Chapter Thirteen: All Hallow's Eve
Fantasy Writer: I borrowed some of your idea here. I'm so glad that you want to help contribute to this story, but I don't know for sure if I'm okay with the whole 'Sharon concept'. I really appreciate all of you ideas and I hope the Fanfic writing is going well! This chapter is dedicated to you.
CutieBunny: Sulpicia's story will come next time! Alec is gorgeous here!
TheChosenOne: That's a little dark. I like the idea, though.
Lilly Moonlight: Sulpicia gets some conflict with Helen here! But, she's still a very good momma!
YourEnchantingDesire: Aro doesn't really know how to calm down.
Robinne: Sully and Aro are pretty weird.
Dance is a delicate balance between perfection and beauty -Anonymous.
"Do you ever get the feeling that when you walk into a room and people are looking at you, it's because they just talked about you? Yeah, try having that happen about ten times, all at once, from creepy vampires you don't even know."
Renata strutted into a large library with Helen in tow. Everywhere there were unfamiliar and beautiful pale faces and red eyes, and they all looked at her like she was a shiny new toy to play with.
"We have about every book ever written in our libraries." Libraries. As in, there were more than just one. Dear god, Helen would probably get lost in this place even if she had been born here. "The only forbidden areas are the masters' libraries and private studies. You may only enter with their consent."
"Cool." Helen said as all of the eyes still remained staring at her.
'Well this is awkward as shit. Why are they all staring at me? I seriously am not the most interesting person in the world, let alone this room. At least Renata is keeping her cool, well, as cool as a vampire can get anyway.' Suddenly, the stares subsided and the breathtaking immortals went back to whatever the hell it was they were doing in the first place.
"You brought us something young and tasty, Renata." The dark haired teenage boy that Helen had met last night, appeared before them. He was as handsome as Demetri or Felix, and appeared just as shrewd and cunning as Aro, especially in his black Armani suit. His midnight hair was untidy and soft looking, and his lips seemed very kissable.
"Mind yourself, Alec." Renata corrected as though he was five, "you don't want Master Aro hearing such comments, regardless of their intent." Alec merely scoffed at her, "and you, Renata, would do well to remember that Jane is still hoping revenge on you, for stealing her job."
"Your sister is such a child. I cannot help if I am more useful to Master Aro than she is." Renata shot up her nose.
'I wonder if anyone would notice if I walked away?'
Helen slowly attempted to back away, only for the stares to fall right back on her, leading her to rush right back to where she was. 'Clearly, they did.'
"Well, then." Alec said dangerously, "perhaps you should go and protect our Master from those scary little insects, before I tell him that you were dilly-dallying, again."
"I have been attending to our newest addition." Renata, "save your effort for asking him to get you that Audi."
"Then save your effort for when you want to go see your precious Uncle Luca." Alec said lazily, and smiled at Helen. "I'll attend to her." Renata turned on her heels and flipped her strawberry tresses into his face. "Fetch me if he annoys you."
"How familiar are you with Goethe's Faust?" Alec's voice turned surprisingly soft and gentle, drawing her in with his melodic tone.
"I danced Gretchen when I was thirteen, after that, practically nothing."
Alec seemed to grin in delight, "Then we have much to do."
Alec and Helen had been sitting at a nearby wooden table that had to be several centuries old. Alec grabbed the original German text and began translating sentences to Helen, who was shocked as to why he was being so nice to her. After all, Jane didn't seem to like her that much, and he was her brother.
"The ending is always puzzling to me. Is it not set in stone if we are to be damned? If God is all-knowing, why would he talk of salvation?" Alec said with such confusion. The way he pursed his lips when he was deep in thought, made him look...cute.
"Because we all have free will." Helen shrugged, "I'm not particularly religious, I haven't been to church since I was seven, but I think if anyone wanted to change, they would. I think anyone can be redeemed."
"I'm depressing to you, aren't I, for asking such a serious question?" Alec said lightly.
"Hey, I depress people, too. I'm particularly open about my biological father's job as a sex crimes attorney, or my bio mom's abandonening me. Then again, I am a pretty open person."
"Do you like Volterra?"
That was an interesting question. Did she? Well, she didn't feel at home, but how could anyone in her position feel that? "It's no St. Louis, but it's alright. I don't really know what there is to do around here."
