Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story except for my own little plot line and any characters you may not recognize. Everything else is property of the genius Stephenie Meyer.

A/N: Okay, I know I said that I would have a Bella/Gabriel conversation in this update, but I ended up making this all about Edward. I'm sure you're not complaining ;) Actually, I figured since it's been about 2 weeks since I've updated, you'd be thrilled to read something regardless... lol. Which I apologize for the lack of updating, but as I've said previously, school has been taking up my time. Also, I'm insanely tired and I've read through this and edited about a bagillion times but I'm sure there are still grammar/spelling errors. So you know, if you see them, I apologize but I'll come back and fix it later.

Anyway, this was actually a favorite of mine to write, so I hope you all enjoy it! :)

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Edward's POV:

Black marbled walls enclosed the small hallway, caving in to surround the one who walked its floor. Faint lights cascaded yellow streams that glowed softly from the ceiling. The tiled floor was slick, hard. Every sound would echo in the small space, bouncing off the ground to the wall and finally the ceiling. Once it reached its destination, it would burst into a thousand humming chords, a crescendo that was deafening to those near it.

But tonight it was silent. Tonight the darkness gathered, seeping from the corners of the walls and spilling onto the onyx tiles. The sounds from the city above were nonexistent. The voices from the vampires that filled the vaults and the crypts that were buried within the earth were hushed. Not even the ghosts of lost souls floated through this hall. It was a tomb.

My tomb.

I walked the length of the floor, lazily clasping my hands behind me – thinking. We were brought here for a purpose. A purpose that was yet unclear to me, but Carlisle knew more than any of us. While he didn't trust Aro's words, he knew that something greater – something powerful – affected us. Whether or not we helped the Volturi, it wouldn't matter. Whatever this battle was that Aro was willing to create would eventually draw nearer to our kind. No vampire would go uncalled. No werewolf would leave without revenge. And more importantly, no human would go unhurt.

Bella.

A deep sadness settled over my dead heart as an image of her face floated through my mind - a memory that always haunted me. It was night. Shadows were cast over her pale skin. The deep warmth of her chocolate eyes simmered in the blackness of her room. She smiled, exposing the whites of her perfect teeth. The faint freckles that powdered her nose shifted when her skin would crinkle as she laughed. She turned her head to face the ceiling, displaying the perfect curve of her nose, the soft flutter of her lashes as they fell against her blushing cheeks, the flawless rendering of her full lips.

I ached for her. My fingers twitched with the desire to touch her, to feel the blood rushing beneath her skin as my palms caressed her soft curves. I wanted to place my hands on either side of her face, just to feel the blush that would spread across her cheeks and prove to me that she was here. The familiar stinging sensation that bombarded my eyes, replacing the human reaction of creating tears, came to me suddenly. There was nothing else in the world that I wanted or cared about more than Bella.

But here I was. Trapped. Alone. Staring off into the black chasm of the earth, wondering if what the future held would swallow me whole and everyone else who I loved.

Sighing, I tilted my head back as I stood beneath a circular light from the ceiling. I closed my eyes, seeking solace. The yellowish glow did little to create the light behind my shut lids. There was no blood that flowed through the small arteries in my skin; therefore there was nothing to absorb the light except tubes of clear venom. I was still captured in a darkness that would never let me be.

Edward.

I opened my eyes, slowly lowering my head but made no move to turn as the soft click of Carlisle's steps echoed throughout the length of the hall. I could see the image of my back in his mind, the white of my skin glowed beneath the light creating a brightness that resembled winter snow below the sun's rays. And yet black surrounded my tense form. I was the only ghost that wandered the halls. I was the one standing as if I were before a large cross in a silent cathedral, begging God to erase my sins.

The small tick of my lips curved into a sardonic smile. Nothing could save me for the things that I had done. Everything was sheltered by shadows.

"Edward, we'll be able to leave soon. I promise," Carlisle whispered, stopping at my side. He mirrored my stance, clasping his arms behind him and staring off into the dark hole of the empty hall. "I believe that there is still some time before Aro decides to do anything drastic."

"Anything drastic," I muttered, shaking my head. "He sent Victoria after Bella. Was that not drastic enough for you?"

He grimaced at my cold words, but I couldn't find it in me to apologize. Instead, I returned my gaze to the dark obscurity that haunted my sight.

