Chapter 39 – Rolling in on a Burning Tire
- Rolling in on a burning tire,
You're gonna set my house on fire
Just to show me you were there.
Chelsea's words sent a chill through Bella as if ice had replaced the blood and venom coursing through her vessels. It was time.
Time to test if Chelsea had done what Bella had asked: strengthened the bond between her and Marcus while lessening the bond he had with Aro and Caius. Contrary to what Bella had told Chelsea, she was not "confused" about her feelings for Marcus, and she certainly was not interested in assisting Chelsea in obtaining her coveted throne chair. No, it was because when the time came - and that time come soon - Bella needed Marcus to be bound tight enough to her to listen to the words she would tell him. Marcus had the right to know what really became of his mate.
Entering the Throne Room, Bella immediately assumed her position behind Aro. With thoughts of mutiny pulsing through her mind as she stood her post, Bella realized Aro had taken great risk bringing her here and allowing her to be so close to the great monarchs, despite the fact she could not be compelled by Chelsea's gift. So confident Aro had been that Bella would be swayed with lies and the lure of power ... Bella was determined to make Aro's overconfidence his downfall.
With her shield's ability to both block other vampire gifts and render anyone close to her unconscious, Bella could feel invincibility wrap around her like a warm cloak. Her greatest weakness, the thorn in the lion's foot, ironically, was Edward.
Sensing his presence, Bella watched Edward assume his position in the back of the room next to Corin. He appeared entranced. Bella's stomach clenched in fury and her shield prickled at the way Corin stood so close to Edward, and how she used her gift to push him further into submission to the Volturi. If only Bella could direct her defense shield in a straight, targeted burst …
But it was obvious Aro had calculated the effectual range of Bella's defensive shield since the first time she used it to stop Jane from inflicting pain on Dominic and Gianna. Edward and his guards remained outside her shield's limits. Aro may have taken great risk to place her at his side, but he always kept an ace up his sleeve.
Desire to see Aro dethroned overwhelmed her, and certainly, Edward had incorporated Aro's weakness into his plan, but Bella still found his plan ... lacking. True, if his scheme succeeded, they would leave Volterra, but something about Edward's plan felt like a coward's way out; slinking away in the night, grateful for being able to crawl away unscathed. The sticking point for Bella was that she had suffered an injustice. She had endured the raping of her humanity. And what had been taken could never be reclaimed.
It had been Bella's most cherished wish that someday, just as she had offered her body to Edward on her wedding night, she would offer her humanity to the one man who would then possess her body and soul. As was true with her body, her humanity was a sacred gift she could only give once. Instead, it had been stolen from her, and her new vampire existence had been tainted.
Somehow justice had to be served, revenge claimed. If she could not have it for herself, Marcus would. Despite Edward's claim to the contrary, she would give Marcus back his dignity by releasing the secret that belonged ultimately to him. Marcus had been victimized more than anyone in the castle at the hands of his "brother" no less. This was the justice that had to be served. If there was a true reason for her coming to this place, Bella was certain revealing the truth to her sire was it. And though vampire morality rested more on the belief of an eye for an eye than turn the other cheek, it should be up to Marcus to decide if Aro should pay for his act of sororicide with his life or not.
As if sensing her restless thoughts, Edward's eyes abruptly locked on Bella. They appeared glassy and redder in color, but sobered slightly as they brought her into focus. Still, the emotions that lie behind them remained unreadable courtesy of Corin's effect.
Tension filled Bella's body. Her senses reached out to gather any and all information they could, her shield spread from her in all directions as if it could augment the ability of her senses. Spots of light blinked on like new stars as one by one everyone present was brought into a universe of Bella's own creation.
The points of light shifted as the guards moved into their assigned positions for the commencement of business. Chelsea remained nearest the dais. Edward stood stock-still between Heidi and Corin while Santiago and Afton held positions by the doors. Jane and Alec took stations at the midpoint of the room. Serving as sentries outside the main doors were Felix and Demetri, who also acted as escorts, bringing visitors in and out of the castle. It was a strategy the Volturi Guard had found served them well. Business was conducted efficiently and stringently.
When all movement ceased and eyes were cast to the brothers, Aro glanced at Bella and slightly raised his eyebrows in a questioning gesture. So quickly had Bella become accustom to her role, she didn't need Aro to verbalize his question. It was time to do her job. With her senses heightened, however, it was difficult for her to restrain her shield and pull it back to only encompass the brothers, but she managed it. Three lights glimmered within her shield, each one unique, pulsing at a slightly different frequency. But this time Bella noted with curiosity a hue variation in Marcus's light. Had it always been that way?
Giving Aro a tight nod, Bella indicted her shield was in place. Raising his right index finger, Aro indicated court was now in session.
For hours, vampires from far and near paraded in and out of the doors. Some leaving pleased, some disgruntled, and some had to be physically subdued or removed when they insisted they had been treated unjustly. The truth of the matter, however, remained: there was no higher court to appeal to, and it was made clear any violation of Volturi edicts would be dealt with swiftly and severely.
