he has. We've already changed direction. My guess is Edward will go to the same location where he was taken into the castle last time - through the clock tower. Meet you there."
(~*~)
Aro released Marcus's hand, only allowing a faint flicker of displeasure to cross his features. Caius was glaring at him expectantly. And though anger toward the Cullen's sudden appearance coursed through him, Aro presented a smile to his audience…
"Well done, Isabella! The extent of your power is indeed a surprise. What a gift you are to the entire vampire race. You will serve them well." Aro snapped his fingers. "Renata? I do believe you have something prepared for Isabella?"
Renata stepped away from Aro and disappeared behind a wall behind the dais. When she returned, she bowed and presented a perfectly pressed cloak to Aro.
Aro rose as did Caius and Marcus. "It is not every day – or even every decade – that we induct a new member into the guard."
Before his words could sink in, Bella heard a venom-laden hiss. To her left, she saw Jane rise unsteadily to a stand, her eyes riveted to the cloak. Bella examined it. Then it hit her – the cloak was for her! She was being added to the guard – at this very moment. Not only that, the cloak in Aro's hands matched the deep color worn by Alec and Jane, displeasing Jane by indicating Bella's high value to the Volturi's cause.
If she had been traded by her husband in exchange for the lives of others, should she not make the best of a bad situation? Even be allowed to feel a slight sense of pride for following in her father's noble footsteps? Bella flexed her shield. Felt it move around her. It was hers alone - and she alone controlled it.
Now she belonged in this world – his world had become hers. In Volterra, she was valued – maybe even feared. Affirmation filled her mind – indeed, she was destined to be a vampire.
She felt a swell of satisfaction – and validation. After a lifetime of being utterly ordinary, she finally found she could shine – not overshadowed by the Cullens' gifts and control. She was on equal standing with the most powerful and respected members of vampire race!
All she had to do was accept Aro's offering...
At human speed, Bella approached Lord Aro. He beamed at her, and even Caius appeared to have an approving look. However, when she looked to her sire for confirmation, Bella observed his brow was creased and his eyes hollowed. Was this his expression of concern? She froze.
"Come now, child." Aro stole her attention.
As Bella reached for her new garment, Renata quickly stepped forward, placing her hand on Aro's shoulder. Bella sensed Renata's shield bristling against hers.
Aro read the thoughts on Bella and Renata's faces. "Ah, now that Isabella's shield has been freed, it lives and breathes! What a splendid addition you are, my dear. You fit in perfectly."
"Aro, may I?" Marcus spoke up unexpectedly.
Aro tilted his head slightly in consideration. His eyes briefly conveyed he didn't like the upstaging, but he acquiesced to his brother's request. "Of course. After all, you are her sire."
Marcus stepped forward taking the cloak from Aro's arm. He opened it before Bella, holding high so that all could see, and nodded. Bella turned to face the assembled guard allowing the weight of the cloak being laid upon her shoulders by her creator to fill her. She didn't perceive it as a burden, but as a commitment of loyalty and duty she took on as part of the ruling vampire family. "Welcome Sister Isabella, member of the Volturi Guard."
The on-looking guards broke into polite applause. Other than Jane and Alec, Bella was the first newborn to be inducted into the Volturi Guard. She smiled.
The large bells in the clock tower chimed twelve times in her honor. As the final gong reverberated through the pre-dawn streets of Volterra, the large doors of the turret room burst opened. Two women in billowing black cloaks, hoods drawn up, floated gracefully through the doorway. Though they were slight of stature, their presence commanded the room. The guard parted respectfully and the women confidently strode up to Bella.
Upon lowering their hoods, Bella was struck by three things: the women bore a striking resemblance to each other; they were beautiful beyond compare; and they were unnaturally pale – even for ancient vampires.
"May I introduce my mate, Sulpicia," Aro's voice sounded with pride. The smaller of the two women reached out to clasp Bella's hand between hers.
"At last we meet, Isabella. I have heard so much about you."
Sulpicia squeezed Bella's hand firmly before releasing it. Her touch felt … cool.
"And this is my lovely mate, Athenodora," Caius followed with his own introduction.
However, the woman did not extend her hand in welcome, but simply nodded her head, her eyes wary.
"It is an … honor … to meet you," Bella stumbled to find the correct words.
Suddenly she felt awkward, but not for herself. That constant feeling of clumsiness and inadequacy seemed to fade as soon as her shield bloomed. No, this had to do with Marcus. Standing there alone, no doubt thinking of his lost mate. It was as if she could feel his distress.
