Here it is. I finally got it as close to the way i want it as I think it is going to get. I hope you enjoy it. All that is left now is the epilogue. I am hoping to have that out buy Wednesday next week. I have company coming into town on Thursday and leaving Monday so we will see.

Oh and another thing. I don't own any of these characters I wish I did but I don't. They are all Stephanie Meyer's.

Chapter 14: Aro

You are cordially invited to attend

A Ball

In Honor of

Ms. Bella Cullen

Saturday September 15

at 8 pm

Volterra Castle

A note will come in a few days time with more instructions.

I DON'T KNOW HOW ARO MANAGED TO FIND US when we were in the middle of our honeymoon but he did. We were in Japan at the time then the invitation for the Ball arrived at our hotel. We had been out all day doing the tourist thing. When we got home this was on a silver tray in our room. We opened it and there it was the invitation to the ball and it was in my honor. I didn't know what Aro was up to but I knew it had to be some kind of sweet talking deal if it was in my honor. He probably wanted me to join his coven. He had wanted me to when we met back in April and now that he knew I was adverse to human blood it would make me a better help to their cause.

The day the second letter from Aro arrived was only three days after the first and we had just landed in Australia. We were checking into our hotel when the receptionist at the front desk handed us the letter. As soon as we got to our rooms we opened it.

Edward and Bella,

I hope all is going well on your honeymoon. We are looking forward to seeing you in a week and a half. Here are the rest of the instructions for the ball. It is more than a Ball it is a three day celebration culminating in a Ball on Saturday. The schedule of events is as follows:

Thursday: Cocktail dinner and Party for Bella's birthday. (Everyone has been asked to bring a gift.)

Friday: Formal dinner Party

Saturday: Masquerade Ball

Now as to the instructions for dress: Bella my dear you will need a dress the color of your gown for the Ball to wear to the Cocktail party a white dress for the formal dinner party with a full slip and a Ball gown and Mask for the Ball. Edward I am having all the men wear a black tux I would however like for you to wear a white one (you and Bella must stand out is in honor of her after all). On Friday we will all wear a silver vest and tie (style of your choice), a black vest again style of your choice and tie on Friday and a vest and tie that match your mates dress for the Ball.

Now as for the meals, I know that you and your family only drink animal blood so we are going to have both human and animal blood at the dinners so that we are able to take everybody into account and the blood will be pre-drained so that Bella does not have to see anyone drink from a human. I know that that is still a hard thing for her to witness. Again we are looking forward to your visit and celebrating Bella's first birthday as a vampire with everyone.

Aro

As soon as I had finished reading the letter I looked at Edward and he had know exactly what I was thinking. He pulled out his phone and dialed Carlisle to see when they were going to arrive in Italy. We had decided that we would meet there in a week and then do our shopping and preparations for the big Celebration before heading up to Volterra on Wednesday the twelfth.

Now that we are here in Italy I am wishing that the time had gone a lot slower than it did. I know that as soon as Alice walks off of that plane I can kiss any time that I would have spent with Edward in the next couple of days goodbye. I just hope that I can find all of the things I need on the first day of shopping so that I can sit out the other days.

"Bella, we have to go their plane is going to land in about twenty minutes and you know how Alice is if you aren't there waiting for her."

"I'm coming. You know what their arrival means though don't you?"

"No, what?"

"It means that I won't see you for the next few days unless I manage to find all of my dresses outfits and my mask fast."

"Bella, I will see you the stores are only open so late and don't worry I have set Wednesday morning aside so that I can take you to do some sightseeing."

We were at the airport now waiting for the family by baggage claim. I saw Alice first being as she was running at me. The rest of the family came into view as Alice slammed into me. As she finished hugging me she turned to Edward and gave him a look that could kill the Devil.

"Why dear brother is it that I only have a day and a half to find the perfect things for my dear sister to wear during her birthday celebration?"

"That would be because until Wednesday afternoon we are still technically on our honeymoon and I want to go and show Bella some of the sights of Italy before we all meet at the castle."

"Fine, we better get going then. Everyone to the limos."

