Disclaimer: All Characters of Twilight respectfully belong to Stephanie Meyer. Unless stated otherwise. This is a non-profit story. No copyrights infringements intended. Plot belongs to me.

I always prided myself as being a logical person. Even as I spent my hours reading fictional books, with ludicrously over romanticized scenes of fancy and fantasy, and female characters that swoon with dreamy sighs. And men with admirable chivalry and a sense of honor that has long since fallen deaf on this generation's ears.

I was always rational enough to know that such hyper imagery was nothing more than a work of fiction. Even if those characters came from other dimensions ….. I … umm .. ok as awkward as it sounds, I had been borrowing Renee's science fiction based romance novels. She had soo many! ... I just couldn't resist taking a peak. They weren't explicit of anything …. I was just curious!

As I was saying ….

Everything had a logical justification. People cannot accept nor tolerate what they are not able to explain. They fear what they do not understand. Any person worth their salt would agree that understanding something as unbending by natural law such as the supernatural is laughable and absurd.

This is what I grew up to believe my whole life. This is what grounded my maturity so early in life when my mother chose to spend her reality dreaming in the clouds. Which is why fictional books were my fanciful outlets from my mundane, dull, reality. Because unlike my mother, I wasn't the constant dreamer, I didn't believe in the illogical, and I interested curious about the fantastical. For one sole reason; it clearly doesn't exist.

So … why is it that I find myself sitting across from a creature that looks like a human, behaves like a human, holds a civil conversation like a human. Yet, every bone in my body screams that it is no human whatsoever?

And worse is, my own father is engaging in a social conversation with the non-human, and he is actually enjoying himself! I have never seen Charlie smile that way, not even in Billy Black's company. And I thought the pair of them were thick as thieves. But upon further reflection I realized that my father barely managed a semblance of a grin around Billy. Although now, in front of this well groomed, completely put together 'man', he is outright smiling. SMILING! … even laughing!

Its like I am seeing a side of my father that I have never even known existed. And it's all happening through this strange man's flair.

It frightened me.

I was scared because what sat before me – what was situated so comfortably next to my father was a being I could not explain. It may have looked human on the outside but he, or it, was beyond the definition.

Now hold on a minute … I may seem hypocritical. After all, the only way I knew that this man called Aro and his – Assistant? Associate? Whatever! – and the other one, Demetri, to be something else was because their physical appearance was eerily similar to Edward and his family; pale white skin, exceptionally black eyes, unnatural beauty, and a voice that could melt butter.

In fact, had I met Aro and Demetri when I first came to Forks, I was sure I would have mistaken them for Edward's relatives. Even with the added peculiarity of them being genetically unrelated.

And yet I was fine with Edward. Perhaps I might even entertain the thought that I was smitten with him. He was handsome, charming, and intelligent in a way kids my age wouldn't even appreciate because he was agonizingly gorgeous.

And oddly enough I fascinated him! But I digress … the point being is that I was not fearful and intimidated by Edward, and what he may be, because he has proven himself to be harmless.

He and his siblings were attending school, blending in and being normal. His adoptive father saves lives on daily basis and was a blessing on that little town. I also heard his adoptive mother was an interior decorator for goodness sake! And they have been living in Forks for at least two years before I moved there and not once have they caused any disturbance or brought any harm to anyone. Even if they kept to themselves, no one in that town could point an accusing finger at them.

And Edward … He … He saved my life …

This is madness! – I do not believe in the supernatural. I do not put value in ghosts, demons, or monsters! I do not believe in things that go bump in the night. I generally feel they have a certain explanation to them. The average human brain is a vulnerable, easily frighten, excruciatingly irrational biological structure. Throw an unfamiliar wrench in that structure and the whole system collapses.

The point being is that my instincts sensed a threat. My body was reacting to the danger. My feet were tapping consistently with the need to either stay – and for lack of a better word, play dumb – or take Charlie and flee for our lives. But I couldn't accomplish the latter without looking like a complete mental case. I had no physical proof, and no logical explanation.

Bella ….

'Bella?…'

"Bella!" A deep voice sharply pulled me from my train of thoughts.

