* * * Twilight in Volterra * * *

In this Alternate Universe Tangent of Essentially Magical, Bella is a witch living in Europe… which changes all kinds of things about her background experience, but not her character. At the same time, Aro may have turned out to be a just touch more daring about risking his reputation in pursuit of his aims.

- - - Temptation - - -

As a studious 18-year-old witch in her 7th year at Hogwarts, and staunch member of the DA, Bella has become the youngest member of an international committee of muggle-born wizards seeking support from potentially willing species in the war against Voldemort. Having ventured especially to locations outside of the wizarding world in their effort, through unfortunate chance her group has been ambushed by a small but superior Volturi force – and unwillingly manhandled through the underground toward Volterra. Now wandless, bruised, terrified, and without any hope of escape from their cold stone clutches, she stands huddled with her traumatized companions in the throne room of a large castle… while the heartless leaders of this most inescapably lethal and bloodthirsty burgundy-eyed species speculate over what is to be their fate. It is not sounding the least bit promising; this Aro has been seeking a collection of magical persons to change for the guard, in case magic would ensure they have a talent. The very idea has them all quaking in their shoes.

But before this happens, he has a favor to request of them. Under heavy guard and threat of torture. Politely, of course. Having learned about a certain unique seer vampire through the fortune of a mutual acquaintance (a James somebody-or-other), they are to be temporarily allowed a single wand between them for the express purpose of summoning her into their presence. As a brief illustration of what will happen to every companion – more and more frequently the longer one of their party doesn't comply, or at the slightest attempt at escape (which couldn't happen anyway, without bringing the guard holding them along) – with barely a glance from the shortest guard in their midst, a wizard is on the floor writhing in agony… as if under the Cruciatus curse.

Entirely traumatized, the wand's owner is quick to cooperate.

Thereby does Alice Cullen abruptly appear in the room before them – a very short and petite spiky-black-haired vampire with black eyes – unexpectedly accompanied by a much taller and even more handsome bronze-haired companion, who is similarly thirsty. His hand casually placed on her head looks like it could have been doing something as friendly as ruffling her hair. Nevertheless, the magical party can only recognize in despair that these are just two more nails in our coffin.

Unsurprisingly irate from being suddenly yanked out of their lives, immediately the new male steps protectively between her and the leaders, as he warily opens his mouth to object… but with his angry intake of air in preparation to speak, abruptly the scene changes entirely.

All of a sudden he is absolutely tensed and ominously crouched, growling lowly, his diverted glare boring into the crowd of humans with frighteningly hostile intensity, while his hand clings to the petite vampire's wrist as if holding on for dear life. As the small woman looks back up to him in wide-eyed shock, and what appears to be understanding horror, it's like the boy is barely managing to hold himself in place. His murderous attention seems riveted on someone amidst the magical group, as if he'd forgotten about the leaders and everyone else around them completely.

But of course, they haven't gone anywhere.

In fact – and inadvertently overheard by the talented bronze-haired newcomer – thoroughly surprised by the unexpected distraction, very briefly Aro's thoughts turn to an exclamation of calculated glee… expertly masked behind a façade of reproachful authority. Because: he's seen every member of Carlisle's 'family' sporting the eyes of an animal drinker… through the compulsive tracker's memories… and can only guess that the scent compelling Edward – and yet not Alice – so violently toward the humans in spite of it, must be of special significance to him. So easily tempted away from their substandard diet. Or could it be la tua cantante? He's the only vampire here so wildly responding to their presence, without even a hint of fresh blood in the air. In any case, the moment he strikes, we'll have them! Because, of course, attacking our humans cannot come without strings attached… and having him under our thumb will make it so much easier to get to her. Oh, I can't wait to see the future with a touch! I wonder if he has any talent remotely of interest.

In a gesture of silent request, the Volturi leader reaches out subtly to touch the hand of his black-haired brother… and at once it is confirmed: not only that Edward's singer is present in the form of an unlikely witch amidst the human crowd, but also that – though he and Alice share an uniquely strong bond with each other and others in their coven, he is not her mate. An unexpected development, but not insurmountable… considering that for him, it is only a matter of time. Surely, she will be less influence-able with her mate absent and untempted… but not so with he who is mateless… suggesting that her loyalties will become torn at the very least. All of that without them even suspecting, and before Chelsea secretly performs her mojo to enhance the effect. They'll both be ours in no time; Yes! Such a valuable accessory you are, Chelsea!