Alice took my hand and dragged me alond with her and told Esme and Rosalie to come with us leaving the guys to get the entire groups luggage, and if I know Alice and Rose there will be a lot of it. Once we got into the limo Alice started in on what colors we should wear for the Ball. I 

already knew that I wanted to wear something dark blue and sparkled. Esme wanted to wear purple; Alice chose to wear lime green and fought with Rosalie about what color she should wear. Rose wanted to wear red like she always did but Alice thought she should wear a more orangey red color this time so that she would stand out. That was when Alice went into vision mode.

When we pulled up to the first shop Alice came out of it with a big grin on her face meaning that she was going to win the fight. We all got out of the cars and went in the store. Alice insisted that the guys come with us so that they could help find the right dresses and so that they would have some say in what color their vests would be.

As soon as we were inside we all went our ways looking for the right dress. I quickly scanned the blue dresses and found nothing good enough for what I was to be, the guest of honor, and so I went to help Esme. We searched for about fifteen minutes and then we found it the perfect dress for her. I showed her and she started jumping like a school girl. It was a sleeveless dress that was a royal purple on the top that had silver beading in five rows over the bust that met in the middle at a diamond encrusted centerpiece. The dark purple flowed down to the waist where it gathered at intervals and each gather had a diamond clasp on it. It was gathered into two rows so that the dark purple skirt stopped about mid thigh and revealed a beautiful shimmering lighter purple underskirt. The skirt was full and looked amazing on her.

Alice hadn't found anything she liked either and so she was helping Rose while I helped Esme and found Rose the perfect dress. It was a sleeveless dress in the shade of orange that Alice had suggested. It was beaded and very fitted in the bust and torso but flared out at the waistline. The skirt was put together so that it looked like flames licking all the way up the skirt. It was amazing on her.

We paid for their dresses and piled back into the cars and of to the next shop. We decided it would be easier to buy the dresses for the ball today so that the guys knew what color vest they needed and then tomorrow would be spent with the guys and girls going their separate ways. When the car stopped again I noticed it wasn't a large shop but a little boutique we were going to now.

This shop had no blue dresses and so we all looked for a dress for Alice. After about twenty tries we found her the perfect dress. It was so Alice it scared me. It was a spaghetti strap dress that was the same color green as Tinkerbell's dress in the Disney cartoon. It had dangling sequins on the top that were very full and then faded down into the skirt where there were hardly any. The skirt though was very full and poofy. Like Glinda the good witch poofy. She looked cute in it though. It was her pixy dress.

We searched in ten more stores before we finally found a dress good enough for me. I ended up being very picky about what I was going to wear. It is the most beautiful dress though that I have ever seen. It is royal blue and the top of it looks like the night sky with how the diamond accents are placed. There is a blue sash that criss crosses over the bust just once like an outline. Then it flows into this skirt that is gathered like Esme's but all the way down the skirt. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.

By the time each of us had found our one dress it was time for the shops to start closing for the night and so we went to the hotel and checked in and we all went to the pent house suite and to our respective rooms in the suite to put our things away.

We spent the night talking about Edward's and my honeymoon and all the things we had seen. We played a few games together and then decided to watch movies until it was time to shop again. I had two dresses a mask and a cloak to get before the day was over. The guys each had to find a tux and three vests along with a mask. We each had our work cut out for us.

We were all getting ready to head out the door when Alice changed plans. We would shop as guys and girls until three and then as couples after that so that we could all get masks to match our mates. We then were not allowed to show anyone our masks until we were at the ball. This was going to be fun.

The girls climbed into our car and drove off leaving the guys to their shopping. We decided to find our dresses for the formal dinner first. We looked for a shop with a large selection of white dresses so that we could hopefully all find our dress in the same shop so that we could focus on finding the perfect dresses for the cocktail party. When we entered the shop we looked around and all helped eachother find a dress.

Esme's dress had silver embroidery on it and three quarter sleeves that belled out at the elbow. Alice's had pink embroidery and pink lace sleeves that were a lot like Esme's. Rosalie's dress had a corset style top to it with red embroidery and had a caped styled sleeve to it. My dress had pale blue embroidery. It had a pale blue lace bolero with belled sleeves that had a white thick ribbon where it started to bell.