"Do you like stars?" Alec said bluntly, "pardon me, I only meant if you enjoy seeing them. I know it's difficult to see stars in a city."
"I used to love watching them." Helen said in rememberance, "when I was seven, my science class spent a whole month on constelations and star signs. We went in this large plastic dome that showed us all the patterns. That year we also took a field trip to the planetarium and got to hear the stories about Orion the Hunter and Scorpio." Alec seemed a little pleased that Helen gave him a thoughtful response. However, their sweet moment was interrupted by a pair of heels clanking to their table.
"What are you doing in here?" If it weren't for the fact that the beautiful raven-haired vampiress was staring so coldly, Helen would have sworn that her melodius voice held true. Her face was probably carved by angels, and unlike Alec or Demetri or Aro, a silver crest hung around her swan-like neck.
"Watch your tone, Miranda." Alec warned.
"She's not allowed in here, this area is restricted to Second-Class rank and the Elite only. Unless Master Aro gives her a rank, she is not welcome." Miranda fiercely yanked up her arm. "Get out, human."
"You are over-looking an obvious factor, you little quim." Alec shoved Miranda aside, "Aro informed us all that she has the access of the Elite."
"She doesn't wear the crest, that automatically demotes her to Leccapiedi, that is the rule." Something finally clicked about the different crests and metals. Aro and the high class wore gold, people like Miranda were on the next level, and people like Helen, who did not have a rank, were the lowest of the low.
"Better not let the Master hear that, bitch." Demetri seemed to flash before them, enraged. "Do you forget where you place? The Second-Class are to not make eye contact until granted permission from the Elite."
"She is nothing but food, the brat is no better than the rest of them." Miranda stared Helen down, who felt a thump form in her throat, she wanted to rip this bitch's hair out. "The Masters can put her in this castle, but she will never be one of us."
"Will you please, screw off?" Helen finally spoke up, angry. "You don't know anything about me, so don't act like you can tell me where I'm allowed, okay? I'm under Def-Con one until further notice, so if you wanna walk around with your head in your ass, go right ahead, but I'm pretty sure Aro will take it out just so he can shove his foot in there."
She heard Alec and Demetri snicker at that.
"We'll just see about that, human." Miranda sneered, "You will never belong here, and if I ever have a say, you will be gone."
"What is your problem? Do you even know how pathetic you sound? Here I am, a person you do not even know, and you just walk up to me acting all arrogant and entitled. You know what, bitch? I don't even care, you are not even worth it."
Helen really wanted to add that she didn't want to be here either, but with all of Aro's eyes and ears in this room, it was not best.
"Watch yourself Leccapiedi," Miranda gave a nasty smile. "Humans are quite breakable in these walls. You wouldn't want to accidently trip down the stairs and break a few bones."
"You've done it now, Second-Class." Demetri warned. Miranda merely scoffed at his threats and turned on her heels and over to a group of silver necklace wearing women, all glaring at Helen with Miranda's hatred.
'Allie Alexander, you have been replaced.'
"What's her deal?" Helen turned back to Alec and Demetri.
"Do not pay attention to her, Helen." Demetri assured, "she is upset because she is one of Aro's favorites. Miranda has the ability to make others trust her or whomever she wants them to trust. She could make someone believe any lie, regardless of dishonesty or doubt."
"That's very...manipulative." Helen retorted, "wait, what do you mean by favorites?"
"Master has several guard members whom he values more than others, they all have an ability that he greatly enjoys. Like my sister, for instance, her ability to make others experience great pain and suffering, he enjoys it to a fault." Alec explained, "but, ever since you have been brought into his life, he has transitioned to more of a father to you, than to enjoying his favorites."
"So basically, there people here who hate me, even thought they don't know me?" Helen asked irritably.
"They are foolish and jealous." Demetri answered, "especially considering how different you are from others. I still cannot believe that your blood has no scent. You are nearly impossible for me to track, I can only get a direction from your mind, not a location."
"Wait, you guys can't...smell me?" They both shook their heads. "Like, at all?"
"It as if you are inhuman, we only they have the heartbeat to assure otherwise." Alec confessed. Helen actually felt...proud, it was kind of nice to know that she was, in a way, special. But, no, no, Helen didn't want to feel any pride in knowing that something she did, made these bloodsuckers intrigued.
