Author's note: This was a tough chapter to write I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters; Stephanie Meyers is gracious enough to let me and other's play with them.

"How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be when there's no help in the truth." - Sophocles

The Prince's Return

Lysander dropped the murderer's drained body onto the floor as he came to his senses.

He was horrified at what he had done; he backed away from the body in dismay.

He had acted on instinct and fed on the human, he could not stop himself as the man's blood rushed down his parched throat. Now as he slid down the wall he had been leaning against he surveyed the macabre scene. The dead man had a ghastly grimace frozen on his face; his unseeing eyes stared at the door. Lysander sat there hugging his knees to his chest for hours until it was late afternoon, early evening would be approaching soon. His mind was whirling out of control with images of the past two days. His thoughts and emotions were becoming hard to compose as he fought off his anxiety.

He started acting more on impulse than forethought and decided to dispose of the evidence of his homicide by setting fire to the house. He placed the body in a bed upstairs lighting the man's cigarettes and placing them in bed with him. He also found several candles he placed strategically around the room near curtains and other flammable materials. It would look like the man died from falling asleep while he was smoking in bed.

Lysander went back downstairs to plan his next move. He still wasn't thinking clearly when the flames that were spreading through the house hypnotized him.

He liked the heat of the fire he was tired of being cold. He wondered if the blaze could destroy him as well and possibly give him the escape he sought. The ceiling above him was developing an angry orange red glow as the inferno moved along the roof beams.

He was so enthralled by the flames as they danced around the house; that he did not notice the staircase fall into the basement. His indecision held him in place as he considered his options. His choice was stolen away from him as two hooded figures launched through the closed door leaving it in splinters. Lysander was seized and pulled out of the burning building at a high velocity. He and the two hulking forms landed on the front lawn their impact made a small crater. The two-cloaked vampires landed on top of Lysander with irritated grunts. Felix the larger vampire got up quickly patting the flames down on his clothes. Demetri had pinned Lysander down while he surveyed him for any injuries.

"Lysander, what part of 'keeping a low profile' do you not understand?" Demetri said to the young vampire in exasperation. Lysander struggled to free himself from Demetri, which caused the older vampire to pin him down harder gripping him by the throat.

"You will stop now!" Demetri ordered, "I will not tolerate any further disobedience, do you understand?"

Lysander sighed and rolled his eyes looking very much like a 17-year old boy when he replied. "Yes, I understand" he glared back, "Demetri please let me up."

That is when Demetri noticed the difference in Lysander's eyes, they were no longer black with hunger, and their color was crimson. "You fed." Demetri stated with certainty.

Lysander looked down in shame. Demetri let his captive sit up but kept hold of his arm.

"There are easier and more discreet ways to dispose of your kills." Demetri lectured the boy.

"His name was Pietro Zucco," Lysander explained, "he was a serial killer, his latest victim escaped, I thought it better to leave his burned body for the humans to find."

The silence was broken suddenly from a chortling laughter coming from Felix.

"You know Lysander, things are never boring with you around." Felix snickered.

Memories of Lysander flickered through Felix's mind but a few were events Lysander had no memory. The boy looked up at the massive vampire questioningly.

"You fought me in the throne room?" he asked, "when was that, who were …"

Felix's eyes widened when he realized his slip, he suddenly started thinking of various women and himself in his favorite sexual positions.

Lysander balked, "Eew! Stop! There is no way I ever want to see you doing that!"

"Ha," Felix retorted, "Stay out of my head, junior!"

"It's not something I can stop!" Lysander retorted, "believe me if I could stop it I would!"

"How cozy." Sneered a cold voice. "Have you all finished with your nonsense?"

Lysander looked over towards the voice it belonged to Jane. Her evil expression matched her thoughts. Santiago was standing next to her glaring at him thinking of detaching Lysander's legs in the most painful method possible. Completing the group was Alec who wore a perpetual expression of scorn. Pain suddenly pulsed through Lysander's body he had fallen to the ground in a spasm. "Jane that's enough." Demetri warned, "We must leave before we draw any unwanted attention."

"Perhaps, later." She smirked, "until then Lysander."

