Chapter Summaries

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#### Chapter 1: Saffiya

In this chapter, the narrator describes a serene and idyllic setting of a courtyard surrounded by an ancient building and a beautiful garden maze. The narrator, named Saffiya, reflects on her unique condition called congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), which means she doesn't experience physical pain. She recollects her childhood with her father, who took advantage of her condition to run cons and scams.

Saffiya was left at an abbey by her father five years ago, with the promise that he would return for her. She has been raised by the nuns, particularly Sister Misha, who acts as her guardian. Saffiya is determined to find her father and believes he might be in trouble. The nuns bid her farewell, and the Mother Superior imparts some advice and gifts Saffiya a rosary.

As Saffiya prepares to leave the abbey, she feels a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. She glances back at the abbey and the women who have become her family. The Mother Superior warns her to be cautious and reveals a lighthearted concern about Saffiya's habit of biting her lip.

Despite not knowing the outcome, Saffiya is determined to find her father, even if it means risking her life. The chapter concludes with Saffiya acknowledging that her journey will not be easy, and she leaves the abbey with a renewed sense of courage and determination.

#### Chapter 2: Saviour

In this chapter, Saffiya receives a letter from her father, indicating a major job opportunity that could change their lives for the better. Excited by the prospect of reuniting with her father, she questions why he didn't return as promised. Misha, the nun who informed Saffiya about the letter, confesses that she knew about it but had withheld the information to protect Saffiya. Feeling betrayed, Saffiya abruptly ends the call and decides to continue her search for her father.

She travels to Volterra, Italy, where she seeks information about her father's whereabouts. After arriving in the city, Saffiya takes shelter in a pub to escape the rain. The bartender, while somewhat grumpy, provides her with some assistance and informs her that a friend of her father's is expected to return from a fishing trip that night.

Leaving the pub, Saffiya finds herself pursued by a group of rowdy boys from earlier. Cornered in a dead-end street, she fears for her safety until a mysterious boy intervenes. The boy swiftly dispatches the attackers, revealing his supernatural strength and speed. However, Saffiya notices that his eyes appear unnaturally black.

Three more cloaked figures arrive, one of whom refers to the boy as her brother. The group engages in a brief discussion about the consequences of their actions before leaving with Saffiya in tow. The boy carries her to an ancient building and through a circular room filled with stunning individuals wearing grey cloaks.

At the front of the room, three men sit on thrones, including the man with red eyes. The man addresses the boy, Alec, and expresses concern over his actions. Saffiya is left bewildered and anxious about the situation, wondering what she has gotten herself into.

#### Chapter 3: Reparations

In this chapter, Saffiya finds herself in a grand room with three men sitting on thrones. One of them, Aro, questions Alec's actions and speaks to him in Latin. Alec offers his hand to Aro, who eagerly takes it and seems to gain some kind of information or insight. Saffiya notices a young girl watching her with curiosity but devoid of emotion. Aro reaches out to shake Saffiya's hand as well, stating that he wants to test something. After a brief exchange, Saffiya feels a prickling sensation all over her body, which is eventually stopped by the girl named Jane. However, Jane growls and lunges at Saffiya before Alec intervenes. They all discuss the situation, and it is decided that Saffiya will be kept with them for the time being. Saffiya protests but is met with an ultimatum to stay or die. Reluctantly, she agrees to stay. Alec forcefully leads her out of the room and into a lavish bedroom. Saffiya's frustration and anger build up, leading her to destroy objects in the room. Two male vampires, Demetri and Felix, enter but assure her they won't hurt her. They leave her alone, and Saffiya decides that she needs to find a way to escape.

#### Chapter 4: Diversion

In this chapter, the protagonist continues to plot her escape from the Volturi. Demetri and Felix, against her wishes, decide to join her and offer her a tour of the castle. They show her various rooms and paintings, including a valuable artwork believed to be destroyed. They also reveal that some vampires in the guard possess unique gifts, such as Jane's ability to cause extreme pain and Alec's power to create a sense of emptiness. The protagonist questions the purpose and values of the Volturi. Eventually, the tour ends, and Demetri and Felix leave her with a new guard named Prosper.

