Breaking Dawn

  Aro closed the distance without pauseand really, what did he have to fear? The hulking shadows of the lighter gray cloaksthe brawny fighters like Felixwere but a few yards away. Jane and her burning gift could throw Edward on the ground, writhing in agony. Alec could blind and deafen him before he could take a step in Aros direction. No one knew that I had the power to stop them, not even Edward.

  With an untroubled smile, Aro took Edwards hand. His eyes snapped shut at once, and then his shoulders hunched under the onslaught of information.

  Every secret thought, every strategy, every insighteverything Edward had heard in the minds around him during the last monthwas now Aros. And further backevery vision of Alices, every quiet moment with our family, every picture in Renesmees head, every kiss, every touch between Edward and me All of that was Aros now, too.

  I hissed with frustration, and the shield roiled with my irritation, shifting its shape and contracting around our side.

  Easy, Bella, Zafrina whispered to me.

  I clenched my teeth together.

  Aro continued to concentrate on Edwards memories. Edwards head bowed, too, the muscles in his neck locking tight as he read back again everything that Aro took from him, and Aros response to it all.

  This two-way but unequal conversation continued long enough that even the guard grew uneasy. Low murmurs ran through the line until Caius barked a sharp order for silence. Jane was edging forward like she couldnt help herself, and Renatas face was rigid with distress. For a moment, I examined this powerful shield that seemed so panicky and weak; though she was useful to Aro, I could tell she was no warrior. It was not her job to fight but to protect. There was no bloodlust in her. Raw as I was, I knew that if this were between her and me, I would obliterate her.

  I refocused as Aro straightened, his eyes flashing open, their expression awed and wary. He did not release Edwards hand.

  Edwards muscles loosened ever so slightly.

  You see? Edward asked, his velvet voice calm.

  Yes, I see, indeed, Aro agreed, and amazingly, he sounded almost amused. I doubt whether any two among gods or mortals have ever seen quite so clearly.

  The disciplined faces of the guard showed the same disbelief I felt.

  You have given me much to ponder, young friend, Aro continued. Much more than I expected. Still he did not release Edwards hand, and Edwards tense stance was that of one who listens.

  Edward didnt answer.

  May I meet her? Aro askedalmost pleadedwith sudden eager interest. I never dreamed of the existence of such a thing in all my centuries. What an addition to our histories!

  What is this about, Aro? Caius snapped before Edward could answer. Just the question had me pulling Renesmee around into my arms, cradling her protectively against my chest.

  Something youve never dreamed of, my practical friend. Take a moment to ponder, for the justice we intended to deliver no longer applies.

  Caius hissed in surprise at his words.

  Peace, brother, Aro cautioned soothingly.

  This should have been good newsthese were the words wed been hoping for, the reprieve wed never really thought possible. Aro had listened to the truth. Aro had admitted that the law had not been broken.

  But my eyes were riveted on Edward, and I saw the muscles in his back tighten. I replayed in my head Aros instruction for Caius to ponder, and heard the double meaning.

  Will you introduce me to your daughter? Aro asked Edward again.

  Caius was not the only one who hissed at this new revelation.

  Edward nodded reluctantly. And yet, Renesmee had won over so many others. Aro always seemed the leader of the ancients. If he were on her side, could the others act against us?

  Aro still gripped Edwards hand, and he now answered a question that the rest of us had not heard.

  I think a compromise on this one point is certainly acceptable, under the circumstance. We will meet in the middle.

  Aro released his hand. Edward turned back toward us, and Aro joined him, throwing one arm casually over Edwards shoulder like they were the best of friendsall the while maintaining contact with Edwards skin. They began to cross the field back to our side.

  The entire guard fell into step behind them. Aro raised a hand negligently without looking at them.

  Hold, my dear ones. Truly, they mean us no harm if we are peaceable.

  The guard reacted to this more openly than before, with snarls and hisses of protest, but held their position. Renata, clinging closer to Aro than ever, whimpered in anxiety.

  Master, she whispered.

  Dont fret, my love, he responded. All is well.

  Perhaps you should bring a few members of your guard with us, Edward suggested. It will make them more comfortable.

  Aro nodded as if this was a wise observation he should have thought of himself. He snapped his fingers twice. Felix, Demetri.

  The two vampires were at his side instantaneously, looking precisely the same as the last time Id met them. Both were tall and dark-haired, Demetri hard and lean as the blade of a sword, Felix hulking and menacing as an iron-spiked cudgel.

  The five of them stopped in the middle of the snowy field.

  Bella, Edward called. Bring Renesmee and a few friends.

  I took a deep breath. My body was tight with opposition. The idea of taking Renesmee into the center of the conflict But I trusted Edward. He would know if Aro was planning any treachery at this point.

  Aro had three protectors on his side of the summit, so I would bring two with me. It took me only a second to decide.

  Jacob? Emmett? I asked quietly. Emmett, because he would be dying to go. Jacob, because he wouldnt be able to bear being left behind.

