A/N: Sorry it has been so long since I've updated. I've been going through a lot personally, including needing a hysterectomy because my uterus lining was turning into cancer, gallbladder problems, my mom having a heart attack, my dad being in on and off critical condition, having severe COVID, and now the post-effects of COVID that are less than fun. Thank you so much for the 400,000 views! I hope you enjoy this chapter and I promise I will never abandon this story!

*Bella*Bella*Bella*

I clung tightly to Salome, not wanting to fall, while we flew quickly from Shreveport to New Orleans. I knew she said she would not drop me but I figured with my luck that I would probably be accidentally slipping out of her grasp. Pam fell a little behind us since Salome was so much older than her, but she always stayed within my field of vision. I had definitely noticed Salome scanning her surroundings on the ground and in the air. After we had been flying for a while, Salome almost had me jumping when she spoke as I had been so used to the silence.

"There are some things you need to know before we arrive at the Authority." She looked me directly in the eyes. "Do you know what we do at the Authority, Bella?"

I thought for a moment, trying to piece together things from what I had heard. "You keep the vampires under control all over the place and if they go too far then you either arrest them or kill them. You help make the vampires' laws as well. Godric said you guys did a lot more than that too."

Salome chuckled at that. "Yes; we do much more than that. What you need to know now is that we have prisoners in the Authority held in what equates to a prison of sorts. Depending on where you are, you may hear screaming and various other sounds. While you are there, you may only go into certain designated areas because of safety reasons and you will need to have supervision constantly because you are only a couple of days old. It isn't safe to have a newborn wondering around where there are vampires who have no tolerance for them; not to mention there are humans wondering around and to feed from and kill them in the middle of the Authority would result in your death."

I barely suppressed a shudder at that. "I understand."

She nodded, pleased. "Also, we will need to teach you to feed from the vein of a human. We have willing donors that will have no problem with it."

I got worried. "What if I accidentally kill someone?"

She smiled lightly. "Don't worry, Bella. We will stop you from killing them before you could drain them… or blink."

I was kind of worried about that but also scared. I was wondering how they would do that. I'm not sure I wanted to know honestly.

"Don't be scared, Bella. We will just pull you off of them. We are much stronger than you. I myself am about 2,000 years old. You on the other hand are only a few days old. You are no match for our strength."

I nodded, slightly relieved. "How old are the others?"

"All ages are approximate but Roman is 3000, Dieter is 2800, Kibwe is 2400, Rosalyn is 800, and Alex is 650. We don't much keep track of exact ages, but I'm also not being more specific with you as you don't need to know quite yet. It's a lot more complicated."

I nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

She just smiled and kept flying.

*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*

The group around the room consisted of Eric, Roman, Kibwe, Alex, Ben, and me. The Authority had fifteen platoons of twenty guards available to be split between the trip to Volterra and for guarding the Authority as extra protection. We decided ten platoons would be sent to help in Volterra and would encircle the city in three circles since there were enough of them. The five of us going would go through the gates to try to appear as though we are negotiating. Once inside, all the vampires will be massacred. The ones staying at the Authority will be stationed inside and out to help with keeping Cold Ones from entering.

Once this was figured out, we made our way to our rooms to rest for the day and also prepare our bags for the coming fight. I made sure to pack multiple lighters in case. As we were going to fly through the special vampire planes with light tight coffins named Air Anubis, we were leaving that night on our own private plane. It would take almost a whole day to get there but we could attack the next night, about 36 hours, once we landed, arrived outside Volterra, and organized officially. I could only hope that nothing would happen to our Bella.

As we were getting ready, Eric and I stayed in the same room because we had gotten so used to it with Bella in between us and it was comforting to have each other nearby with our mate miles away. My dreams swiftly came and all I could dream of was Bella.

