Hey guys and gals.

Only got 2 reviews for my first chapter, better than nothing I suppose. Thanks to people who listened about reading my other story. That's done very well.

I would very grateful if you could spread the word about this story. Danielle and SpiritAndBlood I know will do a smashing job of that.

Have fun…

A Touch That Shows

The pale man came closer to me, smiling like he was playing a sinister game. I didn't know whether I should run or stay where I was. One thing is certain; this man didn't make me feel comfortable. None of them did, especially the one on the chair to the right. The pale man, the one coming towards me, spoke.

"Hello, my dear." He continued smiling and started to rub his hands together, like he was creating a plot full of mischief. "Are you well?"

I courtesy, lowering my head in respect before I spoke. I raised my head to look at him, keeping eye contact. "Hello, Sir. I am very well, thank you." The mans smile got wider. His teeth caught my attention. They were the white of a perfect wedding dress. How did he do that?

"That is good to know. Your name, dear?" He gestures towards me with a slight wave of the hand. I look at the others. The men sitting in the chairs, Felix and Dimitri, then I noticed.

Two more had joined the gathering. They were young and look very close. It was a girl and a boy. I saw that they too, had the same features as the others.

"My name is Marie Archer, Sir." I bow again.

"What a lovely name!" His outburst was a surprise. It was like he was having fun, watching me being nervous and wondering what to do. He held out his right hand, "My name is Aro. There's no need to be scared. We are going to help you." I lift my right hand and place it in Aro's.

I flinched away immediately. Aro's smile disappeared. His expression was not one of concern but wonder. The reason I flinched away was not because of the fact that his hand was literally freezing cold, but when I touched his hand, I had a weird feeling.

Like someone was flicking through my mind. There was I reason I thought it was this.

I remembered things that I hadn't even thought of for years. The year my brother drowned, my fifth birthday, the day I met Anthony and my first kiss. All were suddenly back in my mind, like they were unearthed.

I reach my hand out again and Aro takes it, without hesitation. The smile reappearing on his face.

He held my hand for a long time, longer than necessary of a handshake. The feeling returned, but I blocked it out. Instead I focused on the temperature of his hand and the smoothness of his skin. I looked away from our hands and looked at his face. His eyes were closed, and he tilted his head back and forth, like he was listening to a continuous rhythm of music. The man in the right chair spoke, interest in his voice.

"Will you have her, Aro?" The blonde was looking at me directly. Aro opened his eyes and kept his hand on mine.

"We will have her, but not in the way you think. She show's…potential." Aro's gaze on me became intense. I didn't bother escaping his grip on my hand; it would be rude if I did. Instead I thought of it as the only life line in this room. I thought he was the only thing keeping me alive. I felt better once I started to believe it.

Even I had a gut feeling to run.

After thinking this, Aro's gaze became friendly. He gestured for me to sit on the chair he rose from. The blonde and the uninterested man looked towards me. Aro held my hand as if he were escorting me. When we reached the chair, Aro gently pulled me toward it and, holding the skirt behind me, I sat on his chair. I noticed that when sitting here, you could admire everything. You could notice every detail if you looked hard enough. Aro was still holding my hand.

"Marie, what do you think of this grand hall?" Aro lifted his hand and gestured from right to left at the whole hall. To be honest, I thought that the hall was spectacular, but I didn't want to say that. I would feel like I would be trying to win him over.

"I think you described it perfectly, Sir. It's very grand indeed. It's fit for royalty." I look to Aro. I wonder why he was looking at me adoringly, like he found a precious prize in me. I also want to know, why he is still holding my hand. Aro stepped backwards; I looked over to see the blonde. He breathed in and smiled venomously. He also gripped the chair hard.

"Aro, I believe we have some of the most delicious wine in our Castle. Are you sure you don't want to drink it? It would be such a waste." He gave a sly smile afterwards and turned his gaze on me. I didn't say anything; he scares me.

