Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all. All credit goes to her for the lines utilized from her books.

Edward POV

The cars couldn't move quickly enough for me. I almost screamed for Carlisle to pull over and let me out so that I could run, but realized I didn't even know where to go. I growled, pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration. Carlisle believed that we would find Bella alive and well, but I had my doubts.

I knew the Volturi only through legends and stories. Jasper held them in the utmost respect, having seen their masterful dealings with the newborn wars, but Carlisle and Jasper had never been involved in breaking the rules like I had. I could care less what happened to me, but the family and Bella…well, they were a different story. I heard Jacob's thoughts from behind me. He was determined to address the Volturi as well. I hoped we hadn't led him to his death.

Edward, I know I can't guarantee anything, but you need to know that Aro doesn't act in haste. If anything, he will have read Bella's mind and seen her goodness.

I looked over at Carlisle as he spoke silently to me, and he saw my conflict.

He is able to discern between those he can trust, and those he can't. Actually, I am relieved that he has her. What I am more curious about is how she came to his attention. That, to me, is the unknown.

"We're here," he said softly. Esme and Jacob occupied the other seats of the car. Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice followed us in the other. I looked and saw a city on a small hill. It was picturesque, with the sunset casting a rosy glow over the landscape. As we wound our way through the narrow streets, I tried to calm myself, hoping that Bella was just a few minutes away.

We parked in front of a building and I looked over at Carlisle, perplexed by the structure in front of me. His memories had always been of the spaces inside.

"Aro can be quite melodramatic. He finds it amusing to live in a castle, under the guise of a business. In fact, he does run a business out of here. He has his hands in just about everything legal and illegal, except drugs. He hates them more than we do, believing that the products will taint the human population sooner or later."

Carlisle's face quirked ironically. "He has his priorities. Aro is all about ensuring the success and longevity of the human race."

"Jacob, I still recommend that you go to the hotel we've reserved. I cannot guarantee our safety, much less yours," he spoke softly.

Jacob shook his head adamantly as the others surrounded us. The door opening brought our attention to the entrance.

"Carlisle…" a feminine voice called out in a mixture of surprise and pleasure.

A tall burgundy haired vampire stepped out into the light and smiled at him. She was gorgeous. Even as love struck as I was, I could recognize that. Carlisle grinned infectiously and pulled Esme with him to the entrance.

"Heidi," he greeted her, clearly pleased. He grasped her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips in a kiss of acknowledgement.

I worried that Esme would feel jealous, but Carlisle quickly turned to her.

"Esme, this is Heidi."

As he turned back to Heidi, Carlisle's face glowed with reverence when he introduced Esme as his wife.

I recognized this only as a secondary observation. My mind was distracted by another more important development. I couldn't hear Heidi's thoughts. She was as blank to me as Bella had been. It was disconcerting, and I felt Jasper softly grasp my arm.

Edward?

"Can't hear her," I softly whispered, loud enough for only him to hear.

Interesting.

I saw her look up at our family, and her eyes narrowed only slightly when she saw Jacob standing with us.

"Aro, Marcus, and Caius eagerly await your presence. I was told to bring you to them as soon as you arrived."

The interior hall was lined with numerous vampires, who I quickly realized were guards. It was disturbing not being able to read those around me. I glanced at Jasper, and was somewhat comforted when he winked at me. Damn mood-reading vampire. He hadn't done that since the last time Emmett had thought it would be funny to visit a gay bar. We'd been hot commodities there, and to save all our asses, without a huge scene, Jasper had become my best friend on the way out. Alice had teased us mercilessly for years, asking if she needed to leave us alone. I realized he was attempting to distract me, but if he was picking up anything of concern, he wouldn't be joking around. Thankfully, Emmett was hanging back with Jacob, whose thoughts were going crazy. The smell itself was burning his lungs.

