I couldn't resist putting the second chapter out!
**DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE TWILIGHT SAGA OR IT'S CHARACTERS**
Hope you like!
Aro
"Where do you suppose Demetri and Felix have run off to?" I sighed, glancing from Caius to Marcus. Marcus said nothing in response, as usual.
"With the way you've been sending them out lately, there's no telling where they are." Caius said acidly. This came as no surprise to me, as I have been dealing with his explosive temper for several milennia. Of course, he has made it quite clear (on numerous occasions, I might add) that he has dealt with my cheerful attitude for the same amount of time.
From outside the castle, I heard the sounds of struggle. Perhaps my two guard members had been successful in their search tonight? I perked up, waiting for their arrival. Thoughts raced through my mind far too fast to allow me to concentrate. Everyone in the room could hear Demetri's customary greeting to Gianna. I straightened, prepared to stand if need be. The doors to the Throne room swung open, revealing Demetri and Felix. I almost dropped my smile before I noticed a third figure behind them. A shock of deep crimson curls caught my attention as the two male guards stepped aside to let her through. That was when she looked up. At first glance, I would've thought she was a sun-deprived human. However, I would've missed the lack of heartbeat, or the fact that she did not smell of blood. I could tell immediately that she wasn't one of us, but something different entirely. I stood and approached her, suddenly itching to know more about this fascinating creature. Pale green irises gazed intently at me with the same amount of curiosity I imagined was mirrored in my own expression. It was then that I noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes, another splash of realization hitting me in the face.
She slept.
"Demetri, Felix! How nice of you to join us!" I tore my attention from the girl to stare at each of them. "And who might this be?" I returned my interest to the young lady before me. I couldn't be sure of her age- early twenties, maybe? I pondered this for half a second, waiting for her to speak.
"Violet Monroe, sir." she answered quietly, though I heard it clear as day. Her voice did not contain the bell-like quality of ours. It reminded me more of a shattering icicle.
"Violet," I repeated, sounding it out. "I am Aro of the Volturi." I offered her my hand, watching her reaction as she took it.
I was immediately sucked into a whirlwind of memories. A man and a woman, both scolding her for not using manners. The sensation of falling as she was pushed into an icy lake. The pain of two sharp fangs digging into her clammy neck. The guilt of stealing from a hospital. And what was this? Oh, it appeared she gave Felix and Demetri a run for their money as they attempted to capture her. I chuckled silently, releasing her hand. Her face was contorted with confusion.
"I apologize. Allow me to explain. You see, I possess the ability to read every thought you have ever had with a single touch. And I must say, I've never seen anything quite like you." I explained, meeting her eyes once more. She seemed incredulous.
"I suppose I could say the same of you." she responded, a hint of a smile forming upon her lips. I chuckled.
"Very true!" Her smile grew the smallest bit. "Violet, would you be so kind as to demonstrate for everyone just what it is that you can do? So far, only several of us have been privileged to witness it." I added, practically feeling Caius's annoyance grow. She appeared to be taken aback by the request, but nodded shortly after recovering. I watched her expression become thoughtful, obviously contemplating what to do. Suddenly, she was gone, a strange mist replacing the spot where she'd stood just seconds before. I sensed her reappearance on one of the window ledges far above me. Sure enough, she was there, looking down upon the room with amusement. She disappeared again, having returned to her place directly in front of me. Sharp fangs had replaced her canine teeth, giving her a more intimidating appearance. I grinned at her.
"Remarkable!" I breathed, moving so that everyone could see her more easily.
"Thank you." she said to me, turning her attention to Marcus and Caius. "There's more, actually, but that might result in the damage of some of your furniture." I studied their faces. Marcus looked vaguely interested, while Caius's scowl had softened the smallest amount. Oh, how I wished she were a member of my guard! I planned on asking, but I would have to take this slowly. Maybe I could persuade her to spend a few days here first? Yes, that could work.
"I'm sure we'd like to see it sometime. For now, though, might I be able to convince you to stay here?" I inquired, flashing her my most charming smile. She pondered this for a moment. I found myself wanting to touch her hand, to know what she was thinking. Slowly, she nodded.