Through the course of dialogues, often in a tongue Bella did not understand, it did appear some visitors provided inside information on the activities of other vampires and covens. It was unclear if they were spies hired by the Volturi or freelance lurkers hoping to gain Volturi favor. Whoever they were, at times, it looked as if Edward had interest in what they had to say.
To her surprise, Bella realized that a part of her also found enjoyment and interest in this part of being a Volturi Guard. The admission had her pondering the possibilities … would she have stayed had Edward not come to Volterra?
The question brought back the image of the painting of Carlisle standing with the three brothers. Carlisle had left after two decades in Volterra, but only when he saw the loss of his freewill eminent. As a shield, she could not be compelled to remain. Aro must have been confident Bella was worth the risk and the reward. Was she truly that special? Certainly that was what Aro wanted her to believe, and as a master of knowing what lurks beneath the surface in the minds of his victims, he cleverly fed her starved self-image. Ultimately, it was what she wanted to believe as well – she wanted to be special, like the Cullens had appeared to her. Powerful, gifted, strong.
Bella's eyes found their way back to Edward.
Edward.
Her confidence fell. Had she merely been the bait Aro used to lure Edward, the definitive prize? Or was there an even bigger picture? Could this truly be about Carlisle turning his back on what the Volturi had to offer – Carlisle's snub of Aro? Was she just a small cog in the bigger Volturi revenge/control machine?
The possibilities boggled her mind, and again, Bella had to remind herself, wherever the truth lay, this was not her destiny. Fate had brought her and Edward together for a purpose. And, although she believed becoming vampire was part of her destiny, being molded to fit the Volturi Guard template was not, even if a part of her refused to admit that her new found power was indeed influencing her decisions.
Movement from the back of the room drew her attention; Corin had turned to Edward to adjust his cloak, smoothing it across his shoulders and chest. A low growl reverberated through Bella's hardened bones as she witnessed him standing between Corin and Heidi, looking resigned to his fate.
If they remained, Bella could not hope to shield Edward from Corin, Chelsea, and Aro indefinitely. How long until he lost all freewill? Then would he become someone incapable or hardened to love? Had she herself already crossed that line? Was this what Marcus and Didyme had tried to avoid when they sought to leave Volterra?
She could sense she had travelled mentally down a path that now had emotionally chosen its own course. The thought of possibly being separated from Edward stirred a fear deep within her she could not quantify. It seemed large enough to swallow her whole if she continued to dwell upon it. At least Bella knew Aro did tell her one truth: mating was different. It was felt in every fiber of her amplified being. Panic and desperation rapidly rose up within her. Biting it back, she set her jaw in resolve. If bringing down the Volturi was what it would take to be with Edward, to be free of the threats and control, to hell with peaceful solutions!
The door opened with a loud clang, setting Bella's shield on edge. Demetri entered. "My lords, begging your pardon, but a brief recess is unavoidable," Demetri announced, bowing before exiting quickly.
No one moved, and it was clear all posts would be held until Demetri handled whatever complication had stalled business. Breaking the silence, Edward's voice flowed from the back of the room once the echo of the closing door had ceased. "Lord Aro?"
All eyes turned in his direction.
"Edward. You have been exceptionally quiet. Have you something on your mind – other than everyone else's thoughts?" Aro asked with a glimmer in his eye, the satisfaction of seeing his collection completed.
"There is something that has come to my attention. But I would find it easier to show you," Edward replied.
"You may approach." Aro appeared unimpressed, almost impatient, as if he had pressing plans and was aggravated at being delayed. He stood extending his hand downward to Edward as if he was the Pope expecting his ring to be kissed. Renata shifted forward, standing ready.
As Bella watched his approach, their eyes locked briefly, and Bella's shield bristled as if itching to reach out and protect her mate. Edward was about to attempt to trap a wild animal in a corner. For her, Aro was that volatile and unpredictable – and most likely too clever to get pinned by two young vampires. He'd attempt to find a way out...
Hence Plan B – Plan Bella.
Time warped as Edward appeared to be moving in slow motion toward the dais. Concerned he had been dulled by Corin's doping effect, Bella wondered if Edward had control over all his faculties. So much was invested in this single moment...
Deliberately, Aro folded his hands around Edward's, sandwiching Edward's hand between his. All stood still as Aro closed his eyes to absorb what Edward knew.
Perceptibly, Aro stiffened.
"What is it, Aro?" Caius demanded in a voice torn between alarm and concern observing the leader's body language.
Aro's eyes flew open, and Bella could see reflected in Edward's eyes Aro's cold, murderous gaze.
"Nothing to concern yourself with, my brother," Aro responded, his head turning to flash a reassuring grin in Caius's direction. But this casual action had served another purpose; it also allowed Aro to make subtle eye contact with Bella. And what she saw terrified her. It was the look of a very displeased, feral animal preparing to fight. But ever the polished actor, Aro added coolly, "Nothing I cannot handle."
"Do tell, brother. What has Edward shared?" Marcus drawled.
Aro dropped Edward's hand like it has suddenly become something quite revolting. "It appears Edward is looking to spread his wings as well. He believes he can be of value to the envoy traveling to Estonia." Aro's voice carried none of its usual bounce.
