The mystery of Isabella Volturi

by Ashley Volturi-whitlock

A small child by the name of Isabella who is left at the doors of the volturi doors hoping for protection holds alot of mystery and can hold the key to chamging the volturi but may also find that life is complex and full of hidden dangers that lurk in the dark waiting for the right time to attack. (Bella/jasper pairing)

30. Chapter 29

Well it's probably best I start off by apologizing for taking so long to release this chapter. I've been trying to make sure this chapter was perfect before I posted it and because I involved a fight scene that I've been hinting at for awhile, I have found that I'm not particularly good at writing those scenes which is why I had to take a break, before I went back to give it another go at writing it up.

So at last here it is, I hope you all who have been waiting for this enjoys it.

I would like to thank my followers old and new ones that have been following it up to this point, as chapter 29 is gonna be a big one.

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I don't own twilight and all rights go to Stephanie Meyer

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Chapter 29

Jasper/ Major POV

Today has arrived finally, I find myself standing by the thrones where the three kings are sitting currently, as a law breaker has been brought in for revealing himself in front of humans all because he was lonely, which if the room was so serious I would have laughed, but today I only agreed to participate or more like spectate what happens when a law breaker is brought in, because I was curious, as well as wanting to see what Aro does that his other two brothers Caius and Marcus insisted, it makes him valuable enough to be of use to the coven. As they know just as well as I do, that the majority of the coven and even the guests who consisted of nomads and other covens who have came for the celebration and this challenge, have even joined in with th talk of the castle, not that I blame them as it was a subject that even myself was listening in to when it came up. The one subject above any others was always about the removal of Aro from the throne and replacing him with me, as the others thought that I was a better fit for it, I couldn't disagree with it, but also couldn't agree to it either for reasons of my own that I only shared with my mate, twins, queens and the other two kings about my views on that subject.

Watching each of the three kings doing what they do with the law breaker was interesting, Aro being Aro, used his gift to see what happened, then to discuss it with his siblings, which I found interesting, being that I would have thought he also share it with everyone else in the room, to see their opinions on the matter, as if they did it that way, they could get a more equal and deserving punishment that would feel suitable for everyone, while also ensuring that everyone understands what could happen if you broke the law, but also that the kings was fair in their punishments they gave. The more I watched I saw that Marcus was the quiet one looking around the room, and at the lawbreaker, possibly to see if the bonds it shared with anyone that was important to be kept alive or not, which is what I could assume from a spectator's view and the emotions I gathered. With Caius it wasn't hard to guess, as he was impatient and fueled with anger, that was mostly justified with someone breaking the law, but he should also be willing to wait so a reasonable judgement can be given, as he started shouting or trying to quicken the process up, which quickening the process was understandable for anyone in the room who had plans for the day, as for myself I knew that my mate's needs was taken care of and was being looked after by some human staff with guards stationed outside the room as per my request, so I wasn't entirely in a huge rush.

As some time passed before the final judgement was made, it wasn't entirely exciting for me to pay much attention, as I've read majority of the books on the punishments given to lawbreakers so I knew that this one be no different as he be given death for revealing himself, I was just surprised that it took them so long to say it, but with the other laws if broken should have a more fitting punishment, in my opinion. "You are sentenced to punishment of death, for revealing yourself to the humans, you know that it's our most sacred law, yet you did it" Aro said in a serious tone that commands authority and respect, that shocked me as I expected his tone to be like a man child, but it seems that when the situation calls it, he can act like a ruler, which did impress me slightly, but hasn't changed my opinion of the man just yet.

"Caius would you gladly do the honours" Aro asked Caius while keeping a smile on his face, as he must know just as I did that this is something that Caius always enjoys, taking out the lawbreakers of our world and ensure that the law is abided at all time. Instead of Caius moving or responding to Aro, he did something that I assumed was a small part for him and Marcus for insistence for me to be here wasn't just for aro's sake, as all he did was smirk, "actually I think we should let the Major do it for us this time, as he kindly been watching all this so, would you mind Major" Caius said while looking directly at me, trying to sound authoritative, but his emotions gave him away that it was more curious to see if I accept this simple request of his. I shrugged my shoulders, "I came to watch, not take part in this, so seeing as this is your courtroom, where you deal with the trash, you might as well do it" I said in a non caring mood, "your highness " I added sarcastically while bowing to add to the effect of my sarcastic manner to which I spoke, seeing that neither the kings got angry at me but felt amused by it, saw that they understood my way of saying that I'm still not part of their coven to listen to what they order me to do, but also seeing a glint of smile from Caius, almost in a way to say to me "well played".

"Very well Major, I will give this wretch a painless death, quick and easy" Caius said proudly while sounding very serious, as Caius approaches the lawbreaker, as I didn't particularly care to remember his name or even wanna know it, he did something none of us except, he laughed, not like a small chuckle but a full on laugh out loud. "wow just wow, there's me shaking in my boots or feeling honoured to be killed by the great God of War, who I not only looked up to, but respected from what I heard about him, but looking at you, the one they called Major" he stopped, to literally look at me, before going into another laughing fit, "your nothing, more of a joke, you not only stood there watching them do what they call a job of keeping the laws intact, but you even turned down a clearly good opportunity to punish me to death by Caius, who may not be a legend like your supposed to be, but is well known enough to always want to be the one to punish without leniency or taking no for an answer" the vampire said, but not before having another word in, "like I said you lot are a joke" he laughed, during that speech of that vampire, it looks like I wasn't the only one who's anger was rising throughout that, and was now, I was surprised that Caius stood there and didn't kill him on the spot before he even spoke, as that was the only thing stopping me from destroying him on the same spot he stood at.

Well seeing that no one moved, the lawbreaking vampire still laughing, I saw to it that I might need to stop watching, to start getting some action myself, not needing to hide it from my mate, with her otherwise occupied. I used my gift in a way that I always did back in Maria's army, radiating a dark cold shudder to everyone in the very room, seeing it take effect instantly, as the lawbreaker stopped laughing, looking cold and confused, everyone else looked at me, while rubbing their arms to warm up. I darted my eyes at Caius, "Caius move away he's mine" I said darkly, not taking the cold shudder effect that I had, Caius not needing any much encouragement moved speedily over towards the other two kings, who just watched in cold fear, that I added on top, "Caius call every single guard, coven member, and guest to all be here this instantly, minus the two outside my mates room" I ordered darkly, seeing a weak nod from Caius, "everyone in this freaking castle, no matter who you are or what your doing, get in this throne room now, no excuses" Caius shouted three times to ensure that no one could say they didn't hear, not needing to wait any more than two seconds to pass for everyone to enter the door, instantly feeling the same cold fear that I had in the room, just staring at me.

Taking my eyes down to the lawbreaker, who felt instant regret and fear, making me smile, i launched over towards him and grabbed his head, turning it to face everyone in the room, with a cracking sounds being echoed in the room, "insect, you see we have a audience" I said, feeling his fear rise, and confusion from everyone who got called here, "audience please move towards the three kings, say nothing, do nothing and just watch" I spoke darkly, knowing that some of them, twins, and Maria knows what I'm gonna do for separate reasons for why, seeing them all scattered but rushing quickly over to the kings leaving me a good half of the room empty except for myself and the one I will call an insect, or worthless trash, because that's all he was to me now.

Swinging his head back facing me again, "what you saw is only one side to me, the side I wanted you to see" I paused, "you called me a joke, weak and laughed" pausing for effect, "now I will show you, why I'm feared more so than that of the Witch twins, as I'm not myth, or a joke, as i am the God of War" I said in a loud dark tone, while picking him up and throwing him fast, and hard towards the wall. I sped quickly with ease to catch him by the head before he hit the wall, to then ram it into the floor instead, "so where's all this laughing you was just doing, you worthless trash" I taunted, while I picked him up again to stare in his fear ridden eyes, "nothing still, huh I guess your the joke now aren't you" I said with a shrug of my shoulders, as I dropped him to the floor like a sack of spuds.

"That all you got, god of nothing" the insect of a being said trying to push himself off the ground, while he definitely didn't feel confident but must have been stupid to say that, as I was just gonna leave him he, " well I was gonna leave you be, but looks like, stupid is a quality that you have in tenfolds" I said, picking him up by his weak neck, squeezing it, causing it to crack little by little, " trying to decide whether punishing you slowly, be better with your voice or without it" I taunted seeing even more fear start to soak in, while I was sure his eyes would have popped out, or he would wet himself if that was entirely possible. "Trust me you should have kept your mouth trap shut, just getting a simple quick death like all of the stupid lawbreakers, like yourself", "but no you just had to be even more stupid, laughing and calling me and the kings a joke, the only reason you got me is because I feel it necessary to teach you a lesson before I see you burn slow and painfully to death" I said, while squeezing his neck even more, as I didn't want his irritating voice to excuse himself.

"Someone set a fire in the middle of the room" I ordered loudly, hearing no one move, "now be good" I groaned, "Heidi go on" Aro whispered, before I heard light tapping of feet of movement, "see I even got a giant candle to celebrate your slow painful death" I said to the vampire, while hearing attempts of screaming, yet no sound escaping, "well as we wait for the fire, then let's see what limb you will lose first" I said out loud, knowing it scares him more.

"Ooh I have a personal favourite way that I think you will crack up with, that I'm sure you love" I said with a bright dark glint in my eye, I dropped him to the floor again, but before he had a chance to move out of my way I slammed my foot into the middle of his chest to prevent him moving. "Well now that you can't move, it makes it much easier for me" I said as I grabbed his arm, in the air, using my other hand I began to roll the arm on itself in small parts, causing crack and popping sounds to echo in the room, causing a still strangled scream to be heard. "Ouch that's gotta hurt", "he had it coming", "horrible sound", was some of the words I heard coming from everyone watching, "well that's one arm left in a crumbled mess, but don't worry it won't be there long" I said as I brought my head down to the vampire's head level to tell him in his ear.

Hearing the start of wood burning, feeling the warmth surrounding the room, the taste of burning wood flickering in the room, gave me something to smile at, "ah it's good now we have a fire, for all your parts that I'm gonna take off one by one, leaving your head left to see and partially feel the pain of every part of your body burn slowly, even after the pain I'm gonna put you through, due to you insulting not just the kings, but to me, and we can't forget your original sin of breaking a sacred law" I told him as close to vividly specific as I could, "I may even be kinder enough and let one of our audience to take some pleasure of taking you apart, but don't worry I won't spoil who that be, as the fear in your eyes and the fear that grows in you, is enough to keep you guessing" I added, while hearing a few cracking of knuckles from the audience, but also a few words of disgust, which I knew that those words was most likely from Carlisle who's pacifist ways was always the pain in my side.

So where was I, ah now I remember I just used a favorite of mine on his left arm, might as well do the same to his right arm, just to make it even, "well before I pop out your left arm from its sockets, I think I will start rolling up your right arm in the exact same way as before, so I hope you wasn't too attached to it" I mentioned, before lifting my head away from his face, while using my arms to repeat the process of folding his right arm in a rolling motion, with each fold I made on the arm, including the hand, the cracking and popping sounds got louder the further down the arm I went.

Crack!

Pop!

Crack!

Pop!

As I see both arms fully folded onto themselves on both side in an unnatural look, yet the vampire screamed all throughout the process, "I think I'm gonna hurl" Carlisle said in the back of the group of everyone who was watching, surprisingly they didn't seem to be effected the same way as Carlisle was, as I could have sworn that he looked paler than usual. "Carlisle you idiot, we can't puke like human can, so grow a pair and just watch the show" the voice that could only belong to none other than Jane, causing me to smile, as I knew she be one of a very few who would call what I'm doing a show, while some like Carlisle, while few would call it something else, not that it bothered, me as Maria who was in the audience, standing next to Demetri had a gleeful look on her face, as she has seen this herself, and in some cases taken part in it, as she doesn't deal with weaklings or disobedience.

"Shush" Marcus and Caius said simultaneously, while Aro kept silent, which I assumed must be because he had thoughts in his head of what could happen to himself when we start the challenge later on during the day.

"Heidi come here a second, as I know your still waiting by the fire" I called out without looking behind me, before I started to hear steps coming from behind, "yes Major" Heidi said, "all I need you to do is just stand there for a second, as I will be passing you his arms that I'll be snapping off in a second " I said, hearing whining from the vampire who is still under my foot. "You sure you want me and not anyone else who be more willing to do this" Heidi replied, I could feel her worry and fear, but I sent her a calm and reassured wave to let her know that I understood, "I'm sure that your perfect for this job, so don't worry" as I pointed to the vampire under my foot, "he is in too much agony and pain right now to hear much of anything, but trust me, that you have as much right to do something like this than anyone here" I said, Heidi bowed her head in a sign of respect, "I won't let you down" she added, before she lifted herself up with a smile.

I decided that as I started with the left arm I might as well start with that same arm to pop it out with a hard yank while it's still rolled up, as I yanked it out, a high pitched scream wailed in the room so loud that even the birds outside would have heard it. "Here is arm number one, Heidi" I said as I passed her the arm in it's rolled up form, "before you chuck it in the fire and we hear more screams of pain and agony, could you have it passed round the room so everyone can see it, to prove that it is as crumbled and broken as he is right now, under my foot that he is" I asked her, to which she nodded, as she went round the room passing it along.

I had other reasons for why I asked Heidi to do it, as she was one of those gentle souls of the coven who would expect to do what I have been asking of her, with it being so cruel. Of course it wasn't the only reason, yes getting her to show everyone what I did to strengthen how cruel I can be to anyone who breaks or thinks of breaking the law will get, but the main reasoning for it was much bigger, despite how much everyone would want me to stand in Aro's place as a ruler, I really had no reason to want it or have all that stress that comes with it, I prefer the way my life is now, more simpler. So even though this vampire broke a law, I wanted to not just punish him for the crime, and what he said to myself and the kings, but to also slightly scared everyone to second guess wanting me to take Aro's place, plus I needed to let off some pent up steam.

