AN so one of the reviewers pointed out that the previous chapter was pretty dark and I should have put a warning up.

Sorry for that. I was in a bit of a rush to upload the chapter, but should have put a warning on it.

However, just to clear one thing up. Aro never raped Bella. It was a bit more nuanced than that. She was never forced. I didn't want her to have that kind of trauma to deal with.

Anyway, this chapter also explains that a bit more.

Also here is the warning; this chapter alludes to torture and some pretty garnly stuff. This novel is rated M for a reason guys.

Let me know what you think!

Chapter 17 - On your marks... get set... GO!

I sat there for a long time, four times I watched the courtyard go dark and turn light again, four times day and night passed before my eyes as I continued to watch and listen. I catalogued every bit of information I could get. The sounds that filtered in through the window, the sounds that my ears picked up from the higher levels of the castle, the sounds of the guards changing their posts.

By the first nightfall I knew where in the castle I was. It was a bit of a ways away from the hallways I knew like the back of my hand. Yet I was sure I knew how to get out of this dungeon unnoticed.

I started planning.

There were two obvious ways. The first was back through the hallway we'd come in through. It was a bit more difficult to navigate. There was only one entrance door and the guard change was only two minutes. It was a very tight window and added to that was that I wouldn't be able to see what was waiting for me at the end of the hallway. The entryway was closed off by a door. If there were vampires gathered there, I would be caught immediately. It was high risk, but would immediately put me at the exit. From there I could then climb the canopy and if I kept low enough I could move across the roof undetected. The roof was a blind spot for the guards. If I traversed the roof and headed to the west corner tower, there were vines that would let me climb down out of sight of the guards and within two minutes be in the dense forests that surrounded the castle. It was a risky option, but it could be possible.

Another option was going out through the window. It was small, but I figured I could climb out if I could a good grip on the outside stones. The courtyard was exposed, but there was hardly any traffic in there. The plants and trees would provide coverage for me to get to the hallways I knew to navigate well. Once inside I could use my usual escape route to get outside of the castle walls without anyone noticing. It would take slightly longer. The hallways were intricate and maze-like and getting through them took some navigation and time. I knew I could do it, but in a time crunch it wouldn't be ideal. If anyone would be alerted that I was missing they could lock down the castle and prevent my escape.

I weighed both options thoroughly in my mind as the days and nights passed by and I continued watching. Adding or changing elements of both plans accordingly. When I finally felt secure about both plans and had them firmly in my mind. Now I just needed to get an opening. Something that would give me an edge to get out of here.

I could try breaking the chains, but that would draw attention to me, then speed would be of the essence. I needed a cover. Something that was sure to distract the majority of the vampires in Volterra so I could make a run for it. But the issue of the chains remained. I had continued to observe them but I still wasn't sure if I could break them.

I was pulled from my observing and musing by footsteps coming down the hall. I got to my feet slowly. I wasn't about to face whatever was coming for me, sitting down meekly and helplessly. Those days were over. The chains rattled as I got to my feet.

The little wooden door to my corridor of cells opened with a flourish, banging loudly against the wall as it ricocheted back. The echo of the bang travelled through the cells and hallway for a moment.

'Ah Isabella.' Aro said, rubbing his hands together. 'I see you've gotten comfortable.'

I didn't say anything. I just stared at him. What fresh hell would he put me through now?

'I had hoped you'd be more useful against Edward Cullen. You know, someone on the inside to help take down his Coven. But as always… you're a disappointment.' He snapped.

He walked over and opened the iron doors to my cell. I could see Santiago just outside the other door, his back to us, but he was definitely paying close attention to us. I had no doubt in my mind that if I overstepped in any way he would be in here to protect his master. I curled my lip in disgust that I had ever been like him.

I had idolized Aro and the other Volturi members. I had been blinded by their fancy words and promises of power. I had basked in Aro's attention and felt special when he gave it to me. When he'd cast me aside I'd felt I had let them down. I had meekly allowed all of them to treat me like dirt because I felt I had deserved it. And that was the worst of all of this. Their manipulations of my emotions and my entire personality was just despicable.

