"ARE YOU AFRAID?"
Renesmee's voice resonated in Eleanor's mind, the words wrapping around her thoughts like a gentle whisper. She lifted her gaze, meeting the depths of Renesmee's immense, chocolate eyes, and offered a tender squeeze to the girl's hand resting on her cheek.
The corners of her lips tried to curve into a smile. "Of course no. Everything will be alright, Ness."
Renesmee reciprocated the gesture, her expression growing livelier, brimming with innocent trust. In that moment, Eleanor discovered that she was quite good at lying.
In truth, she was terrified.
Witnesses were clustered to the right and left of where she stood. On her left side holding her hand was Renesmee, followed by Bella. On her right, Thomas remained vigilant, his piercing gaze fixed upon the clearing. Genevieve, with her imposing presence and vibrant, fiery red hair, was only a few steps behind him.
In front of them, another line formed. Between them were Carlisle and Edward. And Eleanor couldn't see them, but she could also sense by their heavy breaths the wolves behind them, hidden in the density of the forest.
Everyone was there. Waiting.
She absently twirled the end of her hair, a nervous habit that surfaced whenever anxiety gripped her. The night before, Esme had offered to cut it, since it had already gone below her waist. It now fell like a black cloak to the middle of her back, completely straight and shiny.
That very same night while standing before the mirror Eleanor had noticed that she had grown a little taller. Her height difference from Nessie was more noticeable now. She could pass for a teenager of perhaps thirteen or fourteen. However, her eyes, as green as the trees that stood tall behind her, still held that familiar fear that every child has when scared by spooky tales. It dawned on her—perhaps this was her very own horror story unfolding right before her eyes.
Thomas beside her sighed. "And here they come."
Eleanor watched the clearing. They moved in formation, approaching slowly like a dense black cloud. They walked in perfect synchrony, their smooth steps creating the illusion that they were almost floating.
As they neared, Eleanor's focus sharpened, her curiosity demanding a clearer view. She tilted her head slightly, endeavoring to peer past the imposing silhouettes of Kate and Garrett, who had taken up positions as protective sentinels in front of her.
"The wives. The entire guard. They all came," she heard one of the Romanian vampires hiss. She couldn't identify which one. She had already recognized them as Dracula One and Two, as Jacob had let slip one of those days. She thought it fit them well.
"Kid," Thomas whispered, so low she thought it had just been her imagination. "Whatever happens, stay focused on your shield."
Eleanor frowned in surprise because, of all the people there, the one who had been most against her using it had been him. Still, she ended up nodding.
"Alistair was right," Edward murmured, loud enough so that only their side could hear him. "They—Caius and Aro—come to destroy and acquire," he explained, his expression stern. "If Irina's accusation had somehow proven to be false, they were committed to find another reason to take offense."
Suddenly, the entire guard stopped. Eleanor sensed the shift in their collective gaze, the intensity of their scrutiny now fixated not only on Renesmee but also on herself. A surge of palpable fury emanated from their features, etching lines of anger and disbelief upon their faces.
One woman in particular, blonde and golden-eyed, lingered on her longer, her expression a mixture of intrigue, astonishment and doubt. Irina Denali, she supposed.
Carlisle's voice trembled with evident anxiety as he asked, "What's going on, son?"
"They're not sure how to proceed," the mind reader explained. "They're weighing options, choosing key targets. The Romanians' presence irritates them. They're worried about the faces they don't recognize. They're mostly wondering about Eleanor because she seems to be like Renesmee, but older. And the wolves worry them, naturally."
"Should I speak?"
Edward hesitated for a second, but ended up nodding. "This is the only chance you'll get."
Carlisle stepped forward a few paces from the defensive line they had formed. His arms open, greeting the leader of the Volturi like an old friend. After an uncomfortable silence, the exchange between them began to unfold, surrounded by tension since the entire guard reacted almost as a reflex every time their leader moved, provoking a defensive reaction from their side as well.
"No one has broken the law. Let me explain," Carlisle said, offering his hand. In the days that had passed, Eleanor had learned that Aro had a similar gift to Edward, only unlike him, he needed physical contact to access one's thoughts.
"Are you treating us like fools?" Another of the leaders interrupted, his porcelain skin so pale it bordered on translucence. "We don't just see one child, we see two. This exacerbates the situation."
"They are not immortal Caius," Carlisle retorted, raising his voice even higher. "We have proof. Our friends here can witness the truth about them," then he turned, pointing at both of them. "Look into their faces, human blood runs in their cheeks. Look into their eyes, listen to their heartbeats."
