"I am a thousand years old, little one. Breathe. Don't give up hope."
We were back at the doors that led to the gathering room. My legs almost froze but I took a deep breath and continued on.
I approached the three kings on their thrones. I suddenly felt very small and weak.
"We have decided your fate Ava. You will join us in immortality and join the Volturi." Aro declared excitedly. "May I try to read you again young Ava?"
"Of course Master Aro. I put my hand in his outstretched one."
"I still see nothing. I think that you will make for a most interesting immortal. If you would tell Felix exactly where to find your car and all you have done to make yourself disappear thus far he will be in change of making you die in the eyes of the human world."
"Yes, Master Aro,"
"Demetri," he addressed the second vampire, "You will be in charge of Ava's change and training."
"Yes Master," the two vampires said at the same time.
"Show Ava to human's guest quarters Demetri and see that she is fed until her change is complete."
"This way Ava," Felix guided me.
Both vampires accompanied me. I was taken through twists and turns and up one level to a beautiful studio apartment. It contained a kitchenette, a bedroom area, and a nice living room area.
"This is amazing," I told them both.
"I am glad that you are pleased with it Ava ." Demetri commented. "Are you hungry? I could go get your food, while you tell Felix what needs to be done."
"Thank you Demetri. It's just Ava. Yes, I'm very hungry. I was too nervous to be able to eat this morning."
Demetri smiled at me and left.
"So your car is located at the airport near the University of Washington.
"Yes, here are the keys," Ava passed them to him. "I don't know if my trip to Italy would be traceable by my father. I assume he would find it. I couldn't do any differently. I came straight from the airport today. Here are the keys to the rental car I got at the airport. I came over spring break. I won't be missed until tomorrow."
I passed the keys to the rental car. "My bag is still in the trunk of the car. It would be nice to have some of my clothing to change into. I only brought in what I'm wearing. I didn't know if I would still be around to need clothing tomorrow."
"Little one you were exceptionally brave to come here. I will stay with you until Demetri comes back with your food before I leave you. I would recommend you ask Demetri how long he intends to keep you human. Demetri has the suite next to you so you have some protection there but when he is working I would request a guard."
"I hope I don't stay human much longer, Felix. The change is something that I have known was coming since the day I was here with Edward. It has been hanging over my head. I'd rather just get it over with. I'm not exactly a masochist and I'd like to get the painful portions of the process over-with."
"Again, very brave and pragmatic. I think I will like to get to know you little one. Demetri is almost back. I will look forward to speaking further at a later date."
"I think I will too," I admitted shyly.
Demetri came in as Felix was leaving.
"Did you give Felix all the information he will need?"
"Yes, I told him all about my trip here, when I will be missed, and where my truck and rental car can be found."
"Very good. Here is your food."
"Thank you very much. Demetri."
Demetri looked at me with some confusion.
"Did I do something wrong?" I asked.
"Address me as Master Demetri please." Demetri stated calmly.
"I apologize Master Demetri I won't make that mistake again."
"No problem,"
"Felix said I should ask you how long you intend to keep me human Master Demetri. He also said that I should ask you for a guard until then when you aren't in your quarters."
"A guard until you can be changed would be a good idea. I'll call for one for you when I go to court tomorrow. How long would you like to remain human, Ava?"
"I'd like to get the change over as quickly as possible. I'm not exactly looking forward to it but I'm not looking forward to the pain. If I could get it over with before I start dreading it I would prefer that. May I ask who will be changing me?"
"I guess, I will." Demetri seemed surprised with himself. "I can't guarantee that any of the guard would be capable of changing you successfully and I don't want you to accidentally be killed. The elite guards that could see to your change will help me with your newborn year but I can't be without any of them for a full year to take care of you. It will be a first for both of us. I have raised newborns before but never my own. However, I know that I could change you successfully and raise you to be a productive member of our coven."
"Thank you Master Demetri."
"I think that we will change you during the next few days. I have some work I must catch up with before I go about changing you. You'll have very little to do the next few days would you like some books or something to keep yourself entertained."
"That would be very kind of you. I enjoy reading very much."
"I'll leave you to eat. I'll be just next door. If you speak loudly I will hear you."
"Thank you again Master Demetri."
I breathed deeply and sat down at the small table to eat.