Prologue

Isabella Marie Swan. That's who I was now.

The life I used to live, the person I was, is nothing more than a memory. Memories that can never be erased. I can still feel the whips on my skin. I can still hear the laughs of the men as they violated me. I can still taste the blood that spilled from my mouth after every punch. I can still smell the burnt flesh from when they branded me. But most of all, I can still see the light fading from my sister's eyes as they died in front of me.

I've barely spoken a word since the day I escaped. I spent two months in hell, and for what? I accomplished nothing, but I managed to lose everything.

I was born and raised for a single purpose, to kill the people who took the law into their own hands. I was raised to kill the people who were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocents. I accepted my lifestyle a long time ago, as did my sisters. We were the best, and I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I was one of the top assassins in the world. But now, I'm on my way to Forks, Washington. I have a new mission: live a normal teenage life. Which means I have to go to school for the first time in my life. I have to go to high school. What the hell am I getting myself into?

On the plane

Looking out the window, I saw nothing but darkened clouds. It seems that Forks was going to be a rainy place, I didn't mind, I kind of liked rain. I clutched my backpack closer to me, it was the only thing I had. There was nothing in it but my Ipod, an extra t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a photo album, the only pictures I have of my sisters. Where I grew up, we were taught not to attach to physical items. We were always on the move, we didn't need much.

The flight attendant announced that the plane was landing. I breathed deeply through my nose. I was about to meet my guardian, the chief police of Forks. I wanted to laugh at how ironic it was. His name was Charlie Swan, I did a background check. He's divorced, no children. Apparently he volunteered to take me in, can't imagine why.

As I stepped out of the plane, I was attacked by a freezing cold wind. My body wanted to shiver, but years of training prevented it. I glanced around, had to do more with paranoia than anything else, while I slipped my hood on. I walked into the waiting area and looked for the man that I only saw a picture of.

I finally spotted him, he was leaning against a column with his arms across his chest. I stuck my hands in my pockets and walked slowly towards him. I made a quick assessment of him, I could tell he was good at his job, he seemed to be very intimidating, to everyone but me.

When I reached him it was awkward to say the least, we did nothing but stare at each other. Silently challenging each other, waiting to see who surrendered first. I respected the fact that he didn't back down, I had no doubt that he knew everything about me, but he still didn't back down. I smiled slightly and looked down to show him that I wasn't going to cause trouble. He reached and touched my arm, I couldn't control my reaction. I grabbed his hand and pressed against the pressure point. I heard him hiss in pain, I looked at his face and immediately let go.

He rubbed his hand and looked at me as if he realized something. " Reflex," I whispered. It was my version of an apology, he nodded accepting it. The ride back to his house was spent in silence. I was taking in every detail that I possibly could, everything was so green.

We finally pulled up to a white two story house, outside was parked and old, red, truck. I had to say, it was kinda cute. I always had a soft spot for trucks, I secretly wanted one when I was younger. Of course my sisters always teased me for my taste, they always liked flashy cars, I liked simple. When I stepped out of the police cruiser, which wasn't a pleasant experience for me considering how I worked so hard to avoid being in one, I admired the house. I always wondered what it would be like to live in a house like this, of course the dream always had my sisters in it to. And now I wanted nothing more than to be with my sisters again, even if it meant going back to my old life.

" You can call me Charlie," the chief's rumbling voice said, I turned back to him, " just thought I'd throw that in."

I cracked the smallest of smiles. " Bella," it was automatic. I had just realized that the name fit. My new name was Isabella Swan, Bella. The same name that my oldest sister, Nali, had given to me as a child. Where we grew up we were given numbers, they said we were weapons, we didn't need names. But Nali said that we were people, not just the machines that they claimed us to be, and we needed names. She was the one who named all of us, she was the one who protected us. She was the last one who was killed, the ultimate punishment for her. She spent her entire life protecting us as much as she could, and it killed her to watch our sister die, it killed her that she couldn't stop it.

I looked up and realized that we were inside the house, the little detail escaped my notice. I liked it, it was simple. Charlie lead me upstairs, showing me everything on the way. He finally stopped at the end of the hall in front of a door. He pushed it open and motioned for me to go inside, I did so hesitantly. My eyes widened in surprise, it was a girl's room, with a purple comforter, a desk, and a book shelf. It even had a little rocking chair in the corner.

" I know it's small," Charlie said from the door, " and I know it's not much-"

I spun around to face him. He sounded ashamed, like he wanted me to have something more. I shook my head slowly. " It's more than I've ever had," I whispered. What I did next shocked not only him, but me as well. I hugged him. It wasn't exactly a bear hug, but it was the most affectionate gesture I've ever showed anyone besides my sisters. He went completely still, but before he could move I had already pulled away.

