The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 38. Power

Chelsea is act to break our bindings, Edward whispered. But she cant get them.She cant smell us here. . . . His look cut to me. Are you doing that?I smiled grimly at him. I am tot all(a) toldy over this.Edward lurched international from me suddenly, his cash in ones chips r to each oneing out toward Carlisle. At the same date, I felt a much sharper jab once against the nurse where it wrapped protectively around Carlisles light. It wasnt painful, but it wasnt pleasant, either.Carlisle? Are you all right? Edward gasped franti imposey.Yes. why?Jane, Edward answered.The moment that he said her name, a dozen pointed attacks hit in a second, stabbing all over the e finishic epidermis, aimed at twelve different bright spots. I flexed, make sealed the shield was undamaged. It didnt take carem like Jane had been able to pierce it. I glanced around quickly e trulyvirtuoso was fine.Incredible, Edward said.Why arent they waiting for the decision? Tanya hissed.Normal procedure, Edw ard answered brusquely. They usually incapacitate those on trial so they cant escape.I looked crosswise at Jane, who was staring at our group with furious disbelief. I was passably convinced(predicate) that, besides me, shed never estimaten anyone remain standing by means of her fiery assault.It probably wasnt very mature. But I figured it would mob Aro about half a second to guess if he hadnt already that my shield was more mighty than Edward had issuen I already had a big target on my forehead and at that place was authencetically no point in trying to keep the extent of what I could do a secret. So I grinned a huge, smug smile right at Jane.Her eyes narrowed, and I felt around other stab of oblige, this time directed at me.I pulled my lips wider, showing my dentition.Jane let out a spiky scream of a snarl. Everyone jumped, even the disciplined obligate. Everyone but the ancients, who didnt so much as look up from their conference.Her twin caught her arm as she cr ouched to spring.The Romanians started chuckling with tail anticipation.I told you this was our time, Vladimir said to Stefan.Just look at the witchs face, Stefan chortled.Alec patted his sisters shoulder joint soothingly, then tucked her under his arm. He sullen his face to us, perfectly smooth, completely angelic.I waited for rough pressure, some sign of his attack, but I felt nonhing. He continued to stare in our military commission, his pretty face composed. Was he attacking? Was he getting by my shield? Was I the only one who could still insure him? I clutched at Edwards hand.Are you okay? I choked out.Yes, he whispered.Is Alec trying?Edward nodded. His gift is slower than Janes. It creeps. It go out touch us in a few seconds.I saying it then, when I had a clue of what to look for.A strange clear haze was oozing crosswise the snow, nearly invisible against the white. It reminded me of a mirage a slight warping of the view, a hint of a shimmer. I pushed my shield out from Carlisle and the rest of the front line, afraid to fetch the slinking mist in like manner close when it hit. What if it steal right by means of my intangible protection? Should we run?A low rumbling murmured through the motive under our feet, and a gust of wind blew the snow into sudden flurries between our position and the Volturis. Benjamin had seen the spook threat, too, and now he tried to blow the mist away from us. The snow do it easy to see where he threw the wind, but the mist didnt react in any way. It was like air blowing harmlessly through a shadow the shadow was immune.The triangular formation of the ancients finally broke apart when, with a pace groan, a chummy, narrow fissure opened in a long zigzag across the shopping mall of the clearing. The earth rocked under my feet for a moment. The drifts of snow plummeted into the hole, but the mist skipped right across it, as unswayed by gravity as it had been by wind.Aro and Caius watched the opening earth with wide eyes. Marcus looked in the same direction without emotion.They didnt speak they waited, too, as the mist approached us. The wind shrieked louder but didnt change the course of the mist. Jane was smiling now.And then the mist hit a wall.I could relishing it as presently as it touched my shield it had a dense, sweet, cloying flavor. It made me recover dimly the numbness of Novocain on my tongue.The mist change surface upward, pursuance a breach, a weakness. It found none. The fingers of searching haze twisted upward and around, trying