"She was captured, Edward." Victoria was caught.

I turned to him in mild shock, my eyes widening. Words itched to escape my lips but before I could utter a single syllable, he spoke for me.

"A letter was sent back to Aro only an hour ago. He wouldn't tell me who sent the letter, but this I know," he breathed, his body perfectly still as his whispering tone echoed in my ears. "Aro was frightened. Truly frightened."

I continued to watch him, mulling over the information in my mind.

"There was only one time that I saw him like that," he continued, his voice distant now. "Back when I was apart of the guard. He received a call from some anonymous figure. No one knew who it was but rumors circled throughout the ranks that a power greater than us had threatened him."

"Greater than the Volturi? Who was it?" I questioned, genuinely intrigued. The Volturi were rarely afraid of anything. They were the law. Plain and simple.

"Guardiani de Trevia…" he whispered, his pupils contracting infinitesimally.

The name was unfamiliar to me. Through all the stories that Carlisle had informed me of during his long existence, that name had never been brought up. It was curious now because it seemed to strike a chord within him. I turned to stand directly in front of his gaze. His golden eyes, full of their wisdom, stared through me, unseeing.

"Carlisle," I stated, making sure to speak each syllable perfectly. "What is the Guardiani de Trevia?"

"A myth. A legend," he breathed, his eyes refocusing on me now. "They are said to be more powerful than any creature that has ever existed. Immortal warriors destined to preside over the mythical world. We all believed it to be a wives tale, a story made up to keep every unnatural creature in line. It was said that when things got out of hand, they would step in. You would never know who they were. They disguise themselves to blend in with the ones that they are watching. The only way to discern their true identity is their eyes…"

I was tense, standing only mere inches from his face as his words sent a chill down my spine. One that I was not used to feeling. "What about their eyes, Carlisle?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

He stared past me, remembering earlier times that I could clearly see in his mind – times when he stood off to the side in the small crypt where Aro and his brothers would command the guards' presence.

"They're a deep violet. Hypnotizing…"

"Carlisle, have you seen them before?" His behavior had thrown me off. I wasn't even sure if I was really talking to the vampire who had created my undead existence anymore.

"No," he shook his head, lowering his gaze and returning it back to me. "No, I've only ever overheard Aro telling Caius and Marcus about a meeting that he had. One with a strange cloaked being who possessed eyes like amethyst. That's the phrase he used."

"Over three hundred years, I've walked this Earth," he muttered, his eyes growing forlorn, distant. "Never have I witnessed such a being."

It was the moment that I truly saw Carlisle the man, not the vampire. He had always been so strong and knowing. He was the protector, the negotiator of our family. Each and every one of us looked up to him with respect that he never thought he deserved for what he was. And yet here, in this sepulcher of silence, he was every bit as human as the ones who walked the streets up above us, whose hearts fluttered faintly in the distance with their every step. I saw the uncertainty, the humanity in his eyes and I knew… I knew then that he was right all along. A soul still exists for every being. Even one as monstrous as me.

"Carlisle," I spoke, gently placing my hand on his shoulder. He turned to me, his amber eyes bright with only the knowledge of oneself that can come with as long as he has existed. "We'll figure everything out. I promise."

He grinned, a small dimple appearing in the side of his cheek. "Yes," he concurred, clapping me on the back. "We will."

It was a rare moment between us, but one that I would never forget. For the first time since we had been summoned here, I finally felt the smallest shred of hope. It was weak – faint – but it was there, simmering in the distance. And with that brought the glowing image of Bella. Whatever challenge was thrown our way, we would all get through it. I had hope in that.

The soft pattering of our feet as we moved across the marbled floor echoed in the air. But it was no longer a feeling of emptiness that I felt, rather one of serenity and peace. Finally, there was some kind of light at the end of the long tunnel. And I clung to it with every step, every small movement. Because it was all I had now.

"Bella is safe," Carlisle informed me suddenly, breaking my thoughts. "Whoever has Victoria has made sure of that."

"But she won't be brought here, will she?" The thought alone both bothered and comforted me. As much as I never wanted her to ever step foot in this nightmarish place, I couldn't deny that I longed to see her.