"Hello boys." Felix said as he appeared before them, his eyes raked up and down Helen's form. "Hey there, hot stuff. You look appetizing."
'Pervert.'
"Nice to see to you too, Felix." Helen said uncomfortably, she noticed that the people in the library all rose in a choreographed manner, as if they all needed to be going somewhere.
"Pity to disturb this lil' get together, but it is nearly the thirteenth hour." Felix must have said something with an inside meaning, because Alec and Demetri both rose from their seats and began to walk with Felix out the door. "Wait, where is everybody going?"
Demetri stopped in his tracks and whispered something to Alec, before turning back to Helen. "We have...a tour of the castle commencing. Master Aro invites humans to explore the grouds, briefly."
"Aro just lets humans walk around this place willy-nilly?" Helen cocked her eyebrow.
"Every now and then." Demetri shrugged, "he is not as horrible as you aspire to portray him as, Helen. If you would let him into your heart, you would never want to leave."
Helen only nodded as Demetri and the rest of the fanged freaks left the library. His words had stung her in a way she didn't even think about. The truth was, Demetri was right.
But Helen could never let herself want to stay here. One way or another, she would escape from Volterra.
With the library empty, Helen decided she would explore around. She didn't see what all the fuss was about, it was just some stupid tour. Wait, maybe that was it! She could find one of the human tourists and try to get help to escape!
Helen scurried down the cobbled steps of the gloomy castle. How could Aro possibly think that living here was happy? This place was so dark and depressing, and incredibly freezing! The only warm place seemed to be the fireplaces in her room, it's not like the Volturi couldn't afford to spring for a heater or air conditioner.
"And just where are you going, little bird?" Helen heard Sulpicia's melodius voice from behind her. Sure enough, her 'mother' was standing behind her. Clothed in a form-fitting black dress and shiny black heels, Helen never noticed how voluptuous of a figure she had. Sulpicia was curvy, and looked very soft and tender, somewhat rounded. She was like Sydney, but taller.
"Just, you know, looking around." Helen said sheepishly.
"I trust you slept well?" Sulpicia said with a very maternal smile.
"Yeah, hey thanks for being cool about me passing out on you, like that."
"'Tis no problem, dear." She giggled, "I enjoyed our time together."
"It was fun." Helen shrugged. 'Yeah, and then you and Aro talked about easily manipulated I am. Not to mention that apparently I am desperate for maternal love.'
"Have you seen the gardens, yet?" She beamed, "you'll love them. What's your favorite flower?"
"Lily of the Valley." Helen smiled, "when I was little, I heard that fairies use them for umbrellas. Seems kind of silly, doesn't it?"
"Not at all. Children should have special ideas and imaginations." Sulpicia smiled, "I bet you were such a pretty baby."
"I had the awkward phase between ages five to ten, trust me, I was not." Helen bitterly remembered all of those times people thought she looked like a little boy. Then again, she did wear Wesley's hand-me-downs because Richard didn't know anything about shopping for girl's clothes.
"I think you were, and I don't understand why you wouldn't." Sulpicia's praise for her made her swell with happiness. "I have forgotten something, Aro told me you are a lovely dancer."
Helen had been struck with realization. How long had it been since she'd danced? Several days for sure, and it was all the more painful to remember that she never would dance again. This was plain cruel, Aro always commenting on her talent, and yet he was restricting her from the thing she loved most.
"The studio is almost finished, you must be anxious to get back to the barre." Sulpicia beamed.
"Wait, you're both letting me keep dancing?" Was this some kind of joke?
"Of course, sweetheart, it would not be fair of us to restrict you from what you cherish. Your father and I both have special rooms for our talents. Aro with his music room and myself with my art studio."
"You paint?" Helen asked.
"For recreation. I also sculpt and sketch a few ideas, I am not shocked by my interest, my father was a painter." Sulpicia seemed sad at remembering something from her past human life. What seemed to shock Helen, was that for the first time, she had...parents who were artisitc and creative like she was. But, Helen could only draw stick figures, and Aro already heard her pack-mule voice.
"Do you draw?"
"Stick figures." Helen retorted, "I'm better at looking at art, than making it."
