The Princess of the Volturi

III

-The Castle-

~Bella~

"Ma'am?" I looked away from the window and gazed up at the flight attendant beside me and the aged vampire who was pretending to be asleep. She glanced down briefly at him before her eyes flitted back to me.

"Yes?"

"Sorry to bother you but would you like any beverages? Coffee or juice? Or any snacks like crackers?" she asked, obviously just trying to do her job and keep the passengers comfortable.

"Oh! No I'm alright but thank you." I answered.

"Alright then. Would your..."

"Uncle." I filled in the gap that she was trying to comfortably fill in without making things awkward and play the guessing game as to how Aro was related to me if at all. Of course have to keep up the lie here.

She nodded her head. "Uncle, yes. Would your uncle like anything for when he wakes up from his nap?"

"No I don't believe he needs anything. If we do need something though, we will let you know though." I replied and threw in a small smile to her. She again nodded her head and a small smile of her own. She then turned on her heel and walked down the aisle heading towards economy class. We - Aro, Heidi, Renata and I - were sitting in the first class section of this plane. I looked over across the row of seats to see the two Volturi guard members that accompanied the ancient vampire beside me. Renata had her hands clasped together and her eyes shut. She seemed taught in her seat, muttering under her breath. Undoubtedly, these vampires had to be uncomfortable being stuck inside a small space that is an airplane filled with humans. Renata of course just was more on edge as judging from earlier she was a literal piece of Aro in means of protecting him. I didn't bother asking yet about any specifics of who they were, what their roles were of course. But I had guesses at least. And Renata may be a shield of some sorts to him. Meanwhile, Heidi was staring out the window, legs crossed. Still dressed as elegantly as ever when I first saw her in the meadow, she seemed like a beautiful statue frozen in time with her pose.

A quiet chuckle had me looking to the seat next to me, and I saw Aro gazing forward with a small smile on his face.

"Uncle?" he mused under his breath. I felt my face heat up.

"Well, it was the quickest lie I could possibly come up. I apologize if it's... too forward." I whispered, and he chuckled more.

"Relax my dear Isabella. Uncle is quiet alright. I do look much too old to be your father, but not old enough to be your grandfather." he rambled, waving his papery hand to dismiss my embarrassment. I nodded my head and sat back in my seat; I didn't realize that I had shifted forward in my seat so much. I gazed back out the window to stare at the sky outside as we flew above the clouds.

"You've been ever so quiet since we've gotten on this flight. That must be the first words I've heard from you." Aro continued and I turned back around to look at him to see his brows furrowed in question. Again I blushed.

"S-Sorry... I guess I'm just lost in my thoughts."

"Is that a normal occurrence for you?" I winced a bit. That's something he'd used to say, or at least something along those lines...

Now with narrowed eyes upon hearing me wince, Aro looked more perplexed. I then out-loud explained to him as to why I had made the noise, and he made a noise of his own that was one of realization.

"Apologies then Isabella. I did not know, but you must realize that I, much like the one in question for his crimes, we are indeed unsure as to what goes on in that head of yours. You're such a mystery to us - and it's especially troublesome as I am able to read all by touch. No one's ever been able to hide their thoughts from me. And yet, here you are - an enigma." He again rambled, smiling wistfully. I nodded my head to that answer.

"No need to apologize. I've... always joked at least, that I feel as if I'm broken." I muttered and he gave a small laugh.

"Well could you amuse an old mind reader and tell me what's on your mind?" he then asked, clasping his hands in his lap while staring down at me patiently.

I bit my bottom lip, but decided that at least I should make conversation and maybe try getting some answers as to what's all going on.

"I suppose that's fair to do. Well, I'm not sure where to start but. I guess one way of starting it is how did you find me? You said something about someone named Trinity? And that you were there on business looking for someone. Did you mean me or? It all just seems like chance or fate that you stumbled across me when you did in the meadow back in Forks, but almost as if it was planned..." I trailed off, reaching up with a hand to scratch the back of my neck awkwardly.

Aro listened to me ramble for a minute, but then sucked in an unnecessary breath and nodded.

"I believe it is fair that I should at least try and begin telling you the why and how. For one it's rather complicated and there is quite a bit behind as to what is going on. But as time goes on I hope the more you are here and at least can work with me with compliance, perhaps things will become clearer to you." he began. I nodded my head and looked at him, giving him my full attention.

"So. Trinity, yes Trinity. Why she's... a rare treasure to my collection. You see Isabella, my coven is an ancient one. We have been around for centuries. You'd be absolutely shocked if you were to hear just how long. We have been a growing coven though; it took years and years for me to amass my followers, and my lovely guard. I am a collector - my desire is to cultivate and acquire only the most unique, and strongest assortment of vampires to my coven. Take for example the guards members that you have met only just recently. Renata," he paused and glanced over to the other seats beside us. Heidi was still minding her business in staring out the window and Renata still taught as ever in her seat, undisturbed by her master calling to her.

"Renata may seem like a nervous and skittish vampire. But it is with all good reasons. She is my physical and personal shield against others. She has the ability to create impenetrable shields around her desired target through touch. Thus why she is seen with me nearly at all times - ever more so present once we are outside the walls of our abode." he continued, smiling a bit when talking.

