The Angel

Chapter 7 Controlled

(A/N: My dear readers, I am sorry for the delay. I had most of this chapter written and I was about to post it when tragedy struck me. I think I might be undergoing depression which is quite hard to get out of. I had my fears continuing this story because this might turn into a dark fic. I'm slightly better, thanks to…never mind. Anyway, enjoy!)

Continuation…

Adrianna's POV

I watched their reactions closely and it made me feel more…well, I can't really explain what I'm feeling. I think it's something about not being a fragile little human anymore. We are finally equals, or maybe I was something more than them.

It made me feel…powerful. My lips curled up into a smile, savoring the feeling that got my blood racing through my body—the elixir that has the ability to give the gift of immortal life. I could sense the shock in the air rolling off from the Volturi, especially Aro.

He recovered from shock quickly; face glowing like a kid receiving the best birthday gift ever. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his silliness. "So, you are Bella Swan?" he asked, beyond amused.

"Yes. Yes, I am. Wait—I stand corrected. I am not Bella Swan." I said slowly, looking into his bright crimson eyes. They look like rubies—only a lot milkier in color.

"Pardon me? What did you say?" he asked, blinking. I sighed deeply, knowing I need not repeat my statement because of his vampire hearing and memory. It is impossible for him not to have heard what I said earlier.

"Do I really need to repeat what I said?" I asked, already knowing his answer. He shook his head, more like he was trying to clear it than saying no to me. "Well, that's good." I huffed, turning my attention back to Damon.

He looked cold…and dead, like he shut his feelings off. Maybe that's what he did and my heart clenched as I remembered last night's events—how I saw that pained look on his face when I said goodbye. It's funny how the last few days seemed like years to me. Everything just happened so slowly that I feel like I'm in a video being played at slow motion.

I really don't know what to do with my feelings anymore—they've decided to go haywire. Sometimes I leave then off then after a few moments I'd turn them on again. I was snapped out of my reverie when I heard Aro speak.

"What do you mean you're not her? You look just like her!" Alice cried out, her small form shaking from her strong emotions. I smiled deviously, not caring what she felt at all. I'm sure it was nothing compared to what I felt when they all left me.

"My dear, have you ever heard of doppelgangers? Because how can you be so sure I am not one?" I asked, playing with them.

I am not going to give it to them easily—not after what they did to me. They broke me, hurt me, and crushed me. And for that, they will pay a price bigger than what they could manage for the damage they've done. All of them.

She looked unsure for a fraction of a second, before I saw determination clearly etched on her face. "No. Why are you doing this, Bella? Why are you denying who you are? What happened to you?" she asked, pain seeping into her high soprano voice.

I laughed humorlessly as I stared at every single one of them. "What happened to me, Alice? Well, let me tell you. You ruined my life!" I growled, my whole body shaking with anger. I tried to rein it in until finally, I couldn't take it anymore, and I felt my fangs elongating and my face starting to look…monstrous.

The Volturi growled and even Aro decided to take a precautionary step back. He made it to the middle of our 'rendezvous' before stopping in his tracks to look at me. Alice was torn between being with me and fighting against me if she had to.

"What is it, little Alice? Scared already?" I sneered, having a little difficulty speaking with my fangs already at its longest. Well, they'd see how wrong they were at leaving me.

"What the hell happened to you? Or rather, what did they do to you, Bella?" she cried out, looking at the vampires around me with hatred. I snarled at her loudly, signaling her to back off. I knew that if we were to engage in a fight that I would win, but she didn't need to know that. Couldn't afford to lose the element of surprise, could we? I had all the Power to block her out and so much more. Damon even said that we might be able to even compel them, depending on how strong their minds are.

"They did nothing to me, Alice. And don't you dare look like that at my family or I swear I will rip your freaking head off!" I cursed, using my anger to make my Power greater. Emotions help a lot in making Powers strong especially when at a strong dosage. That one I learned from Bonnie.

Alice looked genuinely scared, lips quivering like a little girl about to be beaten. I could just feel about everyone from my side literally glowing with the word 'family'. It was nothing but the truth and I hoped they felt the same towards me. In the short time that I had known them, they'd become a significant part of me—one that I couldn't live without. And I swore that I would let them fell that, if, no, when we all survive this obstacle in our dead lives.

I nearly laughed at myself but bit it back, not wanting to lose my adrenaline just yet. I wanted to have some more time scaring Alice out of her wits. "Bella…you can come with us. We can be a family again. We will help you change, even if you're quite different from us." she offered lamely, pleading with me through her eyes.