Then all heads rose slightly as a scent carried on the air. Bella turned in the direction of the scintillating smell to see another guard member carrying an oversized tray into the room. Upon the tray were sixteen gold chalices each embossed with a crest. They were arranged in a large circle with a slightly larger one placed in the center. Her mouth rapidly filled with venom. There was no question as to what was in the burnished cups...
"Oh, I do love tradition," Sulpicia's voice tinkled with excitement; the sound of it caused a small pang in Bella's heart. "Do try to control your cravings for just a bit longer, my dear." Sulpicia winked at Bella.
On the dais, Aro and Caius extended their hands to their mates, and the women regally ascended to the platform. With a simple nod, Caius gave the command. Nine members of the guard shifted soundlessly into a configuration resembling the cups on the tray – a large circle with Bella in the middle. Simultaneously they all drew their hoods atop their heads.
"Corin." Aro spoke, and the woman with the tray presented it to the brothers and their mates. Then she entered the circle, pausing momentarily before of each guard member so he or she could remove a chalice. When only two chalices remained, Corin took one and offered the remaining cup - the center one - to Bella. Once Bella removed her cup from the tray, Corin melted into the larger circle.
The smell of blood surrounded her and danced temptingly, the effect was hypnotic and frustrating at the same time. While Bella knew this ceremony was in her honor, the urge to rip the fluid-filled cups from everyone's hand had begun chipping away at her control. With wild anticipation, she glanced into her cup.
It was empty.
Chelsea spoke, "It is with joy we welcome our newest member. We now demonstrate our unity under the Volturi coat of arms."
With sharp, military-precise steps, Chelsea approached Bella. Bella stood holding her chalice, uncertain what to expect. The circle appeared menacing with their faces hiding within their hoods. Bella's chest rumbled with the desire to solely consume the fluid that surrounded her.
Chelsea held her cup at chest height and nodded. Bella mirrored her position. With a smile, Chelsea then tipped her cup over Bella's, pouring a measured portion of her cup's contents into Bella's.
Bella looked at her with appreciation, but this was only the beginning. In turn, each member of the guard approached Bella in the exact same fashion, sharing the contents of their chalices. The darkest cloaks shared first, the colors becoming lighter as the ceremony continued.
When the last member, Santiago, retook his position in the circle, Aro spoke, "Raise your cup in celebration for our sister, Isabella, who today has chosen to become one of us."
Everyone present held his or her chalice high before eagerly consuming the contents. Bella followed suit. As she took in the faces around her, she was amazed by their behavior. So civilized.
With a confident hand, she raised her hood. There was a murmur of approval around the circle. Aro nodded in triumph.
"Unfortunately, we have pressing business we must attend to," Aro announced looking genuinely disappointed.
Bella listened as Aro then spoke calmly in Italian, "I nostri nemici sono venuto a reclamare ciò che possediamo. Individuare loro e portarli a me."
Though she could easily commit his words to memory, she doubted her luck at locating a computer to translate their meaning. Bella turned to Aro, confusion colored her expression.
"Daughter, go now with Renata. A new wardrobe worthy of your cloak is in order. You are dismissed."
Without resistance, Bella followed Renata. Though she attempted to listen to the conversation between the brothers in the main hall, the doors proved as good a sound barrier as the thick stone walls.
It was only with the final sealing of the doors that Bella realized she had forgotten about Dominic and Gianna. Bella felt a wave of concern and guilt – had they recovered consciousness like Jane did? Where had they gone?
Her train of thought was disrupted when the elevator halted and Renata exited. "Well? Will you be joining me?" she questioned.
"But this is not where my chamber is located," Bella replied.
"You are a member of the guard. As your position has changed, so have your quarters."
Meanwhile, in the turret section, Caius was silently fuming over Aro's words: "Our enemies have come to claim what we possess. Locate them and bring them to me."
Once Caius was certain the wives and Bella were out of earshot, his discontent flared. "The Cullens are here? On our territory? The shape-shifter failed us! The seer has seen."
"Tut-tut, my brother," Aro eased Caius's concerns. "Believing we were indeed going to kill the mutt and girl pushed Isabella to reveal the true extent of her talent. She has discovered her power and savored it. She has passed her test, taking her final step into the guard voluntarily – which is more than we can say for most of the members. Let the Cullens come! And if the future-seer has indeed witnessed Isabella's presence with us, all the better. The Cullen Coven will have to accept her allegiance has changed."
