Prelude
Cornered
The room swirled with the most delicious smell any human, or rather, being, who existed could ever imagine. The multiple heavenly scents mixed with the midsummer heat, intensifying and sweetening the already delicious aroma in the coolly lit room, a contrast.
But none of that mattered now. Nothing mattered anymore. Not the delectable aroma compelling my better senses, not the moody darkness which sent an almost tangible current through the air. Not even the overwhelming love and pity I felt for those surrounding me. Because none of that would help us now. I had been found, tracked to this once safe-house, in which there seemed little escape now. Ironic.
Several of my ? friends and family were clustered around me, tensed and bent in various protective and lethal hunting crouches, ready to act at the slightest sign of danger or provocation.
Opposite us was an almost mirrored grouping of our own.
The ominous Volturi Guard stood just a few feet from us, no more the graceful controlled grouping they usually portrayed. These were the ones I had fouled. Ones to whom I had once delivered an unforgivable punishment and disgrace. Though many of their kind would sacrifice anything for a gift so rare and desirable, these few of the Volturi Guard thought it to be unjust and weak. The gift administered...
Mortality.
Standing in the middle of the angry cluster was a small figure, feminine in stillness, and blatantly contrary to the bloodthirsty mob surrounding her. Her face showed no sign of betrayal or rage, like the masks those around her wore now. It was one of complacency, and a slight hint of monotony. Only her eyes hinted a tone of anticipation at the coming onslaught which would destroy our little group.