"I don't know what family you are talking about, pixie. But I'm sure as hell not going with you because I'm right here where I belong." I said to her, looking as if she'd been physically slapped across the face.

"They were here when I needed you. You, Alice, you who claimed to be my sister and best friend—you were supposed to stay with me through everything. But no, you left me. You left without even saying goodbye." I continued, lashing out at her mercilessly.

It was right then that I broke into their thoughts and projected my own memories. Memories of Edward leaving me in the forest—the first few months when I basically felt nothing at all, me waking up as if from a dream, me trying to act normal for Charlie, Jake fixing me up, Victoria catching up with me, Damon saving me, how I had killed that human involuntarily, Damon and I moving to Mystic Falls, meeting Elena and Stefan, Bonnie, and how good my life was without them in it.

I showed them all the painful memories when I was in Forks and the happy ones with Damon, Elena, Bonnie, Caroline, and even Stefan. But I didn't show them the part where Damon and I got together—I couldn't bring myself to think about it.

When I was finished, Jasper was almost to his knees with the feelings he felt from his family. The only Cullen who seemed unaffected was Edward's bitch, who I didn't bother to debrief of my past life. "Did you see that, all of you? Did you see what you did to me? I am happier without you in my life. So why did you even bother to come back? I don't need any of you." I said smugly, looking ruthlessly at their expressions.

"Bella, you have no idea how sor—" Edward started, before I cut him off with a sharp look.

"I don't care how sorry you are, Eddie, but I'm not going to be your faithful little pet again—ever. I'm not buying your act anymore, so get over it!" I nearly sang, eyes glinting wickedly.

Most of them were thinking of something smart to say, something that will convince me to go with them, before Aro ordered them back to line. "Now, my dear Cullens, I see you've joined the Volturi?" I asked, tsking.

Carlisle shook his head but replied in a respectful manner. "No, Bella. We have just come here in Aro's request. He believes your kind endangers us, too." he said quietly, looking down.

As much as I hated Carlisle now, I still held that small amount of respect I had left for him somewhere in my unfeeling heart. So, I settled for a curt nod before turning my attention back to the impending fight, all the while thinking about what is sure to happen soon.

I watched Damon out of the corner of my eye after I reined everything in and I was sure I was calm enough not to go on instinct and shed unnecessary blood.

"Sheesh, Addie…the name Bella doesn't suit you. I prefer Adrianna—it suits your personality more." Cassie whispered so that only our side could hear. I rolled my eyes at her but nodded in agreement. I love my current name for more reasons than one. Not only does it suit me better, but it was Damon who gave it to me. It was enough reason for me to love it.

I shook my head slightly to clear it and concentrated back on the Volturi. I noticed they were…holding hands? The three rulers, at least, looked as if they were communicating without using words. It dawned upon me the reason behind this. They were probably conferencing about what to do next, what with all the surprise meetings and uncovered secrets.

"What are they doing?" Pearl hissed quietly, standing in front of Anna, her daughter. Pearl only shows love to her daughter and no one else, ever since she was betrayed by Jonathan Gilbert. Truth be told, I understand how she feels.

"They are having a silent conference through Aro's gift." I said bluntly, not taking my eyes off the three. I could almost feel at the back of my mind what they were arguing about. Aro most probably wants us alive, hopeful to have even one of us joining him. Caius might want us dead immediately—Edward told me he was ruthless. Marcus…he was kind of dead but I think he was kind before his mate Didyme died.

"Got yourself a brilliant girlfriend, eh, Damon? You were pretty smart to keep her. It's such a waste if you decided otherwise—beauty, intelligence, and very powerful." Another vampire who was situated beside him, Joseph, said. My eyes flashed to him and I tried to control my emotions. I was over a month old in this life yet my feelings still go haywire sometimes, especially when I'm not paying too much attention. If I could still blush, I probably would have been as red as a tomato right now.

Damon looked indifferent as he looked him over once before turning away. Well, at least Joseph just shrugged it off. I like that guy—he was cool, collected, and is able to calm any situation anytime, anywhere, sort of the Emmett type of guy.

"Joseph? Stop it." I said calmly, not looking at him. I knew he was perceptive and he will see the flash of pain that passed through my eyes at the mention of me being Damon's girlfriend. I guess I was, and still wanted to be his girlfriend—maybe even more than that.

"No need to be so feisty, Anna." he said, flashing me a bright smile. I fought back a smile of my own as I thought about his name for me. He calls Pearl's daughter Anna "Belle", because that was the continuation of her name. Meanwhile, he calls me "Anna", because that's the last part of my name. It's kind of a switch but we both love it. He's crazy and we all love it.