He mumbled that he was going to bed. I looked at the clock on my desk and it said it was 9:30. I was restless, and I didn't sleep well to begin with. So as soon as I heard Charlie snoring, what did I do? I went for a little jog around the town.

Next morning

One thing I did not like about this town, was the trees. Too many places for someone to hide, too many opportunities for some kind of surprise attack. Granted the trees were too thick for any outsider to find their way through, I still didn't like it. I was pacing back and forth in my room, it was 7:15 when I heard Charlie get up.

" Hey Bella," he greeted when he popped his head through the door. I waved shyly, I wasn't used to having someone nice around. " You going to school today?" he asked. I hadn't thought about it, I guess it beats staying home. I nodded at him. " I'll drive you," he looked down at my clothes with a slight frown, " I'll give you some money so you can get the things you need, you can go shopping on Saturday."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he gave me the stern look, I shut my mouth quickly. He gave me a notebook and some pens, adding things to the list of stuff I needed. He was running around the house trying to find things that would be helpful to me. I watched with a soft smile on my face, this was something very new to me. Finally, he threw his hands in the air and gave up. He stormed out of the house with a pout on his face. I was still smiling as we arrived at the school.

" If anything happens call me right away, ok?" I nodded quickly in agreement. I watched the cruiser until it disappeared from sight. I sighed quietly, turning around and sliding my hood on. Well, here we go, first day of high school.

I was, of course, silently freaking out. I wish my sisters were here, they would know exactly how to handle this. I looked around and noticed everyone staring at me. I mean I know I wasn't exactly dressed like a model, but it can't be that bad. I practically forced myself to walk towards the school. " Oh come on," I thought to myself, " you're a trained assassin and you can't handle a bunch of high school kids?"

I walked straighter after my little pep talk. But slowed when I heard a group of girls whispering to each other. " What a loser. I mean, just look at what she's wearing."

" I know right, I bet Chief Swan brought her back from some crack house."

" No," an unusually shrill voice said, " I bet he picked her up on a street corner. She looks like a no good whore."

Well, I must say that was a first, no one's ever called me a whore before. I turned to face the group of girls. All of them were dressed in low neck shirts and very small skirts. When I looked back at their faces, they were all giving me dirty looks. " I don't think you have any right calling people whores," I told her in a monotone voice, " seeing how you could be the queen of them."

A crowd had formed around us, something that made me tense immediately. I hate crowds, they put you in a vulnerable position. " What did you just say bitch?" the girl asked outraged.

" Was I talking too fast for you?" I asked. I heard a bunch of 'Oh's' and laughter from behind me. I was rather surprised with myself, I usually just walk away from these things. It was kind of fun messing with this girl.

" Watch it," she growled, " you're in my school now. And I'm going to make your life a living hell."

I lowered my head smirking. This child didn't know the meaning of the world hell. I looked up, she was smirking smugly, thinking she had won. I felt the familiar rush of adrenaline flowing through my veins and flash across my eyes. She must have seen it too, because I saw her cower slightly. That just made my blood rush faster, I felt her fear, and it kicked off the killer in me. I wanted to punch this girl, and the thought made me want to wince. I was supposed to get away from this, and here I was feeding it. I'll admit that I loved to fight, I was good, I was powerful. And that feeling of power is addicting in ways that can make you go crazy.

I shook off the feeling and turned to walk away. The crowd of kids parted like I was a plague. " That's right bitch," the girl yelled behind me, " walk away!"

" Mila, you would love this place," I mumbled to myself. Mila was the most aggressive out of us. Not in a bad way, she was just always the first to jump to protect us. If we had a real fighter, it was her.

I was amused at how she thought she was intimidating. If only she knew what I could do to her, if only she knew what I had done to people just like her. But despite her attitude, the only thing that kept me calm was the knowledge of knowing that she was innocent. And I never harmed someone that was innocent. Hardly a way to justify myself, but it's what got me through the job.

I walked towards the main office, I needed to get my schedule. When I walked in I was hit with the aroma of vanilla, I inhaled slightly. A small smile coming to my face. I remember at night, Nali used to burn vanilla candles, it used to soothe us into sleep. She used to hum lullabies to us, and we'd all fall asleep cuddled up next to each other, I can still feel them breathing next to me, the fall and rising of their bodies. I felt a small tug at my heart, it pained me to know that I would never feel them next to me again.

" Can I help you?" a voice asked. I looked up to see an elderly women looking at me curiously.

" I'm Isabella Swan," I replied softly, " I need my schedule."

She looked like she was expecting me. Come to think of it, everyone looked like they were expecting me. I guess I was the most exciting thing to happen in a while for this small town. Great, a small town that loves gossip, just what I needed. I was supposed to be keeping a low profile, not attracting attention. I'm already off to a great start.

