*hides behind trash can lid* Yes, I know how long it's been since I last updated, and I'm sorry! Life has been hectic and slightly mean to me for the past few weeks. Hopefully, this chapter will help to make up for that. A humungous thank you to:

TeamAroPickle

Kassandra203

Aztilen-chan

Reviews make me happy, so if you could leave me one after you read, that would be most delightful :) Without further ado then, please enjoy!

I own nothing :(

I took the first shift for guarding the castle.

It was the night of the ball, and one thing was certain: I did NOT want to go. Why, you may ask? Well, it just so happens that a certain Volturi ruler would be in attendance, as well.

The past week had gone by slowly- painfully, even. Aro and I said little to each other, avoiding one another like the plague. Heidi tried to apologize here and there, but I stopped her each time- it was slightly annoying. I know that sounds mean, but it's rather difficult to be in a good mood when one of the most beautiful men on the planet starts to kiss you, but gets interrupted by your friend who wasn't paying a darn bit of attention to what she heard.

Stop. Deep breaths, I commanded myself, ceasing my constant pacing of the castle grounds. I inhaled slowly through my nose, holding my breath for a moment before releasing it. I repeated the action several times in an attempt to calm myself down. It wasn't worth destroying yet another innocent tree.

Resuming my walk, I glanced up at the sky. Luminescent dots had been sprinkled upon a blanket of midnight blue, twinkling subtly every now and then. I smiled briefly- it was breathtaking.

SNAP!

My head whipped around at the somewhat loud noise. I recognized it as that of a twig breaking, immediately going rigid. A quick sniff of the air alerted me to the presence of another, and I searched for the source. I caught a glimpse of something white among the darkness, zooming in for a closer look. It was definitely a vampire, that much I knew. As for it's identity…well, that was yet to be discovered. I extended my fangs, just in case. Without warning, the being darted to my right. I evaporated to where it should be, colliding with something extremely solid. I launched myself onto it's back, which did nearly nothing. The person was too strong for me. I knew it was a man, but I couldn't see his face from where I was. That would not be the case for long.

A solid hand grasped my arm firmly, yanking me from my position. I yelped in pain and surprise as I was flung to the ground. The sickening snap of my spine reached my ears, and for a moment, breathing was impossible. I couldn't move, simply lying helpless on the cold, dead grass. The soft thud of footsteps alerted me to my attacker's approach. I tried to lift my arms, but to no avail. This was it. I was going to die.

Angry tears spilled from the corners of my eyes. I should've been more careful. I shouldn't have met the Volturi. I shouldn't have let Aro convince me to stay.

Aro.

That name alone caused my dead heart to soar, then sink in the same instant. No, I didn't regret coming here. I loved it here. I loved my friends, my bosses. I loved…Aro.

More tears spilled from my eyes as I thought this. It was true- I did love him. However, this only fueled my anger. Why hadn't I seen it sooner? Every touch, word, and look shared between us had been a puzzle piece. Now that it had all been put together, I could see the big picture.

And I was going to die.

My attacker raised his hand in preparation to kill me. I felt my spine fuse back together, my mobility returning. A groan escaped my lips as the bones in my body cracked back into place, the hand descending. I was too late.

"Well, get up." a deep voice ordered impatiently. I blinked in confusion, seeing a large, very pale hand hovering in front of my face. Above me, the dark figure remained still. A cry of relief sounded from my mouth as recognition hit me. Felix!

I grabbed his outstretched hand shakily, now very sore. Felix paid that little fact no mind, yanking me to my feet. I grunted in pain, nearly collapsing on him. He grabbed my arms firmly, keeping me from doing so.

"Ouch." I rubbed my sore limbs, stretching gently. More bones popped into place, making me groan. Felix stood there, arms crossed. He was smiling.

"Perhaps you should pay more attention the next time you attempt a sneak attack." he chuckled. I glared at him.

"Shut up."

Felix only laughed harder. I stomped away, both angry and excited. A nearby bush exploded, showering both him and me with leaves. I swore under my breath, imagining how long it would take to get all of them out of my hair. With a huff, I evaporated to my room.

Time to get ready.

An hour later found me standing in front of my mirror. I examined myself closely, proud of my handiwork. All traces of dirt and leaves had been removed from my face and hair- quite a feat, actually. My dress had remained (thankfully) in good condition, the soft fabric hugging my body from the knees up. I poked at my hair once more, happy with the way it looked. A satisfied sigh left me as I slipped on my shoes.

"Okay, then." I whispered, evaporating to the doors leading inside the ballroom. Muted sounds of laughter and music could be heard from where I stood, making my body tingle with anticipation. I took a deep breath, easing the heavy doors open.

The sight that met my eyes was…amazing, to say the least. Intricate decorations covered the walls and ceiling, each demanding the spotlight. I smiled at them, turning towards a group of tables that appeared to be empty. Couples were twirling effortlessly on the dance floor, while clusters of friends chatted among one another. I made my way to an empty chair, wanting nothing more than to sit.

My journey was cut short when a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind. I whirled around, seeing Dora's delighted face.

"Hello!" I chuckled, returning her hug. She grinned wider, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Oh, I am so glad that you came!"

I laughed, smiling. "After what you put me through, how could I not?"

Dora glared playfully at me, examining my appearance.

"You look so beautiful, though! It seems as though my work paid off."

"Gee, thanks." I remarked with a chuckle. I couldn't help but glance around the spacious room, seeing plenty of beautiful faces.

But none of them belonged to the person I longed to see most.

"I believe Aro would agree with me." Dora whispered in my ear. I flinched, shooting her a look. She laughed at my reaction, just as a pair of arms wound around her waist. I smiled briefly at Caius, giving him a nod.

"Master."

"Violet." he smirked, kissing the top of his wife's head. She giggled, intertwining the hand on her waist with one of her own. I felt a pang of jealousy run through me, seeing their love. However, I said nothing.

"I must be off," Dora snapped me from my thoughts, flashing me a grin. "We shall speak later."

With that, Caius tugged her away. I waved them off, immediately searching for a place to sit. Across the room, a very familiar head of blonde hair caught my attention. Weaving my way through the various party guests, I finally reached Jane. She was sitting at a vacant table in the corner, watching the celebration blankly. I pulled out a chair across from her, offering her a quiet 'hello'.

"Violet," she acknowledged, removing her eyes from the people around us. A few curls fell in her face, and she batted them away.

"You look really pretty." I tried to start conversation. Jane rolled her eyes.

"Thank you." she made a face. "Dora did my hair."

At that, I had to laugh. Dora shopping was bad enough; I could only imagine her doing someone's hair.

"I'm so sorry." I shook my head. Jane smiled, resuming her search of the crowd.

A few minutes later, I felt someone behind me. Jane had stiffened slightly, so I knew it was one of the leaders.

"Excuse me," Aro's voice forced me to turn my head towards him.

"Master." I murmured, keeping my eyes averted from his. Instead, I focused on his lips, which were formed in a straight line.

Suddenly, they moved.

"Would you do me the honor?"

Aro's hand extended towards me. Soft piano music wafted through the air, heartbreakingly beautiful in every way. I hesitated, knowing what could happen if I accepted Aro's request. He would know about everything. The way I felt, my encounter with Felix- the list seemed endless. Then again…what if he felt the same way about me? After all, that almost kiss had to mean SOMETHING, right?

Slowly, I placed my hand in his, allowing him to help me from my chair.

Yes, I had to end it there. Doesn't that make you SO happy?

The next chapter should be out sooner- I promise! Once again, would you be so kind as to review? I don't mind criticism, as long as it helps me improve. Thanks so much for reading!