In her room, the protagonist plans her escape by using Demetri's cloak to hide her backpack. She requests tea from Prosper, and when he leaves to get it, she quickly dons the cloak and heads in the opposite direction. However, she encounters two guards who doubt her story and offer to escort her. She manages to convince them otherwise and continues her escape. Finally, she reaches the outside of the castle and heads towards a pub she believes may hold clues about her missing father. As she enters the pub, she hears a mysterious voice warning her that she will always be found.

#### Chapter 5: Monster

In this chapter, the protagonist finds herself face to face with Alec, her captor, who now has red eyes and wears sunglasses at night. She tries to stall him by engaging in a conversation, mentioning that Jane is all he has left and questioning his loyalty. Alec eventually agrees to hear her out. They go to a pub where the protagonist shows a picture of her father to a man she suspects is involved in their last job. The man initially denies any knowledge, but when she reveals a valuable ring, he admits that he knows her father and the job fell through. He arranges to meet her later. Alec interrupts and warns her about trusting him. They leave the pub, and the protagonist feels a mix of fear and ease in Alec's presence. They return to the Volturi castle, where Aro questions her about her escape plan and her condition of congenital insensitivity to pain. Aro reveals a bruise on her arm and suggests that they must be more careful with her. Alec is ordered to be gentle with her, and they are dismissed from Aro's presence.

#### Chapter 6: Marcus

In this chapter, Saffiya interacts with Afton, a serious vampire, and asks him if he knows that the Earth is round. Afton dismisses her question, and she walks away, contemplating the possibilities of his age and beliefs. Saffiya then meets Heidi, her guard, who joins her in an activity and talks about her interests. Saffiya reflects on her complicated relationship with Alec, her captor, and her growing curiosity about her father. She spends time with Felix and Demetri, who engage her in a guessing game. Saffiya later has a conversation with Marcus, one of the masters, who advises her to continue learning about the guards. Marcus hints at the troubled pasts of Alec and Jane, two vampires in the Volturi. Saffiya decides to visit the library and overhears a conversation between Felix, Demetri, and Jane about someone named Prosper. Alec and Jane then confront Saffiya, and Jane cryptically mentions that someone needs to tell her something important. Saffiya chooses not to press for answers and decides to go to the library. However, she finds the doors to be unusually heavy and Alec watches her struggle before finally opening them for her. Saffiya sarcastically remarks on his lack of chivalry as she enters the library.

#### Chapter 7: Distractions

In this chapter, the protagonist is in a library with a vampire named Alec who has been watching her attentively. The library is vast and filled with ancient books. The protagonist is searching for information but feels frustrated and uncertain about her purpose. She confronts Alec about his constant staring, and they engage in a conversation about their circumstances.

Alec reveals that the others are busy with Aro's guest and he has been assigned to watch over the protagonist. She questions why Alec was chosen, and he implies that it is for her protection from other vampires. The protagonist expresses her independence and frustration with being treated like a child.

They discuss the use of Jane's power, which causes intense pain like fire. Alec avoids providing details and warns the protagonist to be careful what she wishes for. The protagonist continues to ponder Alec's behavior and the effect it has on her.

As time passes, the protagonist tries to focus on reading but finds herself distracted by Alec's presence. Alec engages in physical contact with her, touching her hair, throat, and lips. The protagonist questions his actions, but he dismisses her concerns and redirects the conversation to her history assignment. Alec adds a date to her paper, and the chapter ends with the protagonist noticing a change in Alec's demeanor.

The chapter provides insights into the dynamic between the protagonist and Alec, their interactions in the library, and hints at a developing connection between them.

#### Chapter 8: Damage

In this chapter, the truce between the protagonist and Alec dissolves, and they engage in a heated exchange of insults. While Alec leads the protagonist to the kitchens, tensions rise, and they confront each other about their roles in the protagonist's transformation into a vampire. Their argument escalates, with the protagonist questioning Alec's actions and him responding with condescension and hostility.

The protagonist throws a shoe at Alec in frustration, and they continue to trade verbal blows. The protagonist expresses her belief that Alec is deeply hurt and takes it out on others. She tries to empathize with him but is met with resistance. The protagonist accuses Alec of destroying her life and questions why she was the target of his actions.

Alec responds with cruel remarks about the protagonist's past and belittles her existence. The protagonist is left speechless and struggles to defend herself against his attacks. She reflects on Alec's cruelty but remains unconvinced that he is a true villain.