"You sound uncertain," Caius concluded, thousands of years of coexisting allowing him to hear the unspoken concern of his brother. "Perhaps it is not yet time."
Marcus folded his arms, indicating the decision was inconsequential to him while Aro resumed his seated position on his throne with a flourish of his robes. He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair in thought. Seconds ticked away slowly. All waited for the ruler to rule.
The confusion and curiosity in the room was apparent as the mind chatter of all the guards filled Edward's head. Focusing, he watched as Aro's gaze travelled around the room. They stilled as if finding what they had been searching for. Quickly isolating Aro's mind, Edward searched it, but found only a scattering of thoughts and images obviously meant to distract and throw Edward off his trail of thought.
With a deep inhalation, Aro gave his much anticipated answer. "No, Caius. I believe him to be ready."
Bella exhaled the air lingering in her lungs. Her shield sputtered and momentarily fell back into her. So far, so good. Aro had not revealed Edward's threat and appeared to be complying with Edward's proposal. Still, she knew it would not be this easy...
Aro continued, "Edward will join the envoy. His gift will hasten a resolution." Aro tilted his head in appraisal of Edward, who still stood before him. "The envoy leaves shortly and I cannot have you representing the Volturi dressed like a filthy commoner." Raising his hand, he hailed Heidi. "Fetch Edward apparel more appropriate for a Volturi Guard."
With a brisk nod, Heidi departed.
Aro turned his eyes back to Edward. "Santiago will escort you to your quarters to assist you in your preparations for departure."
Edward politely bowed before turning away from the brothers. All watched as Edward exited the room, followed by Santiago.
In a motion that caught the startled attention of those remaining in the room, Aro rose abruptly. Bella imagined she could see the waves of anger flowing off of him. Her shield vibrated and coiled as she prayed she wouldn't need to use it to defend herself. The plan would quickly fall apart if that was to happen.
"Aro?" Caius questioned Aro's odd behavior.
"Nothing," Aro responded bluntly, easing himself back into his chair.
Crimson eyes darted about the room in bewilderment. Bella repeated "game face" over and over in her mind, feeling exposed by the glares searching her face for clues to the monarch's out-of-sorts behavior. Bella, in turn, focused on Chelsea, wondering if she too felt the strain of their secret.
But for some reason, Chelsea's eyes were fixed on the doors. What was she expecting to come through them?
When the doors did open, Demetri appeared, clearing his throat from the rear of the room. "Masters?"
"Yes, yes, Demetri. Please resume," Caius prompted with irritation at the strange behavior that, so far, had gone without any explanation.
In that moment, what everyone had failed to observe was Afton, whose gift of shielding was not often required unless dealing with an attacker, vanishing from the room behind the departing Demetri.
( ~ * ~ )
Edward dreaded being separated from Bella at this critical point of the plan. Just when they needed to be united, they were divided. No doubt, Aro would attempt to construct a counter-plan. His anxiety grew as Santiago escorted him to his cell. Though Aro might call it "quarters", as long as Bella's human scent lingered, it would always be a place of punishment for him.
Looking for a clue as to what Aro's next step might be, Edward searched for his thoughts. The task was complicated by the clutter of thoughts coming from eighteen Volturi members, one shifter, and several simple human minds.
Of course, the minds closest to him were always the loudest and easiest to hear. Santiago, as a warrior, was focused on Edward's movements and his task of preparing him for his first mission. As Edward drew nearer to his cell, Dominic's mind blared. He was on full alert.
Passing Dominic and Gianna's cell door, Dominic stood, eyes wide in inquiry, peering through the bars. Edward nodded once.
But there was another mind ... thoughts scattered and random, but close. Edward inhaled deeply to gain more information on who it was that lingered between the dungeon and the main chamber above them.
As Edward entered his cell, Santiago met Heidi in the hallway. When Santiago remained although he had handed Edward his attire, Edward raised an eyebrow. "Might I be afforded a bit of privacy?"
With a shrug, Santiago exited the cell, but he did not stray far. Still, Edward's tactic had worked. Almost immediately, the mind that had stalked him unrecognized got closer as Edward began to disrobe. Stalling in changing his clothing, Edward pushed harder to identify the ghost mind that patiently inched closer and closer. Slithering along like a snake moving in for a stealthy strike… An invisible cobra.
Afton!
"Destroying me will not help Karina," Edward spoke swiftly and quietly, searching frantically for signs of Afton's presence. "And it will require explanation to Aro."
Do you think Aro would not approve? Afton's thoughts responded.
"It was you he looked to in main chamber," Edward hissed in bitter realization.
You have put us in a very unsavory position. I am sworn to protect my coven as resolutely as I do my mate. But what you know, what you have threatened to share, would cost me my family. I cannot let that happen; therefore, I cannot let you live. I cannot risk to 'trust' you. But I am interested in knowing how it feels - knowing your gift will ultimately be the cause of your destruction?
"Aro would have me destroyed after finally acquiring my talent?" Part of him understood how arrogant that sounded, but still, Edward had to ask. It wasn't like Aro to be … wasteful.
