Twilight: blood & brimstone

The Volturi's throne room was as cold and vast as a tomb.

Bella swallowed against the weight pressing on her chest as she walked forward. The silence was deafening, each step echoing against the marble floor.

Edward was tense beside her, his grip firm around her wrist, as if he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

He should be.

Because part of her wasn't sure she was walking out of here the same girl she had been when she arrived.

Maybe she never would be.

The Eyes That See Everything

Aro's smile was warm, but his crimson eyes were sharp, calculating.

"Ah, Isabella." His voice was smooth, pleasant, like an old friend greeting her. "You've caused quite the stir."

She forced herself to hold his gaze. "I didn't mean to."

Aro chuckled. "Oh, I think you did."

Her heart stuttered.

Edward stiffened beside her. "Aro, we've already explained—"

Aro lifted a hand, silencing him effortlessly. His gaze never left Bella.

"So much has changed in you," he mused, his expression thoughtful. "I wonder… just how much?"

Bella's fingers curled against her sides.

Because she knew what he wanted.

And she couldn't let him see.

But refusing Aro was signing her own death sentence.

He extended his hand. "Come, child. Let's see what truths you hide."

Edward growled, stepping in front of her. "No."

Aro sighed, almost disappointed. "Edward, dear boy, do you think I would hurt her?"

Edward didn't answer.

Because they both knew the truth.

Aro smiled again and turned his hand, palm up, waiting.

Bella exhaled slowly.

And made her choice.

She reached out—

And let him in.

What He Sees

Aro's eyes widened.

For the first time, the ever-composed leader of the Volturi looked genuinely shaken.

His lips parted slightly, his brows knitting together.

"Oh."

Bella's breath hitched.

Edward's grip on her tightened.

"What do you see?" he demanded, his voice sharp, desperate.

Aro ignored him, his head tilting, his eyes flickering through something only he could see.

Bella felt him inside her mind, rifling through memories, emotions—

And stopping on him.

The demon.

The one who had wrapped his darkness around her and hadn't let go.

The one who had changed everything.

Aro's lips curved into something dark.

"Well, well…" His voice was light, but his gaze pierced her. "You've been keeping quite the secret, my dear."

Bella's stomach dropped.

Edward stepped forward aggressively. "What do you see?!"

Aro turned his gaze to him, smiling.

"Something… far more interesting than you, I'm afraid."