34 | WHEN THE STORM HITS |

RED. FLASHES OF BRILLIANT RED.

Like the flames of fire, the fire that burned. She could smell the ash and smoke like death. She was choking, bleeding. Her skin, cold and hard as diamond, and eyes burning in fury, in revenge, in hate.

She was coming for her.

She was coming for them.

➖

The emerald forests surrounding Forks were as grey and foreboding as they had always been. Hiding the secret world of the supernatural from the rest of the world, and now hiding the very cause of the Cullens standing in the middle of nowhere. The family of vampires waited amongst the trees rigidly, waiting for Alice's signal. Alice waited for the second to arrive, for someone to arrive.

She was coming.

Like any vision of the future she had, Alice knew it were possible for it not to happen with the unpredictability of decisions, but she had a feeling this one would come to pass. She had been strictly watching Victoria's decisions, as well as the Volturi's, but since the former was the more immediate threat, all focus had been on the elusive redhead hellbent on revenge for the past few days since Alice's vision in the high school cafeteria. It was why they had all gathered in the woods near the territory of the Quileute tribe, without the benefit of Edward's speed and the endangerment of Bella, to catch Victoria once and for all.

"You sure this is where you saw her, Alice?" Carlisle asked as they all kept an eye out for any sign.

"She's almost here," Alice whispered, feeling the approaching moment. Her eye caught a glimpse of the vivid curls of red amongst the trees. "To your left!" Alice cried out, like the gunshot of a race, they were on Victoria's trail.

Emmett and Jasper took the lead, the pine trees and evergreen's in their path being the only obstacle slowing them down. Emmett got close to grabbing the red curls, but she shoved him off, knocking him into the trees.

Victoria looked back at the Cullens chasing after her with a snarl, her red eyes like a laser, calculating their closeness. She noticed the blond one, the one who had been with the other human girl Victoria had taken care of, was gaining distance, pushing himself away from the rest. She wondered if he knew she was the cause of his precious lover's death.

Her moment to reveal her hand in the human's death came as Jasper launched himself at her, they rolled on the dirt briefly. The others were too far behind to help Jasper, but they were catching up.

She smirked at his attempts to secure her. "If only your precious Rory was as fast as you, she could've escaped that fire," she taunted, cueing his confusion and brash realization of Victoria's involvement in the Florence University fire, giving her the second she needed to slip away and jump across the river.

Jasper growled and coiled to follow after the redhead. Only being stopped by Carlisle's hand from leaping across the ledge. "Wait—she's on their territory," he said as Victoria landed on the wolves' land.

The Cullens continued to run along the opposite of Victoria as two wolves appeared and chased after her. Victoria smirked as she realized the Cullens wouldn't follow her to the side with the werewolves even if the dogs were chasing after her now too. She could play this game.

"She'll get away," Esme said as the wind whipped around them, everyone's eyes on the redhead on the other side of the river. The wolves almost snapped onto Victoria, but she leaped back to the Cullen's side of the river just in the nick of time.

The vampires pushed ahead in attempt to catch up with the redhead that was as fast as lightning. The wolves barked and growled from their side.

"No she won't," Jasper snarled as he pushed forward once more and launched himself at her again, his arms spread out to catch the redhead, but she ducked and he crashed into the dirt and trees once more.

As he lifted his head from the bushes and black dirt, a pale hand met his eyesight, offering aid. Jasper stood slowly, his golden eyes wide with surprise and wonder as he stared at the owner of the hand he still held.

"What are you doing here, Rory?"

➖

Aurora blinked as she looked away from her own reflection in the mirror.

"And that's the last time I try to use compulsion on myself," she murmured as she finished cleaning her hands of the fine oil paint she had been gifted as an "awakening" present from Alec.

She couldn't remember much from her human life, but her love for art only increased as a vampire. She now had hundreds of artworks finished and displayed throughout the Volturi castle.

