highly recommend looking up Didyme on the twilight wiki before reading, the chapter will make more sense :) this one goes out to all you lore experts lol!!

***

The air seemed to grow colder and colder as the group descended deeper beneath the city of Volterra. Evelyn could still faintly hear the chatter and noise from the festival above them; humans blissfully unaware that they may very well be marching to their deaths just below them.

Jane led the way through the ancient stone passageways, while the other two vampires, Felix and Demetri, as Evelyn had learned, walked behind them to ensure that they followed her. Evelyn sensed that it would be a stupid decision to try to run even without the two of them prodding the group forward. While they were silent, the girl could sense their presence behind her like they were blaring sirens. Despite Jasper's arm wrapped protectively around her waist, she could not ignore the fear that was beginning to simmer low in her stomach.

Goosebumps prickled her skin as they walked, her and Bella's footsteps clapping noisily on the stone floor compared to the grace of the six vampires around them. Darkness enveloped them like a blanket, and she was grateful to have Jasper by her side to lead her carefully over the uneven cobblestone floor. While they did not speak, it was clear that everyone was tense. Just ahead of her, Evelyn could just make out the rigidness of Edward's shoulder's as he helped guide Bella down the hallway. Even Alice, who never seemed to be concerned about anything, was unusually quiet and has a strange air of uncertainty about her.

It seemed that they had been walking for an eternity until they reached a massive oak door at the end of the tunnel. There was another figure cloaked in black waiting for them. As they got closer, Evelyn could see that this, too, was another crimson-eyed vampire. However, this one did not carry the same air of authority that the others did. He bowed low when the three members of the Volturi approached, eyes going to the floor before he straightened to open the door for them.

The door opened, and suddenly a burst of light spilled from the room beyond and filled the dim hallway. Evelyn had to squint her eyes until they could adjust properly. Jane glanced back briefly behind her as if to ensure that everyone had followed her before gliding gracefully into the light. She did not even acknowledge the other vampire's presence as she strode past, followed by Alice, Bella, and Edward. For a moment, Evelyn considered planting her feet and never moving anywhere ever again. But Jasper was there to gently pull her forward, squeezing her waist in an attempt to comfort her as he led them after the others and into the bright room. Felix and Demetri followed closely behind.

When they entered the massive room, they were met by another vampire who looked to be the male version of Jane. The unfamiliar vampire smiled, stepping forward to take Jane's hands in his. "Sister," he greeted. "We send you out to get one, and you return with three... and two halves. Such a clever girl." He eyed the two human girls with a clear distaste before his attention returned to his sister.

Jane said nothing, instead following her brother to stand beside what Evelyn realized were thrones at the far end of the room. Her gaze travelled around the large circular room and up the walls where light was carefully filtered in so as to avoid any direct sunlight hitting any of its occupants while still remaining bright. As an artist, she could not help but admire the sweeping arches and renaissance-esque paintings that adorned the walls. Had they not been in a life or death situation, she could see herself spending hours trying to recreate the detailed architecture in her sketchbook. Her eyes took in the massive thrones once more. With a start she realized that they were standing in none other than the Volturi's throne room.

Beside her, Jasper was utilizing his gift to the best of his ability. He was doing his best to make Evelyn and Bella seem utterly unimportant to the ancient vampires standing before them just as he had done in the meadow with James many months ago. He would be damned if he let anything happen to his mate here, even if things were more than complicated between them. He pulled her tightly to his side for good measure as the came to a stop next to the others in the middle of the massive room. Though she bristled at his touch, she did not pull away.

Evelyn's eyes travelled to the three vampires at the head of the room resting in their respective thrones, eyes widening in recognition. These were the vampires that she had seen in the painting in Carlisle's study all those months ago. She could tell they were very old, perhaps even older than some civilizations on the planet. Their pale skin appeared to be almost translucent, shining even though there was no sunlight to cause the phenomenon. With a shudder she took in the all too familiar crimson red eyes. There was a sense of immense authority about all three of them, as if nothing could ever compare to the power that they held. However, her eyes couldn't help but settle on the vampire seated on the center throne.

