Smoke & Mirrors

Chapter 5

There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.

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Vesper confidently made her way out of the Cullens' homestead. Despite the still relevant and tense conversation, Vesper felt the need to prove herself. Her ability was rare and quite powerful compared to other vampires. In fact, she only knew of one other vampire with similar abilities to her; a boy with the Volturi. Even he couldn't compete with her though as her years had given her lots of time to sculpt and advance her abilities.

Vesper stepped out into the giant forest surrounding them looking for a comfortable small clearing for her to show off her abilities. Once she had found an appropriate spot she turned and waited for the group of curious vampires and wolves alike. Once she was sure everyone was there she let a smile grin creep on her face.

"I need someone to use as an example," she said letting out a few puffs of smoke as she spoke. The Romanians were sure to make there way to the front of the group still grinning and waiting to see Vespers talents.

"You mean a volunteer," asked Vladimir. Vesper let out a small chuckle and stepped closer to him.

"More like a target," she replied with an even wider grin. "You should suffice. That is, unless you're afraid, Vlad the Impaler." The nickname made the Romanian smile with devilish charm.

"Of course not," he spoke with his ego showing brighter than Vesper's eyes in the light. Vesper beckoned for him to step into the clearing with her, which he did with vampire speed and swiftness. Vesper immediately turned her back to him while taking a couple of steps away.

Once she had taken about three or four steps she stopped and stayed still for a moment or two taking in a deep breath and focusing all of her energy into her core. Vladimir began to grow uneasy. He could see the smoke coming from her head. The others had a better view of the soft clouds pouring up from her eyes and mouth.

"That's amazing! Really quite the gif-," but before Vladimir could finish his Vesper had turned and ran straight for him grabbing his face just inches from her. Now pressed against a tree Vladimir felt his lungs begin to fill with smoke so quickly he felt as though he would explode. Her mouth was a mere centimeter from his as smoke poured from her lips into his at a rapid speed. Soon enough it was coming out of his eyes and mouth too.

If it weren't for the smell Vesper would've killed him with no mercy. The smell was stronger than anything.

It can't be, Vesper thought to herself. She could swear it was if he was her blood singer, but she knew it couldn't be. He had no blood, let alone a heart, but like magic she felt compassion and hurt. She could see the pain she was causing and immediately let the man go.

Vladimir slid down the down the tree shaking off the smoke and looking at Vesper in shock. He was very obviously surprised and taken aback by the strength she possessed. She grinned at the now disgruntled man.

"Quite the gift," he finally finished. All other vampires smiled in awe. Vesper knew how powerful she was and knew that very few could match her strength. She smiled as she gazed around at the looks of admiration before putting out her hand to help the shaken vampire up. He, unsurprisingly, refused her help and got up on his own and returning to his friends side.

"So how exactly would you categorize your..abilities," asked the mother of the child.

"Smoke. I can manipulate smoke and produce it from within myself. As you can tell it's more than just an ability. It's become a part of me. I live and breathe smoke," Vesper said now back to her settle demeanor. The smoke was softer now as it pored from her eyes.

"Amazing," spoke another vampire; a blonde woman with sleek wavy hair. Despite the obvious awe of the vampire and her admiration Vesper looked past it and straight at Vladimir whose eyes met hers. Conversation was immediately struck between everyone in the group at once, but all Vesper could focus on was reading his emotions. She knew he could smell it too.