She gave me a list of classes and a map of the school. She wasn't overly friendly. So in addition to small town gossip, it was obvious that they didn't welcome outsiders. I couldn't tell yet if this was an advantage or not, but either way I don't see why it would matter. It wasn't like anyone was going to be looking for me here.

Lunch time

Well, my morning classes consisted of nothing but me introducing myself and people staring at me. Honestly, I would be flattered if I weren't already so annoyed. I felt like the main attraction in a circus or a zoo. I was having a hard time staying calm, of course anger doesn't help my little demon inside.

I was walking into the lunch room and everyone suddenly went quiet. But this time, it wasn't because of me. I felt someone standing behind me, and I tensed instantly when they laid their hand on my shoulder. " If you value your hand I suggest you get it off of me," I growled lowly. I had reached my limit of anger today and I was very close to losing it.

I heard a low chuckle and them taking their hand back. I turned around to see a boy. He was at least six feet tall, with bright green eyes, and copper colored hair. The color looked a lot like my sister, Alyssa's, hair. I felt a little stab in my heart remembering her. His eyes scanned down my body, and I got the impression that he was undressing me with his eyes. I scowled darkly, and it only made him smirk.

" My," he said, his voice melodic, " aren't you violent." He was smirking like the idea of me being violent was amusing. I ground my teeth together, making sure I couldn't say something that would get me in trouble.

" Touch me again and I'll show you just how violent I can be," I told him. Again his eyes scanned down my body.

" I think I'll take that challenge," he whispered. I wanted to smack that smirk off his face so bad that my hand actually twitched. I had been at the school for less than a full day, and already I was prepared to do things that would most likely get me expelled. I knew I hated small towns for a reason. I was very aware of the stares boring into my back. The boy in front of me, however, seemed not to notice, and I had a suspicion that he was used to all the attention. Naturally, that just made me want to punch him even more. And then there was that damn, cocky, smirk. I straightened my shoulders and walked away, before I got myself arrested.

" Can you believe her?" I heard a girl whisper in disgust.

" She just blew off Edward Cullen!" another said in shock.

I really couldn't help the eye roll, apparently I just insulted the entire female population. I really hate small towns. I'm sure this Edward is one of those guys that gets anyone he wants by just smiling, and I would bet anything that he takes full advantage of that. I bet he was one of those rich kids that never gets punished just because of who his father was. I guess I have no room to talk about avoiding punishment, but in my world we have our own form of punishments.

I walked to the only empty table, the one in the far left against the wall. Good, I had a clear view of the entire cafeteria. I pulled out a book that I had swiped from one of the classrooms, don't worry I'll put it back when I'm done. The Count of Monte Cristo, good book, one of my favorites, I needed something to do, the teachers in this school are idiots. I had learned everything they were teaching when I was ten. We had very high academic expectations, and believe it or not, it actually came in handy.

I heard one of the chairs at my table screech against the floor. I looked over the top of the book. There standing in front of me was someone I never thought I would actually have to meet. Captain Jonathon Hamilton, the man who's been hunting me down for years. He was muscular, as all Marines are. With his brown, hair shaved, and a permanent frown on his face, he had striking olive, green, eyes, that seemed to burn a hole through me.

I set my book down and crossed my arms over my chest. " I must be getting rusty if you were able to sneak up on me."

The frown on his face deepened, and I smiled in amusement. The United States had some of the most, hardcore, military forces that I had ever faced. They were good, but I was better. I pissed them off when I out shot their best snipers and took out a man they apparently wanted alive. Hamilton had been after me ever since, and the only thing that he wanted was information. But, unfortunately, it was information that I was very unwilling to give.

" I've only been here a day," I said in a teasing voice, " what could I have possibly done to make you mad so quickly?"

" You piss me off just by breathing," he growled, I could have sworn that I felt the rumble in my chest.

" Harsh," I teased.

" Look," he said, any patience he might have had was gone, " the Army wants your help. Personally, I'd just like to shoot you and get it over with."

" Appreciate the honesty," I said sarcastically.

" Don't waste my time," he growled. " If you aren't going to help, just say so. Because I could be talking to someone who would, and maybe I'll be able to save some lives. I know that doesn't mean much to you, seeing as how you enjoyed taking them so much." I glared intensely at him, do people really believe that?

" Watch what you say," I warned.

He smirked at me amused. " Did I strike a nerve?" he mocked. " What you can't handle being told the truth? Admit it, you liked killing, why else would you do it? Why else would you stay? You could have walked away, you could have said no."

" I did," I said quietly. I was hoping that he wouldn't hear me, but he did. He was looking at me for an explanation, and I decided to go ahead and get it over with. " Why do you think I'm here? You don't honestly believe that Aro would let me walk out the door, do you?" I saw him pause, he never considered why I was here. I scoffed. " Aro owned me, I was one of his best, he would never let me walk away. You know that."

" Then how are you here?" he asked a little more politely.