"Of course lets not forget the others. Demetri is the best tracker of the vampire world. No one can compare to him. If I am in need of being able to find someone, the man is able to find them in no time flat. And of course, we have the twins - Alec and Jane. You know I stumbled across those two in such a situation. They were feared and hated by their village. They struck fear within the village folk. Even as humans, they were remarkable creatures... It was without question that they should be apart of my guard. Their abilities play off of one another in such a way. Alec is able to cut off the senses of any given number of targets or criminals before him. No sense of smell, hearing, touch, taste, and sight. You become immovable. It's very useful for taking down rather unsavory foes. Jane however can instill unimaginable pain within a target. It's all within the mind, but it's enough to maintain and control the odds in her favor - again it's useful towards any encounters with rowdy or unsavory creatures that choose to make any confrontations or summoning difficult." he continued talking about the other members of the guard that I've met so far.

"The vampires you have met today serve me great purpose and serve our coven a purpose to keep order and control of the vampire realm within our hands. If not for us, but mostly them and their abilities, why there'd be so many savage and unruly, bloodthirsty vampires running amuck slaughtering thousands of humans. We do what we can to maintain the peace, to keep you mortals none the wiser." he added, sighing slightly.

"Now as to why I went on this longwinded story about my lovely guard - as I said I am a collector of vampires with unique and rare gifts. Not every vampire that comes into this realm has a remarkable gift. It's rare, and of course there's all these theories and speculations as to why they have powers over other vampires. I for one do not know how or why I have the ability that I do but most likely it could be attributed to the fact that I could read one's character, one's true intentions at face value - but it's through touch that I require to be able to have everything laid out before me to really uncover the truth. Who knows what the real answer it. But I digress. Now as to the how I was able to find you or what lead me to that small dreary town that you called home? Well, the answer for that lies within one of my members - Trinity."

"Trinity, is a special one. She has the power of sight in one sense -"

"A psychic?" I blurted, but blushed when Aro stared down at me.

"I apologize for interrupting. It's just... the Cullens. They have a vampire that can see into the future much like a psychic. Only it's just she can only see the future based off one's decisions to see what it'll lead to." I explained hastily.

"Ah I see. A seer at best is most likely what this vampire is." he murmured, pursing his lips in thought.

"Yes, at least something of that nature." I added in awkwardly. He nodded after a minute before he decided to continue.

"Well, in this case, Trinity while she has her power of sight, I would say yes and no to it being that of a psychic. Think more like it as... the power of an Oracle of old tales. One that can predict prophecies - both good and bad. It's up to one's fate that leads to a judgement call of whether this prophecy comes true and how soon mind you. Why, she could spout off insight to something that leads to a cataclysmic event that may happen tomorrow, or centuries from now. That is where her power lies, and where it leads to mysteries for my guard and I to solve." he explained wistfully.

"So, I take it she had a prophecy that... somehow led to me?" I asked dumbly, pursing my lips.

He hummed.

"Judgement Day is near. Doom or Paradise, the fates are screeching. The roads shall be flooded with blood, they are seeking. Vampires fall, Demons rise. One human girl, weeps for one with amber eyes. Seek the fallen angel, where the strings will either snap or strengthen your future." he murmured to me gently.

I blinked a few times when I heard this out-loud. It was so ominous when he stated this to me. Something about it sounded so grave. A human girl... Well for one, yes it could be talking about me but honestly that could be any human girl on Earth. Of course, weeps for one with amber eyes was a dead giveaway to a certain someone that broke me. Considering the only group of creatures I know with amber eyes was them, that at least narrowed it down to me. It still didn't honestly answer the fact that out of all the humans on earth, Aro and his group were able to narrow it down to Forks, and specifically to me. For all I know, Jessica could be weeping that he's gone - probably any human that fell for their charms is saddened by their disappearance. But, I'm going off on a tangent there really.

"Um... well, I'll say that sounds very serious when you say it out-loud." I began, taking a deep breath in. I looked up at him to see him staring at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "But, a human girl... I'll be honest when I say that could've meant any girl on Earth. How did you still know that it was referring to me? Other than the line about amber eyes, since I've explained to you about them and how they feed changes their eye color, it still doesn't exactly make any sense as to how you were able to find me and know that it was me that you were seeking out." I rambled, trailing off like a squeaky mouse by the end of it.

"That, is where in part it delves into psychic territory, my dear Isabella." he answered, his smile now playful. "When Trinity was dishing out this tale to me, I had physical contact with her hand," he paused to physically demonstrate, holding out his palm facing up and pointing to it with is other hand. "And there, whilst we were touching one another, I could see through her mind quick visions playing. Flashes here and there, I got to see the gruesome shots of the world ending - and being a calm, peaceful utopia. But more importantly, images of a human girl with brown hair and brown eyes standing alone in a dreary field with grey skies. Images of a young man that was pale and had amber, golden eyes... And it had helped there were images of a city sign leading me to your hometown." he surmised. Finally, that was a more definite answer as to how he was able to find me. Obvious images that described my appearance, along with of course an obvious flash to my hometown, made a lot more sense than him being able to blindly piece together that it was me the prophecy was talking about.

I made a quiet noise of understanding, nodding my head now.

