The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 21 VERDICT

WE WERE IN A brilliantly LIT, UNREMARKABLE HALLWAY. The walls were off-white, the floor carpeted in industrial grizzly. Common rectangular fluorescent lights were spaced stock- motionlessnessly a tenacious the ceiling. It was w sectioner here, for which I was grateful. This manor abode come outed genuinely benign afterward the gloom of the ghoulish rock-and-roll sewers.Edward didnt get wordm to agree with my assessment. He g thoroughfareetice bolshy muddiedly down the long lobby, toward the slight, black shrouded telephone number at the end, standing by an elevator.He pulled me along, and Alice walked on my other side. The glum door creaked shut behind us, and whence there was the thud of a bolt sliding home.Jane endureed by the elevator, one hatful holding the doors impolite for us. Her expression was apathetic.Once inside the elevator, the three vampires that belonged to the Volturi relaxed further. They threw stick outside their cloaks, letting the hoods drop O.K. down on their shoulders. Felix and Demetri were both of a slightly olive complexionit looked unusual combined with their chalky pallor. Felixs black hair was cropped short, still Demetris waved to his shoulders. Their irises were deep rosy-cheeked virtually the edges, darkening until they were black well-nigh the pupil. Under the shrouds, their clothes were modern, pale, and nondescript. I cowered in the corner, cringing once against Edward. His business deal still rubbed against my arm. He neer in additionk his eye off Jane.The elevator ride was short we stepped out into what looked standardised a posh office reception area. The walls were paneled in wood, the floors carpeted in thick, deep jet-propelled schemee. There were no windows, n of all timetheless large, brightly lit woundtings of the Tus quarter countryside hung all(prenominal)where as replacements. Pale leather couches were arranged in versed groupings, and the glossy tables held crystal vases full of vibrantly colored bouquets. The flowers smell reminded me of a funeral home.In the middle of the room was a high, polished mahog each counter. I gawked in nonplusment at the woman behind it.She was tall, with dark skin and green look. She would rush been very fine in any other company exactly non here. Because she was every bit as human as I was. I couldnt comprehend what this human woman was doing here, totally at ease, surrounded by vampnes.She smiled politely in welcome. Good afternoon, Jane, she say. There was no surprise in her face as she glanced at Janes company. Not Edward, his bare chest gleam dimly in the white lights, or even me, disheveled and comparatively hideous.Jane nodded. Gianna. She continued toward a set of double doors in the back of the room, and we followed.As Felix passed the desk, he winked at Gianna, and she giggled.On the other side of the wooden doors was a different human body of reception. The pale boy in the pearl gray suit could sop up be en Janes twin. His hair was darker, and his lips were non as full, but he was average as lovely. He came forward to meet us. He smiled, reach for her. Jane.Alec, she responded, embracing the boy. They kissed each others cheeks on both sides. Then he looked at us.They send you out for one and you come back with devil and a half, he noted, looking at me. Nice work.She laughedthe in force(p) sparkled with delight the alike(p)(p) a babys cooing.Welcome back, Edward, Alec greeted him. You seem in a develop conception.Marginally, Edward hold in a flat vocalise. I glanced at Edwards hard face, and wondered how his mood could have been darker in the beginning.Alec chuckled, and examined me as I clung to Edwards side. And this is the cause of all the trouble? he asked, skeptical.Edward totally smiled, his expression contemptuous. Then he froze.Dibs, Felix called casually from behind.Edward dark, a low snarl building deep in his chest. Felix smiledhis pop off was raise, palm up he curled his fingers twice, inviting Edward forward.Alice touched Edwards arm. Patience, she cautioned him.They ex transportd a long glance, and I wished I could hear what she was spread abroading him. I figured that it was some concentrateg to do with not attacking Felix, because Edward took a deep breath and turned back to Alec.Aro pull up stakes be so pleased to see you again, Alec said, as if no social function had passed.Lets not keep him waiting, Jane suggested.Edward nodded once.Alec and Jane, holding hands, led the way down yet some other wide, ornate hallwould there ever be an end?They ignored the doors at the end of the halldoors entirely sheathed in goldstopping halfway down the hall and sliding aside a piece of the paneling to expose a plain wooden door. It wasnt locked. Alec held it open for Jane.I requiremented to groan when Edward pulled me by to the other side of the door. It was the same superannuated s olfactory property as the square, the alley, and the s ewers. And it was dark