*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*

The closer we got to New Orleans, the sleepier I got. It was as though I could feel it was going to be dawn soon. When my eyes started drifting asleep, I could see Salome start smiling down softly. We landed at the Authority's building about 30 minutes before dawn, Pam landing about 3 minutes later. Salome led us through the doors of the abandoned power plant and moved to the back of a side room where she put me on my feet precariously, Pam holding me up for a minute while I gained my balance after so long. After opening a panel and pushing a button, she put her finger against a metal stick that drew blood before placing her finger on a finger print reader. The door to an elevator opened and we climbed in. She told the guard which floor to go to and we went beneath the ground. It was rather strange that I could feel myself getting deeper underground the further we went down.

The doors opened to reveal a large and elegant reception area with lots of white and gold. There was a rock wall that was inscribed in what appeared to be Arabic but I couldn't be sure. There was also a large painting of what looked to be Roman in an outfit from hundreds of years before.

"Salome?" She turned to look at me. "Is that a painting of Roman?"

She smiled. "Yes; it is from the Renaissance."

My eyes grew a little more tired before I could respond and she chuckled. "That's awesome," I responded. I heard more than a few laughs at that. I knew they were about me because they were laughing about the word awesome.

Salome led us through a series of corridors and rooms that eventually led to a bedroom. She put my bag to the side, pointed out the bathroom that had a shower, sink, and mirror, and said good night. I turned and asked if Pam and I were staying in the same room. She left it up to Pam.

She looked at me inquisitively. I know I looked a little hopeful. "Honestly, Godric and Eric would probably have my head, literally, if I left her alone when unnecessary."

Salome chuckled, agreed, and departed. Pam put her bag down beside mine before finding me a pair of pajamas. "Here; put these on. You'll be falling asleep shortly since you are still so young."

I nodded. "I can't fight the sleep though?"

She laughed. "Good luck getting Godric and Eric convinced of that!"

I looked at her strange; she winked at me. I changed clothes, rinsed my face of the dust and debris that landed on me while flying, then climbed in the blankets. I was almost asleep before I hit the pillow.

*Salome*Salome*Salome*Salome*Salome*Salome*

After I left Bella and Pam, I went to the room I shared with Roman to change into something more appropriate after flying; my clothes had become dusty and uncomfortable. I walked towards the central area that we meet in to find Dieter and Rosalyn as well.

"Did everything go okay after I left?"

Rosalyn and Dieter chuckled. "I followed you by two minutes, Dieter by five. Your guess is as good as mine."

I smiled and chuckled with them. "I assume they'll take a majority of the guard with them and keep a small portion here. That way they would have the numbers, but I highly doubt Godric, Eric, and Ben need much help destroying them; Godric has the capability of destroying whole cities when he releases that part of him that has been pent up for centuries. It will be a bloodbath."

They agreed, slightly wanting to see that first hand. I did as well but I wouldn't want to be near Godric during that mindset as he could become very animalistic and primal; it will be risky enough for the Authority guards. He wouldn't hurt Eric or Ben, but if the guards did something stupid, we'll have to put out a new inquiry to hire more. We talked a few more minutes about things otherwise needing attended before we went to sleep for the day in our rooms.

I woke up the next evening and checked my phone to see a message from Roman saying they were splitting the guards in half and he would arrive as soon as possible after the sun set. I smiled, happy to be back near him shortly. I lied there for a minute, relaxing, before I got up and went to monitor our newborn guest. Eventually, I rolled out of bed, showered, and got dressed in a blue blouse and black pencil skirt. I slipped on my black high heels, applied make-up, and started walking towards Bella's room. I could hear movement and knocked on the door before opening it. Pam was up and dressed, clicking on her computer. She looked up and smiled, which I returned.

"Any sign of her waking yet?" I asked.

She laughed and responded, "Not hardly; I think she's exhausted from yesterday."

I joined her laughter. "Most likely; when she awakes, please have her dress and then tell a guard to find me."

She nodded and I left the room, closing the door behind me. I walked out to the common area and sat by Rosalyn. I told her of Roman's message, and the fact our newborn was still passed out. She thought it was funny too, as Bella would usually be awake by now. I suggested maybe since she went to sleep so close to sunrise. We handled our paperwork until Roman walked in behind me, surprising me by leaning around and kissing me.