I blinked brusquely. Moving my eyes around the enormous, ornate furnished parlor. And only then did I notice that all eyes in attendance were on me. Damn! I must have been in a complete mental absorption for a long time to be stared at in such a peculiar manner.

Except for that man, Demetri, he was eyeing me with attentiveness and something more behind his dark eyes that I couldn't define nor wish to further examine. Because the more I looked at him the more I felt like I shouldn't, and it caused my cheeks to slowly turn red from embarrassment. Like I was breaking some sort of unspoken rule.

I was substantially grateful when my dad called for my attention. I quickly averted my eyes to meet his worry filled gaze. "Bells, sweetie, you don't look so good. Are you okey?"

"I'm fine, dad." My chest always clenched with contrition running through me when I made Charlie worry. So I smiled reassuringly.

"Can we get you anything? You seem slightly peaked, my dear." Charlie's mysterious friend offered. I got a little flustered; the term 'my dear' caught me awkwardly off guard. I just met the man and already he was using endearments with me? Terms I wasn't even accustomed to hearing from my own parents.

I would have expected Charlie to instantly give some opposing reaction to this man's comfortable language towards his only daughter. After all, Charlie had his moments when Mike Newton simply looked at me the wrong way. And my dad didn't reserve himself from emphasizing that he had access to a variety of firearms, each able to put a unique new hole into the victim's body. Long story short, my dad thoroughly castrated Mike's overconfident masculine ego. But in this case, and to my disappointed expectation, Charlie's focus was all on me.

"Bella?" Charlie called out. He was on the edge of his seat.

I suddenly realized that the moment stretched on for too long. And the silence lingered because they were expecting me to answer. I cleared my throat. And willed my conscious not to make a flush rear its uninvited appearance on my face – Too late.

"T-There is no need. I think .. umm .. i-it is probably the long drive. It's sort of c-catching up to me." I stated plucking the first excuse that crossed my mind.

I tried to discreetly look at Charlie's friend from beneath my lashes. His dark eyes were gazing back at me, slightly wide with realization, a reaction I wasn't expecting on his face. He turned to address Charlie and smiled benevolently. "Oh dear! How inconsiderate of me – here I am talking your ears off when you have just arrived. And from a very long journey no less. Please let us show you to your rooms so you may rest for the night. We have all the hours we can indulge in to spend in each other's company."

I inwardly cursed multiple profanities at myself. I would gladly kick my own behind if my feet weren't short. I should have protested harder, I should have been more stubborn and outspoken. But to my utter dismay, and in a turn about so bizarrely hard to describe, I got separated from my dad.

His enigmatic 'friend' escorted him to his own rooms, which I shockingly discovered was not even on the same floor as mine! And to make this situation even worse, my own escort was the very person that has been giving me all the worst warning signs imaginable.

I knew this Demetri fellow gave Charlie the shoddiest first impression when he eyed me with cloaked intent; like I was something to be … I don't know … acquired? And now I was walking beside him. And although I kept my eyes staring straight ahead, I felt his eyes crawling all over me. The heavy silence was not helping in the least. If anything, it felt too thick and heavy on my lungs, and my breathing was more forced than necessary. It also didn't help that the corridor we were walking in was dimly lit by antique wall candelabras instead of good ol' fashion electricity. You don't miss these sorts of things until you have them taken away from you.

We kept walking for a while – very long minutes to be specific – I was sure we were walking deeper and further into the mansion. And the silence, combined with the tension, was unbearable. I don't know why but something in me finally reached its limit. I needed sounds, words, or voices. I needed something, anything relevantly normal to ease this uncomfortable situation.

"My bags!" I suddenly said "We didn't bring them … with us – my bags. Which is what I mean." …. Seriously? That's the best I could do?

Demetri looked at me, but unlike seconds ago where he leered from the corner of his eye, thinking I didn't know he was doing it, but I knew he knew that I knew. This time, however, he fully turned his head in my direction and gave me his complete obligatory attention. His steps didn't falter. His Herring-Knightsbridge oxfords clicked and clacked without missing a beat.

