I don't own Twilight, but I've had such a good time reading so many creative stories here I thought I'd put out one of my own.

A/N: This starts out at the Volturi Castle! What if Edward, Bella, and Alice didn't make that close escape that Stephanie Meyer imagined? This is my take. Bella'a POV.

Chapter 1: A Last Gift of Unrequited Love

I knew everyone else in the room could clearly see each calculated move of the death match taking place before us. But the scene was flashing before my human eyes in a blur. Edward and Felix entangled in a brawl to the death. Edward's death. My death.

No. No! It can't end like this. Not for him. Not for Edward. I came here to make sure he'd live and now he's throwing himself between me and Felix!

"No! No!" I heard myself screaming, "Stop! Please! Stop! I'll do it, Aro! Just, please, let him live!"

Aro calmly lifted his hand toward Felix, commanding him to wait for further orders. A look of disappointment crossed Felix's face but he obeyed his master. They were now motionless. Edward shackled in place by Felix's cold hard hands. He was quick and strong but no match for Felix. Anyone could see that. My heart ached as I looked at him now. To see the dark circles around his black eyes, the pain drawn across his face. I'd never seen him in such agony. My angel. It's not right for someone so good to be suffering so pointlessly.

He may not want me anymore but I will never stop loving him. I can never be whole without him.

I'll do whatever I can to save him. I knew that when Alice and I left Forks. I knew it was a one way trip. And despite everything, I would still give my very life to save his. I can give Edward this one last gift. A 'thank you' for the time he let me have with him.

Aro turned to me, searching my eyes for an answer to his unspoken question. His face wore a strange mix of surprise and pleasure at my frantic outcry. He approached me gracefully and clapped his hands together, making me jump. "How curious," his loud voice echoed in the large chamber. "You're willing to join us….to spare his life?"

My eyes met Edward's across the room. He was shaking his head 'no', silently pleading with me. The hole in my chest gaped open. This would be the last time I would see him.

"Yes," I whispered with our eyes still locked. "And Alice's," Alice was still prisoner to Demetri's hold. His marble hand wrapped tightly around her throat, leaving her speechless.

Aro looked from me to Edward to Alice and back again. He smiled like he had won the grand prize. He realized my weakness. "Amazing!" he crooned. "It is settled then. We will—"

"Get away from her, Aro! Don't you touch her!" Edward interrupted. He was struggling against Felix. He was the one with panic in his voice now.

"Of course, Edward, the invitation is still open for you to join us, too. As well as for Alice." Aro smiled smugly. He was taunting Edward. "Maybe now that Bella will be here with us you'll—"

"No!" We both yelled at the same time….but for different reasons. Edward pleaded for my soul. I pleaded for his life....and for the life of my sister, Alice.

"Aro," I began, "that's not part of the deal." I avoided Edward and Alice's glares. "I will willingly let you change me…and I will stay here and serve the Volturi…but they must go free. That is my one condition."

This is crazy. Who am I to be giving the Volturi conditions? I swallowed hard as Aro stared through me. I can do this if it means they live. How could I not…for the ones I love? I am so relieved that Edward and Aro cannot read my mind right now. If this doesn't work, neither of them would like plan B.

"Bella, don't! You don't have to do this!" Edward protested.

I reminded the decrepit trio, "You know you cannot force me to serve you once I'm changed. Jane, Alec, Demetri…their abilities have no effect on me."

Jane shot Aro a look. We all heard the stifled groan come from Marcus. He looked bored with Aro's conquests. Caius grew impatient as well, "Let's be done with this Aro. You know you will keep them all no matter what she says. It's pointless to even let the human speak!"

"Hmm," he answered. He seemed to be considering my offer. "I'm afraid Caius is right, Bella. Their gifts will make formidable additions to our family. I regret I cannot agree to your terms."

I opened my mouth to protest but Aro went on…

"I will, however, allow them a choice. That is the most I can give. Alice and Edward," he looked at each of them as he said their names, "you may go if you so wish and return to Carlisle and his deprived lifestyle. Or you may stay and enjoy the many benefits of being one of the Volturi....the most important being Bella's company. What a sadness it would be…for true love to part. Never knowing when or if you'll meet again."