I jumped. "You startled me." I smiled and kissed him back eagerly.

He smiled. "That's exactly what I was intending." He walked around and sat in an arm chair. "Where's Bella?"

I looked at the time and became concerned. "The guards should have fetched me by now; she should be awake. I hadn't realized I'd been out here for an hour since checking on them."

He grew concerned too and we both went to the door and knocked before opening it. Pam was sitting there on her computer still and Bella was still asleep.

"Don't you think you should try and wake her up at this point?" Roman asked.

She looked startled. "I just figured she's exhausted from the excitement of yesterday and was letting her sleep."

Roman raised his eyebrow. "Even with the extra excitement, she would have been awake by over an hour after sundown. But she also has a different look on her than yesterday. Her color is paler and her eyes have dark circles around them."

Pam looked at her more carefully. "I didn't notice." She put her laptop down and picked up her phone, already sorting through contacts.

Roman shook Bella but nothing happened. He yelled her name, tried everything to get her to wake up, but none of it worked. He told the guards passing by the door to go get our resident witch immediately and they sped off to do as ordered.

I heard a bunch of tapping on her phone but quickly a call came through.

"What's wrong with our Bella, Pamela?" Godric's rushed voice came through. I could hear the urgency and worry clearly.

"I don't know. I just thought she was sleeping longer because of the excitement from yesterday made her exhausted. Roman can't wake her up now." I could hear the concern in her voice but she was also sounding very bored, or annoyed.

Panic was the only thing going through the voice on the phone. "What do you mean Roman can't wake her up? She should have been awake over an hour ago, even with the extra stress from yesterday."

"That's all I know, okay? Now can I get back to my conversation with Colin?"

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. The incredulous voice on the phone agreed. "What did you say to me?" I heard the threatening tone and it sent chills down my spine. "Have you even been watching her or just talking to your progeny?" Godric was not happy and I'm glad I was not the subject of that wrath.

"I've been in the same room with her because I knew you would probably kill me if I left her alone here but I've been on my computer talking to Colin, not watching every breath of your sleeping baby."

Roman grabbed the phone from her before it went further. "I called the witch we have here to come and see if there's something wrong. We'll figure it out Godric."

The tense voice replied, "Thank you, Roman. Please let me know what you find out. Please separate the two of them and have them check Pamela as well for any signs of witchy interference."

He nodded, even though only we could see. "I will. She'll stay guarded."

"Thank you. I have to go now; we are taking off."

They said their farewells and he tossed the phone back to Pam. We gathered her stuff and brought her to the room a couple of doors down. The witch arrived then and Roman had her check Bella first, as she was unconscious. Raven spoke a few Latin words, her eyes glazed over for a moment, and then she gasped as she came out of the trance. She looked at us terrified.

"I'm scared to even speak this, but there's a dark curse put on her. The source of the magick is coming from Italy, specifically a castle with tall walls and red eyes. That's all I could see as someone is cloaking the spell."

Roman growled lowly. "They couldn't get her physically so they do so magickally? Are they really so stupid?"

I couldn't disagree. "Apparently; it's their death sentence. Though I am glad I'm not the one that has to tell her maker and mate."

He closed his eyes, sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm tempted to let you actually."

My eyes widened. "Why?"

He looked at me like I already knew. "Because I'm going to be handling this and keeping her safe myself since it's them coming after her again."

"I can keep her safe just fine, Roman."

He chuckled. "I know, Salome. But I was the one that made the promise to keep her safe, swearing to do so. It's my responsibility."

I sighed. "Alright, I'll tell Godric. But you owe me for this!"

He laughed before kissing me deeply before answering, "As soon as this is over." Our foreheads rested on each other, taking in each other's scent for a moment. With a quick kiss, we separated and I dialed the number.

It rang a few times before an answer came. "Hello. Any answers?"