You must be a bigger risk than an asset. I wonder what else is in that head of yours Aro seeks to keep from public consumption?
"There is a chance you will lose this fight," Edward warned, still searching for signs of Afton's physical presence.
Ever battle a shield, mind reader? It might be a fairly even fight – if it wasn't for my centuries of training and fighting experience … I'll break you into pieces before Santiago even knows what's happening. Concealed, Afton crouched, his large frame compacting into the stance of a defensive linebacker.
"And Bella?" Edward barely could voice the question as he spun in several directions looking for his would-be attacker. "Aro knows she has knowledge of your secret as well."
Who would believe the babblings of a distressed vampire widow? She'll have to choose whether she can still serve the Volturi or if she will require destruction as well, Afton sneered. Goodbye, Edward of the Cullen Coven.
In that last second, as if it was an impossible reprieve that came just before an execution, Edward heard Aro's thoughts loud and clear – his counter-plan.
"He's going to kill her!" Edward blurted out as Afton launched his first attack, his right shoulder connecting with Edward's midsection forcing air to rush from his lungs.
"Your lies won't help you now!" Afton grunted, pinning Edward to the floor, his teeth bared.
"Aro plans to send Demetri and Felix to kill Karina! Afton! You are right – Don't you see, Aro cannot risk this secret getting out. He's going to eliminate the evidence – he's going to have Karina destroyed – and Rebekah!"
The sound of Karina's caretaker's name being spoken by Edward jerked Afton to a halt. Chelsea and Afton had referred to her as "Nana" for so long it had become her only name. It could only have been Aro to think her name for Edward to hear. He was the only other one in the castle to know Rebekah by her proper name.
"He wouldn't!" Afton spat, his words raining down a spray of venom on Edward as a look of disbelief at the possibility of being betrayed by his leader formed on his face.
"You know damn well he would," Edward hissed in return. "Aro only takes care of himself. Everyone else – everyone – is expendable!"
Afton's nostrils flared and his upper lip quivered. "I have served well all this time. And he would have my family destroyed!" The man hovering over Edward appeared to transform. "You have a family, don't you, Cullen?"
"Yes," Edward responded simply, hearing Afton's impending request and plan of action. "And I would die for them. You don't need to do this alone. I will help you keep your family safe. In doing so, I might be able to preserve my own."
The time for peaceful resolutions had passed. Aro's plan was pressing Edward into action. This was war – the existence of two families, and an imprinted young wolf, lay in the balance.
Afton, however, remained perched on Edward. I still don't trust you. But we have a common goal, and now, a common enemy. Because of this, I will fight at your side – unless you give me reason to destroy you. Am I clear?
If anything, it was clear Afton was fighting not for the goals or aspirations of another, but of his own accord for the individuals he … loved. This was a man with a true purpose who was highly motivated to succeed. No better ally.
"Crystal," Edward replied with fervor.
Afton was off Edward and on his feet, sprinting for the cell door in the blink of a human eye. Edward gave chase, only pausing to rip Dominic's cell door off its hinges. To his shock, Dominic stood ready, the metal collar at his feet.
"Change of plans," Edward barked. "Get Gianna to lead you out the tunnels. All hell is about to break lose in the main chamber. We'll clear the way. Run while you can."
Before Dominic could reply, Edward had disappeared, headed in the same direction as Afton. When he caught up, Afton had already dismantled Santiago in his raw rage at being betrayed. "Collateral damage," Afton mumbled, tossing a torch onto the pieces.
Then he was off, determined to stop Demetri and Felix before they could be dispatched to destroy Karina and Rebekah. Edward could only imagine the form Chelsea's wrath would take once she learned of Aro's plan … if she was anywhere near the protective mother Esme was, there would be hell to pay.
In the race toward the Throne Room, Afton again used his shield to conceal himself. Edward continued to follow by tracking Afton's murderous thoughts, racing through the maze of tunnels. But Afton's shield could not hide the smell of burning vampire flesh. The bittersweet smell was detected by Demetri and Felix, who moved quickly toward it. It was in the tunnels that Demetri, who had taken the lead, was hit head-on by a charging Afton.
Felix came to an abrupt stop, confusion coursed through his mind as to why Afton, a Volturi Guard, would attack another guard. Felix's motive for entering the mêlée was to put a halt to the anarchy. The rulers would handle the subsequent investigation and punishment.
It was his moment of confusion and hesitance that Edward hoped to capitalize on as he launched himself directly into Felix's path. Edward's gift allowed him to predict Felix's movement, but he still found he couldn't get an upper hand against the strong and agile guard. It was an unpleasant sense of déjà vu.
Through his brief glimpses and the reading of rapid-fire thoughts, Edward knew the battle continued between Afton and Demetri.
"You will not destroy her!" Afton snarled, channeling his fear into power against his opponent.
"The child!" Demetri spat back in disgust. "She is yours? You're a traitor! Now you will die a traitor."
