Hola, my dear readers. It's been awhile, has it not? SORRY! I've been busy, but I'm back now! For those of you who have stuck with this story the whole time, thank you! If there are any newcomers, welcome! To Kassandra203, TeamAroPickle, Aztilen-chan, imogen321, and BreeTannerVolturi- thanks for your reviews. They always brighten my day! Without further ado, let's get on with the chapter!
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Aro's facial expression remained the same as he led me towards the ever-shifting crowd of dancing partygoers. It was heartbreaking, watching their grace. Not one of them stumbled or missed a step, all effortlessly twirling to the softly playing melody that sounded throughout the room. Aro and I had joined them within moments, adding a bit to my nervousness. I was beginning to think that accepting his offer was the wrong choice. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if he decided to kick me out of the Volturi? Ugh, why didn't I think things through?
I turned to face the very man who was causing my head to spin, noticing a small smile on his lips. In that instant, all of my fears dissolved into a pitiful heap. I rested my free hand on Aro's shoulder, while his arm wrapped around my waist. He pulled me close, much to my secret delight. Well, I suppose it wasn't very secret now. This assumption was confirmed as a small chuckle erupted from his chest. I smiled, slightly embarrassed. He leaned towards me, his cool breath tickling my ear.
"Do not fret, my dear."
I shivered, allowing him to guide me as we began to dance. It had been awhile since I'd been dancing, and to tell you the truth, I rather preferred it that way. While I may not be terrible at it, dancing had never been a favorite hobby of mine when I was human. The men were always stuffy, and everyone glared at you if you did something wrong. Needless to say, the entire fun of it had been erased.
But not with Aro.
Swift in his movements, we glided around the dance floor as everyone surrounding us did. My eyes never left Aro's throughout the song. Around me, the world was nonexistent. Crimson depths were my home, and I happily accepted them.
It took me a moment to realize just how close Aro's face was to mine. When I did, my breathing quickened. Surely, this meant something, right? My question was answered when Aro began to lean towards me. Our lips were centimeters away from one another, begging us to close the minute gap between them. We happily went to comply.
Unfortunately, an ignorant guest chose THAT moment to interrupt.
"Excuse me," he tapped Aro on the shoulder, much to my frustration. Aro growled quietly, sending me an apologetic look. Before I could blink, his irate expression had morphed into one of joyousness. He turned towards the man, removing his hands from my form. I nearly whimpered from the loss, catching myself before I did so.
"Yes?" Aro addressed the man, giving me a chance to really look at just who had interrupted us. Bronze hair was the first thing my eyes settled on, accompanied only by a set of golden eyes. I raised a brow, trying to recall what that meant. Oh, right.
As I studied the pest, I noticed him flash me a quick look of disapproval. I glared back at him. Two could play that game. His jaw tightened, while I bit my tongue. I imagined him being blown to pieces- an image which I quickly dispelled. Happy thoughts, Violet.
Aro. Think of Aro. I breathed deeply, attempting to relive the past few moments he and I had shared. They brought a smile to my lips, one that quickly erased as he turned to me.
"I am afraid that I must leave you, Violet." Aro's eyes told me that he was being sincere as he met mine. I nodded, simultaneously numbed and hurt by his words.
"It's fine. I had…something to do, anyway." I put on my best smile, watching as his gaze left mine in order to follow the young man. The spacious crowd around us moved so that they could pass, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. I made sure to fix that, though. Spinning around, I walked briskly towards the set of double doors. I couldn't help the growing anger and guilt that increased inside me as I reached them.
I had almost kissed Aro. Again.
Aro, whose wife had died mysteriously. Aro, my master. Why did I have to love him? Of all the people in this castle, I chose him. I shouldn't have come here. I was destroying everything.
As I pushed through the doors, I glanced back at the crowd. They all seemed so happy-something I was not. That's when my mind took an unexpected turn.