Eleanor felt the stares fall on her and instinctively became more attached to Thomas. The leader only seemed more irritated. "Artifice!" he shouted. "Where is the informer? Let her come forward!"
One of the guards moved Irina to the front, leaving her only a few steps away from Caius.
In a sudden, shocking display of aggression, the vampire slapped Irina across the face, the resounding impact cutting through the silence like a crack of thunder. The violent act froze everyone.
"This is the child you saw?" Caius demanded impatiently. "The one that was obviously more than human? What about the other?"
Irina's body went rigid and her eyes finally focused on them, her expression noticeably confused. "I'm not... I'm not sure," she said. "She's older, but I think it's the same child." She then looked Eleanor in the eye. "As for the other... I don't know her. She wasn't here before."
Caius seemed to want to hit her again. Aro interjected. "Be composed, brother. We have time to sort this out. No need to be hasty." He took Irina's hand, going over the information again. "And so we have a mystery on our hands. It would appear the child has grown. Yet Irina's first memory was clearly that of an immortal child. Curious. What about the other child next to her? Where did you find her?"
Carlisle sighed. He seemed more relaxed now. "That's exactly what I'm trying to explain."
"I would rather have the explanation from someone more central to the story, my friend," Aro said, his soft voice hardening with each word. "I will have every facet of the truth," he added, looking directly at Edward.
Edward turned quickly to kiss Renesmee's forehead, Bella's and, to Eleanor's surprise, hers as well. Her face puckered in concern as she saw him getting farther and farther away from them, wishing she could join him even when being so close to that horde of black cloaks terrified her.
But then she felt it. It was like a wave that first hit her, then enveloped her. She followed the wave to its source, meeting Bella, her face submerged in concentration. She instantly knew it was her, expanding her shield. A surge of joy flooded her being, knowing that Edward wouldn't be left completely unprotected.
She wondered if everyone had felt that explosion or if only she had been able to, since it seemed that she had somehow "stolen" Bella's gift.
Could she come to do the same? So far, she had only been able to keep it to protect herself.
Calmly and with an unperturbed smile, Aro took Edward's hand. His eyes expanding for a microsecond as he received all the information.
The exchange between the two mind readers went on for a long time, making both sides uneasy. As murmurs ran between their line and the other, Eleanor paused to observe the guard.
She wondered who of them all would be Jane, the one they all seemed to fear the most. Would it be the woman who followed Aro like a shadow? But she seemed restless, even frightened. Eleanor doubted that she was the bearer of such a lethal talent as Jane was supposed to have.
Then she looked for Demetri, whom Thomas feared the most, even more than Jane. But it was natural. While Jane could inflict only fleeting suffering, Demetri could find them wherever they went, hunt them down. That was why, of all the guard, he was the one who worried him the most.
Was that why he had asked her to keep her focus on her shield? Days before, he, Bella, and Edward had debated the possibility that the mental shield would even work against his tracker talent, though there were more doubts than certainties.
Still, Eleanor didn't think it would do much good. Because even if she couldn't be found, Thomas could. And she doubted he would go along with the idea of letting her go to protect himself.
"You see?" Edward's voice made her focus again.
"Yes, I see, indeed," Aro agreed. Then he rested his gaze on her, paralyzing Eleanor in place. "May I meet them?" he asked eagerly as he continued to scan her face. "This is much more than I expected. I never dreamed of the existence of such things in all my centuries. What an addition to our histories!"
"Perhaps you should bring a few members of your guard with us," Edward said to the wave of protests that had been raised. "It will make them more comfortable."
The leader nodded. "Felix, Demetri."
The two vampires were at his side immediately. Eleanor watched with curious eyes, looking for the last one. Would it be the tall, robust vampire? She hoped not. I'll make sure to kill Demetri myself, is what Thomas had told her, but she couldn't even think of him facing this vampire who was, without exaggeration, much bigger than Emmett was.
"Bella, can you bring Renesmee and Eleanor?" Edward called. "And... a few friends."
Eleanor took a breath of air. This was it. This was the moment. Nessie was still holding her hand as they began to move. She could see for a second a reddish fur moving near the girl, so she assumed Jacob felt unable to stay behind. She could also feel Thomas walking on her right side. But everything became more blurred as they neared their destination, everything except the black cloaks and red eyes that waited expectantly to decide on the course of their lives.
"Hello again, Bella," the giant vampire said, a cocky smile on his face. "You look good. Immortality suits you."
Eleanor didn't look at Bella, but from her tone of voice she noted the irony in her response. "Hey, Felix. Thanks so much."
So that was Felix. She almost sighed in relief. Thomas then wouldn't be facing the mountainous vampire who seemed to be able to crush any of them in one blow.