"So, that is how we were able to find you. If not for the fact I had looked into her mind at the time, we'd most likely still be back at our home trying to piece everything together. And you, why you most likely would be dead by now from the hands of that filthy mutt in that meadow." he concluded, and I shivered at the thought.

"I... I honestly don't know how I could ever repay you and your guard for saving me back there. I was ready for the end..." I began then, glancing up at him from the corner of my eye. He was staring down at me with a small frown. Pitying me, I could only assume that is what he was doing. "I wanted to end my life there in that moment. When I had first moved there a year ago, I did feel alone - like an outcast. A weird shaped puzzle piece trying to fit in, but I never really felt like I did. I don't think I was really ever meant to be normal or feel like other humans understood me. I was... happy when I met and fell in love with him." I paused to gulp. "When he left me, a part of me went with him. My heart's never been the same since that day - and that wolf didn't use to be like that. He was my childhood friend. We were like brother and sister I want to say... honestly I felt like he did have a crush on me. I used him and his people's legends to figure out just who the Cullens really were which was wrong of me to do. But I could never view him as anything other than a friend. Him forcing himself upon me felt like a horrible nightmare that I couldn't escape from him. I never felt so trapped before, physically and mentally. And so I felt like the only way to really escape his clutches was to... well you know. So, thank you for saving me. I don't know what I can do to make it up to you and your coven. I feel like I owe my life to you all." I continued, looking up at him.

He reached over and patted my hair, smiling.

"All I could ask in return is that perhaps, you can be of service to my journey in fulfilling this prophecy. We have much more to discuss about it once we land in Volterra. But for now, perhaps you should relax and just be at ease while we travel. We still have quite the journey before we'll arrive in Italy." he answered, and I nodded my head then. "And as for any other questions should you have them, do not fret. I can answer them in due time, as well as if you have questions for the guard members. You're such a curious human, and you fascinate me as is." he added, and I blushed at that remark.

From then on, we kept up with just some idle chatter here and there. I let him play his round of questions just getting to know me, and my limited knowledge of what I know of his kind. We moved onto a new plane when we landed from our first flight in the UK, specifically London. The sun was beginning to set by the time we got onto the next plane that would take us to Italy. He was quite entertained for the time being when he was explaining the myths and legends, all inaccurate, regarding vampires set as a standard by humans. However once the outside was dark from the nighttime sky, and I had eaten a dinner from first class, I was beginning to be tired. A small part of me was worried about the sleeping pills I had taken earlier, fearing now my body would actually shut down now. Weird, I thought to myself. I thought that I would've passed out way earlier due to the amount I took... Granted, mentally I was put through some shock and adrenaline when I met Aro and his guard members. Put into high alert mode, perhaps that was enough to keep me going. But why now would it kick in?

"Isabella?" I jumped a little when Aro called me. I glanced over to see him staring at me in worry.

"Sorry, uh... I'm a bit scared right now. You know how you all had found me? I had taken a lot of those sleeping pills when I was in that meadow... And I'm worried now my body is about to shut down..." I said drowsily, shaking my head rapidly. He must've heard my heart pick up in pace, beating unsteadily since my mind was kicking itself into overdrive trying to stay cognizant of my surroundings. He hummed quietly, and reached over to grab my hand in his papery thin ones. He squeezed gently.

"With my medical knowledge Isabella, I know just what we need to give you to ensure that your dosing yourself on sleeping pills won't lead to a premature death. For now, I'll do what I can to keep you awake, and keep you coherent. I'll see about getting some coffee in your system, and any other methods necessary to have you engaged and awake." he gently explained, watching me carefully.

For the rest of the flight to Italy, I did what I could to keep myself calm and awake. I'm not sure exactly how many pills I had taken before they stepped in to save me back in the meadow, whether it was enough to kill me or put me in a coma. But I needed to stay awake for as long as I could while I waited to get whatever I needed from him to stay alive. So that is what Aro did - I received many cups of coffee from the flight attendants that wanted to please Aro. Heidi came over to join us and talked with me about fashion that she has seen throughout her lifetime, and how she wanted to doll me up tomorrow. Great, another pixie... I thought minutely to myself, chuckling lightly at how she was describing the numbers she had planned in her head already for me. "You'll be my personal Barbie doll." She had teased me when going into details about dresses, blouses, stockings, heels - the works basically.

Aro was entertained by what Heidi had been talking about while we were nearing Italy. Renata across the aisle, had still remained stoic as ever in her seat. She still continued to mutter words to herself, eyes closed and hands clasped together. One could assume she was muttering prayers, or curses - anything of that nature. She was so quiet and undisturbed by the other humans.

Finally, after what felt like eons, the intercom crackled to life and a human male voice came through. He spoke up and greeted the passengers, notifying everyone that we were approaching the airport now for Italy and that everyone should remain buckled and seated for the landing that we were readily approaching. Heidi then got up and returned to her seat and we re-buckled ourselves back into our seats. The landing was smooth and effortless, touching down at the Italian National Airport. I glanced out the airplane's window. It was nighttime, with the runway lit by street lamps, towers and workers driving to and fro on the tarmac; cart trucks loading and unloading luggage from neighboring airplanes. The main airport was lit and I could barely make out some figures of other humans coming and going from airplanes that had landed here.