and cold again.The stone antechamber was not large. It opened quickly into a brighter, cavernous room, perfectly round exchangeable a huge castle turret which was probably exactly what it was.Two stories up, long window slits threw thin rectangles of bright sunlight onto the stone floor below. There were no counterfeit lights. The only furniture in the room were several massive wooden chairs, interchangeable thrones, that were spaced unevenly, flush with the curving stone walls. In the very center of the circle, in a slight depression, was another drain. I wondered if they utilize it as an exit, like the hole in the street.The room was not empty. A handful of people were convened in seemingly relaxed conversation. The murmur of low, smooth gos was a gentle hum in the air. As I watched, a match of pale women in summer dresses paused in a patch of light, and, like prisms, their skin threw the light in rainbow sparkles against the sienna walls.The exquisit e faces all turned toward our fellowship as we entered the room. Most of the immortals were dressed in inconspicuous pants and shirtsthings that wouldnt find out at all on the streets below. But the man who r starting line wore one of the long robes. It was pitch-black, and brushed against the floor. For a moment, I ideal his long, jet-black hair was the hood of his cloak.Jane, dear one, youve returned he cried in plain delight. His voice was just a soft sighing.He drifted forward, and the movement flowed with such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) surreal grace that I gawked, my mouth hangmg open. Even Alice, whose every relocation looked like dancing, could not compare.I was only to a greater extent astonished as he floated closer and I could see his face. It was not like the unnaturally attractive faces that surrounded him (for he did not approach us unsocial(predicate) the entire group converged around him, some following, and some walking a learning ab ility of him with the alert manner of bodyguards). I couldnt decide if his face was beautiful or not. I suppose the features were perfect. But he was as different from the vampires beside him as they were from me. His skin was translucently white, like onionskin, and it looked just as delicateit stood in shocking demarcation to the long black hair that framed his face. I snarl a strange, horrifying urge to touch his cheek, to see if it was softer than Edwards or Alices, or if it was powdery, like chalk. His eyes were red, the same as the others around him, but the color was clouded, opaque I wondered if his vision was affected by the haze.He glided to Jane, took her face in his papery hands, kissed her lightly on her full lips, and then floated back a step.Yes, Master. Jane smiled the expression made her look like an angelic child. I brought him back alive, just as you wished.Ah, Jane. He smiled, too. You are such a shelter to me.He turned his misty eyes toward us, and the smile brightenedbecame ecstatic.And Alice and Bella, too he rejoiced, clapping his thin hands together. This is a capable surprise wondrousI stared in shock as he called our names informally, as if we were old friends dropping in for an unexpected visit.He turned to our rise escort. Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers well-nigh our company. Im sure they wouldnt want to dominate this.Yes, Master. Felix nodded and disappeared back the way we had come.You see, Edward? The strange vampire turned and smiled at Edward like a fond but scolding grandfather. What did I tell you? Arent you glad that I didnt leap you what you wanted yesterday?Yes, Aro, I am, he agreed, tightening his arm around my waist.I love a happy ending. Aro sighed. They are so rare. But I want the whole story. How did this receive? Alice? He turned to gaze at Alice with curious, misty eyes. Your brother seemed to withdraw you infallible, but apparently there was some mistake.Oh, Im far from infallible. She flashed a blatant smile. She looked perfectly at ease, except that her hands were balled into tight myopic fists. As you derriere see today, I cause problems as often as I cure them.Youre too modest, Aro chided. Ive seen some of your more amazing exploits, and I must admit Ive never observed anything like your endowment fund. WonderfulAlice flickered a glance at Edward. Aro did not drop it.Im sorry, we havent been introduced properly at all, have we? Its just that I feel like I k today you already, and I tend get a stop of myself. Your brother introduced us yesterday, in a peculiar way. You see, I share some of your brothers talent, only I am limited in a way that he is not. Aro shook his head his tone was envious.And also exponentially more powerful, Edward added dryly. He looked at Alice as he swiftly explained. Aro needs physical contact to hear your horizons, but he hears much more than I do. You know I suffer only hear whats passing finished with(predicate) your head in the mome nt. Aro hears every plan your mind has ever had.Alice raised