Disclaimer: Most characters are the property of Stephanie Meyer. I give her full credit, and I will take none.

Warning: My chapters are extremely long, so if you don't have time to read this, please, read it another time.

The pain was finally over. It had finally stopped, but I couldn't remember anything.

"Get up," A calm, husky voice commanded.

I wasn't sure that I was strong enough to get up, but to my surprise, I was stronger than I had ever thought possible.

When I finally managed to open my eyes, an unfamiliar face greeted me. He had brilliant features: a perfectly shaped jaw, mouth, and nose.

He was huge.

I was in a room that was perfectly round like a huge castle turret. The only furniture in the room were several massive wooden chairs; and in the center of the circle, in a slight depression, was a drain. (NM)

I had a hard time getting over my amazement. I had so many questions I wanted to ask him: Who was he? Who was I? What had just happened? Where were we? What was this place?

I had many more questions, questions that I forgot as soon as I thought about asking them.

"Splendid!" A different voice chimed. I turned around to see a man with a long wool cloak gliding towards me. His movement was astonishing, and graceful, but his skin was so pale, it was almost translucent.

The most amazing thing about both of them were their eyes; they had red eyes. I'd never met anyone with red eyes before.

"How are you, my dear?" The man stopped gliding and was standing in front of me.

I didn't know what to say, I just stared at him like a complete idiot.

"Please, do not be afraid," He took a step closer to me. I was not afraid, I was just confused.

"Who are you?" My voice was shockingly beautiful. It almost sounded like the gentle flow of the man's.

"My name is Aro, and this is Felix," He gestured to the other male. I hadn't forgotten about him.

Felix nodded. "Would you like a tour-,"

"Not now, Felix," Aro interrupted him.

"Come," Aro put his arm around my shoulder and led me out of the circle.

We had to duck to get through a small door that led into a long hallway.

Aro kept his arm around me as he led me into a lobby. Elevator music played from hidden speakers, and a woman stood behind a polished mahogany counter.

"Find her something suitable to wear," Aro told someone, but I couldn't see who. I knew that he wasn't talking to the woman behind the counter because she didn't even look up to acknowledge his existence.

Then, stepping out from the shadows, a stunning woman appeared just as had Aro flew away. She had long mahogany hair, and a cloak that was similar to Aro's; and even with the cloak, anyone could have known that she had a great body. I was instantly envious.

The beautiful woman gestured with her hand for me to follow behind her as she walked away. And, also like Aro, she had a graceful walk, but she didn't walk quite as slow as Aro did. Her walk was hastier, faster, but I had no trouble keeping up.

Another question arose, I shrugged it off, assuming it they would be answered sooner or later.

The woman led me down the same hallway that Aro and I had come through, but she stopped in front of a white door.

She opened the door and pushed me through.

"So this is the famous Amelia," The woman muttered to herself. I glowered at her; she was obviously talking about me.

"Here," She threw a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a cloak at me.

"Put that on," She commanded; I balked.

"Do you need a place to change?" She chuckled, but I didn't know how it could have been funny.

"OK, we'll make it a game," She started to laugh. "Try to put your clothes on as fast as you can."

I was starting to really dislike her.

I began to undress myself, but before my mind could even register what I had just done, I was already dressed.

"Congratulations! You win… nothing!" She was cracking up, but I still didn't find anything that she said funny.

A low growl escaped my lips, but I hadn't planned on growling. She would definitely find that even more amusing.

But, to my amazement, she stopped laughing.

"Wonderful!" I heard Aro's familiar voice again.

"You look so much better!" Aro chimed once again; I became embarrassed. Had I looked bad before?

"Come, follow me," Aro spoke, and then fled out of the room.

I peeked over my shoulder at the woman right before I walked out the door. She was smiling, and probably about to burst into laughter once more.

Aro wasn't the only one walking with me. Felix walked behind me. (I didn't know why, but I got a terrible vibe off Felix.)

Just as Aro ducked through the small door, and just before I was about to, Felix slid a small piece of paper into my hand, and confirmed my suspicions. I glared back at him, but stuck the paper in my pocket.

He smiled a wide, impish grin. "Don't be mad, my dear bambina,"

I had no idea what he had just said, but I had a feeling that it wasn't just a friendly expression.

I rolled my eyes and continued through the small door. I was back in the circle, but there were more people inside it this time.

