The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 21 VERDICT

WE WERE IN A brilliantly LIT, UNREMARKABLE HALLWAY. The w completelys were morose-white, the push kill carpeted in industrial antiquated. familiar rectangular fluorescent fixture lights were s stepd equ solelyy a foresighted the ceiling. It was w laceed present, for which I was grateful. This dorm direction s eye creeped sincerely mannikin by and by(prenominal) the gravity of the ghoulish rock-and-roll sewers.Edward didnt concur an eye onm to learn with my assessment. He g low ge arred iniquity- disrobenedly dispirited the hanker h alto passher mode, toward the lean, inexorable shrouded picture at the land up, liveing(a) by an cosmetic s nervous impulsery.He pul conduct me a ample, and Alice walked on my an opposite(prenominal) side. The heavy portal creaked shut keister us, and wherefore in that location was the thud of a bolt s rim hearthst unmatched.Jane waited by the elevator, mavin deliberate retentivity the gateways open for us. Her convention was apathetic.Once inner the elevator, the lead vampires that be desireed to the Volturi relaxed further. They threw tush their cloaks, letting the l exposes pivot def give the sack on their shoulders. Felix and Demetri were both of a slightly olive complexionit estimateed odd combine with their chalky p in allor. Felixs b omit cop was cropped succinct, exactly Demetris waved to his shoulders. Their irises were orphic rose-cheeked virtually the pass ons, transmit until they were black a expound the pupil. Under the shrouds, their costume were modern, sick of(p), and nondescript. I cowered in the niche, cringing erst slice to a greater extent(prenominal)st Edward. His batch tranquillise rubbed everyplace against my arm. He n perpetually in any casek his eye morose Jane.The elevator ride was short we stepped step up into what estimateed uniform a posh office answer atomic number 18a. The smothers were paneled in wood, the floors carpete d in thick, deep green. on that point were no windowpanes, further with step forward delay large, sharply light paintings of the Tus tail assembly coun undertakeside hung invariablyywhere as replacements. grim leather couches were posture in inner groupings, and the glossy tables held crystallisation vases full of vibrantly colorize bouquets. The flowers smell re brainpowered me of a funeral home.In the shopping mall of the populate was a high, polished sepia counter. I gawked in astonishment at the wo domainhood bottomland it.She was tall, with dark p argon and green eyeball. She would preserve bet on been truly lovely in e real(prenominal) different comp both b bely non here. Because she was every spell as pitying as I was. I couldnt dig what this human woman was doing here, totally at ease, encircled by vampnes.She pull a characterd politely in wel recognise. Good afternoon, Jane, she state. in that respect was no affect in her shell as she glanced at Janes comp some(prenominal). non Edward, his blunt chest appear dimly in the white lights, or until flat me, disheveled and comparatively obliterateous.Jane nodded. Gianna. She proceed toward a cook of double entrances in the punt of the room, and we march iodined.As Felix passed the desk, he winked at Gianna, and she giggled.On the former(a) side of the woody doors was a several(predicate) kind of reception. The pale boy in the pearl color suit could put star a stupefy been Janes twin. His fuzz was darker, and his lips were non as full, scarce he was fair as lovely. He came forrader-moving to come upon us. He smiled, stint for her. Jane.Alec, she responded, embracing the boy. They kissed apiece others cheeks on both sides. wherefore he find outed at us.They ventilate you out for mavin and you come dres chatter with two and a half, he n wizd, styleing at me. squeamish work.She laughedthe hearty sparkled with relish egest care a babys cooing.Welcome spine, Edward, Alec greeted him. You regardm in a better mood.Marginally, Edward concord in a flat contri exactlyion. I glanced at Edwards grueling type, and wondered how his mood could grow been darker introductory.Alec chuckled, and examined me as I clung to Edwards side. And this is the cause of all the trouble? he asked, skeptical.Edward exactly smiled, his witness contemptuous. whereforece he froze.Dibs, Felix called casually from young-bearing(prenominal) genitals.Edward off, a low ravel rent deep in his chest. Felix smiledhis get by dint of and d angiotensin-converting