One of the benefits of immortality was the fact she never had way too much time on her hands and no need for sleep. In fact, it was impossible to become exhausted. She could probably paint for weeks and never tire, only until her thirst overwhelmed her and she was learning to overcome it. Painting, practicing her gift, and drinking blood all helped fill her eternal hours.

And she desperately needed to distract herself from the developing problems she'd like to ignore, such as the growing strength of her gift—which she knew every vampire in the coven were not exactly celebrating—or the tangled ball of confusion that was Aurora's unresolved feelings for Alec. The latter was a matter the newborn had no idea how to even begin to unravel the messy emotions. She'd rather paint.

The other pressing issue was her lack of human memories she had been low key attempting to retrieve ever since the day Edward Cullen tried to commit suicide by revealing his disco ball skin to a crowd of innocents.

Aurora felt the need to recover her human past because even Alec, her creator and closest confidant, was clueless about her past as well. He had tried, though, but his help was ultimately futile. It was human Rory's own fault too, because human Rory refused to tell Alec much about her life for reasons Aurora would like to know herself. This burning curiosity is what led Aurora to try and use her own gift to force herself to remember what happened to her.

"Blood and fire. How fucking helpful," she muttered as the water ran crystal clear once more.

"Talking to yourself again, luce mia?" A smooth, angelic voice said by the doorway.

Aurora shut the crystal faucet off and dried her hands quickly. "Stalking me again, Alec?" she raised her brows.

He chuckled and rushed to her side to press a kiss to her cheek endearingly. "Always." Alec lingered being pressed against her curves.

The darker haired vampire rolled her eyes and walked out of the bathroom into her quarters. She didn't really like to call the space she kept her clothing and trinkets in a bedroom for she had no need for the giant black bed beneath the window. Alec followed behind her as usual.

"They desire a word with you," he said, not needing to clarify the ancient trio who ruled their world. He watched Aurora's slight sigh with a raised brow, "If you could find it in your busy schedule to fit them in?"

Aurora shrugged as she looked through her different dresses. "I'm sure I'll find a way," she answered teasingly with a crooked smirk.

She held up two different black dresses for Alec to choose. He pointed to the one on the left—the tighter, slinkier Versace dress—and she smiled as she gestured for him to turn around.

He rolled his burgundy colored eyes, but followed her command as he listened to her swiftly change outfits.

"Is there some vampire I need to command to do some task for the Volturi?" Aurora asked when she was all dressed and slipping her Loubitton heels on. It was the usual reason why they required her presence, otherwise she was basically free to hang around the castle and work on her abilities. They didn't expect much from her as a newborn.

Alec watched her pick up the Volturi crest necklace indecisively, the diamonds and rubies glinting with undeniable power. He sped up right behind her and grabbed the gold clasp himself, deftly attaching the hook to the corresponding chain, his fingers lingering on her smooth skin. They slowly met eyes in the mirror she was using to finish getting ready.

He stepped back.

"No idiotic nomads today. I believe they are sending you on your very first mission, luce mia," Alec smirked proudly as she spun around to show him her finished outfit.

Aurora bit her lip anxiously, an action that caused Alec to smile widely at her human nuance.  "I hope it's not somewhere too populated. I haven't quite perfected my control around humans," she frowned as they began walking—which was more like blurred vampire speed whilst still being able to keep a conversation—towards the throne room.

"You'll be fine, Aurora," Alec said placatingly, his use of her true name showing they were now in public and he was somewhat back to the emotionless shadow Alec was known as.

They approached the intricately carved double oak doors and entered the throne room where it was mostly empty of guards other than the necessary ones protecting the three vampire masters. Jane stood nearby with a small smile on her face, already been briefed on her own mission and only awaiting her dear twin.

"Masters," Alec and Aurora both bowed before the three thrones. Aro, Caius, and Marcus acknowledged the display and exchanged a look.

"Ah, dear ones, I'm glad to see you this evening," Aro stood from his throne in the middle of the trio with a big beaming grin.

Alec nodded at Aurora once before moving to join Jane's side, leaving Aurora alone in the center of the room. The twins watched Aurora receive her first mission with neutral stares.