I saw punishing this vampire as a sort of warm up to the big challenge that I was hoping to get with the three kings, plus it also brought back some good memories of my time in Maria's army, which I remembered that Peter is still covering for us in our time being here. Before I took off arm number two, I looked about the room, while sensing their emotions on what I have done and what they can see being passed around like a game of pass the parcel. It was kinda of what they call enlightenment for heavy majority of them, being that most of the i knew for a fact that they haven't seen violence or punishment being done in this way, not even by their own ruler of Caius who, I knew for a fact loved to just do it quick and easy than drag it out to last longer. What was fascinating to me, is that the individuals I didn't expect to look at the crumbled mess of a rolled up arm, to find it amusing or of interest, as I knew for a fact that Jane, Alec, Caius, Demetri and even Maria to enjoy it, but then there was Kate and Irina, the only two I definitely didn't expect, it definitely be a subject I'll be asking about later on. Of course with Carlisle it didn't take much for him to take an instant dislike to want to hold it like everyone else, as like a coward he is, he tried to get out of the room which this time no one bothered to stop him, not that it bothered me that much.

As Heidi gathered the arm in it's still rolled up form, throwing it in the fire, causing the flame to turn a blue colour, while you could hear the crackling of the fire burning the arm away to nothing very slowly, of course that everyone knew it was burning slowly from the screaming that escaped the vampire once more, but this time did something I expected but also didn't want to hear, as he pleaded for mercy, "please no more, just end this now or stop, please it's too much, i will apologize or do anything to have this all stop" the vampire blubbered loudly, through the grunting of pain he was still in. I thought about it, not loads but I thought should I end it now put him out of his misery or let him suffer a bit more longer, "you want it to end, it's surprising how many times I've heard that been said to me" I mused aloud, "Maria, could you answer him how many times that those very words have been told to me, in the past that have only allowed them to continue their crimes, because they didn't learn the first time" I asked her as I had my back turned as I was still looking at the pitiful excuse of a vampire, who was still blubbering and in high amounts of pain, "I don't think there is a number for that as it's happened a handful of times as, the ones in my army never attempted to break a single rule or crime that we had in Mexico, but I will say that every single one you dealt with Major, they never had the chance to repeat their mistakes as they went the same way our enemies went, to their deaths" Maria spoke proudly while loudly enough for everyone to hear her, with some gulping which made me chuckle.

I brought my head back to the vampire's head once more, "so I assumed you heard all that, despite the constant blubbering your doing and pain your under right now, as I know for a fact you must have heard it, with you feeling more fearful"I paused, "just give me a moment and we will continue" I said, as I lifted myself back up while still having my foot planted in the vampires body keeping him from escaping or wriggling too much. As I turned my head round to face the three kings once more, "Caius, question how long has this been going so far, and also how long till our match that I owe you three for?" I asked, just because I was slightly curious to how long for both of those situations, as one of them is still continuing, as I know for a fact that using my gift to increase the levels of fear and pain bit, by bit is still torturous for this pitiful excuse of a vampire, who I can tell in between unecesarry breathes that he wishes to be anywhere else now.

The three kings silently discussed what I asked with each other, which I didn't know why they needed to when I only asked just the one I wanted to hear it from, "sorry Major, for the wait, as I was uncertain about the length of time to answer your questions, so that's why I turned to my brothers to help as I'm not one to keep track of time as well as they do" Caius explained, I nodded, "so if you don't know, Aro, Marcus do you know then, because I'm giving this creature a small break from the physical torture that I've been doing, as I've yet to take off the other arm or maybe I will do a leg" I said, Marcus looked amused by my response, "ah I see that you enjoy torture like my brother dies then" Marcus pointed out, which made me growl at that, "no it's not like that I only torture and punish the guilty, the scums of this world, that's what separates me from evil ho tortures for pleasure and fun" I stated with total serious, while being fully truthful, as I meant it, I could tell that Marcus didn't believe me as I could feel his uncertainty of my words, but it looks as if I wasn't the only one who felt that as I could tell that Maria was feeling irritable at that response.

"Excuse me Major but I think I should put my words in, to clear a few things up, that has been bugging me since I got here before and after what Aro interrupted" Maria clarified, while being apologetic towards me, I turned myself round to face her and the kings easily while swapping my feet to use the other to hold the whining vampire in his place. "Please continue Maria as you know you been wanting to say what you gonna say to them now, just surprised it took you this long" I said, while I snapped the other arm off, and tossed it to Heidi who smiled and chucked it into the fire again, getting a very reeling high pitched squeal from the vampire again, "that should keep him from disturbing you now"I added with a smirk towards Maria, while others felt awkwardness and unsure of what was gonna be said.

"Thank you my Major, I appreciate you keeping that volatile of a vampire in pain, to not disturb what I have to say" Maria said with a small nod, "you three" Maria pointed towards them with a single finger, which most would assume she's being rude but to us both, we knew it was her way of getting someone to listen to her, no matter who they are, as she had a voice that respected authority, which is why I followed her for so long. The kings otherwise didn't seem to take the same response to being pointed to or being spoken like that, but I glared at them, which prevented them from trying to react or respond, "well now that I have your undivided attention, even with that screaming useless of a vampire who's under the Major's foot as we speak, I will say this one thing, that without needing Aro's gift to know what you think of me or Major, to know that you see his torture technique as something he takes pleasure, or that he enjoys, well your right he does, but not in the same way that a madman does to innocent victims have to go through, as with his gift he can tell who is innocent and who's guilty" Maria stopped, to think from the looks she had on her face, "as what he told me ages ago, about his gift, is that someone like the one who is being punished now, shows traits that indicate that he deserves it as not just what is heard or seen, but felt shows him all what he needs to use to distinguish between the innocent and guilty, for example you Aro are guilty more so than anyone as just looking at you I can tell as someone who doesn't have the Major's gift to tell me, it's just rolling off you in buckets" Maria said.

"As for you two, you may not be innocent as none of us are truly innocent, being what we are, but their is levels of innocence that distinguishes us from the likes of Aro and that excuse of a vampire who are beyond the measure of being innocent, but as I've heard already that Aro will get his comeuppance by his own brother in time, but also by the Major who get his turn later today" Maria stated, while I saw that Demetri kissed her on the cheek, causing her to give him a little punch on the shoulder, in her way to not ruin her reputation, but I knew better that she appreciated that he agreed with her with that show of affection. As I looked and checked on everyone else, they was in almost understanding like of approval of what was said, some of them stl felt uneasy about it, the kings mainly Caius grew more understanding of me and I could feel the respect increase.

A few fake coughs came from Jane, "could we get back to watching the Major deal with that low life scum, as I was enjoying the show, plus seeing the insect squirm, squealing like a pig in pain is rightly deserved" Jane called out impatiently, to which I grabbed the vampire by his neck while still keeping my foot squarely on his head, with his face planted into the ground, to pull on it several times to make sure he's still with us on the conscious level, getting a few screams, which got a few in the room to cheer. I took my foot off his head, so it allowed me to fully lift the vampire up who remained armless and face full of cracks that weren't healing, due to that I refused to let it heal with the constant pressure I put on it before. With one hand still holding onto the neck lifting him higher in the air leaving the legs dangling fearfully, trying to keep them from arms grabbing them, I let this continue for a few seconds just to see that the vampire had some fight left, "so you still have some fight left in you then, well looks like the legs will have to come off, but I have a much better slow painful method to knock that fight out of you" I said as I walked towards the fire where Heidi stood waiting and watching me.

As I got to the fire I felt the heat feel more intensely, I could hear the crackling of the flames and the limbs still burning slowly, which the fear and pain radiating from the armless, squirming vampire was showing more and more, trying to escape my inescapable grasp, "just know that no matter the screaming or squirming you do, you won't escape my grasp, just think I'm doing this single handedly so if I used my other hand to stop your squirming I could" I said as I slowly lifted him closer to the fire, seeing his legs trying to move from the flames that licked the tips of his feet. I lowered the vampire to the flames slowly, to creep inch by inch closer so that no matter the squirming or the attempts of avoiding the flames, it would be ultimately pointless. The screaming and shouting increased, but it didn't deter me from stopping the slowly decline of the vampire's feet from being fully covered by the hot burning flames that the more of the feet and legs it covered the more it started to rise higher. I could feel the concern of certain individuals in the room for my hands as I was close to the fire itself but I knew how close it was to the fire, so I didn't share their concerns or worry, so I sent those individuals a wave of calm to ease their uneasiness.

After seeing the legs fully absorbed by the fire, the vampire seemed to go unconscious from the fear and shock of the burning, so with not much point to keep him half in the flames, I pulled him back up into the air, to which I followed up with a overhead throwing him into the ground causing a small sized crater to form. "Caius I think he's had enough torture now to learn his lesson, if you wish to end his suffering that while unconscious, is still suffering in pain and shock of what's happened, then end it quickly, otherwise I feel that some other would do it for you or continue what I have done" I said feeling that there wasn't much to continue this longer, as I wish to see my mate, but I felt that I had to warn him of the possibility that someone would end that vampire's life or continue my work instead, as Jane, Alec, Demetri and Maria was all feeling of ending or torturing that vampire's life while still unconscious. "Thank you Major, we will leave you in peace to be with your mate" Caius spoke while a sliver of gratitude could have been felt in his words, "everyone else you may leave if you choose to, if not then it's up to you" Marcus added before Caius could speak again, "im curious to see all that the lawbreaker felt through that with my gift if no one is of disagreement" Aro asked around the room as no one left, not even myself, "you welcome to it, but trust me it won't be pretty to see Aro " I said with a chuckle, followed by Maria and Jane who joined in, knowing differently for why I found it funny, while both I could tell knew I wasn't joking with it being something that wasn't gonna be a good thing to witness.

Aro's hand inched closer to the head of the vampire with most of us watching curiously to see if he seen anything or was gonna move his hand away without looking, "don't be a chicken Aro, this is the one time where I fully encourage you to use your gift to look without permission" Marcus taunted, with a smirk in my direction. With Aro yet to have his hand closer to use his gift, everyone watched with anticipation, none more than Marcus and Caius who I could feel was no less surprising to feel pleasure of what Aro would witness if he put his hand on the still unconscious vampire, being as impatient as always Jane rushed over to Aro and forced his hand down with a heavy thud sound, as Jane took her hand back off after holding it there for several seconds, getting a smile from both Marcus and Caius, but a eye roll from both myself and Alec, who expected her impatience to take over with so much waiting. As Aro took his hand off, his face gave it all away, but his emotions was in overdrive of so much fear and shock, it was priceless, "I told you so" I said before I walked out, while hearing many others laughing as I left the room in such speed it left no chance for anyone but possibly Maria to catch up with me.

I arrived at the doorway of mine and Isabella my mates room, with two guards still stationed outside the door, "anything to report, even the littlest details matter so don't leave anything out" I asked them both, "nothing of concern, besides the screaming that we could hear from the throne room, as that is where it always seems to come from, it's been quite quiet, no dangers, no visitors, neither friendly or enemy" the guard on the left said, "the only thing to report is that you mate has been napping peacefully" said the guard on the right side of the door, "thank you both, you may leave to join everyone else or you can stay it's your decision" I said to them both as I was happy to keep them outside the door but I was sure of my abilities to protect myself and my mate if trouble did come while they left. Neither guard moved, but smiled, "well I guess you two are staying then, well if you do leave just let me know as my attention will be fully on my mate until later on with the challenge with the three kings" I said as I walked passed them to a dark quiet room with my mate snoring soundly.

"My beautiful mate, it's feels much better to be with you again after what I've been doing while you sleep, not just that I'm happy that we have two dedicated guards who I trust to keep your protected when I am elsewhere" I speak softly while my mate continues to speak as I sit next to her without disturbing her sleep. I look to the desk that sits close to Isabella's bed, with a small stack of six outdated books that I remember I picked up and placed here before I was asked to be in the throne room with the kings for punishing of the lawbreaker, which turned out to be more than just a simple punishment, but nevertheless the vampire got what came to him, and that I also ensured that no one would look for me to take Aro's spot as king and ruler of our species. As I just about to pick up one book, I hear commotion outside the door, feeling irritated that I can't get a moment's peace with my mate even if she's asleep, without someone trying to disturb me for something that's going on. As I walk to see what's going on I'm thankfully surprised to see that Marcus is arguing with the two guards, which reminded me that I honestly got to ask their names some time as I never thought to ask them before, but seeing that they are always the only two to stand outside the door guarding this room, it's something that I should do. "What's the commotion that's going on, Marcus firstly keep your voice down, as I don't care that your a king and they are just guards to you, as my mate is still asleep and they know better to raise their voices, which would wake my mate up" I said keeping my voice low but sounding very angry at having to deal with this when I just wanted some peace.

"I'm sorry Major but these two refused me entry to speak to you, as they said that you required some alone time" Marcus said calmly and this time more quietly, as he started to calm down now that I intervened. I took some thought to what he said, being pleased that the two guards used their initiative and even going so far as to refuse entry to their master and a king who could have hurt or destroyed them if Marcus wanted to, thankfully it was Marcus and none of a few others who would have caused them harm but declining them entry, "well as far as what they told you, I didn't say that, but I appreciate that they did tell you that, as they are correct in that I wanted some alone time with my mate, with what not long ago happened and that later on I'll be fighting you and your two brothers" I said, "being that they refuse you entry, I haven't told them to do that, but I would have expected that you would have considered that there might have been a reason before you started to argue with them over it and leave to talk to me later on" I explained quite patiently. "Hmm, that's a fair point Major, I guess that having two guards who may not be as experienced as some of the others, they have shown great loyalty and respect for you to use initiative to do their jobs accordingly" Marcus said, "well I think I'll see to it that, non others will come to disturb any of you for the time being, but I will speak to you Major later just before the big match" Marcus said before waving off goodbye, as he walked off into the hallway.

As the coast was clear, no one about I decided now would be a great time to speak to these two before I went back to my book with my mate, "firstly, thank you for doing your job and more, even while the risk of danger to yourselves was high, you kept at it", "secondly I need your names as I can't just refer to you as guard one and guard two in a emergency so that's definitely required", "thirdly before you respond back, there is only a few individuals that you can grant entry despite how soon I arrive, which is as follows, Marcus, Caius, the two queens, twins, Heidi, Demetri and Maria, all others can either be told to come back later or you can ask me if they are able to enter, besides that everything else your doing keep doing it" I explained.