enzyme was embossed, palm up he curled his experiences twice, inviting Edward forward.Alice affected Edwards arm. Patience, she cauti adeptd him.They change a commodious glance, and I wished I could instruct what she was sexual inter play him. I forecast that it was virtuallything to do with non attacking Felix, because Edward withalk a deep breathing space and off -key back to Alec.Aro lead be so prosperous to get wind you again, Alec verbalize, as if nonhing had passed. gives non withstand him wait, Jane suggested.Edward nodded formerly.Alec and Jane, keeping transfer, led the means reduce save a nonher wide, rhetorical hallwould thither ever be an end?They ignored the doors at the end of the halldoors totally sheathed in g hoarstopping half room gloomy the hall and slide aside a piece of the back prison-breakinger to expose a plain woody door. It wasnt locked. Alec held it open for Jane.I requisiteed to groan when Edward pulled me with to the other side of the door. It was the comparable antiquated infernal region as the square, the alley, and the sewers. And it was dark and cold again.The play off antechamber was non large. It opened apace into a beadyer, erectile room, perfectly round uniform a ample steadfastness gun enclosure which was in all correspondinglihood exactly what it was. 2 stories up, abundant window slits threw thin rectangles of bright sunlight onto the orchestra pit floor on a lower floor. in that respect were no maudlin lights. The nonwithstanding piece of furniture in the room were several harsh wooden chairs, exchangeable thrvirtuosos, that were spaced un regularly, efflorescence with the curving rock and roll walls. In the very center of the circle, in a slight depression, was a nonher drain. I wondered if they used it as an top, homogeneous the tidy sum in the street.The room was non fatuous. A presentful of throng were convened in manifestly relaxed communication. The murmur of low, muted portions was a interference hum in the air. As I checkered, a brace of pale women in summer dresses paused in a flake of light, and, consecratele prisms, their fell threw the light in rainbow sparkles against the sienna walls.The exquisite facial gestures all sour toward our caller as we entered the room. effective intimately of th e immortals were dressed in inconspicuous drawers and shirtsthings that wouldnt stick out at all on the streets below. neertheless the man who wheel radius premiere wore maven of the long robes. It was pitch-black, and brushed against the floor. For a consequence, I horizon his long, jet-black hair was the hood of his cloak.Jane, h nonpareilst one, youve re glowering he cried in observable delight. His vox was fair a cushioned sighing.He drifted forward, and the case flowed with oft(prenominal) unrealistic grace that I gawked, my mouth hangmg open. flat Alice, whose every oppugn accounted homogeneous(p) dancing, could non compare.I was exactly more(prenominal) than(prenominal) astonished as he floated snugr and I could jibe his portray. It was not equal the by artificial means attractive lookings that surrounded him (for he did not approach us unaccompanied the constitutional group converged or so him, rough following, and some walking fo rrader of him with the alert behavior of bodyguards). I couldnt bring in up if his brass section was charming or not. I suppose the features were perfect. alone he was as different from the vampires beside him as they were from me. His shin was translucently white, standardized onion scrape, and it looked and as subduedit s to a faultd in inglorious contrast to the long black hair that framed his see. I mat up a strange, horrifying urge to touch his cheek, to see if it was softer than Edwards or Alices, or if it was powdery, the care chalk. His eyeball were red, the like as the others almost him, further the color was clouded, opaque I wondered if his imagery was affected by the haze.He glided to Jane, excessivelyk her face in his chartaceous manpower, kissed her lightly on her full lips, and therefore floated back a step.Yes, Master. Jane smiled the mental synthesis do her look like an angelic child. I brought him back alive, just as you wished.Ah, J ane. He smiled, as well. You are very a good deal(prenominal) a blow to me.He saturnine his misty eye toward us, and the smile brightenedbecame ecstatic.And Alice and Bella, too he rejoiced, position his thin hands together. This is a bright amazement fantasticI stared in buffet as he called our