I saw a huge set of wooden doors, and Carlisle quickly made his way toward them. He was actually excited to see the Volturi leaders. This was unexpected. I'd never heard Carlisle speak disparagingly about them, but I'd just always assumed that something must have gone wrong between them. We'd visited many vampires over the years, above and beyond our Denali cousins, so our lack of visits to the leaders of our world, particularly now that I was beginning to ascertain just how close my father had been to them, was clearly perplexing.

These thoughts ran through my head, but they weren't my primary concern. I was attempting to catch any hint of Bella. I breathed deeply, but could only pick up a multitude of vampire scents. Please, Please, Please, the chant ran through my head. As the door swung open before us, I had only one thought. My life was either going to end soon or become infinitely better.

The room was full of vampires, but the focus in the room was on three ancient vampires standing together by a roaring fire, wearing long black robes. As our group entered, they turned to us. The Volturi…I was immediately struck by their appearance. The paintings had not done them justice. I knew that they were ancient, having survived for thousands of years. I wondered what they might look like to humans, but to my eyes, the three before me were mesmerizing.

Aro, the tallest of the group, regal and raven haired, began to walk toward us. Carlisle's face was transformed by a smile, and memories buzzed through his mind like a horde of gnats in the lazy summer sun. Carlisle had spent an inordinate amount of time with this man.

"Carlisle," Aro murmured a greeting clearly laced with emotion.

He stopped just in front of my father and held out his hand to him. Carlisle did not hesitate to place his hand in Aro's. Aro paused only for a moment. A human wouldn't have noticed it, but to the vampires in the room, the use of Aro's gift was obvious. Carlisle's memories must have been pouring rich and deep into him; I couldn't be certain because the thoughts of these Volturi remained a mystery to me.

After a long moment, Aro released Carlisle's hand and took his face between his palms. He slowly placed kisses to each of Carlisle's cheeks and then gazed into his eyes for a moment. His lips quirked upwards at one end. I couldn't read the minds of the others, but Jasper felt their emotions. I don't know what just happened, but the tension in the room just stepped down. It's a strange mixture of joy and relief. Well, all except for the white haired one, who I'm guessing is Caius. He's not exactly mad, but I wouldn't say he is ecstatic to see us either. The other Ancient one, Marcus I think, is dead emotionally. It is almost overwhelming to be in his presence.

I'd even picked up on the emotion of the room. It would seem that Aro's greeting of Carlisle had been a signal of acceptance. He'd read Carlisle's memories and knew our every secret - which meant he knew mine. As if on cue, Aro turned to look at the rest of the family, studying each face. He now knew everything about us, not only our names but our histories and powers. I picked up subtle hints of greed flickering across his face. I didn't have to guess at the origins. I'd heard Eleazar and Carlisle talk. Aro collected talented vampires to form his guard. It was clear that he could utilize his skill to define just who would and would not benefit him. I wouldn't hesitate to guess that he was feeling victorious over the gifts that had just walked through his door. I'd wondered at Carlisle's earlier warning to Jacob. His words took on a different meaning for me at that moment.

His gaze did linger on Jacob for several moments, but I was proud to see the werewolf meet his eyes firmly and respectfully. This was not easy for Jacob, being in the midst of his mortal enemies. For a fledgling werewolf, he was keeping himself under impressive control. Finally Aro's eyes met mine, and I could only wonder at the emotions I saw buried in his blood red gaze.

Whoa, Edward. I'm floundering here. His feelings are everywhere. One thing I know for certain is he is a little angry with you.

I was as confused as Jasper. But Aro turned and glanced to the group gathered behind him.

"Loved ones, one of ours has returned and brought his coven with him. Demetri, please instruct Gianna to have appropriate accommodations prepared within the castle for our guests. I believe the shape shifter will appreciate being housed in one of the rooms with a balcony for the fresh air."

