A/N-Hey everybody! Okay, I just want to say that I'm so terribly sorry for not updating quickly! I feel so guilty! I've been a bit sick for the past week and a bit and I simply haven't felt well enough to write. I've also been given lots of stupid homework, making up for my days away at school and that's taken up a lot of my time. Thanks for your patience. So, I formally apologise for not updating in a while. I hope you all forgive me. About chapter 6, thank you so very much to MidnightCat2000 (Such a kind, heart-warming review!), Guest (thank you!), M (Thank you and don't worry, things will get better in a while), booklover1598 (Thanks for reviewing every chapter and for being so lovely) and to a new reviewer, FloreVolturi (I'm so glad that you like how my story is going and I too am a big fan of the Volturi!) Thank you heaps to those marvellous people for giving me such praise. It makes me so thrilled and overjoyed to receive reviews! Okay, I only own the Cara family and the awesome Stephanie Meyer owns the Twilight Saga. Enjoy chapter 7!

I have a pounding headache. I'm thirsty. I'm hungry. I really want to have a wash and I need to go to the toilet. Badly. Wriggling my toes, I began counting back from one hundred in my head. It's just something I always do when I'm in desperate need to relieve my bladder. How long has it been, anyway? An hour? Two? Three? I huffed and just when I thought I'd wet my pants for sure, a loud knock echoed through the room. I sat up and waited for the person…no, vampire…to enter. I hear the familiar sound of jangling keys again and Demetri pokes his head around the side of the door. I stare at him. He opens the door further and steps inside. The door stays open behind him. My eyes zoom in on the small bottle of clear water in his left hand. My dry throat seems to become even drier at the sight of the delicious water. "Master Aro thought you might be thirsty." Demetri explained, obviously seeing my eyes focused completely on the bottle in his hand.

Demetri casually walked over to me. I watched his every move warily. "Here." Demetri said, holding the bottle out to me. I cautiously reached out and took it, snapping my hand back when the bottle was safe in my hand. I hurriedly unscrewed the lid and raised the tip of the bottle to my lips. The beautiful water quenched my thirst as it rushed down my dry throat like a waterfall. I greedily continued drinking until the bottle was half full. I had better save the rest for later. I suddenly remembered Demetri was standing there, his dark burgundy eyes watching me. Creepy. I screwed the blue lid back on and set it next to me on the unmade bed. "Why didn't you kill me and my brother?" my mouth asked before my brain could register what was going on. Demetri seemed to ponder over my question. "I really don't know." He eventually replied, his voice soft and velvety. I like this side of him. He doesn't seem as deadly. Demetri actually is quite a good looking man…or vampire, when you really peer at him. Feathery, dirty blonde hair hangs around his pale face and it's short and appears tousled.

Nice eyebrows, straight nose and no facial hair. Handsome. His burgundy eyes gave me the chills though, just like the others. Demetri nodded to me once before turning on his heel and walking back towards the door. "Wait!" I called. Why on earth did I just say that!? Because I'm lonely and need something to do. Demetri halted in his steps and looked over his shoulder, his eyes not meeting mine. "Could you maybe fetch me a book or something? It's really boring sitting here by myself." I whispered, gazing down at the disgusting floor. Would he get angry and pounce on me for daring to ask more of him? Perhaps he'd be nicer and just give me a harsh lecture about how 'we're not your slaves', as any other vampire here would put it. "I'm not your personal servant." Demetri reminded me, his voice low. I knew he'd say something along those lines.

I looked up at him, pleading with my eyes. "Please! I'm only asking for a small thing! I hate being here and I need something to take my mind off everything. Please." I begged. He hesitated for a few seconds. "Fine, but don't pester me again." He replied and like lightening, he was gone. Maybe Demetri is not so bad after all. Then again, he is keeping me captive here. I sighed and looked back down at my feet. Will I really be here until I'm eighteen? What will they do with me then? I'm quite sure my parents would have a team of Italy's finest police out looking for me. How long until they find me? If I'm never found though, when will I escape? A dusty, pickle-green, hardcover book was suddenly thrust under my nose. I snapped my head up, not expecting him to be so quick. Will I ever get used to their scary yet enthralling ways? Probably not. I gingerly took the book and swiped off the grey flecks of dust.

