AN- -This Chapter is more tame. Don't worry though, we're back to a Bella that kicks ass in chapter IV!

I stood between Felix and Demetri, part of a ring that most of the Guard formed around the central interior of the throne room. If the low murmur of conversation and flurry of heartbeats rapidly approaching the opposite side of the heavy oak doors was any indication, my mild thirst would soon be satiated.

'Hm... guys? Can I ask for your help with something? After we're finished lunch of course.'

Demetri smiled and nodded. Felix also verbalized assent, then asked, 'What's up?'

'it's, uh... Renata. Apparently we happen to be... uh...'

'Mated. We heard.' Demetri said, absentmindedly kicking a pebble across the floor.

I sighed. I guess they would have heard. Immortality was a gift, but it's perks, such as enhanced hearing, went both ways.

'I just need some advice Felix, Demetri. You guys are really the only ones I know here. Don't get me wrong, everyone's been more than happy to welcome me, but I'm not about to ask Jane or Alec for relationship advice.'

'We're happy to help, but hush for now. We're on.'

About forty people walked into the room, helmed by Chelsea. She looked at me for a moment, then, oddly, hung her head, seemingly ashamed. I waved a hand at her, concerned, but my attention was drawn to Aro. He stood and spoke succinctly.

'Welcome to Volterra, friends. A pity you came all this way, only to die.'

A crescendo of horrified screaming, splintered bones, and unheard pleas for mercy later, and it was over. I waited for Aro to dismiss us, then tagged along with Felix and Demetri until we entered what I learned was a sort of common room.

Demetri leaned against the wall and asked, 'So, what would you like to know?'

'Well, first of all, I suppose, how are we able to even be separated like this? I was under the impression that when mates found each other they were absolutely inseparable.'

Demetri raised a forefinger. 'This, I can answer. You obviously hate the coven you were previously unwillingly affiliated with quite passionately. In cases of extreme emotional duress, such as anger or grief, the prevalent emotion has been known to temporarily supplant the natural pull one should feel toward their fated. Note that this theory only functions one way, so Renata likely is feeling the effects of your bond, and repressing it for your sake, most likely with difficulty. Furthermore, it should unequivocally be stated that it is no--'

'Wait. Wait, wait, wait.' I shook my head violently. 'You're telling me that SHE has feelings toward ME, and I have not only not returned them, but have not even NOTICED them?'

'Bella, this is not something you can be blamed fo--' Felix began, shooting an annoyed look at Demetri.

'Oh my god! She must think that I hate her! I... I... I have to go to her!'

With that, I dashed out of the room, hearing but not registering Demetri's panicked yell of, 'Bella, wait! There's more you need to know!'

Once I was out of the vicinity of the common room, I cocked an ear and listened to the castle.

I smiled. She was in the library.

I ran at speed to it's entrance but paused with my hand on the knob. I realized I had no idea what I was going to say, no idea what I should do. I paused. Maybe this wasn't--

'Bella? I-Is that you?' A tentative, almost scared, voice queried on the opposite side.

Knowing leaving now would only make things worse, I pushed open the door. Renata looked up at me, and I saw, with mild surprise, her eyes widen by almost two centimetres. Again, I felt a definite spike in some sort of unknown, but decidedly positive, emotion. This time, however, it didn't dissipate, but expanded. I realized that, for the fist time in our very short acquaintanceship, I was feeling a noticeable attraction for her.

'Surprised?' I asked?

She gave a strained smile. 'You've always surprised me Bella, in the short time that I've known you. How can I help?'

I nodded to her book. 'What are you reading?'

She grimaced. 'Promise not to laugh?'

I nodded and gave her what I hoped was an encouraging smile.

'I'm not reading. I'm... writing. My journal.' She put the book down, which revealed that she was indeed holding a pen.

'I... need to update it. After you joined the Volturi I... feel like I'm finally close to gaining something I've never really had.'

I sat down next to her, and took a brief moment to look into her ruby eyes. I saw wary curiosity there, and felt brave enough to venture, 'And what would that be?'

She sighed and leaned back in her chair.

'Ever since I've joined the Volturi I've had pretty much everything. Food, obviously. Friends. Family, even. But in all my life, I've never really had a... personal connection. With anyone. Except possibly Master Aro, but in the end, I know he sees me as just another talented individual who could be replaced easily enough if anything were to happen. A personal connection... a true friend, someone who understands me, someone who knows me... ... ... I guess I always felt like that was the only thing missing.'

I looked at her, a warmthness filling my core. 'And you think that's me?'

She looked at me, in an odd sort of way. Like she was trying to figure out if I was really here and not being imagined or hallucinated.

'No.' She finally said. 'I know it is.I don't know how, and it's frustrating, and I can't figure it out. But I will.'

I nodded, and smiled at her. 'Good luck.'

We talked awhile longer. However, I was soon summoned away by a tired-looking Alec, who led me to the same room I had received Jane's yet-to-be-used ability.

Aro and Caius were seated behind the massive desk, and Aro gestured me to be seated. Once I was, he began.

'What's left of the Olympic Coven has fled to Southern and Central America, although what they intend to do is as yet unclear.'

I learned forward. 'They obviously intend to continue defying and threatening your enlightened rule, Master. What is our plan of attack?'

As Aro began explaining his detailed scheme to eradicate the last ghost of the Cullen lineage, a smile slowly began to spread across my features.

Aaahhh... Vengeance time...