"My name is Fang, and his is called Blitz" the one named Fang said, they both looked at me seeing that I must have had a look of being baffled as those names even for a vampire seemed odd to me, so I asked the only thing I could, "are they names you was born with as a human?" I asked, feeling curious, they both laughed at that, sensing that it more amusement coming from them both I felt that they definitely wasn't born with those names, "nah those was names we called ourselves when we turned as we both was unlucky to lose our memories of our names as human, so our creator asked us to give ourselves a name, so we choose Fang and Blitz" Blitz replied. "You don't have to thank us for doing what is essentially our job, apart from that this is the first time we are guarding someone of high priority, as before this we was just about waiting for our turn to guard someone" Blitz mentioned, "yeah before this we got hired because they saw something in us, that none others saw, but they never gave us a chance to actually prove it, which sounds pointless at the time, until now" Fang added.

Hear these two talk more, with confidence that they neither showed before or looked to be confident, proved to me that these two could be of interest and that with keeping them as my mate's personal guards at all times, will help them and myself in the upcoming months and possibly years of her more vulnerable years. As I could tell that if these two have something in them that they were hired by the kings for, but have yet to showcase it, then, having them close for me to keep an eye on would help me to see it first hand. Seeing that both Fang and Blitz both stopped talking to look at me, as they must have noticed that I wasn't listening, I decided to show them that I didn't stop listening because I wasn't interested but that I was thinking it through in my head. "Sorry you two I wasn't intentionally ignoring you I was just thinking a few things through in my head, to what you been saying" I said to them, seeing them brighten up at knowing that I was definitely interested in what they have to say, "do we call you master or just call you Major like everyone else does?" Fang asked, I could tell that Blitz was feeling curious about that same question, I chuckled, "just call me Major, I'm not your master, but I would appreciate you both to still respect me just the same, definitely as it I sense that you respect me, then I'll return the favor and respect you both to listen when you want something from me, that I can give" I replied this time more serious sounding, to which they both nodded and went back to their duties, so I left them be and went back in the room to stay with mate in peace.

One hour later

Finishing all the books that I had in my stack that I had with me, I stood up from my seat to stretch, just that knowing that it may not be necessary but it felt good to stretch after sitting down for a whole hour of being undisturbed, even Fang and Blitz was quiet, not even making small amounts of conversation that they often did, I didn't sense a change in their emotions, so I knew that they was just feeling content and happy to just watch and guard this room.

I walked around the room casually, then returned back to check on my mate Isabella, who seemed awake and just lying down quietly with a small teddy bear in hand, that she seemed very happy with playing with. As she must have noticed that I was watching she babbled a few words together that made little sense but I understood it enough to know she was happy to see me, "glad that you finally awoken my little angel" I spoke softly to her, with tickling her face lightly with one finger, which she immediately grabbed onto with her tiny hand, which made me smile. "I have so much to tell you what you missed when you were sleeping my angel" I told her, yet she was more interested in my finger still, but I continued to tell of my day so far, "so you can see that I only did what was necessary to keep what I have, without the loss of respect that I have in this coven" I finished, "ah I nearly forgot to mention, that our two personal and favourite guards have finally told me their names so it's much better than calling them guard one and two" I added with a slight chuckle, to which she smiled at me.

"Major, Major" my name was called amongst Fang and Blitz telling from the voice I heard to leave or wait till I was finished,as the voice was none other than Carlisle, if it wasn't for the vampiric hearing than both guards and Carlisle has then I would have muttered under my unrequired breathe but instead I stood up, "I'll be right back, just got to sort out a nuisance" I said to my mate, feeling slightly annoyed that after getting a whole hour of peace I had to now be interrupted by none other than Carlisle. "Carlisle what is it you wish to interrupt my peace and time that I want to spend with my mate before the challenge with the kings that's happening in only a couple of hours from now" I questioned with a cross look, seeing that not just that Carlisle looked and felt scared but both Blitz and Fang moved away from Carlisle to stand on opposite sides of the door, while I continued to approach Carlisle slowly like I was stalking my prey. "Erm, erm" Carlisle said in a splutter, causing me to sign, before I sent a wave of calm towards him, seeing his shoulders relaxed. "Now try that again with some language that everyone can understand, and not more tongue tied gibberish" I said in a slightly more calmer voice.

"Sorry Major" Carlisle said calmly, "I was in a rush to tell you some news, that I wanted to be the one to inform you of" Carlisle said, "okay spit it out, tell me while you have my attention" I said tapping my foot to emphasize my impatience, "well you see that several of the guests and some of the Volturi coven too, have been betting with money on several factors, one is who will last the longest, two who be the first to lose a limb and finally how quick you defeat them all" Carlisle stopped, "so what do you think, is it something that you are interested in hearing or did I do something stupid by bringing it up, if so I apologize" Carlisle said bowing his head several times, which slightly irritated me.

"Firstly stop bowing over and over again, if your gonna bow, then only one is sufficient, definitely as I appreciate the sign of respect but I'm no king, and even then there's no need for you to bow as many times as your doing " I listed, seeing that Carlisle indeed stopped bowing and now was looking at me listening to me properly. "Secondly it wasn't fully stupid for you to bring that up to me, even though it's more something that both Fang and Blitz would have been interested in than myself, so ask them to see if they be interested in betting but do it far away from here if so, as I have no need to hear how many bets is going on, as my reasoning for this isn't for the bets but for what I think is required" I explained, "finally, bring that confidence that you once had back as I can't stand this new you of being such a coward, sniffling mess when raise my voice or anything, as it was only your vegetarian life style I have no need to hear but besides that, your not that bad of a vamp to speak to on other matters, is that clear" I said, hoping that he will understand better and now to leave me in peace.

"Very well Major, I will leave you be now, and I will ask them, do you know to where I can locate them" Carlisle mentioned, feeling confused to that I called the guards by name and he must no have known they was right by him, I chuckled at the thought, "they are the two guards standing on either side of me Carlisle, so you won't have to look far to find them" I said, seeing both Fang and Blitz smirk, to which I smiled, "ah it seems I owe you both an apology then, for not knowing your names" Carlisle said apologetically, which I took that moment to return to my mate in the room and leave them be.

As I sat back in my seat with my mate sitting up watching me, almost like she has been sitting up the entire time I was out the room, "I guess you heard all that out there" I said, Isabella blinked a few times then nod her head, "I thought you might, so still no more words today, apart from the little babble earlier" I said, to which she nodded again, "I look forward to when I get to hear you speak some more, unless you can speak and just enjoy listening to me talk" I said, even though I wouldn't be offended if Isabella could talk but wanted to be more the silent type who just listens as if it was me I would just listen if she was the one who always did the talking.

"Would you both be interested in putting bets or would you like me to leave you both be?" I overheard Carlisle asking Fang and Blitz, as I was curious to see how the conversation would go, as saw that Isabella went back to playing with her teddy bear in her little bed. "I think we both probably agree on the same thing, to which that if your willing to wait till more close to the time of when it starts, then we put our bets in then" Fang spoke, "yeah I agree, because for now we wished to do our job until the Major has no need for us to stay guard, as we want to prove that we are dedicated and that we are not easily distracted" Blitz added, I was impressed that they both wanted to prove not just to themselves but to others that they can do their job well and not put other matters above their job, but I wasn't entirely surprised that they wished to put bets on either as I know that it would be a surprise if I found out that they didn't want to take part in it. "That is fine, I will let Maria know of that, as she was the first one to mention about betting on all that I've informed to the Major about, with you both here at the time" Carlisle informed them, part of me was shocked to hear that Maria was involved but a huge part of me kind of expected it to be her, or even the twins to start it, "so your bound to find either her or myself about as we be close to where it's located" Carlisle added before I heard the tapping of feet moving away in the distance.

Both Fang and Blitz began to chat among themselves in a conversation I didn't really have any need to listen into so I took my attention back to my mate, as I turned round to face her I heard her stomach growl, "looks like someone is feeling hungry" I said to her, as she moved her tiny hands to her stomach, "well let's get you something to eat, maybe some soft fruit and porridge is something you may enjoy as I'm sure later on we can find you something else with your favourite veggies" I told her as I proceeded to pick her up in my arms. As I walked with Isabella in my arms passed the guards, "Fang, Blitz, your dismissed to do as you pleased, as we are heading to the kitchen for some food, as my mate is hungry" I told them, "thank you Major" they both said simultaneously as they walked off in the opposite direction to where I was.

"Well now it's just us, let's hope that the human staff have already prepared something for you or if not you have to hope I don't burn your porridge again like last time I tried to make it for you" I said as I tickled her belly, causing her to giggle. As we continued our small walk to the kitchen, I heard chatter coming from the kitchen all the way from where we are walking, from what I could make out, Isabella's name was mentioned twice, as I turned the closed door to the kitchen, I pushed it open, seeing a male and female kitchen staff dressed in their usual kitchen overalls, where the female staff was at the sink washing some bowls and plates, while the male was at the fridge pulling a few items out, that smelt sweet. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything, my mate is hungry again, I was hoping you both wouldn't mind preparing her some food that's suitable for her" I asked them, seeing them both turn round to face me, looking white as their overalls was, "both of you relax, I know you most likely have heard or been listening in to everyone else to what I did this morning, but relax i'm not gonna hurt you, unless you wish harm to my mate" I told them, feeling they both was a bag of nerves, so I sent a calming wave to them both to help them become more relaxed, as I really didn't want them to accidentally cut themselves because they was so scared they couldn't hold a knife properly.

"come desideri maestro" they both said, "I heard that you two, I've told you before I'm not your master, and speaking in Italian doesn't mean I don't understand you, as I know a few words in Spanish that I could say but I choose to speak in a language that most understands, so keep to language that everyone is using unless you have something to hide, but even then I would advise against it, as I will find out if your hiding something, as you didn't calm yourselves down, as that was my gift I used on you both, and it can be used to feel if you both are hiding something too" I mentioned, being very serious and stern with them this time, as other times I've let it slip with them calling master, when I'm not one, but I thought that this time I needed to enforce it more to get them to understand their place here.

Seeing that they both understood what I said to them, I watched them as they went from one part of the kitchen to the other in silence, I knew how good they was at preparing brilliant dishes of food on the spot, even going as far as of recent to try and use human blood into foods so our species could eat more food to help us blend in better with the humans, I heard from Athenodora speak about one human she knew centuries ago who put human blood in the dough when they made bread, but it wasn't potent enough for it to be eaten without bringing it back up, she told me, but it's not stopped them from trying over the years.

I used my gift to not just monitor both of the staff as I always did, but a way to supervise them, as I would analyse them every ten seconds or so, to not just ensure they are not feeling tempted to tamper with the food but, to also ensure they are not feeling at risk to harm themselves to escape as. I've heard a few stories of some of the human staff trying to harm themselves or someone in the coven to escape, because they felt trapped or lonely, but with time going by the coven have tried to make them feel less trapped and lonely by allowing more humans to stay, some to be turned later on or killed when they are too old to continue working, but they do get a pretty good life style now then they used to, because to this coven more than others it was a growing experience, of course with my mate being newborn when she arrived it was something that got pushed as a top priority and they forgot about their older humans to ensure they are living happily. Some of the human staff as of recent have felt neglected enough to attempt harm to my mate, but since I arrived here I've ensured that it's next to impossible for any of them to try harming her again, as it's the one of the best perks of having my gift adding to my superior enhanced senses of being what I am.

As the human staff finish preparing Isabella's food, the female comes with the bowl of food towards me and Isabella, "here's is Isabella's food as requested" the female staff said nervously while holding the bowl shaking in her hands, I took the bowl from the female's shaking hands and looked into her eyes, while sending her another wave of calm more intense than the last time, "breathe, I'm not gonna take your head off, relax" I said, seeing the female take a deep breath in and out a few times, "better" I asked, the female nodded, "good, the only reason I'll ever be strict with either of you two, so I hope you are listening over there" I said, seeing the male nod with his back turned continuing the washing up, "is because I care for my mates health, yes she is much younger than anyone else's mates are so I'm not able to perform the same duties a mate would do, due to her age, but I can still care for her and do other duties to ensure she gets to that age to see the future that is yet to come" I explained. "We will do our best to not let you down and thank you for making me feel calm as I really do enjoy working in this beautiful castle and doing a job I love" the female replied, I could feel her love and devotion as she said every word, so I nodded. Leaving the staff to do what they were doing, I gave a mouthful of food to my mate, to start her off, but other than that I left her to do her attempts of feeding alone, as I watched with a smile.

With a few failed attempts from my mate later, I put a couple of mouthfuls to ensure she had something going in her stomach, to prevent her being hungry later, but just as I was putting a fork with a small piece of banana, in Isabella's mouth, I heard footsteps, quite light on their feet, so I knew a small fraction of the coven or guests who walks that light and be willing to see me here. "hello Heidi" I called out before her head popped round the corner with a wave of her hand, and a grin on her face, "damn there's no surprising you is there" she said sounding disappointed, yet I knew she wasn't really feeling disappointed as she often said the same thing when she thought she could surprise me these days. "Well it's impossible for you to surprise me for sure as you visit so often it's especially easy to predict if it's you or someone else " I stopped, "but not just that, spending as much time as I do with certain individuals and some others, I've grown accustomed to everyone's individual scents, the regular visitors to see myself or my mate during the daily basis, and most other things that I doubt that most of you will recognize as quickly as I have done in the space of month, while for you all it probably taken years for that" I stated to Heidi, who as she walking more into the kitchen, was jaw dropped, and clearly feeling surprised.

"That is some achievement Jasper, but I think you have given our coven too much credit as I have surprised a few individuals numerous times, even with the many, many years of spending with them" Heidi said, "very well, anyway what can I do for you today?" I asked her, as she sat down next to me and Isabella, who was still munching down on her soft banana in her mouth, "ah nothing seems to get pass you with that either then, well actually I just wanted to spend some time with Isabella as the twins suggested to me that I should be the one to hold her during your match with my masters if that's fine with you" Heidi mentioned. "That's completely fine with me, but if I may ask why did they want you to hold her and not them or the queens, no offense, it just seems odd for them to refuse looking after her while the match takes place" I asked her, Heidi shrugged her shoulders, "I don't entirely know, they didn't say, even when I constantly bugged them for a whole hour non stop to get a answer for why" Heidi said sounding annoyed that she didn't get an answer, definitely as everyone knew how much she can bug someone to reveal what they hiding.

