Nora's POV

Consciousness came back to me slowly, my sleep fogged mind struggling to recall what was going on. I moaned tiredly, curling into the soft comfortable covers of the bed and snuggling my face into it. Wait, bed?!

I shot up from the silk sheets like they were lava and a yell escaped me as I tripped, falling onto the carpeted floor.

"Oh, Jesus fucking Christ." I choked out, grunting in pain from the assault on my side.

Well, I always thought Bella was the clumsy one in the family. I guess today is full of surprises. Blinking my eyes rapidly, I sat for a moment before casting a suspicious glance around the room.

It was dark, the only light came from a lamp on a desk in the corner that was dwarfed by the huge bookshelf next to it.

Shit, when did it become night time? My brain buzzed with one confused question after the other but I was too disoriented to think that clearly. There was a fireplace with two sleek black couches in front of it, both on either side of a small circular table.

I looked at the extremely comfy bed I'd apparently been sleeping on and nearly gaped. It was huge-an old four poster bed with dark wood, designs carved into the headboard and wooden beams with elegant fluffy pillows and sinfully smooth emerald green sheets. In fact the whole room was huge. Next to the desk and shelf were three large white circle top windows that reached the floor. During the day they must fill the room with so much light.

Across the room from the bed were two daunting mahogany doors that were adjacent to the fireplace, they too had mysterious carvings etched into them. The last thing I observed in the dim lighting was what appeared to be an en suite bathroom.  The floors and walls were pristine white marble flecked with gold, with a glass shower and a curved freestanding bath with gleaming gold handles.

So these people were rich rich.

Bored with my examining of the room I groaned, finding it a real struggle to get up. "Fuck." My back cracked, the initial pain fading and bringing some relief. "I must have been asleep for a while."

A sad thought struck me suddenly as I stood. Had Alice and Bella...left me here? Typical. They drag me here apparently knowing something was going to happen to me and now they've left me?

Regardless of my anger, I need to find them. Hell, even Edward would be a welcomed sight right now. Looking down at myself I was relieved to note that I was still clothed, the only thing missing were my shoes and hoodie but I could see them lying on one of the couches. 

I dragged myself over and put them both on sluggishly, the heavy sleep I'd been in moments before stubborn to release me. My feet dragged but somehow I made it to the heavy looking doors.

With the little strength I had I managed to pull one open, being faced with a dark stone hallway that stretched on forever, lit by torches. I shrieked in fright, my plans to wander and explore this strange place halted when the large form of Felix appeared in front of me so suddenly I felt my heart stop for a second. He grinned, his teeth flashing in a predatory smile.

"What the hell! Give me a little warning next time, would ya Lurch?" I huffed, taking in a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

"Forgive him. Felix enjoys scaring others but it really is harmless fun, my lady." The suave charming man from before sauntered to stand by his companion, smiling in a much more welcoming manner.

"Okay, we're gonna have to get some things straight here," They both raised their eyebrows looking intrigued, "My name is Elenora, not 'my lady' but please just call me Nora. I also would like to know what your name is so I can stop calling you dumb stuff in my head."

"My name is Demitri, my lady." He smiled, bending his body in a half bow before he straightened and smirked as I puffed in annoyance. I'll ignore him continuing with the dumb nickname for now. It was time for some much needed answers.

"Alright Demitri, would you be so kind as to take me to where my sister and her irritating parasite of a boyfriend are?" Both he and Felix actually laughed in appreciation at my name for Edward. It was refreshing to see other people who must dislike him as much as I did.

"I'm afraid that we have been informed to bring you straight to the Masters when you wake up, so please come with us." Demitri smiled kindly again, sweeping his arm in front of him inviting me to follow them. I hesitated, looking back into the magnificent room. Could I refuse to go and just stay here? This dark room wasn't that comforting either; plus the quicker I got this over with the quicker I'd see Bella. Making up my mind I stepped out of the room, closing the door and looking expectantly at the two...guards? If I had to guess that's what I'd say they were.