"I could teach you the basics, if you want, that is." Sulpicia shrugged.
"Sounds cool. I was actually wondering where this so-called 'tour' is that's going on." Helen explained, "do you know where it is?" Sulpicia's eyes seemed to flash with fear, and she worridly glanced down the hall.
"You musn't go downstairs during the thirteenth hour, not yet that is." She ordered softly.
"But why?" Helen asked in irritation. Everyone here was hell beant on keeping her in the dark.
"I do not believe I should be the one to tell you, but I will ask Aro to." Sulpicia explained, "it is for your own good."
"Sure it is." Helen rolled her eyes.
"You need to just trust me, if you go through the throne room..." Her voice trailed off.
"I'll figure it out for myself, then." Helen turned around and preceded to walking downstairs. However, Sulpicia was quick and blocked the way in front of her. She grabbed her daughter's arm and gently tugged her back up the stairs.
"Let me go!" Helen squirmed.
"I cannot, not until I know you won't put yourself in harm's way." She answered, "and don't think me a fool. You heard that there would be humans and now you are trying to leave."
"Well, don't think me a fool, because I heard everything you told Aro last night, and now I know what you really think about me!" Helen's words made Sulpicia stop. The woman couldn't even turn to face her. "I'm just some little doll the two of you like to drag around and toy with! You know, Kathleen may have been a bitch, but at least she was straight about how she felt about me!"
"Helen, that wasn't...you cannot possibly assume." Sulpicia bit her lip. "I don't see you that way, I do care about you, you have to understand that."
"No, I'm just something here that interests you both. I really don't want to have to stick around and see what happens when I start to get boring." Helen choked out. "You both don't love me, so stop lying."
"But we do." Sulpicia pleaded, caressing her cheek. "You don't know how long we've waited for you. We want you."
"Why were you waiting for me?!" Helen excalimed, "why won't anyone tell me that?!"
"We don't want to overwhelm you, we are trying to make this transition easy for you." Sulpicia said soothingly.
"It stopped being easy the minute I entered the country." Helen snorted, "scratch that, it stopped being easy the minute Aro tried to kidnap me, the second time! Apparently, there have been multiple attempts in which he has made a grab for me, that I am just finding out about."
"Okay." Sulpicia inhaled deeply, "you're right, that's not very fair, we have not been entirely honest with you. I will tell you after the ball, no sooner. I will tell you everything you want to know."
"Fine." Helen shrugged in defeat, clearly this was as far as she would get.
"Now, do you mind waiting in your room for a few minutes? I need to take care of something, and then I will be right back, I promise." She said maternally. Helen nodded and moved along past Sulpicia down the hallway.
Only when she got to her room did she realize that Sulpicia's eyes were black as coal. Wait, the tour...those people...that couldn't be it, no, no they would tell her about something like that.
Helen nervously tapped her foot. For the past week, she seemed to be doing that all the time. She had seemed very little of Sulpicia or Aro for the past few days. They had arrangements to be getting in order, apparently. Alec and Demetri, along with Felix and Renata, were people she regularly interacted with. Miranda had turned a blind eye to Helen, but according to Alec she was being reprimanded for treating Helen so coldly. A warning sign showed up when it was found out that Caius enjoyed punishing the guard.
"I don't want to know where Master Caius found a rack that can hurt vampires." Alec gulped. "The only one who has been punished before is Demetri."
"Why?" Helen questioned.
"When he first joined the guard, he tried to run back to his old Master, Amun. Founder of the Egyptian coven, Amun has been one of Aro's favorite immortal to toy with."
"Will Amun be here tonight?" Helen said nervously, the thought of being in a room full of vampires really made her squirm.
"Oh, goodness no!" Alec laughed, "he is not importent enough for Master's guest list. No, the only covens coming are the Irish, Australian, French, German, Indian, Japanese, Denali, and the Cullen's." Alec spat on that word with annoyance.
"Who are the Cullen's?" Helen asked with worry.