Edward heard the crack of Felix's arm colliding with his chest before he felt it. Momentarily disoriented, Edward found himself in a bear hug from behind, his arms clamped to his sides. As Felix squeezed tighter, Edward realized he had lost track of Afton's thoughts.
"No," Edward hissed as Felix spun him around to face Demetri. Afton's head lie at Demetri's feet.
Callously he brushed it out of his path with his foot, his eyes ablaze from the recent battle. "You have proved to be most difficult," Demetri spoke in a slow cadence. "But it seems your little uprising is over before it ever threatened us, mind reader."
"I wouldn't count on that," a deep voice responded.
Demetri turned. "Oh look, it's the beast." He let out a sarcastic laugh that rivaled Aro's. "Did Edward let you out of your cage? You surprise me, thought snatcher. You'd allow a pathetic man to fight in your idiotic little revolt?"
"I may be a beast," Dominic snarled, "but I'm more of a man than you'll ever be, leech."
With a hiss, Demetri charged at Dominic. Standing his ground, Dominic took a backhanded blow across the face from Demetri. The force of the hit rocked Dominic's world, and he wasn't sure which sound was louder: the cracking of his jaw or the cracking of his head as it smacked against the wall.
Neither mattered. Dominic had duped Demetri into giving him the catalyst he needed. Rage at the pain and his hatred for the beings that kept him locked up like a stray mutt rippled through him in waves. And he embraced every ounce of it.
The surge of heat and the sound of ripping material melded together with his warping environment. Dominic's own crazed laughter transformed into a vampire-hungry growl.
"Holy –" Edward managed to push out as he gaped at the intimidating wolf appearing before him. Dominic was taller and wider than any shape-shifting wolf he had ever seen! If the wolves were to be described as being the size of a horse, Dominic was a draft horse to Jacob's pony. His black-tipped silver fur stood on end, making him appear even larger; his teeth were bared in a horrifying snarl. Thick saliva dripped in long strands from his curled lip.
Awakening from his shock, Demetri let out a yell and again charged at Dominic. Using the distraction, Edward broke free from Felix's hold. In a blur of fur and white, pale flesh, the battle raged. Dominic fought with the strength of two vampires, and working with Edward's advantage of mindreading, the two were able to strip off the limbs of the guards until they were no longer able to fight. Edward removed the heads of the incapacitated fighters to ultimately silence them.
That was easy, Dominic's thoughts gloated.
Edward gave him a sideways glance as he moved with haste to Afton's side, replacing his severed head.
What are you doing that for? Don't fix him!
"Dominic, I appreciated your willingness to help, but this isn't your fight. There is no loss of honor if you leave. Take Gianna and go. There are many more where he came from, and finishing this fight is unavoidable now." Edward's words were so rushed Dominic barely made them out.
Oh hell yes, it's my fight! Dominic's thoughts boomed in Edward's head. I've told Gianna to escape and we arranged a rendezvous point. I'm a man – or wolf – of my word. I made a promise to Bella we'd leave this place together and it's a promise I intend to keep.
"I can't promise we'll survive, Dominic!" Edward had become agitated. Dominic was young and inexperienced. It was wrong to allow him to face the skilled killing force that made up the Volturi Guard.
Stop fighting me and let's go destroy some vampire scum, Ed.
To Edward's dismay, Dominic took off in a run toward the Throne Room.
"Is it on our side?" Afton's voice was gravelly as he slowly rose to a stand behind Edward. But once on his feet, Afton was mentally ready to continue the fight for his family.
Edward answered with a nod, and they took off following the unpleasant odor Dominic had left in his wake. They met no resistance, and while Dominic and Edward paused once they reached the Throne Room doors, hoping to develop a strategy, Afton barreled through them without hesitation.
"Charmion!" Afton called to his mate as he burst into the room.
Hearing him call her by her original name alerted her to danger, and Chelsea moved immediately toward him.
Caius was out of his throne chair like a shot. "What is the meaning -?"
Afton cut him off. "Aro plans to have Karina destroyed! He double-crossed us!"
Chelsea let out a hiss and a wail that filled every space of the large turret. Bewilderment was apparent on every face in the main chamber. Only Aro knew what was truly at stake in the next moments. He attempted damage control.
"Seize them!" He pointed at Afton and Chelsea. "They are in violation of the law for creating an immortal child!" Aro barked, on his feet as well, standing next to Caius.
"Bella!" Edward yelled from the doors as the guards moved toward Chelsea and Afton. With any luck, Bella would find her way to him through the distraction of the guards descending on Afton and Chelsea. His eyes widened in astonishment as she glanced in his direction and ... turned away!
"Dominic!" Edward looked up at the large wolf. "Guard this door. No one leaves until I return with Bella, got it?"
Got it. Dominic made his way with difficulty into the room behind Edward and hunkered down in front of the doors as vampires began to move about the room in a frantic blur.
Immediately, Bella recognized this was not part of Edward's plan, and obviously their ace in the hole had been exposed prematurely. From Afton's declaration, it appeared to Bella the brief exchange Aro had with Demetri just minutes ago included instructions to kill Chelsea and Afton's child, thereby rendering the only card Edward was willing to play fruitless. Aro had never intended to release them willingly.
