"Oh my gosh, Morgan…" Alice said looking horrified at me on the plane.
I had told her my story.
"I just cannot accept this. I refuse to. Morgan," she said glaring at her hands, "the second when we get off this plane we go home. We tell Carlisle and we go to Volterra and we get Damien back. Got it?"
I looked up, startled.
"Alice…" I said slowly, "We're over. Damien has to go back to Volterra and receive his punishment. There's nothing I can do about it! And if we go, we'll be in danger also! I don't want more people to suffer for my actions. Because of me…" I said, feeling like sobbing even though I knew I couldn't, "He'll hurt. He may die, he may not. If he doesn't of course he won't want to see me again. I make life miserable for him and we both know it. I think I should just leave him alone…" My voice faltered on 'leave'.
"Aw…Morgan… We have to do something. Would you really want Damien to die in that place at the hands of those heartless…murderers?" She asked.
"But—"
"Then it's decided!" She said happily.
I didn't agree…
I thought coolly.
I heard a chuckle from the seat behind us.
I flipped around and saw the familiar topaz eyes and bronze hair.
"Edward?" I asked the disbelief evident in my voice.
"I couldn't let Alice go alone. She is kind of small." Edward said.
"Hey!" Alice said hotly.
"What about Bella?" I asked.
He shrugged.
"I told her. Actually, she forced me to go. 'Edward, she's your sister. You have to go.'" He said, imitating her voice.
I laughed softly.
So Bella did care about me, after all.
"Carlisle!!" Alice shouted as she ran into the house.
"Alice?" Carlisle asked slightly startled as she ran into the living room.
"We have to go get him!" she cried.
"Who dear?" Esme asked softly looking up from the novel she was reading on the couch.
"Damien!" Alice cried, exasperated.
"We all can't read your mind, Alice." Emmett said.
"What does Morgan feel about this decision?" Esme asked, looking me over.
"Yes…but I can't help but feel I'm just making matters worse for him…" I whispered.
"Carlisle, you're close friends with Aro, right?" Alice inquired.
"Yes," Carlisle answered.
"Okay. You have to talk to Aro! Damien didn't kill Morgan, but fell in love with her. Morgan didn't do anything wrong so why does she have to be punished by watching Damien suffer?" she cried.
I flinched at the word 'suffer'.
I was.
Even though I was too childish to admit it to myself, but I was crying on the inside.
Screaming for Damien to come back to me.
Would he even have the chance?
What if he was…killed before we got there?
What would happen then?
How would I go on with my life?
Without Damien in it…
I don't know anymore!
I stayed silent, watching the plan develop.
Alice barking out commands—and as small as she is—people listened to her.
"Okay. So it's settled." She sighed when she was done.
"Carlisle, Esme, and Jasper will go in Carlisle's car. Emmett, Rosalie, and I will go in Rose's BMW. That leaves Edward and Morgan to the Volvo." Alice said precisely.
"Okay." I said quietly.
"Let's head out, everyone," Alice instructed, heading out the door.
I slid into the seat of the Volvo and stared out the window, not wanting for Edward to read the real pain in my eyes.
I subtly kept my thoughts blank.
I didn't need him to comfort me.
Because I knew that no amount of begging, pleading, or sobbing would bring Damien back.
It would be better if I moved on with my life…
Okay.
Who was I kidding?
It was point blank to everyone.
I was still dubious however.
I wanted Damien back—if not more—like everyone else.
"We will get him back. Don't worry, Morgan." Edward said.
I looked at him, hopefully my expression unfathomable.
"I hope so. I honestly do." I whispered.
Edward and I didn't speak for the rest of the drive.
It was awkward not to mention uncomfortable.
We got to the airport, parked and followed the others onto the plane.
Minutes bled into hours…and we were finally there.
"Come on everyone!" Alice said, practically running off of the plane.
"Carlisle, you know where they are, right? We'll follow you." Alice decided.
"Pushy…" I muttered.
Edward threw me an amused look.
I shrugged.
Well she is.
I thought.
He let out a low chuckle.
"What are you two laughing about? We have to move." She said.
I sighed, walking faster to keep up with her.
Someone grabbed my wrist.
I turned around and Edward was the one who was holding my arm.
"Yes?" I asked.
He let go.
"You'll get him back if Carlisle has any say in this." He said in a low voice.
I smiled weakly at him.
"Thank you…" I said softly.
"You're welcome."
"Carlisle." We heard a voice come from the shadows.
We were out the airport and walking past an alleyway.
A man wearing the same cloak as Jane had worn was standing in front of us.
"Felix." Carlisle said.
"What are you doing out in Volterra? It's dangerous. You're lucky it's a cloudy day, Carlisle, or Aro would be upset that you'd be so careless. Come. He would like to see you."
"Of course." Carlisle said, stepping forward.
They led us into a great hall.
"Carlisle!" A voice entered the room.
I froze in terror.
Aro was here.
Damien? Where's Damien?
I thought looking around slowly.
If only time flew like a dove. We can watch it fly just keep looking on.
I looked at Edward.
"Calm down." He mouthed to me.
I exhaled sharply and nodded.
"Aro, it's been too long." Carlisle said stiffly.
"Yes, dear friend."
"I wish we would've came under better circumstances." He said.
"I understand. Would you like to see the prisoner?" he asked with too much enthusiasm.
"Jane, dear one, please bring him out."
"Of course, Master." Jane said.
A boy walked out being shoved by Jane.
He collapsed on the floor, but sat up.
His eyes were blood red and had a wild, furious look in them.
Edward squeezed my shoulder keeping me from crying out to him.
Damien! No…No! Let him go! Let him go!
I screamed in my head.
Edward looked at me with sad eyes.
"Oh, I see Morgan is here as well." Aro commented mildly.
"Yes." Edward answered gruffly.
"Would you like to see the prisoner accept his punishment?" Caius—who had just entered the room—said eagerly.
The Cullens stayed silent.
"He must die." Caius said.
I looked up, fear visible in my eyes.
"No!" I said stepping forward.
"Please no!" I cried.
"Would you also like to receive his punishment?" Caius asked, laughing cruelly.
"What would you think about that, prisoner?" Caius asked Damien.
"No." he said, his voice quiet and rough. He looked at the ground not looking at me.
"Well, then," Caius said, going forward, "Step back, girl. Prepare to watch your beloved vampire die."