to find a way in, and in the process illustrating the astonishing size of the protective screen.thither were gasps on twain sides of Benjamins gorge.Well done, Bella Benjamin cheered in a low component part.My smile re sour.I could see Alecs narrowed eyes, interrogative on his face for the first time as his mist swirled harmlessly around the edges of my shield.And then I k impudent that I could do this. Obviously, I would be the number-one priority, the first one to die, but as long as I held, we were on more than equal footing with the Volturi. We still had Benjamin and Zafrina they had no supernatural help oneself at all. As long as I held.Im going to shoot to concentrate, I whispered to Edward. When it comes to hand to hand, its going to be harder to keep the shield around the right people.Ill keep them off you.No. You have to get to Demetri. Zafrina will keep them away from me.Zafrina nodded solemnly. No one will touch this young one, she promised Edward.Id go aft(prenominal) Jane and Alec myself, but I can do more good here.Janes mine, Kate hissed. She needs a taste of her own medicine.And Alec owes me many lives, but I will settle for his, Vladimir growled from the other side. Hes mine.I adept insufficiency Caius, Tanya said evenly.The others started divvying up opponents, too, but they were quickly interrupted.Aro, staring calmly at Alecs ineffective mist, finally spoke. ahead we vote, he began.I agitate my head angrily. I was tired of this charade. The bloodlust was igniting in me again, and I was sorry that I would help the others more by standing still. I wanted to fight.Let me remind you, Aro continued, whatever the councils decision, there need be no violence here.Edward snarled out a dark laugh.Aro stared at him sadly. It will be a regrettable waste to our kind to lose any of you.But you especially, young Edward, and your neonate mate. The Volturi would be glad to welcome many of you into our ranks. Bella, Benjamin, Zafrina, Kate. There are many choices before you. Consider them.Chelseas drive to sway us fluttered impotently against my shield. Aros gaze swept across our hard eyes, looking for any interpretation of hesitation. From his expression, he found none.I knew he was desperate to keep Edward and me, to imprison us the way he had hoped to enslave Alice. But this fight was too big. He would non win if I lived. I was fiercely glad to be so powerful that I left him no way not to devour me.Let us vote, then, he said with apparent reluctance.Caius spoke with eager haste. The child is an unknown quantity. There is no reason to allow such a risk to exist. It must be destroyed, along with all who protect it. He smiled in expectation.I fought back a shriek of defiance to answer his fell smirk.Marcus pussyfooted his uncaring eyes, seeming to look through us as he voted.I see no immediate danger. The child is safe enough for now. We can always reevaluate later. Let us leave in peace. His voice was even fainter than his brothers feathery sighs.None of the guard relaxed their ready positions at his disagreeing words. Caiuss anticipatory grin did not falter. It was as if Marcus hadnt spoken at all.I must make the deciding vote, it seems, Aro mused.Suddenly, Edward stiffened at my side. Yes he hissed.I risked a glance at him. His face glowed with an expression of triumph that I didnt get word it was the expression an angel of destruction might wear ti me the gentleman burned. Beautiful and terrifying.There was a low reaction from the guard, an uneasy murmur.Aro? Edward called, nearly shouted, undisguised victory in his voice.Aro hesitated for a second, assessing this new toughness warily before he answered. Yes, Edward? You have something further ? maybe, Edward said pleasantly, controlling his unexplained excitement. First, if I could explain one point?Certainly, Aro said, raising his eyebrows, nothing now but polite interest in his tone.My teeth aim together Aro was never more dangerous than when he was gracious.The danger you foresee from my girlfriend this stems solely from our inability to guess how she will develop? That is the crux of the matter?Yes, friend Edward, Aro agreed. If we could but be affirmatory be sure that, as she grows, she will be able to stay concealed from the human world not endanger the safety of our obscurity . . . He trailed off, shrugging.So, if we could only know for sure, Edward suggested, exactly what she will let then there would be no need for a council at all?If there was some way to be short sure, Aro agreed, his feathery