"A disgrace to us all. The Denali's are tolerable, at least they do not deny." Alec grumbled, "Carlisle Cullen lived here for some decades. Smart and curious, he is like Aro in a way, I suppose that is why Aro wanted him to join the ranks. However, Carlisle was too focused on holding to his human ties and helping others. Apparently, our coven or immortality just wasn't good enough for him." He rolled his eyes, "and now his coven is growing too large with too many gifts, honestly, I am surprised Master Aro has not ordered for them to be conquered yet. I have only met his wife Esme, and his son Edward. After a few years, they were joined by Rosalie and Emmett, and then by a woman named Alice and a man named Japser. Alice is the person Master knows the least about. It bothers him greatly."
"Maybe she's just shy?" Helen offered, she glanced at the wall clock and saw that there were only two hours left for her to get ready. "Oh, I gotta go! But, I'll see you tonight!"
"Save me a dance?" Alec smiled.
"Only if you feel like getting your toes stepped on!" Helen replied.
Helen's black ball gown was a stunning shade of onyx with a sweetheart neckline and a-line skirt. The waist line was decoarted with tiny black roses and a thin lace wrap covered half of the skirt. She was given white gloves that reached her elbows. Unbeknownst to anyone, she was wearing a pair of black converse under her dress. Luckily the skirt was long enough. Helen encrusted a diamond bracelet around her wrist and studs in her ears. She had an hour left, and heard a knock on the door. Sulpicia entered in her sapphire ball gown, it exposed cleavge and made her look like a goddess. Not to mention how beautifully well done her crown-like braid hairstyle appeared.
"You are so lovely." Sulpicia sighed, "tomorrow is the day, if you behave."
"I will." Helen assured as though she really was her daughter.
"Do you want me to do your hair? I'd love to get my hands on it." She beamed.
"If you can figure out how to tie this whole outfit together, that would be great." Helen exhaled deeply, tonight was going to be awful and she knew it. She sucked at making friends sometimes.
"You'll be fine." Sulpicia assured as began styling, "but you need to be back here before midnight."
"Will I turn into a pumpkin if I don't?" Helen joked. However, Sulpicia's face remained cold and told her it was not a laughing matter. "I get it, you'll tell me tomorrow. I promise. Hey, so who are these Cullen's? Alec didn't seem to like them all that much."
"No one you need to concern yourself with." Sulpicia sighed, "they are worthless. All done." Helen examined her hair and discovered that Sulpicia created an enchanting waterfall braid in her hair.
"It's really pretty." Helen beamed. With her rust-colored lipstick and striking black eyelashes, she felt gorgeous. However, Helen gulped when Sulpicia took the Volturi crest out of her jewelry box and hung it around her neck. It was cold and hard, like Aro's hands, not to mention that it felt like a dog collar. It reminded everyone who she belonged to.
"It suits you." Sulpicia smiled craftly, "you were born to wear that necklace."
'No, I was born to be human.'
"Now, come. We have to make certain that everything is in order."
The Volturi ballroom was almost as large and ornate as the throne room. The walls were decorated with several large tapestries and candles. The only window was the ceiling, and the stars were shining brightly from the sky. The room was dim and it appeared as though everyone was dressed for a funeral, not a party.
Caius and a statuesque auburn-haired woman were coldly looking down on everyone in the room. It appeared as though that Athenodora was as much of Cauis' equal, as Sulpicia was Aro's. Speaking of Aro, he was clad in a black velvet suit that hinted toward older designs, what with the high collar and cravat that pillowed his own golden crest. As soon as his eyes landed on Helen, he could no longer contain his happiness.
"Look at us, my dears." He addressed his two women with such love. "We're a family."
Helen felt anything but comfortable. Everyone in this room hated her, wanted her dead, or wanted her to be an immortal. This was by far the most awkward situation anyone could ever be in their entire life.
As soon as the crowds of vampires, and surprisingly humans appeared in the room, Helen felt nervous as Aro sang happily, "welcome guests! Welcome to Volterra!"
The party gained whatever life it could as soon as Helen started being introduced to the many covens that showed up. The Irish were very kind, and elegant Siobhan, red-haired Maggie and quiet Liam were very polite. The Australians, French, and Germans were so-so, they were either interested in either wondering if her blood had taste or if they could smell her after she died. The Indians and Japanese were quiet, but Tara and Raj and Makoto and Katsuya were very polite and sincere, and quietly told her what a lucky girl she was.
Lucky. She certainly didn't feel lucky, what with being trapped and getting closer to becoming a fanged freak.
