2023. Seventeen years later.
"YOU'RE, LIKE, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL I'VE EVER SEEN"
Eleanor's laughter danced through the air, a delicate melody that accompanied her graceful movements. "Am I? You must not have seen a lot of girls then."
The boy in front of her shook his head. Eleanor could feel the smell of alcohol emanating from his body. "No. I'm sure. If angels exist they must be like you."
She playfully nibbled on her bottom lip, restraining the urge to break into a wide grin. "You're really drunk."
He shrugged carelessly, his smile quirking sideways, revealing those irresistible dimples once more. "Details," he replied, his words slurring together. "But seriously, how come I never saw you before?" he persisted, his fingers clumsily caressing her cheek.
A soft sigh escaped Eleanor's lips, barely audible over the all the noise that enveloped the surroundings. "I don't know. Maybe you weren't looking right."
His gaze drifted towards the cell phone clutched in her hand, its vibrant screen illuminating with the arrival of a new message. "Please tell me that's not your boyfriend," he implored, his eyes fixated on the wallpaper that adorned the screen.
Eleanor chuckled. "God no. That's my father, actually," she smiled looking at the image of her and Thomas on the little device.
"But..." his brow furrowed. "He looks so young."
"Ever heard of adoption?"
The boy held up his hands in innocence. "My bad." Eleanor took the opportunity to read the name of the message on the screen. Nessie. "What about your mom?"
She pursed her lips, savoring a sip from her wine glass. It was sweet, like all her favorites. Food, drinks, perfumes. "Trust me, you don't want to hear about that."
"Mommy issues, huh? I've got of those too."
Eleanor doubted that his mommy issues were the same as hers.
"Listen Enzo... It's Enzo, isn't it?" the boy nodded. "I have to answer a friend's message. I'll go to the restroom for a second. Will you wait for me?"
"Are you kidding me? I'd wait an eternity for you."
Eleanor couldn't help but let a soft smile play upon her lips. It was evident that he didn't fully grasp the weight of his words.
But he was really cute, she had to give him that.
Amidst the haze of smoke, the pulsating beats of music, and the scent of alcohol permeating the air, she gracefully navigated her way towards the restroom. In her path, she encountered a sea of classmates, their faces partially obscured by the dim lighting.
"Eleanor!" A familiar voice pierced through the chaotic buzz. She smiled at the petite girl with the short blonde hair. There was something about Katie's energy and looks that always reminded her of Alice. "You look amazing! The black suits you."
"Thank you. You look very pretty too."
The restroom was empty, offering a momentary break from the bustling energy outside. Eleanor released a soft sigh and relaxed her shoulders.
She shifted her gaze towards the mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a sense of quiet confidence. Katie wasn't lying, black really suited her. Or maybe it was just the shape of the dress, which hugged her curves in all the right places. The color also accentuated the enchanting emerald hue of her eyes, which stood out against her fair, porcelain skin.
Of course, it wasn't nearly as pale as Thomas' or any other vampire's for that matter. The faint hint of pink tinting her cheeks easily betrayed her humanity.
She flinched. Thomas.
She grabbed her phone, going straight to Nessie's new message.
I haven't seen him. Is everything all right?
She bit her lip, quickly typing an answer that wouldn't worry the young Cullen girl.
Yes! Just his usual disappearances.
Eleanor put her phone away again. Usual disappearences. She wished that was the case. When Thomas disappeared, usually because he was hunting out of town, it was for two or three days at most. But now Thomas had been missing for more than two weeks, leaving her no message, no notice of what he would be doing or where he would be.
At first she tried not to dwell on it too much. He was an adult, well, he was more than an adult. He was a vampire in his eighties. He could take care of himself and certainly had all the freedom that came hand in hand with an immortal life, enabling him to do whatever he wanted.
But that simply wasn't like Thomas.
Now, she didn't want to come across as a know-it-all. Or think she knew everything about him. Because, yeah, while the seventeen years together might give her some credit, there was also the fact that Thomas had lived much longer without her, spanning both his mortal and immortal days.