voice slightly more shrill. He couldnt see where Edward was lead-in him. Neither could I. Then, yes, there would be no question to debate.And we would part in peace, good friends once again? Edward asked with a hint of irony.Even more shrill. Of course, my young friend. Nothing would please me more.Edward chuckled exultantly. Then I do have something more to offer.Aros eyes narrowed. She is absolutely unique. Her future can only be guessed at.Not absolutely unique, Edward disagreed. Rare, certainly, but not one of a kind.I fought the shock, the sudden hope springing to life, as it threatened to remove me. The sickly-looking mist still swirled around the edges of my shield. And, as I struggled to focus, I felt again the sharp, stabbing pressure against my protective hold.Aro, would you ask Jane to stop attacking my wife? Edward asked courteo usly. We are still discussing evidence.Aro raised one hand. Peace, heartfelt ones. Let us hear him out.The pressure disappeared. Jane bared her teeth at me I couldnt help smiling back at her.Why dont you join us, Alice? Edward called loudly.Alice, Esme whispered in shock.AliceAlice, Alice, Alice Alice Alice other voices murmured around me.Alice, Aro breathed.Relief and angry joy surged through me. It took all my will to keep the shield where it was. Alecs mist still tested, seeking a weakness Jane would see if I left any holes.And then I heard them running through the forest, flying, closing the distance as quickly as they could with no slowing effort at silence. some(prenominal) sides were motionless in expectation. The Volturi witnesses scowled in fresh confusion.Then Alice danced into the clearing from the southwest, and I felt like the mirth of seeing her face again might knock me off my feet. Jasper was only inches behind her, his sharp eyes fierce. Close after them ran th ree strangers the first was a tall, muscular female with wild dark pig obviously Kachiri. She had the same elongated limbs and features as the other Amazons, even more pronounced in her case.The succeeding(prenominal) was a small olive-toned female vampire with a long braid of black hair bobbing against her back. Her deep burgundy eyes flitted nervously around the confrontation before her.And the last was a young man not quite as fast nor quite as fluid in his run. His skin was an impossible rich, dark brown. His wary eyes flashed across the gathering, and they were the color of warm teak. His hair was black and braided, too, like the womans, though not as long. He was beautiful.As he neared us, a new sound sent shock waves through the watching crowd the sound of another heartbeat, accelerated with exertion.Alice leaped lightly over the edges of the dissipating mist that lapped at my shield and came to a sinuous stop at Edwards side. I reached out to touch her arm, and so did Ed ward, Esme, Carlisle. There wasnt time for any other welcome. Jasper and the others followed her through the shield.All the guard watched, speculation in their eyes, as the latecomers crossed the invisible border without difficulty. The brawny ones, Felix and the others like him, focused their suddenly hopeful eyes on me. They had not been sure of what my shield repelled, but it was clear now that it would not stop a physical attack. As soon as Aro gave the order, the blitz would ensue, me the only object. I wondered how many Zafrina would be able to blind, and how much that would slow them. persistent enough for Kate and Vladimir to take Jane and Alec out of the equation? That was all I could ask for.Edward, de go against his absorption in the coup he was directing, stiffened furiously in response to their thoughts. He controlled himself and spoke to Aro again.Alice has been searching for her own witnesses these last weeks, he said to the ancient. And she does not come back empty- handed. Alice, why dont you introduce the witnesses youve brought?Caius snarled. The time for witnesses is past betray your vote, AroAro raised one finger to silence his brother, his eyes glued to Alices face.Alice stepped forward lightly and introduced the strangers. This is Huilen and her nephew, Nahuel.Hearing her voice it was like shed never left.Caiuss eyes tightened as Alice named the relationship between the newcomers. The Volturi witnesses hissed amongst themselves. The vampire world was changing, and everyone could feel it.Speak, Huilen, Aro commanded. stop us the witness you were brought to bear.The slight woman looked to Alice nervously. Alice nodded in encouragement, and Kachiri put her long