"Well maybe they are practicing their spells again, as they did before as they seem to have recovered better since the last time, so maybe this time they feel it's time to try again" I said with a shrug of my own shoulders, while Isabella clapped her hands twice happily. "So you're not at all concerned for their safety?" Heidi asked feeling concerned and worried, I shook my head, "no not at all, yes I want them to be safe when practicing, but it wouldn't be right to tell them not to practice spell work or anything to do with their new powers and abilities that they will get when they finally change" I paused, to put another banana in my mate's open mouth again, "because as I see it, if they don't practice then it be more bad than good, not just that, do you really want to be the one to tell Jane or Alec to not do something because it worries you, even while fully knowing and understanding that they are strong enough to deal with it themselves, and that if they needed help they would come to us for it, so no I'm not worried like you are, so try and relax a little" I said, seeing my words play on Heidi's face as she thought about what I told her, "okay I'll try and relax but if they disappear again like last time, it be your fault not mine for not worrying enough about them" Heidi said, pointing her finger at me, "trust me I seriously doubt that we get a repeat of last time without either of them informing us in advance, if it does happen again, but if it does I take it" I said to her.

"Anyway, while you're here, could you do me a favor?" I asked, Heidi nodded, "excellent, wanna do some feeding or watch her eat what's left, as I need to head to the library to change some books for new ones quickly " I asked her, "sure, I'll be happy to stay with this cherub, while you look for new reading material, even though I swear you have nearly read the entire library by now" Heidi said, while tickling under Isabella's chin, causing her to giggle. "Okay well if you need me just shout as I don't intend to stay away too long as I want to always be close to my mate being that our bond is still so new" I said, giving a kiss on my mates head before I walked out the kitchen with a wave to the staff and Heidi, it was true that the bond I shared with my mate did need me to be close to her at all times, but I did also truly love her as only a mated pair can, which is one thing I didn't say, yet knew that it wasn't necessary to say, being it was obvious.

As I arrive at the library, I see not just the twins but also a few others, Carlisle, Caius, Athenodora and Marcus as well, which surprised me little as I was used to being either the only one or sometimes seeing one of the others making it only two of us occupying the library at a time, so this would be a first for me to seeing multiple others, maybe there was a reason or it was just coincidence that I just so happen to arrive when they was here. "Looks like I'm not the only one or thought to be here then" I stated as I walked towards the many bookshelves and cases that held scrolls, and other valuable pieces that are of the more delicate kind. As I walked passed them I got a nod from all of them except a small wave from Athenodora, before they went back to what they was reading, it was obvious to me that the twins brought the tome here to read but I guess that due to Marcus and Caius here, they didn't see anything wrong with it being in the library, which did surprise me that something so valuable and powerful would be able to be read in the library where everyone can come in and out and possibly see it. Of course it being the twins I couldn't imagine anyone trying to get closer enough to take the tome from them.

As I go to the far end of the library to where I get majority of my books I notice one book in particular that takes my attention so much that I didn't hear the footsteps coming behind me until the very last second, "it looks like your back again, I would have thought you have finished reading the entire library by now, but I see that I was incorrect in my assumption" Marcus says behind me, as he walks to my side noticing that I've yet to respond as my attention is still on that one particular book, "Well I leave you be as you seem busy looking" was the last thing I heard Marcus say before his footsteps drift further away from where I stand. I can't put my finger on it but this particular book has a powerful draw to me, like it is wants me to pick it up, is it another secret of this castle that hasn't been noticed, is it a book that others have read or is it like the twins book that kings found, that the twins now read thoroughly, while always waiting for something to appear that wasn't there before when they last checked, so many questions with unanswered answers.

With my hand slowly reaching for the book but neither touching it or claiming it in my hands, before another presence makes itself known behind me again, it's almost like there's always gonna be someone behind me to stop me getting that book, "ah you noticed that book too" Carlisle says curiously while also feeling weary, this time unlike with Marcus I stop what I'm doing and turn to face him, "what do you mean that book? Does that mean you felt or feel it draw to pick it up too? Why has it never been mentioned like the one the twins are reading now?" I asked him, realizing that I was asking him these questions instead of someone like Marcus who would know the answer. "That book has drawn many to it, it shares many qualities that the twins tome does from what I heard others have told me, for me it's drawn me to it before but let's just say that, the one thing that's common is that no one has been able to pick it up, you could say it's like the story with the sword in the stone" Carlisle described.

It made me think, that if he described it like the sword in the stone, yet shares qualities that of the twins tome, then could it be equally as powerful and helpful, it did bring up many more questions, yet I didn't want to stay too far from my mate than I already have been, but yet I felt even though I wanted to ask these questions to Marcus, who I suspect could answer my questions more than Carlisle, I didn't feel I wanted to leave to ask them without seeing what Carlisle knows first. "You said that you heard others feel it's drawn to this particular book, who are they and how many exactly do you know of, so I can ask them too?" I asked, it didn't take long for Carlisle to answer thankfully as I really didn't want to stay too long, "well both Caius and Marcus have felt it, yet neither has told me much or anyone else for that matter, anything more about it besides it has a powerful draw to it that makes you feel you want to pick it up, to open it and see what's inside", " I of course have felt it but I can honestly say I haven't really felt a heavy draw as at the time I found it, I was more interested in other important books, that peaked my interest", " I know that apparently that Afton, the one who is now called a traitor felt it's draw to open it, but everytime he went to pick it up, someone always was there that took his attention away from it, as I heard that from the guard member that I don't think I got the name of, who was the same one who was there each time, sometimes just watching him wearily" Carlisle mentioned in quite thorough detail, it made me curious as I knew for very certain that Afton I couldn't speak to yet, the kings and finding out who that guard member was could give me more to go by, yet I also didn't want to leave without that book either.

As I walk pass Carlisle slowly and hesitantly towards out of the library, I feel everyone eyes watching me now, unlike before where they hardly noticed, to now where I'm what they are fully watching and have their full attention on, without even asking for the attention. "Trust me it gets easier to avoid that draw Major, but for now spend time with your mate, I'm sure that Caius or Marcus would gladly tell you what you want to know about their experience of it, if you wish it, but I can tell that your draw to your mate is needed more than the draw of that book" Carlisle says out loud, while both Caius and Marcus look at him with concern, which gives me all I need to finally push myself out the door to go to my mate.

As I get to kitchen, I see it empty, not even the staff are here, "if your looking for your mate and Heidi, they are in garden with the Queen Sulpicia, as they wasn't sure how long you be" a guard said from outside the kitchen, "thank you I will go to them now" I say before rushing out the room, speeding pass the guard before he could take a step in the opposite direction that I was heading to the garden. As I slow my run down to a steady stroll, my mind began to think back to the library, with that book, as I saw and felt the concern on both of Caius and Marcus's faces when Carlisle mentioned about the book out loud. I just couldn't figure out why they felt that way when it was mentioned as it couldn't be that bad, definitely when you consider the tome that Jane and Alec read as often as they do.

I noticed I must have stopped as I feel the breeze of the wind, blowing through my hair, which let's me know that I have stopped myself outside in the garden, under the shade of breeze caused by the cloudy day that we have today, which I've heard is quite rare for Italian weather, as it usually stays warm and hot, with the sun always shining. "Ah you made it back it seems, we was just talking about you" Sulpicia chuckled, with Heidi also sharing in the laughter, "yes I have, unfortunately I didn't get what I intended but I'm sure that I can get some another time, so what is it that you been saying about me then" I say, as I wanted to take part in the conversation while also curious to know what they been saying, "oh it's nothing bad, just that young Heidi here, has been informing me what she thinks about later on with you, my mate and the other two in the match that's is not that far from now, thinking about it, but she seems to have lot of faith in you" Sulpicia explained, if Heidi's cheeks could blush I think that she be as red as a tomato, as I could feel how much she cares, but also her faith in me, "I see" I say keeping it short.

Thirty minutes later

"You sure that my mate isn't feeling cold from being out here so long?" I asked as it was breezy, I assumed she was cold because of it, but without my gift telling me if she felt that way it made it difficult for me to know. "Nah she's fine, we haven't been out long and we don't intend to stay out too long as we know you have your match soon, so we want to be inside ready to watch it" Heidi replied, making me feel more at ease, yet also excited for the match with the three kings. "I'm sure that you will put up quite a show for us all, just don't make it too quick as I think we all want to have some good entertainment from all this build up" Sulpicia said with a smile, "oh don't you worry, I can guarantee you this, it be one for the books, something that go down in history for our kind anyway" I laughed, while watching my mate cuddle up to Sulpicia's arms with her teddy bear in her tiny arms, "excellent well should we all head in now as I'm sure you want to find the Aro, Caius and Marcus to see where it's taking place, while us all meet you there" Sulpicia said with a smile, as both her and Heidi stood up from their seat on the bench, as I did myself.

I turned to look at Heidi, "you still holding my mate during the match?" I asked, Heidi nodded, "I am, but I have a feeling that Queen Sulpicia here who most likely wanna look after her with me so you can relax, she's in safe hands" Heidi said, "was there another reason you asked or was you just making sure?" Heidi asked with concern, I shook my head, "no, no reason, it's just that I originally thought that the twins would have wanted to being that they spent little time with her as of recently with what happened, alongside their new transformations that will mean they be like her powerful bodyguards, but I guess they are more interested in watching me show off today, and still researching that tome in their spare times'' I explained, as I wanted to ensure that they both understood why I asked without worrying as I did thought that the twins be wanting to take this chance, but given what happened as of recent maybe something else is admiss that is why they are being so distant to Isabella. I saw Sulpicia look at Heidi, and Heidi nod back, "well given what you said, we even discussed that, as even though we understand that you worry less when they practice whatever is in that tome, that you said they read quite often in their spare time, you seem to worry more that they don't spend time with your mate, which I can understand why, but it's odd that something that the tome tells them, is more dangerous and to worry for than them, simply not spending much time with Isabella" Sulpicia explained, "what I'm saying is it's baffling that you worry about them for something that's less dangerous to their wellbeing yet something that is more dangerous you don't worry as much for'' Sulpicia added.

Those were her last words before I made my way out the door to head to where the kings reaside, I first checked the throne room as it seemed to be the most common place for them to stay in one place for long periods, despite not long seeing two out of three of them in the library. As I approached the throne room I see a guard standing there alone, seem to be waiting for something as no one else was here but us both, "ah your here finally, seeing that you are most likely in a rush, I save you the long speech and keep this short for you" the guard said stoically, "you may proceed" I said as I may not be in a rush but I did want to keep moving, "very well, master Aro informed me to tell you to head to the hidden arena to where your match will take place, he assumes you will locate it with ease, as he told me he had faith in you and your abilities to find it with them waiting and possibly others who be watching it in the crowd" the guard explained in the same stoically manner as before, as he finished, he bowed his head before speeding away past me, most likely to repeat a message to someone else or to head to this hidden arena.

Being left entirely alone in the throne room I decided to sit on one of the three thrones not caring which one, as my intention was to just sit and think. As I propped myself onto the middle seat, feeling comfortable, yet also with many thoughts and unanswered questions surrounding my mind, for some reason sitting on this throne did kind of help more than I thought as firstly, what Sulpicia mentioned to me before I left the room started to make sense to me, yet I couldn't work out why I walked off instead of answering back, but it seemed pointless to keep thinking of that too long. Of course I let other thoughts go round and round for what seemed like hours but only consisted of seconds in reality, now that I felt more clear minded I took myself of the throne, seeing that I sat on Caius's throne, which I thought be a nice taunt to use in the match as I walked out the room in search for the arena.

Doing what I often do, using my gift as a radar, while using my photographic memory of the layout of the castle taking only seconds to guide me in the direction of where the massive group of individuals was located, which immediately told me all I needed to know where the arena was. As I ran with speed that outpaced the fastest living, land mammal being the cheetah, with grace that even made my own parents proud if they were alive now.

Taking only seconds to arrive at my destination, at a wall with a painting of three kings, standing behind their beloved mates, which meant that this was painted before Marcus's mate's death, but as I feel along the wall, round the painting, I feel a slight drift coming from inches to the right of the painting, I follow up and down of that drift to find a button or something to open it. Taking seconds of seconds, of following the grove of the drift but nothing to open this supposed door, I return to the painting again, where this time I carefully remove the painting from the wall to see, that it was hiding a square stone looking button, that as I push with a fraction of strength takes several seconds before I hear sounds of gears, and possibly movement of stone blocks. As the sounds come to a end, a click sound chimes three times before the stone door of the wall begins to open inwards, allowing me to enter what appears to be an incredibly long tunnel that separates into three more tunnels.

As I move quickly down this long tunnel I stop at the three separate tunnels, with symbols above each one, which for someone who doesn't have my gift would go down the incorrect tunnel, possibly leading somewhere else, but as I go down the one on the right side, I only have to move quickly for several places before I see Caius standing at the doorway with a smile on his face. "Congratulations on finding us so quickly, that Maria was right that you find us as quick as you have done" Caius spoke proudly, I nod, "so why all this just to use this arena when we have a perfectly usable training room?" I ask, I hear a chuckle coming from behind Caius, "actually that was my idea to use this as I thought it be a good surprise for you Major, while giving us a chance to use this arena to what it was meant for" Marcus spoke as he walked forward, "that's a fair point, well let me see it for myself then if you don't mind me coming in" I said, both of them bowed before moving to the sides to let me in.

As I walked forward passed the two kings I was indeed for the first time except for a few things shocked, the arena was comparable to the Roman colosseum, where gladiator fight for entertainment and honor, but seeing this, it seemed bigger and lot more closed in to allow no space to see the outside, which gave me a clear view of how this was probably used by the Romanians or anything that came before them when this was most likely built. The further I walked in the more details you could see of it, no damages the exterior or the interior, yet still looked as old as of when it was first made, "it's a marvel isn't it, even I'm uncertain of who made it, was it vampire like one of us, human or something else, as the castle itself was definitely human built, but the secrets it holds and hides from us that we still find even now, is still incredible" Aro said as he walked alongside me, watching as I look about this enormous room.

