A/N: Wow! Im surprised by the response to this. Some people even reviewed! And I'm very thankful to the ones who chose to do so. Here's the second. It got away from me a little bit but I'm sure you won't mind my long chapters! You'll recognize a lot of dialogue and events in this chapter. Probably the next one too. But I promise I'll be breaking away from the book soon and weaving my tale all by me onesie ^_^ Enjoy lovelies!

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not mine. Just Oriana and her ways are mine.


The weeks slipped by quickly and Bella seemed to be getting better, so much so that Ori saw no reason to get directly involved with the teenagers drama. Whatever she was doing out with Jacob nearly every day seemed to be helping her extensively, though the girl still had nightmares almost every night. That didn't mean she'd be leaving anytime soon. The couch was hers until she was certain her niece wasn't going to do something crazy. There were times the girls eyes grew distant and glassy, like the zombie like state she'd been in before was just below the surface, waiting to come back. Bella smiled and laughed, made dinner and participated in conversations. However something about her behavior was off, there was a darkness that crept along the edges of her eyes. Charlie had been more than happy to accept his daughter was back, that whatever she'd been going through was over and she'd snapped back to the girl she was before.

Oriana would keep an eye on her and watch for any funny business where Charlie was keen to turn a blind eye. He should be able to tell the girl was just distracting herself. She'd already turned up in the ER twice, weak excuses and nervous glances the answers she supplied. It didn't help anytime she tried talking to Bella the girl was all shrugs and awkward smiles. Definitely her fathers daughter.

Something had happened at the end of February between Bella and Jacob that had Ori worrying again. Bella had been acting weird. Not zombie weird. More manic weird. She'd spent weeks twittering around the house in a mass of nerves, the phone practically glued to her ear. The woman had kept an eye on the situation, but half way into March the issue resolved itself. Now the two were once again thick as thieves, Bella spending as much time as possible with the younger boy down at La Push.

At this particular moment though she wasn't worried about Bella or her oddities. Her whole focus was on her brother who was standing with Sue Clearwater, the pretty older woman had tears falling down her cheeks, and Charlie tried to lend her strength- his own eyes rimmed red and completely bloodshot. She didn't know the Clearwaters well, she'd never really hung out with Harry or the others growing up seeing as she was nine years their junior. She'd had her own little gang that had jumped ship to bigger better lands the first chance they got. But Harry had been very important to her brother, so even if she felt uncomfortable and unneeded she was going to stay. For Charlie.

They stayed at the hospital for a long time, grieving and making arrangements, but finally they were on their way home, Oriana driving the cruiser as Charlie looked listlessly out the window. Pulling up into the drive way she swiftly shut off the engine and made her way to the passenger side, opening Charlies door and hauling him out. An unfamiliar black car was parked on the curb behind hers, but she didn't get to examine it much because as soon as her brother was out of the car his arms were around her. The hug was crushing her lungs and she couldn't breath, but the older man needed this comfort, so she'd keep quiet and give it to him.

They stood there for quite a while, Charlie breathing heavily into her hair, but eventually he broke their embrace. Holding her out at arms length her brother squeezed her shoulders tightly with a sheepish smile, and then was heading off towards the house, her lazy steps close behind. The second he stepped through the door Bella was on the man, arms wrapped around his waist, and he held onto his daughter as fiercely as he had his sister. He tried to move further into the house but Bella stopped him, a nervous look on her face. Eyebrows high Ori watched as the girl fidgeted, gaze moving down the hall to the short figure hidden in the shadows.

Of course they didn't stay hidden long. Stepping into the hallway showed the pixie like girl. Ori was taken aback and wary, her sixth sense tingling and letting her know she wasn't what she seemed to be. The hair on the back of her neck rose and her heart accelerated as she took in the girls features.

