AN: Ah... do you see what I see? An update! An update! 'Tis but an update! Haha, figured since I was on a roll, I'd update you guys a bit sooner with a new chapter. So far, we find both of our lovely heroes in a different country, but I'm sure you all knew that ;) for those of you just joining us, for which ever reason, this chapter is about to be a bumpy ride. *Just to add in the small disclaimer, I do not own the original twilight characters as mentioned. They belong to the author Stephanie Meyers, and any places mentioned are for purely fictitious purposes.* As always, thanks guys, and I hope you enjoy!


Seren's POV:

It wasn't long before Demetri had found a small ally to park his car in, the narrow corridor leading to a bigger opening with a courtyard surrounded by plants, a small orchard and a cobbled street that led to another structure. It was beautiful to see as the sun glimmered softly on all the petals, the scents blending together in a lovely perfume that matched its surroundings. A gentle wind seemed to make its way through the trees as I stumbled behind him, my senses so far dazzled by the courtyard garden alone. "not too much further now Serenity. I just need to check in really quick, I hope you don't mind?" he murmured as he brought us to the entrance of an old building. I nodded as he turned back to my answer, my eyes drifting to the architecture and the ornate designs that covered the walls, a sigh escaping softly from my lips as I pictured the artists that had taken the time to make it. Small cherubs seemed to fly above the entrance and in the center of the orchard seemed to stand a great fountain, a young girl taking place in the center of it as water flowed freely from her hands onto her dress and into the icy pool below her. Her dress almost billowed as if it were forever caught in a twirl of a ghostly breeze, and a smile graced her lips as if she were to come alive and dance with someone unseen.

In what seemed like no time at all, Demetri was back at my side as he led me through the opening that he'd walked through earlier. In the back of my mind, I knew that if my family had any idea of where I was, they would be frantic as they'd search for a way to bring me back. But for some reason, I didn't care. I felt safe and almost at peace as Demetri and I walked through the old halls. At first, it was a bit daunting knowing that we had entered some kind of labyrinth, but as I felt the slight shift in elevation from the floor, I soon understood that all those turns had been necessary. As we descended further down, I could feel my heart begin to race, my hand reaching out for the comfort of Demetri's robe or hand. He turned back and gave me a reassuring smile as we passed by a quaint reception area. A young woman with honey blond hair sat behind a medium mahogany desk, her blouse pressed and tucked into a cute blazer that she wore, her locks seemed to frame her face as she had it loosely fashioned in a half-bun. She smiled as her eyes greeted me, and introduced herself as Marri. "it's a pleasure to meet you. If there is anything that I could do for you, please don't hesitate to ask." She then gave a small bow as we passed her.

"Thank you, Marri. By chance, do you know if one of the rooms are available? I was hoping that Serenity and I would be able to unwind a bit before dinner." Demetri requested before he could lead me any further as he waited on her reply. She shook her head apologetically, "I'm sorry to say, but Lady Jane had already picked the last room that was readied for your arrival. I do apologize." Demetri sighed, almost exasperated by it, but quickly brushed it off as he looked away in thought. "no worries, then. I guess we could spare a few moments for the next one to be prepared." Marri nodded as she wrote down a quick note before scurrying off to another corridor. Again, Demetri sighed as I tugged at his shoulder. "I'm sure we could wait, can't we?" I replied softly as I moved closer to him. He nodded as he then wrapped an arm around my waist, his lips meeting the crown of my hair as he quipped, "we could. But I guess that means that we'd have to head to my old room for a bit. Or if you'd like, I could give you a bit of a tour." The thought of more walking, had me shaking my head at the second option.

"I hope you don't mind, but I think I'd feel a bit better after resting my feet for a bit, if it's okay with you. Besides, if your room here is anything like the one back in the states, I don't think you should have anything to worry about." I answered softly, a bit curious now. "normally I really wouldn't be worried, but last time I was in a bit of a hurry, that it may still be in the same state to tell you the truth." His eyes appeared to sparkle a bit as he debated what to do, and it worried me that he would probably say no to my request. Within a few minutes, mischief danced softly in his eyes he scooped me up into his arms, a surprised giggle escaping my lips as I protested for him to let me down. "what if someone sees us? Demetri!" I groaned as I tried to get him to put me down. "let them. Besides, it's not like you're embarrassed to be with me, are you?" he asked, pausing as he was about to turn down another hall. I shook my head, not the least bit worried about being with him, it was just that… I didn't want to meet anyone for the first time being carried bridal-style, down such a narrow passage way. "no, I just…" I grumbled, hating how it would sound if I'd voiced my opinion, knowing that it'd amuse him to see me struggle for words. "am I really that repulsive Serenity?" he prodded gently. Inwardly I kicked myself for the mess that I'd gotten into. "forget it. It doesn't matter," I said at last as I blew air from under my breath.

He chuckled anyway, content as he turned left down a larger corridor. The passageway brightened as we continued walking, natural light filtering down from somewhere above, a few stray beams catching off of his skin as we went through. My thoughts began to wander, and I wondered where everyone was at, it had been so quiet, I couldn't even picture there being anyone else here except for Marri, and even then, I would have questioned it. I wasn't used to this sort of quiet, and it was different from the one back home. It was much colder, void of any life or warmth even though many areas were well lit, and it felt like anything could happen at any given moment. I shivered briefly as Demetri pulled me closer, his arms shifting slightly as he reached for the handle of a lavishly carved door. And the longer that I was here, the more I began to realize that there seemed to be nothing here that was 'simply' done, the style of it all seemed grand as if it were made for royalty themselves. In fact, entering Demetri's room was a testament to the baroque style of a renascence Europe, with a few lavish tapestries dotted along the walls, a well-lit fireplace resting off to the side with a small table and chairs. In a corner opposite of the night stand, stood proudly a few small guitars that waited to be played as their owner seemed to grace their presence once more.