While there was no outward indication of it, it was clear that he was the leader among the three powerful vampires. Power seemed to radiate effortlessly from him. His face erupted into a brilliant smile once he saw them enter, but there was still something oddly unsettling about him. Evelyn swallowed hard, worry creasing her forehead as he stood.

"Ah, what a happy surprise!" The vampire exclaimed, raising his hands in delight. His voice was soft, and yet there was an air of ancient power when he spoke that was impossible to ignore. "Bella is alive, after all! Isn't that wonderful? I love a happy ending, they are so rare" He had begun to approach them, the strange smile never leaving his face. Next to her, Bella sucked in a quick breath at the sound of her name coming from  his lips.

His strange red eyes moved from Bella to Evelyn, his smile growing as she wanted to shrink under his gaze. "And this must be Evelyn! What a delight, to have you both here with us." The vampire walked directly up to Edward, who released Bella with one of his hands and offered it to him. The Volturi vampire took it, closing his eyes and sighing in contentment as he held Edward's hand between both of his.

"Aro can read every thought I've ever had with one touch," Edward explained softly, his eyes flitting between Bella and Evelyn.

In front of him, Aro let out a surprised gasp. "La tua cantante," he breathed, his eyes widening as he glanced at Bella. "Her blood appeals to you so strongly... it even makes me thirsty. How can you stand to be so close to her?"

"It is not without difficulty," Edward said, though he did not match Aro's conversational tone.

Aro chuckly lightly, patting his hand. "Yes, I can see that."

Edward narrowed his eyes. "And now you know everything. So get on with it." The venom in his voice was tangible, and immediately Evelyn was afraid of the potential consequences if these vampires felt disrespected by Edward's words.

Aro's serene smile faltered slightly, but he quickly replaced it. "You are quite a soul reader yourself, Edward. Though you cannot read Bella's thoughts." Aro's gaze moved from Edward to Jasper, who was as tense as Evelyn had ever seen him. Slowly, she turned and rested her hand on his cheek, where she could feel the clench of his jaw.

"Relax," Evelyn murmured, and at the sound of her voice he did, though only barely. "It'll be okay." She had no idea whether or not her words were true, but she was assuring herself just as much as she was attempting to reassure Jasper. It was the only way she could try and keep herself calm.

Aro's delighted laugh from in front of them pulled the pair's attention from each other to him. "Jasper Hale. I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I was hoping that I would get the chance to meet you." He held out his hand expectantly. "May I?"

It was the absolute last thing that Jasper wanted to do, but he knew that playing Aro's game was his best chance at getting Evelyn out of here alive. So begrudgingly, he extended his free hand to Aro, who took it like a greedy child would take a toy. Jasper held the ancient vampire's gaze as he waited to see Aro's reaction to his every thought. He knew what he would see: his involvement in the Southern wars, finding Alice and the Cullens, and everything about his relationship with Evelyn. He hoped that Aro would not dredge up a painful memory for the whole room to hear about, much less anything about the girl he had tucked underneath his other arm.

Evelyn watched Aro with baited breath as the smile on his face grew wider. Suddenly, he released Jasper's hand, clapping his own in delight as his gaze moved from the blond to her. "What are the chances? That the two of you would both fall in love with the ones whose blood sings to you the most. And you," he said peering closely at Jasper. "I must say, your gift is quite fascinating. Very useful, is it not?"

"At times, yes," Jasper agreed, his voice strained. "Though I prefer not to take advantage of those around me."

Aro seemed to ignore the obvious barb. "That is admirable. But how extraordinary is it that like Edward and Bella, your gift does not fully work on Evelyn, either." He turned to Bella once more, eyes alight with curiosity. "Fascinating. I would love to see if you, my dears, are an exception to my gifts as well?" He held out his hand to Bella first. "Would you do me the honor?"