Two of them, looked similar to Aro. Their translucent skin and red eyes were the same. The only difference was their hair; one had hair like Aro's, and the other one had hair the color of snow.

The snobby woman was there, but there were many others that I did not recognize.

"Welcome, friends!" Aro said with much enthusiasm.

"Amelia, please, come." Aro put his hand on my back and steered me around the circular room, introducing me to everyone. I nodded my head in greeting when necessary. I also learned that the snobby girl's name was Heidi.

The two elder's, who looked like Aro, names were Caius and Marcus. They seemed bored, I took it as an insult.

There were two twins, whose names were Jane and Alec. They were delighted to meet me, which made me feel welcome.

A man that stood next to Felix name was Demetri. He was delightfully contrite, which made me feel welcome also.

But there was still one problem. I didn't know where I was, or how I'd got here. And, I wanted to know why everyone here acted so… different. Plus, why did we have to wear a huge wool cloaks? What was the purpose behind them?

"Welcome, to Volterra, Italy!" Aro spoke directly to me. I purposely gave him a confused look. Hopefully, he wouldn't miss it.

"Do you know why you are here, Amelia?" It was Caius who spoke next.

I replied honestly. "No, I do not."

"You are here because of what you have become," Marcus began. "You are a vampire, a creature damned to an eternal life of night. You have been chosen to become one of us, you have potential."

Demetri handed me a mirror, and I was shocked by my reflection. My hair was now a brilliant dirty blond, almost a chocolate brown. My eyes were no longer blue, they were red. (Just like everyone else that was here.) And my face was now perfectly shaped. I didn't have acne anymore, either.

But, the thing that changed the most was my teeth. They were no longer normal. They were razor-sharp.

"So you see, you can never go into the sun, at least not where any human can see you. Nor can you share your secret with a human." Alec continued the lecture.

"You now have super-human abilities. You are strong, fast, and intelligent. And, some of us even have a special power, if you will." Demetri kept it going, in an overly dramatic tone.

"But, you have to learn to control you hunger-or rather thirst. Yes, you now drink blood, blood and only blood." Jane sounded like a child, and she looked like one too. It was amazing how she could be so serious.

"But more importantly, you are one of us now, you are one of the Volturi," Caius started again. "You have an enormous responsibility now; you must help us keep humans from ever finding out that vampires exist."

"We correct the mistakes made by other vampires that might reveal us. We are usually referred to as a royal family, and we are only feared by those who have done something wrong." Marcus said. It seemed like they were speaking in a pattern, only Felix hadn't said anything.

"We can not be killed easily, but we do have a theory; you must tear one to shreds, and burn the pieces." Alec spoke next. Yes, they were definitely speaking in a pattern.

"Put your hand over your heart, Amelia," I followed Demetri's command.

I had no heartbeat. Where was it? Was I dead? This couldn't be happening!

If I had been human, I would have probably gone into shock by now.

"I don't have a heartbeat," I replied in an almost inaudible voice.

"You no longer need your heart to beat." Demetri explained. "You don't even need to breathe."

"Your skin is cold, and hard, like marble. You are almost indestructible, depending on who you are, and your abilities." Jane said in the same childish monotone.

"Most vampires are physically attractive to their prey. When you become a vampire, everything about you is enhanced." Caius disrupted the pattern.

"I predict that you do have an ability. My theory is that you can change how you are; physically and mentally. A shape-shifter perhaps," Aro said in a high excited voice. "It's absolutely delightful! Amelia, try changing right now! Attempt to, please!"

I doubted that I could change shape. Why did he want me to try out an ability that I might have, when I just became a vampire? It made no logical sense at all.

"I don't think I can," I said doubtfully.

"Now, now, my sweet bambina, why won't you at least try," Felix ushered.

Heidi finally broke through her bitter mask, and cracked a smile at Felix's remark.

Now I knew that it was something more than just a friendly expression, it was a sign of affection. I almost gagged.

Felix reached up to caress my face with the tips of his fingers, but, once again, a fierce growl escaped my lips; I bared my teeth.

"Amelia, Felix!" Caius snapped his teeth with great force. His voice was loud and threatening.

"Bow!" Caius commanded.

Felix slapped down to the floor, but I stood my ground. I was not going to be pushed around by a grandpa.

"Bow!" Caius commanded again, but I still didn't bow.

Caius was in front of me before I ever saw him coming.

"Caius, my dear brother, she has not be educated on the laws yet; contain yourself!" Aro said in a slightly louder voice than usual.

