The Traveler

We began an intensive training under Aro's supervision. Fighting, running, hunting, hiding, we were taught everything. Aro, Caius and Marcus were wonderful teachers, what with all their centuries of experience; under their guidance we knew we were becoming much more than vampires. There was, also, of course, the question of our talents. Our Master took care of that personally, making sure we stretched them to their limit. He would often take us to the towns or even cities, pick a random someone and tell us to practice on that person. At first I found the task disturbing, what with the screams and howls of agony, but if I ever hesitated before my victim Aro would remind me of what humans meant to us, how badly they had hurt us and then any doubt would disappear. Soon I learned to enjoy the process and began to look forward to our little outings.

It didn't take us long to reach a high rank among the Volturi. We had talents and brains, we learned fast, and we wanted nothing more than to please Aro. Even when we weren't officially training, Alec and I would practice. Almost every night we went to the towns and cities near our beloved Volterra, like Pisa or St. Giminiano to sharpen our senses and skills at hunting and killing. Much to my happiness, my Master did seem satisfied with our progress. He would often kiss my forehead or stroke my cheek and say what a joy I was to him. I'd taken the habit of sitting at his feet and laying my head on his lap while he discussed the government matters with his brothers and the guard. It was there, as he stroked my hair -hair that was always arranged in a pretty chignon Alec was an expert at-, that I learned the secrets of vampire politics and strategy. I learned the schemes, plans and elemental organization, and I must admit I loved that more than the physical immunity and even my beauty; I dreamed of the day I could help Aro and he would see my potential as more than a first-class torturer.

One night I went out to the fields to hunt. For the first time in months I was alone; Alec had decided to explore a new town and I'd preferred not to go with him because, well, because it was too close to our hometown, to the vineyards where we'd been chased and burned. I therefore wandered on my own that night, killing a lonely traveler here and there, or torturing some man who had left his wine and friends too late –his family would be better without him. I killed without drinking, just out of boredom, snapping necks in a millisecond and throwing the bodies to the river, only to realize I was more bored than before and start the whole thing again.

Finally, something interesting happened. I saw a small caravan of merchants approaching, and since by then I had gotten thirsty, I decided to attack and kill them all, taking the blood this time. I could smell a couple of good ones, and who knew, maybe they carried not only olive oil, but also some pretty jewel I could add to my collection. I got on the first carriage. Most of the men, at the sight of my beauty, mistook me for an angel and gave in easily, but some others realized I actually belonged to the evil kind of beings and fought for their lives. However, little could holy water, the Bible and prayers do against me. Soon they had all become nothing but corpses. Or so I thought. Because right when I was about to leave I heard the faintest of heartbeats and I found him.

He was a young man, not too strong but certainly brave and determined to survive. From what I could see he had wounded his leg in an attempt to escape and was now lying on the grass with the grimace of pain clearly painted on his face. But though he knew that he was weak, that I wasn't human and that he had no chances of winning he tried to fight me off. Just for the fun of it, I kept it going for a while, amazed at how he endured my talent in silence, until at last he spoke.

"Don't kill me," he said. "Please." Though he was panting, his voice was clear and steady. He made me curious.

"Oh, and why can't I kill you, uh? Give me one reason why I should have mercy." I said as I gave him another taste of my talent.

"I could be useful to you," he gasped out.

"You? To me? How could you be of use to me?" I snickered at the idea.

"I'm resistant. I can do anything you want me to do. No one needs me and no one would miss me. I could dedicate my whole life to please you. Think about it, girl, it's a good deal. Whatever you are, make me one too and I swear I'll be your man for eternity."

"Eternity?" I said. "That's quite a long time, traveler. Are you sure you can live through it?"

"Yes."

"You truly have no idea of what you're saying. Your words have meanings you can't even begin to understand. Do you know what I am?"

"You're either an angel or the Devil himself. Or I guess, herself. But you sure are pretty. I wouldn't mind pleasing you in every whim and desire you have."

"Ha! As if I would ever look twice at you, traveler. But listen, boy, I'm serious. I'm not alone, and if you say you will join us for eternity, it really means eternity. If I take you to my home you will only have two options: forget everything you have been until now and stay with us, loyal forever, or die. You would die a painful death, where my powers," I gave him another little round, "would be a tickling in comparison. It is a tough decision, traveler. Are you sure you want to continue?"

He looked into my eyes and answered without hesitation. "Yes. I do."

I examined him. He wasn't bad-looking at all, tall and muscular, and I could see that most of his strength didn't only lie in his body. There was a spark in his eyes that I actually liked; a flash of determination and potential power. Maybe I could show him to my Master and let Him make the decision. I sighed and lifted the traveler off the ground, throwing him over my shoulder.

"God!" he exclaimed. "You really are strong, you know."

I didn't answer, because I was too focused on ignoring the instincts that drew me to the wound in his leg, that urged me to drink the warm blood I cold now feel dripping onto my hand. I began to run towards the castle and he spoke again.

"Are you flying, girl? Holy God!"