"Romeo and Juliet?" I quizzed. "This is from our own library so don't damage it. Is this a book that most children your age are reading nowadays?" Demetri responded, his voice flat. "I'm not a child!" I indignantly retorted. "And no, children do not read Romeo and Juliet these days. That book is so, so old! Besides, I'm fourteen which means I am no longer classified as a child." I informed. Demetri raised his right eyebrow and gazed down at me, as if scrutinizing me. "What!?" I huffed. "You look nothing like a teenager. Your facial features resemble the face of a young child." Demetri replied, his eyes raking over my body and not my face. I felt naked with his eyes roaming over me.

I felt a strong heat in my cheek. I glowered at him swiftly before I lowered my head. How dare he criticise my face! Besides being an unnatural vampire, who the hell does he think he is? "Enjoy the book." Demetri said and I heard the soft ruffle of clothing as he walked off. "Thank you." I muttered, grateful that he at least gave me something for entertainment. I immediately regret saying that. What is wrong with me? Why am giving my thanks to him!? He's one of the mangy men who brought me down to this godforsaken room! I didn't get a reply from him. Maybe he didn't hear me. I made myself as comfortable as I possibly could on the bed and opened up the brittle book to the first yellow page. Geez, when was this book published? A thousand years ago? The pages are so terribly thin; I believe the paper might crumble in my hand when I touch them. Still, I settled back into the pillow and tried to get into the dull story.

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After a very long time of dawdling on random pages and trying to figure what exactly is going on in the story, I've learnt four things. One, I'm not even too far into the book and already it's painfully boring. Two, if this book was published a long time ago, these vampires must be very old to have obtained this book in their own library. Three, after flicking the light switch, I discovered the naked light bulb stiffly hanging from the grimy ceiling doesn't work and four, I'm so very hungry, my stomach actually hurts. I groaned and banged the book shut. Gosh! What am I going to do!? Stuff Demetri! It's too dark to read anyway. With as much strength I had, I hurled the boring, heavy book onto the floor. It crashed onto the floor, pages tumbling out of it. I groaned again and curled up onto my side. I might try and sleep. At least that will pass the time.

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Just as I thought I was going to float off to another strange place, vague footsteps came from outside my door. They stopped. I listened hard. The footsteps started up again but they quickly drifted away. Well, I'm either so tired, I'm hearing things that aren't really there or I'm literally going mental from being locked in here with a bunch of sadistic vampires. Maybe I'm dreaming. Maybe this isn't real. What if, when I squeeze my eyes shut tightly for ten seconds and open them again, I'm suddenly back home in my bed? What if this is just a ghastly nightmare? I should really test that theory. I think I only got up to seven though, before I began to feel myself nod off to sleep.

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I woke on my own accord this time. No one came in to rip me out of bed. I'm thankful for that at least. I really don't like strange men in small, confined areas with me. I tend to get rather uncomfortable. I made the bed for once. Just because I'm a prisoner here, I don't have to be acting like a slob. Even though I most likely look like one, I refuse to act like one. I spun around at the sound of the door creaking open. I expected Alec or Felix but not one of the kings. Aro leisurely walked in and shut the door behind him. I gulped loudly. I just won't say anything that could offend the oh-so-mighty royal highness because honestly, I don't feel like getting battered and left on the floor to die. "Good morning, Danielle! Did you sleep well, my dear?" Aro asked cheerily. I cocked an eyebrow. Is this guy bipolar? The first time I saw him, it looked as if he wanted to murder me yet the second time I saw him, with Felix, he looked as if he had just won a whole heap of Euro. Today appears to be one of those days where he's happy. Oh well, I'm not complaining.

"I guess." I awkwardly responded. Why does he care? "Lovely. I just thought I'd drop by and see how you're going." Aro informed. "Oh yes! I'm doing absolutely marvellous! Besides the fact I feel like crap, I'm being held here against my own will, I really want to go home and I still don't see how the hell you could possible want a plain girl like me, I'm totally tip-top!" I rambled on sarcastically. Aro was silent for a moment before he sighed. "I'm sorry to hear that." He apologised. "Well why don't you just let me go!? I'm no use to you, I never will be! Let me go, for crying out loud!" I yelled, getting more and more frustrated by the second.

"But you will become useful to me! That's the thing! After looking into your many thoughts, I've come to realise that you're very good at manipulating people. I have strong beliefs that you will develop quite a strong and powerful ability that will be so handy to me." Aro explained to me. "You're talking rubbish! Why not just release me now though?" I accused. "Well, you wouldn't return to me, would you? Besides, I would prefer to keep watch over you so no harm comes to you. Don't you agree with me, Danielle?" Aro asked very calmly. I crossed my arms and turned away from him. Of course I would never return back to this place if he released me! I'd escape from my home country and never, ever return. I will never let him know that though.