  Both nodded. Emmett grinned.

  I crossed the field with them flanking me. I heard another rumble from the guard as they saw my choicesclearly, they did not trust the werewolf. Aro lifted his hand, waving away their protest again.

  Interesting company you keep, Demetri murmured to Edward.

  Edward didnt respond, but a low growl slipped through Jacobs teeth.

  We stopped a few yards from Aro. Edward ducked under Aros arm and quickly joined us, taking my hand.

  For a moment we faced each other in silence. Then Felix greeted me in a low aside.

  Hello again, Bella. He grinned cockily while still tracking Jacobs every twitch with his peripheral vision.

  I smiled wryly at the mountainous vampire. Hey, Felix.

  Felix chuckled. You look good. Immortality suits you.

  Thanks so much.

  Youre welcome. Its too bad . . .

  He let his comment trail off into silence, but I didnt need Edwards gift to imagine the end. Its too bad were going to kill you in a sec.

  Yes, too bad, isnt it? I murmured.

  Felix winked.

  Aro paid no attention to our exchange. He leaned his head to one side, fascinated. I hear her strange heart, he murmured with an almost musical lilt to his words. I smell her strange scent. Then his hazy eyes shifted to me. In truth, young Bella, immortality does become you most extraordinarily, he said. It is as if you were designed for this life.

  I nodded once in acknowledgment of his flattery.

  You liked my gift? he asked, eyeing the pendant I wore.

  Its beautiful, and very, very generous of you. Thank you. I probably should have sent a note.

  Aro laughed delightedly. Its just a little something I had lying around. I thought it might complement your new face, and so it does.

  I heard a little hiss from the center of the Volturi line. I glanced over Aros shoulder.

  Hmm. It seemed Jane wasnt happy about the fact that Aro had given me a present.

  Aro cleared his throat to reclaim my attention. May I greet your daughter, lovely Bella? he asked sweetly.

  This was what wed hoped for, I reminded myself. Fighting the urge to take Renesmee and run for it, I walked two slow steps forward. My shield rippled out behind me like a cape, protecting the r
est of my family while Renesmee was left exposed. It felt wrong, horrible.

  Aro met us, his face beaming.

  But shes exquisite, he murmured. So like you and Edward. And then louder, Hello, Renesmee.

  Renesmee looked at me quickly. I nodded.

  Hello, Aro, she answered formally in her high, ringing voice.

  Aros eyes were bemused.

  What is it? Caius hissed from behind. He seemed infuriated by the need to ask.

  Half mortal, half immortal, Aro announced to him and the rest of the guard without turning his enthralled gaze from Renesmee. Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human.

  Impossible, Caius scoffed.

  Do you think theyve fooled me, then, brother? Aros expression was greatly amused, but Caius flinched. Is the heartbeat you hear a trickery as well?

  Caius scowled, looking as chagrined as if Aros gentle questions had been blows.

  Calmly and carefully, brother, Aro cautioned, still smiling at Renesmee. I know well how you love your justice, but there is no justice in acting against this unique little one for her parentage. And so much to learn, so much to learn! I know you dont have my enthusiasm for collecting histories, but be tolerant with me, brother, as I add a chapter that stuns me with its improbability. We came expecting only justice and the sadness of false friends, but look what we have gained instead! A new, bright knowledge of ourselves, our possibilities.

  He held out his hand to Renesmee in invitation. But this was not what she wanted. She leaned away from me, stretching upward, to touch her fingertips to Aros face.

  Aro did not react with shock as almost everyone else had reacted to this performance from Renesmee; he was as used to the flow of thought and memory from other minds as Edward was.

  His smile widened, and he sighed in satisfaction. Brilliant, he whispered.

  Renesmee relaxed back into my arms, her little face very serious.

  Please? she asked him.

  His smile turned gentle. Of course I have no desire to harm your loved ones, precious Renesmee.

  Aros voice was so comforting and affectionate, it took me in for a second. And then I heard Edwards teeth grind together and, far behind us, Maggies outraged hiss at the lie.

  I wonder, Aro said thoughtfully, seeming unaware of the reaction to his previous words. His eyes moved unexpectedly to Jacob, and instead of the disgust the other Volturi viewed the giant wolf with, Aros eyes were filled with a longing that I did not comprehend.

  It doesnt work that way, Edward said, the careful neutrality gone from his suddenly harsh tone.

  Just an errant thought, Aro said, appraising Jacob openly, and then his eyes moved slowly across the two lines of werewolves behind us. Whatever Renesmee had shown him, it made the wolves suddenly interesting to him.

  They dont belong to us, Aro. They dont follow our commands that way. Theyre here because they want to be.

  Jacob growled menacingly.

  They seem quite attached to you, though, Aro said. And your young mate and your family. Loyal. His voice caressed the word softly.

  Theyre committed to protecting human life, Aro. That makes them able to coexist with us, but hardly with you. Unless youre rethinking your lifestyle.

