The cool, rough stone of the ancient wall rose to meet the equally cool curve of my back. I leaned against the weathered wall of the modest antechamber, nervous jolts of energy running through my diamond-hard body. My feet, encased in simple – and ridiculously expensive – black heels, tapped anxious rhythms on the well-worn floor. Through the high-placed window slits in the larger chamber, streaks of sunlight threw dazzling patterns on the floor, only to be reflected and magnified across the walls when the light hit one of the figures that walked the room. It was difficult to remember my life before this dark world that lay beneath the bustling streets of Volterra. After so many years in this pit, it was hard to believe that somewhere above me, the sun shined with such a luminous intensity.

“You may come forward,” called a whispery voice from one of the imposing wooden thrones. Whispery – but very much in command. Aro.

A thrill of fear ran through me as I timidly stepped from the alcove and approached him. This is what you wanted, I reminded myself as I came closer to the figure in the midnight robes. Besides – this was preposterous. What did I have to fear? Death? Not any more. Other vampires? – maybe.

Hiding a shudder, I reached the ancient figure that was encapsulated in indefinite layers of fabric. “At last we meet as equals, my dear Gianna!” he cried gleefully. “So beautiful,” he sighed wistfully. “They always are.”

He reached out with a thin, almost skeletal hand. His skin was paler than any vampire I had seen so far in my new existence and it had the consistency of something rather like tissue paper – so fragile I was terrified that he might crumble to dust at the slightest movement. His fingers brushed my face ever so lightly, the illusion of his paper skin giving way to the brittle touch of his hand. He clasped my chin carefully in his hands and gently pulled my face up to take a better look at my flawless features. Cloudy, red irises met mine – hazy yet intent as they searched every contour of my face. Indisputable pride shone brightly in his milky eyes as he dropped his hand.