This time I had to answer. "You mention your God again and I'll finish you off without a spare glance. God doesn't exist."

When I got home, I walked directly to my Master's throne and bowed my head. He smiled at me.

"What have you got there, Janette, dear?"

"Someone who I think has potential. He could be one of us. At least, I tortured him for quite a long time and he never said a word. Then he asked me to bring him here."

"Ah, that is a first. You have acted well in bringing him, my darling. Let's ask him a couple of things and we will then decide. But first come here, with me."

I dropped the traveler on the floor and he fell with a heavy sound and a grunt. While he breathed I took my spot at my Master's feet.

"What is your name?" asked Aro.

"Demetri," answered the man.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-five."

"Where are you from?"

"Arezzo."

"Do you have any family?"

"No. My mother just died. That's why I decided to join the caravan, to see the world now that I didn't have anything or anyone to tie me to my hometown."

My Master stood up and took Demetri's face in his hands. He was looking both into his eyes and into his mind, but it didn't take him long. Soon he joined Caius and Marcus to discuss the boy's future.

"What the hell was that?" Demetri asked me.

"I'll explain later."

"Why not now?"

"There's no point in telling you if they decide to kill you. It would be a waste of secrets."

"Oh, come on, Janette."

"My name is Jane."

"But-"

"Shut up."

"Jane, I-"

"Shut. Up!"

Finally, Aro, Marcus and Caius turned to us again. I knew my Master well enough to know that look of resolution in his eyes. Demetri would stay.

"Well, Demetri," started Caius. "We have discussed your situation and, since my brother says you have potential, we have decided to keep you. Welcome to the Volturi house."

Demetri looked at me, but my attention was focused on Aro. It seemed he was evaluating me, as if trying to decide if I could do something. When he told me, I could hardly believe my ears.

"Jane, sweetheart," he asked with the sweetest of voices, "would you like to do it?"

I froze. "Wh- what? What do you mean, Master?"

"Would you like to be the one to change young Demetri?"

"Master, I … I've never… I couldn't, I wouldn't know what to do."

"There is a first time for everything, Jane. Come on, do it. I want you to do it. I will help you. Be brave, honey, it can't be much worse than anything else you've done and been through."

I looked at Demetri, Demetri looked at me, we looked at Aro, Aro looked at us. Finally, I got on my feet and walked towards the man lying before me. My Master was right behind me, and his presence gave me the courage I needed. I knelt before Demetri and tried to accommodate myself. I sought advice in my Master and he began instructing me.

"This way you will feel more comfortable. No, not like that, it lacks dignity. There, much better. With style."

He put his arms around me and leaned down. He was practically over me as he guided my body, and I could feel his chest pressed against my back. Would he notice it if I threw my shoulders back to feel a little more of him? Would he notice if when he took my hands to show me how to hold the person down and leave the neck exposed I intertwined my fingers with his, ever so slightly? If he did, he never showed it.

I bit into Demetri's neck. He gasped softly when I cut through his skin.

"So it was this, then."

"It is this."

This time I couldn't feel the relief human blood usually gave me because my drinking was controlled. I had to make sure I didn't kill him or drain him too much, which wasn't easy because he did taste good. I kept sucking until Aro stopped me.

"That is enough. It will not take long to start."

Just as he said, less than a minute later Demetri was twitching and whimpering on the floor. Aro got on his feet and helped me up. He smiled and touched the corner of my lips, wiping a tiny drop of blood.

"Well done, Jane," he said in his velvety voice. "Very well done. I am so proud of you…"

"Really, Master? Do you really mean that?"

"Of course. You and your brother have proven to be the best members of this house. You were born for this life, both of you. It is so sad that to become vampires we have to be human first," he sighed. "Now, there is something I would like to tell you, but I need your brother, too. Oh, look! Here he is."

Alec was quickly informed of Demetri and other events. He hugged me when he heard that I'd been able to do a whole transformation and asked if he could do the next one, to which everyone agreed.

"Well, this is what I wanted to tell you," continued Aro. "Tell me, how long have you been here with us?"

"Almost five years, Master," answered Alec.

"Already? Incredible. In that case, I think you are more than prepared to take this step. Jane, Alec, my brothers and I would like you to join us as the Main Council."

"What do you mean by that, Master?"

"I mean that you will not be just members of the guard anymore. You will have as much influence and authority as the three of us and your orders must be obeyed with the same efficiency as ours. You will be like… our children, perhaps? You will be able to take part in the decisions and rule with us. So, what do you think? Will you accept this offer?"

It took all of my willpower not to fall on my knees before him. This was what I'd wanted the most, all this time, but that I'd hidden from him so he wouldn't think I was an ambitious, power-starved creature. Still, of course he saw it and was making my wish true, he was giving me the feeling of belonging I'd craved my entire life, human and vampire. I knew I shared that need with my brother, and I also knew we would work even harder than before, with devotion and dedication for the man who not only had given us a life, but also a home.

But then I was scared again. For, if he had seen that deepest of corners inside my mind and had found that ambition, had he already found himself inside my heart?