Chapter 16 - Fifteen Step

How come I end up where I started?

How come I end up where I went wrong?


The jarring movements of the plane as it landed woke Gianna, and she quickly looked out the window. Though the night was black as pitch, she could make out the outline of the wall that protected quaint twinkling dwellings, and the lights that adorned the top of the baptistery. They had arrived at the small landing strip outside of Volterra.

At the sight of her adopted home turned prison, anxiety ripped through her body like wildfire. Abandoning her seat, she bolted for Dominic, still unconscious on the floor. Gianna knelt next to him, cradling his face in her hands. "Dominic? Can you hear me? You need to wake up."

Gianna worried her lower lip between her teeth as she prayed for a response from Dominic. When none came, she took in a deep breath and bit down on her lip - then gave Dominic a brisk slap across the face. The only reaction she got was a chuckle from behind her.

Ignoring Logan, she leaned over Dominic's chest and whispered hurriedly in his ear, "I'm sorry. What I did was wrong. I don't deserve your forgiveness..." She paused, trying to verbalize what she felt in the event that this was her last chance to speak to him. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just want you to know I lied about not loving..."

A grip as cold and strong as steel locked around her upper arm and hauled her to her feet.

"Make your confessions to Lord Aro. I'm sure he'll find them interesting. I've got a job to finish. Let's go."

Logan gave Gianna slight shove, right into the arms of the vampire pilot, who seemed to appear from nowhere. With one arm, he took her around the waist and moved deliberately toward the door of the plane. He released the latch, pushed open the door, and leapt to the ground. Gianna gasped as the ground rushed up to greet them, and she wished the large vampire would ease up on his hold so she could catch her breath.

Somehow, she took a sharp intake of cool air as two disembodied voices spoke from the darkness. Who they belonged to was not a surprise - the Volturi's most prized henchmen, Demetri and Felix.

"The lords await your arrival," Felix informed them.

A muffled thud from behind alerted Gianna to Logan's landing. Gianna assumed he was carrying their precious cargo - Isabella and Dominic. She didn't look back, instead focusing on keeping her composure.

"How could you stand the smell in such close quarters?" Demetri questioned with distain coloring his voice.

"Who's? The human females' or his?" Logan responded.

"Either."

"It was not without effort, but I am a professional," Logan emphasized the word "professional" and Gianna's gut twisted wondering what prize the Volturi had promised Logan in reward for accomplishing his mission.

She didn't dare ask. She wasn't sure where she stood with the unmerciful ruling brothers, especially if Logan revealed her treasonous plea. Gianna decided to keep her jumbled emotions concealed and show only her poker face. She needed to once again fall in line with the image of the human craving immortality, and she filled her mind with thoughts of her once-treasured vampire likeness. Words to match her visions ran through her head like a mantra: My eyes are open. This is what I want. I serve only you.

The dark cloaks billowed as their owners spun around, and Gianna knew it was time. They walked in a single file line to the hidden entrance beneath the old stone church that would lead to the to the long dark tunnel into the Volturi's stronghold. At the end of the tunnel would be another Volturi guard. Then it would be a short trek to the turret's main chamber.

Gianna didn't look up or back. She focused only on the fluttering hem of Felix's cloak to lead her forward. She felt physically and emotionally numb. For her, it felt like a death march to the gallows.

The dampness of the tunnel chilled her bones, but her practiced mantra was all she could think about.

The guard at the entrance nodded minutely as they entered the castle proper. Demetri headed their small procession, and opened the armored doors to the inner sanctum. Gianna steeled herself and raised her head, staring straight ahead, keeping all expression from her face.

The scene in the torch-lit chamber was no surprise.

Vampires loyal to the Volturi lined the walls, many gawking and whispering to those around them as the short parade of vampires, humans, and a shape-shifter filtered into the room. Several of the spectators covered their noses and mouths with their hands, displaying their aversion to Dominic's scent...or their forbidden attraction to Gianna's and Isabella's scent...

"Steady, my good friends." Aro, clad in his finest, addressed them as he rose from his throne chair. "Where are your manners?" Aro's lilting voice carried easily around the stone room.

Unexpected movement to Aro's right caught Gianna's attention. Marcus was sitting stiffly straight in his chair. His eyes locked on hers. His expression one of...sympathy? Whatever emotion he was displaying, it was very clear to her: Marcus sensed it! He knew.

Electricity shot down her spine and weakened her knees. Subtly she shook her head at him before averting her eyes.

The procession stopped before the steps leading to the overseers and got down on one knee. Gianna followed their lead.

Felix and Demetri rose immediately and took their stations to the right and left of the masters. Renata peered briefly from behind Aro's throne chair. Once they stilled and all eyes were once again on Aro, he was ready for his performance.

"Today we have assembled to witness a new addition to our strength. We also welcome back Logan and Santiago. You will be rewarded for your successful efforts."

Aro moved past Gianna, not sparing her even a glance, to where Santiago stood behind her.

"Rise, friend."

As Santiago stood, Aro extended his hand.

Only the crackling of the torches could be heard as everyone present waited. Slowly the tension in the room eased as Aro smiled.