"Good evening, masters," Aurora said calmly. "Alec told me I am being assigned a mission?"

"Yes, you've been precariously selected for this pressing matter," Caius said coldly. "We wouldn't normally send a highly gifted guard member on a mission alone, especially an inexperienced newborn as yourself, but with your...interesting past with the sospetti colpevoli, it will be easier to fool them."

At the mention of Aurora's past, she stiffened, her nails pressing into her palms anxiously as the only people from her past the Volturi would care about would be—"The Cullens?" Her tone was full of confusion.

"You didn't think they were truly exempt from the law, did you? They may drink from animals but they are still vampires like the rest of us," Caius rolled his bright red eyes laced with malice.

The vampires in the throne room, kings and guards alike, all tittered out in mocking laughter at the expense of the human-loving coven. Aurora remained silent.

"The matter of Isabella Swan, the Cullen's human," Aro frowned as if the information deeply upset him. He paced in front of his throne thoughtfully. "It has been two months since the Cullens agreed to turn her and we have received no word that they have followed through on our merciful agreement."

Aurora didn't need to guess what Aro wanted her to do—where to go. "I have to go to Forks," she declared, more so to let it sink in than to question it.

Caius nodded, his cold expression combined with his long snow-white hair making him look like some kind of immortal ice king. "You must uncover any other secrets the Cullens may be hiding. It is of utmost importance to gain their full trust; perhaps you can pretend to have a change of heart or some sort—you're clever enough to figure it out—and report any evidence you find to us."

She withheld her sigh of relief, but she was slightly bewildered by the mission itself. "You want me to pretend to join their coven?"

The last thing she ever imagined the Volturi do would be willingly handing her over to another competitor coven, even if the coven claimed to desire no want for ruling and even if it was fake.

"Yes, it is impudent to prevent the clan from rousing suspicion we are investigating them especially if it warrants no need," Aro explained with a fervent nod, "Carlisle remains a dear friend to me, I wouldn't want him to think I didn't trust him." He appeared almost distraught at the thought.

And sending a spy to infiltrate their coven because the Volturi didn't trust them was somehow the morally superior idea. Aurora wondered how out of touch with reality the three kings really were.

"The bonds you formed with the ones who visited whilst you were human remain, albeit murky, but the strength will suffice," Marcus spoke up in his weary voice, his spiritless crimson eyes meeting hers, "They will have no qualms when you request safe haven."

Aurora felt conflicted again. She was loyal to the Volturi, but lying to the Cullens who had done nothing to her except remember her seemed wrong. The Cullens had technically broken the law, but they had also promised to change Bella which was the only thing that had saved them from execution. Only because of your own meddling, she reminded herself.

She didn't like the position they were putting her in, but what other choice did she have? Disobedience was not a question, no matter her special gift.

Aurora swallowed her doubts and met the three vampire's expectant gazes. "How will I proceed if I don't remember them?"

What kind of act would she need to put on to make them believe she had turned sides? That she had left the Volturi and wanted to return to a place that was once home, a home she no longer recalled.

"The mission doesn't call for reminiscing in the streets," Caius sneered. "Join their coven, gain insider knowledge of their suspected crimes and plans, bring forth evidence that Isabella Swan has changed, and return here." He listed her objectives like they were simply grocery list items and not ethically ambiguous.

"Yes, master," Aurora responded obediently when the time came. "How long do I have to pretend?"

Aro exchanged a furtive glance with Marcus and Caius before nodding. He looked back at Aurora with a smile. "A month should suffice. Collect the necessary evidence, Aurora. At all costs."

With his friendly smile, he looked as though he were sending her on a paid month long vacation and not a morally questionable mission that would deeply agonize the unsuspecting clan if they were to ever find out.

Aurora nodded once.

Aro folded his hands together as he sat in his throne once more. "Any other questions, my dear girl?"

She didn't say a word, but her gaze flicked towards the twins who had been watching.