"I would be honored. Thank you." she said. I removed my eyes from her to look at Jane.
"Jane, be a dear and show Violet to her chambers." I ordered my favorite guard sweetly. Jane seemed happy to comply, brushing her hand against mine imperceptibly as she passed me. I had assumed correctly that she thought Violet to be interesting.
"Follow me, please." she instructed her. I couldn't help but notice Violet's quick glance back at me as she disappeared through the double doors.
Violet
I followed Jane through the doors, stealing a glance at Aro as I did so. We walked in silence for a little while. I wondered to myself why I had done what Aro had asked me to do. After all, I could've gotten out of there with little to no difficulty. Then again, no one had attempted to harm me…yet. Plus, I now had a place to stay. It could work out….right?
The silence in the halls as we walked was so thick; you could cut it with a knife. I decided to break it.
"So," I started, searching desperately for a topic. "How long have you been here?"
Jane's eyes flickered up to me as she walked. She couldn't have been much older than fourteen, but behaved as though she were an adult.
"My brother Alec and I have been here for centuries." she replied.
"Oh," I murmured, momentarily at a loss for words. "That sounds….fun." Jane's mouth gradually turned upwards into a smile.
"Yes, it's very," she paused. "Fun." I chuckled at the way she said it.
"Here we are." We stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. Jane produced a key from her pocket and unlocked it. I didn't enter right away, not sure if I should.
"After you," she gestured to the room. I hesitantly walked in, stifling a gasp. Expensive looking furniture was placed around the room, which was accented with shades of red and cream. A large bed of dark wood stood in the middle of it, with a window a little ways to it's right. Several other furnishings- all of dark wood -were scattered about, including a wardrobe, a scarlet armchair, a vanity, and a bookcase. I had to keep myself from jumping onto the bed. Instead, I settled on walking over to it and plopping myself down on the soft ivory sheets.
"This is…beautiful." I shook my head in disbelief. Jane smiled.
"I'm glad you like it. Dinner is in an hour. I'll give you some time to prepare." She added, eyeing my ragged clothes. Clearly I didn't look as formal as I should. She shut the door behind her, leaving me to myself. I flopped back on the bed, enjoying the warmth of the sheets. I hadn't felt this comfortable in decades!
I removed myself from the bed, going into the bathroom (yet another gorgeous room) to clean myself up. I'd been living in a dirty apartment complex for years, and I wasn't feeling too fresh.
I emerged from the bathroom nearly twenty minutes later, having made the most of my shower time. Padding to the wardrobe to my right, I clutched the towel tighter around my frame. I opened the doors, muttering quietly to myself.
"Black, black, or black?"
As you probably guessed, nearly everything that had been placed in the wardrobe was black. A few sundresses were shoved to the back, but none of them seemed right for dinner with royalty. I shrugged, grabbing the first dress my hands could get a hold of. It wasn't strapless, so I was happy. I slipped it over my head, thankful for the lack of a zipper. I finished getting ready, sitting in the armchair near the window. I still had about ten minutes to kill. A soft breeze disturbed the still of the night, and I directed my attention towards the view from the window. No humans were in sight- probably sleeping in their supposedly safe homes.
A firm knock on the door alerted me to the presence of another. I rose from my seat, peering through the crack between the door and the frame to see Demetri.
"Hello, Demetri." I greeted him as I answered his knock. He raised an eyebrow.
"The leaders are waiting in the dining room," he stepped out of the way so I could get by. "Now, will you come peacefully, or will I have to take you by force?"
I smiled. "We'll see."
He chuckled at my remark, gesturing for me to follow him. I was led down a series of hallways, as well as an extremely long staircase. By the time I got to the dining room, I'd be falling asleep!
We eventually made it to a set of double doors, these a bit less intimidating than those in front of the Throne room. Demetri pushed them open, allowing me to enter first.
I had no idea what awaited me.
Alrighty, how did I do? Review if you can, thanks!