"Let's get this over with then." I grumbled, sneering at Felix when he chuckled, the deep sound echoing creepily in the corridor. He walked in front of me blocking anything from sight, leading the way and I felt Demitri fall into step beside me. We walked in silence but I couldn't say I wasn't grateful for that-it gave me time to think.

What were these 'Masters' going to do with me? It scared me to know nothing about what was going on—I didn't even know if Bella was alright. Maybe she hadn't abandoned me, maybe they... no. I tried convincing myself she wasn't hurt but something about these people told me they had the will and the capability to do it.

After walking for a long time, my legs aching in protest, we turned a corner into another long hallway; the two scary children from before stationed outside a single door, looking like the kids from the shining with their neat clothes and jarring, mocking smiles.

As we approached the stone faced blonde stared relentlessly, not once did she blink or even move. Now she was scary. She looked so...innocent, pure almost, like she wouldn't harm a fly but it was her eyes that gave her away to me. They say they are the windows to the soul and I could see hers was wicked. Her brother had a darkness to him too but it was nowhere near her level. As we stopped in front of them he gave me a friendly smile and relaxed his squared shoulders.

"Jane, Alec. We've been instructed to take it from here." Felix's deep voice rumbled through the empty corridor. They were nice names, they definitely suited the uptight twins. At the dismissal they both began to walk away, Alec gave me a nod of respect as he passed but Jane strutted by me with her head held high and didn't even look at me. I was relieved when they both turned the corner, they were pretty spooky.

Demitri and Felix took their place, looking at me expectantly; though they were amused when I let out a quiet 'oh, shit' that wasn't meant to be heard.

"Is there any chance we can reschedule?" I smiled sweetly hoping to prevent being alone with the three handsome men. I felt a sense of defeat when Demitri shook his head apologetically.

"I'm afraid not my lady. You needn't worry, no harm shall befall you here. In fact this is probably the safest place for you." His words made zero sense to me. How can this be the safest place? If I remember correctly there were implications earlier that suggested we were going to be killed.

Tugging anxiously at my paint splattered sleeves I breathed a shaky breath. Well, here goes nothing. Seeing I was ready Demitri smiled sincerely at me and opened the door. My body tensed, overcome with the urge to run away but I resisted. I need to do this, for Bella.

With fresh determination I entered the room and was immediately taken aback. It was a massive library, with tall shelves filled with what looked like millions of old books stretching as far back as the eye can see. Wonder filled my mind and I forgot for a moment why I'd come here.

There were a few mahogany tables scattered around the room with books splayed messily on top. Someone needed to do some serious cleaning up. What looked like many antique persian rugs lined the floor, all ranging in shades of red and blue. It truly was a beautiful room, the most inviting and warm I'd seen in this place so far.

"I'm glad our library pleases you, tesoro." An airy voice called from my left; I gasped in shock and turned swiftly in its direction. My wide eyes connected with the alluring crimson ones that belonged to Aro. Caius and Marcus stood behind him, smiling gently at me in what I supposed were attempts to calm my nerves.

"Sorry. I forgot for a moment that there was anyone else in here." My cheeks heated and I fidgeted under their stares.

That was embarrassing, how long had they been watching me?

"Please, come sit carissima. We have many things to discuss and I'm sure you have a number of questions for us." It was Cauis who spoke this time beckoning me toward the two couches in front of a large grey stone fireplace, smirking devilishly at the dark blush on my cheeks. I sat hesitantly in front of them, nervously adjusting my position when they stared transfixed with my every move, watching intently as I drew my lip between my teeth.

Looking at them now I took the time to truly take them in and was in awe at their beauty. They were like three fallen angels, radiating darkness and I remembered how powerful they had been earlier. They were gorgeous in their own ways, it was impossible to discern who was the most attractive.

Caius would be considered the odd one out with his platinum blond hair and hateful personality that he'd shown earlier; now all I could see was a sweet and caring man. He had high cheekbones and a strong jaw, his snowy hair pushed back away from his face making him look more youthful then he was. He was the most intimidating in his appearance too, his sharp features making him look all the more terrifying when he was scowling down at you.

