Her Eclipse

"Come in," An attractive voice spoke through the door.

Moments before, Driana was dreading the upcoming battle. It wasn't because of the newborn army but a possible chance of the Volturi being present at said war. She was aware of the Volturi having to be the reason the Southern disputes died down, as they destroyed the covens involved. They were only doing their jobs in protecting the existence of their kind, something Driana failed to do as she accidentally revealed herself to her niece, who wasn't sure what she saw that night. What will become of her niece?

"Carlisle," Driana smiled politely, taking a seat offered by the patriarch. "This isn't bad timing, is it?"

Carlisle shook his head, speaking gently, as he waved his hand for her not to worry. "Of course not, dear. I have endless days and nights, remember?" He humored, referring to their kind not sleeping.

"Oh, that's good," Driana nodded, glad she wasn't bothering him. Her fingers itched to pick at her nails. "May I confess something?" Then, she chuckled. "An odd request toward the vampire son whose father was a clergyman."

The patriarch grinned at her words before he showed concern. "You were absent, which bothered Emmett, who claimed his ragdoll was missing. Jasper went at him." He paused, scoffing but amused at the memory of his adopted children. "What troubles you, Driana?"

"I don't know if I have done a crime," Driana began, staring at the floor. "I visited my old home, and my niece spotted me- for a moment. I zoomed out of there right away."

Carlisle's expression was surprised. He leaned forward in his chair, hands clasped on the table. "And you were afraid to be seen. Is that why you skipped training?"

"Exactly," The young vampire confirmed, pursing her lips. "Would she be in danger because she saw me?"

"Did you speak of our kind?"

"No, I didn't utter a single word. Just vanished with the ability of speed."

"Then..." Carlisle contemplated before sitting straight. "No harm done."

Driana winced at her next question. "Would the Volturi come for me?"

Carlisle's gaze roamed her uneasy face. "My child, what makes you think that?"

"I indirectly exposed myself," The young vampire reasoned. "Surely I'd be some criminal in the making."

The patriarch cackled at her words, face-palming as he did. "My apologies for my behavior." He moved in his seat, exhaling. "There are humans aware of the supernatural who live til this day because the rest of their world won't believe them anyway. The Volturi cares if the situation garners too much attention, the type to attract actual danger to us. Bella's situation is different because the Volturi are aware. But, your niece? She's non-existent to them. You and her will be fine."

Sheepishly, Driana rubbed the nape of her neck, embarrassed. "I might have overthought a lot, huh, Carlisle?" She fought the urge to pick at her nails again. "I guess I don't want to be reckless."

"I must say, and even if I had said it before, you're doing great, my dear. You've even impressed us with how well you've done so far. I'm proud of you. Your image of the Volturi as some brutal, governmental police force is true in some areas. However, I assure you that the Volturi aren't as horrid as one would think." He proceeded to speak of the Volturi history.

As she soaked in the new information, she thought of how long ago they lived, which amazed the young vampire. "Is there a coven as old as the Volturi?"

"Even older," Carlisle mused, already familiar with Driana's reaction, seeing it in his family before. "The Egyptian coven and the Romanian coven."

"Oh, that makes sense," Driana said, knowing a few historical facts. "I guess the Volturi's forces were too much that even those before them had to bend the knee."

"Precisely," The patriarch firmly spoke, sighing. "Though curious, I have no theory on why he or any of their absences continue." His brows furrowed in frustration. "They must know something."

"We mustn't assume the worst, Carlisle," The young vampire began, crossing her arms. "We'll deal with the main issue first before tackling another."

"Oh, how wise you've become for someone young," Carlisle teased her, smiling as he folded his arms.

"I'd say so," Driana returned the humor, gesturing between them. "You are physically a few years older than me."

Driana and Carlisle chatted for a while before the young vampire decided for him to proceed with his work. She closed the door softly and turned around only to meet Jasper, who waited at the end of the hall that led to his room. He offered a small smile before walking toward her. Rubbing the back of his neck, he bashfully spoke.

"I promise I didn't mean to eavesdrop. My hearing's a bit special, you know?"

Driana cackled, shaking her head. "Of course it is."

The blond pursed his lips, observing her. "You know, if I was in any way or form of influence for you to see your mother, which led to you worrying about your niece, I'm sorry. I didn't know my words would cause recklessness of some sort."

"Jasper, no." Driana disagreed, grinning. "I think it was the best decision since my new life."

"I'm glad you feel that way," Jasper sincerely spoke.

"Only you would know," The young vampire playfully rolled her eyes.