Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

A/N: Song titles will be the chapter titles from now on. Hope you all like it!


Bella

I wasn't in Kansas anymore, I was certain of that before I even opened my eyes. The comfortable item giving way beneath my weight was not the same as the car seat I had fallen asleep in. For a moment I was terrified of waking fully. Rolling over, I let the sunlight warm my face before finally blinking the sleep from my eyes.

Throw it all away.

Sitting up faster than I should have, I had to cradle my head to stop the whirl I'd set myself reeling into. My vision swam for a moment as I adjusted to the shock of the change of scenery. Sweeping my eyes about the room, I noted how expensive everything seemed, from the Egyptian cotton sheets to the ancient wooden amour and the strikingly gorgeous royal blue dress that hung on the outside of it. Even the decorative wallpaper sparkled as if trying to convey the slightest idea of its worth. Fingering the soft lace that ran across my stomach, I blanched. I didn't even want to think about how I came to wear the nightgown I was admiring…

Even more confusing still was the question of why. Why on Earth had Curtis or Corbin or whatever his name was bring me here? Were there some covens that liked to dress up their dinner? Or was I to become a part of some type of ritual, brought to play the part of the sacrificial virgin? At this point I supposed anything was possible.

Dangling first one leg off the edge of the bed, I let my foot settle on the stone floor before standing fully. Taking in my appearance from the large gilded mirror hanging on the wall to my left, I nearly gasped. Not only was I wearing an impossibly beautiful garment, but my hair was somehow tamed into soft waves. Squinting a little at the image, I knew I had to be imagining the flawlessly shadowed lids and blushed cheeks.

I could only imagine what Edward would have thought of my reflection. Would he have been able to resist sliding his hands down my sides, running his fingers up my thigh to inch beyond the fabric and- no! I wouldn't allow myself to think of him or those ridiculous fantasies I still coveted. Distracting myself by peeling the nightgown from my body, I managed to slip into the dress without much distress. A card lay atop the sparkling shoes on the old-fashioned vanity. Reading the elegant script made me roll my eyes. Was there nothing that wouldn't remind me of him? Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I read it over again.

Please dress and meet me in the hall when you wake. -Corin

The dress was quite possibly the tightest thing I've ever worn. While it nearly reached the floor despite the uncomfortable height of the heels I'd been given, there was a slit on my right that ended very high on my leg and made the bottom portion flare into a flattering shape. Despite its extravagant appearance, the make of the thing was simple; thick straps crossed along the top of my shoulder blades with a design centered around the bust and a fitted shape around the middle. The front dipped far lower than I was used to, and it felt as if my back was completely naked as the dress scooped until the material rested loosely on my hips. Eyeing myself made it difficult to scold whoever had chosen the item, though. For the first time I almost felt beautiful, worthy by human standards. Analyzing the sparkling gems that caught my attention as I turned towards the light, I wondered absentmindedly how authentic the stones were.

Let's lose ourselves, 'cause there's no one left for us to blame.

A throat clearing made me spin around, causing the dress to float on the air and expose more flesh of my leg than I would ever have dared to show. Corin was leaning against the doorframe, appreciating the view as he raked his eyes over every detail of my body. I took the time to view him in his entirety. He dressed nicely with shoes polished, slacks ironed, white shirt unbuttoned a little and sticking out from where it had come loose from his pants. His hair was messy and the air about him playful.

"I am going to regret not keeping you for myself," he sighed, "You are lovely." It almost sounded like an apology. Blushing deeply, I tried to keep myself from reddening too much. I would need to learn to control my embarrassment; these vampires may not have as much control as the Cullens.

"Your head may be a touch sore. I needed you calm, but I had not taken into consideration the alcohol content in your blood. I was told the drugs may have a negative effect once you regained consciousness." He looked at me expectantly, waiting to hear my answer.

"I-I'm fine. A little headache when I got up, like you said, but that's all." He grinned.

"You must be famished. Let me-" I interrupted, not wanting him to mention food of any kind.

"Honestly, I think if I ate anything I might get sick," I explained. Corin seemed boyishly curious about the statement.

"Ah, shock. Yes, I've heard of it. I wish this could have happened under more polite circumstances, but as it is it could not be helped. Thankfully Aro and the others have taken an interest in you. I must take you to them now." Once again he held out his hand. I swallowed loudly.

