Violet Forsythe has been through hell.
Her entire family is dead, her daywalker best friend hates her guts, and her vampire boyfriend is giving her the silent treatment all the way from Italy.
But Violet is anything but a quitter, and she has a few...
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"Pardon me?" Aro asked, masking his bewilderment well.
"Bella," I repeated. "Bella Cullen."
"What about her?" Caius snapped.
"Bella's gift," I began. "It's a shield against mental tricks - like your ability to read minds, or the twins ability to incapacitate, or even Demetri's ability to track. And I know she's able to extend it to the people around her, as well."
"Yes," Aro said, his curiosity peaked. Based on his expression, I could tell he had no idea where I was going with this.
"My gift - sound manipulation - isn't a mind trick." I explained. "You saw what I did to Jane. My gift is very, very real. It's tangible."
"What are you suggesting?" Aro asked, his eyes glued to me.
"The Cullens are a threat to the coven. You don't have the upper hand with them anymore, which is incredibly dangerous."
"What is your point?" Caius snapped, growing angrier.
"Once I turn, with the right training, I can help keep the Cullen's in line. I'm not saying we need to attack them, per se. But...it wouldn't hurt to have some insurance. Maybe flex a little?"
"Do you take us for fools?" Caius exclaimed.
"You're close to Renesmee," Aro said. "We have no way of knowing whether or not you would turn on us once we've extended you mercy."
"The Cullens want nothing to do with me," I said bitterly. "They've demonstrated very clearly that they want nothing to do with me. There is no way they'd ever take me in after what I did to their werewolf."
"Hmm," Aro hummed, visibly getting lost in thought.
"Aro, you cannot truly be considering this," Caius said.
"The Blackwoods," I added quickly when I saw Aro's expression flicker. "They were building a larger coven. Rapidly. Do you think they are the only ones out there trying this? After you allowed the Cullens to walk away from punishment the way you did?
"People are getting ideas, Aro. People will try to push you, and defy you. You need a stronger team. Quantity won't work, either. Look how well it worked out for the Blackwoods."
"And what would you recommend?" Aro asked inquisitively.
"You need more sustenance in your coven. You know that; that's how you've built such a strong coven in the first place. But you need more. You need protection and I have the potential to provide that for you. For the whole coven!"
"You expect us to spare you because you have the nerve to throw around empty threats?" Caius asked, giving me a chilly glare.
"They're not empty threats," I insisted. "I saw the Blackwood's compound. I saw with my own two eyes what they were up to. I saw their intent.
"The world isn't as easily controlled as it used to be. Humanity is evolving, and so are vampires. You can't sit here and stick to the same shtick you've been clinging to for millennia. The Volturi needs to evolve with the rest of the world, or else you'll be left behind in a pile of ashes."
"How DARE YOU THREATEN US!" Caius screamed. "HOW DARE YOU!"
"It's not a threat! It's the truth!" I exclaimed. "And you know it, too, Aro!"
Felix jostled me in order to get me to shut up.
"There's no reason to lose your temper," Aro said soothingly to Caius, though it was clear that his tone had no effect on him whatsoever. "It won't hurt to take a moment to consider her words."
Caius glared at Aro, but didn't say anything.
"Suppose we choose to spare you," Aro said, returning his attention to me. "What should we do with you? You've committed a heinous crime. Treason isn't a charge that's taken lightly."
"Let's cut a deal," I said boldly. I was surprised with how smoothly I was able to present my case, and how coolly I'd been able to conduct myself despite the circumstances.
Aro raised his eyebrows and continued to stare at me expectantly.
"Drop the charges. Not just against me, but against the people who were even mildly aware that I was up to something," I said, choosing to not put my co-conspirators on blast in front of the entire coven.
Aro knew who I was talking about.
"Also," I added, getting brave, " I want five years."
"Pardon me?" Aro asked, his eyebrows pulling together.
"I would like to have five years away from the coven," I explained. "I'm an immature eighteen year old high school drop out with zero life experiences and nothing to show for myself. I don't want to be frozen at this version of myself for eternity."
"That's a tall order," Marcus said languidly.
"I just want enough time to get my GED and go to college. Once I graduate with a degree, I'll join your coven peacefully and quietly. Forever."
The room lapsed into heavy silence.
"That's an interesting request," Aro finally replied. "But a valiant one."
Aro paused for another long moment.
"My brother's and I will discuss your proposal," Aro said lightly before turning toward Marcus and Caius.
Marcus and Caius stood and took Aro's hands as he approached them.
My heart hammered in my chest and I anxiously waited to hear their decision.
Had I truly found a way to walk away from this nightmare unscathed, or was I mere moments away from my death?
Eventually, the three coven leaders released hands and turned to face me.
They stared at me expressionlessly for a brief moment before Aro announced the verdict.