However, the distraction, the battle playing out before her – guard versus guard – afforded the exact distraction she required for her plan. Ignoring Edward's call to cowardice, Bella darted for Marcus. Falling at his feet, she grabbed his robes with both hands, "Marcus, sire! Now is the time for me to tell you the truth! You must believe me!"
Marcus looked down at her with pain and disbelief evident on his face. Before him, the empire his brothers and he had worked so tirelessly to create was warring from within – What could have been the pretense for such a complete breakdown? Marcus took in the dreadful sight, mesmerized.
Screams had erupted from Afton as Jane locked him in her mental grip of pain, but when Chelsea attempted to move to his aid, she was struck by a burst of Alec's mist, blinding her. She continued to cry out to Afton; her cries detouring Edward as he raced to the dais.
Avoiding Alec's cloud of confusion, Edward dove for Jane, taking her legs out from under her. With her gaze stolen away from her target, Afton regained his bearings and focus, pouncing on Jane before she could get back to her feet. Rolling out of the way and to his feet, Edward noted the absence of Jane's demonic thoughts, indicating Afton had acted quickly enough.
Over the fighting, Aro could be heard calling out orders, struggling to make order from the chaos as he dictated from the dais, Renata at his side. With Chelsea scrambling the ties between members, however, the chaos only grew. Edward searched the dais for Bella, finding her kneeling before Marcus. It was with horror, though, that Edward noticed Caius was missing. Dominic!
Wheeling around, Edward spotted the blonde leader stalking Dominic. "Dominic! Caius -" were the only words Edward could call out in warning before a foot to his back threatened to crack his body in two. Dropping to his knees, before on his back, Edward looked up to see a ferocious Heidi raising her foot for another strike. Throwing his hands out, Edward caught her high-heel-clad foot – and twisted. Heidi howled as her leg snapped at the knee, toppling her over. But the stream of obscenities flowing from her mouth was drowned out by a new wave of screams.
Fire, undoubtedly originating from a dislodged torch, was running wild through the room. Aided by the spilt, flammable venom that coated the floor from the dismembered vampires, the fire raced its way through the puddles of blood-tinged fluid to the tapestries lining the walls. In a matter of seconds, it appeared even the stone walls had caught fire.
The pungent purple and dense black smoke clashed and hung heavy in the room, obscuring the view. The lack of clear vision added further confusion and panic to the riot. No more did Alec dare to use his screen, uncertain if friend or foe would be affected. Instead, he searched blindly for his sister.
Securing his bearings, Edward again set out for the dais. Ahead of him, through the smoke that burned even vampire eyes, there was no mistaking the glare that was fixed on him. Aro was coming through the flames and smoke - just for him.
The drive for self-preservation winning out over duty, Renata had abandoned her leader and attempted to seek cover behind the throne chairs. One of which was still occupied...
"Marcus, please!" Bella shrieked at the frozen leader as he watched all that had remained for him literally going up in smoke. "Marcus, it wasn't the Romanians who killed Didyme. It was Aro! It was her own brother!"
"No. No, little one." Drawn in by the name that always brought peace to his inner turmoil, Marcus looked down at Bella. "Their relationship was strong and he grieved his sister's death. Aro could not have destroyed her."
"Edward heard it in his mind! I have not lied to you; you know the strength of our relationship. I am not lying to you now. It's true. He needed your gift, so you have been kept in the dark, playing the unknowing fool while Aro keeps you bound here to serve his wishes," Bella urgently cried as the heat from the flames grew in intensity.
She had thought releasing the truth to Marcus would quench her desire for justice; instead she found it heartbreaking to see the emotion rising in Marcus's once dead eyes. It took her back to that devastating moment when Aro convinced her she had been abandoned by Edward. Knowing how much that had hurt, she almost wished she could take back her words.
But it was apparent it was too late for that. The emotion in Marcus's eyes had transformed swiftly from doubt to deep loss to stone-cold fury. Bella knew that look – she had felt it in her own heart. Vengeance.
Disregarding Bella tugging tenaciously at his robes to get his attention, Marcus rose and searched the smoky room for Aro. Flooded by centuries of grief that had merely been deferred by Chelsea's gift, Marcus was bereft of logic.
"Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth," Marcus hissed the mournful quote of Cain after receiving God's punishment. "And so shall my penance be for the murder of my brother."
The curtains behind the dais began to succumb to the ravaging of the flames. Burning chunks of the material began to rain down, creating a new hazard for those who had managed to yet avoid destruction. Oblivious or unconcerned by the danger, Marcus stormed through the haze and flames, drawing closer to his target. He was close enough to overhear Aro's heated words as he battled with Edward.
"Look what you have done! You will pay for your arrogance!" Aro threatened as he trapped Edward in a chokehold. But through the thick smoke and flames, the equally blazing eyes of a warrior released from his restraints became evident. His focus unwavering. His intentions clear.
Edward closed his eyes, anticipating Marcus's strike.