We grabbed my carryon luggage from above us, and began to slowly shuffle our way off the plane. Heidi led the way, with me immediately behind her. Aro was behind me and Renata brought up the rear, hovering close behind Aro. I had glanced behind me to see Aro's smile as he breezed through a small conversation with the beautiful female flight attendants in what sounded like Italian. They all held dreamy looks on their faces when looking at the 3 vampires surrounding me, and they laughed at whatever Aro had said. Renata kept herself on high alert as we got off the plane, eyes flitting around our small line of grouping.

We walked through the small hallway of the catwalk that connected to the airport. When we exited it finally, the worker that would check you into your flight said something to us in Italian first, before then saying welcome to their airport in slightly off-English. Not perfect, but it wasn't completely broken. I nodded minutely to them in greeting, and continued to shuffle behind Heidi.

"Santiago should be the one to greet us Heidi." Aro had murmured almost too quietly for human ears to pick up. I half wondered if he only said it out loud enough for me to hear so I would know just who is an ally to them, and would be meeting with us now that we've stepped back onto their turf. I glanced back at Aro, confusion possibly visible on my face.

"Santiago is one of our guard members, little Isabella." Heidi answered for Aro; possibly she looked back and saw my expression, knowing that I had no idea just who this new character was. I made a small noise of understanding then.

"Yes, Santiago is one of us. He is... much like Felix mind you. Superb strength, though nothing quite like his, he's still an important asset to my collection." Aro added in a whimsical tone, chuckling briefly.

We waded our way through the airport, stopping at the luggage pick up to get the few bags of clothing and essential items that I had wanted to bring with me. Once we had collected my items, Heidi continued to lead us through the airport to the outside, carefully navigating her way through the humans. Many stopped to ogle her openly and unabashedly; some men that had their wives or girlfriends would get smacked when it was apparent that their eyes had wandered. Though, a few women couldn't help but also stare at her figure while she sauntered by. It was like Heidi was a walking beacon of blinding beauty that would stun and capture every human's eye with rapt attention, drawing them in. Unbeknownst to them what her true potential was, they couldn't help but be like moths drawn to the flame. It didn't surprise me; everything about Heidi still reminded me of a certain blond, venomous vampire that I used to know and one that hated my guts and every fiber of my being. If not, Heidi surpassed her. She earns extra points considering she didn't seem to hate me or think I was literal dog shit on her heels.

When we were outside of the airport, my skin was greeted by the crisp and slightly warm air that was Italy. It was a drastic change to Forks' humid, cool air. The area we were now at at the outside was the dropoff and pickup area for passengers to come and go. It was bustling with taxi cabs, cars and limos, with humans hurrying in and out of their vehicles. Some were saying goodbye to their loved ones, some rushing with phones glued to their ears, some needing help by workers to unload or load their luggage. Heidi was gliding through the humans and guiding us over to a limo where a man stood by it, arms clasped behind him. He looked like he was looking for us, eyes scanning through the crowd while he remained at attention. He was a tall, dark skinned man dressed classily in a button up suit and a dark red tie around his neck. His black hair done up in dreadlocks, he had it tied behind him in a ponytail. What made him standout to me as a vampire was the fact his eyes were a very deep burgundy red color - it could easily be overlooked as red-brown eyes to any other human. But I knew they were the true eyes of a vampire. He was handsome as well, much like the rest of the males of this coven that I've met so far. He did indeed remind me of Felix, for he had bulging muscles on his arms, chest and legs that told me he did indeed have superior strength as his main feature and asset to the guard.

Once we were within his line of sight, a smile graced his face and pearly white teeth almost looked like shark fangs in a way - completely intimidating to any human being.

"My my, Heidi - you and the master seemed to have caught us something tonight?" the man's voice greeted us once all four of us were near him. It was low, smooth like honey but deep and manly.

Heidi chuckled, while Aro clucked his tongue. "Santiago." Heidi greeted him warmly, stepping up to him. The two of them did what to me was like a cliched greeting that movies always would do - the stereotypical hands on arms for a slight hug while the two exchanges air kisses to both cheeks.

"This is not a snack for us Santiago." Aro chided him while the two of them greeted each other. He glanced now at me, really appraising me. I blushed under his scrutiny while Aro clasped a hand on my shoulder, Renata glued to his back.

"Apologies, Master." Santiago answered finally, and bowed slightly to him. Aro smiled in response.

"This is Isabella Swan, she comes from Washington. We have a current situation on our hands where she is vital to it as well as another matter. Heidi and I can brief you on the details on our way back to the castle. I also would like for you to call up the members in our homebrew apothecary department to come up with something to counteract the sleeping pills that little Isabella had nearly overdosed herself on when we found her - of course, more details on that and such once we're on our way." Aro explained to him quietly, gently rubbing my shoulder before he nudged me to the limo before me.

Santiago nodded in response to Aro, whipping out a silver high end phone from his pockets and opening the car door for us with his free hand. Heidi filed in first, looking graceful and smooth as ever just simply sliding into the sleek limo. I climbed after her, my foot almost catching on the lip of the entry to the car. Damn clumsiness. I cursed internally, blushing minutely while I shuffled into the limo and found a seat for myself. Aro filed in after me, Renata breezing easily behind him with her hand glued to his back. Santiago came in last while he spoke in rushed tones on his phone, closing the door behind him. When the car door slammed shut, I felt the limo whir to life and it slowly pulled away from the airport.