The Denalis' were something else. Kate, Tanya, and Irina seemed to look at her with sympathetic eyes and each gave her a big hug. All three had gorgeous blonde hair and had the strangest damn pair of golden eyes she had ever seen. Eleazar and his mate Carmen were being studied by Aro and both looked very nervous at the vampire king.
However, nothing prepared her for the Cullen's.
"I think it was fate that let me be graced by the Cullen's. I also think if I had never met them, I would still be with Aro and Sulpicia. Lastly, if I had never met them, both of us would be dead."
Carlisle, Rosalie, and Jasper were clad in golden locks and shades of black and purple. Esme, Carlisle's wife, was very sweet-looking and held a maternal glow in her silver dress and caramel locks. Raven-haired and pixie cut styled Alice could easily have been a ballet dancer in her human life, she was around Helen's height without those stilettos and danced while she walked in that blue dress. Edward was beautiful with his untidy bronze hair and sculpted features, but he seemed to look like he was in physical pain. Lastly, Emmett was big and burly with black hair, but even Felix made him look tiny. All in their group they held the golden eyes of the Denalis, and yet they received the dirtiest of looks from the guard and the kindest of looks from everyone else.
"Hello." Carlisle said as he politely greeted Helen. "I am Carlisle Cullen, this my wife Esme, and my children: Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, Emmett, and Edward. It's very nice to finally meet you."
"I'm Helen." She didn't really know how else to introduce herself. Helen didn't want to refer herself as Aro and Sulpicia's daughter, and would probably feel Aro's wrath if she used her surname.
"We've heard a lot about you." Alice said politely, as Helen reached for one of the servers' champagne drinks, she quickly stopped her. "Trust me, later you'll be feeling sick, it's very strong."
"How would you know?" Helen questioned nervously.
"Call it intuition." Alice said kindly.
Before Helen could ask anything else, Aro appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a backwards hug. "Carlisle my friend, I see you have met my daughter at last. Did I not tell you I would find her?"
"You certainly did." Carlisle replied calmly.
"So, how come you guys have gold eyes?" Helen asked bluntly. The Cullen's were about to answer, but Aro seemed to cue the soft playings of Beethoven with his mind and dragged Helen off to the dancefloor before she could protest.
"Enjoying yourself, my darling?" Aro asked sweetly, hiding his malicious eyes. Unlike her birthday party, Helen was not waltzing on his shoes, and he was not being as gentle with her as he did before.
"I suppose so." Helen said nonchalantly. "I don't really know anyone."
"Relax, have a drink, dance." Aro said with a voice like honey, "and if you ever let me catch you speaking to the Cullen's again, you will be in more trouble than you can think of. Understand?"
"What's your problem with them?" Helen asked.
"Do you remember our little conversation about certain people being unworthy of immortality?" Helen didn't need to respond, it was clear that Aro and the Volturi looked down upon the Cullen's. The question was, why?
"You still didn't answer me, what's the deal?"
"I offered Carlisle the world, and he threw it all away for your lot." Aro said simply and kissed Helen on her forehead as the soft music ended. Helen walked as far away as she could from Aro and towards the outside gardens.
Helen lifted up her dark skirt as she walked down the cobbled steps. The city of Volterra on Halloween was humid as usual and cold at the same time. Helen didn't want Aro or any of the rest of the guard seeing her begin to cry.
How could he possibly think that this was what she wanted? How could he think that this was working? Why couldn't Ruby just erase her memory and let her stay in St. Louis? Clearly she wasn't the right Helen Hendricks for him. He should've just let her go.
Helen sat down on a nearby stone bench, the frail moonlight barely illuminating her skin.
"Hey there." Alec's melodic voice rang in her ear, there he was before her, clad in a pearl grey suit with a high collar, just like Aro.
"Hi," Helen wiped her tears. "I...uh...I have a twig in my eye. Or a branch..."
"You okay?" Alec said soothingly.
"No. I don't fit in here, and everyone wants to lie to me, and I am this close to having a breakdown." Helen confessed, "and apparently being human is like being dirt on the ground, and I have never had to feel that way."
"Do you want to dance?" Alec asked politely with an affectionate smile.
"As long as it's out here." Helen retorted. Alec hoisted her up and began to slow dance with her skirt twirling around her.