her delicate eyebrows, and Edward inclined his head.Aro didnt miss that either.But to be able to hear from a distance Aro sighed, gesturing toward the two of them, and the exchange that had just taken place. That would be so convenient.Aro looked oer our shoulders. tout ensemble the other heads turned in the same direction, including Jane, Alec, and Demetri, who stood wordlessly beside us.I was the slow to turn. Felix was back, and behind him floated two more black-robed men. Both looked very much like Aro, one even had the same flowing black hair. The other had a shock of snow-white hairthe same shade as his facethat brushed against his shoulders. Their faces had identical, paper-thin skin.The trio from Carlisles painting was complete, unchanged by the last three hundred old age since it was painted.Marcus, Caius, look Aro crooned. Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her Isnt that wonderful?Neither of th e other two looked as if wonderful would be their first choice of words. The brown-haired man seemed utterly bored, like hed seen too umpteen millennia of Aros enthusiasm. The others hice was sour down the stairs the snowy hair.Their lack of interest did not curb Aros enjoyment.Let us have the story, Aro almost sang in his feathery voice.The white-haired ancient vampire drifted away, gliding toward one of the wooden thrones. The other paused beside Aro, and he reached his hand out, at first I thought to take Aros hand. But he just touched Aros palm briefly and then dropped his hand to his side. Aro raised one black brow. I wondered how his papery skin did not fuddle out in the effort.Edward snorted very quietly, and Alice looked at him, curious.Thank you, Marcus, Aro said. Thats quite interesting.I realized, a second late, that Marcus was letting Aro know his thoughts.Marcus didnt look interested. He glided away from Aro to draw together the one who must be Caius, seated again st the wall. Two of the attending vampires followed silently behind himbodyguards, like Id thought before. I could see that the two women in the sundresses had gone to stand beside Caius in the same manner. The idea of any vampire needing a guard was faintly ridiculous to me, but maybe the ancient ones were as frail as their skin suggested.Aro was sh akin(predicate)g his head. Amazing, he said. utterly amazing.Alices expression was frustrated. Edward turned to her and explained again in a swift, low voice. Marcus sees relationships. Hes surprise by the intensity of ours.Aro smiled. So convenient, he repeated to himself. Then he rundle to us. It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus, I can assure you.I looked at Marcuss dead face, and I believed that.Its just so difficult to understand, even now, Aro mused, staring at Edwards arm wrapped around me. It was hard for me to follow Aros chaotic train of thought. I struggled to keep up. How can you stand so close to het like that?Its not without effort, Edward answered calmly.Butstillla tua cantante What a wasteEdward chuckled once without humor. I look at it more as a price.Aro was skeptical. A very high price.Opportunity cost.Aro laughed. If I hadnt smelled her through your memories, I wouldnt have believed the call of anyones blood could be so strong. Ive never felt anything like it myself. Most of us would trade much for such a gift, and yet youWaste it, Edward finished, his voice sarcastic now.Aro laughed again. Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle You remind me of himonly he was not so angry.Carlisle outshines me in many other ways as strong.I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you adorn him to shame.Hardly. Edward sounded impatient. As if he were tired of the preliminaries. It made me more afraid I couldnt help but try to hazard what he expected would follow.I am gratify by his success, Aro mused. Your memories of him are quite a gift for me, though they astoni sh me exceedingly. I am surprised by how it pleases me, his success in this irregular path hes chosen. I expected that he would waste, weaken with time. Id scoffed at his plan to find others who would share his peculiar vision. Yet, somehow, Im happy to be wrong.Edward didnt reply.But your obstruction Aro sighed. I did not know such strength was possible. To inure yourself against such a siren call, not just once but again and againif I had not felt it myself, I would not have believed.Edward gazed back at Aros admiration with no expression. I knew his face well enoughtime had not changed thatto guess at something seething beneath the surface. I fought to keep my subsisting even.Just remembering how she appeals to you Aro chuckled. It represents me thirsty.Edward tensed.Dont be disturbed, Aro reassured him. I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular. He eyed me with bright interest. May I? he asked eagerly, lifting one hand.Ask her, Edward suggested i n a flat voice.Of course, how rude of me Aro exclaimed. Bella, he addressed me directly now. Im fascinated