But then her gaze descended upon the figure of the other vampire, Demetri, capturing her attention instantly. He wasn't like Felix. His stature could be considered average, and his physique leaned more towards slender than robust.
In certain aspects, he reminded her of Edward. But of course, the disparities between their faces were far too numerous. The most obvious one lay in his vivid carmine red eyes.
"I hear their strange hearts!" Aro exclaimed in fascination, drawing everyone's attention. "And their strange scents! So exquisite!"
Eleanor felt Thomas shift uneasily.
And it seemed that Aro did too. "Don't fret, young friend. I didn't mean it as a threat," his gaze passed to Renesmee. "May I greet your daughter, lovely Bella?" he asked sweetly.
Eleanor felt vulnerable when Renesmee let go of her hand.
"Half mortal, half immortal," Aro announced to the rest of the guard. His eyes wondered as he watched her. "Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human. So wonderful!"
Caius scoffed. "Impossible."
"Do you think they've fooled me, brother?" Aro asked almost amused. "I know you don't have my enthusiasm for collecting histories, but be tolerant with me, as I add a chapter that stuns me with its improbability. Look what we have gained! A new, bright knowledge of ourselves, our possibilities."
His voice was so comforting that it almost made her forget why they were there. Was Aro as terrifying as she had heard all those days? She swallowed dryly as she watched him.
"Precious Renesmee, you have marveled me," he declared. But then his red eyes landed on Eleanor. "I wonder... Can I meet your friend?"
Renesmee's ringing, high-pitched voice answered. "Only if she wants to."
All eyes fell on her and Eleanor shrank back, as if those eyes could bury her under the snow. She watched as Aro extended his hand in her direction, eager, but the nerves that had taken over her whole body deprived her of moving.
She looked briefly at Thomas, who nodded in encouragement. Hesitantly, she took small steps forward. Aro took her hand the second she lifted it.
She felt it, at the moment of contact. Her shield opening like a curtain, unable to close again because of her nerves. She knew she should be focused, knew she should keep Aro from seeing her every thought, but it was involuntary as was the shiver that ran down her back.
She could feel Aro in every corner of her mind, in every memory.
Lucy struggling with her accelerated growth, not knowing what she was. The first time she wrote her name, being only a couple of weeks old. The first time she read aloud. The nights in the basement crying. Lucy crying. The pictures of her mother she kept hidden away. The first time she drank blood. And how she later threw up that same blood. When she met Thomas. When she met the Cullens. The first time her shield manifested. Edward and Eleazar discussing about her gift. Thomas promising to protect her. Her fears. Her joys. Her desires. All her unanswered questions. But the main one: Who was her father?
She gasped, trying to let go. But Aro held her tight, almost unfazed by her startle. "Amazing," he whispered, his eyes growing progressively bigger.
"What is it?" Caius hissed from their side.
Aro ignored him. "But so sad," he continued, lightly stroking the back of her hand. She shuddered. "Devoid of family, devoid of identity," he lamented, shaking his head. "I can only imagine the difficulties of navigating life all alone, my dear."
"She does have family," Edward interrupted. Eleanor noticed the resolute clenching of his jaw, suggesting that Aro's display of sympathy masked ulterior motives.
"I am well aware, young Edward," Aro replied, his smile directed towards him. "I have no doubt that you provide exceptional protection for this child. I was merely contemplating..."
"No," Edward cut him off. "As I said, she does have family. But I agree with your interest," he looked briefly at Eleanor, with an expression she couldn't decipher. "We all wonder what she might get to do with more time. It would be impressive, don't you think?"
There Eleanor understood. Edward's expression had been guilt, probably, for he was doing what Thomas had specifically asked him not to. Appealing to her newly discovered gift to get Aro to contemplate leaving her and Renesmee alive.
Thomas clenched his teeth. "What was he contemplating, Edward?"
"Aro wandered into the possibility of Eleanor returning to Volterra with them. He is willing to take responsibility for her if she has no one else."
A wave of hisses rippled through the guard. Caius looked the most indignant of all, his expression denoting palpable displeasure.
"I take responsibility for her," Thomas interceded, his brow furrowed.
Aro seemed unperturbed by the defensive undertone. "You are not her father," he calmly stated.
A flicker of irritation crossed Thomas' features. "As if I were," he retorted, his annoyance palpable. "Now, if you'll kindly excuse us..."
Determined to reach Eleanor, Thomas made a move forward. However, before he could close the distance, Demetri swiftly intercepted him, a blur of movement preventing him from progressing any further.
"Thomas!" Edward warned but it was too late, for that action had only enraged the vampire more. He threw the first punch to get the guard out of the way. Yet, Demetri's agility proved superior, effortlessly evading the strike and retaliating by forcefully shoving Thomas backward.