Suddenly it dawned on me. They were controlling all of their guard. They had to. Everyone around here walked around with the same utter and complete devotion to Aro. It had to be manipulation. There had to be a vampire here that could manipulate your emotions and influence them. But then again, how would that have worked on me? or had I just been so desperate for validation and attention I had let them manipulate me the old fashioned way?

Aro stepped into my cell and left the door open behind him. If I broke the chains and made a break for it, would I be able to get past both of them and outrun them? I wasn't sure. Still I readied myself.

'Even escaping well is beyond you. I mean you kept your own name? You didn't even try to disguise your trail or your scent. We found you in a few hours. You really are pathetic.'

Aro stepped close to me and without much ceremony punched his fist into my stomach.

I hadn't expected that. Aro had never been one for physicality. He usually left that to his lackies. I must have really pissed him off. I hadn't been ready for the punch and it drove me to double over and cough as the air was forced form my lungs.

'You couldn't even entice him to take you into his bed. You couldn't even entice him to spend time with you.' he snarled. 'You learned absolutely nothing.'

I frowned at that, as I clutched at my stomach. How did he know so much about what had happened with the Cullen's? And how the hell did he know what Edward and I did or didn't do? Only Rosalie and Angela had really known what was going on with us. Was there a spy in the Cullen coven? Was it either of them? That seemed unlikely. But who else then?

'You are absolutely useless.' Aro spat at me, before ploughing his fist into my ribcage. I doubled over again and fell down to the floor this time.

'Then kill me.' I muttered.

'Kill you...' Aro muttered. 'Yes, Marcus was arguing for that exact thing. But I think killing you would be a mercy. I think keeping you around to torture you is much better.'

I grit my teeth as I looked up at him. 'You're a sick bastard.' I spat at him.

'Indeed I am.' He snarled back, bringing his face closer to mine. 'I hope you enjoyed your freedom for a while there, Bella, because you won't ever see the outside of this room again.'

I snarled at him and growled, but he reared back before I could hurt him.

'You have more fight in you, I'm surprised. I guess the Cullen's did teach you something.' Aro remarked. 'I'm glad of it. That makes this so much more fun.'

'Fuck you.' I spat at him.

He was back in front of me in a flash. 'We could arrange that. You used to sing beautifully on my cock. Do you remember?' he said, grabbing my face tightly in his hands.

I growled at him. I hated myself for having done that. I knew he hadn't loved me, I knew he had just been using me for his own obsession and lust. But I'd liked it. Enjoyed the fact he'd given me his undivided attention. It was sick as I looked back on it now.

His lips crashed down on mine before I could stop him. I recoiled instantly. I trashed against his hold and finally managed to land a good kick to his balls. No matter what sort of supernatural you were, if you were male a good kick in the balls always hurt.

'Fuck off.' I spat. 'I won't ever let you do that again.'

Aro let out a loud laugh. 'You won't let me?' he laughed again. 'I don't care. I will tie you down. Make Felix or Santiago hold you down so you won't be able to move and do whatever I want with you. Perhaps I'll send some photo's of it to Cullen. Show him what he missed out on. What a good little perfect slave you can be.'

I snarled and hissed at him and he pretended to cower.

'Little kitty found her claws.' He mocked me. 'I'm so scared.'

I growled again. 'Do what you came here to do and leave.' I demanded. I was done with this.

I was done with his taunting and his lies and his manipulations. I knew he would never rape me. Santiago and Felix would never let him get away with that. They would definitely tell Sculpitia if he forced himself on anyone. Although both Sculpitia and ARo enjoyed a rather lavish lifestyle they had a firm agreement on consent. The entirety of Volterra had to adhere to that rule. And Sculpitia enforced it with an iron fist. If she so much as sniffed non-consensual sexual relations she had the perpetrators beheaded before they could blink.

