Hope - Jasper Hale

Hope - Chapter 21

-21-

I felt like I was in a painting as I entered the city of Volterra. I was basically hanging my head out of the taxi cap trying to take in all the scenery. Every detail seemed like it was painted carefully by the skilled hand of an old artist. 

Carlisle told me my escorts - Alec and Jane - would be waiting for me in an alley. That totally wasn’t unusual. I remember a vision of getting into the castle - there was a sewer in a specific alley. 

I had to prepare myself. I let out a deep breath. I can not think about my visions, I have to live in the fantasy world I have created with Edward and Jasper. A world were Bella is a vampire, I don’t remember my past, and I am powerless. 

The troublesome twins are waiting for me and I silently follow them down the sewer to the castle. I pretend like I have no memory of this place, and that I only know who they are because of what the Cullens have told me. 

We pass Gianna and head straight down the narrow corridor that leads to the main chamber. Everything is going well so far, but I am still nervous. 

As soon as we enter, Aro walks up to me and asks, “May I?” 

I extend my hand and he takes a hold of it. 

“How is Carlisle?” 

“He is fine.” 

“Your sister, Bella? I heard she got married. I assume she is well?” 

I shrug, “I suppose. She is still on her honeymoon so I haven’t gotten the chance to seen her. Have you met her?”

“We have been acquainted, she is supposed to be a vampire by now.” 

“Well she should be home in a week or so and I’ll find out if she has become a vampire yet,” I lie. 

“How about you, do you remember waking  up into this life?” 

“Not to be rude, but what is with the twenty questions?” I ask trying to stay in character - never actually meeting the Volturi.

“My child, it is just formality to know each vampire as the rulers of all vampires,” Aro explains. 

“Well... I remember fainting at school one day and waking up in Carlisle’s office. They explained what happened to me, but none of us really understood, they think something happened to me during my parent’s car accident.” 

“Do you have a power?” 

“Power?” 

“You know, girl,  a special ability. Like mind reading or seeing the future!” Caius hisses. 

That is when I snap, and in that split second Aro’s eyes leave mine and he utters one word, “Jane.” 

He releases my hand and in the next second I am on the cold tile writhing in pain. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of hearing my screams. 

“She has a magnificent power,” Aro grins. “But our dear, Violet, seems to be an actress.” 

“What do you mean, master?” Demitri asks. 

“She perfectly remembers our last encounter. She is quiet the little actress. She wanted to hide her power to herself.” 

“What power does she possess?” Marcus questions. 

“The power to see people’s pasts on command. Chelsea!” 

I want so badly to die now, I know what is going to happen. Chelsea can bend my will, she can change my opinions. She can make me hate the Cullens and be loyal to the Volturi. She can ruin my life. I need to die. 

“Yes, master?” I hear Chelsea standing directly behind me. 

“I think you and Violet should get acquainted. Perhaps, try to alter her stubborn opinions on who she should be acquainted with,” Aro orders. 

Chelsea smirks and grabs me by my wrists dragging me out of the chamber. At least the pain from Jane’s power is subsided. I struggle against her, but she refuses to let me go. I go limp when I realize where she is dragging me remembering this hallway. I end up in that chair and then come the restraints. I struggle to escape them, but Chelsea smirks, “Like the adjustments? The shock this thing gives should be enough to kill an army of ten thousand men all at once. Aro wanted to use it on vampires and I guess you always happen to be our lab rat.” 

She walks towards the switch and looks me in the eyes keeping me in her trance, “You will forget the good the Cullens and anyone you’ve associated with them have done. They are evil and they killed your parents. They tried to kill you, but do you know who saved you?”

I know she is lying, but I can’t stop myself from responding, “Who?” 

“The Volturi. You are so grateful that we saved you from those evil Cullens. We are the ones who turned you into a vampire after we saw you struggling from you injuries inflicted by the Cullens. You will do anything for Aro and remain loyal to us because we saved you from those evil Cullens. ABOVE ALL. You do not have any special power or ability whatsoever. Do you understand?” 

I know she is being a manipulative liar, but I still answer, “Yes.” 

My mind goes blank for a moment and then I felt a startling jolt of energy. 

I awake on a bed in a castle. It takes me a minute to realize I am home, in the castle. How long have I been out? I panic, what if I missed a mission? What if I failed Aro? I couldn’t do that to him - he was the one who saved me after all! 

“VIOLET!” I hear a voice. 

I am terrified. Aro will surely have my head on a silver platter, I don’t bother hiding. The door slowly creaks open as if it is taunting me, keeping me in suspense. 

Without warning the door bursts open and I am tackled to the floor. My worry becomes laughter as I struggle to get up, “Dimitri!” 

“What?” 

“You nearly gave me a heart attack!” 

“Why? Did you think I was Aro?” 

“No,” I lie. 

He gives me a look and holds me up by my ankle until I crack, “Alright, fine. Do you practice impressions or something in your spare time?” 

“Only always,” He grins. 

“Well does he need to see me?” I ask. 

“Not today, he’s given everyone a day off. Since you had a rough attack on our last mission. I don’t think you remember it, do you?” 

I shake my head. 

“Fainting really isn’t something vampires do, you are awfully weak.” 

“Hey,” I frown. “You are massive, you can defend yourself better.”

“Well you are tiny, you should be a ninja and be able to avoid anything. Why do you think I attack you every morning?” 

“Because I’m your favorite and it would be weird if you did it to Alec.” 

“Did I hear my name?” 

“Do I hear a very noisy vampire?” I reply sarcastically. 

Alec rolls his eyes, entering my room, “Look who’s talking.”