Aro was the most unique looking, his features were almost...ancient, like he was from some lost civilization. I'd never seen anyone who looked quite like him before. He had a strong nose and full pouty lips, his black hair was so dark I was sure it would blend in with the night. He lost his almost psychotic behaviour from earlier, staring at me with a gentle smile seemingly fascinated with my every move and word. I could just sense that he had a thirst for knowledge-a want to know everything.

Marcus was the sweetest of the three, I could tell that already. Everything about him was soft, from his head full of fluffy mahogany curls to his kind and almost wise eyes and the way his lips twitched softly into a smile. He was angelic in his beauty, his features more rounded than Aro and Caius but still with a model-like sharpness. It was nice to see him actually living, earlier I'd been convinced he was dead inside with the way he acted. I wondered though what was so special about me that he essentially returned to the land of the living from his catatonic state.

There was silence as we all stared unsurely at each other, no one knowing where to begin.

"Perhaps we should start with introductions, after all we do not even know your name tesoro." Marcus's voice met my ears,  stronger and deeper then it had been earlier today, losing the harsh rasp.

"It's Elenora." I smiled shakily and lifted my hand, wiggling my fingers awkwardly in greeting. Okay, way to go on acting normal you idiot. Through my embarrassment I could see that it seemed the gesture entranced them all the more, Aro even giggled at me causing me to feel utterly mortified.

"Ah yes, meaning 'shining light'. You certainly deserve the name, cara mia." Aro hummed, his appreciative gaze burned my skin as his eyes trailed along every part of me setting all my nerves alight.

"Tell me darling, what do you know of the reason you were brought here?" Caius leaned back and crossed his legs as he spoke, his blood red shirt straining against his lean muscles, the first three buttons undone to show his pale flawless chest. I was regretful to admit my eyes may have lingered a little too long.

It was...strange, the way that they all dressed so formally, with black slacks and fancy shoes. It was quite old fashioned, not how men of their ages would typically dress. Aro and Marcus seemed to favor the darker colors, wearing instead black and navy shirts.

"All I was told was that Edward was in trouble and needed our help. I hadn't even met Alice or him before today, so this is all very confusing to me. To be brutally honest I, um... I have no idea what's going on." The news appeared to have a number of effects on them, varying between satisfaction and concern.

"This may be harder than we anticipated then." Aro muttered to himself, clasping his hands and leaning his elbows on his knees.

"The best course of action is to be blunt, Aro. The sooner things are on the table the better she will feel about this mess the Cullen brats have created, I will keep nothing from her." Caius hissed gruffly when he mentioned Alice and Edward. The last words he spoke warmed my heart, though there was pain there too. How was a stranger willing to be so truthful but my own sister was so secretive.

It was funny, when I thought about it, that no one here appeared to like the two golden eyed siblings.

Apparently Bells was the only one who could see the appeal.

"Caius is right, brother. Let us tell Elenora what she deserves to know. I am sorry you have been kept in the dark for so long." Marcus said and smiled tenderly at me.

A weight felt like it had been lifted off my shoulders at his promise. I was finally going to know why my own sister had been lying to me; a small part of me was...afraid, though. I knew what Bella was involved in was dangerous, the three unnaturally beautiful men in front of me were proof of that.

Aro sighed, dragging his ruby gaze from the carpet to meet my hopeful eyes. I could see he was contemplating whether to tell me or not, searching my face for something that was a mystery to me.

His care for my feelings was comforting but I needed to know, not just for me but so I can protect my sister and my father.

"I will be honest then, dolcezza," He paused as if gathering the strength to continue. "My brothers and myself as well as everyone in this building, we are vampires, creatures of the night hidden from human knowledge for millennia. I am sad to say that Edward and Alice are also vampires, brought here along with Isabella for breaking important laws that are set in place for the protection of both human and vampire kind alike." He finished his speech, voice echoing in the now silent room.

...What?