Many have questioned, "what happens after death?" Some might say, you go to either one of two places; Heaven or Hell. Others would tell you that if you are reflected from both, your soul would be trapped here on earth. Then there's those who just didn't know, and believed you could go into a waiting place until it is your time to be judged.

But for three little girls, they knew the answer, and they were forced to suffer the affect of death for the rest of eternity.

It has been told to the masters by many of the servants that at night, they could hear the small whispers of children, and their laughter as they roam around the halls of the castle. The masters believed this was an excuse for them to be able to go home at night and not have to live in the castle. Even when Aro would check their memories, he didn't believe any of them. He though it was all just their imaginations going wild. That was until another complaint came, and it was from his wife.

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Sulipica made her way through the dark, gloomy halls of the castle, four guards close behind her as she did. Her hands were clasped together in front of her as she smiled and gave a small hello to any guards and servants she passed. It was rare that the Queen left the safety of the tower. Knowing her husband disproved of such things, but this matter was urgent.

They neared the throne room doors, and two of the four guards that were with her moved in front of her and opened the doors for the Queen. All eyes were on her, but immediately fell to the floor as they all bowed. Aro stood at attention, and gave a small bow, showing his respect to his Wife.

     "My love, what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" He asked, reaching his hand out to see what would cause his wife to leave the tower. He thought she came to complain about the servants, her wardrobe being dull and needing new clothing, or Athenadora taking up all the space in the tower. To his surprise, she hit him with the same complaint that all the servants had, and he knew that there was something paranormal going on.

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All members gathered around the throne room as they all thought of what this unknown force could be. Many of the guards felt it could have been a trick and a way to distract them while their enemies got in, while others did truly believe it was ghost children.

      "How could there be ghost children roaming the halls? We don't kill children!" Caius shouted, confused on how everyone but him and his brothers were hearing children at night.

       "Calm down brother, we'll just have to wait till tonight and see if we can hear anything. Maybe they are lost?" Aro said, throwing in a question at the end. His eyes stayed down as he locked himself up in his mind and kept his ears open for any movement outside the throne room. All the staff were able to go home, so that they would be able to identify the source without any distractions.

The sun set over the city of Volterra, and all vampires stayed as still as statues. None of them even blinked in fear that would cause too much noise. The wives sat with their husbands, listening, and waiting. Jane had commented earlier that she usually could hear a little girl call out to another one around midnight. With only three minutes until midnight, each vampire was on edge., but nothing happened once the clock struck midnight.

Two hours later: 2:00 am

Suddenly, light giggles could be heard, but they were so light, that they sounded like the wind. Aro looked up, and immediately stood, almost knocking Sulipica to the floor in the process. The sound of heels hitting the floor, meaning someone was running, reached every vampires ears as they looked around. The throne room doors were open, so as the heels grew closer, it was like they could see the child run in.

More laughter filled the air, causing Caius to hop up. "Who's there?! Show yourself!" He demanded, gaining a round of "shhh's" from his Coven. Even Marcus was one to quiet him down as he made his way down the steps. Due to his gift, he was the only one able to make out where the child was. She may be dead, but he could see the ties she held with the other girls. If he could do it for a vampire, what's stopping him from being able to do it for a ghost?

      "Hello little one," he softly says, causing everyone to eye him weirdly.

       "I can see you," a smile formed on Marcus face as more giggles erupted.

      "We can see you!" The child replied, her voice all staticky as it filled the room. Soon, two more bond ties could be seen linking to the girl, letting him know the other two children had joined. Getting down on his knees, Marcus held his hand out, until his cold one could fill the even colder one of the child he was speaking to.

    "Tell me, what's your name?" He asked, his smile still evident.

     "My name is Lexi Alexandrine , these are my sisters Brittney and London Alexandrine." Marcus nodded, smiling toward the side of the girl, where he knew her sisters stood.

    "Hello Lexi, Brittney, and London. My name is Marcus, and this is my home and family. May I ask, what are you three doing here?" Marcus asked, completely involved into his conversation with the children. For the first time in centuries since the death of his dearest mate Didyme, he felt peace. And though everyone else could hear the girls, none joined in on the conversation. Not wanting to scare the children away.

      "Our parents," was all Lexi said. Her bond ties began to fade, and Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness rush through him.

  "Your parents what sweetie?" He asked, trying to get an answer before the girls were gone. The sun would soon be rising, and Marcus wanted to get as much of a conversation with the girls as he could.

    "They....they're calling for us." Was all he could get out of the child before he could no longer see her nor her sisters bond ties.

Standing, the familiar sense of dread and sadness creeped in as the sun peaked over the hills of  Volterra. For what seemed like an hour, was only a minute that the king had his eyes glued to where the girls once stood. No one said anything, but they all silently piled out. Finally relieved to figure out what was going on, and to know it was only children.

Aro came up and placed a hand upon his brothers shoulder, giving a sad smile. "Now we know that they come out a little bit after midnight, so stay aware brother, and listen for their laughter. I'm sure they'll come see you again." With that,  Aro had taken his wife by the hand and sped out.

From that day on, the girls would show up, and speak with Marcus, and even play a game of hide-n-seek with him. Giving him comfort, and peace. The king lived his days, awaiting the joyful sound of laughter and giggles that his new friends brought with them..~