I didn't notice as the city lights flew by. I had one mission and nothing else mattered. I would go to the Volturi and ask them to end my life. They would be surprised to have a visit from me so soon after running into one of their own but they were the only ones that could save me now. I knew that Emmet and Jasper would never help me and the rest of the family wouldn't allow it anyway. It was funny to think of the Volturi as my saviours but that is what they would become for me if they agreed to what I asked them to do. I wanted to escape this pain as soon as possible and then I could be with my Bella again where I belonged. As I made my way to Volterra I thought of my other options in case they didn't listen to me. I would have to force their hand somehow. I could make myself noticeable in the city. They had prided themselves on keeping their existence a secret and their city safe from vampire killings. I knew that they wouldn't be so forgiving if I suddenly hunted in their city or made a spectacle of myself so that there would be no doubt as to what I was. I would do that if they refused me. They would act quickly I was certain of it and quick exit from this cruel world was all I craved. The city seemed busy as I made my way through the city gates and I wondered what the occasion was and then I noticed a sign. It was St Marcus day tomorrow and the irony of what that day was almost made me laugh. It celebrated the extinction of the vampires from the city. No Aro and the rest of them would not allow to me live for long if I ruined their charade. I made my way to their so called castle. It didn't take long for one of them to greet me
"Edward, it's quite a surprise to see you here." A young silver voice said without emotion.
"Jane." I said curtly
"You are here to see Aro, Marcus and Caius I guess?"
"Yes thank you."
"Follow me; Aro will be exceptionally pleased to see you."
"Yes I'm sure he will." I said as her smile widened in response
I had never known anyone to enjoy being a Vampire as much as Jane did. Carlisle had told me about how much she relished her gift and I could see that clearly now. I could see the amusement that showed constantly in her crimson eyes. We walked through a dark tunnel buried deep beneath the city away from the fragile humans. I followed her lead. When we reached the reception area I came across a scent which was unmistakably human. What was a human doing working down here amongst vampires? Her thoughts weren't fearful at all. She seemed quite at ease even though I was sure the temperature wouldn't be that comfortable for her but in the reception it did seem a little warmer than the tunnels we had walked through.
She glanced up at me as we walked through
"Hello Jane." She said cheerfully
"Good Afternoon Gianna." Jane said curtly
Hmmm I wonder who he is. He is gorgeous. I wonder if he would bite me if I asked him to. I wonder when my time will come when I will get turned into one of them.
As I heard her thoughts I stared at Gianna and she met my gaze and her face flushed. If I hadn't been at the end of my rope I might have laughed
Then finally we were at the huge gold doors and I knew that finally I could see Aro and make my request of them. I heard shocked murmurs as I entered the room. Marcus glanced up but without much interest. I wondered if Marcus was just incapable of showing any enthusiasm for anything. It was Aro who grinned widely and rushed over to Jane.
"Dear one you have returned and with such a welcome guest." He said and kissed her on her perfect smooth cheek.
Aro's thoughts were mostly curious but also delighted to finally see me in person. Rumours of my talent and our coven had long reached the Volturi. He was still oddly fond of Carlisle after the brief time he had spent in Italy. They were all extremely interested in the life we led.
"Friend Edward what a pleasant surprise to see you here." He said and I could see some sincerity in his milky red eyes
"Thank you. I have heard a lot about you from Carlisle."
"How is my friend Carlisle? Is he coming for a visit too?"
"He is well thank you very much. No it is only me that has come."
"Ah I would have liked to have seen him again. So what brings you here to our wonderful little city?"
"I came to ask if the Volturi could end my life today." I said my voice didn't falter as I uttered the words because I was so certain of my course. This was the only way for me now.
I don't understand a suicidal vampire. Why would ask for that? Carlisle would never forgive us. This is a first.
I listened to his thoughts and I knew that I had to do better to persuade him
"I have lost Bella and I will not and cannot live in a world which doesn't include her. Please this is all I ask of you"
"Edward isn't this a bit of an overreaction?"
"All I want is to leave this world."
"Carlisle would never forgive me if I let that happen."
"It's not his choice. This is between the Volturi and me." I growled through my teeth
He was silent for a long while and then another voice interrupted the silence
"You cannot seriously be considering this Brother. We aren't here to grant requests just because a vampire can't deal with life anymore." Caius muttered incredulously
He held out his hand to silence Caius
"Edward this is not an easily granted request. I think we need to think this over a little more before we give a final decision. I would like to get the full story from you first." He said holding out his hand in invitation
I sighed in frustration. How could I survive more hours in this world? I wanted a decision now so that if they told me no then I would force their hand. I placed my palm on his hand as I knew he wouldn't give me a decision until he had listened to my thoughts. It was one of the gifts that Carlisle had mentioned to me. Aro was able to hear any thought that a person had ever had. So in a matter of minutes he would know all about my family and all the moments with Bella. He would know everything but I was past caring at this point. I waited uneasily as he listened and then finally he spoke.