While Aro may have posed it as a question, it was clear to all of them that they had no choice but to oblige him. Bella and Evelyn exchanged a nervous glance before she stepped forward and placed her hand in his. Everyone in the room seemed to watch with baited breath as Aro attempted to infiltrate Bella's mind. Evelyn noticed the two other ancient vampires watching especially closely behind Aro, their interest clearly piqued.

After a few moments, Aro's brows furrowed in confusion, before he straightened. He plastered a smile on his face, though it was clear that it was difficult for him to remain pleasant. "Interesting," he mused, staring at Bella in wonder. "I see nothing." He stepped back, eyeing Bella curiously for another moment, before turning to Evelyn. She felt her heart drop to her feet as his gaze fell on her.

"May I, Evelyn?" He asked again, a determined glint in his eye. She stepped forward, nearly having to rip herself from Jasper's arms because he was holding her so tightly. Slowly, she extended a shaking hand towards Aro. He nearly snatched it from the air, Evelyn letting out a gasp of shock at the sudden coolness on her skin. She blinked, and suddenly the room around her began to fade away.

***

Evelyn blinked once more, frowning in confusion when she realized she was no longer in the Volturi throne room.  She was standing in a large room, with wood furnishings and torches providing light. Elaborate rugs, furniture, and décor adorned the rest of the room in varying shades of red, while a roaring fire burned in the hearth on the wall next to her. She did not know where she was, but she got the sense that wherever it was, it was also a long time ago.

The sound of hinges creaking made her jump, and she turned to see Aro and the blond Volturi leader enter the room. She gasped, though they made no reaction, as if they had not seen or heard her at all. The pair were adorned in attire reminiscent of what reminded her of something from ancient Greece or Rome. They still carried an air of power about them, but their skin was not as translucent and paper-thin looking as it was just moments ago. She realized that she was looking at a vision of their younger selves, long before they had attained the power that they had now.

She watched as the blond slammed the door behind them, then moved to join Aro who was standing near a window, gazing outside with a thoughtful look on his face.

"You're sure Marcus has been distracted?" The vampire asked, his voice low as if someone could hear them. "You're sure that he is gone?"

Aro sighed heavily. "Sulpicia has made sure to occupy him for the time being. We are safe, Caius, there is no need to worry."

Caius sneered, whirling around to rest his hands on the large writing desk that was in the room. "And you're sure that this will keep Marcus from leaving us? That you can even finish the task?"

"Of course," Aro assured, though he could feel his heart breaking at what he was about to do. "Do not doubt me, Caius. Have I not proved myself to you enough already?"

"Perhaps," Caius conceded, though Evelyn could tell that he did not have faith in his friend like he pretended to have. She was cautious; she had no idea what they were talking about, but she knew that it was not going to be pleasant. And she had the sneaking suspicion that she was about to witness whatever they were planning to do unfold before her eyes.

Just then, the large oak door opened once more, and Evelyn's mouth fell open in shock as she took in the extraordinarily beautiful vampire that stepped gracefully into the room. She had glossy, raven-black hair that was coiled on her head in perfect curls with jewels pinned expertly throughout. Her white dress seemed to float around her as if she were wearing a cloud. The woman had a glowing aura about her, as if anyone who laid eyes on her would be made instantly happy. She had the most dazzling smile on her face as her gaze fell onto Aro, who immediately turned to embrace the newcomer.

"Brother, it has been too long," the woman gushed, her voice floating through the room like the melody of a song. She hugged Aro tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Aro sighed happily, eagerly returning the embrace. The worry from moments before was completely gone. "Thank you for joining me today, Didyme. There is much we need to discuss."

The pair glided over to the sofa in the middle of the room while Caius remained by the window, observing the siblings with a look of distaste on his face. Didyme, the female vampire, sighed in delight as she held Aro's hands while they sat.

"I trust that Marcus has told you of our plans? We were so worried about what you would say."

Aro smiled as if everything was right in the world. "He spoke to me about it yesterday. While I am... saddened, at the thought of you both leaving, I see how happy you are together. I will not stand in the way of your happiness, sister."