"Aro, I warn you. Do not underestimate the power of their bond. Edward will not rest until he is reunited with his mate," Marcus cautioned in his slow, listless tone.
"Exactly. All part of the plan." Aro sat victorious on his throne.
"Don't get greedy, brother," Caius advised as he took his seat to the left of Aro, knowing exactly what was going through Aro's calculating mind. "We have Isabella, who is more powerful than we imagined. Wisdom dictates we should get rid of the rest and wash our hands of the Cullens." His military mind deftly calculated the Cullens' next move. "No doubt they will attempt entry. We will consider it an act of war and justifiably eliminate them. In this way, we can meet all of our objectives."
Aro's eyes glimmered. Despite Caius's good judgment, so much was within his reach – how could he stop now? Edward would be the crown jewel of his collection, though his air of defiance ruffled Aro's well-preened feathers. He made a vow to break Edward and see him kneel defeated at his feet.
With just two more additions, Aro easily envisioned a new height to Volturi rule - with Isabella and Renata acting as shields, and Edward reading the thoughts of any dissenter. Obedience of the vampire world would be never more assured. And Alice – oh, if she has come with Edward – she would be a considerable prize! To foresee any uprisings or invasions would make Volturi rule unshakable. Aro made a quick mental note to allow Caius to have his wish of destroying the shape-shifters once Alice was in place as Aro couldn't risk others using the creatures to block her sight.
There was a single knock and the heavy doors swung open. "Lords, Carlisle and Eleazar are at the south entrance outside the walls. They seek an audience with you," Afton announced.
"And it starts." Aro raised his arm in the air with a flourish. "Stall them. Retrieve Corin and escort our guests to the sound-proof office overlooking Gianna's station. Alonzo will, of course, wait on them hand and foot. Our hospitality and graciousness for our guests must not be overlooked in the smallest degree. Inform the doctor we will be with him as soon as ... humanly possible. Corin can assist them in soothe away their worries. I'm sure the trip from America has been … stressful."
Afton dipped his head in acknowledgement and closed the door.
"Your plan, Aro?" Caius inquired. "It seems you have thought of every contingency. What do you plan to do as our city is crawling with an uncertain number of Cullens and their Alaskan kissing cousins?" Caius inquired with a hint of sarcasm. "They have come to challenge our rule. They will use the abduction of their human as justification for attack."
"Again, my brother, have you learned nothing from Marcus? While Carlisle indeed may be seeking a revolution as evidenced by recruiting another animal-sucking coven into their mission, their weakness is still unchanged. Family. They are willing to die for a cause, but more willing to die for each other. Divide them and we can easily conquer."
"I don't like loose ends, Aro," Caius hissed. "If we kill them all, future attacks will be averted."
"Ah, but if you kill the extras, they will become martyrs. Alice, Edward, and maybe even our Isabella will have vengeance as their master. Leave some, and we will always have an ace up our sleeve, brother. A means to get what we want. Besides, Carlisle has no advantage without Edward and Alice." Aro placed his hand over his chest. "Oh, you deeply wound me brother. Have I ever failed you?"
"So now we wait?" Marcus commented.
"It shouldn't take long for Demitri to locate them. He has tasted many of the Cullen Coven members' minds."
The chase would be so simple, it was almost mundane. A smile crossed Aro's lips as an idea came to mind. "Care to wager?" Aro asked, though he knew Marcus would have no interest...but Caius … he enjoyed a challenge.
"What is your wager?" Caius responded.
"Gianna's blood. Winner takes all." Aro turned to Marcus. "Unless you feel some ownership over her blood, brother. You did find the little lost kitten. Too bad she turned out to be disloyal."
"For love." Marcus defended.
"Her choice. No one can answer to two masters." Caius added dispassionately. "She will have to live with the consequences of choosing poorly. Well, in this case … die."
"So brother," Aro interjected, "what say you?"
"Deal. I wager less than an hour to round them all up," Caius offered.
"Not one second over." Aro shook a finger at Caius.
"I accept."
Caius had bet well. Within forty-seven minutes, Jane triumphantly entered the room. Behind her trailed Demitri, Alice, and Felix with a restrained Jasper. Before the doors closed behind them, Chelsea slipped soundlessly into the room.
As they assembled before the brothers, Jasper continued to struggle against Felix's hold even though he was no physical threat for the seven-foot hulk of a guard. Alice kept Jasper in her sight while stealing nervous glances at Jane.