Demetri carried himself with so much poise in his steps and stiffness in his spine, clothed in the most impeccable finery. Despite the garment being in dark hews, a color that's seemed to be the 'vogue' the moment we stepped into this estate. I would have thought he looked to be a very polished and becoming gentleman. I knew I would have been swooning off my feet, except for my earlier revelation regarding his beyond realistic nature.

It suddenly dawned on me that he didn't purvey a response. The tension mounted and we kept walking, and he kept openly looking at me now! The indignity of being ignored was starting to set in and it was about to rear its impression on my face.

But thank the sweet lord! Because somehow, somewhere, someone felt pity on me as we finally came to a stop at a bulky, rather old fashioned, gothic set of doors. The doors themselves were made of wood but it was covered by overlaid organic iron artistry.

Any other time I would have appreciated its beauty. But right now it only reminded me of those movies where the protagonist walks into the room and this type of door closes behind her, and then the camera slowly zoomed away from the door as you hear her sudden loud, blood curdling, scream … And that was the last time I ever let Charlie talk me into watching old slasher movies.

Demetri pushed one of the doors open and, with a smile on his lips, motioned for me to step through it first. And anyone would know that this is the part where I would most probably get murdered once I walk into a pitch-black room. Even if I turn around and decide to make a run for it, we passed a maze of hallways and corridors, that I am positive would send me deeper into this mansion than toward the exit. And I was most certain I wouldn't go far if I ran because I was never a fast runner and I had two left feet.

I may not believe in the paranormal but in this very moment I wished ghosts were real because if I died, then I hope I come back as a ghost and haunt Charlie till the end of days for this predicament he has placed us in!

Demetri cleared his throat loudly; I momentarily forgot he was standing so close and jumped at the sound. He raised his eyebrow at me and appeared slightly impatient as I paused by the doorway. Wonderful! My most probable-soon-to-be-murderer was growing impatient with me. Hasn't he seen horror movies? Doesn't he know that these type of lingering pauses are what build suspense in a scene?

I wasn't even sure if I was the heroine of my own movie but if I was writing the plot then the audience deserves to know all the internal struggles I, as the main character, was facing.

But alas, my creepy – and regrettably handsome – killer expressed no concern for my dilemma. And so I walked through the doors, and into the darkened abyss of the room before me.

Two things happened once I stepped inside that could have instantly stopped my heart.

First – The door behind me slammed shut and I was trapped inside this room, the only sound to keep me company was my heavy and panicked breathing. I didn't know if Demetri followed in because I didn't look behind me to confirm. And if he was inside with me, he was at this moment being very silent with his movements so I couldn't even sense his presence.

The other thing was, suddenly beside me and slightly to the left, a clicking sound was heard. A second later it was followed by bright lights that made me squeal and close my eyes instinctively.

Deep sultry laughter filtered from behind me. I slowly lowered my hands, which clung to my torso in distress, and turned to find Demetri standing beside the door with his hand hovering beside the wall, his index finger resting on what looked like a switch. Oh! ….. a switch meant there was … I looked above me and I don't know why but I could have cried tears of joy, because I saw a grand chandelier with light bulbs instead of candlesticks illuminating the room. Sweet lord almighty in heaven, I don't think I have ever felt such immense relief in my life! Nevertheless, my little internal bubble of delight was interrupted.

"You know …" Demetri started to say. "I couldn't very well say this in front of your precautionary father, but you are such a pretty girl." He took a step forward. "Your beauty is a treat for the eyes."

I was taken aback by such a blunt proclamation. Awkwardly I blushed and tilted my head forward to allow my hair to tumble over my shoulders and cover my cheeks as well as the heat that stirred under the skin.

"Tell me, pretty girl … do you have someone special awaiting your return home?" I flinched when I noticed that Demetri now stood much closer to me. When had he approached me so quickly? I could have sworn he was half way across the room. I didn't hear his footsteps at all. Demetri didn't seem phased by my reaction to his closeness. He merely tipped his head expectantly, dark eyes twinkling.

My mind immediately went to thoughts of Edward Cullen. "Well there is s-someone .. but its … sort of c-complicated .." I muttered.