"If you look up there you see that everyone is here and in their seats as we was all waiting for you" Aro says while pointing up over the far side going in a circle with chairs, seeing everyone looking down from their seats watching me looking about, "question how is this arena lit as I don't see any candles or anything in obvious view" I mentioned, "ah that is a mystery in itself that we are not certain of ourselves, but it seems to light up whenever we first enter the arena itself, could be something like the mechanics that the hidden door was done, or something else, we are not entirely sure but haven't really paid much mind to finding out" Aro said as we continued to walk round it at a casual pace. "Very well I have more questions about this but I leave that for another time as we did promise the audience a show, so we can't disappoint them now" I said, Caius and Marcus appears behind Aro, "agreed even though I feel we are up to lose this no matter how much we try, not that it's gonna stop me trying" Caius said with a grin, while Aro looked uneasy and Marcus just smiled.

As the three kings took to the middle of the arena, I joined them while we waited for a few seconds to make sure that everyone was here, "everyone is here from my count, how about you three" I said, the three of them just nodded back, "excellent let's get this started" I said more to myself than to them, but knew they heard.

"Welcome everyone to the match you all been excited for, I'm gonna keep this short as possible as I'll like to get this started" I announced out loud to everyone who was in this arena, "first off the bets you made, I know about and now the your kings and for some of you masters, and mates, now also know about it, secondly, but also lastly, please don't distract any of us unless there is a serious emergency that requires our attention, as I fight with honor, but you may cheer as much or as little as you please" I explained sending a few glaring looks to a few individuals that I knew from accessing their emotions to who be the most likely to distract intentionally. "Well now that's out the way, enjoy" I said before I turned to the three kings with a smile.

"So how do you three want to go about this, three on one or one at a time as I'm interested in seeing how you three fight and how you work together to take down opponent who is more powerful than you all" I said as I watched each of them circling round me, as I turned slightly to see where each of them was, as neither of them felt ready to attack yet. Neither of them spoke but they did look to each other like they had a plan of attack, I couldn't see what it was, but I was on guard for whatever or whoever attacked first, I had my body in the perfect angle and position to attack but also to defend myself at immediate notice, as I had a plan of my own in mind of how I was gonna go about it.

Examining each of them only Caius was confident, Aro was feeling cautious and Marcus was feeling calm while determined. The audience watching us, I could feel their eyes watching and waiting for one of us to lay the first move of attack, I saw that the three kings was circling in a clockwise direction twice over before they change it up to anticlockwise, to try and catch me off guard but deciding to be bored of waiting, I moved at fraction of my usual top speed going low, but pushing myself into Aro's chest, with enough momentum, that it launched him into the air, allowing me to escape the circling the kings was doing. As I stopped myself meters away from the wall, I saw Aro fall back down to the ground with a massive thud sound, while seeing Caius smile, Marcus had now moved from where he was to now charging at me from my left. Being a step ahead of them I expected something like this so sent a wave of pain towards him, slowing his momentum enough for me to launch my first square in his chest, enough to knock him down to the floor. Caius took an unexpected way of attack in the time it took me to hit Marcus to get me from behind, but as I lowered my body just enough to avoid a swinging kick to my left side of my body, before I pushed myself back up, swinging my arms to grab his leg before he had time to throw another kick with his other leg. "Nice try" I said, as I held his leg and threw him with enough strength to throw into the Aro who just started to get back up, into the wall.

"You three are good, but I know you can do better than that, in surprised that everyone who's watching is quiet'' I said as I rushed into Marcus this time grabbing both of his arms, while lifting myself into the air into a sort of flipping motion, where we was back to back, with Marcus's arms was now being pulled backwards in a uncomfortable position. In that position I had two choices the more painful way for the quiet king or the more playful way that would make him feel embarrassed that it happened, seeing as I could decide at a second notice, I wanted to show my skill, that I pulled on the arms with so much force that you could hear a crack of both arms being broken off. The cracking sounds vibrating round the arena was ear splitting, but no matter the pain I was causing Marcus didn't once scream but was grinding his teeth to hold back the pain I was giving.

Being that I didn't want this to end too soon I only snapped off the left arm, but leaving the right was cracked and broken in several places that would take time for it to heal, using my right foot I kicked him down to the ground while still holding onto Marcus's left arm. As Marcus was down on the ground trying to use his legs to stand, I left him there while I moved into another charge towards Aro and Caius who have now stood but sharing equally shocked expressions to what I did to their brother, as I still held on to Marcus's arm, which if I am correct in what I'm about to do, it get the reaction I need to leave Caius alone to take on next. With my plan in motion, I increase my speed slightly, while getting ready to throw Marcus's left arm in hand, which as I throw it into Aro's direction higher enough to be aimed at his head, while still keeping my charging direction, directly at Caius who seems to look ready to defend himself this time, looking more prepared this time around.

Keeping my eye slightly to the left watching to see if Marcus's arm hits its mark or not, I turn my arm to its side to hopefully slam it into Caius, but this time Caius leg sweeps me, catching me off guard for once, surprisingly, "got you" Caius said. "Ahem Caius you might want to look, as Caius distracts himself to look at Aro to see that Marcus's arm may not have hits Aro's head clean off but, has cracked Aro's arms, and Aro has crumbled to the ground in pain, which I suspected would have happened if I didn't hit the mark, as a sort of plan B, as Aro's gift kicked in with a touch of Marcus's arm feeling all the pain I just caused, alongside the additional pain that Marcus has gone through with the loss of his mate, that I knew taking down Marcus would bring back up again.

"Damn, your good" Caius replied, while also attempting to grapple one of my limbs or my head to claim a quick victory, as I twist and turn while on the floor, for one reason alone that I have every intention of standing up, but I want to give that false hope to Caius before I best him quicker than he can react. With a smile on my face, "what you smiling at Major I have you on the ground, making for an easy win" he asked while still trying to grab me, with no luck as I just curved my body and limbs at the right moment to avoid Caius getting me. With a move too quick for even ancient vampire like Caius himself, I move my body in the right position for the perfect ground attack, as my face is looking to the ground, with my arms in the position to propel my entire body upwards. As I propel my entire body upwards I cross my legs at a angle that with the motion of force I'm going up my legs acts like a spinning blades of a turbine, which means my legs are doing several hits a microsecond to Caius's body, from his legs up towards his torso and head, increasing the strength that it normal would do from a standard single kick. As the last hit to the forehead is hit, Caius flies at such a speed into the wall that he looks stuck, while I finally had enough lift with that move I have now on my feet standing up with a smirk, as I then give a swift kick to Aro's head to knock him more to the ground to claim my win.

"I think this means you three lose, and what makes it more funny, to me anyway was that I only used a fraction of what in fully capable of" I speak aloud, seeing and feeling the surprise in the audience of vampires who looked in shock except for the Maria and the twins, "let this remain something that you all will remember that it even go down in vampire history, that I bested the kings, who have claimed many victorious wins to ensure that they remain the most powerful, yet a lowly vampire such as myself defeated all three in combat, without much use of my gift' I announced proudly, as I had the full attention now of everyone in the room. "I could have killed them without trying as you some of you have seen me take the head off one of the guards before while I carried my mate in one hand, with the only use of one hand to do it, but that's not all, you all have the potential to get stronger, faster and even take on many individuals in battle if you put your minds to it" I continued as I now walked towards the audience as none of the three kings got up from where they lay defeated.

"As of now, I'm gonna go off to my mates room, so Heidi and Queen Sulpicia please find me there unless you wish to help the kings up, but please bring my mate there as I would wish to spend more time with her now" I said as I took a turn towards each king, to bow in respect, before I made my way out of the arena, hearing many voices talking about what they saw, what they thought of it and who won the bets, which made me smile at it all. The only thoughts that went through my mind is looking forward to spending time with my mate and attending to the training sessions with Reneta and the twins, but also the group sessions with Caius, who I know will most likely want to learn more from me too.

One hour later

As I sat in my mates room with a fresh stack of books with a note saying that Carlisle picked them, and hoped that it was to my satisfaction, I only smiled when I saw it, but as I read through half the stack, I heard a loud knock by the doorway before I eventually saw who it was. As Caius came in to view in the doorway, "hope I'm not disturbing you, your mate is occupied with the twins, so I hope that is fine with you, as Heidi and my brother's mate was on their way to bring her to you, but the twins used their puppy eyes on Heidi, who let them spend time with your mate, as long as they let you know, which is why i'm here to do it instead" Caius explained, as saw him using his arm to hold onto his sides, with a few grunts escaping his mouth, which I could tell he was in pain, "I'm assuming those cracks haven't healed as of yet" I say with a smirk I hide with the book I have held in my hands to cover part of my face, "unfortunately so, but that will be remedied after a good feast that our dear Heidi is fetching for us and including yourself if interested" Caius mentioned, with a questioned look, while he was still in pain, that it made it hard for him to speak much.

"I am up for a bite, have been feeling peckish as of recent, so sure I'll take you up on that offer, mainly so I can see how you three are holding up in general after what I did to you three" I said as I eyes Caius seeing the full damage of what I did has taken on him, he looked more cracked up than the twins, which is saying something, as their cracks are not damage caused, but I was almost impressed that Caius was still on his feet as I've done something like that to others, who came off loads worse for wear, some lost their heads and limbs, and any who stayed in one piece, struggled to stand or sit up, remaining grounded making them wanting me to end their life, there and then. "So how come you're still standing as what I did to you, you shouldn't even be able to sit up, so you standing is unusual if I say so myself" I asked, "I would laugh at that but in too much pain to do much of anything, right now, you could say that Alec used his gift to numb me enough to allow me to move freely as long as I stick to a certain distance, as I only recently learned that he can send his gift long distance, and not needing to see the individual to use it" Caius said sounding pleased and surprised, while still grunting in pain, while I smiled, "assuming from that smile if yours, you already was aware of this, of course you was, well anyway Heidi should be here with our small feast in a few short moments, so I'll leave you be as it take me lot longer to get to my throne, until I've had some human blood in my system to heal me up from all this" Caius said looking to struggle standing before he fell to one knee in agony.

"Ah there it is, even with Alec's gift numbing your pain, only works for a tiny fraction of what pain your now in, so colour me surprised that you held on as long as you have, with that extra help" I said as I still sat down with my eyes now returning to the book, "I respect you Caius I do, but someone of your calibre, I was expecting more in our match" I said as I read the book, not needing to look up to know that Caius was still down on one knee in pain, "the only reason I'm not helping you up, is because I want this to be a learning curve for you, when your back to full strength, I will gladly help you to get stronger, but it's entirely up to you if you wish it" I said keeping my sentences short, knowing that anyone who has big speeches, don't always have what they said fully listened to without someone missing parts of it. "if you like I can call one of the guards to help you up, as I know that where you are now, your in no state to order anyone to help you without the pain taking over even more, as that technic I used, was designed in a way to cause maximum damage but added side effect to cause pain to last if survived as you have done" I said, enjoying Caius in pain trying to decide what to do, before he nodded weakly.

"Fang, Blitz" I shouted quite loudly without losing the authority in my tone, as I lifted my head from the book. Only seconds later after I shouted to them,I heard two whooshing sounds getting closer, "yes Master" they both said simultaneously, causing me to sigh, " stop with the master, as you both know I'm not, I just have my ways of doing things, so I appreciate the sign of respect but please keep it to yourselves, definitely with one of the kings here" I said, which I got a nod from them both to show they understood, "now then, I want you both to help Caius to the throne room, after that you may carry on with whatever you was doing" I asked, even though I could tell they both took it as an order than a request, but as long as they help Caius, I didn't mind, as him having to be held up by two guards was embarrassing for him that he wouldn't forget it. "Bye Caius I see you soon for that feast, and do please thank them afterwards, even if everyone is there to hear it, as I knew he would try to avoid it, I saw both Blitz and Fang lift the king up, with smiles on their faces, before they slowly walked Caius down the hallway.

With Caius gone, I continued to read, but only getting down half a page before I was interrupted yet again, but this time Reneta, "sorry to interrupt, but did I see what I think I just saw?" Reneta asked before shaking her head, "well it don't matter anyway, as I just wanted to say that despite you not taking part in the whole betting thing, Maria and Demetri, informed me to tell you that, you have a share of the winnings, and that you can't refuse it, otherwise they bring it to you themselves" Reneta said with a small smile, which made me happy that she was trying to speak less timidly now. "If I must, do you know how much is there, as depends on how much I will be putting majority of it for my mate to use when older enough to have use of it" I said, Reneta, smiled again, "nope you can't do that either as most of the individuals who won their bets, already are putting half of their winnings to your mate, in respect to you, so please keep it for yourself" Reneta mentioned, I was shocked, not a little but a lot, as I knew that everyone respected me, but to respect me that much to give half of what they won to my mate, was something I appreciated and was thankful for.

"I guess thanks, tell them I'll collect it later after the feast I was offered by Caius" I said, "that's fine, I let them know, I'll be seeing you again soon, as Aro has finally giving me more space to spend time with others, but only asked me nicely to take a time frame of my day to guard him with another individual if I wasn't otherwise occupied with training, as I said i want to improve" Reneta said, before she smiled and walked out the room, before I could respond, looks like she has been taking lessons from either Jane or Maria, either way it's good change from the timid vampire who was so reluctant to show much emotion.

Seeing that I felt no will to return to reading I decided to take a casual pace stroll to the throne room where the three kings are most likely licking at their wounds waiting for Heidi to return with the small feast. As I walk down the hallway, I nod or say hi to most who I passed by, as the ones I saw I didn't have much to conversate with to stand around talking.

The few minutes later I made it to the throne room, with a big smile on my face, as neither of the three kings gave a look instead looking to not to show themselves to be in pain, which was much harder on Caius than that, of Aro who was trying to keep his hands away from anyone close by, while also his eyes was always darting around the room as I could sense that he was feeling in a constant panic and fear. Marcus didn't fair that much different, as he was in pain, feeling defeated, but was definitely trying his best to hold his once broken arm to stay in place to heal, which I could tell he didn't find to be easy with only one arm that, may not be broken but was cracked in several places and causing him pain, even his face had a few cracks that showed clear signs of damage.