hand on the weensy vampires shoulder.I am Huilen, the woman announced in clear but strangely accented English. As she continued, it was apparent she had prepared herself to regularize this story, that she had practiced. It flowed like a well-known nursery rhyme. A century and a h alf ago, I lived with my people, the Mapuche. My sister was Pire. Our parents named her after the snow on the mountains because of her fair skin. And she was very beautiful too beautiful.She came to me one day in secret and told me of the angel that found her in the woods, that visited her by night. I warned her. Huilen shook her head mournfully. As if the bruises on her skin were not warning enough. I knew it was the Libishomen of our legends, but she would not listen. She was bewitched.She told me when she was sure her dark angels child was growing inside her. I didnt try to discourage her from her plan to run away I knew even our father and mother would agree that the child must be destroyed, Pire with it. I went with her into the deepest move of the forest. She searched for her demon angel but found nothing. I cared for her, hunted for her when her strength failed. She ate the animals raw, drinking their blood. I needed no more confirmation of what she carried in her womb. I hoped to save her life before I killed the monster.But she loved the child inside her. She called him Nahuel, after the jungle cat, when he grew strong and broke her castanets and loved him still.I could not save her. The child ripped his way free of her, and she died quickly, begging all the while that I would care for her Nahuel. Her dying wish and I agreed.He bit me, though, when I tried to lift him from her body. I crawled away into the jungle to die. I didnt get far the pain was too much. But he found me the newborn child struggled through the underbrush to my side and waited for me. When the pain ended, he was curled against my side, sleeping.I cared for him until he was able to hunt for himself. We hunted the villages around our forest, staying to ourselves. We have never come so far from our home, but Nahuel wished to see the child here.Huilen bowed her head when she was finished and moved back so she was part hidden behind Kachiri.Aros lips were pursed. He stared at th e dark-skinned youth.Nahuel, you are one hundred and fifty long time old? he questioned.Give or take a decade, he answered in a clear, beautifully warm voice. His accent was barely noticeable. We dont keep track.And you reached maturity at what age?About seven historic period after my birth, more or less, I was full grown.You have not changed since then?Nahuel shrugged. Not that Ive noticed.I felt a shudder tremble through Jacobs body. I didnt want to think about this yet. I would wait till the danger was past and I could concentrate.And your diet? Aro pressed, seeming interested in spite of himself.Mostly blood, but some human food, too. I can survive on either.You were able to arrive at an immortal? As Aro gestured to Huilen, his voice was abruptly intense. I refocused on my shield perhaps he was seeking a new excuse.Yes, but none of the rest can.A shocked murmur ran through all three groups.Aros eyebrows shot up. The rest?My sisters. Nahuel shrugged again.Aro stared wildly for a moment before composing his face.Perhaps you would tell us the rest of your story, for there seems to be more.Nahuel frowned.My father came looking for me a few old age after my mothers death. His handsome face distorted slightly. He was pleased to find me. Nahuels tone suggested the feeling was not mutual. He had two daughters, but no sons. He expected me to join him, as my sisters had.He was surprised I was not alone. My sisters are not venomous, but whether thats due to gender or a random hazard who knows? I already had my family with Huilen, and I was not interested he twisted the word in reservation a change. I see him from time to time. I have a new sister she reached maturity about ten years back.Your fathers name? Caius asked through gritted teeth.Joham, Nahuel answered. He considers himself a scientist. He thinks hes creating a new super-race. He made no attempt to disguise the disgust in his tone.Caius looked at me. Your daughter, is she venomous? he demanded harsh ly.No, I responded. Nahuels head snapped up at Aros question, and his teak eyes turned to bore into my face.Caius looked to Aro for confirmation, but Aro was thoughtless in his own thoughts. He pursed his lips and stared at Carlisle, and then Edward, and at last his eyes rested on me.Caius