We then left and started to look for our other dresses. By about two thirty we all had our final dress and headed back to the hotel so that we could hang them up. Esme's dress was the same shade of purple as her underskirt and very simply styled. Alice's dress was a halter in that same green and beaded all over. Rosalie's was the same kind of burnt orange color and had a sunburst beaded pattern on the bodice and a diamond clasp on the skirt that gave it the look of a wrap dress. Mine was a deep blue with an empire waist that was beaded in silver. The silver beads also went around the neckline causing my dress to again have the bust of the dress outlined.

The guys were there and ready to leave when we got there. Edward and I took out time finding our masks and just had fun. We found some truly unique masks and some very scary ones. We finally decided to get to work on finding masks for us and went into this small mask shop that had all hand crafted masks and started to look around. We found Edward's first. It was royal blue and one side had a gold over lay on it that had cut outs all through it. The other side was simple and had some gold scrollwork on it. We then looked for a mask for me that would go along with it. The lady that ran the shop even helped us look. We finally found the perfect mask. It was an almost midnight blue and also had gold overlay with cutouts on it. The cut outs made it so the gold was thin at the top of the mask so that more of the blue showed through. In the center of the forehead there was a large opal. Then there were blue and black feathers that seemed to just pour out of the opal. It was the most beautiful mask I had ever seen.

Once we were all back at the hotel we put our things away and started to get things ready to leave for Volterra in the morning. We would all check out and then do our own thing for the morning and meet at the castle around five.

Edward and I were the first to leave in the morning. We decided that we were going to take our time getting to the castle and stop at all the old castles on the way there. It was really neat to see all the sights and hear stories about the castles.

We arrived in Volterra before the rest of the family and went to the spot where we were to meet everyone. Aro was there waiting for us when we got to our rendezvous point. He welcomed us as we got out of the car and had a few of his men take our things into the castle. We made small talk until the others arrived talking about our honeymoon and things of that nature.

Once the others were there Aro lead us into the castle and to a part of it I had never seen before. There were long passageways with doors on either side. Even though they were long they felt cozy and warm decorated in gold and red. The carpet was a deep red that matched the embroidery work on the curtains that hung on each of the floor to ceiling windows. We had been walking for about five minutes when Aro turned down another hall decorated the same as the other. He walked past five or six doors and then stopped opening the next and told Alice and Jasper that this would be their room for the duration of their stay. They quickly thanked him and then went in to change before we all went to see the others. He walked down to the next door and opened it for Rosalie and Emmett this time. They to thanked him and went to change. He opened the door across from Rose and Emmett and told Carlisle and Esme that they would be staying there. After they left us Aro started to walk again.

We walked to the end of the hall and at the very end was a door which he opened for Edward and me. He followed us in and asked if this room would be suitable for our stay. I took one sweeping glance around the room and said it would be more than suitable. I hugged him and thanked him. He smiled at me and then turned and left. Edward and I changed as well so that we would be ready to go and see the rest of Aro's "family". I put on the blue skirt and blouse that I bought when we were in Japan and Edward changed into black pants and a pale blue button down shirt. We then left to find the rest of our family. I also made a mental note that I was going to have to take a better look at our room when we got back just so that I could take in how beautiful our room is.

We joined everyone in Alice's room being as everyone knew which room it was and then walked to the great hall together. We let Carlisle lead being as he knew this castle better than any of the rest of us he had lived here after all. Once we were outside the door Alice took one last look at everyone and then allowed us to enter. Aro Caius and Marcus were all sitting together and talking when we arrived. Aro got up and started with the introductions. After they were out of the way we joined in different conversations with people. I couldn't help but notice that Jane still did not seem pleased with me.

Aro came and joined Edward and I after he was finished with the conversation he had been having with his brothers.

"Bella, my dear, how very interesting that your eyes are not like the typical newborns eyes of our kind it does make me wonder."

"What ever about?" Edward asked when he didn't expound upon that thought.

"Oh just what would have been so strong in her human life that she would not have a desire in the least for human blood in this life. It is truly amazing to me. Tell me Bella do you know what it could have been?"

