Preface

"Oh, look at her, Marcus," Aro called excitedly. He had decided to start a family like Carlisle's coven and was picking out a human that seemed like a good daughter. This one had long black hair, and bright amber eyes. "Her eyes look like the Olympian Coven's, already. Maybe she'd be a vegetarian, too," Aro chuckled at his own little joke.

Marcus, at first wary, turned toward the girl his brother had picked out. Then, his eyes widened in surprise. This girl was perfect, and her eyes did look like Carlisle's. She looked scared, causing Marcus to worry for the young girl. He searched her to see is she had any strong human relationships, but could find . . . none.

"She's all alone. No family ties, no suitor, not even a pet! All alone," his voice broke at the end. "Aro, my brother, you must choose this one. She needs someone, and she needs them now!"

"First, let me hold her hand. I need to see into the girl's mind before I make a choice," Aro replied, not oblivious to Marcus' unease. He walked up to the girl with the strange amber eyes just in time; she had tripped and fell. Aro offered her his hand, and she took it. When she was steady, he offered her a ride into town. She was nervous, but the rain had started to fall, so she accepted. The two walked up to Marcus, whose mouth may have touched the floor.

"Marcus," Aro called pleasantly, "Would you mind if we gave, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." Marcus could tell that Aro was acting; of course he knew her name after he had read her mind.

"Serena," she answered, looking both nervous and frightened.

"Would you mind if we gave young Serena a ride into town, and possibly a cup of hot tea? You look like you need it." The look that Marcus then gave Aro questioned his sanity.

"Of course not! Come quickly Miss, before you catch a cold." It made Marcus feel better knowing that Aro seemed to have accepted Serena so quickly. Then, the group got into the carriage, and set back to Volterra.