Aro glanced at the pair pleasingly. It was a beneficial thing for trouble to be arising in the city of Seattle, necessitating the twins interference, in the same region Aro's newest trophy member would be on a mission. That way, his beloved treasures would keep each other in track.

Since the moment Alec had hauled the girl into the castle whilst in the middle of changing, Aro had been very agreeable with the girl's nuances, from allowing her a private room to freewill to move about the castle unlike other guards. Aro was not oblivious, he was very aware Alec was quite bored with their lifestyle and was only loyal and obedient out of deference for Jane, who unlike her twin, was still blindingly enthusiastic for her position. With Aurora, her immensely powerful and unexpected gift should have been threatening. Yet Alec's surprising attachment to her and Aurora's vice versa was the icing on the cake. Now he had both Alec and Aurora in the palm of his hand.

"Alec and Jane are leading a mission of their own, not far from Forks actually. Demetri and Felix will accompany them." He didn't describe any further details, but Jane's sudden sinister glint in her ruby eyes didn't help Aurora's anxiety.

At least Alec wouldn't be across a whole ocean from her.

"Thank you, master," she answered instead, making sure to convey her gratitude as she bowed deeply. "When do I leave?"

Jane smiled largely, finally having a chance to interject. "The jet leaves in two hours."

"Oh, and Aurora?" Aro spoke up once more just as she turned to leave and prepare for her first ethically dubious mission.

"Yes, master?"

"Be sure to remain discreet, especially considering you will be operating in a town that mourns your mortal soul," Aro warned her with a pleasant smile one would give to their beloved grandchild. The unspoken command was clear—Aurora was not to engage with any humans who had known her as Rory Aden.

"Of course, master."

With that, Aurora walked out of the room with her head held high and the twins behind her, forming a trio of inconceivable power, power that belonged to the three kings watching them carefully.

"Farewell, dear ones..."

➖

"So what if she's a newborn?" Emmett said once he, Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Rosalie returned from a confrontation with Sam and the Quileute tribe at the river to find Jasper waiting with a vulnerable looking crimson-eyed Rory.

In only a plain pair of stolen jeans, an old red hoodie, and a tattered backpack filled with all Aurora thought to bring, she was as threatening as a kitten.

The Cullens were a little suspicious of Rory's sudden appearance, but were mostly surprised. Alice had admitted she had been focused on Aro's decisions and not Rory's, although she understood why she wouldn't have if the decision was sudden like Rory claimed. Jasper was dealing with the mess that was everyone's emotions at the moment, hardly thinking to deal with his own.

"Newborns are dangerous, Emmett," Rosalie said cooly as she eyed Rory. "Not to mention she's part of the Volturi. Or was," Rosalie added at Rory's near correction.

"And that's supposed to intimidate us?" Emmett guffawed and looked at Rory with a dimpled playful smile. "Girl, one time you cried over a dog commercial on the television. No way in hell she's dangerous."

Rory's brows furrowed at his stare and she wrapped her arms around herself even more if possible as if to comfort herself from all the confusion she was feeling.

"Emmett," Jasper shook his head lightly.

Emmett sucked in a breath, "Oh shit. Forgot about the whole amnesia thing...my bad, Rory."

She tilted her head, "It is alright. I take no offense, Emmett." Aurora shuffled slightly in discomfort at the long time they had been standing there. Mostly the Cullens had asked if she was sent by the Volturi 'I left them' and why she came back to Forks 'I wanted to try and remember my past' and if she wanted to stay with them 'That would be nice'.

Emmett continued to blather because he didn't like the weird tension either. "It's just so weird...you're immortal and you've spent the last three months with the dusty old Volturi, trust me Jazz has whined all about that witch boy you hang out with apparently, and—"

"Emmett," Esme said warningly and the broad vampire raised his hands up innocently. "I apologize for him," the caramel haired vampire smiled warmly at Rory. "Please, don't let my son run you away from here." She wanted to apologize for everything else their family had caused pain in her life, but now was not the time nor place.