I heard the thoughts of my family and Jacob racing. Shape shifter? But of course, this made sense. Jacob's pack weren't Children of the Moon being controlled by the phases of the moon. Their genetic gift had just chosen the form of one of the most important symbols for their tribe. A new mythological creature. Leave it to a centuries old vampire to point out to us what we'd never considered. Further relief filled the air, and I didn't have to be Jasper to see the other vampires in the room relax slightly.

Jacob, however, smirked. Damn, guess I get to one up on Sam when I get back. It'll be nice to know something he doesn't for once.

"Felix, please bring in the accuser so that we can get the formalities out of the way."

My family tensed at the words, but our questions were answered within just moments when the hulking vampire, who had been glaring at me throughout our introduction, all but carried Victoria through the doorway.

Through the hissing of my family and the growling from Jacob, I wondered if we'd been all wrong. If Victoria was here, Bella was probably already dead, the hair just something she'd acquired from the body. Roaring filled the air, and I lunged toward her…

And was halted in my tracks before I covered even half the distance. Fire streaked through my body, and I fell to the marble floor. I heard my family screaming around me.

"Thank you, dear Jane." I heard Aro's voice through my agony. "You can release him now. I'm sure young Edward understands the rules for appropriate court decorum. He was, I assume, momentarily overwhelmed by his emotions."

It was a less than subtle warning. I could barely acknowledge it through the pain. Then, like a water faucet being turned off, it was gone. I lay on the floor, panting. Aro crouched down beside me, his hands resting on his knees, and I looked at him.

"Disrespect of this process will not be tolerated from you, Edward. I sense there is more to your story than even your father offered. Do you care to explain?" His question was whispered low enough so the others could not hear, keeping the offer strangely between us.

Grateful for the opportunity, I held out my hand. Strange electricity coursed through me as Aro grasped it. It was odd, the feeling of his skin and the strumming energy between us. I knew he was seeing everything I'd ever done or said, but it was if we were friends sharing a handshake. Within a few moments, his burgundy eyes grew shrewd, and he narrowed them at me.

"You have much to answer for, young mind reader. In particular, the grievous injury of someone exceptionally precious. You've grown complacent with your gift, assuming you know everything, believing you can do no wrong. Ah, but you have already done a great wrong. Your arrogance does not suit you. I will help you with that. It is a strange reward to finally meet someone so like me after all these centuries. I do not take this opportunity lightly, young man. Control yourself, or you will suffer the consequences. Simply being the son of my dear friend does not excuse you from conforming to the law."

These words, spoken only for my ears, held just the right amount of wisdom and authority, laced with obvious threat. I shivered. He stood, pulling me to my feet.

"Demetri, Afton, please come stand with Edward. This moment is obviously one of great emotion for him. Based upon the thoughts I read from the accuser, I understand his need to destroy her. However, we must proceed according to the law."

Again, a carefully worded reminder as the two vampires in question stepped to each side of me. I turned to look at my family and heard Carlisle's stern, chastening thoughts.

Edward, you must remain calm. This is a different world than ours. Individuality is not cherished, as in our family. Structure and laws come first. He will not hesitate to destroy you.

All this was said as I saw Jacob being restrained by both Emmett and Jasper. Jasper was overwhelming his body with lethargy to keep him from changing. That would have been a disaster of epic proportions. I shook with the stunned realization that I still existed after my blunder. Our thoughts and feelings were apparent, however, as my whole family glared at the red headed witch before us.

She grinned at me as Aro began relaying the information she'd presented to his court. I feasted greedily on her vision of Bella standing before the Volturi. She was visibly shaking but held her head high. Agony raced through me as I heard her say, "They stopped the venom from spreading because they didn't want me." The vampires beside me raised their arms to grab me when my hands found my hair in frustration. A sob tore from my body, and I grimaced. I saw Aro's head snap to me, and then to Victoria, realizing what she was doing.