"The only thing I have been able to come up with as explanation is the fact that the smell of blood made me sick to my stomach to the point that I would pass out when I was alive."

"How very interesting. Most humans cannot smell blood and yet you could. You were destined to be one of us. There is no doubt of that in my mind any more. How lucky you were that you met your family before you were changed. You life would most likely have been much harder if you hadn't."

"I have to agree with you there. This life would be much harder to live if I felt that there was no reason to live it."

"Tell me Edward, now that Bella has joined your family have things with her mind changed for you?"

"No, they have not but you may try if you want as long as Bella does not mind."

"May I?"

"Sure why not."

Aro then took my hand in his with a hopeful smile playing across his face. That smile soon fell though and I knew that he still could not read my thoughts.

"How very interesting. You are the first one I have met that I cannot read your thoughts. No wonder Jane has a hard time with you."

I gave him a questioning look and Edward answered it.

"She has been trying to use her power on you every time she sees you. She has tried a few times since we entered the room even. I don't think you will find a friend in her. Heidi though I think will love you. She is trying to think of ways to convince you to join the family so that she has another person to go "fishing" with."

Aro quickly changed the subject. This was something he obviously did not want to talk about right now but that I had a feeling would come up again before we left for home.

"So tell me Bella. Have you discovered what if any power you have?"

"I have Aro. You should wear the Gold mask for the Ball. Marcus is contemplating the black one at this very moment and what tux to wear with it. Though, he doesn't even realize he is thinking about it."

"Amazing. Truly amazing. Another mind reader."

"No, I can't read what is going through your mind. I can only see what is in your subconscious."

"Oh my. That is a truly rare and unique gift. I don't think I have ever met another who can do what you can. You and Edward will be a force to be reckoned with. Nobody's mind will be safe with the two of you around. Your poor family, surprising you will be next to impossible."

Edward and I laughed at the thought of the family surprising us. Then I thought about it and they were going to surprise me. I had no idea what they had even thought to get me for my birthday tomorrow. They had kept me so busy with other things that I had no time to peek into their thoughts. Edward and I said good night to everyone and left for our room.

Once we were in our room I laid down on the bed and looked around the room again. It was more incredible than I could even picture something looking in a fairy tale. The walls were a deep blue that gradually got darker as it went up the wall until it was almost pitch black on the ceiling. Then on the ceiling mixed in with the paint was silver flecks that reflected whatever light hit them. The look was like a night sky. The carpet was silver and the bed was a large dark wood of some sort. It was a tall four post bed and had silver silk sheets and a blue velvet comforter and about a million pillows on the bed. An ornate chandelier hung from the ceiling right over the bed. The bathroom was decorated in the same colors with blue towels that had silver Embroidery on them. When I looked they had Edwards and my initials embroidered onto them. Aro really spared no expense when he had company.

Edward and I talked for a long while and before I knew it the big clock in the square was chiming the hour and it was midnight. Edward leaned over to me and whispered Happy Birthday into my ear and then pulled me down on the bed and held me like he used to before we were married and I became a vampire. We lay like that the rest of the night not needing to talk or move. I felt so loved at that moment that I knew that my life would be perfect for eternity.

All to soon there was a knock on our door and Edward went to see who it was. The rest of the family came into the room and each of them had a gift in their hands. I buried my face in my hands. I still hate people spending money on me. I know I shouldn't because they are family now and so I have access to the same money they do but I still have a hard time with it.

Alice jumped onto the bed and yelled happy birthday. Everyone else gathered around and Edward who now had a gift in his hand as well to me into his arms and set me between his legs on the bed. Alice insisted that I open her gift first. She bought me a clutch and filled it with makeup so that I would have a start to a store which she did have. Jasper was next. I opened his gift and if I could have cried I would. Jasper had somehow managed to get a hold of the original manuscript of Wuthering Heights and it was now sitting in my hands. Rosalie gave him a look like how in the world are we supposed to compete with a gift like that. She then put the smile back on her face and handed me the gift from her. It was a set of hair combs with diamonds and sapphires on them and then a tiara with the same stones in it.

"The combs are for you to wear to dinner tonight and the tiara is for the Ball."

