Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [229]
I smiled wryly at the mountainous vampire. Hey, Felix.
Felix chuckled. You look good. Immortality suits you.
Thanks so much.
Youre welcome. Its too bad
He let his comment trail off into silence, but I didnt need Edwards gift to imagine the end. Its too bad were going to kill you in a sec.
Yes, too bad, isnt it? I murmured.
Felix winked.
Aro paid no attention to our exchange. He leaned his head to one side, fascinated. I hear her strange heart, he murmured with an almost musical lilt to his words. I smell her strange scent. Then his hazy eyes shifted to me. In truth, young Bella, immortality does become you most extraordinarily, he said. It is as if you were designed for this life.
I nodded once in acknowledgment of his flattery.
You liked my gift? he asked, eyeing the pendant I wore.
Its beautiful, and very, very generous of you. Thank you. I probably should have sent a note.
Aro laughed delightedly. Its just a little something I had lying around. I thought it might complement your new face, and so it does.
I heard a little hiss from the center of the Volturi line. I glanced over Aros shoulder.
Hmm. It seemed Jane wasnt happy about the fact that Aro had given me a present.
Aro cleared his throat to reclaim my attention. May I greet your daughter, lovely Bella? he asked sweetly.
This was what wed hoped for, I reminded myself. Fighting the urge to take Renesmee and run for it, I walked two slow steps forward. My shield rippled out behind me like a cape, protecting the rest of my family while Renesmee was left exposed. It felt wrong, horrible.
Aro met us, his face beaming.
But shes exquisite, he murmured. So like you and Edward. And then louder, Hello, Renesmee.
Renesmee looked at me quickly. I nodded.
Hello, Aro, she answered formally in her high, ringing voice.
Aros eyes were bemused.
What is it? Caius hissed from behind. He seemed infuriated by the need to ask.
Half mortal, half immortal, Aro announced to him and the rest of the guard without turning his enthralled gaze from Renesmee. Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human.
Impossible, Caius scoffed.
Do you think theyve fooled me, then, brother? Aros expression was greatly amused, but Caius flinched. Is the heartbeat you hear a trickery as well?
Caius scowled, looking as chagrined as if Aros gentle questions had been blows.
Calmly and carefully, brother, Aro cautioned, still smiling at Renesmee. I know well how you love your justice, but there is no justice in acting against this unique little one for her parentage. And so much to learn, so much to learn! I know you dont have my enthusiasm for collecting histories, but be tolerant with me, brother, as I add a chapter that stuns me with its improbability. We came expecting only justice and the sadness of false friends, but look what we have gained instead! A new, bright knowledge of ourselves, our possibilities.
He held out his hand to Renesmee in invitation. But this was not what she wanted. She leaned away from me, stretching upward, to touch her fingertips to Aros face.
Aro did not react with shock as almost everyone else had reacted to this performance from Renesmee; he was as used to the flow of thought and memory from other minds as Edward was.
His smile widened, and he sighed in satisfaction. Brilliant, he whispered.
Renesmee relaxed back into my arms, her little face very serious.
Please? she asked him.
His smile turned gentle. Of course I have no desire to harm your loved ones, precious Renesmee.
Aros voice was so comforting and affectionate, it took me in for a second. And then I heard Edwards teeth grind together and, far behind us, Maggies outraged hiss at the lie.
I wonder, Aro said thoughtfully, seeming unaware of the reaction to his previous words. His eyes moved unexpectedly to Jacob, and instead of the disgust the other Volturi viewed the giant wolf with, Aros eyes were filled with a longing that I did not comprehend.
It doesnt work that way, Edward said, the careful neutrality