The agony stopped suddenly, Demetri and Felix picked him up off the ground and quickly placed him into a waiting SUV.

"I think he should drive back with me." Jane cooed with anticipation.

Hell no! Lysander knew Jane was enjoying her 'day out' and he had no intention of being her latest toy.

"I have orders from Master Aro to return quickly with Lysander unharmed." Demetri replied flatly. "We need you and Santiago to make sure there are no suspicions about the man's death or the fire."

Even though retrieving Lysander from the house had only taken minutes the vampires could hear a police siren in the distance.

"It's time." Demetri ordered. Felix and Alec sat with Lysander in between them while Demetri drove the truck. Santiago and Jane faded into the background before the humans appeared on the scene. The house was almost completely engulfed in flames.

The drive back to Volterra was silent but Lysander could still hear the thoughts of the other three vampires. Felix continued his thoughts of orgies and feeding off of voluptuous human women. Alec's thoughts were almost as bad as Felix's but they involved Jane torturing Lysander in very extreme ways. It made sitting between the two perverted vampires very uncomfortable. Lysander concentrated on Demetri as a much-needed distraction; the senior vampire's mind was incredibly focused on the return trip. Lysander noticed he was hyper aware and suspicious of any vehicle that came to close to their SUV on the highway. Demitri's thoughts planned several strategies incase of an enemy confrontation. All of his strategies were of escape and keeping Lysander in his custody at any cost.

"Demetri who are you on guard against?" Lysander could contain his curiosity, "you seem to expect someone to attack or detain us."

Faces of vampires Lysander did not recognize blurred through Demitri's thoughts but vanished before he could get any details or answers to his questions.

"Lysander your father Aro has many enemies and you have inherited them." The older vampire continued, "You are not safe outside of Volterra."

Lysander could tell he heard a half-truth, he didn't believe a vampire needed to worry about safety.

"What…" Lysander began.

Demetri cut him off. "Alec attend to this." He ordered.

Lysander's senses were cut off and everything went black when Alec used his power.

When he regained his sight and hearing Lysander was kneeling on the dais in the throne room before Aro, Caius and Marcus. Aro was standing over him ominously as he raised his head to meet his gaze. Aro noticed the boy's crimson eyes with surprise, wanting to know more he grabbed the young vampire's face with out permission. He accessed Lysander's memories of the events also every thought of everyone Lysander came in contact with during his adventure. Aro's expression turned to amusement as he continued to read the minds around them. A number of the vampire's in the Volturri court were hoping Aro would tear Lysander's head off. Aro could hear the various intrigues and ambitions some of the thoughts he suspected some were unexpected.

Aro's sudden laughter made the guards and court jump with confusion.

He finally released Lysander but continued to laugh.

"Aro, enough with theses distractions." Caius scowled.

"Brother, Our Prince has returned!" he exclaimed. "My son has exceeded all of our expectations." Aro's smile was triumphant.

"Demetri you have done well." Aro complimented. "Take Lysander to his quarters and prepare him for more training. You will wait for me to arrive."

"Yes Master, thank you." Demetri replied stunned by the praise.

"Come brothers let's discuss this matter in private." Aro declared as he led Caius and Marcus from the throne room.

Once the three were seated in Aro's private office. Caius slammed his fist on the desk in front of him, holding back enough not to damage the furniture. "Aro his presence is to disruptive it took more than half the guard to capture him." Caius began, "His actions will cause strife and disciplinary problems."

"Caius," Aro replied triumphantly, "He fed on a human!"

"His little hunting trip could have ended in disaster." Caius retorted, "He is too volatile, he needs to be destroyed."

"He is too valuable to destroy." Aro explained, "just keeping him here gives us an advantage over our enemies."

"You give him too many privileges, he escaped to easily, and he should be punished."

"He will be contained first, then the lessons will start." Aro continued, "we will break him down and remold him into a formidable weapon."

"Enough!" Marcus pronounced. He had been watching the argument and became bored with it quickly. "Aro, the boy may not remember his origins but the relationship bonds are still there, they are stronger than any I have ever seen. This plan is folly."