"Am I allowed to ask you something?" my voice shook unexpectedly, making me sound like a child.

"But of course. I do not wish to you to feel uncomfortable in your current surroundings. You are in my charge for the time being, so if there is anything I can do for you, anything at all, I will do everything in my power to please." His flirtatious tone had me stunned until I flushed once more.

"Where am I?" I asked sheepishly.

"How tactless of me!" he strode forward quickly, and I froze in terror before I realized he was merely throwing back the curtains covering the bulk of the window, "Welcome to Volterra, Italy. Your new home." I felt dense. Why hadn't I thought of looking through the window earlier? Thinking over the name, I knew there something vaguely familiar about it. Volterra? Edward had mentioned it to me a long time ago… My eyes went wide.

"Volterra?" I had to force myself to speak the next word, for fear of evoking some deadly response, "Volturi?" Corin's smile increased tenfold.

"Smart girl," he praised, then looked me in the eye, "I suppose I should tell you why you are here in the first place."

"Please." Something in the way I said the word made him stiffen before relaxing into a very human stance. A hand was shoved in his pant pocket; the other was running through his long, jet black hair.

"A woman named Victoria came to us with a plea for revenge. At the time you were being coveted by the Cullen's coven, and she knew she was no match for them without her mate. A human having any knowledge of our kind is more than dangerous, and the Volturi discussed what would befall you, your lover, and his family. Aro has an affinity for Carlisle, so death of the vampires was discouraged. The only other option was to kill you. I was sent to fish out your secrets, read you to see what damage had been done before killing you. But then I came, and you were there, and I couldn't bear it.

"One of our own was taken from us long ago, and your resemblance to her is remarkable. So much so that I had to bring you here to show the others. Hopefully it will be enough to justify postponing your murder."

It's a shame we're all dying. And do you think you deserve your freedom?

"Why does it matter that I look like her?"

Corin closed his eyes, jaw clenched, "It's not only that you look like her, sound like her, smell like her. It's your very personality. I looked back into your past and saw your frailty and loyalty and desire to make those around you as content, as happy, as possible. It's your goodness, Isabella Swan. How could I be the one to murder someone so wonderfully innocent? Someone so classically Didyme?"

"Didyme?"

"Aro's sister, Marcus's mate. She died in battle. I have never met a creature so impossibly good, so magnificent," his eyes sparkled, "until I met you. I only hope that if you do, in fact, end up residing here that you will be able to forgive me. No matter what they decide, I have stolen the future from you." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles, taking me with him as he ventured into the hallway and beyond.

How could you send us so far away from home when you know damn well that this is wrong?

In my head I began to compare him to the Cullens, if only as a reference point. He spoke like Edward and Carlisle did when they were reminiscing. His size, his entire appearance, actually, reminded me more of Jasper than anyone else. But I could not have been as comfortable with Jasper as I was with Corin. This was a sibling feeling, like that which radiated from Emmet. This was my protector. I nearly laughed at the statement. My would-be killer was now my protector?


Marcus

My first instinct was to kill her on sight. Aro was pleased enough by the sheer hilarity of Corin not fulfilling his mission that he indulged the boy. But as soon as she walked in, clinging awkwardly to her guardian as she stumbled and quaked, I wanted to rip her delicate throat out. How dare she! What right did this insignificant creature have to wear that face? Lifting my head to breathe in her scent, I growled. What was she? What was she?

Why did such a being have to exist?

"Milords," I heard Corin announce, "I give you Isabella Swan." Then she looked at me, and the world stopped. I could not hate her. No matter how I wanted to snap her pretty little neck without a second thought, there was a part of me that refused to take part in such a cruel act. She was so exquisite, so frightened. From that moment I wanted nothing more than to keep her safe.

I would lay down my life for you.

"Do you know why you are here?" Aro asked, eyes barely showing the hint of excitement I knew he felt at this human's existence. The woman-child nodded her head.

"Do you know why you are still alive?" Caius continued.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Explain," Aro ordered, taking in another deep breath. Anger flared within me.

"I look like her," the sheer simplicity of the statement took root in me. I was more surprised than angered by the amount of information Corin must have revealed to her. The bond he felt for her was strong. He would delay any permanent death for as long as possible. I could hardly blame him; she was marvelous to behold.