Carlisle sensed my troubled mind and he paused beneath the narrow doorway that led out into the cavernous tunnels, towards the main crypt where Aro and the rest of the guard waited. A knowing, sad smile crossed his pale face and there, before my very presence, was the father figure that I had known for over a hundred years. "Not yet."

He must take me up on this offer. I can't risk losing any of them.

A new voice pierced my mind. My gaze drifted ever so slightly to the left as I pursed my lips in thought. We were still standing in the doorway, half of our forms illuminated by the flickering orange glow of the torches that were anchored into the dirt walls.

What is it? Carlisle questioned, his eyes narrowing as he gazed down the empty tunnel.

"It's Aro," I hissed. "He's on his way to find you."

But as I turned back to him, the slightest hint of cerulean blue flashed from down within the depths of the tunnel. Instantly, I stepped out fully into the dark passageway, my body tensing involuntarily.

Geez, Edward. You're like a bomb waiting to explode.

I breathed a sigh of relief as the familiar voice proceeded to giggle in my mind. "Alice," I muttered. "What are you doing here?"

She skipped down the hall, her black pixie-like hair bouncing in the stagnant air, much to my surprise. And a small fluttering blue ribbon weaved in and out of a few strands. I rolled my eyes.

"Just here to get you," she explained. The smile that adorned her elfin face should have been enough to warn me.

"About what?"

She exchanged a brief glance with Carlisle, her golden eyes sparkling. "You'll see."

Instantly, I felt her small hand clutch mine as a familiar but sickening voice filled the air.

"Ah, Carlisle, I was hoping to find you."

The three of us turned to the sight of Aro's translucent form gliding above the grimy dirt that covered the ground. He smiled curtly and I did my best to do the same. "Alice, my dear, how good it is to see you with your brother," he appraised, clasping his hands together as if talking to a young child.

She smiled widely and bowed her head in acknowledgment. Relax, Edward. "Thank you. I must admit that I do miss spending quality time with him."

He seemed very appeased by this comment as I watched his thin lips spread further into a u-shaped grin. "Indeed, my dear. Why don't you two go and catch up. I know that our Edward here has been very lost in other thoughts as of late."

A faint growl rumbled in the very pit of my stomach, but I did my best to keep it from slipping into the air.

Alice's hand tightened around mine.

"If you two don't mind, I'd like to have a word with Carlisle," Aro insisted, turning his questioning gaze to him.

Carlisle nodded. "Of course." I'll see you two back in the room in a few minutes, Edward.

"Ah, excellent," Aro hissed, his eyes narrowing into slits like that of a snakes. It was difficult for me to watch him place his diaphanous hand around Carlisle's shoulders, leading him down the tunnel. It was even more difficult when I saw the conversation that occurred between us flit through Aro's mind.

I held my breath as the muscles in my jaw tightened, constricting in almost a painful manner. Neither Alice's annoyingly cheerful presence nor the ridiculous prices of Jimmy Choo shoes that she repeated in her head made me feel better. In fact, the crease in my forehead only seemed to embed its way further into my skin as we walked away. The peace and comfort I had once felt moments ago was now gone. All I could think of now was smashing the mahogany door to our suite that presently stood before us. It surprised me that we were even back so soon. Time seemed so trivial now.

The door opened as soon as Alice rapped her small hand against the wood. Emmett and Jasper stood on the other side, both inspecting me with an all too familiar seriousness. "Pay up," Jasper insisted, reaching out his hand.

Emmett glanced down into the pale flesh and grimaced. "Dammit."

"And what were you betting on this time?" I growled, pushing through them and into the spacious French styled living room. Yes, despite the cavelike appearance of the Volturi's underground hideout, they never let their guests stay in anything short of extraordinary. Esme sat at a small writing desk, her hands placed comfortably in her lap as she issued me a sad smile. Rosalie merely rolled her eyes and continued to stare off into the white marbled floors, as she stood motionless in front of the grand fireplace.

"We were wondering if that crease in your forehead would be staying with us tonight," Emmett teased.

"And what did you conclude?" I absently responded, sitting down at the baby grand that was situated on the opposite side of the room. It wasn't enough that we were prisoners here, but Aro only mocked us by adding lavish things to keep our interest. My fingers danced over the white keys violently. With each chord, I would press down on the right pedal, crafting a deafening echo that filled the room.

But somehow, it wasn't enough to drown out their voices or their thoughts.