"It's unfortunate you feel that way." There was a pause. "Well, Felix will drop by with some breakfast for you soon. Feel free to wander around the castle. Just have someone with you at all times. On the note, goodbye, dear." Aro said softly. I didn't turn back around. I let my shoulders slump and my stance relax. Maybe this is where I will spend the rest of my life. Have I done something wrong in my life to honestly deserve this cruel imprisonment? I wonder what Felix will bring me? Mmmm…maybe some fresh fruit would be nice…No! I will not eat anything they give me! Not even if it's pancakes or cereal or perhaps ice cream…Nope. I've mind up my mind that I will refuse to eat anything they supply for me. I need water though. Water will fill my gurgling stomach up plenty. I felt a sharp tap on my left shoulder. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I whirled around and there stood Felix, towering above me. He extended his great, pale hand towards me and I noticed a wrapped up sandwich. "Thanks but no thanks." I mumbled, pushing the delicious morsel away from me. Remembering all to well my previous walk down the passageways barefoot, I hurriedly slipped my feet into my pink sandals. Once my feet were ready, I stomped away from him and headed towards the open door, dramatically I might add. "Where do you think you're going?" Felix asked, suddenly in my way. "I would like to go to the bathroom. Is that alright, your royal majesty!?" I demanded sarcastically. A soft sound rumbled deep in Felix's chest. I prickly shiver ran down my spine. I really should remember not to anger this great giant. I don't want to die before I have a chance to escape. Felix ground his teeth together. "Follow me." he grumbled. With a snap of his wrist, the sandwich was discarded from his hand and left on the bed. My eyebrows rose up at the swift and precise throw. He has good aim. Then again, he is an abnormal creature.

"Be quick. I'll wait down at the end of the hallway." Felix ordered. I quickly strode into the same bathroom as yesterday and fled to the toilet. I nearly started emptying my bladder before I had my underpants down. I sighed in content as I let myself go. Finally. After a few seconds, I finished up on the toilet and emerged from the bathroom, but not before rinsing my mouth out with clean water. Hopefully my breath smells a bit better. I looked to my left. Felix's not there. I looked to my right. Nope, no sign of Felix there either. Where'd he go? He said he would be waiting at the end of this passageway. A fluttery feeling of excitement started in my stomach. If I'm lucky, and Felix and nobody else is around, I could have a chance at looking for an exit out of this madhouse. Immediately, I sprinted off down the passageway and turned left, then right, then left again. Still no sign of any creepy vampires at all! I held onto my breath to stop myself from gasping from air. Why oh why must I be so unfit!? I took off running again. I passed by the room I had been kept prisoner in. I skidded to a halt. I spun around and I ran into the room and snatched my yellow shoulder bag off the bed head. I raced back out of the room again, without glancing back. This is the last time I'll ever see this room. I couldn't be more overjoyed.

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Harsh breaths racked through my throat and exited my mouth. I can feel my heart pounding hard and fast inside my chest. My heartbeat is in my ears. I tore around another corner, praying that no one would spot me or hear me. I sped past by paintings, ornate doors and more candles, illuminating the stone passageway. The soft sound of my sandals slapping on the ground is echoing in my ears. I suddenly came to a stop. What's that sound? It sounds like a distant cry. A cry for help. Just at that second, a roar of loud and blood-curdling screams started up and I hurriedly covered my ears. It's so loud! What's going on!? The ear-splitting screams seem to be coming down the passageway behind me. It sounds like it's getting closer. Louder and louder it's getting. I began to feel myself creep onto the edge of hysteria and I scanned the passageway behind me and ahead of me, looking for a way out and away from these horrible screams but all I can see are painting, candles and more paintings! Just as I thought I was going to start screaming myself, my eyes came to a stop on a familiar wooden door, hanging open.

My eyes widened in surprise and happiness and I nearly collapsed onto the floor, so giddy with delight. Before I did end up on my knees, and made my legs move and I was hastily running out of the same door I first entered through. I didn't stop running as the sun and fresh air hit my skin. I laughed with giddy excitement. I rounded the castle, never looking back. When I reached the sprinkling fountain at the front of the medieval castle, I peered over my shoulder to check no one was coming after me. I sighed in relief. No speedy vampires on my trail. I picked up my running again, not bothering to catch my breath. I have to get away now or I'll be caught. My legs took me away from the dreadful castle and down the steep hill. I can finally begin to get my life back on track.