"Simply fascinating, we will counsel and let you know."
I growled impatiently
"A little more time friend and then we will give you our decision. Jane will show you out. Stay inconspicuous while you wait please. Keep out of the sun we wouldn't want any unnecessary attention to be thrown upon us."
I nodded in response and followed Jane out. Her thoughts were mostly filled with her desire for power and blood and I tuned them out.
The next few hours were excruciating as I waited for their decision. Every minute that I spent waiting to join Bella wherever she was cut deep and I didn't know how long I could hang on for. I waited in the back alleys of the city just like a real vampire.
After what seemed like forever, Jane found me and summoned me to Aro. All three of them were sitting on their so called thrones and I waited for them to speak. I knew their answer already though as I could hear it in their thoughts, they were not going to help me. I would find another way then.
"Edward we feel it would be wasteful to end your life for you when you have so much talent. We could use you here with us. I will not make an enemy out of Carlisle. I am sorry but we cannot do what you ask. What do you say? Would you join us and become part of our happy family?"
I looked around at their faces, Jane and Alec their faces filled with adoration for their masters. I would not become one of their puppets. I knew he wanted me but Alice was one he wanted so much more than me and I hoped that she would never come here. I could read the disappointment in his thoughts when I had told him that I was the only Cullen that had come. He had hoped to see Alice more than Carlisle.
"No thank you, I will be going now." I growled
"Edward wont you stay a while?"
I shook my head and walked out. I had to put my next plan into action. If I hunted in their city they would come after me and they wouldn't ask any questions. I strolled out the through the alley and walked closer to where the human scent was stronger. I would be sorry to end a life this way but this was essential to my survival right now. I could hear voices heightened in excitement close to where I stood. All I would need was to get one of them alone and then it would be over really quickly as they wouldn't stand a chance. They wouldn't be able to escape me. I continued to watch them and then I noticed one of them fall behind the others. She had bright red hair and she seemed like she was around my age, well my suggested age. I walked out of the alley and approached her.
My approach was silent. I came up behind her but then Carlisle's face flashed across my mind and I froze. How could I go against everything that we believed in? How could I betray all the trust that he had in me and the compassion that he had instilled in our family. Even at the end of things I couldn't bring myself to do it. She turned around then and saw me following her and the strange thing was that there wasn't fear in her eyes like there should have been.
"Can I help you?"
He looks as though he is looking for someone. He looks like he has been wondering for days
"Not thank you." I answered. I must look worse than I thought.
"Oh ok I just thought maybe you did as it seems like you are looking for someone."
"Yes I was but she isn't here." And she wouldn't be coming back to me ever I thought silently.
Her blue eyes were kind as she looked me over. She was genuinely concerned
"Are you sure you don't want me to come and help you look for her?"
"No that's fine, I appreciate the offer though." I said sadly
"I'm Isabel by the way." She said smiling
"I'm Edward." I said reluctantly but avoided shaking her hand as I was sure my hands would be even colder than their usual temperature now.
"Ok Edward well I hope you find what you are looking for. Take care."
"Thanks." I muttered and turned away from her concerned face. Her face actually reminded me of Esme in a way and I didn't want that reminder right now.
I fell down on my knees trying to think of my next option. My plan started coming together then. I would simply make a scene by walking into the sun where my skin would reveal who I truly was. The Volturi would definitely kill me if I ruined their little festival today.
I walked towards the square where the whole city would gather. I would wait till noon when the sun was the strongest and then I would walk out in the middle of the square where they would all be able to see me. I stayed just out of the sun as I waited for my moment. The square gradually started to fill up and I saw lots of red all around knowing that it wouldn't be long now. For my last few moments I decided not to stop my memories of Bella as she was the last person that I wanted to think of before my life ended. In my mind I could see her face as clearly as If she were here. I imagined that I hadn't left her and that we were still curled up on her bed and that I had her in my arms. I imagined that I had asked her to be my wife and I thought of how beautiful Bella would look as she came down the isle towards me. I smiled at the thought and closed my eyes. I spent my last moments with Bella and then I opened my eyes and Bella beckoned to me. I took a step forward into the sun.
