I wake to the sound of raised voices - Ogon, Father and another male voice that I recognise, but can't place. I sit up in bed, wiping sleep from my eyes. My internal clock tells me that it's almost midnight and I've had my two hours sleep. I look forward to a time when I won't have to sleep at all, but young vampires need a couple of hours each night while their powers are developing.

I hone in on the voices, trying to hear them more clearly. It's like trying to tune a radio, fuzzy at first, but I scrunch my eyes shut and concentrate, then it's like someone turns up the volume.

"You're suggesting that I let these vampires into my home, after what they have done?" Father.

"Offering them a place on the council may be the only way to change their minds."

"Change their minds about what?" Ogon asks.

"Starting a war."

Ogon laughs then, a high, cruel laugh that I've never heard before. It sounds so unlike my warm, carefree brother that it sends a shiver down my spine. "They wouldn't dare challenge the Volturi. With the Cullen's on our side, we'll slaughter them all."

"As the smaller clans join together their numbers grow, they pose a great threat. Don't underestimate them."

"So your advice is to allow them representation on the council?"

There is silence then and I imagine the owner of the unknown voice nodding at Father's words.

"I thought that was your job," Ogon spits. "You represent the smaller clans."

"That is correct, but it is not enough for them…..there's something else. They want access."

"Access?"

"To the Old World, they want amulets, I think that's what they came for tonight."

"Absolutely not," Father raises his voice, "They slaughtered two of my guards and you expect me to give them keys to the Old World? They could jeopardise our entire system, everything we have worked for."

"I do not expect anything, your majesty, but if I may be so bold, they may jeopardise it anyway."

"I will think on what you've said, right now I need to secure my household."

I hear footsteps and then the front door closes with a click.

"Roma is awake." Ogon says.

I kick the covers off and I hurry out of the room. Downstairs, my father and brother stand in the foyer looking grim.

"What happened? Who was that?"

My Father looks grave. "That was Ezekiel Gazini. Someone tried to break in to our home, they killed two of the guards."

Ezekiel is the leader of the Gazini Household and also the Father of Morgan Gazini.

"What? Which guards?"

"Maximo and Eli."

"Oh. I liked them."

Father nods. "They were very loyal. They fought bravely and went to great lengths to protect us."

"Allowing criminals to sit on the council would be a stain on their memory." Ogon spits.

I look between my brother and father. I've never heard Ogon speak to him like that. I feel my hands twitch at my sides.

"It's OK, Roma," Father says. "The murderers are dead now. They won't hurt us."

"No it's not! That man, Gazini, said there would be a war."

I feel a sudden feeling of relaxation sweep over me and my limbs feel heavy. "Ogon stop it. You can't keep protecting me from everything."

"You're unpredictable when you're upset." Ogon's tone is condescending.

"Father! Tell him!"

"Ogon…" My father looks weary as he sits down in one of the cushioned chairs that line the foyer. I feel Ogon's influence lift.

"I've called upon our cousins in the Old World," My father says. "Aro will be here soon."

"Aro?"

"The Leader of the Old World Vulturi." Ogon says.

I whirl around to face him. "I know who he is."

Ogon smirks.

"Aro's coming here?" I look down at my nightgown and I smooth a hand over my tangled hair. "I need to get dressed."

I race back up to my room and quickly shower. I brush my long black hair until it shines and then I step into a long, black gown made from lace. It has a high, scalloped neck and it clings to my slim frame. It's finished with a sweeping train that trails the floor when I walk. The Old World Volturi mainly wear black and I hope that Aro will approve.

Downstairs, I follow the glorious, unfamiliar scent of the foreign vampires into the parlour. It's like a heavy, sweet perfume - woody, like incense. Ogon stands at the fireplace, passing his hand over the naked flame as the Volturi marvel at his skill. I scowl. Ogon has no intention of going to the Old World, or of joining our Volturi cousins, yet here he is, showing off for them. I hear applause and then a smooth voice.

"Ah well done, my young friend. How fascinating." Aro's voice is like silk.

Ogon laughs and then stops when he spots me in the doorway. His eyes narrow when he sees my attire.

My Mother rushes to my side and whispers hurriedly in my ear. "I think the silk gown would've been more appropriate dear."

Ogon extends his hand to me. "Aro, this is my sister, Roma. She hopes to join you in the Old World once she is of age."

"Ah yes, Roma." He wraps his tongue around my name, making it sound much more exotic. He is suddenly before me, moving so quickly that I miss the manoeuvre. He takes my hand in his and kisses it gently before sniffing my arm delicately. "I smell the sunshine on your skin," Aro explains, "No reason to hide from the sun in a world that is completely vampiric."

Aro smiles at me almost greedily, his eyes flicker over my body and my cheeks grow a little hot. He laughs suddenly, making me jump. "The flush of blood under your skin, how curious your kind are. Beating hearts, living creatures, born not made."

Father clears his throat and Aro drops my hand. "If you would like to follow me into the dining room, dinner will be served."

The Volturi Keepers take their seats at the long, polished table and I marvel at how still they are, solid, like marble statues. I find my seat between Ogon and Father and Aro sits opposite me, his scarlet eyes burning into mine. I look away, my whole face burning. A female vampire sits beside him, her hair is blonde and her eyes the most vivid red I have ever seen. They bore into my face as her name comes to mind. Jane. The boy sitting at her other side must be Alec. I've heard they are Aro's most treasured assets, vampires that were made. Between them they have the power to both incapacitate their victim and inflict the most terrible pain. With a shudder, I look away from them both.

"So, Aro, I was telling you about the clans…" Father starts.

"Yes, yes. We will get to that, but right now, I want to hear more about your delightful family." Aro looks at me intently. "You're daughter for example. She wishes to join us?"

Mother leans forward. "Yes, but she has yet to reveal her true powers."

I pull a face in her direction.

"She's working on her powers," Ogon says hastily. "I'm helping her, training her."

Father looks at Ogon and me with interest but doesn't say anything. He must have felt that Ogon's words were lies, but he does not contradict him.

"I see," Aro says. "And you do not wish to join us, Ogon?"

My father smiles. "My son will be the ruler of Voltaire someday, he needs to have a presence here."

Aro nods in acknowledgment. "How old are you Roma?" He asks.

I straighten up. "I am almost seventeen."

"And you have yet to show your powers?"

"She has powers," Ogon says, "but she needs to work on her control."

"Can you demonstrate anything for us now?" Aro asks.

My Mother laughs nervously. "I would rather she didn't, we've just redecorated."

I am saved by the arrival of dinner - goblets of steaming hot blood. Our Volturi cousins lift their goblets warily to their noses and then they take delicate sips.

Aro smacks his lips together. "I must admit, I prefer the thrill of drinking directly from a human, but this is just as delicious."

After dinner, Ogon and I head outside to watch the sunrise, a brother-sister tradition of ours. Some of the Volturi Keepers join us, shedding their heavy black cloaks to feel the morning sun on their skin. It's so peaceful with the cool breeze on my face and the chirping of the skylarks in the trees. For a second, I wonder if Ogon is controlling my mood again, but then I realise that I feel so calm because I had forgotten all about school and about being the worst vampire at Malvern. I let myself wonder what it would be like to be a Volturi in the Old World once I have my powers. I dare myself to imagine living with Nicholas, we would find a way around the repelling and be together forever in the Old World. I rest my head on Ogon's shoulder as the sun comes up, it's warmth radiates through me, filling my heart.