Didyme's crimson eyes seemed to sparkle. "You are not angry? I know how important the coven is to you."

"Of course not. You and Marcus are my family. I will always support the both of you, just as I hope that you both will support me." His words were almost like a warning, as if a refusal would not bode well for her.

If Didyme noticed the shift in tone, she did not let it on. "Aro, you are my brother. My blood. There is no one in the world other than Marcus who I would do absolutely anything for."

Aro visibly tensed at her words. He sighed, standing to gaze out of the window.  Didyme frowned and stood as well, grasping her brother's shoulders in an attempt to regain his attention. "Aro? Have I said something to upset you?"

Aro's eyes flicked to Caius just briefly; if Evelyn had not been paying attention, she would not have noticed it. But it seemed to be a signal of some kind. Caius began to walk casually around the room, slowly moving so that he was out of Didyme's line of sight. At the same time, Aro raised his hands and placed them gently on his sister's cheeks.

"It is only that I thought the gift of immortality I have given you would mean more to you, sister. I gave you this life so that we could be together for eternity. So that we could rule for eternity. Have I not done enough for you?"

Didyme shook her head fiercely, placing her hands over Aro's. "You have given me everything, brother. Everything. But don't you understand? Marcus and I do not want to impose on your rule any longer. We wish to be free of this life. While you thrive, he and I must struggle everyday to survive. You were born for this, Aro. All we wish to be is free."

Caius was fully behind Didyme now, a menacing glint in his eyes that made the breath catch in Evelyn's throat. But Didyme did not notice; she was too focused on her brother, too focused on pleasing him the way that she had done her entire life.

With one hand, Aro brushed a stray hair from his sister's face. Gently, he placed a soft kiss on his sister's forehead before straightening once more. He smiled sadly at her. "And free you shall be, sister."

"No!" Evelyn shrieked, but none of them could hear her.

Didyme did not even get the chance to scream before her head was ripped from her shoulders with a sickening crack. Evelyn's hands flew to her mouth in shock as strangled gasps escaped her lips. She watched as Caius ripped her arms from her body, wincing as what was left hit the floor. Her body had come apart as if they were brekaing apart pieces of porcelain. There was no blood; only tiny shards and pieces of her stone-like skin littered the floor. Caius was quick to toss the arms into the hearth, following with the legs and pieces of the torso.

Her gaze remained on Aro, who held his dead sister's head delicately in his hands. Her face was forever frozen in a wide-eyed gaze of shock, perfect lips parted as if just about to say something. Aro stepped carefully towards the fire, staring intently into Didyme's frozen eyes.

"Goodbye, dear sister."

And finally, he tossed what was left of her into the roaring flames.

***

Evelyn yanked her hand from Aro's faster than she had done anything in her life. Her heart was racing, her head spinning, her breath coming in fast pants as she dropped to her knees on the floor. Jasper immediately moved to reach for her, but Felix's hand came down hard on his shoulder in warning. All he could do was watch as his love struggled at Aro's feet.

She blinked, shaking her head as she realized that she had been inside Aro's mind. She had seen his memories, had relived the night that he had murdered his own sister to keep Marcus with the Volturi. To keep his power.

Slowly she looked up at Aro, who was staring down at her with a mixture of surprise and confusion on his face. "You killed her," she breathed quietly, and Aro knew immediately what she had seen. Behind him, Caius and Marcus were leaning forward in their seats, their gazes fixed on the human girl before them.

"Aro, what does she speak of? What has happened?" Marcus called out, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. Caius merely looked worried, frantically glancing between Evelyn, Aro, and Marcus.

Aro stared at the girl at his feet in wonder. When he had touched her hand, he had of course been able to read every thought that she had ever had. But at the same time, he had sensed her presence in his own mind, like she had taken over a small part of his memory. How odd that she had landed upon that particular one... His heart clenched at the thought of his dear sister Didyme. No one but he and Caius knew the truth of what had happened to her... until now. He had buried that memory deep within his mind. He glanced at Edward, who was looking at him with new eyes. Of course, Edward had seen everything that the girl had.

