Dark Blood - A. Volturi

Chapter 12

The group trudged silently, dragging their new acquaintances along, back to Volterra. Jane felt a soft suspicion arise. Her brother was acting strangely lately, making quick decisions, and acting more like he was keeping secrets. And the twins never kept secrets from each other.

Something was going on, and whatever it was, Jane didn't like it. Something was wrong.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted as they arrived before the entrance of the Volturi castle. Jane decided to ask her brother before they presented their mission successful to the masters.

A lingering silence hung between the witch twins as

"Brother. I know you are hiding something, but why?" Her voice cut through the silence sharply, a thorn in suffocating silence.

For a moment, Alec looked startled, before he regained his emotionless demeanor. "I do not know what you are talking about, sister." He chose his words carefully, but Jane could sense that it was a lie; a cover for a truth.

"Brother, I know you well, and I know it's all a lie. Do you know something we don't? Because last time I remember, you were eager as to not let Jade on our mission," Jane retorted, her patience wearing thin. However, there was a hidden concern, lying beneath the surface.

Alec pressed his lips together in a thin line. When did Jane get so detective-like? "You'll find out soon, sister," He walked on, saying no more, but his posture was unnaturally stiff; and that worried Jane. Something very fishy was happening.

The group pushed open the doors of the throne room and stepped in just as their guests reawakened.

"Welcome!" Aro exclaimed as Rori sat up off the floor and quickly stood.

"I assume that we are in the Volturi castle?" Rori asked quietly. Her rebellious spirit was suddenly gone, no longer that girl who dared the Volturi to challenge her.

"Correct, my dear. Now, we have decided that you would be a wonderful addition to our guard," Aro replied smoothly, his smile not faltering for a second.

Rori narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but nodded nevertheless. "Fine,"'She muttered.

"I'm glad you chose yes, my dear. You are dismissed." Aro concluded.

As everyone was about to leave, Alec thought about revealing Raven right now, but thought against it. If he exposed her now, he wouldn't have any proof. He needed to refine his plan. Sharp and fool-proof. And soon, her true identity would be revealed.

Jane's POV

Something weird was happening. Alec had been stressing about something, and wouldn't tell her. That was worrying her. They never kept secrets from each other. And she had a feeling this had to do with Jade. Or who she claimed to be. Until she remembered something Aro had told them, back before Jade joined. Because of Jade's abilities, Aro had always been determined to recruit her. So she remembered when Aro was downtrodden when he found out she was dead. So how could Jade come back? No matter how powerful she is, there is no Self Reincarnation ability that she possesses.

And that leaves her with an unlikely option. Someone is taking on her image. But who has that type of ability? Narrowing it, she found three possible options. Cyra, who could imitate someone who was alive, casting the illusion of being someone else. Elise, who could change parts of her appearance, and Raven. The greatest enemy of the vampire world. She could turn into someone who was dead, and take on their abilities and appearance.

But which one of them would do it? Eliminate Elise, she's met the girl before. Elise was really sweet and kind, and there was no way she'd do this. Cyra was another case. Snarky, but she has no intentions of hurting anyone. Which meant, it was probably another case about Raven. Ugh, Corvenn. That girl couldn't take a break? God, did Aro know yet? Rolling her eyes, she decided to confront Alec first.

SHe walked towards her and Alec's shared room, her heels tapping against the cold marble floors with each step. Her face was void of emotion, and she looked exactly like how she always did. Cold, sadistic, and evil. Stopping in front of their room, she pushed the door open. Instead of finding Alec in his chair with a book in his hand, like always, he was at his desk. An evil smirk was plastered on his face. However, as Jane stepped closer, she realized his desk was a total mess. She looked at him, horrified.

"Brother, clean this up now!" She huffed, momentarily forgetting the real reason she had sought out her brother.

Alec glared at her. "I'm doing something important," He grumbled.

Jane returned the favor. "Thank you for reminding me. You've been... distant lately, and I think I know what's troubling you."

That did it. He looked up with fear in his eyes. "W-what? I-" He started, but Jane cut him off.

"It's her, isn't it? The imitater, Raven Corvenn?"

Shadow's POV

She sat alone on her bed, her head down. Alice and Rosalie had gone back, with the promise of coming back soon, but she didn't know when was 'soon'. She felt empty; hollow like, as if a piece of her left with Rosalie and Alice. She no longer had the motivation to stay at the Volturi. What was life if it was dull; miserable? A stray tear slid down her cheek, cold against her warm skin. She thought about how she was getting used only for her ability; she knew it was because of her power she was kept, and because she was a Hybrid. She raised her head, only to see the framed picture of her and her family. Everyone except for Bella.

The photo brought fresh tears to her eyes, spilling out like tiny rivers. Seeing her family altogether brought forth memories, and it pained her to be here now. A fresh wound in her heart. Especially because she wasn't there anymore, and waves of tears rolled down her face.

Not wanting to bear anymore, she curled up into a ball and crawled under her bedsheets. Crying softly, she tore her eyes away from the picture, and slipped away, submitting to the darkness creeping in.

But just as she was falling asleep, the door opened, and Jane stepped in.

"You're needed in the throne room." She said, her voice cold.

"Okay." Shadow replied, sniffing. She wiped her eyes, and changed into her Volturi uniform. Reaplying a bit of makeup, she exited the room.

Alec's POV

How had Jane known? From what he remeber, she's not a mind reader. Unless she had figured it out by herself. And seeing how smart she was, she probably did. This was bad. If she knew, she would definitely tell Aro. And then that would be the end for him.

Reluctantly letting his pencil fall, he stood up and started towards the throne room, until he realized that everyone was required, including Jade, or Raven.

It was the perfect chance to take his action.