"My dear you've been extremely helpful! I only have one more question before we continue." Aro was positive that both humans knew the kind of creatures they shared the room with. His next question was purely from his own curiosity. "I can see a person's thoughts with one touch which is how I became familiar with your sister. However there is no memory of you in young Edward's thoughts despite the length of time he spent with Isabella. Perhaps you could clarify the situation?"

"Oh, that." Evangeline look shocked, realizing the significance behind Aro's words. She was being given the very rare opportunity to explain herself without the invasion of the man's gift. "Well when my sister moved to Forks with our father, I had already begun college. I graduated high school years early therefore I had never met the Cullens. Bella doesn't like to brag so she never mentioned me to Edward. I'm sorry, you said you were able to read her mind?"

"No, I could only read Edward's memories of her. Something blocks Edward, myself, and others from her mind. If I am correct though, attending higher education is quite a significant feat for one your age. So young and yet already so accomplished." Aro smiled at her, surprised when she blushed and dropped her gaze. Seems the human wasn't often praised so openly. Marcus attempted to look nonchalant but his brothers could tell he was intrigued. Evangeline shook her head slightly then met Aro's eyes stubbornly. Alice gasped, her eyes lost in a vision while sadness took shape on her features.

"My schooling is not my only accomplishment. I am offering the Volturi a deal. You will fully pardon my sister Isabella, as well as Edward and Alice Cullen. They will be released and given safe travel home. In exchange I will return in two weeks time to Volterra and I-" The woman stopped to swallow past the lump in her throat. "I will stay here."

Caius scoffed and rolled his eyes dismissively. Aro tilted his head curiously at the woman's gall. Marcus silently used his gift to see her emotional ties. There were strong family ties and several bonds of friendship and then he saw a mate bond leading away from her. Directly into Felix who still stood frozen. Before Marcus could get Aro's attention, Caius spoke in a vicious tone.

"What could an insignificant human possibly possess that makes her think we would agree to this?" Evangeline's warm brown eyes hardened as she looked at Caius. Almost nothing scared him anymore, but the vampire did feel slightly uneasy. She suddenly smiled then turned and looked around the room. She gestured at Felix who was now wondering if vampires could still have strokes.

"You there, sit on the ground." A warmth filled his body and he did as she said with a dopey smile. Her gaze moved to one of Aro's bodyguards. "You as well. In fact, I want every Volturi guard in this room to sit down and stay seated."

Seconds later, the Masters stared around them in shock. Every single vampire in their coven was sitting on the cement floor. Felix was the only one whose face looked overjoyed, the rest simply looked content. Even Jane, usually sullen and cold, had a gentle smile on her face. The three ancients looked back to Evangeline who smiled in a smug, comfortable way. The brown in her eyes had been replaced with a shocking gold color that seemed to undulate. Bella leaned forward and grasped her elbow, silently asking if she was okay. A short nod was the only answer.

"The accused will be pardoned, they will find their own way home, you will return in one week, and someone from the guard will accompany you to ensure your return." Caius had gathered himself enough to speak. Marcus touched Aro's palm, informing him of the woman's mate bond. Evangeline looked back at Bella who was rapidly shaking her head side to side while tears streamed down her cheeks. Turning back to face the Ancients, she nodded. The guard were suddenly on their feet again as the human pulled her gift away from them. Her eyes slowly returned to brown then rolled towards the top of her head.

"Eves!" Bella lurched forward as her twin dropped to her knees. Evangeline pressed her forehead to the cold floor with her hands grasping the sides of her skull. A splitting headache rocketed through her, powerful enough to blacken her vision. She could hear people shouting but couldn't make sense of the words. Suddenly Bella's hands were massaging the base of her skull and, after a few tense seconds, the headache became tolerable.

"What happened Evangeline?" Aro's voice was very close to her. When she looked up she was surprised to find him kneeling in front of her. Unwilling to admit a weakness out loud, Evangeline offered her hand. The immortal looked pleasantly surprised then accepted the invitation. Her memories flashed through his mind, telling him much about the woman. His body shuddered as the pain of the past few seconds ran through his mind. Aro found himself staggered by her compassion and selflessness. He was silent for a moment then helped the woman to her feet. Before anyone could speak, a soft chime sounded throughout the room.

"Ah well, nothing like bad timing. That would be Heidi returning." Aro sighed dramatically. "We ask that you remain in our reception area until nightfall. We will decide who will be escorting Ms. Swan and they will come to you when you may leave."

Evangeline smiled gratefully at Aro, thankful he hadn't announced her weakness in front of the entire coven. He gestured and Demetri moved to the door, ushering them along. As she turned to leave Evangeline's eyes locked onto Felix again. Noting his height, large muscles, short dark hair, and handsome features, she finally looked into his eyes. A gasp left her as something inside her seemed to shift. Logically she knew she should have been terrified at the thought of having to live here, like she was a moment ago. Now though, looking into his dark red pupils, Evangeline thought to herself that at least she'd have nice things to look at.

Demetri finally grabbed her arm and tugged her away. Felix snarled but Marcus was suddenly beside him placing a restraining hand on the guard's chest. A moment passed and they all heard their two heartbeats fade. Then Heidi's group, who had passed them in the hallway, filled the air with the sound of several dozen hearts to replace the noise. Realizing what the tourists were meant for, Bella began sobbing in horror. They hadn't cleared the long hallway before the screams began.

