Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Chapter 1

Charlotte's POV

I could barely watch as Bella threw herself into Edward's arms, crying and pleading for him to believe that they were both alive. God my sister was pathetic. She was clinging to the person that left her for dead in the woods only months before. Perhaps the cold had destroyed several of her brain cells, it would certainly explain a few things…

After watching Edward embrace his love, I turned away with a sigh. It was honestly worse than a trashy romance novel, I mean they have the whole obsessive relationship perfected. Even so, I knew that they would survive this encounter, so I couldn't help but cringe at their dramatics.

I have a gift, something that no human should be able to possess; I can see visions of the distant future. My visions usually occur when I'm asleep, which means that they aren't as vivid or trustworthy. As my visions, on occasion, were hard to decide whether I have had a vision or a just dream. Therefore, I generally tended to only believe the visions that I had while I was conscious.

For example, when I woke up with my head full of images of Vampires; I was convinced that it was a dream. That was until I moved to Forks with Bella and met the mysterious Cullen family. It was then, the pieces slowly slotted together and I realised that I had to keep these visions a secret, as the Cullen family couldn't be trusted.

I had witnessed so many bad events that would occur if they were to find out, some of which even ended with my death, which happens to be something that I would like to avoid, believe it or not.

I had discovered that the Cullen's wouldn't be opposed to the fact that I had visions - no, they would actually be delighted - but instead, they would fear the people that I saw in my visions; and therefore, my connection to them.

For years, I have had visions of a group of Vampires with vivid red eyes and thick black cloaks. With time I had grown to care deeply for these creatures, despite the fact that they took human lives. I couldn't explain exactly why I was drawn to them; but my chest ached whenever I thought about how far away I was from them.

It was honestly bittersweet. I replayed the visions repeatedly and took happiness in seeing their faces; despite how it made my chest ache with my need to be near them. I often worried if they could feel the same pain, but then brushed off the idea. I was just being ridiculous, how could they long to be near me, when we hadn't even met?

After the Cullen's "revealed" that they were Vampires, I discovered that the Vampires in my visions were the leaders of the Vampire World; The Volturi. I had to bite my tongue whenever one of them - usually Edward - spoke about how barbaric and ruthless they were. I felt so protective over the Vampires that I now know as Aro, Marcus and Caius.

However, right now, I was so close to seeing the Kings. It was difficult to control my thoughts and keep my face hardened in a mask of submissive fear. I hated being presented as something so pathetic, but right now, I had no other choice.

Unless...I could get into the Castle on my own, without the Cullen's or my sister noticing. This way, I could meet the Kings in private and hopefully relay the information to them without being killed first. Plus, it would give me the opportunity to be away from the love-sick couple. So for me, it was a win-win situation.

I glanced back, to ensure that no one was paying attention to me. Edward was now clinging onto my sister, whispering into her ear desperately. While Bella was trying to lift his head from her neck, but that obviously wasn't working. After all, she was only human. How could she forcefully move a Vampire?

Alice was still nowhere to be seen, which meant that she was still parking the car. I mean, weren't they even going to make this a challenge? It was disappointing how easily I was able to slip away undetected.

I strode down the dark passageway that I knew led me straight into the Castle, I had viewed this place so many times in my visions. However, actually being here brought a smile to my face. It felt like I was home.

I approached the heavy, wooden door, that would lead me to the Throne Room. The door was old and the hinges were rusted, so it opened with a loud squeak. I gently closed it behind me and carried on walking.

However, I wasn't afraid; instead I was cautious and determined. I knew that if I was spotted, I would be taken to the King's anyway, unless they decided that I would be a quick snack. Which wouldn't be the best outcome, for anyone involved. The Kings needed this knowledge desperately.

"Do you have an appointment?" Startled, I turned around to see a human woman sitting behind a desk labeled "Reception." She had stringy brown hair that fell to her shoulders, a low cut blouse and wore tacky red lipstick that stained one of her middle teeth.

I paused, my eyebrows furrowed as I thought of my response. "I am here to see Aro, tell him that it's urgent." After all, perhaps it is better if they are prepared to see me.

"Wait!" The Receptionist cried. "If you don't have an appointment, you do realise that they will probably kill you!"

"It's a risk that I have to take."

At first I was touched by her concern, until I heard her mutter that it would be her job to "clean up the bitch's blood." How surprising, her personality is equal to her appearance. Even so, I couldn't help but pity her if she thought that Aro would change her. She was delusional and petty, what a lovely combination…it would go wonderfully on her gravestone.

With that, I turned around and walked down the long and eerie corridor. The floor consisted of a grey stone with faded patches of red that hadn't completely vanished. It didn't take a genius to work out that it was blood. My footsteps echoed as loudly as my heartbeat when I passed the numerous torches that lit up the deserted corridor.

I finally arrived at the grand doors that I knew was the entrance to the Throne Room. This was it, there was no turning back now. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and pushed open the doors.