From behind, Aro felt the clamp of a strong hand on his shoulder. The fury with which the thoughts transferred from his assailant's touch to his mind struck him like a bolt of lightning from the sky. Releasing Edward, Aro muttered, "So the time has come."
Aro turned to face Marcus. He knew it was the last time he'd look upon his brother's face. Vampire nature demanded repayment for the destruction of a mate, and that payment was life. Though Aro would not give his life willingly, he would at least provide Marcus with an explanation.
"I cared for her too, brother! It destroyed me to do what I had to do, but ruling requires sacrifice! Didyme gave herself so that we can do what the vampire world needed us to do. We are their protectors and we must do whatever that requires!" Aro meant every word he uttered.
"She loved you!" Marcus shot back. "It pained her to leave. But you drove her to sadness. She saw power consume you, creating someone she didn't know or understand. It was not her wish to rule – but to love. To love me! One does not sacrifice a sibling for the service of another. Our kind cannot benefit from the example you set. You are not fit to rule!"
"And tell me who is, brother? Who else has the strength, conviction, and skill to take on the mantle we have bore? It takes someone willing to make the tough decisions no one else is willing to make to ensure the continuation of our race!"
Edward was uncertain how long the heated dialogue between the leaders would last before it came to physical blows. He didn't care. He had to find Bella. The smoke had become an opaque shroud over the room; nothing was visible. Edward called to Bella in desperation as the number of voices in his head diminished second by second. Without being able to hear her mind, fear struck his heart – was Bella even still alive?
Amid the darkness, however, two mates did manage to find each other ... Afton and Chelsea. Willing to abandon life in the castle for their child, the two followed the curve of the walls to doors. Using his shielding gift, Afton and Chelsea were invisible to Dominic's vigilance at the door. In the moment they had to escape, they bolted from the room at top speed – never questioning what - or who - they had collided with on their way.
But for Dominic, the voice that screamed in agony was unmistakable.
Finishing off his attacker, Dominic left his post and made his way into the outer hallway. It was against the wall he saw the sight that rendered him mortal. Gianna lay on the ground, blood trickling from her mouth and ears. "No! G!" Rushing to her in human form, Dominic knelt at her side pulling her protectively into his arms.
"I'm sorry," she sputtered. "I couldn't leave without you."
"No, I should have made sure you were out of this place before I went to help. This is my fault – all my fault." Tears formed in his eyes and silently coursed down his cheeks as he watched the life bleed from her. He pulled her to his bare chest, rocking her gently. "I love you, Gianna."
"I am too flawed for you, Dominic. I love you, but I am letting you go," she whispered through blood soaked lips. "All I ask is that you pray for me, please. Maybe in heaven we could be ..." But the remaining words of her sentence went spoken as she slipped into unconsciousness.
Brushing her tangled hair from her face, Dominic pleaded, "No, no! Stay with me!"
While one grieved the impending loss of a soul-mate and two brothers locked in a heated battle to the death, Edward's calls to his wife and mate went unanswered. His mind ticked off the names of those whose thoughts had ceased: Santiago, Jane, Demetri, Felix ... and the most recent victims of Dominic's jaws, Heidi and Caius. Alec's thoughts remained, though they bordered on panic as he groped in vain for his sister. Renata could be heard, but fear had left her thoughts incoherent. Growing fainter were the anticipatory thoughts of Afton and Chelsea as they made their way ... home. Edward tried to focus on the fleeting thoughts of the parents as opposed to the ones too haunting to dwell on: Marcus and Dominic's. Both were in the process of losing the ones they had held most dear.
"Bella! Please!" Edward cried out reflecting their anguished thoughts. "Please..."
"Edward?"
Bella's voice was more glorious than the sunrise over the mountains. He melted to the floor with her as she collided with him and wrapped him in an embrace tighter than any one he had experienced since Esme welcomed him home, the prodigal son who had seen the light.
"Bella," he sighed into her hair, even though it reeked of death and destruction. "I love you. I love you so much."
"Are we going to survive?" she asked, suspecting the rising death toll around her.
"Yes. Come." He took her hand, and as she followed his lead, they moved with cautious speed toward the obscured doors.
"Dominic and Gianna?" Bella called out.
Edward knew she was questioning their safety. He wasn't sure how to answer. "Dominic is just ahead, outside of the doors."
Around them, sounds of cracking stone made it clear the fighting was not over.
"Marcus!" Bella cried out. "Marcus, where are you? Edward!"
Edward's squeezed Bella's hand tighter. He could not afford to lose her in the smoke –or worse, allow her to get caught up in the battle between the two Volturi titans.
"Stop, Edward! We have to find Marcus!" Bella begged.
"No. It's too late. We have to go."
Not realizing their conversation had been a beacon announcing their location within the fog of dark smoke, another guard, who had been waiting, biding her time for the moment she could locate Bella, struck.
Corin moved with accurate, deliberate speed, striking Bella and breaking the hold she had on Edward's hand. The high-speed collision sent Bella and Corin careening across the polished floor. Through the venom-fueled flames they slid, each trying to get a solid hold on the other, until the stone steps of the dais abruptly stopped their momentum.