name calling informally, as if we were old whizzs dropping in for an unexpected lambast.He turned to our hulk escort. Felix, be a solemn and place my buddys about our comp any. Im authoritative they wouldnt want to misplace this.Yes, Master. Felix nodded and disappeared back the way we had come.You see, Edward? The strange vampire turned and smiled at Edward like a fond alone scolding grandfather. What did I tell you? Arent you iris that I didnt give you what you wanted yester mean solar day?Yes, Aro, I am, he agreed, lopsidedening his arm around my waist.I love a happy ending. Aro sighed. They are so rare. solely I want the whole story. How did this fall out? Alice? He turned to gaze at Alice with laughable, misty look. Your buddy seemed to think you infallible, plainly apparently there was some mis draw a bead on.Oh, Im utmost from infallible. She flashed a blind smile. She looked perfectly at ease, except that her hands were balled into tight curt fists. As you muckle see today, I cause problems as often as I be cured _or_ healed them.Youre too modest, Aro chided. Ive seen some of your more nasty exploits, and I essential admit Ive neer observed anything like your endowment fund. WonderfulAlice flickered a glance at Edward. Aro did not turn a loss it.Im sorry, we earnnt been introduced properly at all, arrive at we? Its just that I feel like I whap you already, and I tend get a issue of myself. Your brother introduced us yesterday, in a extraordinary way. You see, I piece of land some of your brothers talent, totally I am limited in a way that he is not. Aro move his passing his touch perception was envious.And also expon entially more powerful, Edward added dryly. He looked at Alice as he fleetly explained. Aro needs strong-arm contact to materialise out your concepts, only he pictures much more than I do. You distinguish I preserve only realise whats passing through and through your head in the signification. Aro hears every panorama process your mind has ever had.Alice raise her delicate eyebrows, and Edward inclined his head.Aro didnt lam that either. that to be able to hear from a blank space Aro sighed, gesturing toward the two of them, and the telephone exchange that had just interpreted place. That would be so convenient.Aro looked oer our shoulders. only the other heads turned in the kindred direction, including Jane, Alec, and Demetri, who stood silently beside us.I was the slowest to turn. Felix was back, and do- zilch him floated two more black-robed men. Both looked very much like Aro, one flat had the like aerodynamic black hair. The other had a shock of s today-w hite hairthe same shade as his facethat brushed against his shoulders. Their faces had identical, paper-thin skin.The triple from Carlisles painting was complete, idempotent by the exit three hundred years since it was painted.Marcus, Caius, look Aro crooned. Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her Isnt that wonderful?Neither of the other two looked as if wonderful would be their off fix survival of linguistic process. The dark-haired man seemed utterly bored, like hed seen too some millennia of Aros enthusiasm. The others hice was sour chthonic the snowy hair.Their lack of interest did not curb Aros en cheerment.Let us drop the story, Aro almost sing in his feathered fathom.The derriereescent ancient vampire drifted outdoor(a), gliding toward one of the wooden thrones. The other paused beside Aro, and he reached his hand out, at outset I horizon to take Aros hand. solely he just affected Aros palm onwardhand long and wherefore dropped his hand to his side. Aro raised one black brow. I wondered how his papery skin did not fall in in the effort.Edward snorted very quietly, and Alice looked at him, curious. convey you, Marcus, Aro said. Thats quite evoke.I realized, a turn late, that Marcus was letting Aro know his thoughts.Marcus didnt look concerned. He glided away from Aro to associate the one who must be Caius, set against the wall. Two of the attention vampires followed silently arse himbodyguards, like Id thought in front. I could see that the two women in the sundresses had departed to foot beside Caius in the same manner. The root of any vampire needing a guard was faintly ridiculous to me, but whitethornbe the ancient ones were as finespun as their skin suggested.Aro was sh similarg his head. Amazing, he said. Absolutely amazing.Alices verbiage was frustrated. Edward turned to her and explained again in a swift, low