Aro raised an eyebrow at me. 'You don't order me around, dearest.'

I growled. 'I know, but I know someone who does.' I muttered.

His brow furrowed and he looked confused for a moment. 'You wouldn't.' he snarled as understanding dawned.

'Isn't this the time of day she walks around the courtyard?' I asked innocently, glancing up at the window.

'She would never believe you.' he snarled.

I shrugged. 'Perhaps not, but she would make damn sure you're never alone with me again. Now wouldn't that put a stop to your little plans?'

'You little bitch.' He spat, stepping closer.

'That's right. I'm a bitch. I'm done being your meek little plaything. So either kill me or leave me here to rot. I won't ever stop fighting you.' I ground out through clenched teeth.

Aro took one look at me, then drove his fist into the side of my head. I fell to the floor and shook my head, slightly dazed. He kicked my ribs once, twice more. Then stomped on my head again for good measure. I groaned and brought my hands up to protect my face and neck, but it was suddenly quiet in the room. When I looked up again he was gone. The doors were closed again.

I groaned and rolled unto my back as I smiled to myself. I had won this round it seemed. I had spotted Sculpitia here every day now, always at the same time. I figured threatening Aro with telling his wife about his behaviour would set him straight. Sculpitia put fear into the hearts of even the toughest of men. And as Aro's mate, she knew how to control him without trouble.

I glanced out to the courtyard again. I was certain Aro wouldn't be back for a few days. He'd been rattled by my newfound confidence in standing up to him. That much I was sure of.

Marcus was all for letting me starve for a good while before disposing of me, and Caius was simply bored with me. I didn't expect either of them here anytime soon.

So I had time. I started to plan again. I knew around eight o'clock when darkness was just beginning to fall, a hunting party would set out, about an hour later they would return and most of the vampires of Volterra would go and eat in one massive killing spree. The mayhem usually lasted for another hour after that. It was as good a distraction as any and I figured that would be the best time for my escape. There were only minimal guards on duty when the feeding started. I'm sure they were confident enough that I wouldn't go anywhere to not post extra guards at my door.

But still I had to choose which escape route to take. Out through the hallway or should I go through the courtyard?

I focussed my ears. There was a faint pair of footsteps pacing the outer hallway. They weren't in front of the cell door, but further up. As I concentrated harder I noticed there were two other footsteps even further up the hallway. That meant there were four guards with me right now. It could be less when eight o'clock arrived, but I decided I didn't want to risk it. So that left me with the courtyard.

I glanced up at the bars. They were simple iron. A quick snap and they would be broken easily. So that just left me with the chains. I quietly picked them up and examined them closely. It was still a few hours shy of eight so I had to be careful still. If I made too much noise now it could alert the guards.

I looked at them in the light and in the shadows trying to figure out what material they were made from. I held them under my nose and inhaled deeply. I could smell iron. And something else…? Was that the reinforced part that Felix had talked about? Or was it something else entirely?

I put my nail on one of the links and scraped the metal carefully. The top layer came off and I examined the debris. Paint. It was fucking sparkling paint. I took a link in one of my hands and curled it into a tight fist. The iron pulverized instantly and I wanted to hurl the chains through the wall. They had lied. Of course they had lied!

They had relied on me still being a meek, weak, little shit that I wouldn't test what Felix had told me. And I hadn't. God, I was an idiot. I could have been out of here days ago if I had just shaken off this insecurity this place instilled in me.

I knew I was better than this. Emmett had shown me I was better than this.

I quietly took the other chain in my hand and pulverized them as well. The manacles were still around my wrists, but breaking them off now would be too loud. I would wait to do that until it was closer to eight. I got to my feet slowly and went to the little window. It was quite high up, my forehead was level with the start of the window. But if I jumped up I could probably grab hold of the stone wall outside.