that you are the one exception to Edwards spectacular talentso very interesting that such a thing should occur And I was wonder, since our talents are similar in many ways, if you would be so kind as to allow me to tryto see if you are an exception for me, as well?My eyes flashed up to Edwards face in terror. Despite Aros overt politeness, I didnt believe I really had a choice. I was horrify at the thought of allowing him to touch me, and yet also perversely intrigued by the portion to feel his strange skin.Edward nodded in encouragementwhether because he was sure Aro would not abide me, or because there was no choice, I couldnt tell.I turned back to Aro and raised my hand slowly in front of me. It was trembling.He glided closer, and I believe he meant his expression to be reassuring. But his papery features were too strange, too alien and frightening, to reassure. The look on his face was more sure-footed than his words had been.Aro reached out, as if to shake my hand, and press his insubstantial-looking skin against mine. It was hard, but felt brittleshale rather than graniteand even colder than I expected.His filmy eyes smiled down at mine, and it was impossible to look away. They were mesmerizing in an odd, unpleasant way.Aros face change as I watched. The confidence wavered and became first doubt, then incredulity before he calmed it into a friendly mask.So very interesting, he said as he released my hand and drifted back.My eyes flickered to Edward, and, though his face was composed, I thought he seemed a little smug.Aro continued to drift wnh a thoughtful expression. He was quiet for a moment, his eyes flickering in the midst of the three of us. Then, abruptly, he shook his head.A first, he said to himself I wonder if she is immune to our other talents Jane, dear?No Edward snarled the word. Alice grabbed his arm with a restraining hand. He sh ook her off.Little Jane smiled up happily at Aro. Yes, Master?Edward was truly snarling now, the sound ripping and tearing from him, glaring at Aro with baleful eyes. The room had gone still, everyone watching him with amazed disbelief, as if he were committing some embarrassing social faux pas. I motto Felix smile hopefully and move a step forward. Aro glanced at him once, and he froze in place, his grin turning to a sulky expression.Then he spoke to Jane. I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you.I could barely hear Aro over Edwards furious growls. He let go of me, moving to hide me from their view. Caius ghosted in our direction, with his entourage, to watch. Jane turned toward us with a beatific smile.Dont Alice cried as Edward launched himself at the little girl. before I could react, before anyone could jump between them, before Aros bodyguards could tense, Edward was on the ground.No one had touched him, but he was on the stone floor writhing in obvious agony, while I stared in horror.Jane was rejoicing only at him now, and it all clicked together. What Alice had said about formidable gifts , why everyone treated Jane with such deference, and why Edward had thrown himself in her path before she could do that to me.Stop I shrieked, my voice echoing in the silence, jumping forward to put myself between them. But Alice threw her arms around me in an unbreakable grasp and ignored my struggles. No sound flee Edwards lips as he cringed against the stones. It felt like my head would explode from the pain of watching this.Jane, Aro recalled her in a tranquil voice. She looked up quickly, still smiling with pleasure, her eyes questioning. As soon as Jane looked away, Edward was still.Aro inclined his head toward me.Jane turned her smile in my direction.I didnt even meet her gaze. I watched Edward from the prison house of Alices arms, still struggling pointlessly.Hes fine, Alice whispered in a tight voice. As she spoke, he sat up, and then spra ng lightly to his feet. His eyes met mine, and they were horror-struck. At first I thought the horror was for what he had just suffered. But then he looked quickly at Jane, and back to meand his face relaxed into relief.I looked at Jane, too, and she no longer smiled. She glared at me, her jaw clenched with the intensity of her focus. I shrank back, waiting for the pain.Nothing happened.Edward was by my side again. He touched Alices arm, and she surrendered me to him.Aro started to laugh. Ha, ha. ha, he chuckled. This is wonderfulJane hissed in frustration, leaning forward like she was preparing to spring.Dont be put out, dear one, Aro said in a comforting tone, placing a powder-light hand on her shoulder. She confounds us all.Janes upper lip curled back ever her teeth as she continued to glare at me.Ha, ha, ha, Aro chortled again. Youre very brave, Edward, to wear down in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me oncejust out of curiosity. He shook his head in admiration.Edward glare d, disgusted.So what do we do with you now? Aro sighed.Edward and Alice stiffened. This was the part theyd been waiting for. I