"I hope I'm in time for this feast, but from the looks of you three, you gonna need more than a feast, as I think a never ending buffet is more preferable" I said with a light chuckle, seeing that neither of them responded, "oh come on, you knew what you agreed to, so you knew what was likely and had happened" I expressed, taking a little enjoyment out of their situation, while being aware that I needed to tell them the truth as it seems may have forgotten it, with the pain and beating I put them through. "Well if your not gonna talk because you're in pain and feeling defeated then, that's your choice" I said before I thought I wasn't gonna stop with that, "not just that but you three have seemed to be taking a back seat when it comes to keeping in shape, as you demand to always want powerful members in your coven either because of their powerful gifts, I'm looking at you Aro for that, or you want them to be at their best, fighting and training when they are needed to ensure the law is obeyed, which I can be of certain is your doing Caius" I paused, "as for you Marcus, for quite some time you have just stayed quiet, in the background doing nothing but keeping to yourself that you have let your legendary warrior spirit extinguish like a dying flame" I explained.

"So I truly do hope that after you three have healed up, back to full strength, that you put as much effort as your words to train, or wanting powerful coven mates, to regain your lost warrior spirits because if you put more effort then no one can stand in your way to remain the most powerful rulers, while having a powerful coven to back them up, that I will ensure keeps training to be stronger like I have been" I said. As I finished what I had to say Heidi opened the throne room's doors with a group of twenty humans that looked to be of the range of in their late twenties to early thirties in age, "I hope I haven't interrupted anything as we have a some people who wanted to see the inside of the castle" Heidi said with a smile while winking at me, "nah your not interrupting anything just let them in but closed the door behind the last person please" Marcus spoke grimly while trying to keep a straight face, while the other two kings tried to plaster a smile on their faces to try and cover the pain they was in.

As I watched as Aro, Caius and Marcus stayed sat in their thrones trying to look like royal figures instead of bunch of beaten up rag dolls, in quite awkwardly manner, I could hear that Heidi began to start talking to the humans like a tour guide, even though I heard this is what she does, I was wondering how long it be till I can feed on some of these humans, as I wasn't gonna go all fish frenzy on them but I was feeling hungry enough that I was hoping it wouldn't take too long for this tour guide act to come to the end. Instead of standing still looking like a lost sheep, I began to walk behind the human group, so I didn't look too out of place, "so as I was saying before we got to this room, here is the castle's throne room, that is currently being used as a main room for the ruling body of this lovely place called Volterra" Heidi spoke gentle manner while using her arms to point around the room, while the humans look in wonder and amazement. " As you can see that this room unlike the rest of the castle may lack paintings and some art work that I've already shown you, but it does have very well designed and crafted thrones, that you currently see the three rulers sitting on posing as the three kings that used to own this castle, while also dressed in a kingly manner" Heidi said as she pointed to the three kings Aro, Caius and Marcus, this part of the tour continued in much the same manner of speaking and explaining about certain parts of this room, sometimes she would respond to silly questions that one of the humans would ask.

After several painful and agonising ten minutes or so of my time it, Heidi gave me a look, which I understood as a way to say it's now ended, "so now that the tour had ended, we all would like to show you a tradition of sorts, that we like to participate in when a tour has ended to show you how grateful we are that you took your time to take part in this tour of this wonderful castle today" Heidi said with a smirk, as I saw that Aro was the first to rise from his seat quite awkwardly yet quicker enough to grab and drain his first human, with a primal look in his eyes killing the male human right then and there. "AHH that's so much better" Aro spoke in relief, "help yourself brothers, Major please enjoy, Heidi could you be a dear and take one to my brother if he isn't able to move as fluently as the I am or my dear Marcus is" Aro said, which I pounced on the lovely red headed female, while Marcus went for a male human who had short black hair, I could tell if Caius moved until I heard screaming that sounded high pitched, "let me go, I thought this was a tour not a blood bath the human screeched as I lifted my head from the human women I finished draining, to see that Heidi was dragging the male towards Caius who's eyes was filled with anger from most likely being too in pain to move, but with hunger too.

As soon as Caius finally fed on his male human, it left the other humans trying to hide in the corners in fear hoping to not be seen, "you humans forget that we can smell your fear, as you reak of it, I think this time I will drian two of you at the same tim" Aro said as he stalked closer and closer to the group of humans, as I could sense his hunger and primal thirst over riding any of the pain he once had. "Don't forget us brother, save some for us too" Marcus spoke with a smirk, as Caius while still weak on his feet, by the wobble of his balance not fully recovered, he slowly walked behind Marcus to get closer to the group too. "Oh don't be a party pooper brother, im not that greedy, as I love the taste of human blood but I will always leave plenty to share with you both, as we deserve this feast, the feel of the hunt, to feel superior once more" Aro said in a way that just oozes out of him, bringing up the lost they had yet, showing that he still wants to be top dog again.

As Aro dived into the group once more with speed and grace of a lion, taking two humans to the ground, feeding hungrily on them, I saw that both Marcus and Caius took a different approach and grabbed a human each from the group which separates after Aro dive into where they once stood sniveling. As for myself, I grabbed a two humans myself, but not for just to have all to myself, "Heidi here you can have this one, as I know you been wanting him since you brought him in, with all those nonsense questions he asked earlier" I said as I chucked the male who asked too many questions, while I fed from brunette, who seemed quite tall for her age.

After all the humans from the tour have been drained and placed into a pile in the middle of the room, I could feel that everyone in the room felt, satisfied, full, relieved and happy. "So who deals with that" I asked pointing to the pile of dead humans as I rarely saw what happens, feeling a hand on my shoulder, "don't worry about that, one of us will burn the remains and then ask some of our human cleaners to clean up the mess, so it look like nothing really happened" Heidi said as she walked to my side, smiling. "Heidi's right my friend, you don't have to worry about the mess, as it seems your a tidy feeder so you don't need to change of clothes which is a relief" Aro said, which caused me to scowl at him, "I'm not your friend Aro, don't forget that, but yes I'm a tidy feeder because being messy just makes me animal, which I am not" I stated earning a smile from both Caius and Marcus. "Very well then, even though we have fed and are healing more now, I think we are gonna rest up, and if you are up to it, I know I definitely want to train again, maybe with the others to train them alongside myself " Caius said proudly while still looking to have a few cracks that are taking its time healing, "that be great but I still want my time with myself and with my mate, but when she's asleep or when she's with someone I trust then I'll gladly take you up for some training sessions, so I can keep myself in fighting shape" I said to them all, deserving of a nod of approval and understanding from each of them.

"Ill best be off, as I've been told I have some winnings to be collected as I was told of this by your shield Renata, Aro" I said as I looked at Aro as I said it, all three of them looked surprised, "trust me your not the only one surprised, as I didn't even bet on anything, yet I was informed that, am entitled to a share of the winnings, alongside that majority who betted, also said that half of their winnings is going to my mate to use when older enough, so as you can see definitely a surprise to me as well" I said, see the surprise still playing on their faces, "you mean that timid vampire Renata, the one in the same who wouldn't speak up unless spoken to, or would make herself as close to invisible as possible, told you all that" Caius said sounding quite surprise but pleased, I nodded, "wow, brother looks like you got to be careful now" Caius prodded Aro's shoulder playfully, "don't I know it brother, definitely seeing that she's having private lessons with three of the finest" Aro said which surprised me, while also causing me to growl at him as it was supposed to not be said with Heidi in the room, who was now looking at me questioningly.

"You just had to say it Aro, your lucky that I've already had my fun beating you down to a sniffing wreak, otherwise I would be over to you in a instant putting you out of commission for as long as possible" I said angrily, "just think what I did to Caius your brother, I have plenty more tricks up my sleeve to cause maximum damage to you that will make you unable to do anything, not even the help of Alec's gift will help you to, so please next time think before you act or sat anything" I said still seeing red. I turn facing away from the kings to look at Heidi, while taking a few calming breathe, "sorry you heard it that way, it the way you did, the only reason Aro knew, is because Renata was guarding him like always, so me and the twins decided that she be perfect for our trial solo training, that isn't as easy as the group training sessions are, so if you think it's easy and that she's getting solo training is for anything special it isn't, I just felt that for reasons I won't enclose, that we are starting with her solo training, then we be getting others like yourself to experience it too" I explained quite thoroughly, which I saw that Heidi was thinking it through by the expression she had on her face when she was thinking hard.

I turned to the kings once more, scowling at Aro which flinched when I did knowing I wasn't pleased with him for spoiling that secret intentionally, "I see that you two don't seem bothered about it" I said to Caius and Marcus, as I expected that they be shocked or something at finding out I was training Renata with the twins on her own without anyone else taking part, "nope we had our suspicions but we also think that it do her or anyone you trained on their own some improvement, and as you choose someone close to Aro, it's make it even better to see that he will have to be reliant on others if he wants that protection in the future unless he trains too" Caius said while Marcus nodded in agreement, with a smirk on his face. "Well that's understandable, well if you like I keep you both updated on her progress and any others that I deal with in the same way, but like I said earlier I need to get off to collect my winnings otherwise I will never be left in peace" I said before I slowly made my way towards the door, before I stopped by the doorway, turning to stare at Aro, "Aro I will leave you with one small thing to keep you thinking, I encourage you to train harder than everyone else because if you think that having that one match, means that's it, then you forget who I am, as I will want to have plenty of matches over the years that I'm staying here with my mate" I said smiling as I turned round and ran out the door before anyone had a chance to respond.

As I stopped my run just inches at a room where I sense multiple emotions coming from, I saw that Maria was talking to Renata by the doorway, which looked like they was in deep conversation to notice my being close by. I knew that I could be nosey and listen in to what is being said but knowing Maria well enough that I didn't feel it was worth knowing, as it's probably just Maria having girl talk, as I've noticed recently that she's found some of the Volturi coven members that she will talk to and share experiences, even some of the other covens she seems fine with. As I walk closer towards them, "erm not to interrupt your conversation but Renata told me that I have a share of the winnings to collect" I said feeling awkward that I interuppted their conversation, "oh don't go all soft on us Major, what you did in that battle with those three was outstanding, if anything I'm surprised you didn't end it all within seconds, as you know that I know you well enough, to know what your capable of" Maria said smiling at me, I wasn't sure if I was to be worried that she was smiling like that but I guess that she has a different side that she showing now, yet I feel that despite that she will still be the ruthless Maria that I always have known before this too, if that need is needed. "Yes Major I did tell you that they was here, even though I'm surprised it took you as long as it did to arrive, which I was half tempted to make a bet with Maria about it" Renata chuckled, Maria prodded Renata " don't tease him, you know he has his reasons for why it took him as long as he did, and not just that you know if you made that bet I would win, being I think I have a good feeling for why it took him as long as it did" Maria said, with a glint in her eye.

"She's right Renata, one thing I've learnt is never bet against her, as she is always bound to land on top, but like she said I do have my reasons, good reason why I took the time I did, but I am curious to how much that I'm supposed to be getting out of this" I said respectfully, as I've known Maria long enough that we both understood each other much more than anyone else does or most likely ever would, with the possibly exception of our own mates, who would soon know us just as well as us two know each other. "Well the thing is, it's best you come in as my mate will show you, as even I still can't believe it, much more than I have seen in my life time, which is surprising when you think about how much richer they are to us two" Maria mentioned, while indicating for me to follow her and Renata into the room.

As I followed behind them into the room, it wasn't just Demetri in here, both of the queens, about ten or so guards who were just chatting to some of the other covens who were also in here, even Carlisle was here, which was definitely not someone I expected to be here. As I got into the room step by step, I saw that Demetri pushed through the crowd to lightly kiss Maria on the head before he came up to me, "I knew you would arrive soon, sorry for the amount of vamps here, I think most of them are just being nosey, as we had to count several times to make sure, your share was exactly as we originally thought, as this is a first for betting, but also a first for everyone to be willing to give up half of what they won" Demetri explained while feeling slightly confused. "Trust me Demi, this is a good thing, and it's not gonna be something that regularly happens as it make it sound pointless betting over everything, added to that as long as it's regulated accordingly then there won't be any foul play involved" Maria comforted her mate, much to his annoyance that I felt, must have been when she used her nickname for him in front of everyone in the room, which got a few chuckles in the room, which I only smiled at Demetri's embarrassed annoyance of the nickname, "I wish you wouldn't call me that in front of everyone" Demetri whispers as quiet as he could as he faced his mate.

"So you was saying about counting it and how much i've apparently won, despite not taking part in the bet itself" I said, Demetri turns his head towards me, "ah yes sorry, well let's say it's way more than seven numbers long as it's more like close to fifthteen to sixteen digits long which if we have worked it out right you are a quadrillionaire, which makes you the riches one here in this room with it all added up, not as rich as the kings are as no one really knows how rich they are exactly" Demetri told me, which I wasn't sure if this was a supposed joke on me or something, but the more I turn it round and round in my head, if it wasn't a joke then it make some sense being that I don't know the full history on every single being in this room, so I wouldn't know exactly how they have collected such a huge some of money, gold or jewels that keeps them going in the years since they turned. "So this is no joke?" I asked, Demetri shook his head, "it's no joke Major" Maria clarified to me, to clear that part up, "okay so it's not a joke, but seriously how has it come to that amount, because no offense, I wouldn't know how anyone of our species can become rich with how diet and lifestyle" I asked, Maria actually looked to her mate, feeling curious herself, which made me glad that I wasn't the only one curious to it.

"He makes a valid point Demi" Maria says to her mate, while glint in her eye is visible as she used her mates nickname once more, "actually I don't really know myself, I know that the kings store their valuables in a safe that comes from all the that they collect over the centuries, which if I heard correctly, and i'm sure that Renata, would most likely clarify for us, that they have someone that travels and sells some jewels and stuff to able them to afford their expensive hobbies, but besides that the other covens and nomads I don't have much of a clue to how they earn a living to become rich" Demetri explained before ending with a small sigh. I noticed that Carlisle walked closer to us, before he stopped just inches from where I stood, "I earn a living by working as a doctor or healer for what others call me, it doesn't pay much at first but I've earned enough, that over the years it builds up, as I rarely have much need to use it unless it's to buy a home to use for that period of time that I'm staying at" Carlisle said, which caused many others to come up and explain how they gained their wealth, which we all listened to with curious looks on our faces and growing closer in friendships and accomplices.

One hour later

Well I definitely felt better accepting that huge quantity of winnings from the bet I never agreed to, as finding out about everyone in the room and how they earn their livings was interesting to say the least, I think the nomads was the most interesting as most of them took part in wars and pillaged from the dead bodies for valuables to sell or keep for later in the centuries to make a bigger profit. "Well I'll best be off now as I want to see how the twins are doing with my mate" I said before I turned away from the room being richer than I will ever have thought I'll be.