Aurora shook her head. "Nothing can keep me away from home," she said, playing the homesick amnesiac perfectly. "I just want to be normal again."

Alice smiled at Rory. "I'm glad you feel that way and don't worry, you will. It just takes time, Rory." She had been hoping Rory would change her mind about the Volturi and come back to Forks so she could be happy again with Jasper.

Carlisle sighed, taking in how his family was reacting to Rory's suspicious return. He wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt as well, old memories of endearing conversations about the medical field hit him as the newborn looked at him hopefully. With Edward not there to reveal her true thoughts, Carlisle had to rely on his gut.

He couldn't turn Rory away, not even if she was associated with the Volturi. He had one question left. "And how will you be feeding? I assume you are aware of our way of life, Rory?"

"Don't worry, Carlisle." Rory said reassuringly, tucking a dark wave behind her ear ashamedly, "I have my thirst under control...I-I never quite liked killing. The Volturi told me I had to and until they came to Volterra, I never knew, or remembered, there was another way. All those innocents...I-I'm a monster—"

"—No. You never were." Jasper interrupted her, finally speaking up from his position beside her. "You could never be a monster, Rory."

He had been quiet the entire time really since she appeared out of the blue and helped him to his feet once Victoria disappeared. He couldn't discern if Rory was lying or not, he felt her guilt and nervousness, but those emotions were all explainable with her seeking their help even though she didn't remember them. And hope, Jasper and his family all shared that emotion with her, that they were hoping she would join their family for good.

Jasper purposely didn't try to push her into remembering him or their beautifully tragic history, knowing it'd only result in Rory pulling away. He knew Rory and she never liked being smothered or controlled. It was probably was part of why she left the Volturi and Alec.

Jasper would wait for her patiently. As long as she needed.

"C'mon then," Jasper said to his family. "Let's go home."

Aurora felt a small grin form on her face.

Victory.

The Cullens all nodded and motioned for Rory to follow along after them. They began running through the dark woods instinctively knowing the way back to their home.

Jasper and Alice ran at a slower pace for Rory as she took her time getting through the unfamiliar territory. The seven vampires all paused in front of the large four story modern style home.

Aurora stared at the almost familiar house with narrowed eyes, trying to follow the loose thread of recognition to a ball of tangled murky human memories.

"What do you think?" Esme looked at her hopefully, "It's no Italian castle, but it's home," she grinned as she pulled Rory into the house.

"It's lovely..."

Aurora could almost identify the layout of the house. She knew there were two different stairways, one main one that connected all four stories and another steeper stairway that was connected to only the second floor and dark memories. She shook her head of the fog as she followed Esme into the living room where all the Cullens gathered to welcome her back to the house.

"You can put your backpack in my room, Rory!" Alice suggested, eyeing the backpack with ideas for a shopping spree already in mind, as they filed into the area.

She watched the six golden eyed vampires with bright eyes and a guilty conscience.

She noted the missing two—Edward and Bella—hoping for the Cullens sake, Bella was a vampire already. Otherwise, it would make her job worse. Aurora also noticed how familiar the sight in front of her was becoming. It wasn't too hard to imagine Aurora, or Rory as they called her, had once fit in with the picture perfect family once upon a time.

"Thank you for accepting me into your lovely home," Aurora said with an innocent shrug and bashful tuck of her hair behind her ear.

Carlisle wrapped his arm around Esme and nodded to Aurora. "You've always been part of our family, Rory. Family is forever."

Aurora dimly remembered one thing now.

She easily withheld her bitterness from showing as she tilted her head appraisingly at the Cullens, "Forever, indeed."

She smiled widely.

➖

AN ok ik its a lil wild that rory's spying on the cullens now and shes kind of being a bit evil but trust me i got a good arc for her for eclipse, which begins as of this chapter obviously ; )

feel free to leave comments!!

also a giant thank u to all of those who wished me happy birthday! ya girl 18 now 😛🤧😤

i love u all and thank u for supporting this story!