Demetri hummed thoughtfully. "I will take that as a no, then." Before I could register his words, his eyes crawled down to my chest, and then down, further down. His black eyes eagerly sparkled. "So young. So ripe for the … plucking," He breathed.

My creep-o-meter was rapidly escalating. I took a step back, only for him to match it with a step forward of his own. Before I even knew it, my back was pressed against a stonewall. I was trapped.

"And so completely alone." Demetri whispered intently. His gaze held mine and I just couldn't look away. It was like I was being hypnotized. All sorts of red sirens were going off in my head, but my limbs were numb.

"In case you forgot, I did come here with my father – What are you..." I tried to say but I jumped when Demetri's hand came between us. He grasped a lock of my hair between his fingers and boldly tucked it behind my ear. The leather of his gloved fingers brushed against the sensitive shell of my ear and a shiver erupted across my body.

The man before me looked around the room until his eyes met mine with a wicked smile. "You do not see your father around at this very moment, do you?" he uttered smugly. My stomach started to stir with unease. And the feeling grew when he closed the distance a little more. His body didn't touch mine, yet, but one clumsy move on my part and I could easily rub against him.

Demetri's height was a significant stature to my slight form and he took advantage of it by looming over me, caging me. He flashed me a wide smile before he suggestively bit his bottom lip. His fingers still held onto my ear. My heart was about to burst. It took my entire will power not to poignantly whimper.

"Demetri …" Someone called from behind him.

As fast as he pounced on me, Demetri began to retreat just as swiftly. He put a significant distance between us and semi turned his body towards the door.

The tall mass of Charlie's friend stood halfway leaning beside the bedroom entrance. "Stop your teasing and let the girl be." There was an authority in his velvety voice.

Demetri looked at me and unlike the improper looks he was giving me shortly before. His face now was more reserved if not slightly cold. Like meeting Mr. Hyde before, and now the stern Dr. Jekyll.

Behind Demetri, Aro was eyeing us with amusement. Suddenly he shifted his form to the side and by the door a third person walked into the room. It was the same man that helped me at the car. He smiled politely and bowed his head at the dark haired man and gave a less noticeable but otherwise respectable nod to Demetri. I realized that he was carrying my bags with him.

"Come along, Demetri – let us leave the girl alone to unpack and rest." Aro expressed with a light tone, but there was something darkly cryptic in the way he looked at the other man.

"Yes, of course." Demetri replied.

The older man had his eyes trained on the taupe-haired young man who walked tensely yet gracefully towards him. Demetri stopped by the door with his back towards me.

Aro's eyes lingered for a moment on the younger man. And I could have sworn I saw his lips move; yet not even a hint of a whisper could be heard. All of a sudden, Aro's sagacious eyes fixed on me.

He beamed that same alluring smile. My heart fluttered. His eyes seemed to darken even more, if that was possible. Almost like he could hear the beat of my stuttering heart, all the way from where he stood – except for the fact that it was ludicrously impossible.

"Have a good night, Demetri." He promptly dismissed.

"Good night, … Sir," Demetri replied, disappearing out the door.

Charlie's friend remained where he stood facing me, a smile still gracing his handsome face. My heart refused to remain calm. There was something so genuine about the way he smiled. And it loosened some of the tension in my shoulders from earlier. Making the fatigue of the long day instantly reclaim me.

Aro's gaze softened as he noticed my tired state. He tipped his head toward the man holding my luggage. "Armin here, will show you around your bedroom. And if you need anything more do not hesitate to request upon him – isn't that right, Armin?" his velvety voice rang clearly.

"Certainly, Master." Armin embellished. "I'm honored to assist the young Miss."

"Excellent. Then I will leave you to it – I shall see you in the morning. Good night, dear Isabella."

"Good night, s-sir." I replied nervously.

The man chuckled. "Please … call me Aro."

I nodded. "Good night … A .. Aro." Saying his name out loud – I couldn't help how my cheeks flushed so ardently.