I stared out the window for most of the car ride as we drifted away from the city the airport sat in, and we drove through the countryside of Italy. Santiago had since gotten off the phone, and was listening quietly while Heidi and Aro filled him in on what was going on regarding me and why I was there as a guest - not as a snack for them as Aro had put it. As much as I should've been mildly disturbed - worried even - at his choice of words, it didn't really affect me nearly as much as it should've to a normal average human. I don't know if that was the effects of the sleeping pills on me, making me just less aware of what was going on or the drowsiness of the pills having effected me enough to where nothing was clicking in my brain about what was going on. But I guess I should've been used to the vocabulary being used by these types of vampires. They of course, viewed humans as food, not as equals like they had. Or at least what they had tried to do for mortals. I sat there in the car ride, not really listening to their discussions and explanations since I had already heard all that I needed to be made aware of for the time being. I wanted to take in as much of the sights as I could while on this ride, even though that was hard to do at night. The countryside wasn't nearly as lit up as the city, so I was pretty much staring out into the darkness of the night while it blurred past us. I was merely trying to do all that I could to stay as awake as possible, fighting the drugs that wanted to overtake my senses.

Finally, what felt like years later but was probably an hour or two in a long car ride, Santiago had informed out-loud that we were approaching the city that was Volterra. I looked out the window into the night. We were passing through some high stone walls of a gate, into what looked like an elaborate small town - a village in some manner. Old buildings and houses made of cobblestone walls and terracotta roofs passed by while we drove on equally elaborate cobblestone roads through the town. The limo driver expertly and effortlessly weaved his way onward until, we stopped after passing under another gate. I didn't get a chance to see a glimpse fully of their abode, but once the limo had stopped Santiago stepped out first and helped each of us out of the car. It was only till then that I turned and could see just enough to tell me that Volterra was a fortress of sorts for these vampires. Before me stood a grand, towering tall old castle. High towers and verandas, aged stone walls, large windows sporadically placed here and there were the first things that caught my eyes. It looked to be so old and ancient, but so beautifully built. It was as if this castle had been here for decades, centuries even. Perhaps for a thousand years of more, it withstood the test of time transitioning from the old medieval times that it most likely was built in, to the modern era.

I could feel my mouth pop open to form an "o" of awe. The 3 vampires the would speak, all chuckled lightly at my reaction.

"Yes, it's quite the sight to behold. Humans love the look of our castle." Heidi mused, weaving an arm with mine. Santiago grabbed hold of all my bags, and followed behind in the rear of our group while Heidi led me in the front to the castle before us. She briefly had told us that this castle was indeed ancient yet they did what the could to maintain it and keep it in shape, not only to lure in humans as it was marketed to us mortals as a tourist attraction and historical monument, but also the mortals of Volterra that wordlessly devoted themselves to the Coven - namely because of one of the leaders of the coven, Marcus, was seen as a Saint to the humans - and would offer their human craftsmanship and offerings (money mainly) to keep the castle in perfect condition. Of course nothing like how it was originally built to be back in their old times, but enough so that inside was pristine and perfectly, structurally sound for humans to traverse through. When we entered the castle through large wooden doors, I was greeted by a large grand hall with a beautiful grand wood set of staircases that led up to another floor. I could see many more stairs leading up to the 3rd and 4th levels of the castle, at least barely from what my tired human eyes could see.

Heidi's heels echoed in that the floor beneath us was a clean, alabaster marble that ever so slightly reflected our images below us. Not a single spec of dust could be seen on the floor. The walls were a glorious white marble here and there from the pillars, to some portions of the walls behind exposed stone. Artwork of old Medieval times were sprinkled about, even some from Greco-Roman times were also intermixed. There were marble old statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddess, other famous pieces of art of known figures of the time on display. Beautiful old pieces of art hung on the walls, with small detailed plaques nearby to give history on their importance. I was star-struck by the history offered in the entrance alone.

"I'll have to take you on your very own personal tour around these halls Isabella. You seemed enamored with everything in your sights." Heidi cooed, smiling down at me. I could only nod, speechless. I received some chuckles as a reaction.

"Heidi, please guide Bella to her room; Santiago will be following close behind with her belongings. I will contact those in our Apothecary department about the medicine I had asked for, and they will be by with some food for her to eat and have while she takes said medicine before I think she should get some rest. It has indeed been a long day for her after all." Aro instructed to the two vampires. They both bowed slightly, obey their master's commands and there we separated from Aro. He went further into the castle past the set of staircases, while Heidi and Santiago guided me up the stairs. We went up to the third floor of the castle, where I was led down one hallway past more artwork on the walls. Heidi explained to me that to keep up the appearance of this being a tourist attraction - secretly an alluring trap to humans for when they wanted to feed - they would implement a ploy to have humans enter a sweepstakes for an all paid trip to this castle. That would include something akin to a hotel experience; rooms that had lavished beds and bathrooms, meals for the humans if they have an extended trip, and tours of the city and the castle itself. She explained to me that normally these human groups wouldn't last more than two to three days; they liked to play with their food she had joked, while also wanted to get as much money out of the humans as possible that they could use said funds to put back into their activities within the castle or into the town itself to further "beautify" it that would continue to repeat the cycle of luring in mortals.