Perfect. That was the only way to describe her. Her hair, her skin, her clothes, smile and eyes. She was severely unflawed. And that put Ori on the defensive. No one took care of themselves that well. There was always something. A gap tooth. A pimple. A slight limp or scar or something! But no, this girl was absolutely perfect. Not a hair out of place. And the only people who presented themselves like that usually had a pretty nasty secret they were hiding. Like serial killers. Of course she didn't believe Bellas friend was a serial killer! Not a lot a least... One should always keep their options open.

They were introduced and Charlie chatted with her for a minute, but it was sufficiently awkward. The siblings headed for the kitchen to eat the dinner Bella had made. Dinner was quiet and Charlie was the first to finish, excusing himself for the night. Ori stayed up longer, puttering around the kitchen, but an hour later Bella and her friend were still stationed on the couch so, shrugging, she headed for her nieces room. Should have taken Alice to your room to talk. Know I sleep there ya brat. Despite her mental grousing she sighed as she sunk into the bed, body happy for an actual mattress and not the lackluster couch.

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The day of the funeral Ori woke up late cuddled in a fluffy comforter, having commandeered Bellas bed again last night, with the doorbell going off impatiently around her. Charlie had assured her she didn't have to go to the funeral, she'd never been good with those sort of things. Still she'd fought, no matter how half-heartedly it might have been, to be there and support her brother. But he'd laid out some arguments, something about the Clearwaters needing the support not him, and a few other things too so Ori had let it drop.

She could hear voices downstairs and the doorbell wouldn't stop, so with an aggravated groan she tossed off her covers and slid from the bed. She'd just pulled the door open when the annoying noise ceased and the half asleep woman sighed, blowing curls every which way. Figuring she was already up and might as well get ready she made her way to the bathroom. All her things were now spread out among the counter so she quickly went through her morning routine. Nimble fingers twirled and untangled her vicious bed-head so that she looked more like a human and less like cousin it. Then she tackled her morning breath. Mouth fresh, face washed and hair managed she stepped out of the bathroom about an hour later, still in her basketball shorts and tight black tank top but feeling much more awake.

The phone had rung when she was in the bathroom but was quickly answered so she didn't pay it any mind. As she made her way downstairs she could hear multiple voices. Alice was murmuring in her quiet voice, Bella was rushing around and Jake looked crestfallen, begging the girl not to go. The hell does she think she's going?

"What is going on here?"

The three teens froze to look at her and she put on her best adult 'you're-in-trouble' face. Jacob seemed to think everything was handled now because he shot the girls a smug look and darted out the door. Sending the retreating boy a confused look she focused on the girls, both of who seemed to be having a panic attack. Giving them another look prompted Bella to start babbling.

"Aunt Ori! I...I have to go. Edwards in trouble. There's a family emergency and I have to go to him."

Face dropping incredulously Ori chanced a glance at Alice, who seemed to have checked out if the fuzzy gaze was anything to go by. Concentrating on her rambling niece she planted her hands on her hips and stared at the teenager hard.

"Are you insane Bella? You can't just go to Edward. Didn't you say he was in South America somewhere the other day? After everything he's put you through why are you rushing off to him? You're dad won't just kill you, he'll kill me too for not tying your ass to a chair for even suggesting this madness."

Bella just seemed to get more agitated with her words, head shaking wildly in denial, face pink and eyes wide.

"NO! You don't understand! None of that matters because he needs me! He's in trouble and if something happens to him...I can't live without him in this world."

Letting out a large sigh, nearly a growl really, Ori closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Jesus. It's worse than I thought. "So you're just gonna fly right on down to South America? When will you be back? What are you going for? And once again, are you totally insane!?"

"Actually we'll be going to Italy." Alice finally spoke up, but her voice was soft, like she wasn't really with them and her eyes were still glassy.

"Oh! Italy! Well that's much better! I am not letting you leave this country Isabella Swan. Charlie's having a rough time of it as it is and he doesn't need to be worrying that you ran off to Italy with Edward." If I have to chase this girl down to Italy I'm going to be so mad. Suddenly Alice gasped and went rigid, turning to stare so intently at Ori she was sure the girl would burn a hole through her. Golden orbs swirled with so many different emotions -disbelief, awe, anxiety...fear? Despite this when she spoke her voice was strong and sure.