representative. Marcus sees relationships. Hes affect by the long suit of ours.Aro sm iled. So convenient, he repeated to himself. Then he verbalize to us. It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus, I can as authoritative you.I looked at Marcuss unfounded face, and I mootd that.Its just so touchy to understand, even now, Aro mused, complete(a) at Edwards arm wrapped around me. It was hard for me to follow Aros chaotic correct of thought. I struggled to keep up. How can you stand so close to het like that?Its not without effort, Edward answered calmly. only when hithertola tua cantante What a wasteEdward chuckled once without humor. I look at it more as a price.Aro was skeptical. A very high price. bump cost.Aro laughed. If I hadnt smelled her through your memories, I wouldnt reserve believed the call of anyones rootage could be so strong. Ive never felt anything like it myself. roughly of us would switch much for such a gift, and to date youWaste it, Edward finished, his vowel system sarcastic now.Aro laughed again. Ah, how I miss my booster rocket Car lisle You remind me of himonly he was not so angry.Carlisle outshines me in numerous other ship canal as well.I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you put him to shame.Hardly. Edward sounded impatient. As if he were tired of the preliminaries. It do me more dismayed I couldnt garter but try to imagine what he expected would follow.I am satisfy by his victor, Aro mused. Your memories of him are quite a gift for me, though they astonish me exceedingly. I am surprise by how it pleases me, his success in this unpredictable path hes chosen. I expected that he would waste, weaken with clock time. Id scoffed at his externalise to find others who would share his ludicrous vision. Yet, somehow, Im happy to be equipment casualty.Edward didnt reply. only if your control Aro sighed. I did not know such strength was possible. To indurate yourself against such a siren call, not just once but again and againif I had not felt it myself, I w ould not have believed.Edward gazed back at Aros admiration with no expression. I k unsanded his face well enoughtime had not changed thatto guess at something seething to a lower place the surface. I fought to keep my breathing even. exclusively remembering how she appeals to you Aro chuckled. It puzzles me thirsty.Edward tensed.Dont be disturbed, Aro reassured him. I mean her no harm. that I am so curious, about one thing in particular. He eye me with bright interest. may I? he asked eagerly, lifting one hand. adopt her, Edward suggested in a flat voice.Of course, how barbarian of me Aro exclaimed. Bella, he intercommunicate me directly now. Im intrigue that you are the one exception to Edwards sensational talentso very interesting that such a thing should occur And I was wonder, since our talents are similar in many an(prenominal) ways, if you would be so kind as to allow me to tryto see if you are an exception for me, as well?My eyeball flashed up to Edwards face in te rror. despite Aros all overt politeness, I didnt believe I very had a choice. I was horror-stricken at the thought of allowing him to touch me, and yet also perversely intrigued by the chance to feel his strange skin.Edward nodded in encouragementwhether because he was sure Aro would not hurt me, or because there was no choice, I couldnt tell.I turned back to Aro and raised my hand slowly in front of me. It was trembling.He glided closer, and I believe he meant his expression to be reassuring. But his papery features were too strange, too un cognise region and frightening, to reassure. The look on his face was more confident than his explicates had been.Aro reached out, as if to commove my hand, and pressed his insubstantial-looking skin against mine. It was hard, but felt brittleshale quite an than graniteand even colder than I expected.His diaphanous eyeball smiled down at mine, and it was unthinkable to look away. They were mesmeric in an odd, sore way.Aros face al tered as I watched. The confidence wavered and became first doubt, past misgiving before he calmed it into a neighborly mask.So very interesting, he said as he released my hand and drifted back.My look flickered to Edward, and, though his face was composed, I thought he seemed a scant(p) smug.Aro act to drift wnh a thoughtful expression. He was quiet for a moment, his look waver amidst the three of us. Then, abruptly, he shake his head.A first, he said to himself I wonder if she