"She still needs to learn respect. I trust you will teach her some," Caius scoffed, and was back where he had been a second ago in the same amount of time it had taken him to be inches from my face.

"Come, Amelia. We will discuss this matter elsewhere," Aro put his hand on my back again and led me out of the room. Jane, Alec, Demetri, and Marcus followed. I assumed that Caius was staying with Felix, to lecture him, I hoped.

Aro led us into a smaller room. Couches sat against the wall, and a chandelier hung from the ceiling. A glorious carpet was situated in the middle of the room.

Everyone sat down, and Alec motioned for me to sit by him and Jane. I happily sat down. It was better than being in a room with Felix.

"Are you thirsty?" Aro asked.

"I guess, but I haven't really smelt blood before, at least I can't remember if I have; and, speaking of which, how come all I remember of my human life is the searing pain of my transformation?" I asked another one of my many questions.

"No one knows for sure, but when you are bitten, if that vampire resists the temptation of sucking you dry, the venom spreads throughout your body; into every vein, capillary, vessel, and artery. When it reaches your heart, it stops beating; that is when the transformation is complete. It takes about three days for this to happen." Demetri, for I now knew, was the source of information.

"But you still didn't answer my question; do you suffer from severe memory loss, because of the venom?" I questioned him again.

"Possibly," I could tell he had never thought of that possibility before, and he was considering my theory. I grinned.

"Well, Amelia, let's start out with telling you what Caius demands us to explain to you," Jane started with a more playful, childish tone. "Aro, Caius, and Marcus are our leaders; if you want to refer to them, you call them, 'Masters', or, 'Master'," She looked questioningly at Aro- he nodded.

"You must obey them, you must show them respect." Jane continued a little more seriously. "And, if you chose to disobey them, you will suffer the consequences."

I nodded in understanding. I now had higher ups that I took orders from, but surely it couldn't be as bad as it sounded.

"Glorious! Jane, dear one, you are improving!" Aro exclaimed in his usual way.

I decided to ask more questions when I had the chance. "What about the so-called "abilities" that vampires can have? I want to know more about them, and do any of you have them?"

"Oh, yes, some of us have abilities. Jane can cause someone pain, by torture. I can see all of your past memories and all of your present thoughts with physical contact. Marcus can see relationships, and, well, some of the others' abilities are confidential." Aro started to be serious, which in his case, was rare.

"I see, and just one more thing, are there others like you, of the Volturi, that I haven't met yet?" I asked one of the few questions I had left to ask.

"Yes, but you will meet them in time," Aro answered happily. "In time, my dear." Did Aro refer to every girl with the phrases 'my dear', or, 'dear one'; or did he just refer to Jane as the 'dear one' because he had to be nice to her or else she would torture him?

I shrugged off the mindless questions I had left mostly because they were unimportant.

"Now, you are free to do as you wish, as long as it does not include breaking our rules. Do not wander far." Aro warned, and with that, he and Marcus glided away.

Then, I remembered the "letter" that Felix had "sent" me. I decided, that even with Jane, Alec, and Demetri hovering over me, I would be able to read it.

My hand slipped into my pocket and pulled out the small piece of paper.

Would you like a tour of Volterra?

I wasn't expecting such a simple question. Maybe Felix was a little more romantic than I gave him credit for. Maybe he wasn't just a pervert.

"What is that?" Jane asked leaning across Alec's lap.

I handed her the note.

"It's a note," I replied, careful not to give to many details.

"Who gave it to you?" Jane asked. Obviously, she wasn't going to give up that easily.

Her eyes scanned the note in a blink of an eye. She handed it back to me.

"Felix," I sighed in resignation.

"Felix?" Jane asked; I read the shock on her face.

"Yes."

"Just ignore him. He's rude and insulting. Don't let him seduce you like that." Jane warned.

I nodded. I'd been completely wrong about Felix's motives.

Demetri exited with Alec while Jane and I continued our conversation.

I changed the subject. "Your power is fascinating," I complimented Jane. Sucking up to her would be a great way to earn her respect.

Jane smiled. "Thank you,"

I expected her to compliment me, or to wish me good luck on finding out what kind of extra ability that I might have, but it seemed like vampires were extremely different from humans because Jane just kept on smiling.

"Come, let's go outside and celebrate with the humans," Jane's smile turned into a devilish grin.

"Celebrate what?" I asked.

"It's Saint Marcus Day."

