Girls Like Girls » Jane Volturi

The persistent, dull ache of boredom had settled deep in Aurora Lindon's bones, a familiar companion in the quiet hours on her front porch. Her phone, clutched loosely in her hand, displayed a string of unanswered calls and texts to Bella.

Bella had been a shadow of her former self since Edward Cullen and his family abruptly left Forks. Though she was slowly re-emerging, a gnawing worry still tightened Aurora's chest.

The sudden appearance of a familiar silver Volvo, its passenger window already rolled down, shattered the stillness. Alice Cullen's voice, laced with an unusual urgency, cut through the air. "Get in," she commanded, her gaze fixed on Aurora.

Without a word, Aurora obeyed, sensing the unspoken panic in the air. She barely had time to buckle herself in before Alice executed a swift, almost reckless turn out of the driveway.

"So where are we going?" Aurora asked, a hint of trepidation in her voice. The response was delivered with chilling simplicity.

"Italy." Aurora blinked, the single word hanging in the air, surreal and impossible. This was far from the mall or a movie. This was something else entirely.