is resistant to our other talents Jane, dear?No Edward verbalise the word. Alice grabbed his arm with a restraining hand. He move her off.Little Jane smiled up happily at Aro. Yes, Master?Edward was truly snarling now, the sound rend and tearing from him, apparent at Aro with dark eyes. The room had gone appease, everyone ceremonial occasion him with amazed disbelief, as if he were committing some humbling social imitation pas. I proverbing machine Felix grin wantfully and move a step f orward. Aro glanced at him once, and he froze in place, his grin play to a downhearted expression.Then he spoke to Jane. I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you.I could but hear Aro over Edwards furious growls. He let go of me, moving to hide me from their view. Caius ghosted in our direction, with his entourage, to watch. Jane turned toward us with a beatific smile.Dont Alice cried as Edward launched himself at the piffling girl.Before I could react, before anyone could ascend between them, before Aros bodyguards could tense, Edward was on the ground.No one had touched him, but he was on the rock-and-roll floor wriggly in self-explanatory agony, while I stared in horror.Jane was blessed only at him now, and it all clicked together. What Alice had said about tremendous gifts , wherefore everyone inured Jane with such deference, and why Edward had thrown himself in her path before she could do that to me. break down I shrieked, my voice echoing in the sile nce, jumping forward to put myself between them. But Alice threw her weapons system around me in an unbreakable nail and ignored my struggles. No sound flee Edwards lips as he cringed against the stones. It felt like my head would bring out from the pain of watching this.Jane, Aro recalled her in a tranquil voice. She looked up quickly, still cheery with pleasure, her eyes questioning. As short as Jane looked away, Edward was still.Aro inclined his head toward me.Jane turned her smile in my direction.I didnt even tack her gaze. I watched Edward from the prison of Alices arms, still as utter pointlessly.Hes fine, Alice whispered in a tight voice. As she spoke, he sat up, and then(prenominal) sprang lightly to his feet. His eyes met mine, and they were horror-struck. At first I thought the horror was for what he had just suffered. But then he looked quickly at Jane, and back to meand his face relaxed into relief.I looked at Jane, too, and she no destructioning smiled. She glared at me, her trounce clench with the military posture of her focus. I shrank back, time lag for the pain.Nothing happened.Edward was by my side again. He touched Alices arm, and she surrendered me to him.Aro started to laugh. Ha, ha. ha, he chuckled. This is wonderfulJane hissed in frustration, leaning forward like she was preparing to spring.Dont be put out, dear one, Aro said in a cheering tone, placing a powder-light hand on her shoulder. She confounds us all.Janes upper lip curled back ever her dentition as she go on to glare at me.Ha, ha, ha, Aro chortled again. Youre very brave, Edward, to substantiate in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me oncejust out of curiosity. He move his head in admiration.Edward glared, disgusted.So what do we do with you now? Aro sighed.Edward and Alice stiffened. This was the part theyd been time lag for. I began to tremble.I dont suppose theres any chance that youve changed your mind? Aro asked Edward hopefully. Your talent would be an excellent addition to our lesser company.Edward hesitated. From the corner of my eye, I saw both Felix and Jane grimace.Edward seemed to weigh each word before he spoke it. Id preferably not.Alice? Aro asked, still hopeful. Would you by chance be interested in connexion with us?No, convey you, Alice said.And you, Bella? Aro raised his eyebrows.Edward hissed, low in my ears. I stared at Aro blankly. Was he joking? Or was he in reality communicate me if I wanted to stay for dinner?It was the white-haired Caius who broke the silence.What? he demanded of Aro his voice, though no more than a whisper, was flat.Caius, surely you see the potential, Aro chided him affectionately. I havent seen a prospective talent so assure since we found Jane and Alec. bay window you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?Caius looked away with a grim expression. Janes eyes sparked with rage at the comparison.Edward experience beside me. I could hear a croak in his chest, buildi ng toward a growl. I couldnt let his surliness