"No, brother, we will not drink the wine. We will let it…mature." Aro looked at me and gave a fatherly smile. I smile back. "Forgive me, Marie. This is Caius and to your right is Marcus. Felix and Dimitri you've met, of course. The girl and boy over there are Jane and Alec. I'm sure you will get on with them." Jane looked annoyed. She didn't look at me, let alone nod or acknowledge me. Alec bowed, but it wasn't enthusiastic. Felix and Dimitri nodded. I looked to Caius, who merely gave me an annoyed smile. To my right, someone took my hand. I looked to see Marcus holding my hand.

"Pleasure." He bowed his head. His expression hadn't changed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Marcus, Sir." I bow my head back. I smile at Marcus, hoping to get a response. There was none.

"Marie?" I look toward Aro. "How would you like to work here? You would live here too." His smile still lingered and he still held my left hand. How did he get to holding my left hand? I swear he was on my right. I didn't know how to answer, of course I would like to work here and live here, but saying out loud would make it sound as if I'm desperate.

"I'm not sure, whatever you decide, I'm happy with, Sir." Aro kept looking at me, his expression didn't falter. Finally he let my hand go, and walked to the centre of the hall. He spread his arms out and spun round, facing me now.

"Then you will live here and work in the kitchens. I assure you, it will be an easy job. You will be clothed and fed properly. You will also have your own room but I cannot promise that it will be suited to your past rooms." Aro brought his hand's back, and like before, started to fiddle with his fingers.

"Explain!" Caius barked to Aro. I jumped in my seat. That was a little uncalled for.

"Marie, here," Aro pointed to me, "was the daughter of the Baron and Baroness Simon and Elizabeth Archer. Sadly, they died of illness two months ago, and the new Baron Archer neglected his niece. She's been on the streets for two months." Oh my, how did he know all of that? "I received a letter from one of their maids stating that the Baron and his family were dead. How mistaken she was?" Aro's tilted his head. He was examining me. Was this a game to him? I now felt extremely uncomfortable.

"What a pity!" Caius said in a soft but sarcastic tone. I risk a quick glance. Caius was looking at me. I look down at my hands quickly and play with my fingers, soon feeling embarrassed and ashamed when I notice how dirty I am. In front of all these nobles too. I look up to see that Alec is paying close attention to me. I feel a gaze to my right and look to see that Marcus is looking at me to. Somehow, they look ravenous.

"Settle her in." Marcus said. His voiced sounded strained and tired. He lifted a hand towards Jane and waved her over. I looked at Aro, he nodded.

"This way." Jane said. She waited until I was next to her. When I reached her, she started to walk away and I eagerly followed her.

Jane led me down hall ways made of stone or marble. We went past rooms with weapons, bedrooms, dining rooms, and the kitchen and suddenly, the doors disappeared. I was being led downstairs, all the way into the castle.

We went down a set of spiral steps and when we reached the bottom, there was a small hall with one torch, leading to an old, neglected wooden door. Jane stopped outside and turned, facing me.

"This is your room. You saw the kitchen and you know where it is. Every morning, wake up at five, get dressed with the clothes given and head to the kitchen, start what work you are given. Don't approach Aro, Caius, Marcus or anyone else you saw in that hall unless summoned. When dismissed, wash yourself. You know where the bathrooms are too. Go!"

I hold the handle and turn it and push the door. Inside the room were one simple, not luxurious bed and a set of small draws. I walk over and peek inside, seeing only red maid gowns. There was also a small, vanity mirror and over the whole thing was a torch lighting the room and flickering, the door slammed behind me.

I was lying in the bed, getting no sleep and wondering what would happen tomorrow. My thoughts were suddenly cut off.

By a scream.

"Ahhhh!" The scream was skin crawling and was muffled at the end. I pulled the cover over my ear and hoped that I wouldn't hear that again.

Dun-dun-duuu!

Question of the chapter – Do you think that the Volturi brothers are playing or intending to do anything with Marie?

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Love Ya

Emma 'EePee' Paige