Crescent Moon (Stopped! Don't read!)

Chapter 1

I hear Alec snarl behind me. I duck his pounce. I smile to myself and shift my focus onto Alec who also crumbles to the floor. Jane is still on the floor, still moaning in pain. Alec is withering, screaming out in pain. It gives me a sort of perverse satisfaction to see him in pain. The next thing I know, Felix launches himself at me. I fly into the wall, with bits of the wall falling around me.

I stand up unsteadily, Felix grins. I shake my head a couple of times.

I close my eyes in concentration. Felix has mistaken my concentration for fear. He takes his time calling out a string of insults, laughing at me. And suddenly his voice stops.

Felix, Alec, Jane, Afton, Santiago and all the other guards in the room, actually everyone in the room except for Aro gasp.

I snarl triumphantly to applause from Aro.

"Now, my dear, release everyone," Aro commands, his eyes shining with admiration.

I grin and release everyone. I lean against the wall nonchalantly, gloating at them. Jane looks like she's about to throw a tantrum. Alec looks intrigued, Felix looks amazed and Caius is livid.

"You see what I meant, brother?" Aro whispers, his eyes never leaving my face. "Anyone who lays a finger on the boy answers to me," Aro murmurs, in a steely whisper.

Jane groans, glaring daggers at me. I bow pompously, enjoying my gloating.

"Felix, go fetch Henry's cloak," Aro commands.

Felix bows and leaves the room.

He returns moments later, carrying black robes, even darker than Jane and Alec's. It's only a single shade away from the elders themselves.

So, I have surpassed the witch twins...

I put on my cloak and walk over to the huge mirror in the room. Wearing the cloak, I look just as ruthless as the other vampires around me. My warm, comforting brown eyes are no more, a vivid crimson has taken over. My face looks paler, more...beautiful somehow.

"Aro?" I call out in my clear voice.

"Yes, my dear?" Aro asks, next to me, admiring me.

"I wish to explore the city," I announce.

Aro nods, smiling and gestures to the door. I walk out of the room, my cloak still on. I walk through the streets, causing quite a scene, but the people of Volterra are used to the cloaks. In fact, some of the humans wear cloaks as well.

I keep walking until I know I'm far enough away from the guard. The moment I'm away from them, my head clears.

I sit under a huge tree, and close my eyes in concentration. I need to speak to my family.

After ages of trying everyone's mind, I suddenly get my break.

***

"Henry?" his musical voice is shocked and afraid.

I nod, not daring to speak.

"What's happened?" Edward gestures to my cloak. And that's when I look up at him. He recoils at the mere sight of my blood red eyes.

"Henry..." he trails off, shock the predominant emotion.

"Edward...I'm sorry," I whisper.

What else am I supposed to say?

"How could you?" he whispers, glaring at me.

I shrink under his gaze and hang my head.

"I...had no choice! Aro threatened the family! It's not all that bad, Edward...you all still have each other," I whisper, I can feel my voice break, but I fight against the emotion.

"We'll come and save you Henry!" Edward shouts.

"Don't. Please! Please?! I can't bear losing any of you. Please, don't come!" I beg, the tears beginning to well in my eyes.

"Your eyes..." Edward whispers...

"Apologize to Carlisle for me. I have to eat...there is nothing here except for blood...I tried to fast. I really did...but I couldn't...I'm sorry," I whisper.

"Henry, are you alright? Have they hurt you?"

"Yes," I breathe. "But I can take the pain, Edward. You see the cloak. I'm more important to Aro than the rest of the guard...I won't be killed. Tell mum and dad please," I continue.

"Henry? You're fading," Edward murmurs.

"Yes. I just wanted to say goodbye. And I'm sorry..."

"No! Henry?! NO! We'll find you! We'll save you! I promise!" Edward mumbles, falling to his knees in anguish.

"Please Edward! Don't! Everyone will be killed! Mum...Bella! You can't do that to them!"

"How about you?!"

"I'll take care of myself! I will come home, Edward! I will...I don't know when, I don't know how...but I will," I promise weakly.

The scene fades, and I'm left to wallow in self pity.

How I miss my family!