I was greeted with silence, utter silence. It was honestly a bit anti-climatic, I was expecting a big roar of anger and people trying to "kill the human for disturbing them without permission." But alas, they were just staring at me, how delightfully dull.

My footsteps echoed throughout the room, as I started to approach the Kings. I ignored the piercing gazes on my back, I couldn't afford to show any weakness. It could get me killed. So instead I had the perfect facade of arrogance; my chin was tilted up and my lips pursed in a sneer.

That was until I glanced up and saw the Kings, then the facade fell away and I was left gazing at their beauty. I knew that I looked ridiculous, but I couldn't find the will to care. My only thoughts were about the Vampires before me.

Aro was on the centre Throne, a clear show that he had the most influence out of all of the Kings. He was leaning forward, his head rested on his clasped hands. His raven black hair rested just below his shoulders, it shined in the light of the many candles displayed around the room.

He had a smile that strangely reminded me of a delighted child, it seemed playful and even slightly deranged. I knew that this was a facade, I had viewed his 'true' smile many times in my visions; but this smile was still beautiful.

Caius was seated on the Throne on the left, his presence instantly screamed "warrior." The Throne itself had carvings of wolves with sharp fangs and spikes protruding from the top, above his head; overall, it added to his ruthless vibe.

His cold eyes glared around the room, it seemed that he was constantly proving to the guards that he was powerful by only using his mere presence. Caius's mouth was set into a vicious sneer, exposing his razor sharp teeth. Strangely, this was more of a turn on, than a threat.

Lastly, there was Marcus seated on the Throne on the right-hand side. He was the one that I found to be the most intriguing. He glanced around the room with dull eyes and acted as though he had no interest in the World or those in it. I knew that this was a lie, but his facade was strong. From my visions I had seen him speak excitedly, laugh and smile so many times.

He had the air of an aristocrat, he looked above a person's head when he was speaking to them; as if they didn't deserve the honor of having eye contact with him. His hair fell down to his chest in cascading waves, it looked so silky to the touch.

"What do you want, human?" Surprisingly, it was Marcus that had spoken. His eyebrow rose as he glanced down at me with hauntingly red eyes.

I was about to speak, when suddenly Marcus gasped. The arrogant look had vanished from his face and instead he was staring - almost gaping - at me with a look of wonder on his face. His eyes had lit up, twinkling with happiness.

I couldn't help but smile in response to his happiness. I felt giddy knowing that I had somehow brought this look of bliss to his face.

Suddenly Marcus was right in front of me, his eyes held mine as he reached out to caress my cheek. Subconsciously, I leaned into his palm and closed my eyes; I felt so safe. I felt him softly move his hand so that he was now brushing it through my hair.

My eyes fluttered open, as I reached out to hold his other hand. I couldn't understand where this boldness had appeared from, but Marcus didn't seem to mind. In fact, he seemed to love it. Judging by how he closed his hand around mine and brought it up to his mouth to kiss.

"It's her brothers! We have found our mate." His voice sounded slightly breathless, as his gaze never left mine.

As soon as he had spoken Caius and Aro were in front of me, both gazing at me in amazement. Marcus slowly pulled his hand out of mine and gently urged me towards Caius.

I stumbled slightly as I stepped forward, but Caius quickly grasped me by the waist and pulled me into his arms. For someone that appeared so ruthless, he was surprisingly gentle. His arms were around me so loosely, it was almost as if he was afraid of hurting me. He buried his head into my hair and inhaled, before tightening his arms marginally.

Unable to stop myself, I stepped up onto the tips of my toes and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. I then buried my head into his neck, with a sigh I closed my eyes and nuzzled slightly against him. As I did that, I had the strange urge to bite him, to mark him as mine.

I felt Caius swallow before he whispered into my ear. "I can't believe that you are here, I was convinced that I would be destined to be alone forever. It's the least that I deserve."

After hearing Caius admit something so personal, something so vulnerable; I felt an intense need to comfort him. Unable to stop myself I started to run my hands through his silky blond hair, ensuring to lightly scratch at his scalp.

Caius must have found this incredibly relaxing, as he seemed to slump against me, pulling me tighter against him. A soothing growl - that sounded eerily like a purr - rumbled against my ear, which in turn caused me to relax and lay my head against his chest.

I had never felt so safe and protected in my life, I knew that nothing could harm me. But, my chest still ached...Aro!

Reluctantly, I pulled away from Caius's loving embrace. Before I could turn to face Aro, Caius placed his fingers underneath my chin and gently lifted up my head. I smiled as I saw the soft look in his eyes, a look that I knew was reserved only for me. Caius' lips twitched slightly as he leaned in to gently kiss my cheek before he stepped back to stand with Marcus.

I swallowed thickly as I silently urged my cheeks to stop blushing. With a smile, I stepped towards Aro, but he held his hand up in a "stop" motion before he stepped away from me...

Completed: 25/07/16.

Edited by Beta: 29/07/16.