He knew that it was dangerous to let them live. He knew that; Caius would tell him the same. This secret had the potential to unravel his coven, his rule, quicker than he could imagine. But he was intrigued; and curiosity was Aro's weakness. Before him stood one human with the ability to resist multiple vampire's gifts, a vampire who could read anyone's thoughts without laying a hand on them, and another human who could look into his mind with one touch. He wondered if Evelyn's gift would be similar to Edward's were she to become immortal, considering their familial connection. The temptation was too much to resist; he wanted them all.

"How fascinating," Aro crooned, stepping back and glancing between them all in wonder. Jasper shook off Felix's hand and was immediately at Evelyn's side, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to her feet. She let him, still trying to process what she had seen. She felt like she wasn't even in her own body at the moment, making it difficult to stand up without Jasper's help.

"Are you alright?" He murmured in her ear, pulling her tightly to his chest.

She was still in shock from the memory that she had just witnessed, so all she could do was nod. She couldn't take her eyes off of Aro as he retreated back a few steps. Evelyn did not like the contemplative look he had on his serene face; she knew that he was planning something, and she could only guess that it would not be good for her or her friends.

"I wonder..." Aro mused, his eyes finding Bella once more in a bemused sort of curiosity. "Let us see if she is immune to all our powers. Shall we, Jane?"

"No!" Edward exclaimed, immediately taking a step in front of Bella as his eyes narrowed in on Jane. Evelyn knew she was about to witness why everyone was so afraid of Jane and what she could do.

The petite vampire's pale pink lips turned upwards into a soft smile. "Pain." The singular syllable fell from her tongue like a note in a song, seemingly harmless at first. But as soon as Edward made eye contact with her, his body seized and began convulsing wildly as he dropped to the floor. Though he was in obvious agony, Edward made no sound as he struggled against the invisible force.

"Stop!" Bella screamed, moving to drop to the floor beside him. Alec was quick to block her path, a sick look of amusement on his face as he watched Edward writhe on the floor. Evelyn stood in shocked silence as she stared between Edward and Aro, who seemed to be waiting patiently for the moment to pass. Alice slipped easily by the Volturi guards and dropped to her knees beside her brother.

"Just stop hurting him, please!" Bella begged, imploring Aro to do something to end the pointless torture.

It seemed that Aro had finally deemed it enough. "Jane," he said, and immediately the power that she was using over Edward relented.

She turned to him, the same small smile on her youthful face. "Master?"

Aro returned her smile, nodding towards Bella. "Go ahead, my dear."

"Wait, please don't--" Evelyn began, but Jane had already locked her eyes onto Bella's terrified but defiant gaze.

"This may hurt just a little," Jane warned, though she looked like she was looking forward to hurting Bella with whatever strange power she possessed. Evelyn braced herself to see Bella drop the way that Edward had, but after a few moments, nothing had happened. Jane's smile disappeared, and her face scrunched into an expression of intent focus. Still, there was nothing. Bella did not seem to feel anything; Jane's power did not work on her, either.

Aro's shrill laugh pierced the heavy silence that had settled over the onlookers, making Evelyn wince at the ear-splitting sound. Jane kept her murderous glare on Bella; it was clear that she was not used to anyone being immune to her gift, if that was what it could be called.

"Remarkable!" Aro crooned, clapping his hands together in delight. "She confounds us all! I wonder..." His eyes settled on Evelyn, a curious smile on his lips. "Jane?"

"Aro, no!" Jasper shouted from behind her, but Evelyn had already made the mistake of looking at the powerful blonde vampire next to Aro.

The pain ripped through her as if a million jagged knives were cutting her into pieces all at once. It was so much worse than the vampire venom that she had endured; every nerve in her body seemed to be simultaneously splitting in two. She could not register anything happening around her; it was as if her senses had been burned away by the flames of pain that were engulfing her body. Jasper was there to hold her has her legs gave out, cradling her against his chest as her body gave into the agressive convulsions. His face contorted in agony when the piercing scream clawed its way from her throat, echoing thorughout the cavernous room.