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I burst through my unlocked front door. "Mama! Papa! I'm home!" I screeched. I heard my Mama's fast footsteps and then, there she was, running towards me, her dress billowing out behind her and my lovely little brother, hanging off her hip. "Dani! Dani! Dani! Oh my baby! Where on earth have you been!? Do you realise the police are searching for you!?" Mama cried hysterically, engulfing me in a huge hug. I was at a loss for words. All I could do was blubber and sob. I've never cried like this before. But then again, I've never been held captive by a bunch of vampires. Snot began to dribble down lips and salty tears stained my sweaty face and Mama's shoulder but right now, I couldn't care less. I don't think Mama cares either. I wrapped my arms tightly around Mama and Leo as I was welcomed home. "Mama, I was a prisoner. They kept me locked up." I wailed in between gasps. "Who, baby!?" Mama asked urgently, pulling me back to look at my face. Tears were trailing down her face, delicately, unlike the bobs of tears and snot stuck on my face. "These strange men. They're up at that castle!" I explained, giving Leo a quick kiss on his soft cheek. Poor little Leo is pressed tightly up against Mama's and my body but he's not complaining. Never would I have ever thought I'd be so happy to see naughty Leo again!

"You were kidnapped! Oh my! Did they hurt you? Violate you? Oh, Dani! I'm so glad you're safe! Are you alright, baby?" Mama frantically asked, checking me over with her hands. "Mama! I'm fine, really!" I confirmed, patting her shoulder. "Oh, I'm so happy you're home! Your Papa is at work. I'll call him up and tell him you've returned. You'll have to tell me everything! Oh, I better phone up the police too." Mama said frantically, giving me another quick hug, putting Leo down on the carpet and rushing off towards the kitchen phone. I looked down at tiny Leo who was gazing up at me with a small smile. I picked up Leo and spun him around. He giggled with glee. "Leo! I missed you!" I squealed, hugging him tight to me. "Where were you, Dani?" he asked, snuggling into my chest.

What should I tell him? That I was a prisoner in a creepy, castle and the only company I had were vampires? Not exactly the brightest idea. "I..I…ummm…I just visited a friend for a few days. Mama didn't know where I was so that's why she was fretting so much." I lied, stroking his platinum blonde hair. "What's fewtting mean?" Leo questioned his wide blue eyes peering into mine. "Oh, don't worry. I'll tell you later." I said, brushing off his question. "You was on the big TV, Dani." Leo whispered excitedly, pointing towards the living room. I was on television!? Well, then again, I was missing for a few days, and I'd gone with no reason why. Makes sense. I hope Mama taped it! "Wow! That's pretty cool! Listen, I'm going to go have a shower and fix myself up. You run off to Mama." I informed. I kissed his forehead and put him down. Leo's fat little legs toddled down the hallway. I sighed in happiness. There really is no place like home.

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I've had a warm, relaxing bubble bath and changed out of the raven black dress and into some of my own comfortable clothes. I left those black shoes back in that room. I don't want any memories of the castle and the vampires who live inside, which is why I tossed the black dress straight into the trash. I had just finished cleaning my teeth and brushing my hair and now, I feel refreshed. I just need something in my belly. I walked out of the bathroom and back downstairs. "Dani! Principessa!" My Papa shouted, picking me up and twirling me around. "Papa!" I yelled, cuddling him. He smelt of beer and…cigars? It doesn't matter. I'm home with my family. That's all that matters. "Where have you been!?" Papa demanded, putting me down and grabbing me by the shoulders. "Papa, these men, they held me captive in that castle up on the hill." I informed. "What!? Oh scopare!" Papa shouted, his nails digging into my shoulders. "Papa, calm down! Mama has called the police. She said that they're on their way up there now." I said, patting Papa's distressed face.

"I'm so glad you're alright. Even though I may not always show it, I really love you beyond imagination." Papa said forcefully, wrapping me tightly in his arms. Tear began to well in my eyes again. "I love you, Papa. I missed you." I whispered, clinging to Papa and whiffing in his musky smell. "I'm going to get something to eat. I'm ravenous." I said, breaking the moment. "Let me cook for you. You sit down." Papa said and he steered me into the kitchen. I sat down at the kitchen table and watched as Papa whizzed around the kitchen, pulling out pans and ingredients. For once, my Papa seems to really love me.