The other brothers were shocked by Marcus's interruption.

"Marcus he hasn't been introduced to Chelsea or Corin, their powers will make the boy more malleable."

Marcus scoffed, he would not argue anymore but he knew the young vampire would barely be affected. "I am finished with this discussion," Marcus retorted dismissively, "I will do as I agreed but no more." The ancient vampire took his leave he did not tolerate what he considered foolishness. He passed Jane and Santiago as he left.

"Jane Dearest!" Aro greeted, "what have you to report."

"The humans believe the fire was caused by the man smoking in bed." Jane answered gleefully, "They discovered numerous bodies the man hid over the years. It would appear that Lysander disposed of a serial killer."

"He allowed a ten year old girl to escape." Santiago interjected snidely.

"But that is the best part!" Jane chuckled, "The sole survivor credits her rescue to an angel and divine intervention."

Aro cackled with delight, "You see Caius! This scandalous escape has led to nothing but entertainment and fortuitous publicity!"

"There should be no 'publicity' fortuitous or otherwise." Caius responded sternly.

"Don't you see how an unknown serial killer could raised more suspicions for us than his demise and a charming child's tale about angels will have no one suspecting vampires." Aro responded excitedly.

"However this ends it seems it will amuse me." Caius smirked. "I will leave you to it."

Caius left Aro's office for other endeavors.

"Jane darling, you have pleased me immensely," Aro, informed her happily, "I think you deserve a reward, name what you like."

"Thank you Master!" she gushed, "perhaps you would let me and Alec have some play time with Lysander?"

"Of course you may dear," Aro laughed maliciously, "after he has learned his lesson and finished more training." She beamed jubilantly at her Master.

"Come Santiago," Aro commanded, "I have an assignment you will enjoy."

Lysander's mood became more somber with each step he took. When they reached his room Demetri ordered him to change into his grey uniform. Demetri waited outside Lysander's room for Aro's arrival. Lysander did as he was told but could not help the feelings of anxiety from his confinement. He knew everything he was told was a lie. He knew from reading the surrounding vampire minds that he was no newborn vampire and certainly not Aro's son. He certainly was not a prince of Volterra. He knew from the hatred in the minds around him he was an enemy prisoner. He knew Aro and Caius planned on using him as a weapon. Knowing these truths did him no good, he tried hard to recall his past but he could not get past the memories of the blinding pain after his fall.

His frustration was bubbling over into anger he threw his jacket across the room.

He changed into the uniform and began to put his other clothes in his wardrobe. A small metal frame fell from the jacket. It opened like a book and a slip of paper fell to the floor. The writing on the paper was beautifully delicate and penned by hand. Curious he read the note. "Who seeks shall find" – Sophocles, the quote was written on one side and there was an address on the other. Before he finished examining his find he realized Aro was making his way towards his rooms. Lysander hid the frame and paper in the mattress of his bed; double-checking that there was nothing to give it away. He blurred to the other side of his room and stood by his desk waiting for Aro to enter.

The door opened to Aro followed by Felix, Demetri and Santiago. Lysander recognized his predicament now he would pay for his failed escape. He noticed Santiago's sneer, it was not a good omen. Aro's thoughts confirmed his reservations.

"Lysander my son, fortunately your little adventures held no untoward mishaps." Aro began sternly, "but there must be an example made and discipline must be kept up."

Lysander could hear all their thoughts, Aro's impatience, Felix was indifferent, Demetri was sympathetic and Santiago was full of anticipation. He frowned at Santiago defiantly but refused to give them any satisfaction by remaining silent.

"Santiago will administer your punishment for running away." Aro informed tonelessly.

They led Lysander to the prison cell down the hall. He saw no point in resisting the inevitable he knew there was no refuge from their vengeance. Santiago pushed him forcefully into the cell.

"Do not leave any permanent damage or lingering marks." Aro warned harshly, "I want him kept in optimum condition." Lysander couldn't help but note that Aro talked about him as if he was simply a utensil and nothing more.

"Yes Master," Santiago replied enthusiastically, " he will learn his lesson well and I'll leave him pretty."

