A.N.
Hey all. Turns out I have a Job interview in Rock Springs, Wyoming Tuesday. So I will be traveling on Monday and Wednesday my normal release days. I decided to release both chapters today rather than be late with them so here you go. Next release will be Friday 31st.
(Thomas POV)
Aro turned his attention back to Edward. "I am still amazed by your restraint," he said, his tone reverent but edged with hunger. "Know that, from someone who has shared both Carlisle's and your memories, your control of the thirst exceeds even his."
He sighed — a sound almost wistful. "I did not know such strength was possible."
Descending the steps once more, he drifted closer, his expression glowing with false admiration. "To inure yourself against such a siren's call, not just once, but again and again… If I had not felt it for myself, I would never have believed it possible."
Edward didn't respond. His expression remained unmoved — a mask carved from stone.
Aro's lips curled in amusement. "Just remembering how she appeals to you…" He swallowed forcefully and chuckled softly. "It makes me thirsty."
My muscles locked before I even realized it. The flicker of fire under my skin begged to be released, but Edythe's hand found mine — a small, grounding pressure that told me to stand down.
Then she stepped closer, sliding into my arms like it was the only safe place left in the room. The movement looked casual, but I could feel the tension in her frame — the quiet dread humming beneath her calm.
Whatever came next, she was ready for it. And so was I.
"Don't be disturbed," Aro said, his tone light, almost chiding. "I mean her no harm. But I am so curious about one thing in particular."
His eyes moved to Bella with undisguised interest. "May I?" he asked eagerly, lifting one pale hand.
"Ask her," Edward said flatly.
"Of course! How rude of me." Aro's smile widened, all charm and curiosity. "Bella," he began, voice warm and inviting, "I am fascinated by your ability to frustrate Edward's most impressive talent. So very interested that such a thing should occur!"
He leaned forward slightly, his tone turning soft, coaxing. "And I was wondering — since our two talents align so closely — if you would be immune to me as well?"
I watched Bella look towards Edward questioningly, and Edward nod in return. Then she hesitantly lifted her right hand, holding it out toward Aro.
Aro smiled what I think he believed would be a comforting smile, but it looked somewhat sinister to me. He then reached for her hand with his right hand as well, a practiced movement.
His eyes stayed focused on Bella's face and the slightest of frown tightened his lips before he sandwiched her hand in both of his own. Maybe he thought more contact would break through whatever blocked his power.
His frown grew more pronounced for just a second longer before he began to smile in apparent wonder. "So very interesting!" he said as he dropped her hand and drifted back towards the throne steps.
I couldn't help but see a flash of smugness cross Edward's face before he smoothed his features and held Bella comfortingly. I was surprised to not feel Edythe's muscles relax, believing the worst had passed.
Aro continued to drift along the bottom of the throne steps, his features locked in a thoughtful look. "A first," he said to himself. "I wonder if she is immune to our other talents... Jane, dear."
"No!" Edward snarled the word. I saw Alice try to place a restraining hand on him, but he shook it off. I was even more surprised when Edythe clutched at both my arms that were clasped around her. Both holding me and simultaneously creating a cage for herself.
I saw the little figure of Jane smile in childlike happiness, "Yes, Master?"
Edward's breathing picked up speed, and his exhales were coming out in a mix of hissing and growling. His eyes staired balefully at Aro.
Not acknowledging the reactions of his guests at all, Aro spoke to Jane in a sickeningly sweet voice. "I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is also immune to your ability."
The words hit me, but their meaning didn't sink in until Jane's crimson eyes flicked toward me—pure euphoria in her expression, as if she'd been waiting her entire life for permission. She then turned to look toward Bella.
That heartbeat of distraction gave Edward just enough time to move, placing himself between Bella and Jane.
Her smile didn't falter. It sharpened.
She focused her gaze on him, and in the next instant, Edward collapsed.
His body hit the stone floor with a sickening sound. His mouth opened in a silent scream, every muscle locked so tight it looked like his bones might shatter under the strain. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't move. But every line of his face screamed agony.
Jane's small smile stayed fixed, her expression one of utter, serene joy.
"Stop!" Bella's voice cracked, raw with panic. She lunged forward, but Alice caught her by the shoulders, whispering something urgent that I couldn't make out.