Demetri silently noted that Evangeline didn't cry or break down. Her face was stiff but accepting, she was attempting to resign herself to the thought of her likely future. All too soon, she would probably be killing innocent tourists too. Demetri immediately gained respect for this human. She had decided to offer herself in order to free her sister, knowing she was unlikely to see anyone from her human life ever again. Instead of moping or crying uselessly Evangeline handled the situation with dignity.

"It's very brave what you're doing. Find me when you return Evangeline Swan, I'll show you the ropes." Demetri winked in a friendly way then turned to Edward. "Do not leave until someone comes for you. Goodbye."

Demetri flitted away, eager to feed, leaving them in the posh reception room Evangeline had recently come through. It took a few minutes but Edward managed to calm Bella. Evangeline asked the receptionist for a bottle of water, thanking her quietly when the woman returned. Bella spoke to Edward quietly but eventually silence overtook the room. Understanding she wanted to be isolated, Evangeline was left alone for the next few hours.

Felix drained the last human, his third, then put the body in a pile with the others. Any evidence of these humans would soon be removed, he didn't have to worry about that. His concern now that his thirst was under control, was ensuring he was the one to accompany Evangeline Swan. The thought of anyone else spending the week with her while he was stuck in Volterra was inconceivably painful. Even considering it made his upper lip curl into a snarl.

"I assume you'll be sending Demetri with the human?" Cauis's voice was much more pleasant now, his eyes bright red. After pulling from his thoughts, Aro rolled his eyes in a way that indicated he was teasing Caius. He had taken Alice Cullen's hand as they were leaving. She had given him much to ponder.

"Her name is Evangeline and you'd better get used to saying it. She's going to be an Elite Guard member if she shows interest. To answer your question, yes, I had planned to send Demetri." Felix hissed, drawing Aro's attention. "Unless you have a better idea Felix?"

Felix stepped forward then dropped to one knee, bowing his head as he addressed the Masters.

"I believe I should be the one to go. Afterall, she is my mate. I won't let her out of my sight." There was a quiet gasp from most of the guard. It was always confusing to find your mate but this situation was extremely complex. This human was unlikely to be friendly with any of the Volturi, who were essentially becoming her captors. Ignoring the sounds, Felix continued.

"However I'm not suggesting myself for that reason alone. We were all influenced by her gift; she is extremely powerful for a human. If you send Demetri first, what's to stop her from forbidding him to follow her? Evading us would be possible without Demetri in the picture. Difficult yes, but still possible. If she tells me to leave and not follow her, she would only have a week at most. Demetri could be sent then, with Jane or Alec, and bringing Evangeline back to us would be easy."

"That is certainly an excellent point Aro, you must admit." Caius spoke after a short pause. His voice was pleased and it reflected in his expression. His brother nodded thoughtfully, his hands steepled in front of his mouth.

"Yes I suppose you're right. It would be difficult to find her with as many talents as the Cullen coven possesses. It would also take more time than necessary if she did decide to run. This is a much better idea and also gives our dear Felix the chance to gain his lady's affection. Oh how romantic!" Aro clasped his hands in joy, ever a fan of dramatics. "Felix please escort Evangeline Swan home and return to Volterra with her in one week. Inform us immediately if she escapes. Marcus would you take Felix to the reception area? You could give him tips on wooing beautiful, powerful women. He's going to need it."

When the door at the back of the reception room opened minutes later, four sets of eyes stared at it. Felix stepped through followed by Marcus. The two had been deep in discussion as they walked, Marcus instilling advice and recommendations on impressing a human mate. The stoic leader moved straight toward Evangeline, paying no mind to the others in the room. She straightened in her chair as he approached but her eyes flickered between Marcus and Felix. Rising to her feet, her brown eyes examined them both closely.

"It has been decided that Felix will accompany you and will be the one bringing you back. Edward Cullen you and your companions may leave now, Evangeline will meet you at the airport. There are things we must discuss before she leaves us."

Understanding they didn't have a choice, the trio left quickly. Bella touched her sister's arm as she passed. They would see each other soon, no matter what. Marcus calmly motioned Felix over. The hulking vampire walked over at a human pace and stood across from Evangeline, less than five feet away. She noticed his eyes were now bright red.

"I believe formal introductions are in order. Felix this is Evangeline Swan; Evangeline meet Felix Volturi." Evangeline held her hand out for a handshake but Felix had other ideas. He cradled her hand then turned it palm down, kissing her knuckles. She blushed brightly and he smiled charmingly. She didn't seem to be bothered by the chill of his skin.

"I have to say, I'm honored by the chance to meet such a beautiful woman. Rest assured, I will return you safely to Volterra. I can also assist you in getting settled here, if you so desire. You need only speak the words."

At her desk several feet away, Gianna huffed angrily but kept her eyes on the papers in front of her. Evangeline noticed the sound and instantly pulled her hand from Felix's grip. She then asked Marcus if she was allowed to leave. She could, he told her, then asked if she wanted to ride in one of their luxury vehicles. While ignoring the snarl Felix had directed at the receptionist, the woman dug into her front pocket. With a smirk Evangeline held up the key to the Porsche Alice had stolen.

"No thank you, I'd like to have a go at beating Alice to the airport."