Meanwhile, Alice's bleak visions have shown that the Volturi would only summon them back if they tried to leave without doing so politely and officially. Because Aro has hope of coercing her into service. She knows exactly what Edward had been cautiously yet insistently about to demand – "What is the meaning of this!" – before a whiff of scent had apparently pulled the rug right out from under him. Every vision after that had been a storm of blackest attack after punishing capture after torn family and destroyed future. All awaiting his loss of control. It felt as if he were hanging on by barely a thread, his desperate grasp on her forearm acting as both plea and anchor as she promptly tries to give all the mental moral support she can manage. She knows he doesn't want this outcome any more than she does. Let alone, to be responsible for it.

But it is sooo tempting.

Across the room, every magically aware human's thoughts is frantic with fear (Great, another one that wants to do us in!... Even worse: he looks tons more thirsty than the others!... Murderous, horrifying, heartless… Bloodcurdling!… To be killed or made into one of the bloodthirsty undead? Killed or immortally muggle; killed or heartless killer?!; this may be my only chance to choose, but I can't decide on either option!... I don't want to die!), and supremely glad, at least to some degree or another, that the menace of his terrifying gaze is not focused upon them.

Aro's silent delight in having the ultimate temptation in a Cullen's midst, is easily insulting… not that Edward can focus upon it. The self-proclaimed leader has never actually met the family before. Nevertheless, the fact that this tempted youth is of Carlisle's coven – makes him sure that Edward is only resisting out of an awareness of being surrounded by a much stronger force who might very easily kill him if he took something of theirs… combined with the uniquely misguided notion that humans aren't a suitable food source. Preposterous. Nevertheless indeed, the ancient vampire thoughtfully confirms, we would have a right to… though to be fair – in Aro's mind, there is no doubt that Edward will consume whichever human it is; it is only a matter of time – perhaps by being lenient we can use this to our advantage. Keep things formally civil and contained, even as we most invitingly encourage him to place himself securely within our debt.

"Welcome to Volterra, young friends. I take it that you are Edward and Alice Cullen?" Aro greets them with a hand outstretched, remaining protectively surrounded by his guard. The young male is in a volatile state, after all. As well, there is no telling whether these have been informed of his talent, or not. He would certainly welcome any enlightening contact they could be persuaded to offer.

After a few more words of introduction, during which Edward's petrified gaze has not left the poor young lady of his focus (effectively trapping her within it, eyes frozen wide in silent shock and despair, much like a prey animal watching death speeding forward to take it), Alice steps up to try and reason with Aro. It's a little difficult with Edward's unchallenged grip still solidly locked around her wrist, but it gives her a good excuse not to offer any handshake in return. That definitely wouldn't help their cause.

Ultimately it is in talking with her, that promptly Aro's offer is made… fully audible to every human and vampire present. Undoubtedly, reputation demands it must always be clear that serving us was his choice! Nobody has to know that Chelsea will be a big part of him staying after that fact. The proposal is: that her 'brother' may freely have his singular pick of the humans there – with their blessing – in fair exchange for his faithful service of changing every one of the rest of them, for the guard. Surely, he should be able to accomplish this without too much difficulty, once he has been satisfied with his singer. And what better way to secure long-term service, than by invoking the personal responsibility of taking care of his newborns? Alice, of course, would be quite welcome to help him keep from letting it get out of control. Potentially thereby investing herself in the effort. Naturally, to transform any human without dutifully providing such service would be a punishable offense; but if he should prefer, he is quite free to walk away from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the ability to experience this single most unique and irresistible siren call – and leave the privilege to someone else who couldn't possibly appreciate it as he would have. No one has ever been able to pass up the singer appeal before, even for this long; there's no way he will be able to walk away from it! And of course, all this is entirely independent of whatever will yet be negotiated in regards to Alice. Win-win!

Hearing the sentence of their doom officially be put into words… that they be changed into heartless undead for the guard… has each of the wizards in a panic. Even, were this hostile vampire to leave them alone – which doesn't seem likely in the least, as he looks terrifyingly ready to tear right into them – by the hands of one of the others their fate has already been sealed. Far too closely guarded, even now, and without access to their wands – they have no way of getting out of this.