Edward and Alice had both stepped forward towards her, but Demetri and Felix were there to hold them back. Jasper's eyes fell on Jane, who seemed to be enjoying torturing the human girl far more than was necessary.

"Please," he begged. "You've made your point. Stop this!" Evelyn convulsed wildly in his arms, and he struggled to hold her tightly while making sure not to hurt her. Seeing her like this was worse than death for him; all he could think about was that he was just as useless now as when she was bitten by James. He wished more than anything that he could take this from her. He would endure a thousand years of Jane's torture if it meant that Evelyn would never feel this again.

When Jane did not cease, he turned to Aro with pleading eyes. "Aro, stop this!" He shouted, his voice muffled by the screams coming from the girl in his arms.

But before Aro could say anything, the door behind them was thrown open. The sound even drew Jane's attention, who removed her eyes from the girl before her and freeing her from the endless agony. Evelyn stopped convulsing, but her limbs still shook from exhaustion as her senses slowly began to come back to her. Sweat made her whole body sticky, with salty tears rolling freely down her cheeks. She could just barely make out the sound of footsteps coming towards them.

"Aro, that's enough," a strong voice ordered, and it took a few moments for her to realize that she recognized it. She clung to Jasper's arms, which were the only reliable things keeping her on her feet at the moment, and opened her eyes to see Will striding into the center of the room where Aro waited.

Aro's bright smile had returned. "And so William has returned to us. What a wonderful surprise. Welcome home." Evelyn watched as her friend extended his had to Aro like it was second nature. Aro wrapped it carefully between his own, sighing contentedly as he took in Will's thoughts while the rest of the room looked on in intrigued silence.

Evelyn's heart instantly lifted seeing him here, but as her eyes drifted over him she noticed something alarming; Will was dressed in what looked to be all black fighting clothes, a matching cloak draped over his shoulders and falling to his ankles. He looked exactly like one of the Volturi guard.

As soon as Aro released his hand, Will's eyes found hers. "You're still with them?" She asked, unable to mask the accusation in her voice. He had told her that long ago he once served the Volturi, but he had given her the impression that it was only briefly. She couldn't beleive that Will, her Will, worked with the people who had no problem torturing their victims for their own amusement. Why had he not just told her?

"I wanted to tell you before you left. Evelyn, I promise I can explain everything. I always planned to tell you everything. It just wasn't the right time." HIs eyes held so much guilt and pain. Evelyn wondered what else he had been hiding from her this whole time.

"Why wasn't it the right time? What did you want to explain?"

"There is much to explain," Aro agreed, his eyes flicking between Will and Evelyn. "Especially considering the fact that you also care for her. I assume that makes things a bit, shall we say, uncomfortable." Evelyn felt Jasper tense behind her. She could tell that he hated this situation just as much as she did. She didn't like the way Will was looking at her, like he was about to be caught for something he had been hiding.

"Especially that unfortunate incident with her parents... I can only imagine how that conversation went." Aro had a look of deep sympathy on his face, but his lips were twicthing upwards into the ghost of a smile.

What?

Will stiffened, his face hard as his eyes flickered briefly to Evelyn. "Aro," he warned, though she could sense the fear in his tone. Aro ignored him.

"What about my parents?" Evelyn demanded, looking between Will and Aro. "What do they have to do with any of this?"

Aro gasped in shock, though it was obvious that it was for show. "You haven't told her? After all these months?"

Beside her, Edward growled. "You bastard," he spit at Will, whose wide eyes were beginning to show what Evelyn had dreaded most. Guilt.

"Can someone just tell me what's going on?" Evelyn asked, looking between each person in the group. Edward opened his mouth to speak, his eyes sad, but Aro beat him to it.

"My dear Evelyn, I'm afraid the circumstances surrounding your parents' death were not completely accidental." Her heart seemed to stop as her eyes became glued to the crimson-eyed vampire before her. "Unfortunately, they got caught up in our world... much like you have, in fact. It was determined that for the safety of our race, that they would have to be killed."