"Come with us."

"What!" Her and Bella both stared at the pixie, unable to comprehend what she'd suggested. Bella couldn't understand why Alice would bring along her aunt, especially when she knew nothing of vampires or anything supernatural and they were headed straight to the vampire kings. Ori just couldn't wrap her head around how ballsy this chick was.

"No. I'm not coming with you. Because you're not going. At least Bella isn't."

"Yes I am! And you can't stop me." Slapping a note down onto the kitchen table the brunette rushed for the door, quickly sidestepping her aunt. Cursing the girl Ori made her way after her niece, shoving on her boots hurriedly and shivering immediately as the frigid March air caressed her exposed skin, racing right behind her as she threw herself into the shiny mustang. They wrestled for the door for a few minutes before a cold hand wrapped around her wrist, sending a shock to her system, and then she was twirled around. Eyes spinning in her skull it took a few seconds to gain her equilibrium back, but when she did she was unhappy to realize she'd been manipulated into the car. Her ID and passport were thrown into her lap, glare settling into place as the pale woman grinned happily. How...?

"You'll need those."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They argued the entire ride to the airport, through the airport, as security checked them and as they hustled onto the plane. Ori had been determined to stay on US soil, and her niece would be staying too. But as the pixie screamed down the streets Bella had argued until she was blue in the face, Alice backing her up. Flashing her sweet smile and giggling between her words she manipulated the conversation until the older woman was huffing and sitting herself on the plane. Crossing her arms Ori scowled darkly, glaring out the window and paying no one any mind.

She wasn't quite sure how the little demon had done it but she was on her way to Italy. To keep an eye out and make sure things went smoothly. Unsure of what exactly needed to go smoothly left Oriana anxious. This didn't really seem like a family emergency. Eyes sliding sideways she watched Alice sit completely still, making Bellas twitching seem even worse than it was. Sighing heavily Ori closed her hand around her nieces, stopping her picking fingers. Wide scared eyes looked at her sadly, exactly like her brothers, and she couldn't help it as she softened against the situation she found herself in.

"What's going on Hells Bells?" A small smile curled the crushed womans lips at her childhood nickname and Ori mirrored it, shaking their joined hands lightly. "I know this is more than a family emergency. Why do have to go to him right this second? What's so important it couldn't wait a few hours? Or even minutes."

Bella shot a glance at Alice who in turn leveled her gaze on Ori, hazel clashing with gold. The small girl seemed to be fighting with herself but eventually her expression hardened, decision obviously made, and turned fully in her seat, back to the aisle and eyes intense.

"What I'm about to say...is dangerous. It'll probably sound insane. But you're in it now. So you should know. Me and my family. Edward included. We're all...vampires." The word slammed into the curly headed girls chest, expelling her breath from her in one harsh blow. Alice hurried on, leaving no time for questions. "We aren't exactly what myth portrays. As you can tell we don't burn during the day. I'm sure I'm not exactly what comes to mind when you think of vampires. Not a lot of us are. Bella's blood pulls at Edward. Calls to him really. They were both instinctually drawn to the other. They began dating. A few months ago Bella got a paper cut at our house. It...didn't end well. It's why we left. But I had a vision of Bella jumping off a cliff so I came back. Obviously she's fine. But Edward thinks she's dead. And he's on the way to beg for his true death. From the main authority in our world."

