Chapter 31: An Unexpected Threat
Aro's point of view
The great room of the Volturi was as always, dimly lit by the rays of sunlight that filtered through the high windows. Three majestic thrones presided over the room, and the three leaders sat on them. Aro, Marcus and Caius watched in silence as Edward, Bella and Alice entered the room.
Aro smiled widely when he saw Edward. "Edward! How nice to see you again, I'm so glad you're okay." His tone was cheerful, almost effusive, as if an old friend had returned from a long trip.
Edward remained motionless, but Bella, beside him, could feel the tension in his body. Aro then turned his gaze towards Bella. "And you must be Bella. It's nice to meet you! I'm glad to see you're still alive. Isn't it wonderful when everything ends in a happy ending?"
Bella swallowed, uncomfortable under Aro's penetrating gaze, but did not respond. Edward never let go of her.
Aro didn't waste any more time. With a gentle gesture, he took Edward's hand, ready to explore the memories in his mind. While accessing Edward's most recent memories: the Cullens' return to Forks, James' danger, his relationship with Bella. However, there was something that made his expression change.
"La tua singer," Aro murmured, referring to the irresistible allure of Bella's blood. "Your self-control is impressive, Edward. Her blood attracts you so much that even I feel the temptation... How can you stand being so close to her?" Edward responded with difficulty, fighting his own instincts. "It's... difficult," he admitted.
But then, Aro's expression became serious, almost rigid, when something unexpected appeared in Edward's memories: the imposing figure of Ethan in his wolf form. Aro let go of Edward's hand, as if he had touched something dangerous. His usual smile disappeared.
"What is that beast?" He asked in a tone that left the room silent.
Edward cleared his throat before responding. "It's a metamorph. A long time ago, when the Cullens first arrived in Forks we made a treaty with them to coexist without endangering humans."
Aro frowned. "I know shapeshifters. I have seen several throughout my life, but that creature... looks more like a Moonchild than a simple shapeshifter, although from what I have seen, it is much more superior to them."
Edward nodded slowly. "He is much stronger than us. He is the alpha of his pack, his name is Ethan."
Bella, surprised, looked at Edward. "What's going on with Ethan?" he asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.
Edward explained: "Aro has the gift of seeing all my thoughts and memories when he touches me. He just saw Ethan in his transformation... His wolf form is much more imposing than the rest of his pack." ".
Bella nodded slowly, processing the information. "I've seen Jacob transformed, but not Ethan. He must be much bigger for them to be so surprised..."
Aro approached Bella again, this time with a special shine in his eyes. "I saw in Edward's mind that you are immune to his mind reading," she said curiously. "Can...?" Aro extended his hand towards Bella, who hesitated, but finally allowed him to take her hand. As he did so, Aro frowned. "I don't see anything... Fascinating," he murmured, releasing her hand and taking a step back.
Suddenly, his face lit up again with an idea. "I wonder," he said as he cast a glance at Jane, "is he immune to all of our gifts?"
Edward tensed up instantly. "No..." he said, stepping forward, but Jane had already acted. With a simple glance, Edward's body writhed on the ground in pain. Bella screamed, "No! Please stop!"
Aro, amused, watched. "Come on, Jane, let's try her," he ordered. Jane turned to Bella, but when she tried to use her gift on her, nothing happened. Bella didn't feel even a hint of pain.
Aro burst into laughter.
"Amazing! You resist all of our gifts."
What should we do with you?—Aro asked himself out loud but with a tone of amusement.
But Aro's fun was short-lived, as Marcus and Gaius intervened. Marcus, in his usual distant tone, said, "You know what we should do, Aro." Caius, ever more impatient, added: "He knows too much. He is a risk to our security."
Aro was silent for a moment before nodding. "It's true. We can't take risks." Turning to Felix, he gave a clear order: "Kill her."
Felix quickly approached Bella, but Edward, still weak from Jane's attack, stood in the way. A quick fight broke out between them, but Felix, much stronger, tackled Edward to the ground, making him crunch under his force, with Edward being knocked down for a moment. Felix changed his target, heading towards Bella, but Edward got back up to fight him. again, but like the previous time Edward was quickly subdued and put in position to be killed.
Bella screamed in despair. "No! Please kill me, but leave him!"
Aro, fascinated by Bella's devotion, raised a hand to stop Felix. "How extraordinary," he said, approaching Bella. "You would give up your life for one of us... A vampire, a heartless monster." Bella bravely responded, "They don't know anything about the soul."
Aro thoughtfully turned to Edward. "What a shame I don't intend to make her one of ours." Ready to kill Bella.
Before Edward could respond, Alice, held by Demetri, shouted, "Stop! Bella will be one of us, I've seen it." Aro raised an eyebrow and asked Demetri to let go. "Show me," he said, extending his hand.
Alice showed him the vision. In it, Bella ran like a vampire alongside Edward, happy and free. Aro sighed, admiring. "Mesmerizing... Seeing what will happen long before it happens."
Aro caressed Bella's face and said softly, "Your gifts will make you a fascinating immortal, Isabella." He then ordered Felix to release Edward and for them to retreat.
Before leaving, Gaius coldly warned them: "Remember, the Volturi do not give second chances. Follow what has been said today."
As Edward, Bella, and Alice left the room, Aro's smile faded. As soon as they were out of reach, his thoughts returned to the creature he had seen in Edward's mind.
"That creature…" Aro muttered to himself, "could be a much bigger threat." than I imagined. And if she's as powerful as she seems... the Cullens won't be the only problem. Ethan could destabilize everything we've built." Aro exchanged a worried look with Marcus and Gaius. "We must keep an eye on him. If he becomes a real threat, we will act before it is too late."