growled. We take care of the aberration here, and then follow it south, he urged Aro.Aro stared into my eyes for a long, tense moment. I had no idea what he was searching for, or what he found, but after he had calculated me for that moment, something in his face changed, a faint shift in the set of his mouth and eyes, and I knew that Aro had made his decision.Brother, he said softly to Caius. There appears to be no danger. This is an unusual development, but I see no threat. These half-vampire children are much like us, it appears.Is that your vote? Caius demanded.It is.Caius scowled. And this Joham? This immortal so fond of experimentation?Perhaps we should speak with him, Aro agreed.Stop Joha m if you will, Nahuel said flatly. But leave my sisters be. They are innocent.Aro nodded, his expression solemn. And then he turned back to his guard with a warm smile.Dear ones, he called. We do not fight today.The guard nodded in unison and straightened out of their ready positions. The mist dissipated swiftly, but I held my shield in place. Maybe this was another trick.I analyzed their expressions as Aro turned back to us. His face was as benignant as ever, but unlike before, I sensed a strange blankness behind the fa?ade. As if his astute was over. Caius was clearly incensed, but his rage was turned inward now he was resigned. Marcus looked bored there genuinely was no other word for it. The guard was impassive and disciplined again there were no individuals among them, just the whole.They were in formation, ready to depart. The Volturi witnesses were still wary one after another, they departed, scattering into the woods. As their numbers dwindled, the be sped up. Soon they w ere all gone.Aro held his hands out to us, almost apologetic. Behind him, the larger part of the guard, along with Caius, Marcus, and the silent, unavowed wives, were already drifting quickly away, their formation precise once again. Only the three that seemed to be his ad hominem guardians lingered with him.Im so glad this could be resolved without violence, he said sweetly. My friend, Carlisle how pleased I am to call you friend again I hope there are no hard feelings. I know you understand the strict burden that our duty places on our shoulders.Leave in peace, Aro, Carlisle said stiffly. Please remember that we still have our anonymity to protect here, and keep your guard from hunting in this region.Of course, Carlisle, Aro assured him. I am sorry to earn your disapproval, my dear friend. Perhaps, in time, you will forgive me.Perhaps, in time, if you prove a friend to us again.Aro bowed his head, the picture of remorse, and drifted backward for a moment before he turned around . We watched in silence as the last four Volturi disappeared into the trees.It was very quiet. I did not drop my shield.Is it very over? I whispered to Edward.His smile was huge. Yes. Theyve given up. Like all bullies, theyre cowards underneath the swagger. He chuckled.Alice laughed with him. Seriously, people. Theyre not coming back. Everybody can relax now.There was another beat of silence.Of all the rotten luck, Stefan muttered.And then it hit.Cheers erupted. earsplitting howls filled the clearing. Maggie pounded Siobhan on the back. Rosalie and Emmett kissed again longer and more ardently than before.Benjamin and Tia were locked in each others arms, as were Carmen and Eleazar. Esme held Alice and Jasper in a tight embrace. Carlisle was warmly thanking the South American newcomers who had saved us all. Kachiri stood very close to Zafrina and Senna, their fingertips interlocked. Garrett picked Kate up off the ground and swung her around in a circle.Stefan spit on the snow. Vlad imir ground his teeth together with a sour expression.And I half-climbed the giant russet wolf to rip my daughter off his back and then crushed her to my chest. Edwards arms were around us in the same second.Nessie, Nessie, Nessie, I crooned.Jacob laughed his big, barky laugh and poked the back of my head with his nose.Shut up, I mumbled.I get to stay with you? Nessie demanded.Forever, I promised her.We had forever. And Nessie was going to be fine and healthy and strong. Like the halfhuman Nahuel, in a hundred and fifty years she would still be young. And we would all be together.Happiness expanded like an explosion inside me so extreme, so violent that I wasnt sure Id survive it.Forever, Edward echoed in my ear.I couldnt speak anymore. I upraised my head and kissed him with a passion that might possibly set the forest on fire.I wouldnt have noticed.