Demetri

Felix and I rush through the alleys of Volterra, trying to stay in the shadows. The morning clouds protecting us from near certain exposure. We were supposed to be back hours ago, before sunrise, but we just couldn't help ourselves and had to stop for a snack on the way. Luckily we manage to keep out of the sunlight and away from the prying eyes of humans as we make our way home. But of course, as soon as we enter the safety of our own dwelling, we have the misfortune of being greeted by Caius.

"Idiots." He mutters under his breath. "Aro is waiting for you."

Felix and I exchange a look of mixed relief and trepidation before making our way to Aro's quarters.

"How nice of you to join me." Aro says, sarcasm lacing his voice. "Felix."

It's the only instruction Felix needs, he immediately approaches our coven leader, extending his hand for Aro to take. I watch Aro's eyes glaze over as he reads Felix's mind, reliving the entirety of our latest mission. I silently thank whatever deity might exist that it's not me in Felix's position. But I knew it wouldn't be. Aro avoids reading my thoughts whenever possible. Even when he does he tries to just scrape the surface. He knows it's dangerous to go any deeper.

"Was your detour worth almost exposing us?" Aro asks flatly, letting go of Felix's hand.

"She was delicious." Felix grins with no inclination towards self-preservation whatsoever.

"You were lucky this time. But luck runs out. See that it doesn't happen again."

"Sure thing boss." Felix replies, his grin growing three sizes.

"Felix, you're dismissed. Demetri, stay. We have much to discuss." Aro says, giving me a look as if he is staring straight into my soul. Felix turns on his heel, making sure to flash me a smirk on his way out the door.

"What is it?" I ask as soon as the door closes. "Another mission already?"

"Yes. But it will be short and simple. Just one human. I'd say it could wait, but one human today becomes a hundred by tomorrow." Aro replies.

"When do I leave?"

"Tonight, as soon as the sun goes down. I want you back here as soon as possible."

"Why? What's back here?" I ask.

"Our dear Alexa." He answers, doing nothing to mask his sneer. His tone hurts, but I do my best to shield any emotions. I always do when it comes to her. "The humans tell me she's started bleeding."

I can feel my head begin to spin. I need to get out of this room. How one man can say so many horrifying things in just a few words is nothing short of astounding.

"I'll leave at sundown." I say, hoping my abruptness comes across as eagerness to do his bidding rather than a strong desire to escape his presence. "Is there anything else?"

"One more thing. It seems our girl has left you this." He replies, holding me a folded piece of parchment. My stomach flips in anger when he calls her our girl.

"You've read it already." I state. It's not a question.

"Of course, what kind of father would I be if I hadn't?" Aro laughs. "Hurry back. She's waiting."

I turn and leave the room as fast as my feet will take me, speeding back towards my own quarters. As soon as I get there I throw myself into my favourite chair. If vampires could retch, I'm sure my insides would be out by now. The world was spinning. I had to calm down. I took a deep breath, and slowly opened Alexa's message. Gathering enough will power to read it.

Dearest Metri,

I wish I could see you right now. Or you could see me. That way you could tell me that I'm just being foolish and everything will be okay. I woke up this morning to the most unpleasant experience. There was blood everywhere and my stomach was in pain. I've never felt pain before. I thought I was surely going to die. Alessandra and Giulia assure me that it's natural. That it happens to all women. Even them. But there's just something so strange about it. I'm sad, and scared, and angry all at once. I didn't realise one person could feel all these things without exploding. The girls tell me this is normal. Something to do with hormones, but I'm struggling to grasp how this could be normal. They say I'll get used to it, but I don't know if I want to. They've promised me they will bring me some new books to help me comprehend all of it. Oh but Metri, they have given me the most wonderful news. They say this means I can see you soon. Apparently all these awful things that are happening do have a silver lining. I can't wait. Sometimes I imagine your face. If I think hard enough I swear I can remember it. But I know that's silly. I haven't laid eyes on you since I was a baby. But at night, when I'm falling asleep, if I try very hard I'm certain I can see your eyes staring back into mine. But soon I won't have to remember because you'll be here, and I'll be able to see you and talk with you the way I do with Alessandra and Giulia. No more passing messages and waiting for your response. I'm not sure why I must keep waiting, but whatever the reason is, please hurry. I'll be here waiting impatiently.

Yours always,

Lexa

Normally I cherish these notes, these small insights into the person Alexa is becoming. But this one just stokes the rage building inside me. These are clearly not the words of an adult, ready to become a mother. My Alexa is still a child. I was there when she was born almost six years ago. She's not ready, of that I'm sure. I'm not ready either. Perhaps I never will be. How could I possibly condemn her to the life Aro wants for her? I can't. I won't. Night fall is only twelve hours away. That gives me twelve hours to come up with a plan.