He seemed to be fleetingly focused on the pinkness of my skin before he pleasantly smirked and disappeared out the bedroom. He pushed the door close but not all the way, leaving it slightly ajar as I couldn't see, although hear the echoing sound of his shoes along the corridor as he walked away from the bedroom.

Armin – who turned out to be my "personal butler" as he so proudly proclaimed – was a much warmer and gregarious individual once his employers weren't breathing down his neck. He explained that apparently there was a code of conduct among the staff to maintain a certain level of decorum and strict protocol when the "Master" was within vicinity – even if He was many rooms away.

I assumed he was joking and laughed uncaringly, but the solemn expression on his face clearly said otherwise. I flushed and instantly apologize, only for him to redden in return and wave his hands. When the awkward moment passed I couldn't help asking about his unique name. "Armin – That is … German, right?"

His green eyes shined. "Yes, Madam! Truthfully, I'm German-Dutch. I was raised in Nuremberg."

"Your English is excellent." I noted.

His cheeks flushed very subtly and I thought I must have accidently offended him until he explained; "I want to say I had a good education, but I grew up in a humble home. Despite that, I loved old English movies very much."

That got my interest and I couldn't resist asking the next question. "Which was your favorite?"

"I liked many of them," The young man smiled sheepishly. " .. But the first movie I ever watched and felt personal significance towards was … The Sound Of Music."

"Oh – I love Julie Andrews!" I sighed.

"So do I. She was magical and beautiful." Armin sighed along with me.

"Absolutely …" I agreed.

We looked at each other silently for a moment before we simultaneously started laughing.

This! … This moment right here felt normal. And for a while I forgot about the uneasy interaction with Demetri. Along with him and his peculiar proprietor's mysterious secret and beguiling presence – I'll leave that for future Bella to worry about later.

It was now that I finally took actual notice of the room I was standing in. My bedroom, which looked less like a bedroom and more like a penthouse, was overwhelmingly decorated in the most exquisite pieces of furniture my eyes had ever personally witnessed. The walls were made of the same stone of the entire castle but you could hardly notice it with the large dominating windows that seemed to step out into a balcony, and were draped by heavy luxurious curtains.

There was a large bed to the far wall that looked like it could hold seven adults. And on the opposite wall there was a small arrangement of chairs and one sofa that faced a magnificent stone carved, ornate hearth. The floors were covered in carpet. And there was literally a scatter of small side-tables next to every piece of sitting or laying furniture. And almost every flat surface was decorated with vases, candleholders, and small marble and glass trinkets. In summary, someone furnished the hell out of this room, and I wouldn't be shocked if they went mad in the process. Nevertheless, it was beautiful but there seemed to be a clash of several European tastes.

I didn't have much time to think about that as Armin proceeded to show me the other two doors that I haven't noticed before. One led to a boudoir that shared an open closet area that had another door connected to it that also led to a bathroom. And I took a second to allow my jaw to drop at the opulence of each room, especially the bathroom, before Armin left my luggage in the closet space. He offered to unpack for me, but I drew the line at having my clothes and undergarments handled by anyone other than myself.

The other door that connected to the bedroom led to another room that was smaller than the bedroom, yet was not diminutive by any means. Armin stated that this was the parlor room. When I asked what for, he simply stated for brunch, tea, or even relaxation. Other than the door that headed back to the bedroom, there was another door in the parlor. When I pointed it out, Armin informed me it was another exit to the corridor.

When the mini-tour was done. Armin politely informed that tonight's dinner would be served in my parlor room since I just arrived. When I inquired if Charlie would be eating with me, he stated that his own dinner would also be served in his own rooms. And that tomorrow we will be taking our meals at the main dining room with the "Master".

" … As not to disturb you, one of the staff will enter through the parlor and leave the tray of cuisine within the hour. Would you require anything else before I take my leave for the night, Madam?"

"Yes – For you to stop calling me Madam. It makes me feel old." I grimaced.

Armin politely smiled. "I assure you, Madam, that you are by no means any much older than I am. However, it's within our conduct to address our guests with respect. Otherwise the Master will be most displeased."

I huffed. "Oh, fine, then."

"Will there be anything else, Madam?"