"Alice, Jasper. Had we been informed of your visit, we would have welcomed your arrival. But it seems we have found you lurking about the hillside. Am I to assume your intentions are hostile?" Aro questioned as he stood and approached Alice. Jasper's posture went stiff as he watched Aro take his wife's hand. To Jasper, it felt like an assault upon his wife.
Aro's eyes closed. "We'll see, we'll see…" he commented on Alice's current thoughts.
"What have you done with Carlisle and Eleazar?" Jasper demanded. Suddenly, his brow creased and his back hunched over, but he didn't let out a sound. Swiftly, Jasper dropped to his knees. As quickly as the pain came, it was gone.
"Thank you, Jane," Aro said before addressing Jasper. "I understand this is your first trip to Volterra, but you must understand, all guests are expected to conduct themselves with the proper decorum. That was your first and only warning. Now, to answer your question, they are resting comfortably, but maybe your gift has told you that much?"
Jasper struggled to his feet and glanced at his wife, who pleaded with her eyes for him to comply with Aro's directives.
"Bella is here. You know I have seen it," Alice offered in a trembling voice.
Aro sat and leaned back in his chair. "And?"
Alice was taken aback. How could he act like this was no big deal? As if it was his right to do what ever he wanted! She blinked rapidly before continuing, "Is it true? Have you... changed her?"
"My dear, Isabella has come to understand that under the Cullens' so-called care, she had been needlessly endangered on too many occasions. As well as repeatedly denied her wish and destiny. How long did you believe she would accept being manipulated like a powerless pet? Even you swore in our presence, and in the presence of Isabella herself, that you would change her if we granted a stay of execution. We rarely give second chances, and what did you do with it? You squandered it! You should be ashamed of yourselves for your arrogance and careless treatment of such a gifted girl."
"Are we to believe she faked her own death to runaway and join the Volturi?" Jasper's temper flashed.
"You're walking a thin line, soldier," Caius admonished.
"Please!" Alice broke in, "We respectfully ask to see her." She bowed slightly hoping a show of submissiveness instead of aggression might win over the self-appointed monarchy – and spare Jasper. But then her shoulders slumped as she saw their decision.
"I know your mind as well, Lord Aro. You have offered that before and my decision stands. I must humbly decline." Alice spoke cryptically in attempt to keep Jasper calm; however, she knew Aro's preferred plan for her and could not let him continue with that line of thinking. Still Eleazar's words on the plane echoed in her mind: What can we use as leverage?
Alice stole a glance at Jasper. She would undoubtedly offer herself in exchange for Jasper's safety. Of course, Aro already knew that to be true … was that his angle?
"So you came here unannounced and under the cover of darkness to do exactly what?" Aro pressed to have their mission spoken in front of witnesses.
"Take back Edward's stolen mate," Jasper snarled.
"Stolen? That would indicate she is being held against her will. What if she has decided to take up our noble cause and remain here?" Aro asked calmly.
"With all due respect, I don't believe she would." Alice spoke quietly.
Aro threw up his hands. "There is that tiresome Cullen arrogance again," he scoffed. "We will confer with Isabella to ascertain if she wishes to see you. While you wait, you will conduct yourselves appropriately or you will be escorted from the premises. Am I clear?"
Jasper and Alice didn't attempted to hide their confusion as they were unceremoniously herded down a hallway to wait in a room that resembled any other high-powered corporate conference room – complete with a large, shiny table, flip charts, and high-backed leather chairs. Jane stood by the door, flanked by her twin, Alec.
"Retrieve Isabella," Aro commanded. Felix did as ordered, finding Bella with Renata in her new chamber examining the look of her regal new clothes in a mirror.
"Lord Aro requests your presence," he announced from the doorway. "Both of you."
"Your first order of business," Renata commented to Bella. The two followed behind Felix as he escorted them back to the main chamber. While Felix took his station at the door and Renata assumed her position slightly behind Aro's throne chair, Bella hesitated. What was her role?
"Isabella, please. Take your position to my right."
Swallowing hard, Bella watched Renata hesitantly shift to Aro's left side before she raised her chin and walked forward to stand behind and to the right of Aro. Marcus stole a glance in her direction with the same ambiguous look of concern on his face.
"Isabella, do tell me, what is your role?" Aro asked.
Bella's head jerked in his direction. She had expected to be told this, not asked. With another quick swallow, Bella spoke, "To serve my race. To defend our city and protect our secrecy."