  Aro laughed merrily. Just an errant thought, he repeated. You well know how that is. We none of us can entirely control our subconscious desires.

  Edward grimaced. I do know how that is. And I also know the difference between that kind of thought and the kind with a purpose behind it. It could never work, Aro.

  Jacobs vast head turned in Edwards direction, and a faint whine slipped from between his teeth.

  Hes intrigued with the idea of guard dogs, Edward murmured back.

  There was one second of dead silence, and then the sound of the furious snarls ripping from the entire pack filled the giant clearing.

  There was a sharp bark of commandfrom Sam, I guessed, though I didnt turn to lookand the complaint broke off into ominous quiet.

  I suppose that answers that question, Aro said, laughing again. This lot has picked its side.

  Edward hissed and leaned forward. I clutched at his arm, wondering what could be in Aros thoughts that would make him react so violently, while Felix and Demetri slipped into crouches in synchronization. Aro waved them off again. They all returned to their former posture, Edward included.

  So much to discuss, Aro said, his tone suddenly that of an inundated businessman. So much to decide. If you and your furry protector will excuse me, my dear Cullens, I must confer with my brothers.

  37. CONTRIVANCES

  Aro did not rejoin his anxious guard waiting on the north side of the clearing; instead, he waved them forward.

  Edward started backing up immediately, pulling my arm and Emmetts. We hurried backward, keeping our eyes on the advancing threat. Jacob retreated slowest, the fur on his shoulders standing straight up as he bared his fangs at Aro. Renesmee grabbed the end of his tail as we retreated; she held it like a leash, forcing him to stay with us. We reached our family at the same time that the dark cloaks surrounded Aro again.

  Now there were only fifty yards between them and usa distance any of us could leap in just a fraction of a second.

  Caius began arguing with Aro at once.

  How can you abide this infamy? Why do we stand here impotently in the face of such an outrageous crime, covered by such a ridiculous deception? He held his arms rigidly at his sides, his hands curled into claws. I wondered why he did not just touch Aro to share his opinion. Were we seeing a division in their ranks already? Could we be that lucky?

  Because its all true, Aro told him calmly. Every word of it. See how many witnesses stand ready to give evidence that they have seen this miraculous child grow and mature in just the short time theyve known her. That they have felt the warmth of the blood that pulses in her veins. Aros gesture swept from Amun on one side across to Siobhan on the other.

  Caius reacted oddly to Aros soothing words, starting ever so slightly at the mention of witnesses. The anger drained from his features, replaced by a cold calculation. He glanced at the Volturi witnesses with an expression that looked vaguely nervous.

  I glanced at the angry mob, too, and saw immediately that the description no longer applied. The frenzy for action had turned to confusion. Whispered conversations seethed through the crowd as they tried to make sense of what had happened.

  Caius was frowning, deep in thought. His speculative expression stoked the flames of my smoldering anger at the same time that it worried me. What if the guard acted again on some invisible signal, as they had in their march? Anxiously, I inspected my shield; it felt just as impenetrable as before. I flexed it now into a low, wide dome that arced over our company.

  I could feel the sharp plumes of light where my family and friends stoodeach one an individual flavor that I thought I would be able to recognize with practice. I already knew Edwardshis was the very brightest of them all. The extra empty space around the shining spots bothered me; there was no physical barrier to the shield, and if any of the talented Volturi got under it, it would protect no one but me. I felt my forehead crease as I pulled the elastic armor very carefully closer. Carlisle was the farthest forward; I sucked the shield back inch by inch, trying to wrap it as exactly to his body as I could.

  My shield seemed to want to cooperate. It hugged his shape; when Carlisle shifted to the side to stand nearer to Tanya, the elastic stretched with him, drawn to his spark.

  Fascinated, I tugged in more threads of the fabric, pulling it around each glimmering shape that was a friend or ally. The shield clung to them willingly, moving as they moved.

  Only a second had passed; Caius was still deliberating.

  The werewolves, he murmured at last.

  With sudden panic, I realized that most of the werewolves were unprotected. I was about to reach out to them when I realize that, strangely, I could still feel their sparks. Curious, I drew the shield tighter in, until Amun and Kebithe far
thest edge of our groupwere outside with the wolves. Once they were on the other side, their lights vanished. They no longer existed to that new sense. But the wolves were still bright flamesor rather, half of them were. Hmm I edged outward again, and as soon as Sam was under cover, all the wolves were brilliant sparks again.

  Their minds must have been more interconnected than Id imagined. If the Alpha was inside my shield, the rest of their minds were every bit as protected as his.

  Ah, brother, Aro answered Caiuss statement with a pained look.

  Will you defend that alliance, too, Aro? Caius demanded. The Children of the Moon have been our bitter enemies from the dawn of time. We have hunted them to near extinction in Europe and Asia. Yet Carlisle encourages a familiar relationship with this enormous infestationno doubt in an attempt to overthrow us. The better to protect his warped lifestyle.