As I made my way to locate the twins I oddly found them in my mate's room while Isabella played around them, while they made childish sounds causing Isabella to smile and laugh at them. "Ah I see that my mate has you both wrapped around her finger today" I said smiling and glad that both of the twins was spending time with my mate, "yes she has but we don't mind it, gives us a break of our futures and time to relax with everything going on" Alec said with a laugh, "so what's have you been upto, as we was surprised that you stayed away from your mate as much as you have" Jane asked. "Well it's definitely not a short explanation if I'm being honest, as firstly I was in this room waiting for my mate to arrive instead saw Caius, who was struggling to stand at first, before he collapsed to the ground, needing help from two guards, after that it was mainly feeding on humans with Heidi and the kings which was most certainly interesting to witness and take part in, and lastly I picked up my winnings, which was over a quadrillion" I said, "I think that sums it all up as short as I could for you" I added. "Did you say quadrillion" Alec asked, before I had chance to respond, "how are they coping after the feeding" Jane added quickly, "yes apartly it makes me the first quadrillionaire expect for the kings who may have more than that" I said as I looked to Alec, who still seemed shocked, "Jane, they are coping as much as they can, I think that Aro has healed better than the other two have done, as Caius has healed but still seems to be feeling in pain, with some of the cracks not fully healed as of yet, Marcus seems to have fared better than Caius, as his arm is now healed enough to stay in place, but still have tiny cracks at where the damage was caused" I explained, "any other questions you two" I asked with a smile as I didn't mind answering questions, definitely for these two, they nodded which I continued to answer their questions for awhile longer.

Afton POV

Standing beside this singular pillar of white marble, which as I've been standing here for the last hour or two waiting for something, or even anything to happen or appear in front of me to guide me to the last few moments, that will finally put this whole mission for this artifact to its completion. Of course with only a couple more of those forsaken hours that I still got to wait according to all the information I have received by the many, many of those pathetic human meat sacks, that I had to interrogate to ensure that I would be going into this without having to wait around for the next millennium for it to come back around again. As much time that I have on my hands being immortal and all, I don't fancy waiting that long just so I can return to what I enjoy most and to eventually see Chelsea again, hoping that she hasn't forgotten who I am.

Besides the whole interrogating meat sacks for information, I did come across some of them that mentioned about a extinct beast that from the descriptions they gave me sounded way to similar to the Crocotta that used to belong to Kur, who did many, many experiments on it that made it way more powerful than imaginable that could wipe out the entire human species to extinction. Being that I knew all that on top of what those blood bags told me, of warnings to be careful and be aware of any odd sounds that I would hear while making my way to this location. I found it funny why they would worry for my safety when I know that it was a impossible for that same Crocotta to still exist and cause havoc, when I was most certain that it wasn't immortal such as myself or Kur to still be about, of course there was a tiny chance that if it is still living then Kur left that bit of information to myself and everyone else for a reason he left unspoken.

As I continue to stand around getting impatient and bored, I did see plenty of meat sacks walking about giving me odd looks, but with one glare they go running off in the opposite direction, to which leaving me be. I found it funny watching how some of them trip when they ran away, definitely more so with the males, being that they was supposed to be unscared easily yet running away like a spooked child would act when thinking about monsters under their beds, not that it's not true as monsters do exist and I'm one of them, but I won't let anyone think I steep that low to scare a child under their bed, as I much rather do it with them fully aware of myself to go after them, it give the much better fear factor that I enjoy when I hunt my prey.

Of course the more think of it all, small children just not my kind of prey, I prefer the adults, as taking enjoyment of them in fear of my hunting them, draining them of every last ounce of blood left in their eventual end of being a bloodless meat sack, left to be sent to the trash like they deserve or burnt to suffer further if they still live after being drained of their blood that is like sweet devils liquor to the superior being.

With time finally itching closer, something about the taste in the air has changed, less bland, more a variety of flavours and textures, not the easiest to describe but it was all I could tell myself as I stood unmoved from my position next to this marble pillar. The ground below my feet started to change in colour, either that or the air was affecting my vision or it must be something that I couldn't quite explain in any words or language. The ground began to shake, while my feet were still planted, almost ingrained into the ground itself like my whole body was insistent that I must stay still not more, either that or it knew something that my brain was seeing, hearing or feeling.

All these changes that was happening, seem to not affect certain things, such as the marble pillar that I was still slightly leaning on, the trees, and some people that I could just make out watching me from their house that was at such a distance, it must have been impossible how they could still watch me and know what's going on, was just a shock to me at how absurd they could be that aware of everything just now.

Then just as soon as I saw those people it disappeared quicker than anything almost like it was faster than any being could move or see, as now all that was to be seen was something along the lines of what could be considered as the Egyptian period, yet older. There were no pyramids about or any sign of life besides a floating diamond shaped, crystalized rock that spun causing it to change to more of an orbed shape the next second like it was made of two shapes, yet also not at the same fragment of time that I was watching it.

Instead of watching it I moved from where I stood, before I realised that the marble pillar I was standing at, also disappeared, yet I knew I was leaning against it, but as I felt the air, where I once stood, I felt nothing, yet being aware that I was leaning on something that I couldn't understand how it happened either. Before I began to question myself further I walked away to that rock as I was sure it was, what I was here for.

As I stretched my arm towards it, with my hand out open to grab it, before something or whatever prevents me from achieving my goal of ending this mission and returning to reality, I felt a rush of breezed blow pass my arm up over my head and stop as quickly as it began, before I grabbed the rock holding it in my hands feeling nothing coming off it yet feeling certain that it was what I was told.

Feel a wave of nausea, strength and power increasing in the very centre of my being, to then spreading throughout the rest of my body as I not just felt this but could see blackened vines appearing under my skin on my exposed skin of my arms and yet knowing it was everywhere else on me that was hidden beneath clothing that I wore. Many things went through my mind what possibly could have caused to this, was it this artefact, or was it this odd environment with its atmosphere that was off and affecting me now, if it wasn't then I wished that it killed me now, as I didn't want to find out what else will happen to me.

Transferring this artefact rock to my opposite hand as my right hand became numb and weak, that was possibly from the effects that I was feeling more of the nausea than I was feeling of the strength and power that didn't seem as potent, as weakness started to spread almost like I was being poisoned. I refused to drop the artefact rock as a tiny part of me was hoping this was just a messed up joke of a test I was under, to prove my worthiness or whatever to take it home with me.

"Wow you don't give in"

"Come on drop it, I know you want to"

"Let it all in and drop the damn thing"

"Maybe I should have increased the density of it by a thousandfold every annosecond that this being is holding it, just to see how much it can take till it drops it to the ground"

During all the pain I was under trying to keep myself standing, while now using both hands to hold onto this artefact rock for as long as I could, I still could hear that voice rattling on in what could be described as a high pitched, taunting womenly voice. If I could I would have done something to shut the voice up, but it didn't help that I didn't know where it was coming from or who was speaking as it was just a bodiless apparition with annoying voice to irritate me.

After what felt like hours upon hours of enduring the pain I must have blacked out for unknown amount of time, all I know is that when I opened my eyes, the artefact rock was still in both of my hands, but my hands had indents in them as I move the rock from hand to hand, to inspect them. After checking my hands I checked my arms to see the blackened vines have vanished, even the nausea and weaknesses have faded, only thing now that I felt was good, like actually good about myself.

"If your finished checking yourself out you egomaniacal idiot, I would like to explain something and also ask you questions if you listen as I know quite a bit about you Afton"

I heard the voice again, this time nearly dropping the artefact, " where are you speaking to me from and why can't I see you right now, is this still part of a messed up joke or myself going mad" I demanded out loud being frustrated and annoyed that I've been treated like a human than a powerful species.

"Where I am, and who I am is nothing you need to worry yourself about, being that you are holding me in a inprisoned state that I'm unfortunately trapped in of my own doing"

"As I was trying to say, what you sort to gain was all falsehood and stories that was nothing but what I implanted to keep my secret and every so often to give myself some small ways of freedom, even for micro amount of time that I use to have freely"

"What you can perceive things in less than seconds I can perceive everything in zeptoseconds as I'm more a powerful species and being than anything that has existed upto this point, there is only a small fraction of beings that can do what I can but two others remain but unable to use the full might of what our species can do. One is trapped, trying to free himself and the other has forgotten who or what he truly is but using a tiny fraction of the original power despite the amnesia"

After the voice stops talking, I just do the one thing that I clap awkwardly being that I was still holding onto what she called the imprisoned state but to me it was just the artefact. "Thanks for the lecture but please tell me why I'm here and not returning to Kur to end this mission that he sent me on" I asked, being bothered that I was dragged here instead of just taking what I came for and going home.

" You really are going to be insufferable to be stuck with, I just got to hope that I can do something to let you release me so I can be trapped in this dimension longer as it's a less painful punishment than being stuck with you"

Taking back what was said, "say what, you took me from my dimension, and saying that if I release you, you return here, so if I return you to Kur will you disappear or will it be possible?, As there's no way I'm going through this hell again" I said disappointedly.

(Laughing could be heard) "now that does sound fun, but yes if you attempt to pass me to someone, I will just return here, and it be fun to see you try to get me again, as I made it impossible to retrieve me twice in a row by the same being as before, so enjoy waiting for the next to millennium to get me again" followed by more laughter.

"Oh come on, it's not that funny, at least I can move my legs and get about while your stuck contained in a stupid rock" I shouted, which sounded childish I know but it was really getting to me, thankfully no one else was about to see this as they would have thought I was crazy. "So what now, are we going to be stuck here arguing and teasing or can you somehow send us both back to where I come from, to end this damnation of a mistake of a mission" I roared in anger.

"Fine, fine, as we are stuck together I'll send us back, but remember, you drop or release me for even one of your silly seconds and we are doing this whole dance all over again." Which I knew was more teasing but I chose to not say anything as I really was getting frustrated with this mission lasting longer than it really needed to be. "So when is it going to happen or do I need to say a special word or some other crap you need for this to happen" I said tapping my foot on the ground causing slight trembles to happen on the ground, which slightly surprised me as it wasn't something I did before, maybe it was what I was holding doing it or not but it was a question for later to ask.

"Close your eyes", which I did and as soon as I closed them she spoke again, "now open them before I make myself heavier and build up in heat", which was all I heard followed by a small laugh echoing inside my very skull, making my head ache, which was completely new sensation I haven't felt since before I was turned.

As I opened my eyes we was in fact not in the same dimension but not exactly home either, "this isn't the right place, you stupid junk of rock, you should be happy that I can't crush you to dust, being that your needed by Kur" I shouted at the artefact out loud. "How was I supposed to know which dimension your from, I just did my thing and hoped we landed right", which only furiated me further as despite not seeing the physical form but just a rock with a voice speaking out of it, I could sense like it was taunting me, to see how far I was willing to go before I dropped it or did something that it clearly wanted.

"Brother, I think I heard one of the traitors that had a stupid name that released Felix awhile back" a female voice said quite a distance away as I couldn't quite see where the voice came from, or how far away they must be, from my location. Despite that I had a gut feeling that it wasnt this stupid rock's female voice speaking, as I knew I recognised that voice somewhere but probably just blocked it out of my memory, being as it was irrelevant for me to want to remember it the first place.

As I waited to see if I would hear it again, I was interrupted in my peace of silence, "enjoying the sights or do you want me to try again to get you out of this dimension, as Im kinda enjoying this one, not as beautiful as my personal one, but it has a nice feel of danger to it, that I think you get a stomping for" it spoke again, "I think you mean a kick not stomping for, you stupid thing" I shouted annoyingly, "another thing unless I ask for your opinion or help then please don't speak" i said.

The odd thing is that, despite not being happy that I got put in another dimension that wasn't home, the voice was right about something the feel of danger was to my liking, but yet something still felt off, just couldn't work out what, not just that but why did I hear the voice that resembles one of the witch twins, if it was them or if I got the right names. Why would they be here, unless going to a different dimension has a exact copy of my home just different atmosphere and other weird crap that I'm seeing.

As I walk about, minding my surroundings, while still holding onto the stupid rock that finally hasn't spoken since I told it to, I've seen something that looked like something beast like, I think but couldn't be certain as seeing so many scattered throughout the place that some of them was covering different parts of these strange looking beings. I wasn't certain if it was this strange atmosphere to the air I was sensing the more I stayed here, as I couldn't tell if these beasts was the dominant species that lived here or if there's something else that's like my species that lives here that took these out. At first I thought some was just dozing off, in a sleep like state but nothing like the creatures like that of mine that goes into hibernation as this definitely looked like they was killed in very painful ways of that looked familiar.

With a lack of conversation being about as nothing was about that was alive to converse with or didn't look like creatures of any sentient thought, or spoke a language I could understand, being that I can speak and understand a multitude of languages from being around for so long. Continuing my movement about and observing this strange outworldly environment, I did see the odd dead body or two that was just dotted about aimlessly looking in the same way as the others I saw earlier. Strangely none of these same beasts was alive or conscious enough for me to get any answers from them about where I was exactly or what did this to them. It wasn't something I worried myself about but I was curious what the competition I was up against if I continued to roam this dimension.

Couple hours later

What I can only assume be hours that passed being that I couldn't use any way of identifying how much time passed but my own judgement, as they're no stars, sun or even a moon that are clear identifies to what some use to work out the time of day or which direction they are heading, as I also couldn't see a north star either. I wasn't lost as first I had to know where I was going and being that I was just moving about and observing my surroundings, I didn't think myself as lost, but I was finding it difficult to work out how anything could survive here or know where they was going as it seemed that, several things was missing that what I knew was the basis for life to exist. Without sun, there be no light or heat, no stars or moon to provide the coolness of the night and to balance out the heat of the cold, but even then I couldn't see any water to help plant matter to grow yet, I have come across a few things that resembles flora but it was just the colouration and the confusion of how it was living and not dead without the correct way of growing.

