A/N: Disclaimer: All the characters except Elisabetta belong to Stephenie Meyer. Thanks again to my wonderful friend and beta, papillione, who encouraged me to publish the story. I always love to hear what you think about it, so I'm looking forward to your feedback. Enjoy!

Prologue

"She knows about our existence and the law has to be abided. You know what this means, don't you? We either kill her or you have to turn her. You have to make your choice fast. We don't waste our time discussing the fates of humans. Will you not choose any of the given options, we'll kill both of you."

The cruelty that rung in every word was mirrored in the gleaming red eyes of the vampire. Standing inside the Volturi's tower and under the enormous dome, Carlisle knew that he had to make a quick choice – for the sake of his and Elisabetta's life.

"Aro, you know that I cannot do this to her. She'll loose her soul just like everyone else did when we became what we are now. I can't take that burden. It hurts too much to have to see her suffer when the venom takes over…" he explained.

"I see. Then the decision will be a lot easier. Although it would be a tremendous loss for the vampire world. Imagine how someone this gifted could be a huge advantage to have as our guard. She can literally read everyone's minds and also manipulate people's actions how she wants to. You showed it to me yourself and cannot deny how extraordinary she is."

Carlisle knew he never should have touched Aro's hand the moment he did. Everything was exposed to him and he could see many memories of Elisabetta.

How she answered his questions without him even speaking them out loud. Or the persuasive way she talked to people when she wanted them to do something for her. It was almost hypnotic…

"But as you chose it to be the other way… Demitri, go and search for her! You and Felix will bring her here and we will sort things out. Maybe I'll turn her myself. It would be such a waste of talent."

Aro smiled and sat down again.

"You can't do this to me!" Carlisle screamed.

It would break his heart either way he chose. His beloved meant everything to him and he would and could not exist in a world without her. He knew he would fight for both their lives if he had to. La tua cantante. That's what you called a person whose blood was like a drug. You desired it so much, but you knew you weren't able to stop once you took a single drop of it. The frenzy couldn't be stopped after it had begun. That's what Elisabetta was to him – and yet she was so much more.

Taken into consideration how he had managed to feed only from animal blood throughout the almost 250 years of his existence as a vampire, he wondered if he indeed could restrict himself once more and turn her. It only takes one bite. Even though he deeply and truly believed in damnation – that was what you learn if you father was a priest, being able to live an eternal life with her would be far more logical possibility than the other.

They would have to flee of course – he would not give her in the hands of the Volturi – and move away somewhere else where they could live without any disturbances.

"I'll find and change her myself."