I took a deep breath. "The Volturi have put a spell on her; we only know minimal details about it but our witch said it was a dark curse."

I heard a stream of Ancient words that only a few of us could translate, and likely never used anymore anyways as it was a long stream of profanity that I would never expect from Godric. I heard Eric repeating much the same thing but in his native tongue. The reverberating growl echoing across the line made me shudder, shivers running down my spine and my hair standing on end all over my body at the animalistic and unequivocal rage of the beast of Death.

I overheard the witch saying she could undo the spell, but only once they were back here. She had ventured into the trance again and found the solution. The curse would not hurt Bella, but would remain until they returned to her side. This only made the two vampires even more determined.

I walked with Raven to the other room where Pam now resided temporarily. We had to remove the laptop and phone from her before she could do the spell to see if they were affecting her too. A short Latin phrase and one trance later, she gasped as she came back. She caught her breath before answering.

"The red eyes do not have their hold on this one."

Pam rolled her eyes before continuing on her computer. We walked over to the door to where Bella and Roman were.

"A light man with blue and green eyes and blond like hair does have a controlling bond on her. They have a blood connection."

I nodded before I walked her down the hall to the common area. "Thank you very much, Raven. That is all for now." She nodded before walking away.

I walked back into the room and sat near Roman. "I suspect the man is Colin," he suggested. "Colin is her progeny and I believe they were claiming to be mates as well recently."

I sighed. "Does this mean we already have to find a new monarch?"

"I don't know. I'm not worrying about it right now. We'll find out more information first. Have someone else handle it; we'll take care of her." Roman didn't sound like he was at all concerned with the other situation.

"I still would like to handle the other problem as well." He looked at me, his eyes penetrating into my soul, searching for what I didn't know.

"We will; just not now." He stared intensely. "That matter is not urgent and is not life threatening. If Bella gets hurt while she's under the spell then we'll have a massacre of epic proportions on our hands."

I sighed in defeat, realizing he was right. If something happened to Bella while Godric and Eric were taking care of the Volturi, then the entire Authority could be massacred by Death.

*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*

I was vibrating with the stress of having to leave her on another continent as it was; now this is happening. Our little Bella couldn't catch a break and just enjoy anything. Some of her first days as a vampire are now going to be spent in a magickal coma of sorts until we return. This was just making tearing them to shreds even more enjoyable. There would be no time wasted and I would be back on the flight the same night to be back in Louisiana. Eric and Ben agreed to my plan, as did the Authority guards. We altered it slightly, expediting the death of all involved. There would be no civility going in – just death and destruction.

I felt the bond between myself and Bella, and it was muted like she was asleep. This ignited the rage all the more. I would be unable to feel her well enough to calm me until I returned.

The message alert on Eric's phone distracted me. It was a text from Roman saying that they suspected Colin was controlling her somehow but weren't sure of exact details. They were understandably concentrating on Bella, which I preferred. I would let Eric figure it out when we got back. I was furious with his progeny and he felt the same. We couldn't believe she would speak to us that way, much less become so uncaring about Bella's condition. They had been so close before Colin came into the picture. Maybe that was an act; I didn't know. I would not concern myself with the matter presently.

I tried to distract myself until we arrived, including resting the last few hours as it became daylight. We were all in our coffins, waiting for the time we could climb out. We cleared customs and were transported to the vampire hotel nearby. Once inside, we could climb out of the coffins and checked in for the day. We already had informed the airline of our intent to leave shortly after finishing in Volterra. We bided our time in our rooms, one for Eric, Ben, and I and a few for the guards.

Once sunset finally fell across the beautiful landscape of Tuscany and Florence. I admired the beauty and memories filled me of my youth and the decades I spent in this country. Quite a few were horrible, like when I was kidnapped from my home in Gaul and brought to Rome to be sold as a slave. I kicked those memories out of my thoughts and concentrated now. I let the darkness inside me start to leak out, the air shifting around me in response. I was Death again and there was nothing that could stop me from what I came to do.