"I wouldn't suppose there is any Internet connection I could use somewhere around here?" I muttered dispassionately, already aware of what the answer will be.

But I did not expect the answer I received instead. "Why yes there is!"

I thought he was pulling my leg. That is until he reached into his jacket pocket and handed me a USB. "When you connect it to a device it will sync with any of the modems that are closest to your location."

"I was joking when I asked." I breathed, eyeing the piece of black plastic like I was just handed the answer to the meaning of life.

Armin explained, "Well, the Master visits this manor very sporadically. We the staff, on the other hand, permanently reside here and maintain the place all year round. Certain privileges are provided for us to curb boredom when we are not working."

"Armin, you are my freakin' hero." I beamed at the young green-eyed man, and he slightly flushed again.

I didn't waste any time as soon as I was left alone to my own devices in the large bedroom. I ran to the closet and immediately retrieved my laptop from one of the suitcases. Running back to the bedroom again, I jumped on the bed and toed my shoes off my feet so I can comfortably tuck my legs under me.

The tiredness I felt minutes ago was promptly replaced with excitement. I turned my laptop on and connected the USB; the moment I saw those four signal bars indicating a successful connection I felt my breathing accelerate in exhilaration.

I mentally calculated the time different between my location and Forks, there was a seven-hour difference ahead for me. So it should be late afternoon or early evening in Forks.

I turned on Skype; my eyes honed in on the profile with a green online indicator beside it, and I clicked the video-call button. I didn't believe in the superstition but I crossed my fingers any way in anticipation. I waited the few seconds with baited breaths until I would receive an answer.

As soon as I was beginning to have doubts that this might not be a good idea the call was accepted and the screen shifted to show the devastatingly handsome face of Edward Cullen. His lips curved into that crooked smile I favored so much.

"Bella," he sighed. There was a hint of relief in the way he spoke my name.

"Hello," I greeted bashfully.

Even through a computer screen I can see the way his honeyed eyes regarded me with tenderness. "I was starting to get worried that I may not hear from you. How was the trip?"

I sighed and ruffled my hair. "We just arrived and got settled into our rooms. It's pretty…" I tried to find the best word to describe our accommodations. " …Incredible."

"You sound tired." He frowned.

"It was a long flight, and an even longer drive." I nodded. As if on cue I placed my hand on my mouth as I released a jaw-popping yawn.

Edward chuckled. "How did it go, with meeting your father's friend?" he asked. I instantly felt my body become tense as my thoughts went to the tall, dark, mysterious, and incredibly attractive creature that was Aro.

Followed with the new revelations of this entire day, which came crashing down on me like a tidal wave. About Aro, and Demetri and how they were very similar to Edward and his family – Their alluring hidden nature, the extraordinary grace, the pale beauty, and the dark eyes.

I didn't realize I had grown silent and somber until Edward's dulcet voice called to me. "Bella? Is something wrong?"

I snapped my eyes to the screen. His features were etched with worry. "Are you alright? Is something bothering you?"

I debated for a second whether or not I should tell Edward of what I came across today. But a voice in the back of my head stopped me from blurting it out. There was only one outcome it could cause from me speaking about my very accurate suspicions; that Edward will not take the information delicately. That I could cause far worse because truth be told, though I knew these people were different, I just didn't know in what way they were different. So that little voice concluded the logic that perhaps I shouldn't speak about it until I knew exactly what I was even speaking about.

So I kept my mouth shut on the truth and plastered a casual smile. "I am perfectly fine, Edward."

Edward arched a perfect brow. "Are you sure?"

I nervously bit my lip. "I promise. I am just exhausted." I lied and hoped he believed it.

That seemed to have appeased him as his face relaxed, the tenderness to his honeyed eyes returning instantly. I don't think I would ever get used to the rapid change in his moods.

We stayed talking for a few minutes about what he did that day, and other things like books and music. During our conversation I was caught off guard when the face of Edward's older brother popped into the screen beside him. Edward tried to push him out of the screen, but his brother playfully pushed his shoulder back.