Oriana could feel her slack jaw, wide as it could go. Her mouth was dry and her eyes were so wide they hurt. The skin around her left eye was twitching violently. Not a sound was made as her glance darted from Alice to Bella, around the cabin and back again, replaying the cycle over and over . Her brain ran through the rapidly spewed words, trying to process but unable to. Vampires. Dating...vampire. Singer. Vision? Jumped off a cliff. Vampire authority? No fangs. Not burning. Gold eyes. Vampire. Jesus. Something in her temple seemed to snap and then Ori was falling backwards, darkness becoming her world as she slumped back into her seat.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was only two hours later that Ori was drifting her way towards consciousness, face twisting in discomfort as disjointed thoughts slipped into her head and right back out. Bella; rushing around the house, face pink as they argued in the car, nervous eyes wide as the plane took off. Alice; gracefully twirling around, car screaming through the streets, gold eyes serious as she finally explained what was happening. And then Ori wished she'd never remembered. With a groan she pushed her body upright, palms pressed against her eyes.

Vampires. Fucking vampires. And her niece was involved with one. It wasn't that Oriana wasn't skeptical, she very much was, but that little pixie was too perfect, too cold, to be a human. Vampires, werewolves, trolls, ghosts, dragons, mermaids... The supernatural world was one the Ori fully believed in. There were too many unexplainable things in the world, weird things, to think humans were the only beings out there. However, never in her life did she think she would ever see one, nor actually be talking to one. Alice had been very right about one thing, she wasn't anything like what Ori had pictured a vamp to look like. Or act like.

"Aunty O?"

Bellas soft words and a delicate hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality, and she spread her fingers across her face to stare between them, hazel orbs bouncing between the two troubled looking girls. Dropping her hands she sighed again but managed to send them a weak smile.

"So, a vampire huh?" Guess serial killer wasn't too far off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The remaining 12 hours of the flight was spent bringing Ori fully up to speed on everything, and she even managed not to pass out again. Not to say her head wasn't spinning as the conversation finally tapered off. Alice warned there was only a little over an hour until they landed and then they'd have to hurry and find Edward. Ori used that time to just think. Mind calming as she sorted through the facts.

The Cullens were vegetarian vampires, as they liked to call themselves, although not all of them had always been, and being around humans was difficult for the familial coven. Some more than others. Alice had explained her family. They all actually sounded pretty interesting. Especially the talented one. Visions. Mind reading. Empathy...it was some pretty crazy sci-fi stuff. The whole Edward and Bella relationship was weird. They seemed way too into each other to Ori. Alice said all vampires were like that with their mate but still. Maybe that would explain the boy, but Bella wasn't any kind of supe. It shouldn't have had such a hold on her as it did. At least she didn't think so. Alice had also been so kind as to explain the Volturi, and Ori was not looking forward to meeting them. In fact if she could, she'd avoid it all together. Hopefully they could grab the little drama queen and be off before the three kings realized what happened.

As the plane descended, landing smoothly on the tarmac, Ori felt like she had control of her mind again. She was calm going into this mess and had a plan, shaky a plan it may be. Snatch up the wayward Cullen and get the hell outta dodge. Bella and Alice must have come up with a plan of their own, because as aunt and niece made their way out of the airport-thankfully the older womans clothes were actually weather appropriate here- a bright yellow prosche squealed up to the curb next to them. A brightly smiling pixie set in the drivers seat.

She hurried them along and Ori slipped into the middle awkwardly, Bella quickly taking up the passenger seat beside her. As Alice peeled off Ori could only be thankful the car was an automatic.

The ride was made with the two teenagers, or at least teen looking, talking rapidly back and forth. Bella was worrying more and more with every second that passed and Alice wasn't looking very confidant either. Finally the vampire pointed out their destination and Ori couldn't help but gape. Even at the distance they still were the castle was magnificent. Before long they were winding their way up the hill the castle sat upon, steadily making their way towards the city of Volterra. Until the cars pressed together on all sides and they could do no more than crawl through the traffic. Bella whined but there was nothing Alice could do. They were stuck at the moment. Cars inched forward and Bella nearly vibrated in her seat, eyes locked on the dash clock.