But even acknowledging that, there was also the truth that since they had met, Thomas had never been apart from her for more than a mere three or four days.
In fact, in the early years, it hadn't even been that long. The lingering visit from the Volturi could still be sensed in the air making the vampire who had taken on the role of her father figure incredibly paranoid, following her wherever she went like a relentless shadow.
On the road when Edward taught her how to drive. On the reservation celebrating Jacob's birthday. At the mall eating ice cream with Nessie. Even in the midst of a rather tedious math class, where she found herself enveloped by a sea of oblivious humans, he was ever-present, watching over her.
Admittedly, it had been somewhat amusing.
And now, even though the encounter with the Volturi had become nothing more than a haunting nightmare, it wasn't an uncommon thing for her to walk into her apartament and find the vampire engrossed in watching television, reading a book or looking simply at her atwork, offering his unsolicited commentary. Eleanor's response always involved a tight eye roll, a well-practiced reflex.
She and Thomas had always had different opinions. About art. About life. About everything, in general.
And yet, she was sure she couldn't live without them.
For all these reasons and more, Eleanor was sure that it was impossible for him to decide to disappear for so long without saying anything.
She tousled the carefully crafted waves in her hair and gave her lipstick a quick touch-up before stepping out. She hoped that Enzo hadn't continued indulging in his drinking spree during her absence, as it would only lead him to drift off into a deep slumber. And she really needed a distraction that night.
The surprise came when she couldn't find him anywhere.
The place where they had been was empty. Casting her gaze around the bar, she searched for any trace of him. Yet, there was no sign of Enzo, not even amidst the bustling crowd or at the table swarmed by their shared classmates.
She frowned, approaching the table. "Hey Katie, have you seen Enzo?"
The petite girl initially shook her head, but a flicker of recollection sparked within her, causing her lips to form a small 'o'. "I think he went out to smoke."
Eleanor smiled tightly and waved goodbye to her, exiting the place. Enzo wasn't there either. Internally, she couldn't help but scoff. An eternity? He couldn't even manage to wait five measly minutes for her.
She contemplated her options. She could either go back into the bar and spend the rest of the night with her friends or go back to her apartment and, most likely, spend the night worrying about Thomas.
The latter seemed the least appetizing. But still, she felt her mode for fun had already been ruined.
She walked through the dimly lit streets, feeling the biting sting of the icy cold air against her exposed skin. She clutched her arms tightly around herself while a curse escaped her lips, as she berated herself for placing too much trust in her vampiric nature and not having worn a coat.
Had he been there, Thomas would have already made fun of her. But he would also have been the first to offer her his coat.
Why couldn't she shake the feeling that something was wrong?
She sighed when she finally arrived at her apartment—a lovely place that the Cullens generously gifted her with when she shared the news of her acceptance to Dartmouth College.
She liked it. It seemed to have everyone's touch on it. The decor, adorned in soothing hues and bathed in gentle lighting, was undeniably Esme's creation. It had a calming effect on Eleanor, especially after a long day studying. And then there was Alice, who had transformed her closet into a haven of extravagant outfits and accessories that she always hesitated to wear.
Well, the dress she had chosen for that night was truly an exception.
Renesmee had also been in on the major decisions, like suggesting the idea of two rooms to incorporate an art studio. And Edward, not one to be left behind, had contributed his own touch by assembling an entire wall adorned with an impressive collection of CDs.
Even Bella had left her imprint, creating a cozy library filled with books she insisted were essential reads.
It was certainly true to say that it was her safe space.
Therefore, as she switched on the lights, she struggled to believe that what she saw before her was indeed possible.
"Hello Eleanor, long time not seeing you."
A wave of shock washed over her, leaving her momentarily frozen. Had her senses dulled to the point where she couldn't even detect his presence before opening the door? But she didn't pause to think about it. Her instinct kicked in, urging her to yank the door open and make a hasty escape.