Then he leaned in close to whisper his final words in my ear. I hated him being so close to me. His translucent skin and cloudy eyes sent shivers through me. I knew they all would hear what he was about to say. The drama was just for me. "You, Dear Bella, will stay either way."

I quickly weighed his words in my mind. But it really doesn't matter what happens to me anymore. Without Edward, my life means nothing. I love him and there's no way I can bear to let them hurt him. So, there's really no choice for me. Not if there's to be a choice for Edward. I will trade my life for his.

"O.K.," I choked.

"You see, brothers? There is something to be said about human emotions. How wonderful it is that you've decided to join us, Bella dear!"

I ignored his enthusiasm. "I'm sure they will choose to go home. They have family that needs them," I spoke pointedly. The glare I shot Edward made my wishes clear. My back was to Alice but I was positive she understood. It wasn't just the Cullen's I was referring to. Charlie and Renee will need an explanation…and comforting …when they learn of their 'loss'. And Jacob…my Jacob…I know this will kill him. I hate to hurt him this way. I feel a flicker of pain flash across my face, but I quickly regain composure. I hope no one's noticed but I'm sure Edward did. I will miss them all but they will be fine. And so will I. Because I've done what I came here to do. Edward will live.

"Alice," Aro began, "there must be something we can do to persuade you to stay. Think of it, sweet Alice. If you both stay with us we will all be one big family. Imagine how wonderful it will be!"

I could see Alice and Edward eyeing one another. No doubt communicating in their own secret way. The Volturi didn't seem to catch that like I did. Demetri let go of Alice, allowing her to answer. "No. Thank you, Aro," was her quiet reply. She was clearly anxious. I wonder what visions she was seeing…and sharing with Edward.

"Hmm. What a shame," he sighed. "You shall be missed. Demetri, please escort our dear friend to the lobby. And Alice, please give Carlisle our warmest regards."

"Of course," she promised. She gave her brother one slight nod then quickly turned and disappeared with Demetri out the heavy double doors.

Aro now focused on Edward. He was still firmly in Felix's grip. "And what would your decision be, young friend? Return with Alice to Carlisle's family…or… remain here with your love, Bella, and join a new one?"

"Think about this for a moment, Aro," Edward pleaded, "You can't be sure of what you're thinking. There's no guarantee that she'll even have any special gifts for you to take advantage of! This is insane! And what will you do with her then…if she's of no use to you?"

A tortured look spread over Edward's face as he read the answer in Aro's mind. "No!" He began struggling frantically as Aro turned and headed my direction. "Aro, I'll kill you if you touch her!" he snarled.

"Edward, go!" I yelled through fresh tears. I couldn't bear this. "You don't have to feel guilty. This is my choice. I don't want you to stay!" I lied. I always wanted him with me.

Aro approached me quickly now with bloodlust in his cloudy eyes. My stomach turned. My heart raced. I couldn't find my breath.

I love you, Edward.

Thosewere my last thoughts as Aro closed in. I felt his quick embrace, cold and hard. Razors slicing at my neck. And then all I felt was searing pain. I gasped, surprised by the sheer force of it. It spread outward from the site of his bite. I clenched my teeth to keep from screaming in front of Edward. I squeezed my eyes shut to keep from seeing his tortured face. Not that it would hide my own from him. All the muscles in my body tensed, preparing for the spreading fire.

Through it all I could still hear Edward's voice, full of desperation and anger. I was in too much pain to make out the words. It seemed to be moving closer.

"Get off of her!" I heard a familiar growl. I felt myself thrown the floor while hearing a sound like thunder. Like boulders colliding.

Maybe they'll fall on me and end this misery.

I couldn't be sure exactly what was happening. My eyes were still squeezed shut and my body rigid, holding on to my self-control by a thread. I tried not to yell but a groan escaped.

Then he was here. My angel. Edward was next to me. "Oh, Bella," he cried "I am so sorry." His cold hands were on each side of my face, further breaking my concentration. "Bella, please."

I open my eyes and did the only thing I could do.

I screamed.

This is my first fanfiction story. Hope you liked it! I welcome your constructive critism. Chapter 2 coming soon!