Eventually the small woman managed to wind herself around one guard only to skid to a stop in front of another. The man confronted them, but a large wad of money took care of the problem and then they were off again. The car jerked violently as they went, the brake and acceleration getting pressed in quick succession through the streets. Until finally Alice stopped, eyes wide, and pushed Bella out of the car. The girl took off running like the devil was at her heels and Ori watched her disappear into the sea of red cloaks. A small hand was on her back and then she was being pushed as well. Pretty much flying out of the car she took a second to right herself and then glared at the unapologetic vampire.

"You should go too. Remember, Palazzo dei Priori. GO!" Ori had just been standing there, not understanding why she should follow her niece, but her growled command had the woman turning and running through the crowded streets, trying to find her way. A constant stream of 'Palazzo dei Priori' dripped from her lips, and she turned in the directions the fingers pointed, at the same time trying to locate Bella.

Breaking through the crowd on the tenth chime of noon her wild hazel eyes finally found the brunette girl, on the steps of the clock tower, gripping tightly to a shirtless boy. Gotta be him. Sighing in relief Ori jogged up the steps, gliding straight up to the couple, uncaring if she ruined their reunion. Edward was muttering about death and Bella was pulling on his arms, trying to get him to move.

"We gotta move. Lets go." Ori wrapped her own hand around the boy but he stood still as a statue, just staring down at Bella. He didn't even seem to realize she had a hold of him. Then her grasp was wrenched away, her wrist giving an uncomfortable pop when she didn't let go fast enough. Gasping softly she hissed through her teeth and cradled her injured arm to her chest. Bella was now pressed tightly against the wall, Edward standing protectively in front of her, as two dark figures emerged from the shadows. They gave her the same feeling as Alice first had. The vampires spoke together and then Edward tried to send Bella away.

"No, bring the girl. Both of them." Edward tensed at first but his features melted into confusion at the mention of there being girls. She had been right before, the boy hadn't even noticed her there. Then his eyes were on her, examining her, and he turned slightly to Bella. He'd probably noticed the small qualities they happened to share. Turning back to the men he shook his head slightly, letting them know he wasn't putting either human in danger, however he didn't move from his spot in front of Bella. They spoke softly, tension thick in the air, and then the two vampires moved towards the couple.

Ori didn't mean to but as they stepped forward she stepped back, pushing herself further into the alley, but Edward refused to move. And then Alice was there, dancing up to her brother with a smile on her face. They two larger vampires tried to move the discussion to a different location, extremely aware of the small family that was watching them, but the Cullens refused to budge. It seemed like they would be in their little standoff all day until a high pitched voice called out from the shadows. Her presence ended everything, and Edward slumped in defeat.

"Follow me." Jane, as she'd been named, turned and quickly disappeared into the shadows from whence she came. The biggest of the two vampires motioned for them to go in front so Alice easily stepped up. Next Edward walked by, his arm wrapped around Bellas waist as he pulled her along. Ori eyed the two strange men, arm cradled protectively against her, but figured there was no way out of this mess and reluctantly followed after. The alley narrowed and angled down. Ori could see Bella slightly freaking out as they walked. The further they went the colder it got, and soon goose bumps were exploding across her bared arms and legs.

Alice and Edward chatted together and then Alice was gone, a small hole in the pavement the only clue on where she had gone. Her niece looked skeptical, eyeing the hole with trepidation as Edward reassured her, but Ori was intrigued. These vampires were odd. Was the entrance to their castle really in a sewage drain?

Bella eventually gathered her courage, Edward holding her tightly as he lowered her down. Once successful he turned to her, palm held out in invitation. Brushing past him she lowered herself to sit on the edge of the hole, staring down at the darkness. Holding her injured limb tightly so it wouldn't jar too badly she took a deep breath and slid down. It wasn't a long jump down but tingles still shot through her legs when she landed. Shaking them out she stood in the dim light, watching as the three remaining men joined them.