Emmett was next, and to tell the truth I was a little scared of what it was going to be. When I opened it I was shocked and then horror filled my mind as I looked at the titles. Yes they were all books but, there were sex books with titles like: Position of the Day, The Little Bit Naughty Book of Sex, Sex and the Perfect Lover, and 203 Ways to Drive a Man Wild in Bed. I didn't know what to think of his gift so I thanked him and wanted to quickly move on to something 

else. Esme handed me her gift while giving Emmett a how could you look. I opened it and there was a jewelry set to match the gift from Rosalie. I hugged her and said thank you before Carlisle handed me his gift. He told me it was what he got each of his girls on their first birthday after joining the family. I opened it and there was a pearl jewelry set and a letter. I opened the letter and started to read it when Alice told me to read it aloud. I started it again and read aloud.

My Dear Bella,

It is hard to find the words to express how truly touched I am that God would see fit to bestow such a wonderful and priceless gift such as you to me by placing you in my family. I only hope that through the years I can repay him for this gift. The things you have done for this family in the short time you have been a member of it are to numerable to count. I would just like to remark on a few.

You are the daughter that Esme was never able to have. She had the opportunity to watch you grow up even if it was only a year and a half of that time. It has meant the world to her. By making the love of my existence so incredibly happy you have made me the happiest man on earth.

I know that you know what you have done for Edward but I don't think you know just how much you did. Before you came along Edward acted as if he was happy and content. He thought he was fooling everyone but he wasn't. I could see it and I didn't know what to do for him anymore. I then had the inkling to move our family to Forks. A few years later you showed up and it was a night and day difference to his outlook on life. He had a reason for being again. He had tried to find reasons to go on in other things but none of them felt right to him until you. Bella you are his life his existence his reason for being. I also see that he is yours you are and always will be the best part of each other.

Last I would like to thank you for what you have done for me. I have fought with Edward for many years about different theological topics. The main one was the idea of us having souls or not. I think with your help I have finally proved that vampires have a soul. How else could people as sweet as you become what we are? You, though, have done something I have never seen and further proved my side of the debate. When you were "born" to this life you had no desire for human blood. Your souls want and need to preserve human life carried over to this one. Your soul came with you to help you in this life.

You my sweet daughter are a precious gift to our family and to our kind. You are the beacon of hope the proof of our souls. I thank God every day for the gift of you.

Your Loving Father,

Carlisle

When I finished his letter I looked up to see that everyone was having the same difficulty with their feelings that I was. I had no idea that I meant so much to Carlisle. I didn't know that I had done all that. I nodded to Carlisle and he pulled me to him and hugged me.

Edward looked at his dad, "My gift won't be as significant now that you have given her yours. The sentimental value to your letter far outweighs anything I could ever give."

I looked at Edward, "Love, anything you give me will be of great value. Were you not listening you are my better half the reason for me living. You could give me a piece of string and it would have more value than if someone were to give me all the stars in the heavens."

With that Edward handed me his gift. I opened it to find the charm bracelet that Jacob had given me only now it was full of charms. It had Jacob's wolf and Edward's heart along with the charms he had given me in London. Then there were charms to represent Charlie, Renee, Phil, Angela, Ben and each of my other friends from high school. And along with each of those was a picture frame charm that had pictures of all of them so that I would always have them with me. I knew a lot of work and time went into this gift and it was my favorite. Edward always knew just what to get for me. I gave him a hug and whispered to him that I loved it more than anything else I owned in the world.

Everyone then left and I changed my clothes. We went to see what everyone in the castle was up to and if there was anything we could help with. Aro told us that we were guests and therefore not allowed to lay a finger to help get things ready for tonight or any other night that we would be here. Around ten people started to arrive at the castle and fill the empty rooms. Around five we all headed to our rooms to get ready for the cocktail party. I put on the dress that I got when the girls went shopping on Tuesday. I then slightly curled my hair and put the combs that Rosalie had given me into it. I put on a little makeup and the bracelet and necklace from Esme. Edward and I were ready and just in time. The party was to start in ten minutes and we had to go and take our places. Edward and I would be coming in with Aro and taking our seats before anyone else came in. That way everyone would be able to see me as they arrive.