I rolled my eyes and my lips almost curled into a smile, with the key word being 'almost'. Just then, I noticed Marcus give a slight nod which I almost missed, if I wasn't a vampire with sharp senses.

My eyes narrowed slightly at the exchange. It could either be good or bad for us and until I could be absolutely certain that they will be safe—especially Damon, I cannot relax.

The three royalties broke apart and Aro drifted towards us like a ghost. He gave Bonnie one last longing look and turned his attention to us. He pursed his lips for a moment and had a look of regret on his face.

"I hoped this wouldn't come down to a fight, but the witch is a risk we could not take. If you want to end this peacefully, I'm afraid you must hand her over to us." he said remorsefully, though I could see clearly through his façade.

Just then, a loud growl ripped its way through my chest and broke the silence that settled between the two kinds of Vampires. Instantly, Felix and Dimitri ran towards me, going for the kill. I poised myself and let my more animalistic side come out.

"Come on." I thought to myself. But much to my surprise, before they could reach me, Damon already had Dimitri pinned on the ground while trying to handle Felix at the same time. My thoughts were jumbled for a moment and I didn't know what to do. Thunder rolled overhead and I snapped out of my shock.

Finally, my muscles unlocked and I lunged at Felix, deciding Damon needed more help on him than on Dimitri—although he will never admit it to himself or anyone else. I was handling Felix pretty good until he got a chance to snap at my neck.

I hissed in pain and realization slowly dawned upon me. Vampire venom—the ones from the Cold Ones—is poisonous to our kind. Unlike our blood which strengthens them, their venom weakens us slowly like what it would do to a person who is being changed. Problem is: We won't turn into Cold Ones. We'd die. And that means I have only about three days left to live.

On the good side of things, this situation could be prevented. It may be too late now, but I couldn't be sure because I couldn't even think straight anymore. The last thing I can clearly remember was somebody pulling a man away from me. His words rang clear in my head: "Get away from her."

It was like the voice of an angel—the very same one who saved me not so long ago. It seemed a million lifetimes ago but in reality, only months have passed. I could feel the veins around my eyes bulge, but not because of aggression. It's because of death. And then I remembered that I couldn't give up just yet because I still have a reason to live for.

Now, if I could just remember exactly what that reason is, then it will give me more strength to fight. "Addie…" A voice no more than a whisper said and it was all that I needed to use everything I had to keep the darkness away. It wasn't the kind of darkness that feels welcoming—it was cold, like ice.

I knew I couldn't get out of this by my own and I am in need of someone powerful enough to channel me some Power. So, gathering every single fiber of Power left in me, I started mentally saying an incantation. It was a good thing I require no materials for this one.

"Im in periculo; non potest clamore vel clamatis. Modo opust es me exire. Quidam audiunt; eaque audio. Veni et salva me, omnes igitur bene." (English translation: I'm in danger; can't scream or shout. I need a way for me to get out. Someone hear me; hear this spell. Come and save me, then all shall be well.)

The spell was supposed to have instantaneous effects, making the nearest possible candidate who can save me know of my situation, thus leading to my salvation. But unfortunately for me, nobody came to rescue me.

I could feel everything slowly drifting away. My body felt numb for the first time since I transitioned into a Vampire. My limbs don't act upon my brain's orders. I never thought a Vampire could be paralyzed—literally. Maybe my spell didn't work after all. Maybe no one was coming to help me out of my misery. I'm all alone with nothing to hold on to.

But just when I thought I was a hopeless case, I felt something at the very tip of my fingers. Something—no—someone who was trying to get through the barriers that were already set even before I discovered all about the existence of mythical creatures. That someone sparked another thing buried deep within my very core—something extremely powerful. Not to mention dangerous.

Aro and the rest of the Volturi must have known that their venom is fatal to our kind, that's why Felix aimed at my neck from the start. Well, I should have given them more credit. If I did that, then I probably won't be in this situation right now. Damn it.

Finally, I couldn't keep my thoughts straight anymore because I could feel something stirring within me—something that hasn't been awakened for a very long time. Who knows? Maybe it was never awakened, but I couldn't be sure.

It was a warm feeling, like feeling the sun radiating warmth on your skin. It felt like everything was going to be just fine. It was like having my own personal paradise in my head. Every single good memory replayed in my head, so fast it was all a blur. It overshadowed the bad and painful memories—from Edward, from Damon, from everyone. For once, I found something that gave me peace.

I don't know how much time passed I spent unconscious. Reality was slowly dawning upon me and I never want to wake up if I can help it. But I knew I had to, because all these Vampires with me are worth fighting for. Every single one of them.

