 (cont) History Lesson
I eagerly moved on to the next picture, curious as to what it might reveal. The sight in the picture rooted me to the spot. The room began to swim around me and although I knew I could stand unphased for days on end, my knees suddenly felt very unsteady. I drew in a sharp intake of breath and my hand shot to cover my gaping mouth. In the picture stood several members of the Volturi, all clad in their customary robes of gray and black. Jane and Alec in their presence had now donned the dark robes they wore presently. They were easily discernable form the other members due to their notably smaller size. The members circled around a large fire that reached several feet in to the sky. What lay beneath the flames turned my stomach. Bodies. Lots of bodies. The bodies of children, torn and dismembered and staring back in a silenced cry for help—The Immortal Children.
With a sharp intake of breath, my breathing hitched and then sped up. I heard the wind moving as Edward rushed to my side and felt his arms as they wrapped around me. I heard his voice as he frantically whispered my name, “Bella? Bella!? Oh no Bella…shh, it’s alright Bella, I’m here…” He rocked me back and forth and shielded my eyes, turning my body from the horrendous sights before me, but it was too late. My vision blurred a deep red and then slowly began fading to black around the edges. I felt my breath coming in deep, rugged gasps. With my free hand I reached around wildly trying to grab my daughter. Edward continued to murmur soothing reassurances in my ear, but his voice came to me muffled and disjointed as I fought uselessly against his grip and continued to flail blindly trying to find Renesmee.
I remembered once wondering if vampires could go into shock—remembered asking Alice if it were possible. It seemed silly at the time, but as the last remaining sight faded from me into complete darkness, I didn’t have to wonder anymore….I was there. |