Jane's POV (New Moon scene in Volterra)

I never realized how many details I mentally skipped over when I read this scene the first time….it was interesting writing it through Jane.

"Enough," I commanded, walking forward. Felix and Demetri were immediately at ease, assured by my presence that the situation would be handled smoothly. I looked beyond them to see Alice standing beside Edward, the vampire who had come to us earlier, and in his arms was the unmistakable scent of a human. His protective expression meant it could only be the Bella he had told us of earlier. So she lived.

"Jane," Edward sighed, defeated.

I smiled. This could prove interesting. "Come with me." I turned and began to walk, knowing they had no choice but to follow.

I led them down the alley, heading for one of the many drains that served as an entrance to our underground tunnels. I pushed at the grate and quickly dropped down, personally happy to be away from the open. Down here it was always quiet, the trivial celebrations of humans silenced by the ancient stone. It was peaceful and free of distractions, and the labyrinth of chambers was fun to roam when I had time. The peace was short-lived however, as behind me the human tumbled noisily inside.

I worked to contain a sigh. Humans. How pathetic they were. Everything about them was….weak. They were inferior in every way, their looks, their agility, even their comprehension. We were the dominant race, the vampires, the beings that ruled this world, though in the normal arrogance of humans they wrongfully assumed it to be themselves. Yet another one of their many flaws. For a split second I turned to gaze at Bella walking unsteadily behind me before continuing my train of thought.

For how could one, knowing all of this, love a human? From what I had glimpsed of this Bella she was nothing special—long deep brown hair, eyes to match, a pale complexion and a petite frame. One could possibly consider her 'pretty' by human standards, but what was it that had driven Edward to be so enamored by one so insignificant? Had the blood of animals he insisted on drinking warped his mind, made him so desperate that he believed he had fallen in love? As if this wasn't enough, she was his singer, blood like hers often sought out by my kind over the course of generations. Why would one sacrifice a gift so great for what was obviously only an illusion created by a troubled mind?

Behind me I heard Bella's heart rate pick up as she began to tremble, the cold drafts of the tunnels harsh on her frail self. Edward tried to move her away, knowing his skin was not helping her chill, yet she clung to him, refusing to leave and chattering a "N-n-no." That was what made this entire thing even stranger. That she was attracted to him, knowing that he could kill her at any moment, and probably should.

Of course, humans often make mistakes. It's natural for them.

Soon we reached the entrance, a small door set in a grate. I opened it, barely breaking stride, and pushed inside, the door perfect for my height. We were in another room now, one of the many outer chambers of the Volturi castle, and I glided swiftly through. The Volturi and guard would be assembled now waiting for the next feed, so I would lead my little group there.

And what then? It was an interesting predicament. Two vampires with powers almost as fantastic as my own, and a human who knew more than she should. Surely this called for some form of drastic action? We were the leading powers of the world, and it was important that this was understood. I wondered if Aro would need my ability—it has always been especially useful for situations like this in the past. At this Edward glared at me from down the hallway, obviously listening in on my thoughts. This didn't bother me in the least; after all, I'd lived with a mind reader for hundreds of years, albeit one of a different nature. In fact, I don't know why he even felt so upset with me. Surely he knew this was purely business? I was above trivial displays of power. I smiled to myself. Most of the time.

We entered the elevator, Felix, Demetri, and I lifting off our hoods in the fluorescent light. Edward continued to watch me intently, and I dutifully occupied my thoughts with the upcoming feed. I couldn't anger our guests, Aro wouldn't approve. Though it was tempting to imagine the image of one of them screaming on the floor……no, mustn't think like that.

The elevator opened into the reception area, where Gianna was waiting for us.

"Good afternoon Jane," she greeted.

"Gianna," I acknowledged. I walked on, hearing her giggle in response to some act of Felix's. It was hard not to giggle myself—their flirtatious moments were always so funny, especially when everybody but Gianna knew that Felix was just using her as he had so many others.

At the end of the room Alec waited, and then I truly did smile. It was so nice to see him, especially since we were so often separated by business.