The party was fun. There was dancing and toasts made by my family. There were a million gifts though and it made me glad for vampire speed or we would have been there for a month opening gifts. The Denali coven came. They looked awesome. Katrina was in pale blue, Tanya was in teal, Carmen had on a coppery red color, and Irina was wearing silver. I can't wait for the ball to see what their dresses and masks look like. I also noticed for the first time that Gianna was now a member of the Volturi. She was with Heidi and Jane tonight. The three of them were wearing red, yellow and pink respectively. I had no idea there were so many colors. I don't think that any two girls were wearing the same color. It was so pretty to see it.

Edward and I were finally able to get away and went back to our room. As soon as we were locked into our room Edward said he had one last gift for me. We made love that night. It was different from other times. He told me to be selfish it was my gift after all. He made it more about me this time than he ever had before.

The next day everyone spent the day catching up with old friends. I spent my time getting to know the members of the Denali coven a little better. I knew that if I was ever going to get past the whole Tanya going after Edward thing I needed to get to know her. She had told me at the wedding that she was over him and knew that he was not the one meant to be her mate. It was very enjoyable. Tanya and I actually ended up getting along with each other really well.

We all then retired to our rooms to get ready for dinner. We were all to gather in the parlor by six thirty. At that time we would be shown to our seats. Edward and I each changed into our prescribed clothing for the event and I decided that tonight would be the perfect night to wear my pearls that I had received from Carlisle. I also pulled out the pearls I got when we were in Australia and put them into my hair. We then joined the mingling crowd down in the parlor and waited for our name to be called. We all spent the night drinking and talking with one another. When midnight hit Aro informed us that we were all to go to our rooms and remain there until seven that evening at which time the Ball would begin and everyone would be announced. He then left with his brothers out a separate door from everyone else.

Edward and I spent the day playing games and writing letters to my mom and Charlie. We then went through the pictures and picked out a few to send with the letters. By the time we finished it was five in the evening. We decided that we should start to get ready. We were the guests of honor tonight after all. I went and changed into my slip and then I did my makeup. I decided to do it the way it was for our wedding reception but I went a little heavier on the blue this time. I then curled my hair into ringlets and pinned them up leaving little tendrils hanging down around my face. I put my dress on and asked Edward to lace it up for me. Once it was on I put on my tiara which would only be noticed after the unmasking. I helped Edward tie on his mask and then he helped me with mine. Just as we finished there was a knock on the door. Our escort was there to take us down to the ball.

As we walked down the stairs I heard the all too familiar music of Phantom of the Opera. They were playing Masquerade as people entered. It seemed they were entering by coven with the exception of Edward and me. A new coven was sent down the staircase at the start of each stanza of the song. When it got to Edward and I the music and voices changed slightly and it was the part where Christine and Raoul sing together. We were then told that it was our turn and we walked down another staircase into the grand ballroom. The rest of the covens came in and then at the end of the song where it is all main characters singing the Volturi entered one at a time. Gianna came in first with a beautiful red dress on and her mask was very simple it was two shades of red and had a huge red rose on the side of it. She was followed by Felix. He too wore a simple mask. It was made of velvet and everything was outlined in a gold trim. He was followed by Demetri. His mask was white with gold ornamentation on it. Alec came in next with a silver on silver mask. He was followed by Heidi and she had on a dress similar to Gianna's only in yellow. She had on a mask that was yellow white and gold and had large white feathers coming out the top. Jane followed her down the stairs. Her dress was like the other two's only in a pale pink. Her mask was white with pale pink trim and two white feathers and a butterfly coming off of one side.

The only people left to enter were Marcus Caius and Aro. Marcus and Caius came down together. Marcus had a plain black mask that was hand held and Caius had a red and gold mask that he also held. Aro came down after them and had his gold and black mask that was held like his brothers. Together the three of them walked to the thrones set up on the small stage and took their seats. I only knew who was who because of the fact that each of their minds sounded so different. I wonder if Edward had the same knowledge I did?

Aro stood after they were all seated and began his speech. "Welcome to all of you. It is wonderful to be surrounded by so many friends. Please enjoy the evening. When I stand to speak again I will give the signal for the unmasking. Please dance and talk and get to know your fellow vampires."