"He's weak," Corin hissed. "Your mate is under my control. He craves what I can give him more than what you offer!"
"You're delusional!" Bella fired back before Corin clamped her arm around Bella's neck, locking her jaw shut. She could hear Edward again calling out to her in a panic, but she was unable to answer to him.
Suddenly, it became apparent to Bella that Corin was much more interested in dragging her than fighting her. Bella tried to find purchase on something as she slid helplessly on her back, but there was nothing but slick floor and smoke. A heavy scrapping sound struck terror into Bella's heart – the grate. Corin had removed the grate covering the acid pit in the center of the room!
Bella fought for escape from Corin's grip with renewed vigor, the fear of being dumped in the pit – the acid, the darkness, the close quarters, the horror of the pit itself – shook her to her core. Fighting Corin became secondary to avoiding the pit. Bella's legs kicked and pushed as Corin dragged her by the neck.
The fall was terrifying.
Narrow and deep, both women collided several times with the flaky stone walls of the pit. With the ventilation system feet above their heads, there was nothing to prevent the putrid stench of rotting human skin, bones and organs from filling their nostrils. It was here in the thick, slimy decay that Corin began to fight in earnest. Bella let out a scream as her fear took her over. The knee-deep acid bath sloshed around them as they slipped and grappled in the dark. Despair threatened to engulf and paralyze her – exactly the effect Corin had wanted … It was in this desperate moment, Bella's words returned to her. Rely on yourself.
Bella stopped fighting and pulled in all her fear, anger, and regret, compressing the negative emotions so deeply and tightly, they revolved and exploded outward with tremendous force. The power of her defense shield slammed into Corin with destructive force. But because of the thickness and narrowness of walls, Bella's shockwave was unable to dissipate. Instead, it rebounded. Like a bullet, the wave ricocheted off the walls, slamming into Corin over and over until her solid form shattered.
"Rot in peace," Bella hissed.
The acid prickled at her legs, and she searched for a foothold or something she could boost her self off of. Finding a small jut of stone, she quickly balanced on it and leapt with all the power her newborn legs could muster. Hitting on the floor, Bella quickly stripped off her cloak as the bottom third had become saturated with the acidic mixture. She called urgently to Edward as hell closed in around her.
A hand from out of the smoke grabbed her brusquely, pulling her to her feet as more pieces of flaming material fell from the walls and the heat in the room became intolerable.
"Time to go!" Edward said hastily as the two again fled toward the doors.
Once through them, the visibility improved, best if one stayed closer to the ground – which is where Bella found Dominic clutching an unconscious Gianna. Dismayed, Bella looked to Edward, who shook his head with regret before turning back to secure the main turret doors, containing the growing conflagration.
Bella immediately fell to her knees next to Dominic.
He didn't look at her, but his shaking stopped when she placed a hand tenderly on his shoulder. "She's leaving me, Bella."
"I'm so sorry, Dominic."
"Bella?" Edward's voice interrupted the momentarily quiet vigil.
Bella looked up to see not only Edward, but Marcus as well. She rose to her feet, feeling both elated and guilty to see him. "Marcus ... I..."
He silenced her with an upheld hand. "Freedom is not found in power, but in the truth, young one." Without another word, Marcus removed his battle-worn cloak and draped it around Bella's shoulders.
He turned his attention to Dominic. "Thank you for allowing me to experience the unique bond of shape-shifters and their imprints. For someone with my talent, it was truly a special gift."
"How dare you?" Dominic growled, heat rising up inside of him. "Gianna regarded you as her savior. Now look at her! Broken and dying while you thank me!"
"You are her savior, Dominic," Marcus corrected. "I can offer one gift in exchange for the one you two gave to me, but it will have to be with your consent."
"Dominic," Edward interjected. "Marcus is willing to change her. Make her a vampire."
"She didn't want that anymore!" Dominic answered sharply.
"Does she not desire to be with you? And you with her? There is not much time as her heart weakens from internal bleeding. Choose," Marcus prompted.
Dominic gazed at the battered angel in his arms before looking to Bella. "What should I do?"
It was the question Bella realized Edward must have asked himself thousands of times over during the course of their relationship. Suddenly, the answer wasn't as black and white as Bella had thought it to be...
"I asked Edward to change me because I didn't want to be without him. But more than that, I didn't want him to watch me grow old and become feeble, breaking his heart bit by bit as he watched me die. You see, I wanted to become vampire not only so I could enjoy everyday of eternity with him, but also to spare him the pain of being without me," Bella spoke from her heart. "I've learned that love is both selfish and selfless."
Dominic's jaw set in determination as he looked back to Marcus. "Do it!"
A/N: *bounces excitedly* Okay – did you see this coming? This chapter was thrilling to write and I do hope in some small way you were surprised and satisfied. I can't wait to hear your comments!
So many dilemmas solved, yet so many still on the horizon...
Thank you to those who continue to read and support this story. I love hearing from those who have rec'd this story and those who shared it was rec'd to them. Thank you!
And of course, thank you to Rowan Moon and Ashling92- despite their busy RLs, they find time to put their hearts and minds into FI.