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It has been a long day. Mama received a phone call a few hours before. It had been another unit of Italy's police, saying they would like to interview me tomorrow. Mama told them I'd meet them tomorrow, despite me pleading Mama to tell them to drop this case. They don't need to interview me. I was only gone for…three days? I feel like I've lost track of time. It's only seven-thirty at night but after not sleeping well while being held captive, I felt drained and exhausted. My belly's full of pancakes, pizza, pasta, fizzy drink and to top it off, chocolate cake. Yummy! Mama and Papa said it was a homecoming meal. Leo enjoyed his fair share of the meal too. We all did. Whilst we had all been sitting together at the kitchen table tonight, I realised that there was something missing. The arguing and the fighting. Maybe, just maybe, we might be a happy family again. Papa will get rid of his pesky, ugly girl, Mama will stop being so worried and stressed and we can all be happy, happy, happy. Just the way I like it. I pulled back the covers on my bed. Finally, I can sleep in my own bed and be at peace. I really should be thanking someone though.

I knelt down at the edge of my bed and clasped my hands together. "Dear almighty ruler of earth, thank you for being by my side constantly. I had been in need and when I prayed to you, you answered my prayers. You helped me escape, you cared for my family and you made us all happy. Thank you for being by my side and helping me out. Amen." I finished with the sign of the cross. I hopped into bed and wrapped myself in my turquoise duvet. I wriggled around happily, inhaling the comforting smell of washing powder. Mama must have washed my bed sheets whilst I was away. I flicked off my lamp and huddled deep into my bed. My toys surrounded me. After searching for my little friend, I grabbed Gino and pulled him close to me. I'd tell him everything tomorrow. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

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I woke up panting. Oh, what a terrible nightmare! I'd had a nasty dream that I was back at the castle and I was watching Aunty Gianna die, over and over again. Oh, Aunty Gianna. Oh my, Aunty Gianna! I completely forgot to tell Papa and Mama about Aunty Gianna's death! How could I have possibly forgotten!? She was the reason I went to the stupid castle in the first place! I sighed and pushed back my blankets. I'll have to tell them tomorrow. Poor Aunty Gianna. What will Mama say? I feel absolutely sticky. Sweat is clinging to my skin and soaking my nightgown. I slowly got myself up off the bed. I'm still in the process of waking up. My whole body feels so heavy, as if I suddenly weight a thousand pounds. I tiptoed down the stairs and pattered into the kitchen. My throat's burning. Water will fix that. I took a glass sitting on the kitchen counter and placed it under the sink's tap. I chugged down the water when the glass was full. There, I feel all better now. I placed the glass back down on the counter. What time is it, anyway? I glanced at the dark clock. I could just make out where the hands were. Two-thirty in the morning. I sighed and turned back to head up the stairs. Two figures, who appeared to be men, were suddenly looming in front of the staircase.

I screamed and screamed until a hand clamped over my mouth. I bit down hard on the hand covering my mouth. My teeth racked with pain as they grazed hard stone. Oh my gosh! Have they come back for me!? Is it them? Why won't they leave me alone!? The second figure came closer and helped the man, who I hadn't yet identified, drag me out of the kitchen. I kicked and punched, struggling against their grip like crazy. No way am I going back to that place! No! My screams and cries for help are muffled by the cold man's hands. These people are vampires. I just know it. I'm taken out of the kitchen and into the house's laundry room. The back door is wide open. My struggles and screams became more frantic as we neared the door. Why can't my family hear me!? I freed my right arm just as I was pulled out of my house and into the back street. My hand reached out blindly, grabbing nothing. Everything seems to be in slow motion. My breathing quickened though as I was tossed to the ground. The moonlight is shining down on the street, illuminating everything, except for the two men. I shot up off the ground and prepared myself to run but before my shaking legs could move, I felt a solid, harsh blow to my head. Darkness took me into its arms.

A/N- Chapter 7 is complete! Yay! So, I hope you enjoyed! Just letting you know, 'Principessa' means 'princess' in Italian and 'scopare' means...haha...well, the 'f' word in Italian. Once again, I'm so sorry for taking so long to update! I think I'll just try and update every weekend. I'm really sorry but I honestly think that works best for me. Thank you for reading and it would be awesome if you could review, just to tell me how I'm going and if you liked this chapter. Thank you and until next weekend! I love you all!

Unicorn360.