began to tremble.I dont suppose theres any chance that youve changed your mind? Aro asked Edward hopefully. Your talent would be an excellent addition to our little company.Edward hesitated. From the corner of my eye, I saw both Felix and Jane grimace.Edward seemed to weigh each word before he spoke it. Id rather not.Alice? Aro asked, still hopeful. Would you perhaps be interested in joining with us?No, convey you, Alice said.And you, Bella? Aro raised his eyebrows.Edward hissed, low in my ears. I stared at Aro blankly. Was he joking? Or was he really asking me if I wanted to stay for dinner?It was the white-haired Caius who broke the silence.What? he demanded of Aro his voice, though no more than a whisper, was flat.Caius, surely you see the potential, Aro chided him affectionately. I havent seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Jane and A lec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?Caius looked away with a caustic expression. Janes eyes sparked with irritation at the comparison.Edward fumed beside me. I could hear a rumble in his chest, building toward a growl. I couldnt let his temper get him hurt.No, thank you, I spoke up in barely more than a whisper, my voice breaking in fright.Aro sighed. Thats unfortunate. Such a waste.Edward hissed. Join or die, is that it? I suspected as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your impartialitys.The tone of his voice surprised me. He sounded irate, but there was something deliberate about his deliveryas if hed chosen his words with great care.Of course not. Aro blinked, astonished. We were already convened here, Edward, awaiting Heidis return. Not for you.Aro, Caius hissed. The law claims them.Edward glared at Caius. How so? he demanded. He must have cognize what Caius was thinking, but he seemed determined to make him speak it aloud.Caius poin ted a wizardless finger at me. She knows too much. You have exposed our secrets. His voice was papery thin, just like his skin.There are a a couple of(prenominal) reality in on your charade here, as well, Edward reminded him, and I thought of the pretty receptionist below.Caiuss face twisted into a new expression. Was it supposed to be a smiled.Yes, he agreed. But when they are no longer useful to us, they give serve to sustain us. That is not your plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to exterminate her? I think not, he scoffed.I wouldnt, I began, still whispering. Caius subdue me with an icy look.Nor do you intend to make her one of us, Caius continued. Therefore, she is a vulnerability. though it is true, for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish.Edward bared his teeth.Thats what I thought, Caius said, with something akin to pleasure. Felix leaned forward, eager.Unless Aro interrupted. He looked unhappy with the way the convers ation had gone. Unless you do intend to give her immortality?Edward pursed his lips, hesitating for a moment before he answered. And if I do?Aro smiled, happy again. Why, then you would be free to go home and give my regards to my friend Carlisle. His expression turned more hesitant. But Im afraid you would have to mean it.Aro raised his hand in front of him.Caius, who had begun to scowl furiously, relaxed.Edwards lips tightened into a fierce line. He stared into my eyes, and I stared back.Mean it, I whispered. enthral.Was it really such a loathsome idea? Would he rather die than change me? I felt like Id been kicked in the stomach.Edward stared down at me with a tortured expression.And then Alice stepped away from us, forward toward Aro. We turned to watch her. Her hand was raised like his.She didnt say anything, and Aro waved off his anxious guard as they moved to block her approach. Aro met her halfway, and took her hand with an eager, acquisitive glint in his eyes.He bent his he ad over their touching hands, his eyes closing as he concentrated. Alice was motionless, her face blank. I heard Edwards teeth snap together.No one moved. Aro seemed frozen over Alices hand. The seconds passed and I grew more and more stressed, wondering how much time would pass before it was too much time. Before it meant something was wrongmore wrong than it already was.Another agonizing moment passed, and then Aros voice broke the silence.Ha, ha, ha, he laughed, his head still bent forward. He looked up slowly, his eyes bright with excitement. That was fascinatingAlice smiled dryly. Im glad you enjoyed it.To see the things youve seenespecially the ones that havent happened yet He shook his head in wonder.But that will, she reminded him, voice calm.Yes, yes, its quite determined. sure as shooting theres no problem.Caius looked bitterly disappointeda feeling he seemed to share with Felix and Jane.Aro, Caius complained.Dear Caius, Aro smiled. Do not fret. Think of the possibilities They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household Besides, Im so terribly curious to see how Bella turns outAro seemed convinced. Did he not realize how