"The stars are nice tonight." Alec smiled, his cheekbones brought some color back to her face. "I should take you stargazing in the observatory, it's best during the harvest moon."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Helen asked kindly.
"You're letting me." Alec said sweetly, "and, I figure that maybe you could use a friend right now. Not to mention, when I saw you walk through those doors, looking all calm and collected, I thought, how could someone who has gone through all of that, be put together?"
"I'm not." Helen replied, "I'm worried I'm going to break again, and the first time was so horrible, I never want there to be a second time."
"Helen." That was about the first time his velvet-y voice said her name, "if you really want to be happy here, you just need to let go of what you were, I would know, was miserable for twenty years before I let go of who I was."
"I can't..." Helen breathed, "It's too soon for me to change."
"Well, you can always talk to me if you want to let off some steam." Alec smiled.
"Thank-you Alec," Helen wrapped her arms around him in a tender hug, and when he returned it, for the first time she didn't feel alone.
When Helen returned back into the ballroom, the clock was nearly eleven, the mix of humans and vampires could easily be noticed. Yet, she couldn't help but notice that many of the Volturi and the other covens were looking at the guests as though they were the main course.
Suddenly, everything clicked. Helen was forced to eat earlier than usual, she wasn't allowed in the ballroom by midnight, she wasn't allowed in the throne room during the thirteenth hour. Well, she was going to call it feeding time, now.
The tours, the human guests, the humans. They were breakfast, lunch, and dinner to these monsters. The worst part, Sulpicia and Aro never even bothered to tell her. This was something she needed to know.
Helen began searching for the nearest exit, she needed to get out of here ASAP. She muddled through the crowd, she wanted out of here. As if fate would've orchestrated it, Aro was by the door lazily examining the crowd. His eyes lit up with joy when he saw her fresh face.
"Hello, sweet girl. It's nearly your bedtime, do you want to head upstairs? There's a lullaby that I used to sing to my sister-
"Take me back to St. Louis." Helen said bluntly.
"What?" Aro replied in annoyance.
"I want to go back to St. Louis." Helen replied. Aro's eyes flashed in anger and frustration, "upstairs. Right now."
It didn't matter if Helen wanted to walk herself, Aro practically dragged her up to her room and threw her on her bed, anger raging through him, and some possible hurt. "Is this what I get?! This is how you repay me?! I give you all this, I give you a home and a mother, and you decide that it is not enough?! Are you not grateful that I have given you this?" His voice pounded through her ears. "Do you not realize how lucky you are?! There are thousands of girls who would be dying to be in your place!"
"I don't want to be here!" Helen pleaded, "please just let me leave, let Ruby White erase my memory!"
"You are mine." Aro spoke in a deadly whisper, "and I will never let you go."
"I'm not happy here!" Helen tried to explain, "this isn't what I want!"
"You want what I want!" Aro said in paternal yell, "is that clear?!"
"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard you say!" Helen shouted back, "and you've said some strange shit!" Aro grabbed her arm and shook her. "What is wrong with staying here?! You'd be happy if you would just accept me into your heart, if you would just forget those boys, silly girls, and that idiot, than you would never want to leave!"
"You didn't ask me if I wanted to come here!" Helen sobbed out. "That's what parents do!"
Something that Helen said must've hurt Aro deeply, because he stormed over to her window and began breathing heavily, trying to control his anger. "I can't let you leave, you mean too much to me. Not to mention what it would do to Sulpicia."
"I heard what you said the first night I came." Helen explained, "I don't want to be a vampire, I don't want power."
"You just think you don't." Aro said softly, but his eyes were greedy and dangerous. "I was like you once, I thought that power was nothing. Then it happens, you realize that power is everything, it will give you everything you desire. There is no good or evil, Helen. There is only power and those who know how to use it." He cupped her face, "let me show you everything. I can teach you how to get everything you will ever want."
"No." Helen said simply, and Aro's face fell.
"I never said you had a choice." He said darkly.
"I don't want to be like you," Helen replied. "I don't want to be the person who lures humans in here and slaughters them in cold blood."
Aro simply sighed and walked towards the door, "Perhaps you just need to change your attitude." If only Helen had realized then what was going on in his twisted head, maybe she could've cut her bonds from Aro while she had the chance.