Lysander took a brutal beating. Santiago threw the boy around the cell with great force leaving indentations in the stonewalls. Lysander understood his punishment would be much worse if he fought back. But he could not contain his hatred; he glared at Santiago defiantly. Lysander endured the beating silently he refused to give Santiago any satisfaction. Santiago growled threateningly at him his hands ripped down the front of Lysander's chest viciously. He hoped by rolling his eyes in disdain he could aggravate the other vampire into ending his existence.

Infuriated Santiago was ready to go in for the kill.

"Enough!" shouted Aro. "You will cease!" Santiago froze in place at his Master's order.

"Such a good guard dog." Lysander goaded with a smirk. Santiago became enraged beyond reason and launched himself at the young vampire. His plan would have worked but Demetri and Felix were super vigilant and stopped Santiago from tearing Lysander to pieces. Finally getting Santiago to calm down, Aro told him to leave first.

"Take Lysander to his room." Aro ordered, "You can train him in combat tomorrow."

Lysander would recover but he would be in pain while his wounds healed. Santiago caused damage with his hands and teeth but managed not to leave any permanent marks from his venom. Still Lysander could hardly stand let alone walk he had to be carried by Demetri and Felix to his room. They laid him on his bed and left quietly.

The pain was bad but nothing like the burn from the change he just staid on the bed until he could slowly move with the least discomfort. He wanted to reach for his picture frame and note. He moved painfully slow and held his breath as he retrieved his things from his hiding place. He opened the frame and studied it more closely there was a latch on the side of the frame that opened another compartment. He was thrilled to find two photos in the frame. They were both very old and a little worn at the edges.

The first photo was sepia and the time period and dress of the subjects appeared to be from the 1930's. The three figures in the photo were of an angelic looking man in his mid twenties; he had his arm around a beautiful woman and rested his hand on the shoulder of a teenage boy. The man's expression was of love and pride as he looked at the smiling faces of the other two. Lysander stared at the photo in disbelief the boy looked like him. Still in shock he gazed at the second photo. It was a black and white candid picture of three teens. A smiling statuesque girl stood between two laughing boys. One boy was large and powerfully built with dark hair and a mischievous smile. His doppelganger was the second boy laughing at the older boy.

Lysander was amazed at the resemblance his mind was confused and full of questions. How did two photos of him get in a jacket that he found in an abandoned warehouse? Who where these people in the photos? This new mystery provided more questions than answers but for the first time since he awakened he felt hope.

His body healed as the next morning drew near, not that Lysander could tell the days from the nights from his catacomb prison. He put the photos away reverently in a new hiding place. He did not want to risk their discovery. He changed into a new uniform and awaited Demitri's arrival. He could hear the approaching vampire's thoughts they were focused on self-defense exercises. Demetri did not knock as he entered the room unannounced. He surveyed Lysander and his surroundings noting his young charge was prepared as ordered.

"Bring your cloak and follow me." Demetri commanded.

Lysander did as he was told and followed behind. Felix was waiting for them in the gym.

"We will be focusing on self defense." Demetri informed.

"You obviously need it." Felix chided, "Santiago almost tore you to pieces and you didn't even try to move out of the way."

Lysander glowered at the giant vampire. "My punishment would have been much worse if I gave him any resistance." He explained, "His mental state was unbalanced he wanted to rip my legs off."

"No doubt." Demetri snorted in reply, "Now stand over there and wait for Felix to attack."

Lysander obeyed and watched as Felix lunged towards him. He jumped aside at the last minute and was narrowly missed by the assault. However Felix did not stop he continued a barrage of attacks, one after another. Both move in a blur only Demitri's vampire eyes could keep track of their movements. After ten minutes of this Felix made a backward then forward thrust. He caught Lysander on the side of his head with his fist. The next move Felix had him pinned on the ground.

"Not too bad." Demetri called, "you lasted much longer than most."

"Now that I've evaluated your skill set," Demetri explained, "you will practice the defense moves shown to you."

Demetri and Felix instructed him in their techniques and the three practiced sparring for hours. They had shown him how to use his cloak to deflect attacks. Finally practice was called to an end, Lysander could hear in their thoughts that they were pleased with his progress.