Much of this explanation I had blanched at since she had described it so nonchalantly. Of course, this was their livelihood and it was just a normal day-to-day thing for them. Nothing was odd about it to them.

Finally, she stopped in front of a beautiful wooden door. "This will be your room." She had said, and then unhooking her arm from mind, she reached down to grab the doorknob. Then she pushed it open and stood off to the side, gesturing for me to walk in first. I obliged and couldn't help but let out a small gasp at the sight of the room.

It was indeed, a lavished bedroom with a bathroom nearby. The floors were a glossy cherry wood flooring, the walls stone with columns reaching up to the wooden beams that acted as support for the room above. It was such a large room as well; a deep red rug made of gorgeous silky threads done up in an intricate design was beneath my feet, while across from where I stood on one wall facing to the outside was a large bay window of clear glass. I could see out into the darkness of the night though I didn't know what lied below outside from my view point. To the left of me, at the end of the room sat the sleeping arrangement of the room. A large king sized bed sat there. It was a four-posted canopy bed with sheer white curtains done up and tied around the bed where I know if let loose it'd add a certain dramatic flare but also some privacy, to the bed. Silky red sheets were affixed to the mattress, with thick blankets that were a deep red as well sitting atop the light sheets; it felt heavy yet soft to the touch when I had stumbled over to the bed to feel it. A mountain of many pillows sat at the headboard. Next to the grand bed, was a bedside table that had a fancy lamp, an alarm clock and a vase filled with a done-up arrangement of various flowers. And on the other side of the bed, was a large yet beautiful dresser where one could put their clothes in. At the foot of the bed was a setup of a leather couch and an arm chair angled in a way to be able to have view of a flat screen that hung on the wall behind me. On the other side of the room, was an antique vanity with a large and opulent mirror that showcased a reflection of me wandering around the room. A delicate stool sat before it with a plump red cushion adorned on top of it. Some old perfume bottles, old and delicate looking brushes for the face and hair also sat on top of the vanity. Next to the vanity was a closed wooden door.

"That is the bathroom for you. We tried to dress up these rooms as best as possible to accommodate human needs whenever we reel them in for a visit to the castle. So we've designed them to have the best bedding, a TV that they can entertain themselves on, and of course toiletries. We also have a phone that they can use to "ring for hotel services" should they want any food." Heidi explained, and behind me when I turned around I spotted an extra end table beside the door that led to the bedroom in the first place; another fancy lamp sat on the corner and a landline fancy phone was hooked up to the wall. I could only nod minutely at this.

Santiago filed in and dropped my bags down carefully by the bay window, before he bowed to me and then quickly exited the room. "He will be taking care of getting your food and medicine that our Master has ordered for you. If you would like to use the bathroom - bathe too since we have such a beautiful, state of the art shower and jacuzzi tub in there that humans absolutely love - then by all means. Your food and medication will be up most likely within half an hour, where you can eat at the table near the couch set up there. And then you can turn in for the night afterwards where we'll clean up after you while you sleep. I'll be back within half an hour to deliver the food with Santiago, and then will be back here in the morning to help you get changed into some new clothing that are up to the Volturi standards." She breezed out, a wide-toothed smile on her face while her ruby red eyes seemed to have sparkled with excitement. She was acting like almost a housewife acting as a hostess, or a gameshow hostess even, playing it up to a guest or contestant - I couldn't exactly pinpoint which was more accurate or if they were so muddled they seemingly blended together. She was trying to withhold her excitement all the same as if it had been a long time since humans stayed within the castle.

I wordlessly nodded to her statement, and watched her glide out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her. I took another once over of the bedroom before me, but then my bladder suddenly woke up and kicked me in the rear to alert me that it was still there and in dire need of being released of what I have been holding for a few hours. I knew I should've at least tried to go before we left the airport. Shaking my head slightly, I carefully walked my way around the furniture in front of me and made it over to the door that was closed, and opened it before reaching on the wall next to the door and found the light switch.

The room was then bathed in dim lighting exposing the contents inside. It was indeed, a bathroom done up to look extremely luxurious. The countertops of the bathroom vanity were a clean white marble with fancy faucets of a couples sink set up, while on the wall behind it was a large wide mirror. Usual toiletries of soaps, lotions, hand towels and some perfumes sat on the countertops. On my left, was a large and clean white jacuzzi tub, affixed with modern and top of the line jets. Knobs and buttons were on the edge of the tub, all fixtures to adjust to the human needs should they want to use it. To my right, there was a large walk in marble shower that seemingly would let many people use it or fit in it at least. There were again, many knobs and handles in the shower for anyone to use and adjust to their desires for the perfect shower, with there being a waterfall showerhead to be the cherry on top for something that seemed like a dream in terms of top tier shower experiences. And then to right as well in the far corner, behind an extra door, was a toilet. Once again, a modern, high end toilet at that sat before me. She wasn't kidding when she said they went all out for these rooms...

