It is rare that miracles occur. True ones at least, something more than that wild moment where something unsurprising happens. And yet one befell the Volturi, Millennia after their creation, after they had settled into their ways and had a firm control on the vampiric world.

It had not been realised at first, a slow burn so to speak. A small change that had not being noticed at first. But the changes had not stopped, hence was the nature of growth, and ignorance had become something impossible.

"Dora, my love, what is going on? Vampires cannot put on weight, lord, they can only lose it in the most extreme of starvation cases?" Caius wasn't sure what to make of the changes in his wife, even if she had made significant changes to her diet, it would not explain this change in her body, not with her nature. And yet, inexplicably she was getting bigger, especially her stomach, rounding just slightly, but enough to be noticeable. And despite it all she seemed to be glowing, brighter somehow despite the alarming changes.

"I'm not sure, love, I think it might be worth putting my venom through a human blood test. Something is going on, but I'm not entirely sure it's bad." There was nothing past a feeling in her gut that told her this wasn't bad, but her gut had rarely been wrong. It had led her this far at least. Her words did not lessen the worry in her husband's eyes. While she loved she got to see the softer side that very few, if anyone, else got to see, she hated when it was worry. He was far too serious for his own good sometimes.

He nodded at her idea, he could not see what a human blood test would show, but trying something was usually, in his experience, better than doing nothing.

"Though I loathe to suggest it, I expect Carlisle would be the best option for this situation."

Carlisle had just been going about any one of his normal days when the call came. They had been settled in New York for just over half the year. Esme hated the hustle and bustle, but the 'children' thrived on the activity. Carlisle did not have much of an opinion either way, but he could at least appreciate the anonymity that came with such a sprawling city.

He had not immediately recognised the number on the caller ID, that alone gave him pause. He had an infallible memory; an unknown number was an unknown person. Of course, there was always a high chance it was a spam call, but they usually had a tell in the types of number. Even more curiously was the fact it was a foreign access code. He excused himself from the patient he had just about finished with and stepped into his office.

"Hello, Dr Carlisle Cullen speaking, how can I help?" The almost high pitched, childlike laughter that met his introduction was instantly recognisable.

"Carlisle, old friend! How have you been? Still making sure the food source stays strong?" Carlisle felt his brow crease on impulse. Just because he knew taking from humans was the normal way, didn't mean he had to have any more appreciation for it. Maybe it was also the blatant attempt at small talk as well.

"Aro. I have been fine as always. As you well know, they are not food for me." He pinched the bridge of his nose, just knowing that, like every interaction with Aro, that it was going to be a mentally painful exchange, "What is the purpose of the call. It's not like you to just drop in for a chat." Again Aro let out that infuriating chuckle, as if he found everything he heard to be amusing.

"Ah, you saw right through me! This is no social call. We require your presence in Volterra as soon as possible, we have need for your medical expertise." His voice, though friendly, made it obvious there was no space for disagreement. Carlisle sighed, doing a mental calculation of how his patients would fare with an unknown length of absence. None were critical so he held out a greater level of hope for their survival.

"Very well. Is there anything in particular you will need me to bring? And what pray tell am I permitted to tell my family?" He hadn't explicitly said it was confidential, but that did not inherently mean it was not.

"Tell your family any of what I have already told you. Your confidentiality will be required once you reach Volterra. We require the equivalent of a blood test for human venom." With the details etched out, the call ended quickly, a simpering exchange of unwanted pleasantries.

Carlisle wished he was going home, instead he was on the way to the airport. He called Esme on route, pleased to hear his mate's voice even if he could not see her right now. She had not sounded best pleased at the news, more at the Volturi's abruptness than any other factor really. Her displeasure in his defence brought a smile to his face.

The flight to Italy was long, and a sour-faced Alec was certainly not the greeting he would have preferred. Alec, more than any of them really, had a distaste for the Cullen lifestyle. Unfortunately, he wasn't bothered enough to pretend otherwise. Carlisle braced himself, putting on a detached but otherwise polite smile.

"Good evening, Alec, I hope I did not leave you waiting too long." Alec was not here to ensure good behaviour, he was here to escort. A fact, Carlisle was sure, that was further souring the man's mood. The grunt he received in response spoke volumes. With a sigh, Carlisle loaded his small medical bag into the car and got into the passenger seat. Carlisle didn't think Alec even attempted to hide the look of disgust he sent at his passenger. Unsurprisingly, conversation was non-existent on a needlessly tense drive up to the Volturi stronghold.

Once the car was parked up Alec led him into the castle. He was surprised when he was not led towards the throne room, no they bypassed it completely heading towards the east staircase which if Carlisle remembered correctly led towards the kings' own chambers. His suspicions were soon confirmed when they reached their destination. Alec knocked on the heavy oak door before them before leaving. Just as Alec started his descent on the stairs the door before him opened to Aro's familiar face.

"Welcome Carlisle, come in." He made a dramatic sweep of his arm before letting Carlisle enter the room proper.

Caius was not best pleased at having Carlisle in his private chambers, even less so than having Aro there. His golden eyes seemed to mock his way of life and he had grown to have a heavy distaste for the man over the years. And yet, despite his faults, he was the best man for the job.

He let Aro do the talking. Why not, the old fool was so very good at it. He regretted the plan though when conversation waned, and Carlisle wanted to touch his wife. Not just touch her, he wanted to hurt her. He felt the growl vibrating in his chest as the man came towards his wife, his voice calming and placating.

He felt vindicated when the man stopped in his movements, his eyes flickering warily to Caius. He was sure he was almost vibrating with his displeasure. His Dora merely let out that tinkling laugh, sending a comforting smile to the vegetarian, and placing a placating hand on his own arm.

"Ignore him, Doctor. My husband is all bark and not bite." Carlisle did not look convinced but continued to talk Dora through the procedure. Caius harrumphed but took the silent warning from his wife.

Dora didn't so much as flinch as Carlisle extracted her venom, placing it into a testing machine for a short period of time.

That short of period did not feel that short though, the vibrating was back though he could not say why this time. Carlisle fiddled with the machine for a moment, his eyebrows raising before a smile spread across his face. He turned to them, the smile still on his face as he spoke the words that would change not only his and Dora's life, but the whole of the Volturi castle and beyond.

"Congratulations, Athenadora, Caius, you're expecting a child."

Hi, I felt a little lost after finishing ASIL and found this little plot bunny hopping around my memory stick. I thought it would be interesting to develop. It's ultimately a Jasper/Bella but in this universe Bella is the impossible Volturi Princess. Would love if you could show some interest or even if you completely hate the idea. 3