"It is time for your lessons with Marcus." Demetri said, "You must meet with him in the library. We will continue your defense training in the morning."

Felix snickered at Lysander's reluctance to meet with Marcus.

"You're right to fear him." Felix laughed, "Some underestimate him but Marcus is actually the most dangerous of our three Masters."
Lysander gave Felix an angry look, "I'm not afraid." He said as he started towards the library.

"You should be." Demetri smirked.

Lysander knew they were both correct in their assessment of Marcus. Caius could be vicious and Aro was the most manipulative but of the three Volturi leaders Marcus was the most dangerous. He was in eternal mourning of the death of his beloved wife Didyme. But from hearing his thoughts Lysander knew Marcus was totally aware of his surroundings for which he barely deemed worthy of acknowledgement. His thoughts of his deceased wife were of love and happiness. His other thoughts were deadly dark when he took the time to be interested in his environment he was immovable and acerbic. Over the millennium he was a lethal adversary to his enemies.

Lysander entered the library to find Marcus waiting for him to arrive.

"Sit and listen." Marcus said curtly.

Lysander obeyed and Marcus proceeded to tell him the ancient histories of the vampire race. He included information on other supernatural creatures and their relationships towards vampires. He explained beings from witches to werewolves. He told him of ancient wars and covens. Occasionally Marcus would pause and let Lysander ask a question. Marcus would sometimes stop and asked Lysander about himself and his opinions. The time actually passed quickly for both of them but it happened to be ten hours of history conversation.

"It is time to stop for now." Marcus said. "We will continue tomorrow but instead of history I will teach military strategy and the disciplines of war."

"Thank you Marcus, I find our histories fascinating." Lysander said, "What will I do until Demetri and Felix return?"

"You may pursue your own interests." He replied but the noticed Lysander's perplexed expression. "You don't know what interest you?"

"No," he replied sadly. "I really can't remember."

"Well you have your run of the library for reading." Marcus suggested, "Perhaps you would also like some music?"

Lysander's eyes lit up "Yes, please sir I would like that."

Marcus chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm "I will have some music CD players sent here."

"Thank you!" Lysander couldn't contain his excitement.

"I will return tomorrow, continue with your studies young one they will be of great assistance to you."

Marcus left quietly as Lysander browsed through the library.

His days fell into an easy routine. He slowly began to build an almost camaraderie with Felix and Demetri. Additionally he found his lessons with Marcus extremely interesting it kept his mind busy for the most part. Still he found himself restless and progressing into a deep depression. Chelsea and Corin visited him for some unexplained reason their visits made his depression worse. He found his routine helped him get through along with music. Marcus gifted him a violin and he was learning to play the instrument in his spare time. Lysander would continue to ponder over his photographs but they held no answers.

He was slowly getting thirsty his eyes were darkening to black. But he did not want to feed off humans even though at times the thirst could become unbearable.

He hated needing blood and refused to say anything about the situation. However his dilemma did not go unnoticed by his captors. Aro arrived in his room one day unannounced, as was his privilege. He looked on Lysander with displeasure.

"Lysander, why have you not fed?" Aro said disapprovingly, "it is your duty to stay strong, I will not accept this self-neglect you practice."

"I-I'm n-not thirsty." Lysander managed to stammer out in a whisper.

Don't be absurd, I had Santiago place a human in the cell," Aro began, "You will do as you are told." Aro would brook no argument fro m the young vampire. Demetri and Felix were absent Caius had sent them on an errand. Santiago guarded the exit menacingly. Aro led Lysander to the cell where Alec and Jane were standing by. There was a bull of a man inside of the cell gripping the bars to the door. He glared at the vampires as if he were the dangerous monster and they were his prey. The man leered at Lysander as Santiago threw him into the cell. Lysander's cellmate was an extortionist who enjoyed breaking the bones of his victims while collecting money for organized crime. He also enjoyed raping young men.

"I thought this man would be more to your taste." Aro laughed.