"Well done," Aro said before moving on. He gazed down upon Isabella and Dominic lying motionless on the marble floor at his feet before addressing Logan.

"Rise, Logan."

In response, he stood, confidently extending his hand to Aro. The lord cocked an eyebrow, but said nothing. Taking Logan's hand, he closed his eyes. The stillness was almost painful to Gianna as she cursed Logan inwardly. Did Aro see how she had begged for Dominic's release? And if so, who would pay the price for her insolence – her or Dominic?

"Very interesting. Well done. We will consider granting your request."

Aro moved quickly back to the front of the room to address the court.

""It is my pleasure to introduce you to our most recent ally…and our latest enemy."

Mutterings rose from the crowd.

"My friends, hear me out."

Gianna stood stone still as Aro artfully worked the captivated crowd. Only her eyes moved, observing the expressions of those gathered. She willed her heart to settle. Ahead of her, she saw Marcus shift into his visage of indifference…

"The human female has been our guest before. Even in her current, less-perfect form, she has proven to possess a rare gift. For this reason alone, she had been spared though she knew of our existence."

The crowd hissed quietly.

"Indeed, as I must have the well-being of the whole vampire world to account for, we spared her. Obviously, it was for the best of all involved to enter into the mutual agreement that she, along with her gifted mate, would join us once her mate effected the change. Unfortunately, the human-loving Carlisle Cullen found a means to dissuade them, pervaded their minds with lies about us. This gives evidence to the suspicion we have harbored for some time now - that Carlisle Cullen intends to amass a coven of gifted vampires to one day challenge our rule. However, the Volturi are not to be deceived! Today we have taken back what is rightfully ours, and welcome Isabella in our midst."

The crowd broke into polite, enthusiastic applause.

Gianna had no idea whether the words spoken by Aro were the truth or not, but she had enough experience with his "second chances" to know he liked to twist the truth to his advantage.

Aro raised his arms after soaking in the copious accolades of his subjects.

"The foul-smelling, shape-shifting male before you is akin to the werewolves we sought to eradicate. In his wolf form, he is rumored to be a vampire destroyer!"

Boos erupted front the court.

"These special varieties of lycanthropes have lived their lives covertly in their secluded territory, undoubtedly avoiding our detection. But now, as unbelievable as it sounds, Carlisle Cullen has made a pact these creatures and plans to use them for his own power-mongering and egotistic purposes."

Aro had worked the court skillfully into a frenzy, and their vocalizations made such a commotion, Gianna moved to cover her ears as Aro raised his own hand for silence.

"However, I ask for your patience. Our plan will take time and effort as there is much damage to undo in the mind of this child, Isabella. She must be handled delicately as we would not wish to damage her gift in any way. And once we have taken what we need from the shape-shifter..."

"He will be destroyed," Caius interjected.

Gianna's heart sank. How much time did Dominic have left? How much time did any of the shape-shifters have left? If Caius had his way, she was not only to be an accomplice to Isabella's murder, but also to genocide.

"Indeed, brother," Aro acknowledged Caius, but in doing so, made certain he had the last word. "Felix, if you would."

Gianna watched as Felix moved from his position to retrieve something from another member of the guard. It was round, made of thick metal. Her curiosity won out and she turned to follow Felix's movements.

Felix stopped before Aro.

"Place it on," Aro directed.

Gianna cringed as she watched Felix place the contraption around Dominic's neck and locked it in place with a large padlock. It was Aro's sick way of controlling Dominic – if he phased, the collar would crush his neck!

Gianna vibrated with disgust.

She turned away from Aro and Dominic only to find Marcus once again staring in her direction. She immediately dropped her eyes to the floor.

"Go, my friends! A special feast has been arranged in the ballroom to celebrate. Go, enjoy!" Aro sang out.

Members of the guard stood at the chamber doors as the subjects filed out, intoxicated by their thoughts of good fortune…and blood.

"Logan and members of the guard, join in the celebration!" Aro encouraged.

Except for Jane and Felix, the room cleared.

"Ah, yes. I just love spreading good news," Aro sighed, clasping his hands in front of him.

"You love playing to an audience, brother," Marcus added. "And I must say, you spin a very good tale."

Aro shrugged before once again gliding down the stairs and passed Gianna. He bent over to peer into Dominic's face, and wrinkled his nose. "Felix."

The oversized vampire appeared at Aro's side before moving his arms around Dominic's chest and heaving him to a slouching stand.

Aro took Dominic's hand in his.

Alarms went off in Gianna's head. Aro would know everything!

"Fascinating. So primitive, instinctual. Oh, my brothers, I wish you could see this…"

"Let's get on with it, shall we?" Caius rained on Aro's parade. "The feast awaits, and this smell is spoiling my appetite."

"Very well," Aro released Dominic's hand, and it fell limply to his side. "Take them to their quarters. I will address them later."

With a slight nod, Felix hauled Dominic over his shoulder while Jane approached Isabella, lifting her into her arms. The guards left with their captives.

Marcus and Caius rose, passing Gianna, who remained on her knees to join Aro. Gianna breathed a sigh of relief – only a few more feet and the masters will be out the chamber doors. Although it was humiliating to be treated as though she didn't exist, in this situation, she considered it quite fortunate.