"Come here," Aro ordered. Isabella inched forward. At his chastising glance, she came to stand before him. His pale, translucent fingertips brushed her hand. Waiting, leaning towards them unconsciously, I witnessed Aro's eyes flash unexpectedly.

"Most peculiar," he said, and I felt my face tighten. Could she not be read?

The same question flooded my being once more: What in God's name are you?

Her shy gaze was slowly moving down the line: first Caius, then Aro. When finally she began to trail her wide eyes on me, I kept mine forward. Only after centuries of wearing an emotionless mask was I capable of stowing away feeling to keep up the nonchalant facade. Gradually I allowed my focus to be drawn to the subtle line of her jaw, the slight curve of her lips...

Didyme's lips had been thinner.

"Jane!"

If I had a heart, it would have leapt from my chest as I watched Aro order Jane to step forth and unleash her brutality on the brittle creature. She bowed with catlike grace, polite smile fading into a chechire grin that only ever appeared when the possibility to inflict pain raised its head once more.

"Jane, please, only a taste. We do not want anything irreversible." Aro commanded. We all knew how overcome with power the vampire could become. I clenched and waited for the inevitable screams. Jane was going to break her. She was going to break this child of Didyme, and for absolutely no reason I can explain I did nothing to prevent it.

Seconds lapsed upon one another without movement. The human seemed confused. Jane snarled as she pressed on, her power radiating from her in waves that became so incontrollable that even some of the guard, Alec included, began to tremble.

Aro dismissed her easily.

"Interesting."

"She is powerful," Caius remarked, expression thoughtful, "but she cannot live. What shall we do with her?"

Words came from my mouth without care, "We will keep her. Turn her." I would not let them execute this Isabella Swan. It was more than some burning curiosity; it was a need. I needed her.

And do you think you deserve your freedom? No, I don't think you do.

"Oh, yes," Aro agreed happily, "Isabella, would you join us? The Volturi?" She seemed to contemplate, staring at her feet as if they were relaying advise. Say yes, I begged with my eyes, pleading. I was completely disgusted with myself for sinking so low. We could not force her. If she refused, she would die at my hand. I grimaced at the thought. Yes, it would have to be my hand. I refused to watch as Caius or Aro drained her. She was not theirs to be had.

"I will," her voice was so faint I doubted I heard it at all. But then Aro smiled wickedly.

"Excellent. This really has turned out far better than I'd hoped. Corin will escort you back to your place of origin to allow you a week to sort out affairs and collect any items you wish to bring back with you. By then there will be a room for you set up within the main chambers. The only question is who will be the one to perform the task. Caius, would you-"

"I will do it," I said forcefully. Rarely did I ever speak in council, and when I did there was no doubt of my conviction. No one would have the gall to challenge me.

An imp-like grin graced Aro's lips, his stare set directly on me as he spoke.

"What a wonderful idea! Corin, make sure all is arranged properly."

Everything fell into place in an instant.

Of course Aro would do this. Was it not in his nature to force such events into place? He must have finally grown tired of my bored replies and lacking responses to his schemes. But how? How did he know such a one existed?

I wanted to curse and howl and tear out my eyes. How easily manipulated I was! How could I not have noticed the strange occurrences surrounding the girl's arrival in Volterra? Aro must have seen her face in scarlet haired wretch's mind, known she possessed Didyme's bewildered, doe-eyed expression.

But to ensure my inability to figure out his plot and keep his own plans going, he had needed to be positive that the guard he dispatched to fetch the girl would be unable to complete the deed. Normally Alec was sent on such expeditions, but Aro had claimed that knowledge of exactly what the child may have said to those humans she remained close to was pivotal. At the time I had not questioned him. Why not send Corin? What twisted plan could involve a member of the Volturi that I had complete faith in? The man who had loved my mate more than life itself; the one who risked his own person saving me because he would not allow any harm to come to the man she had ordained worthy enough to bestow her love upon?

Corin had done nothing to earn such a fate, to be forced to sit by idly as his love was wooed by another. Isabella Swan did not deserve the life that awaited her upon her return, filled with treachery and deceit. I felt a wave of familiar hopelessness wash over me. Was there no end to the wrongs committed by the universe?

There's no justice in the world, and there never was.


A/N: Let me know what you think! Please? Pretty please…?