After he finished speaking he simply vanished from the stage and the next thing I knew he was at my side and asking me for the first dance. I knew that denying him would be foolish on my part. 

Everyone was looking on and if I did not dance with him I would seem ungrateful. This whole Ball and weekend was put together by him for me. It was the least I could do. I said he could and he escorted me to the dance floor. We were the only two that danced that first dance.

Once the dance was over Edward came and cut in. Aro then went and found Jane and danced with her. The night seemed to fly by. I talked with other vampires but was looking for one group in particular. I wanted to find the Denali coven. I had become friends with them and wanted to know how the night was for them. I knew what color they would be in but that was the only clue I had to finding them. After a few hours I found them.

All four of the girls were in sleeveless dresses. Katrina's was pale blue and beaded. Her mask was silver with blue and a pale blue jewel and feathers. Tanya had on a Teal sparkled gown and mask that was all glitter with teal feathers coming off of the side. Carmen's dress was amazing; she looked like she could be the goddess of fall. Her mask was two toned and had copper feathers coming off of a large silver flower that was to the upper right of her right eye. Irina was a vision in silver. Her dress was simple but stunning. It was all silver with a black trim around the bottom of the bust and at the top of the skirt. Her mask was silver with black and silver feathers. Eleazer matched Carmen perfectly. His mask was the same color as her mask and looked very old-fashioned but modern at the same time. It was really cool.

Not long after I started to talk to them Aro got back up on the stage and quieted the music so that he could speak. "Many of you may have noticed that there is a gentleman not wearing a black suit. I would like him and his mate to join me up here on stage. They will help me in the signal for the unmasking of our company."

Edward and I made our way up to the stage then not knowing what was about to happen. Edward scanned Aro's mind while we walked and told me there was nothing to worry about and that this would be fun.

As soon as we were on stage Aro started to explain. "I have here a bell and it is very quiet though I think you should be able to hear it just fine. When I ring it these two will have to show their love for each other in a form of their choosing. When they finish everyone is to take off their masks."

The music began again and we were allowed to leave the stage but were warned not to leave each other because we never knew when he would ring that bell. We decided to go to the dance floor. A few songs played and we were having fun dancing with our family when the familiar tune of my lullaby started. That was also the moment that we heard the bell. Edward and I looked at each other and knew just what we were going to do. He took my hand and we swept across the dance floor which completely cleared it of everyone but the two of us. We then danced the same dance that we danced at our wedding reception. It was nice to be the only ones on the floor this time. As the song finished we took a bow and as we came up our masks came off. Everyone was shocked at the fact that it was the two of us. Then as the shock wore off the masks came off.

After that we danced well into the morning hours. When the Ball finally ended I was ready to head to my room and spend some time talking to Edward and see if he knew people before the unmasking like I did. I turned out he had a fair guess as to who was who and ended up right on 

everyone but Marcus and Caius who he had switched. We decided it would be a good idea to leave with the rest of the family in the morning and get a look at the family's new home and so the packing began.

As we were finishing loading the car Aro came out to say goodbye. "I hope that we will have a chance to see the two of you again soon."

We assured him that he would and thought that it would be the end of it.

"You know I have been looking for the right moment to bring this up with the two of you all weekend and now that you are about to leave it has forced my hand."

We gave him questioning looks.

"I wanted to talk to you about joining us here at the castle and becoming a part of our family. I know about your diet and want nothing more than for you to join us anyway. Bella I know for a fact that Heidi has taken a liking to you and wants you to join her in her tasks. Edward you would be like my brothers and I. I would never imagine you becoming a part of the guard. Would you care to join our happy little family?"

Edward and I looked at each other and then to Aro. "Thank you so much for the offer but I cannot accept. I could never go hunting or fishing whatever it is she calls it with her. It would make me ill to know that I was bringing people to their deaths. If, though, I ever change my mind you will be the first to know."

Aro seemed pleased with the possibility of it happening in the future and left us to our drive back to the airport with our now gathered family.

Well, there you have it folks. I hope you liked it. Review and let me know. Thanks

Twirose