I did my business, unable to hold it in any longer. Once finished with that, I decided perhaps a soak in the tub didn't sound like a bad idea. So I went over to the tub and started it up with running the water to just the right type of heated temperature. I looked over and saw in the corner beside the tub was a small shelving unit of wrought iron metal. On the shelves, bath bombs of various scents sat in one woven basket, then some bottles of various bubble baths sat on the shelf below it. And then at the bottom shelf were some body butters and lotions for humans to use to let moisture soak into their skin once they were done bathing. I slightly turned my head around some more, noting the right above the tub were some shelves on the walls; some shampoo and conditioner bottles both for women and men sat there. When looking around the bathroom some more, I found on another wall were some bars that held white fluffy towels.

I went over to the small shelving unit, looking through the assortment before me. I grabbed a bath bomb that its scent was labeled as a light sweet peony, while also grabbing a bottle of bubble bath stuff that read as light rose. I shrugged and decided I'd use this concoction for my first soak in the tub. I through both into the water while it continued to fill up, before I jogged out of the bathroom to dig through my belongings to find my pajamas that I could change into, along with my toiletry bag that had my face wash, shampoo and conditioner, loofa and razor in hand as well. Then I hurried back into the bathroom and closed the door behind me, locking it to try and ensure some privacy was in my hands.

Afterwards, I arranged my things on the edge of the tub, and stripped down to my bare self. Once the water was high enough to my liking, I turned off the water. By now the bubble bath and bomb mixture I had chosen had worked beautifully, encasing me while I lowered myself slowly into the water. High enough to where no one would be able to see anything revealing, I almost felt like a little kid again with how high and huge the bubbles around me felt. The bath bomb's purpose was working as well for I could hear the remaining bits of fizzling from it beneath me. The scents from both hit my human nose and I took a deep breath in of it, sighing in content. The bath was immediately doing wonders for my sore muscles, easing the tension that had long since been in me for so long.

I began to work on massaging the aches in my arms and legs first considering for most of the journey today it was nothing but shuffling between flights and walking around, sitting in chair for several hours at a time and being unable to walk freely for long periods of time. In part as well, it had been probably the first real long and comforting bath that I've had ever since I had been put through the torture that was Jacob Black. I shivered slightly at the mention of his name, but steeled myself. He's dead... I don't have to worry about him anymore. He's gone from my life. I'm safe now. I tried to reassure myself mentally. I held my arm up above the water, tracing the old bruises and cuts on my arms with my eyes. Brief flashes of horrible memories that seemed like nightmares, came to mind when I stared at them. Shaking my head, I grabbed my loofa and did some scrubbing at my body. A small part of me wished I could scrub away the bruises as if they were nothing more than dirt stains. But I knew they wouldn't go away that easily, but rather they'd take awhile to heal fully. When one bruise would be close to disappearing, he'd be there to gift me three more. It was never-ending.

But no more... I don't have to suffer anymore because of him. I told myself again; the tight clenching feeling of fear.

I spent some more time soaking in the tub, watching my hair and face, shaving as well and overall trying to do everything in my power to scrub away the past month of pain that I had endured. It would still take time to try and remotely even feel normal again, but this bath was a start. It did its job in causing me to feel like melting into that huge bed in the other room. Finally I could actually get a peaceful sleep.

Or as peaceful as you can manage. Don't forget too the other bits of pain you're still going through.

That small part nagged at me throughout the bath, and after I had gotten out to change into a set of pajamas I had brought from home. I tried my best to once again, shake it away while brushing my hair out to put into a simple braid. No, I knew that while one issue of mine was taken care of so to speak - the issue being my abuser -, I still had that other issue. Nothing about that would really go away. Unless it's to be resolved like how... well how Aro and his guard members have described it. A death sentence, both permanent and final, it seems that's how they've been handling mishaps like this in the vampire world for centuries. I still don't know exactly what my fate is to be in the whole scheme of things. Aro still made it sound like my part was vital and that I wasn't going to die - obviously new guard members when introduced to me think I'm merely some food but Aro has to correct them every time that contrary to what they may believe, I'm not to be touched. However, I don't know how well they will be spared from this situation. It sounded like the 4 guard members who separated from us when I met them in the meadow, was sent out to go find them and most likely bring them here to face judgement. My heart dropped to my stomach when I realized that I would be facing them again after a month - specifically him. I don't know if I was even prepared for that. I had my heart, my soul, everything crushed by him in the forest that day. I didn't have time to grieve my loss from him considering its no small and bitingly sarcastic "thanks" to Jacob. But he always was there in my mind, in my thoughts, just in the background. Whether I was damning him for not being there when I needed him the most, or yearning for his love once again, he never really left my thoughts.

But now, I'd be finally facing him physically again. I don't know how soon that'd be because I don't know how long it'd really be for the four frightening - and most likely, strongest -, members of the guard to find them and bring them here. Could take only a few days, or weeks or even months. I would inevitably have to face them again though.

Suddenly, I heard the bedroom door open and then Heidi and Santiago made their presence known to me. I was still finishing up in the bathroom when they made their reappearance right on time like she had said they would. So I hastily finished up, shut the light off and exited the bathroom with a robe tied over my pjs. When reentering the bedroom, Heidi had set my food down at a small end table by the bay window. Santiago was next to her, setting down a small glass cup that had a deep red liquid in it. Minutely I had balked thinking it was blood just because the colors were so different, but I stopped my self from the sheer stupidity of thinking it could be that. If it was blood, do you really think two human blood drinking vampires would leave it untouched, much less give it to you to drink? I asked myself mentally. Wine would've been my next assumption, but that didn't make much sense either. So I'm going to assume it was this medicine Aro had requested to be made for me.

