Aro stared at my family, the wolves, and two other men I vaguely recognized. One of the wolves, the big russet one, Jacob leaned forward and growled at Jane. Jane was glaring at Mom, while Dad held her hand. Jane looked at Aro with her eyebrows raised and Aro nodded toward Felix. Felix smiled and lunged at Jake. Then there was a earsplitting scream.

I bolted in an upright position and wiped the cold sweat forehead. It took me a second to examine my surroundings realizing it wasmy scream that had woken me up and that it was just a dream. Nothing more. I sighed as I walked sluggishly across the room to the large wardrobe. I pulled one of the ugly cloaks over my tank top and pajama shorts. It's not like it matters what I'm wearing underneath it.

I ran down the stairs and saw Sulpicia and Athendora whispering quietly to each other. I paused before the turn, in the hallway, that made it possible for me to see them but stay hidden at the same time.

"I'll be disappointed if anyone gets hurt," Athendora said in a strained voice.

"Oh, I feel the same way, Dora," Supicia replied, "Especially the mother and father..."

Wait, is she referring to my mother and father or my grandparents?

Athendora sighed. "I agree. That little girl will be a broken child with her family dead."

"She is broken."

I looked down and stared at the patterns in the red and gold carpet. Do they actually have some concern from me? Because their husbands sure don't...

"Renesmme? You can come out, dear," Sulpicia said softly.

I slowly side stepped out of my little hiding place. I bit my lip and began to absently play with a strand of my hair.

"Don't worry. Your not in any trouble," Athendora said.

No trouble... Well, that's new.

I cautiously walked toward the two women. I had never talked to either, but I guess they seemed sorta nice... I know it was improper of me to sit on the floor next to the fancy chairs they were sitting in, but frankly I don't give a damn.

"There are a few things you should know about this castle... There are many passages and secrets that are just waiting to be revealed," Athendora said.

Sulpicia winked and smiled. "Go exploring! I'm sure your dead bored of staying in that room all day," she said.

"Sure. Sound's fun," I said with a tinge of sarcasm. It's not like I don't have a reason to be irritated by them. I never understand what these crazy people are freaking talking about!

I stood up and turned around in one fluid motion. I began to descend down the hall. I looked at the gorgeous antique pictures and waited for a new escape plan to form in my head. Easier said than done.

There are many passages and secrets that are just waiting to be revealed. What the hell is that demented lady talking about?!

I sat down cross legged in front of a large painting which I had deemed my favorite so far. It was of a girl with reddish hair with her head resting on her hand and a slightly confused expression. Her ankles were crossed and her purple dress flowed surreally.

So. Bored. A pain in my chest kept me from falling asleep right then and there.

Is everyone okay? Is anyone dea-no I refuse to think the word. They are adults (in one way at least) and they can take care of them selves! So there. But...no I can't think about this anymore.

I stood up and touched the canvas. It was as if I could feel the brushstrokes. I ran my hand over the dress and felt a large lump underneath it.

My curiosity urged me to use my sharp nails to claw through the painting, but I refrained. I couldn't ruin such a beautiful picture... but I can move it.

I carefully lifted the heavy painting off of the hook. My weight shifted as I tried to steady myself as I craned my neck in order to see what the lump thing was, but the painting reached at least a foot over my head.

I set the painting against the wall and turned to see the thing that was under the painting.

A huge latch was connected to a small square door that was about two feet off the ground. There was a tiny keyhole above the latch. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair... Ha! Thank god for bobby pins! This must have been left in my hair since last night. I took the bobby pin out of my hair and picked the lock, a skill I had picked up from my Aunt Alice.

She is such a lifesaver right now... And my Mom didn't want me to know how to do that... Ha Ha things come in handy!

"Yes!" I hissed under my breath as the lock popped open.

I looked to the left and right behind me to see if anyone was down the hall to see if anyone was coming.

I jumped up and wiggled my way through the 2x2 foot hole. Everything was pitch black. I kept going straight and hoped to god that there would be no turns where I could get lost.

Eventually I hit my head on a wooden... well, dead end. I felt for a handle but there was nothing there but a few spider webs. I turned and slammed my shoulder against the wall. On the fourth try It flung open and I was emerged in an overwhelming amount of sunlight.

I had a sharp intake of breath. The heat felt amazing in my white skin. I blinked a few times while my eyes adjusted. I jumped down from the passage to hear the sound of cars rushing. I was standing on a side walk on the corner of a street called Via Giusto Turazza.

I'm free?

Those were the words that now overpowered the rest of my thoughts.

Why does this feel wrong? This isn't the way I'm supposed to get out. I can feel it.

But your out now! This is what Sulpicia was talking about.

But I should go back. this isn't right . My family is coming for me. Turn your butt around and go back.

Wow... I really need to get out, for christ sake, I'm talking to myself!

It was too hot in the long cloak and I probably look insane to onlookers. I pulled the cloak over my head and sat down on the ground in my pajamas. A few cars beeped there horns at me and in return I game them the middle finger.

I'm only fourteen jerks! I'd like to see you do that when Jake and my dad are around! Ha!

I laid in the sun until it burned my skin and then decided to go back to the Volturi. After arguing with myself for about a half hour I decided the reasonable thing to do would be to go back.

I reluctantly put on the cloak and jumped back up into the passage and fitted the piece of wood back in the exit.

The way back seemed faster and much less exciting. When I got back I re-locked the latch and put the painting back where it was. The rest of the day I explored more of the castle but sadly I didn't find anything else. At all.

It was now around eight 'o' clock and I was being eaten alive with worry in guilt. I laid on my bed and stared at the low ceiling.

This was absolutely, most definitely, all my fault!

My family could be risking their lives right now. Why didn't I just listen to my dad and keep my mouth shut? We probably wouldn't be in such a big mess. Undoubtedly we would be in a mess anyway but not such a dangerous one.

Eventually I became tired and fell sound asleep. No dreams, no nightmares.