Hello everyone. I have very little creative writing experience, so any constructive criticism is appreciated. I've been reading some poly stories recently, and I noticed that most fail to actually give the love interests different personalities. My goal is to avoid this problem. Thanks for reading!
Marcus reclined on the rightmost of three thrones, watching the young bronze-haired vampire that stood in the center of the judgement hall. The thrones, gorgeously carved and polished wooden chairs, stood on a raised dais. Aside from the chairs, the room was devoid of furniture. The floors were composed of dark wood, and the walls were decorated with a variety of paintings and tapestries. None of the decorations in this room were extremely precious; on occasion the vampires brought to the judgement hall refused to surrender to their fate, and the room's decorations were susceptible to damage. The room was lit by natural light from a window facing one of the castle's interior courtyards. Intricate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, though they were currently unlit.
In addition to the three members of the Volturi coven and their supplicant, the room held 3 guards. Several more waited within earshot, though they were rarely needed.
The first thing Marcus noticed about the young vampire, Edward Cullen, was that he had an unusual number of bonds radiating from him. Bonds that only Marcus could see. What interested Marcus the most were the bonds of silver, indicating close coven ties. He had six, while most vampires never had more than one or two. Additionally, there was a frayed bronze bond.
"It is a great pleasure to meet Carlisle's eldest son," Aro said after the introductions. "How is he doing these days?"
"He is well," Edward replied. "We moved recently, but he is settling in well at the new hospital."
"Wonderful. I should like to have his new address, so I may continue to write to him on occasion. But we will return to that later. Tell me, Edward, what brings you to Volterra?"
"I seek death."
"Death? Why?" Aro inquired, his cheery smile melting into a frown.
"It is… personal."
"Does Carlisle know you are here?"
"I am sure he does, by now."
"Stop torturing the boy, Aro. If he wishes death, then grant his wish," Caius said.
Aro ignored his brother. "Have you heard of my gift, Edward?"
"Yes. You can read any though one has ever had, with a touch."
"I would be hesitant to end one of Carlisle's companions, Edward. I would consider it a great favor if you would show me what drives you to this decision."
Marcus knew that if the boy was serious, he would find the death he sought. Edward was not the first suicidal vampire to petition the Volturi, and he would not be the last. Those who were refused tended to attempt public rampages to force the Volturi's hand. His brothers knew as well, so they did not bother to mention it aloud. The only question was whether Edward gave Aro what he wanted or forced Aro to take it before his death.
Edward acquiesced.
Aro stood from his throne and descended the steps, his black cloak flowing gently behind him. Renata, in a dark grey cloak of the highest rank of the guard, made as though to follow him. He waved her away. Aro removed his right glove and offered his hand to Edward as if for a handshake. Edward took it. The pair stood for a second like finely detailed statues.
During the brief conversation, Aro's bonds had been shifting slightly. Everyday interactions with people caused minor fluctuations in the nuances of relationships. But several seconds after touching Edward, Aro's nest of bonds changed rapidly. A single slender thread of pure gold appeared and stretched out into the distance, towards someone who was not present.
Aro released Edward's hand and ascended the dais, aiming towards the chair where Marcus sat. Marcus briefly brushed his fingers across his brother's palm, sharing what he saw and his conclusions. Aro then returned to his seat.
"You seek death because your mate has died," Aro said.
Edward winced and bowed his head.
"A very valid reason," Caius said.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. Edward jerked his head up to meet Marcus' eyes.
"She is dead. I am certain."
Marcus wondered how the boy had sensed his skepticism while staring at the floor.
"You have a powerful gift, Edward. One that should not go to waste. We have… ways… of helping grieving vampires deal with their losses so they can remain in this world. Would you consider joining us?" Aro asked.
"What is this gift," Caius demanded, a hint of impatience entering his tone.
Aro smiled at Edward and nodded, prompting him to explain.
"I can read minds from a distance, though I can only detect whatever surface thoughts exist in the moment."
"I can see the value in that," Caius said. "What do you think of our offer?"
"No thank you. My initial request still stands."
"Very well," Aro said. "Let us vote. Caius?"
"No. Take more time to think. Return to us in a week if your mind has not changed."
"Marcus?"
"No. You can see the bonds I see around you. Your mate bond is frayed and tarnished, but not broken. Your mate is not dead. You have no reason to die."
Edward replied, "I called her father's house. They are planning her funeral."
"There is something that doesn't add up here, Edward. My vote is also no. Listen to Caius. Take a week, consider our offer, and return to us," Aro said.
"Thank you for your time," Edward said. He bowed and left the room, shoulders slumped in despondency.
"You may leave us," Are said to the guard after Edward's departure. Aro paused for a second while they complied. "Three of Carlisle's children are gifted. He has a daughter, Alice, who can see the future outcomes of decisions. And her mate is the most powerful empath I have ever seen. He served as a second in command of a southern army in the later half of the 19th century, controlling the emotions of newborns to keep them compliant."
"Carlisle failed to mention those details in his letters," Marcus said. It was no surprise. What fool would flaunt gifted vampires under Aro's nose? What imbecile would taunt Caius with one who had committed a crime?
"We need to speak with the empath soon," Caius said. "If he is reformed and repentant, we can impose a sentence of 100 years of service. I'm sure his mate would follow him."
Aro chuckled. "And Carlisle could not complain. He would understand the need for reprimand, and he would probably get the boy back unharmed."
"You are avoiding the elephant in the room, brother," Marcus whispered.
Aro turned to Marcus with an intense stare. Marcus locked eyes with him for a moment, and then glanced beyond him to address Caius.
"Aro saw his mate in Edward's memories."
"Congratulations, brother," Caius said. "I suppose we will be taking a trip to America immediately? We can pick up Carlisle's son while we're there."
"No," Marcus said. "Since Aro didn't see her in person, he doesn't know which person from the memories is his mate. He wouldn't even know that he saw her, except for my bond sight. He doesn't feel a thing. All I see is a single thread."
Aro spoke, his voice tense with frustration. "Edward has encountered thousands of humans all over the world in the past several years. Especially this year, which he has spent traveling. It would be extremely impractical to expect to find her by retracing his steps."
A week later, Edward returned with his sister and his mate, who was very much alive. They all declined invitations to join the guard and received warnings to turn the human woman in a timely manner. Aro eagerly took the opportunity to search Edward's mind again but found nothing. And so, the Cullens took their leave.