As Demetri placed me down on the soft king-sized bed, I could see my surprise reflected in his eyes as he flashed me a sheepishly embarrassed look. I cleared my throat and tried schooling my emotions back in place, but try as I might, it seemed impossible without any help from uncle Jasper. "it's okay, I'm sure this isn't what you were expecting." He added gently. I nodded and was about to answer when I heard a faint knocking at the door. "thought I'd drop by to let you know that dinner is ready. Well, more like after-dinner," Jane announced letting herself in as she then corrected herself. Demetri nodded before replying, "we'll be there in a minute. Would have been there much sooner if someone didn't take our room that was prepared." He added as an afterthought. Jane smirked briefly, shooting back with an easy smile, "should have thought of that when you were sight-seeing." And left before Demetri or I could reply. Shrugging his shoulders Demetri then proceeded to lift me off the bed again, until I placed my hand on his arm, pausing him. "I think I could walk just a bit further. Thanks though," I added as he nodded at me.

He seemed lost in thought as he led me to the door, and within a few short turns, we were there. "really? You're only that far from the dining hall?" I asked, a bit speechless. "not exactly, this one is the more formal dining area. We usually convene here for late dinners or morning brunches at special occasions. Though, I think you'd be coming to this one more out of convenience than the other one." He replied as he stood at the entrance, his arm going to his side almost waiting for me to loop my own through his. Had I not known any better, I would have thought he was going to escort me to a ball. It was way too formal and given any other person, I would have felt completely out of place, but since it was him, it was fine. As we entered, I was greeted with the sight of three other figures that sat on a platform above the formal dining table in what I had assumed to be throne chairs. In two of the chairs, I noticed that they held a what I hoped was a goblet of wine. In the center of the three, a man with jet-black hair rose from his seat, his drink almost but forgotten as he moved to greet us. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Demetri slip his arm away from mine as he began to bow, his demeanor changing almost instantly to one of utmost respect.

For a moment, I was caught off guard until I realized that the being before us, with chalky translucently thin pale skin, had to have been much older than what he had appeared for him to command that kind of attention. "Welcome! Welcome!" he crooned as he lifted his arms. "it is a great pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my dear," he said as he walked to us. I nodded, having no clue as to who he was, yet I knew he must be the one in charge here. Looking back at the other two figures where they still sat, one of them with dark brown hair had an expression that was almost devoid of all emotion as the other fellow with hair as almost bright as pale gold, looked on at us with contempt. For some reason, he reminded me of Jane as she had left our room earlier, I thought quietly as I focused my attention back to the man before us. I nodded before throwing in a small curtsied, not really knowing what to do other than trying to copy Demetri. "thank you…" I trailed off awkwardly, not knowing how I should address him. "my dear, need not to be shy, you are but among friends. As you may know, my name is Aro. My colleagues and dear friends you see before you are Marcus and Caius," he introduced as he motioned to the two. Inwardly I gulped, knowing for sure that I was stepping on very thin ice, hoping that Aro couldn't hear my thoughts, especially the ones I had of the blonde's perpetually constipated expression.

He then extended his hand towards Demetri, as if they were friends for a long time as Demetri bowed his head in respect, giving off an impression from a scene of "the Godfather". Within a few short seconds, they were done as Aro replied with a smile, "I am glad that you were able to make it home safe. We were somewhat expecting you to be here bit sooner though. Were there any troubles?" for a moment I thought Demetri would have said yes, instead he answered directly, "very minor. I do apologize my lord." With the same token, Aro nodded in understanding as he then extended his hand to me. "it is a rather shame that you were to miss it, but all the same for you my dear, I do hope that you take great pleasure of the feast that we have prepared." I nodded, hesitantly taking his hand in mine, my eyes straying to his milky red eyes hoping that I hadn't offended him. He seemed to chuckle as he let go of my fingers, a defined smile forming on his lip as he motioned to the table for us to sit. "I hope that you do not mind, but we are still expecting more company. They should be here quite shortly," he then added as he retreated back to his seat.

Hardly uttering a word between us this whole time, Demetri had walked over to the table and pulled out a chair, motioning for me to sit. Looking about as I waited in my seat, I noticed something had moved in the shadows. The more that I paid attention to it, I realized that there were quite a few others in the room with us aside from the Volturi rulers. I didn't notice them when we first came in, but I guess they had been there that whole time. My eyes had finally settled on one of the burlier vampires, my mind comparing him to uncle Emmett as I wondered who was stronger. Just as I was about to decide, I heard the doors creek open, a familiar pair of faces walking through to greet us. My mind reeling at the unexpected arrival of my sister and Alec, both of them holding on to each other's hand. This could not be happening, it had to have been a dream, and just as I was wishing to wake up from this nightmare, I knew that coming here was a huge mistake.


AN: *cue in dramatic drum roll please*

Thank you again for reading guys, this was obviously a fun chapter for me and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. I bet all of you are pretty stoked though given recent events, I know I am. Not sure when the next update will be. But I'll See ya then!