Chapter Three: Paralyzer

Eden stared blankly at his pale, outstretched hand. The smooth texture had a faint static glow; that's where his gift was focused. Touching him meant revealing her inner mind, past what she even realized rested in her head. Her eyes flashed as she took him in, noting that warm smile he once had no longer reached his eyes. Though a grin rested upon his lips, his eyes scrutinized her every move. He was fascinated by her.

The chill in the air took a breath and sighed, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves as it whistled through the trees. Aro's dark hair danced behind him, almost a separate entity from him entirely; a shadow that mocked her as its waves whipped and twirled about his skull, a cape flickering in the wind. The off-tone film of his eyes seemed to darken the burgundy, almost like a frosted glass of merlot. The respect he demanded in his stance spoke volumes of his importance, almost as if to say, "I am the master and you will obey". She was in no position to deny him and so, she offered her hand. It was in slow motion that Eden watched him clasp on to her palm, his fingers curling over her wrist in a vice-like grip as he connected their fingertips.

For a moment, nothing happened. Silence. She took a breath and relaxed, seeing that everything would be alright. Aro was perplexed by what he saw; absolutely nothing. It was deja vu, an identical situation to the first time he met Isabella. Curious, he met Eden's gaze... though it was the last thing he should have done. They say, "eyes are the windows in to the soul" and his was bared before her.

It was a flicker of life at first, beautiful and calm as she felt herself being born, but then, life fast-forwarded and suddenly, she crumbled to the icy soil. Her eyes stayed wide open as her jaw dropped, but no sound came out. She felt the change, her body boiling from the inside out. Aro couldn't look away, he didn't know why, but he was entranced. Eden doubled over, never breaking eye contact as she felt her humanity chip away slowly over an eternal lifetime. She could feel blood streaming down her arms, the guilt and horror of killing a sibling. Her body and heart ached, unable to contain so much emotion. She could not see nor hear the events that tore her body inside out, but the physical and mental sensation bit in to her being. Renesmee had to be restrained, her cries echoing as she tried to race to her twin.

"Stop! Let go of me," she screamed, flailing against Jacob's hold, "Stop! Let go of her, just stop this! Please!"

Neither Aro nor Eden could hear her; the world was drowned out by a deafening ring. It took her but a moment to realize what was happening; this was all of Aro's soul seeping in her mind through touch. So vivid, she soon began to wonder where his life ended and hers began. Too much to endure, she forced her eyes to break from his gaze before ripping her hand away. With the support lost, her entire body collapsed to the dirt. Her breathing was escalated, though her heart never beat. She felt as if she'd been drowning in an ocean of emotional torment, a nightmare lagoon. The air had never tasted so sweet. Eden could hardly open her eyes and she wasn't sure if she ever wanted it.

"What are you?" Aro asked, breathless and awe-struck. He gazed down at her writhing from before looking back to the Cullen family, their expressions a mix of confusion and uncertainty. Jasper had been the only one to realize what happened, wanting to comfort Eden as he watched it unfold from a lesser point of observation.

"Do any of you know what she is capable of?" Caius spat, "She clearly is not!"

"We weren't aware she was gifted." Carlisle explained, trying to remain composed. "She hasn't shown any signs of exceptional capabilities in any of tests I've performed."

Caius stepped forward, eyes narrowed in attack, but Aro raised his hand. Checking his fellow brother, he offered a not-so-friendly smile and Caius returned to his place.

"Brother, you must know that many are unaware of their gifts until maturity," Aro said, implying that immortality is what awakens the inner abilities. "But Edeline is remarkable; her abilities could continue to prosper... however, we wouldn't want to be exposed because she doesn't realize her potential."

The silence that stretched over the clearing after that statement was one of anticipation. What could he mean? Edward, though never to admit it aloud, hoped Aro would take Eden away. Rosalie shared in the idea, proudly and wholeheartedly. The rest of the family didn't know how Ness would react if they took her sister away, nor did they want to find out.

"Perhaps," Marcus began, all eyes darting to him. "We should leave someone to shadow the girl, monitor her growth until the next meeting."

Eden slowly rose from the ground, meeting the eyes of the ancient vampire. She could see something in his eyes, a twinkle beyond the dark cloud that surrounded him. It was the darkest aura she had ever seen, but there was a light in the center, a hope that was newly ignited.

"Who do you suggest, brother?" Aro murmured, watching as Eden moved to her feet. She was hypnotizing, even in such a debilitated state. He could not leave a guard member who would be easily distracted nor lead astray by her. Two of his best came to mind, but he trusted Marcus to choose just as wisely.

"Alec."

