NEGOTIATE

Location: Volterra Castle

Time: 20:29:34

Each clack of my heel that echoed through the deserted halls, made me miss my beloved, worn-out converse even more. The tight black designer skirt clung to my figure but I still wished for my comfy sweatpants. My hair was pulled back into a tight bun and my fingers itched to release it from it's grasped confinement.

Just a few more minutes...

I calmly took a deep breath and glanced up at the two vampires guarding he large double doors. Thankfully, they were trained and knew better than to block my path. Instead, they diverted their eyes and opened the doors for me, giving me access into the sacred throne room.

As assured, the three 'kings' were sat proudly but now had their red eyes fixated on my every step. Each move I made was perceived with great caution, so I put them out of their misery.

With nimble fingers taking hold of the cape, I pushed it back to reveal myself to them, leaving no barriers between us.

"Isabella..." Aro drawled out, being the first to address me but sadly, he had plastered on a falsified smile.

Those that remained silent were either preserving their insults and the others were simply cowering in fear, rather that respect.

"Afternoon Aro" I replied and accepted his awaiting hands. He was obviously underestimating the extent to the powers of my shield. However, I simply got a thrill out of watching his face fall with disappointment.

When he let go of my hand, he took a tentative step backwards and the grin now fell into tight lipped smile. "So you came?" he gritted through clenched teeth.

"I came" I confirmed, hating the manner of his question.

"Alone?" he appraised me with narrowed eyes. "I would not have expected your fathe-"

"My father trusts that you are not stupid enough to attack" I snapped, feeling the consequences of the lengthy trip, leaving me tired and yearning for my bed. My impatience was simply wearing thin with the unnecessary remarks and only tittered over the edge as I heard Jane's hissed voice.

"How dare-"

She was lucky enough to have Aro raise his hand to stop her from risking her own life. Regardless of how sweet the gesture may seem, I knew that he only did it because Jane was his most prized possession.

Without her, he was vulnerable.

Then again, either way, I could still eliminate him.

"Your father is right to trust us" Aro continued, trying to maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

He was familiar with my temperament.

"You said you had something for me" I quipped, losing interest with th whole situation.

His lips curved up and a gleam brightened his scarlet orbs which only ignited my curiosity. "Mmmm...yes" he nodded and then craned his neck slightly but continued to look at me from the corner of his eye. "Felix" he called.

The large boulder of a vampire stomped his way towards us, trying to intimidate me with his size and expressionless features.

I could all but smile.

Foolish boy.

I was grateful that he had the sense to be quiet when placing the rather large object in my hands.

When he glided back, I finally looked down at the beige wrinkled tissue paper that rustled with the slightest of movement. It was creased as it covered something rectangle - most likely a book.

WIthout another thought, I ripped through the paper, which had obviously been used to prolong the questions racking my brain.

Unfortunately, this wasn't over as I was met with an ancient, large brown leather-bound. It was bound by a faint but distinct musky smell that made me scrunch up my nose slightly.

As I used my fingers to brush away the dust, I was surprised with how smooth it felt against my gentle sweep. It felt too delicate in my hands.

Boldly embossed on the front was one word - MIKAELSON.

"What is this?" I frowned, still staring down at the book with knitted eyebrows.

When I was met with silence, my rage sparked and I snapped my glare up onto the culprit. He simply stared back but his smile faltered as he finally replied. "A peace offering"

"Who is Mikaelson?" I questioned, involuntarily gulping as the foreign name left my lips.

Aro smugly smirked and gave a small nod. "Read and find out" he advised, attempting to boost his ego by fighting for the upper hand.

I was exhausted so I decided that I would just let this one go.

"Very well" I nodded and tucked the book under my arm, pulling on the hood of my cloak and turning to leave.

It was when I reached the doorway, that I heard Aro call out to me. "Does this now ensure our safety?" his assertive tone wavered slightly and I'm sure he was hoping I hadn't noticed.

Inclining my head towards him by an inch, I smirked when replying, "Wait and find out"

A/N: Confused? You should be but answers will be revealed...

Interested? Review and let me know - ask away and I'll try to answer without giving too much away.

Got an idea of what's going on? I would love to read your theories...