"Jane."

"Alec," I replied, and his mouth turned upward. We embraced and kissed cheeks, each of us happier than our formal gestures showed. It was so nice to be back with my brother, the one person in this world who truly knew me, and I him. From his face I could see he felt the same.

"They send you out for one and you come back with two...and a half," he added, noticing Bella. I laughed, his words expressing my thoughts precisely. He turned. "Welcome back Edward. You seem in a better mood."

"Marginally," he replied, and I almost laughed again. Edward's eyes were darker than thirstiest of vampires, his mood tense as he eyed our little pair.

Alec eyed Bella quickly, sizing her up. "And this is the cause of all the trouble?" Edward only smiled, his strain not quite masked to one with a careful eye.

"Dibs," Felix called nonchalantly from behind, and immediately Edward's expression turned furious. Growls built in his chest, and Alec and I exchanged a glance—this was extremely bad manners.

Alice turned, murmuring "Patience," and looked in his eyes. She was obviously sending him a message in thought, and soon he calmed, though he kept his protective stance around Bella. There communication reminded me of my own with Alec, and we waited patiently for it to end.

"Aro will be so pleased to see you again," Alec said, ignoring what had just transpired.

I nodded. "Let's not keep him waiting."

Alec and I wordlessly clasped hands and proceeded to the feeding chamber. I glanced at him, This should be interesting. A small nod told me he understood. Flicking my eyes back in the direction of Felix and then Bella, I raised them, asking a question. He considered for a moment, then shook his head no. Aro, he motioned with a tilt of his head, and I immediately understood. From my understandings Aro and Edward's adoptive father were friends, and I doubt he would allow Felix to feed off Bella when she was killed. He would most likely demand a cleaner, less insulting way.

Halfway down the hallway Alec stopped, sliding away a panel and revealing one of the Volterra's many hidden doors. He opened it, holding it for me, and our group entered. Bella's heart rate picked up slightly entering the cold antechamber, and I hoped that she didn't start shivering before we reached the feeding room. Thankfully once I was there I wouldn't have to pay attention to such things for my report to Aro, but until then she was my charge. We walked quickly, and soon left the passageway and were in the feeding room, where most of the Volturi and guard were already assembled.

Aro glanced up to see me. "Jane, dear one, you've returned!" he cried, gliding over to where I stood. I smiled my smile that neither human nor vampire could resist, staring up at his tall figure. He leaned gracefully forward, taking my cheeks and kissing me lightly.

"Yes, Master," I replied, always happy of his approval.

"Ah, Jane. You are such a comfort to me." I couldn't help but beaming, basking in his favor. Aro had always been partial to Alec and me, seeing as he was the one who discovered us, and over the years we had even grown closer. Sometimes this caused resentment from other members of the guard, but with my power few dared to show it.

"And Alice and Bella, too!" He clapped his hands, obviously very satisfied. "This is a happy surprise. Wonderful!" He turned. "Felix, be a dear and tell my brothers about our company. I am sure they wouldn't want to miss this."

"Yes Master," Felix in his deep voice, and hurried to fetch the others. I sat silently beside my charges, Alec beside me.

Is she really his singer? Alec motioned from beside me. I nodded slightly. His eyes widened, and I smiled. We could communicate so easily together.

Aro mentioned something about powers…I motioned for him to hush, and we listened.

"….You see, I share some of your brother's talent, only I am limited in a way that he is not."

"And also exponentially more powerful."

Mindreader…I see. The other?

Visions, I replied. I looked around quickly to make sure no one had noticed our little exchange. They tended to delight Aro, as most things did, but the other members did not find them so funny. "Like schoolchildren passing notes," one had said, and I had balked at the comparison.

Alec and I were not children. Not anymore.

Hearing footsteps, I turned to look at Marcus and Caius as they entered the room. They wore their long black robes as usual, but their expressions were ones of humans dragged from a peaceful sleep.

"Marcus, Caius, look! Bella is alive after all, and Alice is here with her! Isn't that wonderful!" Aro cried. They were, as always, unfazed by Aro's excitement.