Pleased, he could only agree. Aro contained a small grin as he raised two fingers at one of the hooded figures and beckoned the being forward. The masculine form moved toward the three kings, unveiling his cloak. Eden met his gaze the same moment he looked to her and the two were instantly connected; he wanted to protect her from the moment he saw her, but now, he wanted to claim her as his own. The intensity of this desire unsettled him. She longed to know him, to understand why his crimson eyes were so reserved, why his handsome face was so stony, and to lighten the distraught colors of his aura.

The pair broke eye contact at the same time, wanting not to attract attention to themselves. No one noticed the fleeting glance as they were all much too distracted by the situation unfolding: would a guard member truly be staying with them? It was better than war or bloodshed, but how invasive. No one was comfortable nor did they agree, but what choice did they have?

"Alec will remain with the coven until the next meeting. He will watch over the girl, ensuring our secret be kept. I see it the best option, don't you, dear friends?" Aro said, his smirk one that threatened them to object. No one would. No one did.

"Of course." Carlisle murmured, speaking for his family.

Aro nodded before looking to Alec and flicked his eyes to the girl still on the ground. Alec bowed his head before approaching her slowly, eyes narrowed at hers. He offered a hand, one she reluctantly reached for, but she broke eye contact the moment their skin touched. Eden kept her gaze on her bare feet, allowing Alec to guide her back her family's side of the clearing. As they found their place in the back, he removed his hand from her and kept it firmly at his side. She refused to look at him, unsure if she'd be able to look away this time. Eden knew he was thinking the same thing, though outwardly, he was a marvelous statue.

"It was wonderful seeing you, Carlisle, as always." Aro said, genuinely meaning his statement.

"Same to you, Aro. Until next time."

"Indeed."

The Volturi turned in perfect sync and their black forms became specks in the distance before disappearing altogether. The air grew slightly colder as they left all, but one behind. The Cullen coven could not resist shooting glances at their new addition for the next year. Edward and Rosalie shared a distasteful look before moving toward Renesmee and Jacob. The group distanced themselves from Alec and Eden, though Renesmee eagerly wanted to see if her twin was alright.

She never got the chance.

Back at the house, no one mentioned returning Eden to the basement. Alec's presence made their usual behavior feel forced and uncomfortable. He stood in the corner of the living room, staring out a window. He looked almost a decoration, a form frozen in time. Most of the Cullen family believed he was listening to their conversations, observing from a distance, but not Eden. She knew he hadn't wanted to complete this assignment, he cared little about what her family did and would rather be home, with his twin.

Alec gazed out the window, thinking about his sister and knowing she would be fine without him. He was worried about himself. He wasn't like her; ice to the core. Alec was unhappy with how is life turned out, but he didn't have any other options. Jane was his only family. Aro had taken him in when his own people turned on him, though he repaid the man a million times over. What other path did he have to walk?

Eden was entranced by his thoughts, their complexity and depth was unlike anything she'd ever heard. She wondered if he'd always been so introspective or if it had been something he developed over time. She was not given much time to ponder on that before she felt animosity directed at her. Turning, she watched Rosalie and Edward approach her with purpose. Rosalie had her arms folded across her chest, chin tilted up in disgust. Edward sauntered, shoulders tense and jaw tight. She hadn't done anything, not at all so why they were so upset with her she had no clue. She raised her head, a nod to acknowledge them. Edward grimaced, mostly because of how composed she was all the time. She must have gotten that from her mother, even if she looked nothing like her.

"The reason that... monster is here is you. Do you realize that, Edeline? You've put us all at danger, especially Renesmee." Rosalie spat, getting in Eden's face. The only tell that Rose had gotten to her was the slight twitch of her temple, but Eden knew not to react at all. She would only dig a deeper hole for herself; A metaphorical grave, if you will.

"Do you understand what you did today was completely stupid?" Edward demanded, "After twenty years of time to yourself, you'd think you would've learned how to control yourself."

Eden narrowed her eyes, a look far to similar to that of a panther preparing attack. Rosalie grinned, wanting all the more reason to take out the demon offspring. She didn't realize that she would not be the one walking away; Edward did. He began to see so much of himself in this child. In the ballet studio, when James had attacked Bella, Edward caught a mere glimpse of himself in the mirror and that look was now reflected in Eden's expression. It was in that moment he understood how much control this girl truly had.

"Just..." he trailed off, voice weak. Rosalie snapped her eyes to him, wide and questioning. He shook his head, as if to brush her off. "Keep your distance from Renesmee until this is all settled."

Eden turned her head away, making a small sigh of agreement before she made her way out the back door. Alec watched her go, growing more and more curious about the beautiful hybrid. He could see the weight on her shoulders, the unfamiliarity with these vampires and this home; it was as if this was her first day in this life.

If only he realized how right he was.

Thanks for reading! Sorry this chapter took so long, I actually have the entire plot written out already, but my laptop took a crap and I didn't have the chance to pump out this chapter. The story is just beginning so join the adventure! Till next time, remember to spread the love and leave a review. I appreciate the support!