The vampire was obviously quicker, moving swiftly toward her and slamming the door shut with a single punch, not even using much force. Eleanor instinctively stepped back, nearly tripping over the flower pots she had placed there earlier that morning.
"Please," he requested. "Let's be civilized."
"You..."
The words stuck in her throat. Days, months, years blurred together in a haze. How many nights had she spent ensnared in nightmares, reliving that gruesome scene from seventeen years ago?
How many nights she had jolted awake, her screams echoing in the darkness, plagued by the chilling notion that it was her life he had stolen and not Irina Denali's?
Her whole body began to tremble. "You shouldn't be here."
It wasn't a warning. It was more of a reminder to herself. He shouldn't be here.
The vampire's lips curled into a sidelong smile, his carmine eyes shining brightly. "Yet, here I stand," he declared. "Apologies for barging in unannounced... Oh and for ruining your date."
"My..."
It took her a few seconds to realize what he meant and when she did, her eyes widened in alarm. Her head spun, a surge of dizziness engulfing her as she contemplated all the possible scenarios. None of them were good.
"What did you do to him?" she managed to utter, her voice barely a whisper. It was ridiculous how all her confidence, all the years it had taken her to build that confidence by promising herself that everything was fine, now seemed to vanish, leaving her feeling like a little girl again waiting for the black cloaks to decide whether to let her live or not.
"Nothing, of course. I'm not that carless with my duties," he retorted, punctuating his words with a dismissive roll of his eyes. "However, you must understand that I needed you to return home, and my patience was wearing perilously thin."
He momentarily broke his gaze, pacing a few steps around the room, casually observing the decorations. Eleanor tried to think of escape options, not even considering the possibility of staying there to find out why the vampire was in her apartment in the first place.
What did it matter anyway? Nothing coming from the Volturi could be good. At least not for her life.
But even if she wanted to, fear kept her paralyzed, leaving only her eyes to move, staring at the figure that had been the protagonist of all her deepest and most darkest nightmares.
"You have a lovely place," he commented casually.
Everything about him, what he represented, being in her place, felt unbelievably wrong. She forced herself to find her voice. "Why are you here?"
Demetri turned toward her, a smug smirk etching across his features. "I am here to deliver a message from my master," he declared, gradually advancing in her direction. Eleanor retreated further until her back pressed firmly against the wall. "He hopes that you will honor us with your presence soon."
Her trembling lips parted slightly, and a hint of vulnerability quivered within her voice. "I appreciated the invitation, but I'm quite... Busy here."
She felt the urge to cry as the stark realization hit her that there was an underlying significance to this unexpected meeting. Because why else would the Volturi send their best tracker just to deliver a simple invitation? Something they could have done with any other guard, something they might even have done through a formal invitation, a letter or whatever.
No, this was something else.
The confirmation came in the form of Demetri's resolute head shake. "My master anticipated your response, which is precisely why I stand before you. Rest assured, this is no mere suggestion."
He stood in such close proximity that Eleanor could practically inhale the essence of his presence. It wafted towards her, an intoxicating sweetness so potent that it tingled and made her nostrils burn.
"I'm certain you're curious about Thomas's whereabouts, aren't you?"
The moment his words uttered the name, Eleanor's gaze fixated upon his face, desperately seeking a trace of mockery, any sign that would unveil his statement as a ploy to scare her. But Demetri's face remained as neutral and impassive as the day he had mercilessly taken Irina's life.
She struggled to steady her voice before speaking. "What does Thomas have to do with any of this?"
He let out a sigh, feigning a sense of regret. "Unfortunately, I am not authorized to give you that information. My master would prefer to deliver that news to you personally."
It was almost hypnotic, the uncanny resemblance Aro had instilled within his guards. Their impassive faces, expertly masking their true intentions beneath a facade of apparent concern.