Seconds passed in agonizing slowness until Aro spoke.
"Jane," he reined her in with a tranquil voice. She looked up at him quickly, still smiling with pleasure, her eyes questioning.
As soon as Jane had looked away Edward's body relaxed.
Aro noted Jane's gaze and nodded his head toward Bella in an unspoken command. Jane turned again toward Bella.
My body couldn't be any tenser, but my mind was preparing for action. I knew there was no way I could see Bella in that kind of pain and stay calm. Jane would be the first to die and then I would go after Aro. I just hoped my shifted form brushing Edythe aside didn't hurt her too badly.
But nothing prepared me for what happened next. As Jane set her eyes on Bella and waited. However, there was no reaction. Nothing, just Bella staring at Jane in anticipation of the pain to come.
I relaxed my muscles and breathed a sigh of relief.
Jane was no longer smiling, she was now glaring at Bella. Her jaw was clenched with the intensity of her focus.
I saw many of the vampires in the room glance at each other wordlessly asking if Jane was even trying yet. I was sure many thought she was merely playing with the little human.
Edward had shakily moved to his feet and reached for Bella, I was impressed at how quickly he recovered.
Aro started to laugh in glee, "This is wonderful!" he shouted after the short laugh.
Jane hissed in frustration, leaning forward like she was preparing to spring at Bella.
"Don't be put out, dear one," Aro said in a comforting tone, placing a hand on her shoulder. "She confounds us all."
Jane's upper lip curled back over her teeth as she continued to glair at Bella.
I was tired of the games. The pretense of civility felt paper-thin now, and beneath it, I could sense the danger still coiling in every corner of this chamber. Despite their earlier words—that Bella would someday join their kind—I couldn't shake the feeling that they might decide otherwise.
The Volturi didn't need much of a reason to justify their actions. Some law or another would do just fine.
I removed my arms from around Edythe and gently ushered her to my side. Then I looked at Jane.
"You should be thanking Bella, Jane. Her ability to withstand you saved your life. In fact, she saved the lives of many in here."
Aro was the first to speak as many of the surrounding vampires tensed in weariness at my words.
"Please do explain what you mean, young Thomas." Came his reply to my words.
I smiled in hopes that it would soften my words to less of a threatening tone. "Could you, Lord Aro stand aside as your loved one who is so fragile received pain of the likes that puts down one as strong as a vampire?"
I let that sink in for a moment, "As you all struggle with your thirst for human blood. I struggle with my anger much the same way. You yourself have seen some of that struggle through Edward and Alice's memories."
At my words I saw Aro's eyes lose focus for a second as if he were trying to remember something. And when he refocused on me his eyes widened.
"How wonderous,' he exclaimed. "Carlisle does seem to find such wonderous companions to surround himself with. I confess myself... Envious of his luck."
Silence reigned for a moment, before it was broken by a childish voice. "Master?"
"Yes, Jane. My dear one. You have a question?" Aro replied.
Jane nodded her head. "Master, I am curious if this man is also immune to my gift as the other one is." She gave me a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Your safety is, after all, a concern if I cannot protect you."
Aro turned to me then, his black eyes glimmering with interest. "Well, young Thomas… shall we satisfy her curiosity?"
Before I could answer, Jane's lips parted in a smile that was far too eager.
Edythe's hand shot to my arm, her voice low. "No."
Aro's smile deepened. "Oh, but imagine what we might learn."
I shook my head slowly. "You wouldn't learn much. All it would do is show us how much Jane enjoys the pain she inflicts—on herself."
Jane's smile faltered, the first crack in her composure.
I was slightly disappointed that I couldn't make her feel her own ability, but even I knew better than to start a fight down here. There were too many, and I doubted any of us would walk out if things went wrong.
"If you remember Edward's feeling of… feedback when he tried to read my mind," I continued evenly, "you'll understand. I truly hope to leave here with my family in peace. And I'm afraid that wouldn't be possible if you believed I'd attacked one of your… children."
The word lingered in the air, soft but heavy with meaning.
I let it hang there — the double edge of it gleaming — and watched the anger coil tight behind Jane's crimson eyes.
I decided then: I liked her about as much as she liked me.
So why play nice?