At the one minute warning, the Cullens fanned out into a long line, with Emmett on one side and Jasper on the opposite. I hovered uncomfortably between Alice and Edward. Carlisle stood forward a little way, obviously our leader. And then a small grouping of black and grey cloaks emerged into the field and made their way forward through the fog brought on by the snow. At the front was the frailest looking vampire, with powdery skin and milky eyes. He commanded my attention and was the first to speak in a powerful, booming voice. “Carlisle, my old friend,” he greeted Carlisle, with a sweep of his arms. “Aro,” Carlisle replied curtly. “I should have known you wouldn’t be surprised by our appearance,” Aro said jovially, appraising Alice. “Extraordinary.”
“We’re here to see the newborn,” another said dully, his eyes lingering on me. Aro bounced on his heels. “Ah, Marcus, so quickly you turn to business! But alas, it must be spoken about. As your little future-searching darling will probably have told you, we need to speak to your newest coven member.” Aro scanned the line twice before his curious eyes rested on my face, and I quickly dropped my gaze to the ground. Edward nudged me gently, and I took a shuffled step forward, looking up at Aro again nervously.
Aro glided over soundlessly, scrutinising me closely. He walked around me in a full circle and then reached out as though to shake my hand. I looked back for Edward’s approval and at his miniscule nod I took his hand. In my head I could see everything Aro looked at and the shock made my breath catch in my throat. “She can see everything you’re looking at, Aro, and it makes her uncomfortable,” Edward said quietly. Aro blinked in surprise. He stepped back and released my hand, walking back to the line of Volturi who had until now remained still. But a small girl flounced forward, the movement making her toffee curls bounce on her shoulders.
“You oughtn’t to interrupt Master Aro whilst he speaks,” the girl sang sweetly and smiled beatifically at Edward. He crumpled to the floor with a grunting noise and writhed in agony. I stared in horror before turning back to the girl. “Stop it!” I cried uncontrollably, “Stop it, please!” To my surprise, the girl stopped. “Jane?” said a small boy, blatantly her twin Alec, uncertainly. She glanced at him with arched eyebrows and then took a step towards us. “Don’t move,” I ordered, trying to inject some venom or danger into my voice. Again she obeyed me; her feet planted firmly onto the ground and she didn’t move forward again. I could see her struggling against it, but it had no effect. Her brother started towards her, but I ordered him to, “Stop moving,” and again he seemed unable to disobey me.
I looked at Carlisle, hoping for an explanation or at least some reassurance, but he looked as nonplussed as I felt. Once again Aro strode forward, but his expression was gleeful. “It seems that your dear newborn has a knack for leadership,” he exclaimed genially. I took an anxious pace back so I was in line with the others and Edward’s fingers found their way into my trembling hand. “Don’t be afraid, young one,” Aro said, smiling down at me. “I’m intrigued by your talents. I wonder how far it extends..?”
“Would you like me to test it out?” I offered sweetly, and he seemed intrigued at the idea. “Ooh, now that would be interesting,” he gushed, “Let’s see…order me to leave right now. If it does not work, this talk shall continue. However if it does we shall go and you shan’t see us again anytime soon. You, Mia, will of course be free to join the Volturi. We welcome you with open and eager arms.” I swallowed anxiously. “Thanks for the offer, but I have a home here. Nothing could make me leave.” Nervously, I hesitated before saying, “All of you, leave right now.” I made the words as loud as possible and they sliced through the cold air sharply. To my utter surprise, every one of the grey cloaks turned and walked away.
We all stood and watched the grey cloud flutter away with murmurs of discontent, but despite their unwillingness not one of them stayed behind. I felt strangely numb, certain I had misunderstood something. And then the Cullens swooped in; I was passed through every pair of arms while cheers and applause erupted all around me. “You got rid of them, Mia!” Edward shouted excitedly. “That was incredible,” Rosalie gushed. Esme thanked me profusely and Carlisle mused wonderingly about my new found gift. I heard Jasper say, “You really are amazing,” and then my knees folded beneath me. It was impossible to tell whose hands had caught me while I looked around blearily, but it was strange to feel so weak when I was certain that vampires were indestructible.
The same somebody that had caught me carried me quickly back to the house and through the living room, up to my bedroom. I was laid out on my bed and stayed there for several minutes while my vision returned. “Jasper,” I breathed, recognising the mess of honeysuckle hair. He smiled at me bracingly and took my hand. “You were so incredible back there,” he said quietly. I laughed gently. “I wouldn’t go that far,” I said with a shrug, and struggled up to a sitting position. “I was really scared,” I admitted, smiling shamefacedly. “Let’s go downstairs,” Jasper suggested, “Esme and Alice are trying to set up a party. Everyone’s still on such a high; you’ve created an amazing emotional climax.” I shook my head. “Come on,” Jasper chuckled, “Just take credit for it and let everyone fawn over you.” I pulled a face for a minute and then nodded, springing off the bed and dragging Jasper downstairs behind me.