Eleanor saw everyone moving. Bella instinctively pushed Rensmee to safety, shielding her from the brewing confrontation. Jacob, emanating a low, menacing growl, positioned himself defensively. Edward desperately intervened, attempting to halt the escalating fight. Felix, though motionless, wore an smirk on his face, enjoying the spectacle unfolding before him. Only Aro remained still, his hand signaling his guard to refrain from intervening.
"Stop," she whispered urgently, her eyes widening in horror as she witnessed Demetri's iron grip tightening around Thomas' vulnerable neck, causing the vampire's pale, unyielding skin to visibly splinter under the immense pressure. "Stop!"
A raw impulse welled up from the depths of her being. She didn't have time to think about the consequences, although she wouldn't have considered them either. This was about Thomas. Thomas about to be killed.
She felt a pain in her head as she moved with speed to where the two men stood. It only took her a second to realize that Demetri's only uncovered spot was his face. Without hesitation, her hand found its place upon his cheek.
The shock was immediate. He trembled violently, falling and releasing Thomas in the process.
"I'm sorry," Eleanor uttered in sheer desperation, her voice laced with anguish. "I'm sorry, I..."
Her words remained unfinished, hanging in the air, as her wide eyes darted back and forth between Demetri, who knelt on the ground, and her own trembling hands, filled with a mixture of horror and remorse. The weight of guilt washed over her, suffocating her senses. She reached out, her fingers extending towards the fallen vampire, a desperate attempt to console or assist him. Yet, before her touch could connect, Thomas swiftly rose, positioning himself protectively in front of her, apprehensive that Demetri might retaliate.
She heard Kate's voice in the crowd. "Told you she needed motivation."
But of all the reactions, Aro stood out the most. With wide eyes filled with wonder, he exclaimed, "Marvelous!" and burst into a fit of delighted laughter. "Marvelous! This is..." he took a step toward them. Felix flanked him. "Like anything I've ever witnessed. Yesterday you didn't have this gift and today..." His gaze shifted to his guard who had risen to his feet. "My dear Demetri, fear not. I am sure Thomas meant no harm. And excuse Eleanor, she is new to the intricacies of her remarkable talent."
It seemed so strange to hear Aro talking as if he knew her. Yet, considering he had glimpsed into the depths of her mind, he did indeed know her.
"My apologies, master. My intention was solely to ensure your safety."
His voice had come out calm and polite, but from the way his chiseled jaw contracted it was clear that he was beyond furious. She met his carmine eyes and again felt the pang of guilt stab her heart.
Aro smiled. "I know, dear one," he turned to his guard, who were waiting uneasily with indignant expressions. He held one hand up toward them. "Peace, my friends. All is well."
Caius uttered the words through clenched teeth, his voice laced with indignation. "This is utterly unacceptable," he seethed. "She attacked one of our guards. She has to answer for her actions."
"I'm sure it was just an unfortunate mistake, right Eleanor?"
His outstretched hand extended like a foreboding decree, leaving no room for refusal. The weight of the consequences began to press upon her. This could be life or death for all of them and Eleanor knew it.
She tried to calm down. The worst thing she could think of after shocking a guard was to shock Aro himself. "I see," he murmured after taking her hand. "And does it happen with everyone?"
Eleanor found herself unable to part her lips, her gaze locked steadfastly upon the ground. It was Edward who replied. "It seems to manifest exclusively when she directs her focus towards one in particular. But the triggering so far has been by impulse... As you have seen now."
Aro nodded, finally letting go of her hand. His eyes shimmered with an enigmatic gleam. "So much to discuss," he said. "So much to decide. My dear Cullens, if you will excuse me, I must confer with my brothers."
Eleanor felt Thomas grab her arm, pulling her back. They returned to their side at the same time as the black cloaks advanced to surround Aro.
Her heart pulsated erratically within her chest, a tumultuous rhythm that seemed to defy the confines of possibility, while fear and guilt coalesced into tangible forms within her mind.
Had her actions cast a daming shadow over the fate of them all?
⸻
Hi reader! How are you? I hope well.
The first encounter with the Volturi has occurred! What did you think? I've read your comments and for those who wondered if there were going to be romantic elements involved in this first moment... Well the answer is no, of course. I never thought of involving her romantically until she grew up, this was simply an approximation of what the future will be like after a few years (and spoiler: you can see that she didn't get very good impressions from it).
We are coming to the end of Breaking Dawn, the next chapter will be the last one set in this period and then we will make a jump of years. Hope you're excited!
See you!