A small cold hand curled into her elbow, and there was just enough light to see Alices smile before once again they were walking and darkness took over. The passage continued in a downward slant and a nervous sweat broke out over Ori despite her best efforts to remain calm. Whatever was about to happen wasn't going to be good. The air felt of malice and dark purposes sending her fight or flight instincts screaming. The vampires could probably hear her hammering heart but she still tried to project a cool exterior, slowly counting her breaths as she walked. A cool wind whipped down the tunnel and the vampires stopped, confused on where it could have come from. It lasted for only a second but as the breeze wound its way through her corkscrew curls and caressed her face Ori felt some of her fear melt away, a soft strength enveloping her mind.

The cloaked men shrugged off the odd occurrence and pushed the group forward. The downward slant of the tunnel continued in complete darkness until, finally, a light lit the tunnel up into a dark gray and Ori could almost feel her eyes dilating as they tried to adjust from the strain they'd been put through. She didn't notice her own reaction to the cold, tremors running through her limbs and goose bumps a permanent mark on her skin. But she did notice Bellas. The girl almost looked like she was going to start seizing and her teeth chattered so hard Ori feared the teen would bite off her tongue. Alice and Edward pulled away at the same time and the older woman sighed softly, not realizing how much the short vampire had been contributing to her descent into hypothermia. Ori let her go but Bella pulled Edward back, happily shivering into his frame.

She couldn't stop the roll of her eyes of the soft scoff, already over the love struck version of her niece. This may be the only chance they have to be with each other but still. A little self preservation wouldn't hurt anyone in this situation. Finally the dark tunnel came to an end, a large rusty grate all there was to greet them. Alice went through and then Edward stepped up, but he only opened the thing and motioned for Bella to go in. Then he did the same for Ori, his eyes burning with hidden curiosity. Probably completely flummoxed as to why she was there. You and me both buddy.

Coming out on the other side revealed a brightly lit hallway. Bella seemed to relax in their new surroundings but Edward bristled significantly, and since Ori wasn't sure what was happening she opted to just stay at her current level of tenseness. At the end of the disarming hallway stood a small figure, Jane, waiting for them impatiently and holding open an elevator. Crowding into the small space, the seven of them made it quite the squeeze, the volturi relaxed and tossed back their hoods. Ori studied the new vampires while she had the chance.

There were differences, obviously animal blood and human blood had different effects on the body. For one their eyes were a bright red. And while that should have scared her it made her curiosity rise. She was a supernatural/paranormal geek. So sue her if the longer she spent around creatures of myth the more she wanted to know. Another difference was their skin. While Alice and Edward were just a perfect porcelain the other three seemed to have more color under their pale pallor, almost like they'd retained their original complexions. Edward was staring at her with a weird look on his face but Ori just raised an eyebrow, wondering what she'd done to deserve such a look. When he didn't look away she raised her other brow. What?

He seemed startled, body even jerking slightly before he turned away just in time for the elevator doors to open with a soft 'ping'. Straight into a waiting room. Ori wanted to laugh at the soft carpet and floral decorations, large mahogany desk stationed smack dab in the middle of the welcoming room. And playing the part of vampire castle receptionist was a very pretty human woman. She greeted the group as they walked past her but Ori paid her no more mind than necessary. She was more interested with their surroundings. She'd never imagined a covens home to be so welcoming, and she had to wonder why they'd gone to such lengths to make their halls soothing. Passing through a large set of double doors the young leader of their little group broke stride to welcome a similar looking boy. By the way they greeted each other she'd guess siblings. And then his gaze was burning into them.

"They send you out for one and you bring back two." Throwing Ori and Bella a look he continued. "And some strays as well. Nice work. Welcome back Edward. You seem to be in a better mood." The bronze haired boy didn't seem to like the attention, face like stone and jaw clenched.

"Marginally."

Alec turned to the only two humans in the room, eyes running up and down their forms. Eyes on Bella he smirked. "So this is the cause of all the trouble? What about the other one?"

