CHAPTER 1 (Alec's P.O.V)
I was beginning to get bored when Aro called me. Finally, I thought, I'll have something to do. I hope it's something serious. Not some old vampire they took pity on, and want to kill him painlessly again. What am I? A painkiller? Yeah, maybe I can relieve pain, but I can cut off all senses, not just pain. And I've had it with these executions.
"What's bothering you?" A asked me, jerkingme from my chain of thoughts. I turned around to find my sister Jane.
"Nothing." I replied. "Did Aro call you, too?"
She nodded.
"He called us both. It must be something important." She said. At least it means that this is no execution. He called Jane. Jane can't be all that handy during an execution, can she? I mean, not unless they want to torture the guy first. But, why the hell did they call me then? Torture the guy and then give him painless death. That's just weird, and most definitely not Aro's style.
"As far as I know, Demetri and Renata have been called, too." She added. "It looks like it's going to be a mission outside the castle. It's been a while since I've been out. Aren't you excited, brother? I am."
"Let's find out what Aro really wants, and then get excited." I said and smiled. Jane shrugged, and we soon found ourselves in the main chambers. Aro was standing by the window, looking outside. He did not turn when he heard us arrive. Neither Jane nor myself did anything to notify him that we're here. We both knew that Aro knew we were present, and he will speak to us when he wished to. We were joined by Demetri, and then Renata few seconds later. Aro finally turned to speak to us when we were all present.
"You called us, Master?" Jane asked sweetly.
"Yes, I did, my dear Jane." Aro replied in the same tone of affection. "I have something important for four of you to do. If my information is correct, then with your help, we can have another addition to the guard..." He stopped talking and left the sentence hanging.
"What do you mean, Master." Jane asked. I couldn't even guess where Aro was going with this. Addition to the guard? So vague. I waited for Aro to say more and clarify himself.
"Yes, an addition." Aro said, smiling. "I have news that there is a human in Alaska who shows extraordinary skills. I don't know yet what exactly this human can do, but if my information is correct, then think how powerful he or she will be once changed. How very valuable to us."
"What is it you want us to do?" Jane asked. It was always Jane that spoke mostly to Aro. I preferred to keep silent, unless asked a question directly.
"Find a human." Aro answered simply. "Find him and observe him. See his abilities. Once sure, bring him back alive. I wan tto change him myself, unless it's an emergency."
I understood Aro now. We had to observe a human. That didn't matter to me much, what mattered to me was the fact that I could escape the confinements of the Volturi castle, at last. And this time, most likely, for a long period of time. I let my lips curve into a smile. I already like the sound of this mission. I just wished it wouldn't be over that quickly.
"Sounds easy enough." Demetri said.
"Yes, and so, I expect you not to screw up." Aro said in a dangerously low voice. "Try to blend in. Don't let anybody suspect of what you are."
"Don't worry, Master." Renata said. "We won't fail you."
"I hope so." He replied, and remained silent for a moment, thinking things over. Then, he started again. "The human will be in school. Alec, Jane, you two will be enrolled in it as students. Make sure you don't miss anything. Keep an aye out every second. And once you find a human, don't take your eyes off of him. Find a way to bring him here. Don't leave rumors behind. Demetri and Renata will be on the lookout outside.. The four of you will go into the town as a family. You've done this before. So don't make any mistakes."
"Yes, Master." All four of us said at the same time. "You won't be disappointed."
"I sure hope not." Aro replied. "You are dismissed. Prepare and leave as soon as you are ready."
The four of us came out of the main chambers and shut the door behind.
"Let's get ready then. It seems pretty easy." Demetri said. "Find a human, observe a human, bring a human. Three little steps, how hard should it be?"
How hard indeed, I thought, School again, this should be fun.
The following night, the four of us were aboard a plane, already acting complitely human, on our way to Alaska. Every pair of eyes that looked at us thought we were an adorable family. Demetri was acting as a father, Renata as a mother, and me and Jane as twin kids. I smiled. We put on our contacts to hide our red eyes, and avoided sunny places.
I relaxed as the plane took off. i took out my play station, my fingers were moving across the buttons in the lightning speed.
"Act human." Jane hissed.
"Everyone is sleeping." I muttered back. "And trust me, no one can notice this. To human eyes, it would just seem as I am holding the thing, not playing it."
Jane hissed again, discontent with my reply. i ignored her. I had all time to relax now, because, as soon as the plane lands, I'd have to get to the business.