"Let us have the story!" Aro sang, and they began a halting retelling. I soon stopped paying attention. I cared little about their drama. It only mattered if I had a chance to use my power.

Alec picked up on my train of thought. Keep control of yourself Jane. Why do you want to use it anyway?

I gave a slight nod the direction of the door where the humans are brought in. Heidi. She had only joined recently on Aro's request, and like many new guards she still seemed to view me as nothing but Aro's pet. Alec rarely had this problem, possibly because he was a boy or because of the nature of his own power, but for me it struck true. I would demonstrate my abilities, proving myself to be more than a favored child.

Alec's gaze was sympathetic. I understand.

I turned away, giving my full concentration to the predicament at hand. Aro was coming forward, obviously intent on reading Bella's thoughts. I watched as she put her shaking hand in his, her face filled with unease.

And then a strange thing occurred. Aro's face flickered between emotions; concentration, confusion, disbelief, and finally a mild acceptance. He shook his head, and I realized that he hadn't been able to hear her thoughts. This was unusual.

"A first," he mused. "I wonder if she is immune to our other talents…Jane dear?"

I stepped forward, happy to be called, and immediately Edward began to growl, snarls rising from his chest. "No," he demanded through clenched teeth.

"Yes master?" I dutifully answered.

Now Edward became truly aggressive, his eyes turning deadly as the room grew silent. Such an obvious breach of manners was unheard of. Surely he knew we were the commanding power?

Aro smiled down at me, ignoring the fuming vampire in front of him. "I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you."

So I would get to have a little fun. I turned happily toward Bella, prepared to act.

"Don't!" Alice cried as Edward lost all control and lunged for me. I smiled. He really should have listened to his sister.

In a second he was down, writhing on the stone floor in agony. A tingling sensation spread through me as I watched him, my gaze intent as I focused my power. This was the reason they feared Jane Volturi.

"Stop!" Bella wailed, her distress leaving me unconcerned. Surely she understood I didn't take orders from a simple human?

"Jane," Aro cautioned in a quiet voice. I looked up happily. What would I get to do next? He nodded toward Bella, and I slowly turned my gaze.

And then a strange thing happened. There was no tingling, no sense of power running through me as I faced the human. It was as if where she stood there was nothing, and I was unable to focus in on her. I stared harder, sure I had only missed something, that it was concentration I lacked. I must be able to control her, to make her feel pain. Yet there she stood, immune to my power. This could not be. This was what I did. This was what had always defined me, even as a human, what had earned me respect and a position as one of the most powerful beings in the world.

I could not let some Bella take that from me.

But still she stood, uncomfortable yes, frightened yes, but not in pain. And in that instant, I hated her for that.

I hissed, angry that one so feeble could undermine a power so potent. My head was spinning, and I instinctively lowered into a spring.

"Don't be put out, dear one. She confounds us all." Aro's voice held me back, but I felt an expression of malice spread across my face. How dare she.

I returned to my spot beside Alec, head spinning. He carefully took my hand in his, trying to calm me. I was still enraged by the girl. I couldn't even think her name now. That she could defy my will, my power, made me sick.

And in this haze of anger another emotion crept into me, one I hadn't felt for a very long time.

The desire to cry.

For, pathetic as it may seem, that's what I longed to do now. To go to my chambers, and cry. Heidi would find out what had transpired. And, though she would never approach me directly, offhand comments would be made. I had been made powerless by a girl, a human at that, and nothing could change that. Strangely I felt as if something had been lost, a tiny piece of security taken from inside me. Alec glanced over at me, worry on his face, and in an instant I controlled my expression.

Yet the internal battle still raged.

I had been undermined, my talents useless. For an instant the power that marked me had fled, and I had been revealed for what I truly was.

A child.

So many people seem to hate Jane. We tend to forget she's stuck in the mindset of a twelve-year-old (or around that age) forever, although I've always imagined her as very intelligentShe's had a hard life though, and her mind has been somewhat warped. Review!

Stephenie Meyer owns all.