Despite her anger, the protagonist asserts that she is alive, unlike Alec's attempts to undermine her. He dismissively laughs at her remark and leaves her feeling vulnerable and uncertain about her future. The chapter ends with his ominous comment that her life won't last much longer.

#### Chapter 9: Jane

In this chapter, the protagonist wakes up to find Jane in her room, who reveals that the protagonist talks in her sleep. They engage in a conversation about the protagonist's dreams and her interactions with Alec. Jane mentions that the protagonist has caused Alec to become moody lately, but the protagonist is unsure of what she did to provoke him.

The protagonist goes about her morning routine, contemplating how to sneak out of her room with Alec as her guard. She considers the possibility of Jane being her guard instead and wonders if Alec has been replaced. The protagonist's thoughts briefly stray to the idea of being attracted to Alec before dismissing it.

She chooses a dress and starts braiding her hair but is surprised when Jane takes over and braids it for her. They share a moment of silence and the protagonist opens up about her past and her time at the abbey. She shows Jane her rosary, causing a reaction from her.

The protagonist suggests that Jane use her gift to make her feel pain, hoping it will trigger her brain to recognize pain in the future. Jane agrees and uses her gift on the protagonist, causing her intense pain but also a sense of normalcy. Alec enters the room, concerned about what Jane has done, but the protagonist assures him it was her request.

Alec helps the protagonist to her feet and chastises her for angering Jane. The protagonist feels a burst of rage towards Alec's contradictory actions but tries to keep it in check. They engage in a heated argument, with the protagonist challenging Alec. He slams her against the wall and warns her not to test him.

As Alec leans in closer, the protagonist's heart races, and he can hear it. He warns her to watch her tongue and releases her. The protagonist defies him, and just as Alec is about to strike her, their interaction is interrupted by an unexpected savior.

The chapter ends with a cliffhanger as someone steps in to stop Alec's aggression.

#### Chapter 10: Restraint

Aro introduces Saffiya to Carlisle, another vampire, who is curious about her condition and its effects. Saffiya reveals that she believes Jane's gift can temporarily override her insensitivity to pain.

The conversation turns to the topic of Saffiya's safety within the Volturi, particularly concerning Alec's unpredictable behavior around her. Saffiya reveals that she feels safer around Jane than Alec. This surprises the others in the room, but they suggest a temporary separation between Saffiya and Alec for her safety.

Eventually, Demetri, takes her to see him and Felix spar.

Saffiya learns about the concept of "la tua cantante" from Felix and Demetri. It refers to a rare phenomenon where a vampire's blood singer, a human whose blood calls to the vampire, creates a strong emotional and physiological bond between them.

Felix and Demetri share stories about the Cullen coven, particularly about Carlisle's son who fell in love with his blood singer and refused to turn her into a vampire. This love story caused issues with the Volturi, and they had to intervene. Saffiya is stunned to learn about this connection between her and Alec, feeling betrayed by his past actions and lies.

Demetri advises her to take a different approach with Alec and try to understand his struggles. Saffiya is torn between wanting to help her friends and knowing that she has a bigger responsibility to find her father. The chapter ends with Saffiya determined to find her father and set things right for her family.

#### Chapter 11: Survival

In this chapter, the protagonist is preparing to escape from her captors, the Volturi. She contemplates leaving behind a black leather-bound journal but decides to take it with her. As she tries to leave, she encounters Prosper, a vampire guard, who escorts her to meet with the Volturi leaders. They inform her that the transformation process into a vampire might be risky for her due to her unique medical condition. They suggest that she undergo sessions with Jane's mind-controlling power to build tolerance to pain. The Volturi then confront and kill a man named Victor Tima, who was trying to help the protagonist escape. This revelation deeply affects her as Victor was her father's friend and the only link to her missing father. The chapter ends with her being carried away by Alec after she shows anger towards the Volturi leaders.

#### Chapter 12: Here

Saffiya, is grappling with the aftermath of the traumatic event. She is with Alec who seems to have lied to her and acted violently towards another vampire, Prosper. Saffiya is angry at Alec and wants answers. Despite their tense exchange, Alec eventually embraces her when she breaks down crying. Saffiya is confused by his actions and wonders if there's more to their relationship than she realizes.