I know I'm about to be die, Edward, but your expression is appropriate vengeance for everything you took from me. You fooled me and her. We both believed you didn't care. I thought bringing her here would be justice, in that your family would be destroyed. I miscalculated. So my life will end, but so will yours, because she's dead, you know. They fed on her.

I fell to my knees as, through her memories, I saw Aro and the large vampire across the room dive for Bella after Victoria had pushed her to the floor. Blood flowed from her nose and mouth. Even Victoria, as she was being dragged through the doorway, had heard her last words "Cullens…not…guilty." She'd defended us with her last breath. Everything within me froze, bracing against the pain. I dimly heard Jacob shout my name and then his own cry when he interpreted my behavior appropriately.

She's dead. Echoed throughout his brain, over and over like sharp knives slashing at tender skin.

I barely heard Aro instruct someone to escort his family to join him, as the two beside me slammed their hands upon my shoulders. I couldn't blame them, Aro and the other one, although I wanted to. Vampires killed humans; it is what we were made to do. Her blood spilling so freely would have been overwhelming for anyone other than Carlisle. I wasn't even certain I would have had the strength to turn her without killing her, and had planned to ask Carlisle to help me.

I heard my family shouting at me in my head, asking me a myriad of questions, mostly if she was okay. I barely managed to shake my head, and I heard my sisters and mother begin to mourn. I didn't have to know that they were being embraced by their mates. Comforted in a way that only a true mate could offer…something I'd foolishly given away. I bowed my head in surrender. My arms fell uselessly to my side. Hell couldn't be worse than this.

In that moment, Aro seemed to realize that he'd lost us. Our grief was all-encompassing. The silence was only broken by the soft sobs of the females of our family as they echoed through the room.

"What are you feeding him through that twisted mind of yours?" he demanded of Victoria.

She laughed hysterically as the true Victoria displayed herself. I saw through Jasper's eyes as he clutched Alice. His guilt was almost overwhelming, believing that the events of so long ago at her birthday party had finally caught up to him. Victoria went manic, dribbling perfect venom into the air about retribution and just rewards. Aro slapped her so hard that she was nearly decapitated; the sick crunching sound marking a momentary pause in the manic display. Her demented cries of victory filled the air and almost covered the sound of other vampires joining us, the glide of feet from across the room through many bodies.

Aro stepped away from the rabid creature that Victoria had become and strode across the room. He said with feeling, "My dears, we have company."

A soft gasp echo through the room.

My head snapped up at the sound. It couldn't be true. I quickly rose to my feet, my arms gripped tightly by the vampires beside me as I tried to look around the bodies in front of me. I heard my family surge forward as well. Staring at us was Bella. Beautiful, incomparable, unbreakable, immortal Bella. Her name rolled out of my mouth as an endearment, and I knew Jacob had done the same. Her eyes jerked to him, and then back to me. Pain, deep and sound, froze her face for a moment, and I saw the woman behind her, Sulpicia, Aro's mate, step up to her as if she was offering comfort. Bella turned away from us and sank into her embrace.

I would love to know what you think! Unlike my other story where I couldn't ask for reviews, I'm soliciting your thoughts here. Please!.

As always, I want to thank my Betas – please check out their stories here on FF – they are incredible:

hopeforastalemate – A better name for this woman would be Volturi Girl. I'd started this story months ago, during short breaks from Harvest Moon. So… in response to her love of the 'Italian scum' and her personal invitation for me to write something a little darker, my planned sweet, angsty story between Bella, Edward, and Jacob took a dramatic turn. Hence the ten other chapters now residing in my recycle bin. I hope I make you proud. See the link to her profile below:

http: / www. /u /2173996/

Crmcneill – For his patience with me (contrary to how he presents himself on his FF profile) and his incomparable editing skills. Male twilight fans are not a myth – they do exist, and I am so glad I was able to connect with him. I've called many men friends, but I've never called one master until now. "Strong is the power of the comma. Mind what you have learned. Save you it can." See the link to his profile below:

http: / www . /u /1933926/