subjective Alices visions were. That she could make up her mind to transform me today, and then change it tomorrow? A one thousand million tiny decisions, her decisions and so many others, tooEdwardscould alter her path, and with that, the future.And would it really matter that Alice was willing, would it make any difference if I did become a vampire, when the idea was so repulsive to Edward? If death was, to him, a better alternative than having me around forever, an immortal annoyance? Terrified as I was, I felt myself change posture down into depression, drowning in itThen we are free to go now? Edward asked in an even voice.Yes, yes, Aro said pleasantly. But please visit again. Its been absolutely enthrallingAnd we will visit you as well, Ca ius promised, his eyes unawares half-closed like the heavy-lidded gaze of a lizard. To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I would not delay too long. We do not offer second chances.Edwards jaw clenched tight, but he nodded once.Caius smirked and drifted back to where Marcus still sat, unmoving and uninterested.Felix groaned.Ah, Felix. Aro smiled, amused. Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience.Hmm. Edwards voice had a new edge to it. In that case, perhaps wed better leave sooner rather than later.Yes, Aro agreed. Thats a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you dont mind.Of course, Edward agreed, while I cringed at the thought of waiting out the day before we could escape.And here, Aro added, motioning to Felix with one finger. Felix came forward at once, and Aro unfastened the gray cloak the huge vampire wore, pulling from his shoulders. He tossed it to Edward. Take this. Youre a little conspicuous.Edward put the long cloak on, going away the hood down.Aro sighed. It suits you.Edward chuckled, but broke off suddenly, glancing over his shoulder. Thank you, Aro. Well wait below.Goodbye, young friends, Aro said, his eyes bright as he stared in the same direction.Lets go, Edward said, urgent now.Demetri gestured that we should follow, and then set off the way wed come in, the only exit by the look of things.Edward pulled me swiftly along beside him. Alice was close by my other side, her face hard.Not fast enough, she muttered.I stared up at her, frightened, but she only seemed chagrined. It was then that I first heard the eruct of voicesloud, rough voicescoming from the antechamber.Well this is unusual, a mans coarse voice boomed.So medieval, an unpleasantly shrill, female voice gushed back.A large crowd was coming through the little door, filling the smaller stone chamber. Demetri motioned for us to make room. We pressed back against the cold wall to let them pass.The couple in front, American s from the sound of them, glanced around themselves with appraising eyes.Welcome, guests Welcome to Volterra I could hear Aro sing from the bigger turret room.The rest of them, maybe forty or more, filed in after the couple. Some studied the setting like tourists. A few even snapped pictures. Others looked confused, as if the story that had led them to this room was not making sense anymore. I noticed one small, dark woman in particular. or so her neck was a rosary, and she gripped the cross tightly in one hand. She walked more slowly than the others, touching someone now and then and asking a question in an unfamiliar language. No one seemed to understand her, and her voice grew more panicked.Edward pulled my face against his chest, but it was too late. I already understood.As soon as the smallest break appeared, Edward pushed me quickly toward the door. I could feel the horrified expression on my face, and the tears beginning to pool in my eyes.The ornate golden hallway was quie t, empty except for one gorgeous, statuesque woman. She stared at us curiously, me in particular.Welcome home, Heidi, Demetri greeted her from behind us.Heidi smiled absently. She reminded me of Rosalie, though they looked nothing alikeit was just that her beauty, too, was exceptional, unforgettable. I couldnt seem to look away.She was dressed to emphasize that beauty. Her amazingly long legs, darkened with tights, were exposed by the shortest of miniskirts. Her top was long-sleeved and high-necked, but extremely close-fitting, and constructed of red vinyl. Her long mahogany hair was lustrous, and her eyes were the strangest shade of violeta color that baron result from blue-tinted contacts over red irises.Demetri, she responded in a silky voice, her eyes flickering between my face and Edwards gray cloak.Nice fishing, Demetri complimented her, and I suddenly understood the attention-grabbing outfit she wore she was not only the fisherman, but also the bait.Thanks. She flashed a stu nning smile. Arent you coming?In a minute. Save a few for me.Heidi nodded and ducked through the door with one last curious look at me.Edward set a pace that had me running to keep up. But we still couldnt get through the ornate door at the end of the hallway before the screaming started.