The man glared at Lysander and lunged for his throat trying to strangle him. Lysander stepped easily out of the man's reach and growled at him, his eyes were black with hunger. "Stay away." Lysander warned.

The man was fearful but like a wild animal chose to charge his opponent in a fight for his life. Lysander lost his control and his instinct to over he grappled with his prey gracefully. He gave his victim a painless death by breaking his neck before he satiated his thirst.

"Splendid my prince!" Aro laughed with delight, "I enjoy watching you go in for the kill."

"Yes, Lysander," Jane purred, "You have a very elegant style when devour your prey."

Lysander gasped as he dropped the corpse on the ground.

"Well my sweets, I must be on my way," explained Aro, "Continue with your fun and enjoy your reward Jane dear."

Lysander read their minds and became horrified, especially the perversity of Jane's and Alec's intent.

"Aro, no! You can't be serious!" Lysander shouted at his retreating form in disbelief.

Santiago stopped him from leaving and shoved him back into the cell.

"Now, now Lysander," Jane said hungrily, "It's time to play."

"Look how beautiful he is sister." Alec smirked, "his hair looks so soft."

Lysander knew there was little hope for escape and as Santiago stepped into the cell slamming the door behind him all hope was crushed. He did his best to fight them off but that just made Jane laugh with pleasure as she made him writhe in pain at her feet. The tortures and sexual assaults lasted for over eighteen hours. He was left sitting naked on the cell floor. He felt nothing as he sat there his mind hutting down. He could hear Demetri and Felix returning from the mission Caius sent them. But he could find it in him to acknowledge his surroundings. Marcus arrived to meet him in the library, when the three called out searching for him, he could not reply. Demetri gasped in shock when he opened the cell door. "Lysander!" he said softly, as he placed his hand on the boys shoulder. Lysander flinched at the touch. Marcus stood in the doorway with an angry expression. "Who did this?" The scents of the perpetrators still lingered in the cell.

"Jane, Alec and Santiago." Demetri growled.

Felix took his cloak off and wrapped it around the young vampire.

"Why did they do this?" Felix asked.

"It was Jane's reward," Lysander whispered sadly, "Aro wanted me to learn never to defy his wishes."

"Take him to his room, join me in the library while he gets cleaned up." Marcus ordered Demetri and Felix.

They did as they were told, when they entered the library Marcus interrogated them on their absence. They told him Santiago was left as a guard while Caius sent them on business to Venice. Marcus was furious with his brothers for taking these punishments too far. Their foolish games turned old friends and allies into enemies. Lysander would have become an efficient member of the guard but this last incident ruined the minor bonds that he formed with Felix and Demetri. The boy would never trust any of them now. And Aro's attempt to bend the young vampire's had failed. Marcus's talent was to be able to see bonds and relationships and he saw none between Lysander and Aro.

Marcus was a master strategist and he knew Aro's miscalculations were leading to a vampire war. He gave Demetri and Felix instructions and left to prepare for his plans.

Lysander showered in scalding hot water for an hour he felt he couldn't scrub enough.

He still felt filthy when he exited the bathroom. He refused to put his uniform on and changed into the clothes he found in the warehouse. He took the photos out of their hiding place and gently traced the faces with his fingers. He put them in the pocket of his jacket when he heard Demetri's approach.

"You are being summoned to the throne room," Demetri informed, "There will be guests arriving soon."

Lysander walked between Felix and Demetri as they led him through the catacombs towards the throne room. The Volturi court was fully assembled with the guard in attendance. Marcus, Aro and Caius sat on their thrones. He was led to the side to wait.

There was a loud pounding heard on the chamber doors announcing the arrival of guests.

Two vampires took the long walk gracefully through the court towards the thrones.

The first vampire was dark haired, tall and with an almost olive completion the other vampire had a pale pallor and blonde hair. They both had deep golden eyes instead of red.

Lysander took a sharp breathe in shock; the blonde haired vampire was the angelic man in his photograph.

"Carlisle and Eleazor my friends," Aro laughed, "it's wonderful to see you both."

Lysander stared at the vampire named Carlisle in wonder, not knowing what this could mean for him but he looked forward to finally getting some answers.