"Well spoken." Aro smiled as Bella failed to mention preserving the lives of the Cullens. "Your shield will complement Renata's. You will be the first defense in protecting us from any unforeseen mental attacks. Once a subject is led into this chamber for consideration, you will extend your shield around us. There are many who would use undisclosed powers to attempt an attack."
"Yes, Lord Aro," Bella agreed.
"Put on your hood, Isabella."
Complying with the leader's instructions, Bella donned her hood. Renata did so as well.
"Your first order of business will most likely be your biggest challenge. I regret this has to come on the heels of your joyous induction, but we are given no other choice."
"I understand," Bella remarked wrapping herself within her cloak, not to mention her newfound courage and assertive shield, determined to demonstrate she deserved the faith Aro had placed in her ability.
Marcus shifted uneasily in his chair. His animated behavior a direct result of his innate connection existing between Bella and him – a newborn and her creator. While initially a sire felt a physical bond to the newborn through the insemination of venom, that connection had evolved over the millennia. Evolution adapted this relationship into something longer lasting, which served to promote propagation of the species by continuing subtly in the subconscious of a newborn, who instinctually knew from "birth" destroying a sire was forbidden. With the passing of time, this link was not something either party gave conscious thought. It had become part of vampire nature.
However, in Marcus's case, his gift enabled him to feel very acutely the bond he shared with Bella. With his talent amplifying his engrained sire connection to Bella, it was within the realm of possibility Marcus would sense Bella and Edward's intense connection even across a great distance – the reason why Aro never questioned how Marcus knew Edward had arrived.
What Aro was not yet aware of was that the natural, un-coerced connection to another being had fueled a light in Marcus that he had not experienced in a very, very long time. It thawed a cold, hard place inside of him that he never imagined he could reclaim after Didyme's death… and Chelsea's bewitchment.
Marcus rearranged his robes staring intently at Bella as he sensed Edward drawing nearer. Internally he clung to that precious little piece of himself he had reclaimed, though he knew it was directly linked to Bella. As long as Bella remained, so would the light. Unfortunately, Marcus also recognized that this effect was not mutual. Bella's light came from another source. She blossomed in the presence of her mate, Edward. And as Edward drew closer, causing the threads that connected Bella and Edward to grow thicker and tauter, the more conflicted Marcus became.
Ultimately, if Aro has his way, Marcus knew the darkness within would return. Still, forced by an allegiance not of his choosing, Marcus spoke the words lest they be taken from his mind, "He is in the castle."
Aro grinned with confidence. "Let him come and the truth be heard."
The doors opened again. Bella watched as Santiago escorted a compliant visitor into the chamber. Felix moved to flank the visitor, and though his face had been covered with a sack-like hood, something stirred within Bella's sleeping memories as his scent of honey mixed with lilac and sun filled the space around her.
With a slight nudge, Bella flexed her shield around the three brothers.
"You have been accused of trespassing and harboring hostile intentions against us. How do you plead?"
"Innocent," the voice responded from under the shroud.
That voice! It reached into Bella's gut and scrambled everything within its reach. Although Bella would have described her shield as resilient and pliable in texture, she gasped as it suddenly shattered around her in a million jagged shards.
Felix yanked the hood off the captive's head.
Edward!
A/N: Ugh! And there it is - The changed Bella seeing a very unchanged Edward. How would you expect her to react considering what she's been through and what Aro has fed her? Aro's quite convincing, no?
Chapter 30 already! I can't believe it. Thank you for your comments from ch. 29, and though I know I cleared up the question about Marcus sensing Edward's presence, I'd like to clarify Bella's "attack" shield. When I picture it, I see something similar to what I've seen as a result of a nuclear explosion - you know that ring that flies out from the center, flattening everything in its immediate path... yeah, that's it. This form of her shield does not embrace or surround anyone. It repels. You'll get another chance to see it in action in an upcoming chapter.
I also need to ask for your patience. Although chapter 31 is well on it's way, it may be delayed. I have good reasons! This week is my birthday as well as my little bro's wedding. After his nuptials, I will be jetting off to see some- but not all - of my closest Twi friends, including RowanMoon (for the first time!), Billi Beavis Cullen, Pixie Kat (who is letting us crash at her house in NJ), Gasaway Alley, Frol, and Viola Cornuta. These ladies add to sunshine to my life (although, in Ohio we are getting way too much sunshine, but you know what I mean...)
I will endeavor to be timely, I promise, but these chapters are getting trickier to write and take more time and planning.
Finally, thanks for Ashling92, RosaBella75 and RowanMoon for sorting through all the various versions of this chapter. Hope it has all the best elements.