"Oh,"

"Come," Jane grabbed my hand and skipped along until we came to the familiar hallway that I'd come to recognize.

She stopped in front of a white door that was similar to the door the other doors. It opened up to an enormous room. A pale leather couch sat against one wall. And a dresser sat against another. (A mirror stood next to it.) The walls were a pinkish-maroon, with white paneling. A gigantic chandelier hung on the ceiling. Jane's room was extremely feminine.

"Let's find something… alluring to wear." Jane said as she shuffled through the drawers of her dresser.

She handed me a black dress thatwasn't that alluring; it was almost club-like. But, yet, it had a certain essence.

Jane was already dressed in a red cocktail dress; it clung to her frame nicely.

I slipped into my dress, and was shocked. I had never remembered looking so… good. I smiled in spite of myself.

"We don't need to look too fancy, our hair is fine. Let's go." Jane looked like an extremely young woman, she might attract younger prey.

I glanced at my reflection, and at my hair that was in a pony-tail, as we made our way to the event.

It was dark out, and many people roamed the alleyways. The gigantic buildings towered over the city that was enclosed by enormous walls.

It was there that I got my first whiff of human blood. It was harder than I thought it would be to contain myself. I felt ravenous, and strange. I'd never once before felt the need to drink human blood, but now I was craving it.

Jane noticed. "I know it's hard, but just try. Aro would be very disappointed in you," That helped. I wouldn't want Aro to think that I was incompetent.

A few teenagers passed by us and wolf whistled. Jane smiled, and started to strut. I took to things differently; I was a little more shy.

"Oh! Jane, dear one! It's so nice to see you again!" A man, no, a vampire ran up to Jane, and hugged her.

"Antonio, how have you been?" Jane squealed.

"I've been having the time of –,"

"Jane!" Another vampire rushed towards Jane. She squeezed her hard.

"I've missed you so much!"

"Allegra," Jane replied in her childish voice. Then, Allegra released her and began to eye me suspiciously.

Thankfully, Jane noticed. "Friends, this is Amelia,"

"Amelia," Antonio took my hand and kissed in lightly. I was flattered.

"Oh, this is absolutely delightful! It's such a privilege to be in the presence of two powerful vampires," When Allegra spoke her last words, she said them quietly, so that she didn't reveal us.

"Are you hunting, because we'd love to join you?" Allegra asked.

Jane nodded and whispered something in her ear, and even with my advanced senses, I couldn't hear her.

Jane started to strut again, with Antonio, Allegra, and I following close behind her. I didn't feel quite as awkward when I stood next to Allegra; she was almost just as tall as me. Jane was too small to feel confident around. I felt like I was a giant when I was around her.

We kept walking until we came to a large, open place that had a fountain in the center of it. A huge clock tower towered high above it, giving off an ancient vibe. Red paper lanterns were strung along the sides of buildings. People gathered here and conversed.

I was growing more and more ravenous.

Allegra put one had on my shoulder. "Hold your breath, it helps."

I did what she told me to do. It did help, but it was a little frustrating not being able to breathe.

"Go, go find yourself some dinner," Antonio whispered in my ear- I gladly complied.

I walked off and tried to be attractive. It wasn't that hard. I practically had a crowd of lovesick puppies following me in no time.

Maybe I could lure them into a dark alleyway, and flirt. Or, I could just take them back to the hotel, and ask Aro what I was supposed to do with them.

Every time a human past me, it got even harder to resist the temptation. A hot fire was burning in my throat. I just had to quench my thirst, I had to.

I started to walk down a deserted alleyway, some of them ditched me, but a few kept following me.

When I got near the end of it, I stopped and leaned against one of the stone buildings. I heard their playful laughter echoing against the walls.

I turned around swiftly, and ran up to one of them. I ran my fingers through his dark hair… then down to his collarbone, inhaling.

I appeared suddenly in front of the other man and repeated what I had just done to the first one, except, this time, I sank my teeth into his flesh.

Time wasn't on my side so I had only seconds to enjoy the sweet, succulent taste of his blood before I had to murder the other one.

He had only a second to make out a small shriek before I took his soul. I sucked, and devoured all of his blood that I could; drinking every last drop before I sucked the other man dry aswell.

I felt enraged, wild, and free. I could feel the droplets of blood on my teeth infused with my venom.

I wiped the blood from my mouth with my arm and raced back to the hotel; all the while contemplating my next feeding.