"Never bet on me," Alice replied smugly as she twirled around in perfect ballet spins that would have the most ingenious physicist staring at the speed she created in wonder.

"Fifty bucks, Emmett. Hand it over." Jasper held out his hand once more all while watching Alice with lovesick eyes. And it made me realize just how much I envied him. My fingers faltered on a flat chord.

Emmett cursed silently while digging through his wallet. "You know, bro, I had faith in you," he said, turning over his shoulder to glance in my direction. I sighed and stood up to cross the length of the room, joining Rosalie by the fireplace. Alice still spun in perfect circles around us.

"Sorry to disappoint," I muttered.

"Stop bothering your brother," Esme scolded in a barely menacing tone. "He's been through enough."

I sent her an appreciative glance but knew her words did little to discourage the likes of Jazz and the great buffoon in the corner.

Momma's boy, Emmett taunted, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Rosalie, always in tune to Emmett's behavior, sent him a deadly glare that made him cower instantly.

I ignored them both and watched as Esme moved towards me. "Well, at least we're not always surrounded by the rest of them," she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest.

How could I forget, the hundreds of other vampires that presided under the city just like us. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you saw it, we were situated in an area far from the rest of them. Basically meaning that we were Aro's prized pets.

"I can't imagine having to confront some of them," Esme whispered. "They remind me of those nomads last…" Her voice trailed off as she suddenly glanced up at me. "Oh Edward, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything to make you remember."

"Esme, it's alright. I understand what you mean." I forced a small smile to show her that I wasn't upset, because honestly how could anyone be upset with her?

"So what do you think Carlisle and Aro are talking about anyway?" Rosalie asked abruptly, speaking her first words since I entered the suite.

Jasper slid his eyes to the now perched pixie that sat on top of the closed baby grand. I winced at the sight.

"Only one person knows that," he answered, casting Alice a knowing glance.

She swung her legs freely off the side of the large black instrument. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she bit her lower lip. It had been a while since I had seen her behave this way. But unless I wanted to hear the details of venous blood flow, there was no way of getting her true thoughts from her mind.

"Five," she counted. "Four… Three… Two… One…"

The door swung open, revealing a relieved but exhausted Carlisle. Esme immediately went to his side, her tawny eyes hopeful as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

I looked away.

"Aro has just informed me that we have until the end of the month to make our final decision on whether or not we will help them." He sighed heavily as the rest of us moved towards him. "I think it's pretty fruitless as we'll undoubtedly be involved anyway. Regardless, I want to get out of here just as much as you all do. So we're going back to Forks."

Alice began bouncing in her place, practically beaming like a miniature sun. It was a final decision that we could all live with and everyone else instantly moved around to pack up their things. But I couldn't take it anymore. Alice wasn't telling me everything.

And just as she always knew, she turned to me and motioned for me to follow her into a small hallway that led to a starkly white sitting room. She flitted over to a wall size portrait of one of Da Vinci's drapery studies, a recherché piece indeed. The exquisite rendering of the drapery commanded the presence of whoever stood before it. Thick folds of cloth fell over the figure's left shoulder, enveloping the lower half of his body. The rest of his form was a faint outline, like a mist seeping into the page creating a headless figure. And yet I felt his gaze, judging me.

"Alice," I hissed, feeling quite unsettled as I stalked towards her. "Forks can't be the only reason that you're so giddy all of a sudden. I know it's not any reason for me to be happy," I finished quietly, letting my eyes cast down to the floor.

She merely stood before me, a wide smile plastered over her face and that damn blue ribbon highlighting her hair, reminding me of Bella.

"Just tell me, Alice," I sighed, practically begging her. "Please."

"It's not clear," she finally said, spinning around while toying with her fingers. "But I keep getting the feeling that we'll be meeting someone soon."

I watched her curiously, intent on finding an image of this someone in her mind. "And who would that be exactly?"

Like the quick flip of a switch, she turned back towards me and bobbed upwards on the toes of her feet excitedly. "I guess we'll have to just wait and see."

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A/N #2: Who's this mysterious person I wonder? *whistles* Anyway, I PROMISE that the next update will have the whole Bella/Gabriel thing. I'll do my best to update a bit sooner this time too ;) Also, THANK YOU so much for the huge response this story has received so far! I send hugs and lots of Edward goodness your way XD