My fantasy drew to a close as my eyes flashed open of their own accord and reality came crashing down on me. As I opened my eyes, I saw that a small fight has ensued among Damon, Felix, and Dimitri while our side was trying to restrain Damon to no avail. He was beyond furious at them and he had that look that screams: "You won't live for much longer, assholes!"

He looked terrifying—as handsome as a God yet as dangerous and lethal as the devil. If he was having difficulties earlier fighting both of them at the same time, I can't see any problem now. The weather has turned into a full-fledged storm, one that was caused by tremendous Power.

Nobody was aware that I was already awake and I decided that now would be the best time that somebody knows. "Bonnie. Can you hear me?" I said mentally, testing out my Powers as well.

Bonnie faced my direction slowly, as if to be inconspicuous. Ha! Like she would go unnoticed in a field full of vampires. She tried very hard to keep her face free of any expression. And I must commend her for her acting—very convincing.

"Adrianna! But how…?" she asked, screaming at me in our heads. I very nearly grimaced but kept my composure. "I can't explain it either. But I don't think I'm dying any time soon—I hope. How long have I been out?" I asked casually, trying to lighten things up a bit, even if it was just between Bonnie and me.

"You were out for some time, but I'm not really sure. Damon is really scary as Hell when you're hurt, huh?" she asked, smirking at me through her thoughts.

"This is not the time and place for that, B. We need to do something and fast, before Damon that boy does something that will piss off the Volturi more. Not that I don't approve of it. I'll fix the weather condition then we can both take care of the Cold Ones." I said urgently to her.

"Shall we do a spell together?" she asked, and I agreed. I already know exactly what spell we need to cast in order to set them ablaze. I didn't bother to stand up until I have already made the stormy weather stop.

Most vampires, if not all, looked up to the sky to see that it had cleared. The moon shone mysteriously in the background. It was twilight and night was fast approaching.

"Damon." I said, standing up in less than a second. He turned around to face me, shocked to see me standing and looking healthy. "Impossible. You're impossible." he whispered, and I noticed that Felix and Dimitri went back to their side of the line.

"Stop being so melodramatic, Damon. What were you thinking, seriously? You're going to get us all killed! Now get your ass back here and stop playing hero." I hissed, though I wasn't really angry with him. Not a little bit, not at all.

Everybody looked shocked, to say the least. Well, I wasn't going to let that affect me now, will I? Damon still looked dazed as he walked back at a human pace towards us. He didn't seem to believe his own eyes.

It almost made me smile—almost. "You're not dreaming, dude. Don't tell me you underestimated me too much to think that I can't handle myself? The problem with you men is that you always think us women are too weak and that we need to be protected twenty-four seven. Well, let me tell you this: I'm not a damsel-in-distress in need of a Prince Charming to come rescue me. Got that?" I snapped at him telepathically.

My words seemed to snap him out of it and I could sense a smirk on its way. I can picture him smirking inwardly, trying not to let me see through his emotions. I can tell he was relieved that I didn't die of the venom.

Aro looked hungry—power hungry. That guy just wouldn't stop looking at me with greedy eyes, hoping to take me with him so that he could add me to his "collection". But no, I'd rather die first than go with him willingly.

Of course, I have my ways…

Aro's POV

Standing just a couple of yards away from me is the girl who has all the traits I was looking for all these years. She is very powerful, that I could tell. I don't even know the full extent of her power. She will be very useful to us, indeed!

I thought she will never wake up again after Felix bit her. Her name was Bella Swan but it seems that she changed her whole identity. That Cullen boy was a fool to let go of such a wonderful creature. Such a waste.

I saw the way that dark-haired man looked at her. I also felt how much he cared about her. He fought Felix and Dimitri to protect her and when she saw what he was doing, she wasted no time in helping him try to dispatch two of the best members of my Guard.

The man—Damon is his name, I believe—fought skillfully and it was quite obvious he must have a lot of experience in the field already. Maybe he was a couple of centuries old but no older than two centuries old. He should have been stronger then because that's how they are. As they get older, they get stronger and more powerful.

Hmm…he will also be a useful addition to our Guard. Not to mention I could use him to control dear Bella. She is very feisty and I doubt she'll serve us willingly. I never coveted any talent this bad. Not even Jane's or Alec's.

Dark, twisted, gruesome thoughts ran through my head at the moment. I could feel how much powerful I will be after I get the two of them. I smiled inwardly, excited at the thought.

What Aro wants, Aro gets…

Little did he know, someone was controlling him and feeding his own intensified evil thoughts.

(A/N: Sorry if the chapter is crappy! But I'll do better, promise.)