" I said no. Aro didn't like that, he punished us. I escaped. End of story."

" What happened to the others?" he asked softly. I just looked at him startled. " You said he punished 'us' and that you escaped. What about the others"

I looked away, silently scolding myself for my slip up. I hadn't told anyone about my sisters, I don't even think Charlie knew about it. And why would I tell someone who hated me? Why would he care? But I know I had to tell someone, I couldn't keep it in much longer. It's not so much that I need help to deal, I just wanted someone besides me to know that they were there, that I wasn't the only one who would remember them. They deserved better than to just disappear when I'm gone, they deserve to be remembered. The question was, what would happen once I told him?

I looked at him for a moment, and the honesty in his eyes convinced me. I dug in my backpack for my photo album and slipped one of the pictures of all of us together. I slid it across the table towards him, he glanced at me before looking at it. Once he did, I saw his eyes widen slightly.

" You asked why am I here?" I told him quietly. " They're the reason I'm here." I pointed Nali out in the picture. " That's my oldest sister, Nali. She was our protector, our mother figure, she was the last one to die." I paused when I saw his shocked eyes snap to my face. I looked back a little confused at his reaction.

" Aro killed one of his own people?" he asked disbelieving.

I laughed, the kids at the surrounding tables looked at me like I was crazy. And some were looking at the Captain curiously. He was in civilian clothes, so to everyone else he looked like a regular guy. Of course I could spot a military man in any style of clothing. " You really believe that he wouldn't?" I asked him, laughter still in my voice.

He merely shook his head still speechless. " Why?" he breathed.

" I told you, he doesn't like being told no. We disobeyed him once, he tortured us for it. He gave us the opportunity to change our minds, we said no again, so he started killing us off one by one. He said that all we had to do was agree, and then the killings would stop. One thing Aro never had control over, or even understood, was how we loved each other. The moment he killed the first of my sisters, was the moment he lost all of us."

It was strange to see the man in front of me, who hated me so much, look horrified at what I was telling him. " Sisters?" he asked.

" You think a killer can't have family?" I asked bitterly. He flinched at my words. " I wanted to die with them, I didn't think I could ever live without them. But Nali," I shook my head, " Nali made me swear right before she died, she made me swear that I would escape. And that if I did, I was to run and live for as long as possible, even if that meant I had to live until I was one hundred. She told me to turn away from our old life, and to never go back. She said that from now on I was living for them, and that I had to live free, for all of us." " Was it quick?" Hamilton asked, I looked at him, he was holding his breath.

I considered lying to him, but I knew that he would be able to tell. " No," I replied.

His face crumbled, and he leaned back into his chair with a heavy sigh. He looked away from the picture, and stared unseeing at the wall. I sat patiently, I know it was probably a lot to take in. While he was collecting himself, I looked around the cafeteria. I caught a few kids staring, but the quickly turned away when they realized that I had caught them. But then I ran into the emerald eyes that belonged to that Edward boy.

He smirked that cocky smirk when he realized that I was looking at him. My teeth automatically clenched and my fists tightened. My eyes narrowed in annoyed anger. Hamilton noticed my sudden hostility, and looked in Edward's direction. As soon as Edward saw that Hamilton was looking at him, he immediately looked down. He mumbled something to the rest of his table, and they all looked at us. I wanted nothing more than to flip them the bird, but I didn't since they technically didn't do anything to me. Damn technicalities. Of course, once Hamilton caught their eyes they looked away in fear. I snickered at their reactions.

Hamilton looked back at me with scolding eyes. " You shouldn't be making enemies," he told me.

" What's a few more?" I said with a smile.

He rolled his eyes, but I saw his lips twitch. He looked back down at the picture in his hand. " So, the reason you aren't helping us isn't because of Aro, but because of your sisters?" he asked.

" Yeah," I sighed. " I really would, but I won't break my word."

He looked at me with a smile on his face. " Not many people would hold their honor. Honor is the most important thing to Marines."

I smiled widely when I realized that we had just reached a truce. He took one final look at the picture before sliding it back to me. " They were to young too die. And I swear to you that I will get the man who did this to them." My eyes stung, I had never expected that reaction. I saw in his eyes that he meant it. I nodded, I didn't trust my voice. He stood and smiled widely. " See you soon Singer."

My jaw dropped, but he walked away before I could say anything. That's what Aro called us, the Singers. But we had never told anyone that, not even Aro's other assassins. I had a feeling that I wasn't going to like it when I found out who told him that little detail. But I still couldn't help but smile, I shook my head.

Well, this sure as hell was going to be interesting.

I know I should really stop making up all these stories and just stick to finishing one, but if I don't get these things out of my head it'll bug me. And trust me, this one has been in my head for a while. I promise I'll update my other ones soon. But in the meantime, tell me what you think.

Lot's of love,

Nisa