I don't own these characters. I only play with them.
Bella's Point of View
It's day four. I have three more days to live. They aren't coming for me. I am going to be left to die at callous hands of the Volturi. I try to read but I can't focus. I put a movie on but I can't remember what it is. I just see lights dancing across the screen.
I admit I cried. I tried to hold back the tears but they coursed down my face with careless abandon. I tried to muffle my sobs in a pillow but I don't expect that kept my jailer from hearing them. I was determined to be strong, to die without fear.
When I finally cried myself out, I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. I brushed my hair into a semblance of order and knocked lightly on the door.
The giant guard looked at me with gentleness in his eyes that almost made me cry again. I had hidden nothing from him. Instead of succumbing to those tears though I made my request.
"When the time comes, can you be the one who drains me?"
This shocked the guard into speech. "Why me little one?"
"Because you have kind eyes. I'm hoping you're gentle with your food."
"Don't give up hope yet little one. And yes, if the time comes I will be the one."
The door closed softly but I hadn't heard the lock. I felt less like a prisoner for some reason and relieved that the gentle giant would be the one to end my life. What could he mean about not giving up hope? It was obvious that no one was coming to save me.
The giant and I were alone in our pact and I would die in three days.
Jasper's point of view
I waited outside Aro's office for a full day and night while Carlisle fought for Edward's release. What Bella must be feeling now, only three more days for her to live, trapped in this castle of red-eyed vampires. I could pinpoint Bella's location in the castle from her heartbeat. I knew I couldn't go to her yet but her overwhelming sorrow told me that she thought no one was going to fight for her.
If she only knew how hard I was going to fight. I hoped that would give her strength. As Aro exited his office he was feeling mildly frustrated.
"I must dine before we speak, Major."
"May I join you?" I asked politely.
"You wish to go off of your vegetarian diet?" Aro asked.
"No, but it will be necessary to save Bella that I am able to control myself. Human blood is the best way."
"Then you are welcome to accompany me." Aro said, "this way."
The crowd of tourists that had been gathered for the meal made my heart clench. Their fear almost knocked me to my knees but I stayed upright, choosing a large man as my meal."
"Guests first," Aro declared.
I moved so fast that the man could have no idea what had happened to him. I drained him quickly and felt the seductive power of the lack of burn in my throat.
"Another?" Aro asked.
I chose another man, not so big this time and moved again. As I fastened my mouth to his neck and felt the sweet ambrosia flow down my throat I reminded myself that this was for Bella's safety. This was only for Bella.
"Thank you for your hospitality Aro," I said as I finished and Aro and the other Kings took their meals. Last, the guard fed. I didn't envy the person who had to clean the chamber after mealtime but I hoped that by showing my willingness to give all I could I would win some favor with Aro and he would talk to me sooner.
"Come, Major. Let's go back to my office and discuss young Bella's fate."
I followed a step behind Aro and his shield, Renita back to his office and at his nod sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"I admit you surprise me with your dedication to save young Bella."
"She accepts us as we are and sees straight to the heart of a person. She is the only person in my long centuries who has never been afraid of me or felt me a monster at one time or another." I laughed gently, "though that may change with my new eye color."
The discussion was long and involved. Getting Bella out of here would not be easy. The afternoon passed this way. Eventually, Aro asked for my hand. I gave it to him unwillingly.
"Your dedication to the girl is unprecedented. You give up so much to save her."
"Because she is worth it."
"Yes, I see your feelings on the matter. It is decided then. Even though you give up your position in Carlisle's coven by doing so you may change the girl.
"Aro, I beg you to allow me to take Bella to a safe-house before her change. She wants to follow the Cullen diet and it would make hunting possible for her. You can even send a member of the guard with us to assure yourselves we carry out your orders immediately."
"I will compromise with you. She is bitten here, but can be moved while the change takes place."
"One final request then."
"Speak," Aro insisted.
"Bella and I were kept apart by the Cullens as you have seen. Allow us a week to get to know each other here in Volterra so I am not a stranger to her when she wakes."
"Four days, but you may go anywhere inside the castle with her accompanying you." Aro declared, "After all if she is going to be changed so soon, she need no longer be a prisoner."
"Thank you, Aro. May I be shown to her quarters now?"
"I will take you there myself. I have to give Felix instructions that she is allowed a modicum of freedom or you will have difficulties," Aro chuckled.
Bella's Point of View
I was writing letters saying goodbye to each of the Cullens when the door was opened. I didn't look up, figuring it was only my lunch being delivered. I was too focused on my task. I wanted them each to know that I did not blame them for not saving me, that I had made peace with my fate and I wanted them to be at peace with it too. The voice startled me.
"Little one," The giant said.
I looked up quickly and saw two men in the doorway.
"Jasper," I cried, as I threw myself into his arms. "Jasper you came. You're here."
"I told you not to give up little one," the giant said. "I am pleased not to have to kill you after all."
"Me too," I said laughing.
"I am Felix, little one. I will be guarding you and the Major during your stay here."
"Thank you, Felix," I put my hand out for him to shake. He took it gently and shook it.
"She truly is not afraid of us?" Felix asked Jasper.
"No, she's not afraid any longer," Jasper replied. "Would you like to go for a walk with me Bella?"
"I'm not a prisoner anymore?" I asked.
"We have the entire castle we can explore together," he said.
"Then yes, even beautiful prisons get old after a while. I'd love to explore with you."
Jasper and I walked close to each other as he told me what had happened at the Cullen house.
"You gave up so much for me, Jasper. I'm grateful. I had given up hope. I was convinced I was going to die. I even asked Felix to be the one to kill me. He has kind eyes, I was hoping he'd make it as painless as possible."
"I was going to recruit you to the guard instead little one. Aro usually lets me have my pick, but I'm glad you get your freedom instead." Felix commented behind us.
"Are your eyes because of me, Jasper?" I asked.
"In a way, I can't change you on an animal blood diet. I wouldn't have the self-control needed. It is just temporary Bella, just until you're changed and we can both go back to the vegetarian diet.
The art on the walls was stunning and the antiques displayed throughout the castle were awe inspiring but I found myself focusing on Jasper instead.
"So what did you agree to in order to get me out of her."
"We have four days to get to know each other. The Cullens kept us apart because of my control you know, so I thought you would feel more comfortable waking to someone you know. You have to be bitten here, but after that, I can transport you to a remote home of mine where you can get used to your new cravings and senses without distractions. I tried to have us taken to the home first before you were bitten, but I couldn't manage it."
"You came, Jasper, that's more than I expected."
"You're worth it," Jasper said simply.
"I remember when you told me that in Phoenix," I said.
"It's even truer now than it was then," Jasper added.