Eleanor felt as though she could crumble at any moment, the weight of it all threatening to crush her. The only thing preventing her from collapsing was the grim realization that if she succumbed to weakness, Demetri would likely caught her, and the mere thought of his touch sent shivers of revulsion down her spine.
"Have you done something to him?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Please, do you believe us such monsters?" he responded, his tone laced with mock concern. He was indeed a monster and he knew it. "We just maintain order and represent the law. Nothing more, nothing less."
Eleanor frowned. "Then what does Thomas have to do with it?" Demetri began to walk away and Eleanor forced her body to move, fearing that the vampire would vanish, taking all the answers to her burning questions with him. "Wait!"
He turned, causing her to almost collide into him. "My advice would be for you to visit us as soon as possible..." His voice trailed off as his eyes momentarily fixated on a portrait adorning the wall. It was a picture of her and Nessie taken a few years ago at their high school graduation. Bella had been the one behind the camera. "And to leave any Cullen out of it," he added, locking his carmine eyes onto hers. "That is, if you are wise enough."
"And if I'm not?"
Her heart beat erratically within her chest, threatening to burst forth. Demetri seemed to hear it too by the way his imperturbable face broke into an amused and sinister grin in equal measure.
"It's not my place to make decisions," he sighed with mock pity. "But let's just say that if Thomas wasn't much of a fighter before, I doubt he'll fare any better today. What a pity."
A shudder coursed through her entire being as the memories flooded back—the haunting recollection of Thomas's neck yielding beneath the relentless grip of the vampire who now stood before her.
But then fear and terror were replaced by anger. It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. She had earned her freedom. She had faced the Volturi years ago. She had witnessed the images that to this day gave her nightmares. Felt the fear and uncertainty of not knowing if she would live another day, of not knowing if those she loved would make it out alive.
How could they show up now and extort her like that? And with no one other but Thomas.
It felt like déjà vu, an unsettling repetition of emotions and instincts flooding her body, her mind. Desperation clawed at her, the insistent need to take action, to do something, even though deep down, she understood the futility of it all.
She couldn't be certain if it would even work. Her talent had lain untouched for all these years, with no real need to use it. Consequently, attempting it now felt really risky.
And yet she couldn't contain herself, too angry to reason.
But this time, he was faster.
"Ah," he uttered, seizing her wrist with startling swiftness, intercepting it a mere breath away from his face. "I wouldn't attempt that again, love. I'm twice the vampire you are."
Her heart raced as his words echoed in her mind, stirring a mix of defiance and trepidation. Summoning her remaining courage, Eleanor managed to wrest herself free from his grasp. "Really? I recall it worked quite well in the past."
Eleanor couldn't help but wonder if this would mark the end of her existence, if Demetri would strike her down right then and there.
For he certainly appeared inclined to do so.
But she supposed Aro's orders were stronger.
The vampire finally walked away to the balcony window, where she assumed he entered in the first place. His once flawless countenance contorted with visible rage, betraying his facade of superiority. "Come to Volterra if you want to see Thomas again. That is my message."
Demetri spared no time for a response, vanishing into the night and leaving a chill breeze behind.
Eleanor remained rooted in place, her senses on high alert, half-expecting the vampire's return at any given moment. Yet, as the seconds stretched into eternity, it became clear that he had departed for good. And so she finally gave up, the full weight of her body falling on her legs which soon collapsed on the ground.
She had barely a moment to collect her thoughts when the phone tucked away in her purse vibrated.
With trembling hands she reached for the small device. The screen announced a new message from Nessie.
Okay, let me know when you hear from him!
A dry lump formed in her throat. The last seventeen years of peace and tranquility begin to slip through her fingers like water.
⸻
Hi reader! How are you?
What do you think of this chapter? How do we see the new adult Eleanor? And what do we think of this meeting with Demetri? Of course, I think you already knew it wasn't going to be love at first sight... Too many bad memories for that!
What do you think happened to Thomas? And mainly, what is she going to do? I'll leave those questions for you to think about...
See you in the next chapter!