Chapter 9: The Bargain
As I lay wrenched in pain, I took a glance upward to see who could be doing this to me. I observed a lithe, child-like figure walking towards me. I was aware that this was likely Jane, a powerful member of the Volturi. She was training her intense gaze upon me and I was paralyzed with pain and fear.
Methodically, she began to focus her gaze on the remaining members of my paltry coven. What a terrible misadventure this had all been. Trailing behind her, was the hulking Felix, who I had bested so recently. After being tortured by Jane's illusion, I was definitely not in the mood for a rematch. He grinned as he stepped over my twisted body. It was the first time I had been afraid in a long time.
After Jane would torment one of the twins or the newborns, Felix would easily dispatch of that tormented soul, snapping necks and tearing limbs in the process. Why was I being spared? Were they just waiting to kill me last?
After they had all been exterminated, the little Lilith walked over to me.
"On your knees!" she commanded.
I was really in no shape to disagree, so I did as I was told. I mean, Jane and Felix standing over me, I really didn't have choice.
"Ah, you are the one known as Jane, yes?" I asked.
"Yes."
"You have the look about you of an angel, and yet you torment me as if you were the devil himself. Were you ever a normal child? I myself cannot imagine such a thing." I said
"I understand your question, but I will not tell the tale today. Nothing should remind you of heaven or angels. Think only of hell, think only of the Volturi!" Jane said.
"Do you really think I can forget the masters when two of their most dangerous representatives are standing over me with my life in their hands." was my reply.
"Do not be so dismissive, we are not here to joke with you." Felix said
"I realize you are here to kill me once and for all. Go ahead! I have nothing more to lose! I have lost everything and everyone I have ever loved! Go ahead and kill me! I cried.
"Pitiful Sean, we tried to give you lessons in courtesy. For so long we have watched you and allowed you to build your empire. We as masters and you and all others as servants." she continued,"When you see the laws enforced, you think that we are cruel and evil. We enforce these laws more as a kind of love, like a parent spanking their child."
That was definitely not the kind of love I was looking for. I certainly didn't want to be spanked by the Volturi...
"Did you come here because I broke the covenant with the masters?" I said.
"There was never any real promise made. Sean, I'm sure you know that we have been tracking you since you left the mansion. We always knew that you were foolish enough to lead us directly to these slaughtered twins. The Volturi know the power of twins well, and I more than anyone."
"I believe the power and influence of the Volturi to be as much an illusion as the power you use to burn my eyes and body!" I shouted.
"The masters are giving you a choice, Sean. You can stay here and die by Felix's hand, or you can stand up on your own feet and come with us." Jane said.
"Why would I want to come with you?"
"The masters realize that you have a true weakness for women, but are impressed with your talent for empire-building, as well as your physical prowess. Think of this as an invitation to join our number."
Join up with the Volturi? Become one of them? It didn't sound so bad. Perhaps this was just a ruse to get me to Italy and put me on trial or something. In any case, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.