It all suddenly clicked. Aro had a gift similar to Edward’s and he was miffed because he couldn’t use it against me. I relaxed into the plush chair, a little more confident and secure than I’d been moments ago and let my gaze linger over the room.

It could have been taken right out of a page of a renaissance book. All high pointed arches, a balcony above, though I had no idea why, and prized artwork from paintings to sculptures spattered throughout.

“I understand that you have known of our existence for sometime, Isabella. Tell me,” he began. “…have you told any one about our kind?”

I started to say no, but I had told Dylan. Told him before I’d known that he was as entrenched in their world as I’d been. More so, actually. I let out a shaky breath and kept my eyes on Aro, for his brothers frightened me. At least Aro pretended to be nice and gentlemanly, even if it was all an act. Perception was all, as they say.

“Yes. I mentioned it to Dylan.”

“And no other?” he persisted. He looked at me the way I’d seen Edward do on several occasions when he really wanted to know what the hell I was thinking. As though his eyes could penetrate some invisible shield around me and allow him the glimpse he so desperately desired.

Caius hissed, a look of utter disbelief etched into his wizened face. “We have no way of knowing if she is being truthful, Aro.”

Dylan swore under his breath and the three men glanced sharply in his direction. “I told you already that she’s told no other.” His voice dropped so I could barely hear him. “I would know.”

“Be that as it may,” Caius sneered, “we need further proof.”

Aro’s brows furrowed not liking the way the conversation was going. “I am inclined to trust Dylan’s assessment. After all, he and the girl are quite close.”

Marcus stood peering intently at both me and Dylan before taking Aro’s hand and then returned to his chair.

“Dylan,” Aro said. “Please ask Jane to join us and then prepare for Heidi’s arrival. She has some guests coming to join us…” he looked thoughtful before continuing, “probably tomorrow. Could be sooner though.”