Eventually after dropping a few teasing comments, his brother introduced himself. But I already knew his name was Emmett when Jessica pointed all the Cullens out that first day in the cafeteria. Emmett's masculine face was all smiles and dimples. He may have been large and burly but his expression showed no hint of intimidation. He was like a playful child trapped in a grown man's body.

"So Bella," Emmett started to say. "I hope you didn't decide to travel all of a sudden because of my little brother here. Don't tell me he charmed you into going all the way across the world?"

"Emmett …" Edward spoke while he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Emmett didn't seem to care about his brother's warning tone. He effortlessly wound his muscular arm around Edward's neck and trapped his head under his arm. Edward tried to struggle but couldn't break free, and when he started to protest Emmett clamped a large hand over his brother's mouth, muffling his complaints. I bit my lip in a worthless attempt to stop myself from smiling.

Then Emmett leaned closer, his topaz eyes glittering playfully. "If you ever want to see the real Cullen charm first hand, Bella, all you have to do is come to me." He winked.

I couldn't contain the giggle that escaped. "See?" Emmett spoke proudly, puffing his massive chest. "It's already working – Take notes little bro …" he talked to Edward as he shook his entrapped head. Edward had since stopped struggling when he realized all his attempts were futile.

Just as soon as he came, Emmett disappeared as quickly but not before he sent me another wink and ruffled his brother's already mussed hair.

"Please excuse my brother." Edward apologized.

I took one look at the chaos of his hair and smiled. "No harm done." I replied.

We talked a little bit more before I heard the door to the parlor open and then a few seconds later close. I knew that my dinner was waiting for me just as Armin informed. As much as I didn't want to end our call I told Edward I had to go, he slightly pouted in the cutest way but agreed that I should eat and get my rest.

When the call ended I grabbed my laptop and went to the parlor. It looked like an upper class living room, really. I reclined on the sofa and removed the stainless silver lids that covered the dishes.

To make the time pass faster I went on my computer and I tried to amuse myself with anything I could find on it as I ate. After awhile I decided to check and see if there is anything within a 100-mile radius of our location that I could visit. This was after all a vacation. No sense in being inbound through the whole trip.

Sadly, there wasn't even so much as a small town close by. I was hoping to see if they had any antique stores I could buy souvenirs from or a vintage bookshop. But my search produced nothing.

At least I thought I found nothing. Although what I came across was something I didn't expect, however it did not make it any less intriguing.

When I was scanning the digital maps on the search engines, usually the areas and roads would be marked and lined by specific colors just like a GPS, and there would be names on each of the designated areas.

I assumed our location was in the middle of nowhere since there was nothing but nature and forests for several kilometers. Imagine my utter shock when I re-centered the map application on my "current position" to see a big blue pulsing dot with a name right next to it!

Castel de Sânge – it read. And I wouldn't have known what it meant if I didn't have an online dictionary and translator at the tip of my fingers.

As I predicted it was in Romanian, not a surprising fact since we were obviously in Romania. Whereas what it translated to caused a shiver to run down my spine and goosebumps to erupt across my skin. I had to read the translation several times to ensure that my eyes weren't playing tricks on me.

It literally transcribe to 'Castle of Blood'. Blood?

My throat went dry and my heart wouldn't stop beating wildly in my chest. Now I had even more questions than answers. And I hadn't even begun to scratch the surface. Yet what was most daunting is when I couldn't take my eyes from the blue dot that represented myself on the map right next to that name.

Suddenly this enchanting place and all its opulence didn't seem quite so mesmerizing after all.

A/N: To answer a few question from readers that will not spoil the plot:
- Does Charlie know about vampires? No he doesn't. He hasn't seen Aro for many years, so he just thinks Aro ages well. We have all seen those celebrities that look way younger than their actual age. Same concept.
- Why I chose Romania? Kinda obvious if you really really think about it. If you don't know what I am talking about, then I will explain it in the story eventually, so don't worry.
- How did Charlie and Aro meet? It will be explained in the next chapter. (There will be many FEELS!)

Also I started a pinterest board for this story because I am horrid at description of stuff and places. Link is in my profile for the curious ones.