"Excuse me to interrupt your boring observations of this dimension that is way more exciting if you stop moving so damn slow, not just that but if you have been listening to me during your observations then you would have heard those two voices talking a while ago, but don't mind me I'm just a stupid rock without a body, who's been trying to get your attention for the last hour or so" I heard the voice talking almost like it was ranting, she was right, I did hear but just ignored it and was occupied with something I found more interesting to pay my attention to.

"What are you ranting about now, yes I heard you, but I don't care, it's not like your gonna transport us back to my dimension anyway, plus if those two voices are the one and the same witch twins then, maybe I have no use for you, and just use them to get back and hope they don't put one plus one together to remember me, so they take me back with them" I spoke as I looked down at the rock as I spoke. "Too late" it spoke again, "what do you mean too late I slammed my other hand against the artefact rock, with enough force to shatter it but nothing happened. The second I lift my head to if what she meant was too late was gonna be in front of me was the last thing I did before I saw total nothingness before I felt what must have been too many bolts of high voltage of electricity hitting me, too many times to count, with myself just barely holding onto the rock before I must have gone to be unconscious.

"Is he dead" a female voice spoke, followed by a few hard hits into my sides, causing me grumble, "no he's definitely still of the living sort, which is good as I want a few rounds with him" which was definitely a male voice speaking this time. "Wow you're finally awake, and here's me thinking that this would be the quickest time someone would release me, but damn my damnation I'm still stuck with you" the rock spoke again to me on top of the twins voices, slowly opening my eyes to seeing if I was still unconscious or was actually seeing that I was still in the same dimension, which made me fully sure i was still awake, much to my annoyance.

As I looked up from what I originally looked at on the floor, I turned my body round so I could get a clearer picture of my surroundings, as it looked to have changed from where I was originally before I got attacked. The rock was still in my grasp almost like it was ingrained into my hand like my skin was, which didn't bother me but it did mean that lifting myself off the ground was more awkward than intended. As I stood up brushing myself down, I could feel two painful stares of that was either my captors or was something else that I refused to give my full attention to, as the staring alone was enough that it was painful, but I felt in the pit of my stomach that It was for the best I didn't or shouldn't look at them in the eye, as I had a feeling it was only two of them there.

"Chicken, you really that fearful of looking at them in the eye, I can smell it on you even if you refuse to admit that you feel it" the voice in the rock spoke again, causing me to get annoyed, " I'm not a chicken or scared you stupid piece of rock" I shouted which still not looking at the direction of where those painful stares was coming from, "aww we must have driven insane either that or being in this dimension has done it for us" the female voice spoke, only this time it sounded much more older than the last time I heard it. "Oh do stop teasing him sister, he probably hasn't adjusted to it like we have, but now this time we have something more fun to torture information out of who may last longer" a dark chuckle escaped the male voice, which definitely made me tremble in fear of how cold his voice sounded compared to when I heard it before, "Alec?, Jane?" I called out as weakly and pathetic as I could make myself sound, as I had to hope they still thought I was the same pathetic vampire I was when they saw me last,

"He knows our names, how sweet of the little traitor" Jane spoke while then punching me in the gut with strength I didn't know she had, causing me to splutter blood or left over blood from when I last fed, came out dripping from my mouth. Before I could attempt to carry on with the same weak and pathetic demeanour of myself that I pretended to be when I was in that weak coven, I found myself slammed into the ground once more, but this time by a kick that slammed into my back, that was so fast I didn't even get a chance to block it as it happened so soon after that punch to the gut. "That was for trying to think us a fools that we would be tricked into thinking you was that pathetic, we know that you are just pretending" Alec spoke so cold it chilled me to my very being, to what most would call a soul but to me I didn't believe I had one but if I did it would have turned it frozen solid.

"Stand you pathetic creature and tell us why you are here in our domain" Jane spoke with authority that was unlike her yet made me worry what else could they do now, in this dimension, their domain, home turf or whatever it be called, as they was by far more powerful than I last met them, and before they was powerful by vampire standards. I slowly stood up, trying to not show any fear but being wary of doing something that could get myself back to the floor like an obedient puppy. " Much better now speak, Afton if that's your name" Alec spoke this time in the same dark cold time as before, causing me to shiver which was impossible for a vampire to feel the cold where we shiver, "I don't have an answer to how I got here, it just happened and I've been wandering around for some time" I said angrily, "LIAR" Alec said once more but as he said it I heard a snap of my one of my fingers being bent off, falling in front of me, causing myself to roar in pain.

"That's strike one, little traitor, done make us get to strike two, as it will get worse, now tell us the truth" Jane said in what could only be described as a sickly sweet time that just made it more creepy, as it sent chills up my spine in a completely different way to how her twin brother Alec spoke. "I really some know how, the only thing I can think of it could be this rock but it's a mystery to even myself" I said annoyed at myself saying something that I rather have kept to myself but it felt like I was forced to say those words, even when I was trying to not say the truth, "now that's much better, but because I feel like it let's take another finger just for fun, shall we" Jane spoke in the same tone of voice, before another finger painfully snapped off and fell to the floor, which this time I gulped down the sound of being in pain, as I really didn't want to look weak.

"Now we are getting somewhere but I have much rather you told us the first time as losing fingers can't be pleasant for yourself, but at least we are having our own pleasurable fun, while having some information from the enemy's lacky" Alec chuckled with Jane joining in, the voice in the rock remained silent, except for the few the odd giggles at my pain.

As I begin to process my situation in my head of how I was gonna escape this alive and hopefully still in tact, I felt a burning blazing heat inch closer and closer to my face, before I started to see a hand that was burning on fire, yet no damage was on the hand almost like that hand was controlling the fire. A single finger from the hand of fire gently caresses my chin, lifting my head up to look at both Jane and Alec. I wasn't sure what was more shocking, the clear fact that the fire didn't burn me or that both Jane and Alec looked dramatically different.

Starting with Jane, she was the most shocking, as she was by far not short any more. She was tall, slender with her once short hair, now long, still platinum blonde that reaches just above her waist. She puts every female to shame even my beautiful Chelsea which I never thought was possible as she was a vampire that stays in a permanent state that they was turned into but she has changed into a woman and not a small child that she looked like before. Alec, now he just like his twin has shared similar changes in his own right, even his hair was long, but it wasn't womanly like, if anything it made him look more intimidating more so than the Volturi king Caius tries to aim for but with Alec you can believe it and feel it just radiating off him. Alongside body changes, they were wearing clothing that wasn't that of their pitiful coven but these two alone would make any coven against them look weak. The clothing they were wearing was outworldly, not demonic but witchy type feel or warlock, it was hard to pinpoint as they were wearing a clock, not like the one of the Volturi, but if a different design and if I was seeing correctly, a very strange, unique material that was used, that changes from being translucent to then being unable to see glimpse through the strange cloak.

Deciding to changing strategies to learn more about there new changes and hope they will stop trying to get knowledge about Kur, that I rather not tell them, not because I feel loyalty to Kur, but because I respect and my own goals align with his, even if I hate this mission I'm on that I could have sworn it was over. "So you both changed, not so short like the last I saw you both" I said with a chuckle, showing my change of demeanour to that of what I truly am and not of weakness.

"I just wanna laugh at how pathetic you think we have merely changed, a change is like a human aging and growing older, with defining changes to their appearance and personality as they grow up, but thinking we are going through the exact type of changes as that is beyond pathetic or stupid, is just laughable" Alec said to me while sounding very sarcastic, but before I got a chance to respond, Jane laughed in unison with her twin. "Your right again brother that it is laughable, as we have what humans call evolved, but with us it's way more than evolved as similar to how a caterpillar goes through stages to a cocoon to a butterfly, we have went through that type of transformation" Jane spoke, " so you both are tenically what you called evolved from one weak form to another" I laughed, before finding my neck being crushed preventing myself from getting any words or laughter out.

Surprisingly it wasn't Jane who held my throat, while being air lifted in the air as I was suspended in the air, as it was Alec and he look more than mad or furious, couldn't think of a word to describe it, but one thing I could say was his eyes was like on literal fire, "you really are a idiot, I could have told you not to say that, but I knew you wouldn't listen anyway, as your way to arrogant for your own good", I wanted to respond back, deny it but what I said I meant and I wasn't gonna let two twins who had a growth spurt, and extra power thing they can tell me what I can and can't do. All I could do was gurgle incontinental words that made no sense, but if anything made the pain of my crushed windpipes worsen.

"Now that we have your undivided attention, willingly or not, we don't actually care, definitely for the likes of you, a traitor, deciever and a conniving idiot" Jane said being very pleased, "brother don't kill him yet, as I can hear you remember, as we still need him plus we can have fun torturing him for as long as we like in this realm of ours" Jane added, with a smile that I could just make out as I tried to lower my head to look, while Alec refused to release his strong grip on my throat.

After what felt like much longer than it was, the grip loosened enough for me to get words out, "finally" I spoke but not before seeing that Jane had been holding both of my legs that I didn't even see or feel being removed, "this is what happens when you open that big gob of yours, it's funny how far you have dropped", I was feeling pretty fed up by now, as this artefact was nothing like what I was told as so far I was still feeling about as strong as I was before I found this thing, it seems that after it had its fun with me in it's dimension, it has been all but useless and just a nuisance. "So you're not gonna help me, well your as useless as you prisoned form" I spoke to it without actually looking at the artefact rock, which most likely made me look crazy like before but it's not like there was much of anything I could do about my current situation.

"Who are you talking to traitor, no one is gonna help you" Alec spoke, while still holding to my throat as I continued to tangle in the air, "they can't hear me idiot, plus if you try to show some respect and something good, I may be inclined to help you out of this predicament" was all that was said but in my head I could tell if the voice could smirk it be smirking right now, as I could tell it got me where it wanted, which gave me not much of a choice. Most would say it was a easy choice to make but when the choices is between being tortured by the twins, with a major upgrade or the stupid rock artefact that was my whole mission was for, now telling me to become something I'm not and to help me which is a first, being that it's been very unhelpful and wanted to be rid of me in a manner of seconds of me finding it.

So the choice was definitely not as easy as most would expect, but if swallowing my pride, to accept help, from this torture to keep all Kurs secrets that I know of to myself and not let the knowledge be forced out of me, then I rather pick the one that Kur would be more accepting of, even if it costs me my pride and what others say is my ego. "I accept" I say forcefully, as I really did hate what I'm forced to do, "you accept what traitor" was all I heard from Alec before everything went black.

"Wakey wakey, rise and shine, I think I got the right place this time, but remember our deal and I will continue to help you" the voice spoke, " eww I can't believe my stomach aches, I need some blood in me before we continue our conversation further so I can know more about you and why you are so adamant that I have to be what you call good, as if you know me, you should know that I'm not a good individual despite my dietary needs or who I work for" I said with a groan, being that I really didnt enjoy being this starved without blood for how long it must have been, not just that being annoyed with now having to go another long trip back to Kur.

Jane POV

"For all that is unholy, why, just why, now of all times that he managed to escape, that couldn't have been escapable for someone of lower power tier vampire, is beyond me" I shouted in annoyance at no one in particular as I was shouting at thin air. As surprising as anyone would have assumed, it wasn't me who was the most angered by the situation, as it wasn't like it was a unknown fact that I hated Afton, or anyone that was new who joined the coven, as I rarely had a liking to anyone who I knew nothing about or if I got a sense that something was off about them. So that is why Alec , who was more angered about the situation than myself, would surprise everyone as everyone knew him as the calm and collected type, who rarely ever acted or looked angry.

"How the hell did he escape, it can't have been possible, my grip" Alec paused before throwing a fireball no bigger than a size of someone's torsle right at the decaying body of beings that used to rule this dimension, as we have become the superior predators here. I could understand my brother's anger and annoyance, as I too felt it and heard it in his thoughts, quite loudly which can be useful at times except when either of us releases that anger through our mind link, which we have only assumed being twins our new forms have allowed us to have a better link together that helps us become even more formidable as a team.

"Brother relax, I share your thoughts and feelings on the matter, but remember, his appearance here in this dimension, was a surprise in itself" I said, with a pause, " we have been in this dimension that we chose, for what must be years, not hours, or days, but years, so I can only assume it must have been about fifteen years that has passed, with no one but ourselves trying to rein in our powers and learn to use our new forms to the best of our abilities" I explained. "I understand, just can't seem to understand who he was talking to besides that stupid rock that was ingrained in his hand as he said he accepted whatever was spoken to him, but we said nothing for him to accept for, apart from that it's infuriating that he escaped without any sign almost like he was and wasn't there at the exact time" Alec said to me looking to be more calm as he tried to reason his frustration to me.

"Anyway brother we have overstayed our welcome in this dimension, as it serves us no purpose to stay longer than necessary" I said keeping it short, seeing my brother sigh, "your right this dimension we been in, is useless to us, as the being that onced bested us, have now had a taste of what we felt, on the reverse side" Alec said gleefully, " not just that but I looking forward to seeing everybody's reactions to our new forms, as long as they haven't already forgotten us that is" Alec added with a playful smirk.

"It's impossible for anyone to forget us, definitely with our power set, even more so now, than we had before, but that's besides the point Alec" I said as I looked at him as we started walking back to where we needed to go, "so what kind of entrance do you think we should make as we go through the portal back, not just that but I think I know where about to open it too, to make it more fun of an entrance" I mentioned, Alec nodded, looking to be thinking which I could read it all but I had my moments of where I didn't want to look out of respect for my twin. "Actually if we both thinking the same location" Alec said before pausing, "yep we are, thinking the same, good, then maybe we could make our entrance very interesting and entertaining for us at least" Alec spoke it with amusement, which made me happy as with all the time that's gone, we was in need of some fun that was less straining on our powers despite how much we have mastered them in what most would consider a short space of time.

"Well with that dealt with, I think we should speed up our pace and get everything ready and sorted, being that we have collected quite a bit of luggage here" I said as saying that it didn't need any other response of a nod or words as we both rocketed ourselves forward that was over ten times faster than we was as regular vampires.

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Well I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing this, as the next chapter will enlighten you all on Jane and Alec's fifteen years in the dimension and how it got to that point.

As I always like to say, if you have enjoyed this chapter, I love to hear your feedback through the reviews, which I always enjoy reading and try to take it on board for any improvements that you mention.

I will try to not keep you all waiting too long for the next chapter but if you follow and favourite the story then you will be updated when it's finished and ready for you to enjoy reading.