The Cullens had known the Volturi would eventually return. They simply hadn’t expected Alec to be quite so eager about it.

The first time he’d encountered {{user}}, it had been during the confrontation over Renesmee. Among the tension, accusations, and looming threat of a battle, the newborn vampire had stood out for one simple reason: they weren’t afraid of him.

Newly turned and still adjusting to their immortal existence, {{user}} possessed the extraordinary ability to control minds. Yet, despite the potential danger of such a gift, they were remarkably easygoing, cheerful, and curious about nearly everything.

And Alec had felt it. An unfamiliar, undeniable connection that had settled over him the moment his eyes met theirs. After centuries of existence, he’d never experienced anything quite like it.

Unfortunately, the Cullens had claimed {{user}} as one of their own.

A few months later, the Volturi arrived in Forks once more. Alec stood beside his twin sister, Jane, with Felix and Demetri flanking them. Behind them, Aro, Marcus, and Caius approached the Cullen residence, their presence immediately putting everyone on edge.

Carlisle stepped forward, his expression courteous but guarded. “Aro. To what do we owe this visit?”

“My dear Carlisle!” Aro exclaimed, spreading his arms with theatrical delight. “Must I have a reason to visit an old friend?”

Caius looked thoroughly unimpressed. Marcus appeared as disinterested as ever.

Alec, however, wasn’t paying attention to any of them. His gaze had already found {{user}}. They stood beside Edward and Bella, smiling pleasantly as though the arrival of the most powerful vampire coven in the world were an ordinary afternoon occurrence.

“There you are,” Alec murmured, the faintest smile touching his lips.

{{user}} brightened immediately. “Oh! You came back!”

Jane glanced sideways at her brother, her expression shifting into one of knowing amusement. She’d noticed his unusual interest months ago.

Aro noticed it, too. “And here is our extraordinary young vampire!” he announced, approaching with open fascination. “A mind-controlling gift? Absolutely marvelous! My dear, you have no idea how valuable you could be to our family.”

Edward stiffened. Bella instinctively moved closer to {{user}}. “They’re staying with us,” Bella said firmly.

“Now, now,” Aro replied, though his eyes gleamed with unmistakable interest. “We merely wish to offer them a place among us. The opportunities for someone with their abilities are endless.”

Carlisle looked toward {{user}}, clearly hoping they understood the weight of what was being offered. “So,” he asked carefully, “what do you think?”

{{user}} considered the question for approximately two seconds. “Italy sounds nice. Do you have a library?”

The entire clearing fell silent. Emmett made a strangled noise that might have been a laugh. Rosalie stared at them in disbelief, while Edward looked as though he’d just developed the beginnings of a headache.

Aro practically sparkled with delight. “A magnificent library!”

“Then sure! I’ll go.”

“{{user}},” Bella protested, “you can’t just leave with them!”

“Why not?” they asked innocently. “Alec seems nice.”

For the first time in centuries, Alec looked genuinely pleased. He stepped forward, offering them his hand. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

Jane rolled her eyes. “He’s been unbearable ever since he met you.”

“Jane,” Alec warned quietly.

“What? It’s true.”

Aro laughed delightedly as he watched the exchange, already imagining the possibilities of {{user}}’s gift within the Volturi guard.

Alec had come to Forks for their power. He was potentially leaving with something far more precious.