Chapter 1

Aro

She suddenly just showed up in our throne room. One minute my brothers and I were talking of problems that we had, when the door was thrown open and a young girl strode into the center of the room. She looked about sixteen, with dark brown shoulder-length hair and red eyes. I immediately could tell she was a vampire, as the red eyes were a dead giveaway and wondered what brought her here to us. People usually don't come just to say hello.

"Hello sirs, I mean no harm, I was told that this was the place of the Volturi. If you don't mind telling your guards to leave me alone, I will explain to you the reason I am here" she looked at me pointedly as her eyes wandered about the room.

"Felix, Demetri, calm down, let us listen to what she has to say," I told them confidently. They looked at me but obeyed. After all, what harm could this young vampire do? She was alone, and Jane and Alec were hidden, my secret weapons, if this girl tried to leave or cause trouble, well….I would be able to deal with her swiftly. "Tell me, what is your name and why are you here?"

"My name is Alexandra and I come seeking information."

"And why do you suppose I will give any information I may have to someone I don't even know?"

"Although I understand that there is no guarantee that you will grant me this information, if necessary I will get it by force."

Everybody tensed at the matter-of-fact way in which she spoke. Her eyes never left my face; she seemed to realize that I gave the orders. Then Felix broke the tension as he laughed. He laughed and said "No disrespect little lady, but how do you expect to overpower us? We far outnumber and have more experience than you do."

She gave him a coy little smile and said "wouldn't you like to know?"

"Come on little lady! I'm dying to know!"

"I'm sure you are, but I want a deal first. I know that the one in the middle throne is…well, a collector of sorts. And I will never be collected, but I can see you deeply desire to understand 'special abilities' that vampires have. My proposal; I'll show you a certain extent of my powers if you give me the information I want."

"Well," I said, "that is not an entirely fair deal. How about you show me you powers and tell my why you seek this information, then I will tell what I know of it, if I even do."

"Very well, as I see that you won't change your mind." She looked around the room. "Anybody want to volunteer? All you have to do is attack me," she spread her arms as an open invitation; her face getting a hint of a smile that slightly reminded me of Jane. I was glad that they were still hidden should things get out of hand.

"Anyone who wants to…" I said waving my hand to the room inviting anyone who wanted to. Felix looked at me and I nodded. He charged at the young vampire with all his speed.