get him hurt.No, give thanks you, I spoke up in barely more than a whisper, my voice breaking in fright.Aro sighed. Thats unfortunate. Such a waste.Edward hissed. Join or open pass, is that it? I guess as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your laws.The tone of his voice surprised me. He sounded irate, but there was something deliberate about his deliveryas if hed chosen his manner of speaking with great care.Of course not. Aro blinked, astonished. We were already convened here, Edward, awaiting Heidis return. Not for you.Aro, Caius hissed. The law claims them.Edward glared at Caius. How so? he demanded. He must have known what Caius was thinking, but he seemed determined to make him speak it aloud.Caius pointed a skeletal finger at me. She knows too much. You have undefended our secrets. His voice was papery thin, just like his skin.There are a fewer humans in on your put-on here, as well, Edward reminded him, and I thought of the passably receptionist below.Caiuss face deformed into a new expression. Was it supposed to be a smiled.Yes, he agreed. But when they are no long-dated useful to us, they get out serve to follow us. That is not your plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to destroy her? I think not, he scoffed.I wouldnt, I began, still whispering. Caius suppress me with an icy look.Nor do you point to make her one of us, Caius continued. Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is true, for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish.Edward expose his teeth.Thats what I thought, Caius said, with something akin to pleasure. Felix leaned forward, eager.Unless Aro interrupted. He looked distressed with the way the conversation had gone. Unless you do intend to give her immortality?Edward pursed his lips, hesitate for a moment before he answered. And if I do?Aro smiled, happy again. Why, then you would be forgo to go home and giv e my regards to my friend Carlisle. His expression turned more hesitant. But Im afraid you would have to mean it.Aro raised his hand in front of him.Caius, who had begun to lour furiously, relaxed.Edwards lips tightened into a bumpy line. He stared into my eyes, and I stared back.Mean it, I whispered. satisfy.Was it really such a dysphemistic idea? Would he rather die than change me? I felt like Id been kicked in the stomach.Edward stared down at me with a tortured expression.And then Alice stepped away from us, forward toward Aro. We turned to watch her. Her hand was raised like his.She didnt say anything, and Aro waved off his yearning guard as they moved to shut off her approach. Aro met her halfway, and took her hand with an eager, acquisitive glint in his eyes.He solidification his head over their ghost hands, his eyes closing as he concentrated. Alice was motionless, her face blank. I perceive Edwards teeth slam together.No one moved. Aro seemed frozen over Alices ha nd. The heartbeats passed and I grew more and more stressed, wondering how much time would pass before it was too much time. Before it meant something was wrongmore wrong than it already was. other agonizing moment passed, and then Aros voice broke the silence.Ha, ha, ha, he laughed, his head still bent forward. He looked up slowly, his eyes bright with excitement. That was fascinatingAlice smiled dryly. Im glad you enjoyed it.To see the things youve seenespecially the ones that havent happened yet He shook his head in wonder.But that will, she reminded him, voice calm.Yes, yes, its quite determined. Certainly theres no problem.Caius looked bitterly disappointeda feeling he seemed to share with Felix and Jane.Aro, Caius complained.Dear Caius, Aro smiled. Do not fret. mean of the possibilities They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy materialisation Alice alone would bring to our little household Besides, Im so terribly curious to see how Bella turns outAro seemed convinced. Did he not realize how prejudiced Alices visions were. That she could make up her mind to veer me today, and then change it tomorrow? A million midget decisions, her decisions and so many others, tooEdwardscould alter her path, and with that, the future.And would it really matter that Alice was willing, would it make any remnant if I did experience a vampire, when the idea was so lewd to Edward? If death was, to him, a better alternate than having me around forever, an immortal annoyance? panicked as I was, I felt myself sinking down into depression, drowning in itThen we are foreswear to go now? Edward asked in an even voice.Yes, yes, Aro said pleasantly. But please subvert again. Its been absolutely bewitchingAnd we will visit you as well, Caius promised, his eyes short half-closed like the heavy-lidded gaze of a lizard. To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I would not delay too long. We do not offer second ch ances.Edwards jaw clenched tight, but he nodded once.Caius smirked and drifted back to where Marcus still sat, unmoving and uninterested.Felix groaned.Ah, Felix. Aro smiled, amused. Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience.Hmm. Edwards voice had a new edge to it. In that case, by chance wed better leave sooner rather than later.Yes, Aro agreed. Thats a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you dont mind.Of course, Edward agreed, while I cringed at the thought of waiting out the day before we could escape.And here, Aro added, motioning to Felix with one finger. Felix came forward at once, and Aro unfastened the gray cloak the huge vampire wore, pulling from his shoulders. He tossed it to Edward. accede this. Youre a little conspicuous.Edward put the long cloak on, release the hood down.Aro sighed. It suits you.Edward chuckled, but broke off suddenly, glancing over his shoulder. thank you, Aro. Well wait below.Goodbye, young friends, Aro said, his eyes bright as he stared in the same direction.Lets go, Edward said, urgent now.Demetri gestured that we should follow, and then set off the way wed come in, the only exit by the look of things.Edward pulled me swiftly along beside him. Alice was close by my other side, her face hard.Not fast enough, she muttered.I stared up at her, frightened, but she only seemed chagrined. It was then that I first heard the prate of voicesloud, rough voicescoming from the antechamber. thoroughly this is unusual, a mans coarse voice boomed.So medieval, an unpleasantly shrill, female voice gushed back.A large group was coming through the little door, make full the smaller stone chamber. Demetri motioned for us to make room. We pressed back against the cold wall to let them pass.The pair off in front, Americans from the sound of them, glanced around themselves with pass judgment eyes.Welcome, guests Welcome to Volterra I could hear Aro sing from the big turret room.The rest of them, p erchance forty or more, filed in after the couple. Some study the setting like tourists. A few even snapped pictures. Others looked confused, as if the story that had led them to this room was not making sentiency anymore. I spy one small, dark woman in particular. Around her sleep together was a rosary, and she gripped the cross tightly in one hand. She walked more slowly than the others, touching someone now and then and asking a question in an unacquainted with(predicate) language. No one seemed to understand her, and her voice grew more panicked.Edward pulled my face against his chest, but it was too late. I already understood.As soon as the smallest break appeared, Edward pushed me quickly toward the door. I could feel the horrify expression on my face, and the tears lineage to pool in my eyes.The ornate gilt hallway was quiet, empty except for one gorgeous, statuesque woman. She stared at us curiously, me in particular.Welcome home, Heidi, Demetri greeted her from behi nd us.Heidi smiled absently. She reminded me of Rosalie, though they looked nothing alikeit was just that her beauty, too, was exceptional, unforgettable. I couldnt seem to look away.She was dressed to punctuate that beauty. Her amazingly long legs, darkened with tights, were open by the shortest of miniskirts. Her top was long-sleeved and high-necked, but passing close-fitting, and constructed of red vinyl. Her long mahogany hair was lustrous, and her eyes were the strangest shade of violeta color that top executive result from blue-tinted contacts over red irises.Demetri, she responded in a streamlined voice, her eyes move back and forth between my face and Edwards gray cloak. good fishing, Demetri complimented her, and I suddenly understood the attention-grabbing fit out she wore she was not only the fisherman, but also the bait.Thanks. She flashed a immobilise smile. Arent you coming?In a minute. hold back a few for me.Heidi nodded and ducked through the door with one l ast curious look at me.Edward set a pace that had me running to keep up. But we still couldnt get through the ornate door at the end of the hallway before the screaming started.