Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [200]
Alice told us we needed to separate, Zafrina answered in the rough, deep voice that matched her wild appearance. Its uncomfortable to be away from each other, but Alice assured us that you needed us here, while she very much needed Kachiri somewhere else. Thats all she would tell us, except that there was a great hurry ? Zafrinas statement trailed off into a question, and-with the tremor of nerves that never went away no matter how often I did this-I brought Renesmee out to meet them.
Despite their fierce appearance, they listened very calmly to our story, and then allowed Renesmee to prove the point. They were every bit as taken with Renesmee as any of the other vampires, but I couldnt help worrying as I watched their swift, jerky movements so close beside her. Senna was always near Zafrina, never speaking, but it wasnt the same as Amun and Kebi. Kebis manner seemed obedient; Senna and Zafrina were more like two limbs of one organism-Zafrina just happened to be the mouthpiece.
The news about Alice was oddly comforting. Clearly, she was on some obscure mission of her own as she avoided whatever Aro had planned for her.
Edward was thrilled to have the Amazons with us, because Zafrina was enormously talented; her gift could make a very dangerous offensive weapon. Not that Edward was asking for Zafrina to side with us in the battle, but if the Volturi did not pause when they saw our witnesses, perhaps they would pause for a different kind of scene.
Its a very straightforward illusion, Edward explained when it turned out that I couldnt see anything, as usual. Zafrina was intrigued and amused by my immunity-something shed never encountered before-and she hovered restlessly while Edward described what I was missing. Edwards eyes unfocused slightly as he continued. She can make most people see whatever she wants them to see-see that, and nothing else. For example, right now I would appear to be alone in the middle of a rain forest. Its so clear I might possibly believe it, except for the fact that I can still feel you in my arms.
Zafrinas lips twitched into her hard version of a smile. A second later, Edwards eyes focused again, and he grinned back.
Impressive, he said.
Renesmee was fascinated with the conversation, and she reached out fearlessly toward Zafrina.
Can I see? she asked.
What would you like to see? Zafrina asked.
What you showed Daddy.
Zafrina nodded, and I watched anxiously as Renesmees eyes stared blankly into space. A second later, Renesmees dazzling smile lit up her face.
More, she commanded.
After that, it was hard to keep Renesmee away from Zafrina and her pretty pictures. I worried, because I was quite sure that Zafrina was able to create images that were not pretty at all. But through Renesmees thoughts I could see Zafrinas visions for myself-they were as clear as any of Renesmees own memories, like they were real-and thus judge for myself whether they were appropriate or not.
Though I didnt give her up easily, I had to admit it was a good thing Zafrina was keeping Renesmee entertained. I needed my hands. I had so much to learn, both physically and mentally, and the time was so short.
My first attempt at learning to fight did not go well.
Edward had me pinned in about two seconds. But instead of letting me wrestle my way free-which I absolutely could have-hed leaped up and away from me. I knew immediately that something was wrong; he was still as stone, staring across the meadow we were practicing in.
Im sorry, Bella, he said.
No, Im fine, I said. Lets go again.
I cant.
What do you mean, you cant? We just started.
He didnt answer.
Look, I know Im no good at this, but I cant get better if you dont help me.
He said nothing. Playfully, I sprang at him. He made no defense at all, and we both fell to the ground. He was motionless as I pressed my lips to his jugular.
I win, I announced.
His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
Edward? Whats wrong? Why wont you teach me?
A full minute passed before he spoke again.
I just cant bear it. Emmett and Rosalie