It was as if time had frozen. Evelyn couldn't believe what she was hearing; there was no possible way that that could be true. It couldn't be true. Her eyes flickered to Will, who was staring at the floor in clear shame. For why, she did not yet understand.

"You're lying," she said finally, but even she could hear the uncertainty in her voice. "My parents died in a housefire. It was an accident, they couldn't have been killed by vampires."

Edward looked at her, his marble face somber and his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Ev," he said finally, "he isn't lying."

It was clear thatAro was trying very hard to contain his enjoyment of the current situation. "It was young William who was sent to track them down and kill them. He even had the idea of the fire to make it look like an accident. Although, if it's any consolation, he was unable to bring himself to finish the job. We had to send someone else to clean up his mess."

Will was looking at Evelyn with pleading eyes. She shook her head vigorously, fresh tears beginning to brim in her bright green eyes. "Tell me it's not true," she begged him. "It's not true, Will. You couldn't have."

"Ev, I wanted to tell you so badly. I never wanted them to get hurt, I never did--"

Evelyn felt like the whole world was caving in on her. It was like all of the grief from the loss was coming back all at once, knowing that if not for Will, her parents would be alive right now. She could be at home with them right now. Her family would have never been torn apart.

"You've been lying to me this whole time? Pretending to care about me while knowing it's your fault that my parents are dead?"

He shook his head, taking a few steps towards her. Behind Evelyn, Jasper let out a low, gutteral growl in warning. Will froze, but he kept his eyes pinned on the girl who was breaking into pieces before him.

"I never pretended with you, Evelyn. Never. I tried to stop it. I didn't know that they had a daughter. If I did, I would have never..." He shook his head, blinking as if to shake off a painful memory. "I tried to save them... but I was too late. I'm so incredibly sorry." He was practically begging her to see his side of the story; he had tried to save them, but Alec and Jane had reached the poor humans first. There was nothing that he could have done.

Evelyn was freely crying now, the sobs wracking her body as sadness, anger, hatred, and betrayal coursed through her veins. Will had promised that he would never hurt her the way that Jasper had, and yet here he was, breaking her heart all over again.

"I hate you," she seethed, face red and puffy as she shot him a poisonous glare. "You sentenced them to death. They were innocent!"

Behind them, Caius scoffed, rolling his eyes. "No one is ever truly innocent. I grow tired of this nonsense. You've had your fun, Aro."

Aro sighed, coming to a stop from pacing as he faced them. He was clearly no longer amused by exposing Will's guilt to the rest of them. "Indeed. So... what do we do with you, now?"

"You already know what you're going to do, Aro." Marcus sounded incredibly bored when he spoke, lazily resting his chin on his fist as he watched the group.

Caius nodded in agreement, looking between Bella and Evelyn. "They know too much. They're a liability."

Aro sighed as if disappointed. "That's true. Felix, Demetri," he said nodding towards Bella and Edward. He turned to Will. "Perhaps you'd like a chance to finsih the job you started. Kill her," he told him, gesturing towards Evelyn.

"No!" Jasper roared, moving Evelyn behind him as will stared wide-eyed at him. He seemed to be frozen in place as the other two Volturi vampires sprang into action, each one coming towards one of the human girls. Edward and Jasper were quick, though, and suddenly a fight had broken out in the throne room. Bella staggered over to Evelyn and grabbed her arm, holding her steady as they backed towards the entrance. Alice moved to try and help, but Alec was quick to intercept her.

All Evelyn could do was stare at the vampire who she had once called a friend. He did not move, only lower his eyes in shame. She had loved him; for everything that he was, she had loved him. He had been there for her to talk to, laugh with, and protect her; he was one of the few people that she had felt truly safe with. But now, knowing that the whole time she had cared for the one who had orchestrated her parents' deaths, a bitter taste filled her mouth. She could not believe that he was even capable of betreaying her love and trust the way that he had, and yet here they were.