I shuffled over to the table where they moved aside for me to sit down. For food it was an assortment of things; a hot bowl of some kind of soup, with various crackers for me to crush into or just nibble on. There was also some cuts of deli meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits diced and chopped into a bowl, and finally, a glass of ice cold water.

"We prepared and brought you just an assortment of foods, not really knowing exactly just how filling this will all be for you; the kitchen we have is at your disposal for meals throughout the day, as well as any snacks." Santiago explained while placing some cutlery next to my bowl of soup. The smells from the food were appetizing my stomach growled angrily at me. It's honestly felt like years since I really had eaten anything - not only just from the long run around that I had to do today in terms of traveling, but just the fact that in Jacob's line of abuse I hadn't gotten much food to eat to begin with. He didn't want me getting too fat so I had mostly been left to honestly starve half the time - and if not that, I had to purge my meals per his "orders' just because he refused to really let me live normally, much less let me keep food in my stomach.

I nodded to them and said my thanks, hoping my gratefulness to their hospitality was apparent. They soon left the room, where I sat and ate my food, taking the medicine as well. I don't know exactly what this medicine was still but I was going to take it in hopes it'd still counteract the fact I took probably way too many sleeping pills from earlier in the day. While eating, I turned on the TV and just surfed through the many channels, kind of curious as to what could be on. A lot of it was just shows or news events, sporting events too, none of it in English. I finally just settled on some movie, something that looked to be like Titanic only of course, in Italian. I knew the plot for the movie so that helped even if I couldn't understand the lines the actor and actress were saying - when you've seen the movie probably a couple times though, it's not hard to remember what's been said. I mentally scoffed since I came into the movie at the time that Jack was wooing Rose while they were down in the lower part of the ship, and looked away from it when it was becoming too cheesy and romantic. I had no desires to look at anything like that, or be reminded that my heart was ripped out of my chest and torn to smithereens. You're single and alone now, no one can love a broken mess of a human like you anymore... I rubbed at my eyes when that thought came up, feeling the familiar stinging in the back of my eyes telling me that I was going to start crying if I didn't pull myself together.

I continued working on eating my food, half paying attention to the movie, half just staring out into the darkness beyond the bay window. When I was finished, I tried putting everything together as neatly as I could so they didn't have to completely pick up after me, and then I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth getting ready for bed. I stared back at my reflection, see the cuts and bruising still on my face and exposed parts of my skin. I gingerly traced the dark circles under my eyes, indicating just how long it has been since I still gotten decent sleep. Sighing, I finished going through my night routine, and was soon turning down the quilts and sheets of the massive king bed, sliding in. The silkiness of the sheets under my skin was immediately comforting, and I could instantly feel everything within me just melt and relax. I took just a quick second to myself, sinking into the bed letting it overtake my senses and fully relax, heaving a deep breath. I hadn't felt this at-ease in for so long... probably the last time I had felt like this was - I shoved the palms of my hands immediately into my eyes again, this time in frustration. Ugh, before they left, I was calm and relaxed. Felt like nothing could touch me back then... I growled internally, now scowling up at the ceiling

No, I can't let this line of thinking get to me. Not now at least, when I'm trying to get some sleep. Some well deserved sleep, more importantly; I had more time to think about it tomorrow. It had been a long day as is, and frankly I was going to see them again in who knows how long. They'll be arriving here where all of us would be facing judgement for the fact their secret was exposed to me due to the nature of mine and his relationship that once was a thing. Mentally I needed time to prepare myself for that anyways. Would I be ready? Would I be angry? Immediately welcome him back into open arms and forgive him? Act like nothing happened? Do I still even remotely love and care for them, for him? Somewhere deep down in your heart as much as you're hurt by them, by him specifically - you still retain some feelings for them. You still love him. A small voice spoke up in my head, and I shook my head then at that.

Enough already, I need to get sleep...

The lights were out in the room, the TV was off. I had finished eating, and only some pale moonlight was coming through the bay window. It was time for me to just shut down for the night and get a grasp on what all has happened. So I did. I shut my eyes and did what I could let go, to sleep.

A/N: I know it's been quite some time again since I've last updated any of my stories. I tend to go through on and off writer's blocks.

Hopefully this chapter alright and long enough to satisfy any annoyances due to my absence. It might seem mostly like filler since nothing truly exciting happened; and I figured, I should tie back in the fact that in the first chapter, Bella did in indeed take some of those sleeping pills that she was trying to off herself with. Speaking however from zero experience and zero medical knowledge, I don't know exactly how realistic or believable her eventual reaction is from taking them, or if she should've passed out waaay sooner or be on near brink of death. But a little... fantasy and magic I guess is my lame excuse, for it.

Shall see how soon I can continue updating this story as I still would like to get to the bigger conflicts and situations I have mentally planned for this story. Feedback is definitely appreciated!

~Lady Eleanora