I grabbed hold of the bars and pulled myself up slowly. The courtyard was empty, as was normal for this time of day. But from this vantage point I realized two crucial things. Since I'd last been here, the courtyard had been closed off but for one door. The rest of the arches had been filled in with stained glass. Only the south gate was still open and that would put me close to the main hall where the feeding frenzy was to take place. I couldn't get that close. I wasn't sure if I could resist the draw of the blood plus there was a chance someone could see me. I couldn't get out through the tunnels it seemed. But what could I do then?

I lifted myself higher and looked around the courtyard itself. The tree!

If I climbed the tree and jumped from the top to the roof I could scale the upper walls and get on the roof, getting to the blind spot from there and heading into the forest. With my plan firmly made I settled in to wait. I sat down on the ground and the rats soon came scurrying into the cell again, having become used to my immobile form. I quickly snatched a few up and drained them dry. I shuddered at their taste. If I'd thought deer was bad, it was a feast compared to these things.

God, it was horrible.

But it would give me a small edge. I wasn't thirsty anymore. I wouldn't need to hunt again for another few days that gave me a few full days of running to take advantage of that would surely be able to carry me to the sea so they would lose my scent. I was sure of it. I disposed of the rat bodies and watched the window, waiting for the sun to set.

At the first signs of the sky darkening I headed to the window and listened quietly. Footsteps were heading away from me and towards the main gate. The hunting group was leaving. I stayed at the window and kept listening as the sky darkened and the noises of the castle quieted down in preparation for the feast that was about to happen.

A commotion drew my attention and I focussed myself. Humans… I could smell them. They were scared and confused. A whole group of them was being marched towards the great hall. The vampires' chatter started up in excitement as well. Everyone was hurrying to the great hall to partake.

I smiled. Showtime.

I grabbed hold of the bars and pulled. With a loud clang the metal gave way and I dropped it to the floor. I turned around and grabbed the outside of the wall and hauled myself up through the small window. Once I was through, I rolled into a small ball and hid behind the rose bushes. I waited for one minute, but didn't hear the door of my cell open. Had they replaced my guards? I shook it off when the screaming started. The feast had begun.

I gave the courtyard a quick once over, making sure there were no errant vampires about, then ran towards the tree. With a quick jump I reached the top and with another I landed softly on the roof. I stealthily made my way over to the west turret. I was relieved to see the overgrown ivy was still there. I quickly scaled down the wall and pressed myself close to the plants as my feet landed on the ground.

I waited for another five minutes, making sure there was no alarm going off, no one in pursuit. I quickly scanned around again, making sure there was no one watching before making a dash for it.

I ran as fast as I could and made a beeline for the Mediterranean.

Volterra wasn't far from the ocean, not for a vampire. I ran as fast as I could, taking the straightest route possible, not caring if I had to pass through towns or cities along the way. I was going fast enough to simply be a blur to them. Something strange but something that wouldn't fully register in their minds.

I was nearly there.

I ran even faster and as the ocean came into view I let out a relieved sigh.

I was going to make it!

I dove into the water and swam underneath the water for an endlessly long time. The warm water of the Mediterranean turned colder and colder and as I surfaced I had a feeling I was no longer anywhere near Italy.

I started swimming north and felt the currents begin to get stronger and colder. I was either in the North sea or the Atlantic ocean. I wasn't sure which. I just kept swimming, sure I would eventually get to land.

And I was right. After another full day of swimming I reach a shore. I wasn't sure exactly where I was, but I crawled onto the land gratefully. Although I wasn't tired, and I didn't mind the cold, it had something eery to be in the water for such along time with absolutely no idea of where you were or where land was.

I laid on the beach for a good while, staring up at the sky above me. I was safe.

I was away from them and I would make absolutely sure they would never find me again. I realized I had been foolish the first time around. I had kept my name and had not even tried to cover my tracks. This time it would be different. I would change everything. I would get a wig, get different coloured contacts, dress differently and make sure to change my name and age. I wouldn't be found again. I would make sure of it.