Jasper and Edward fought valiantly, but Felix and Demetri were ultimately victorious. The two Volturi had them pinned, with Edward in a headlock and Jasper on his knees. Within seconds, their heads would be ripped from their bodies just like Didyme's had been in Evelyn's vision.

Evelyn's eyes shifted to Jasper, who was staring up at Felix with a defiant expression on his face. She knew him well enough to know that he would not go down without a fight. Seeing Jasper there after he had fought so hard to protect her and preparing to face death unafraid made something stir deep within her.

"No, please! Please don't hurt him!" She shrieked, heart racing as Jasper's golden eyes flickered to hers for what she worried would be the last time. She lunged forward, only to be stopped by Jane, who had suddenly appeared beside her. She pulled against her iron grip to no avail.

Beside her, Bella was shaking. "Kill me, kill me," she begged, her eyes never leaving Edward. "Not them. Not him."

Surprised, Aro held up his hands for Demetri and Felix to cease their attempt at an execution. Evelyn could breathe again; she relaxed just slightly as she watched Felix pull Jasper to his feet. Jasper was breathing hard, though his eyes never left Evelyn for a moment. Though he had almost been killed a moment ago, it was only her safety that he cared about.

Aro was watching the four of them with a strange look on his face. "The two of you would give up your lives for people like us? A vampire? A soulless monster?"

As the ancient vampire approached the two girls, Jasper hissed, ripping his arm from Felix's grasp. He manged to wrestle him back under control, but only barely.

"Get away from them," Edward snapped, earning him a tighter grip on his neck from Demetri.

Aro easily ignored the both of them. His eyes met Evelyn's, which were still red and puffy from crying.

"I love him," she said simply, her voice ringing clear throughout the large room. She realized then that it was true; she did still love him, more than anything. Even after everything he had done, even if she was still so angry with him, she would gladly die in his place. Jasper offered her the smallest of smiles at her words. He understood; she knew that he did.

"This is a sadness," Aro lamented, glancing back at Jasper and Edward. "If only it were your intention to give them the gift of immortality."

This is it, Evelyn realized with an odd sense of calmness. They're going to kill all of us.

Just as Aro leaned in to sink his teeth into the delicate skin of Bella's neck, Alice stepped forward from behind them. "Wait!" She cried out, struggling against Alec's grip. "Bella and Evelyn will become like us! I've seen it. I'll change them myself."

Aro looked at Alice with new eyes; it was clear that he was intrigued. He walked over to her, allowing her to carefully place her delicate hand in his. The rest of them watched in silence as Aro saw what Evelyn could only guess was the vision that she had seen of them. His lips turned up into a surprised smile.

"Mesmerizing, to see what you have seen before it has happened," he murmured, releasing her hand. His eyes shifted to the human girls, who were watching with fear in their eyes. "You will both make for intriguing immortals." Evelyn did not miss the way his eyes lingered on her for just a moment longer; she knew it was because of the vision she had seen.

"Go now, and make your preparations." Immediately, Edward and Jasper were released, and then he was there to wrap his arms around Evelyn as they began backing towards the door. Edward and Bella quickly followed suit.

Marcus sighed loudly in his chair, utterly uninterested in the scene that had just unfolded. "Let us be done with this. Thank you for your visit."

"And we will return the favor," Caius sneered from beside him. "It would be wise to follow through on your promises. We don't offer second chances."

No one bothered to respond as they quickened their pace towards the exit, Jasper pulling Evelyn close to his side with Edward following suit with Bella. Behind her, Evelyn heard Will call out her name. She ignored it and did not look back as they walked through the massive oak door they came through, ignoring the feeling of her heart breaking in her chest once more.

*****

the way that this chapter has been in my head since i started writing this book omg i can't believe i've actually finally shared it with you all! i was so excited to finally write it. what did y'all think? were you shocked??

just a couple more chapters left! & don't worry, i'm not quite done with the plot twists yet ;)

thank you so much for reading!!