Gianna held her breath, waiting for the doors to close behind the masters, signaling her reprieve.

But then...

"Oh," Aro's voice rang out at the last second, "Let us not forget. Gianna."

Gianna turned her head to see Marcus, Caius and Aro facing her. She abruptly lowered her eyes to the floor.

"Yes, Master."

"Rise and tell me, what am I to do with you?"

"I accomplished my mission. I am your loyal servant. I ask only to serve," Gianna responded humbly, her knees trembled as they struggled to hold her still.

Aro appeared in front of her. A slow, crooked smile formed on his lips.

"Yes, you have served."

Without warning, Aro struck her across her face with the back of his hand, and Gianna flew sideways before crashing onto the floor. She knew better than to attempt to get up or to vocalize her pain.

"You have also showed weakness and disobedience!" Aro's voice rose in volume displaying his discontent before quickly recovering. "However, being that I am in a good mood, I shall give you a choice. You will either tend to our guests needs, or you can join us for the feast."

Gianna wisely swallowed the blood that pooled in her mouth from Aro's discipline. There was really only once choice. "I will take care of Dominic and Isabella, Master."

Aro breathed in deeply through his nose. "Mmm. Too bad, we would so have liked to have you for dinner…"

The lords chuckled at Aro's cruel play on words as they at last left the chamber; the smell of fresh blood saturated the air ahead of them.

"It appears between Marcus's obsession with Gianna and your generous leniency, our pet human has acquired nine lives," Caius commented as the brothers strolled down the dimly lit corridors. They need not hurry, Aro made sure there was plenty for everyone to have their fill at the feast on this good night.

In response to Caius's comment, Marcus felt his stiff facial muscles form a frown and Aro sighed.

"Gianna still has usefulness as someone must feed and water the dog," Aro added with a casual flick of his wrist. He wouldn't force that disgusting job on any vampire in his realm.

"Why must we keep the shape-shifter, Aro?" Marcus wondered aloud.

"He was vital in removing Isabella without detection; however, the future-seer has to be convinced Isabella is dead to keep them from seeking her before she is properly ready. His involvement with Isabella is necessary to keep Alice from seeing her. He will be kept in a cell next to Isabella so they can form a relationship in their shared experience. From what I saw of his memories, he will become drawn in, looking for some way to soothe the guilt he will inevitably feel for his involvement in her capture. He is, after all, a Catholic - being manipulated by guilt is their specialty."

Caius allowed a small smile curve his lips while Aro continued to map out the next phase of his plan.

"So, as I see it, the collar is just a backup. He will spend his time here trying to think of a way to free himself and Isabella. But what will really immobilize him, cause him the most angst, will be what to do about Gianna, his pitiable mistress gone rogue. How will he navigate that little dilemma? His need to rescue the damsel in distress versus the longing of his broken heart. What will the man-wolf choose? Should be interesting, don't you agree?"

"There is something - more - to their relationship," Marcus spoke just above a whisper.

"Don't be hesitant, Brother. What is it you sense between our dear Gianna and her dog?"

Marcus did hesitate, but he knew holding back from Aro was an exercise in futility. However, it wasn't so much that he didn't want to share with Aro, it was that he lacked the words to explain the connection between Gianna and Dominic. It was different. It was somehow more. Their connection filled Marcus, satisfying a craving within him, and he was tempted to immerse himself in it completely knowing it would feel as welcome and wonderful as wrapping his bare body in a fine silk cloak. In that way, Dominic's bond to Gianna was exquisite, rich, and complete. Close to what he felt when Isabella and Edward were in the chamber together. Definitely nearing the perfection he experienced between himself and Didyme. How does one explain something like that to someone like Aro, who has never even conceived such blissfulness could exist?

"Words escape me," Marcus said at last.

Aro was puzzled by Marcus's inability to answer. He reached for Marcus's hand to take the thoughts directly from his mind. However, as soon as Marcus's mind met Aro's, Aro released his hand it were a flaming torch.

The unusual reaction caught Caius's attention.

"What is it?" Caius questioned as the three reached the ballroom and the festivities.

"Let us not dwell on our work now. The feast is in full swing. Shall we?" Aro dove into the revelries before him. With the smell of blood so heavy in the air, it was simple to dissuade Caius for the time being.

Unfortunately, what Aro saw so clearly in Marcus's mind remained, and could not be shaken - even by the debauchery of the feast. The unpleasant memories had been raised from the dead to follow him…as if her spirit was haunting him.


A/N: Thanks for reading!

So... who do you think is haunting Aro?

The chapter title song, 15 Step by Radiohead, was played during the closing credits of Twilight. It did not appear on the soundtrack.

This chapter was definately a group effort, and I have to say Ashling92 amazed me with some wicked rewrites! I used them and think she should start writing some fanfic of her own some time soon! RowanMoon, Rosabella75 and Ashling92 - love you!

Ashling92 also did some cool research on the Volturi's sweet ride, check out the link on my profile for their private jet.

Finally, thank you to Snikerdoodles and crazy4Rob for being awesome reviewers!