"Dibs." Two voices echoed from behind and Ori had to bite her tongue, lest she do something that would get her killed. Oh, you mean get killed a few minutes earlier than they'd planned? What a shame. Blocking out her inner snark Ori blew out a large breath and settled for glaring at everyone. They were quick to move forward, making their way once again down a long fancy hall. And what do we have for them down hall number three Johnny?!

Her mental inquiries were quickly settled as they stepped into a large, sparsely furnished room, three large thrones being the only decoration. Ori immediately stepped behind Edward, his large frame easily hiding her shorter, slighter one. The cloaked vampires made their way to their places among the walls, leaving the two veggie vampires and two humans standing in the middle of the room. Bella was presented fully, standing between Alice and her boy toy. But just the glimpse of one of the kings had caused her heart to quicken in what could only be fear, so Ori easily hid her form for as long as she could. Still, her damnable curiosity was burning inside her and she tried to mentally rein herself in as her body tilted slightly to the side, taking in as much of the man as she could.

He occupied the middle throne and was casting his bright childlike expression towards the cloaked figures, milky red eyes alight with dark intent. When he stood she could see he was only about a inch taller than she was, but his presence was large, encompassing all those around him as he spoke and moved around the room. He was so graceful, it seemed as if every movement was choreographed, meticulously thought out and planned. And maybe it was. Alice had said these kings were ancients basically. Thousands of years old. This man had most likely had centuries to perfect every move he ever made. His long black hair tumbled gently past his shoulders in silken waves and Ori couldn't quite fight her jealousy on that. She'd always envied people with manageable hair.

Smoothing down her own reckless curls to make sure they weren't springing up around Edwards frame, thus giving away her hiding place, she bent her knees a little and hid further in his shadow. There was no way she was actually hidden from anyone in the room at this point, but it made her feel better to try. Eyes now off the mysterious noirette she jumped slightly when he clapped his hands, the sound echoing out around the chamber and then back at them.

"Alice and Bella too!" He sounded like he was continuing a conversation and Ori hoped she hadn't missed anything important while she had been inspecting the vampire. "This is a happy surprise! Wonderful! Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers about our company. I'm sure they wouldn't want to miss this."

The large man nodded and disappeared, bringing the kings attention back to their little group of mix-matches. He spoke to Edward and Alice, leaving Bella and Ori to just silently tense. But she did learn his name was Aro. And he had a pesky little 'no privacy' power. That's great. Hopefully he decides I'm beneath his notice and I can just mosey on outta here when they're done. Head on home, Bella in tow.

Suddenly Orianas marble blockade was turning and now she was facing a bare chest instead of back. Blinking in confusion she glanced up but Edward wasn't paying any attention to the woman, his eyes were fixed somewhere behind her. Comprehension finally hit her when she saw her niece turning and she followed their example, examining the new cloaked men between the thick curtain of her curls.

The first man had the same milky red eyes and long dark hair as Aro. Though his was longer, nearly as long as hers when it was wet, and a few shades lighter- more brown than black. He was also taller- a solid six foot- and where Aro seemed excited by everything this man was the opposite, uninterested gaze sliding along the room. Behind him strolled a platinum blonde, hair barely brushing his shoulders and nearly matching his skin. He was the shortest of the three, matching Ori at five foot nine, the same red eyes as the others blazing out across the room furiously. Their clothes were elegant and professional, complimenting their bodies well.

"Marcus, Caius, look! Bella is alive after all and Alice is here with her! They've even brought a timid little pet I've yet to meet! Isn't that wonderful?" Aros voice rung out cheerfully, but the two men didn't seem to share his enthusiasm. The brunette remained bored as ever while the blondes face twisted into a nasty expression. The first man stopped beside Aro, the other making his way swiftly up to one of the empty thrones. The apathetic man touched Aros palm for just a moment before moving on to the thrones as well, leaving the one in the middle bare. Aro was humming softly to himself, and then a strong cold hand circled her wrist, thankfully the one that was still intact, pulling her out of the safety of Edwards shadow.

Hazel met crimson...and the world stopped.