Maybe I could be happy. I could leave- get away from all of this. Yeah. I could travel around the world; find a new home, possibly. I wouldn't have to worry about love, plotting vampires, or anything. The idea sounded very nice, I will not lie, but there was a downside.
My friends. All of them cared for me, and I cared for them. How would we stay in touch? Hmm…Well, I could write. Yes, that might work. I could write them letters each week, and we'd never lose contact. While it wasn't exactly the greatest idea, it might work out for the best in the long run. I nodded internally. Things would get better.
With new strength, I evaporated into my room. Quickly removing my gown, I ran to the closet to find something casual to wear in public. All I could find were dresses, so I just reached for one of them. For once, I was thankful for the lack of color in my- scratch that, the Volturi's -wardrobe. I slipped the garment on, zipping it up and turning towards my bed. I crouched beside it, scanning it's underside for anything to pack supplies in. My eyes landed on a suitcase almost immediately, and I reached for it. Throwing it on top of my bed, I turned for my wardrobe. I wouldn't need much- a few bits of clothing would be satisfactory.
Grabbing a couple of dresses, I glanced out the window. A rumble of thunder shook the room for a moment, forcing me to sigh.
It just had to be raining.
I continued packing, pausing only once I was finished. I zipped up the suitcase, hefting it off the bed. Briefly scanning the room, I was pleased to find it looking exactly the same as the day I'd received it. Running a hand over the soft comforter, I silently wished it goodbye.
Soft thunder echoed through the hallways as I exited my room. I decided to walk out of the castle- it would give me a chance to think.
The only sound to be heard was the light click of my shoes as I made my way out of the castle. I examined the walls, gripping the handle of my suitcase tightly. A memory of strolling down this very hall with Jane flashed through my mind, discouraging me the tiniest bit from my trek. I inhaled deeply though, attempting to keep the better times from making me stay here.
"Violet?" a voice shook me from my thoughts. I halted, turning slowly to face Jane herself.
"Hello, Jane." I said quietly. She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at my suitcase.
"You're leaving?"
Her tone made me flinch. "Yes."
She frowned. "Why?"
I sighed, wishing that she would have just let me go. "I can't take it anymore. This…weird thing between me and Aro. I just," I paused, searching for the words. "Feel so guilty."
Jane shook her head in disbelief. "Violet, that's no reason to just up and leave."
I couldn't be mad at her, but my stubborn side refused to give in. "It's what's best, Jane."
She scoffed. "Best for who? You, or Aro?"
Was I being selfish? I already knew the answer to that one. Then again, Aro had left me standing in the middle of a ballroom alone. I shook my head, confused.
"I don't know anymore, okay? I just want to go! I promise I'll stay in touch, but I can't deal with this right now." I added, hoping to lessen some of the anger in my voice.
Jane pursed her lips, but nodded. Things were silent for a moment. A tear ran down my face, and I hastily smacked it away. Jane just stared at me, possibly debating whether or not to use her death glare on me. I hoped she would decide not to.
Finally, she spoke. "Then go."
It felt as if a weight had been lifted slightly from my back. I nodded glumly, ambling with my suitcase over to Jane.
"Thank you." I whispered, hugging her quickly. She hugged me back, clearly not one for the activity. We pulled away, and she waved me off.
"Well, go, before I try to stop you again." she half smiled. I smiled sadly in return, whirling back around to face the long hallway that led to the main entrance of the castle. Rain poured down from in front of the opening, pitter pattering against the hard cement stairs leading up to it. The sound calmed me as I continued towards that very spot, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes.
It's for the best. I told myself, reaching the entrance. I debated whether or not to walk, deciding that I might as well. Who knows? Maybe I'd find the cold rain soothing.
With one last glance back at my former home, I stepped out into the dark night.
Yep, I had to end it there, too. Did you like it? Hate it? Please, let me know. Criticism is welcomed by me, as long as it's that of the constructive variety. Thanks for reading!