Dressing Down
Aro looked down at his pitiful boy, Sulpicia will flay me for this, quashing the rise of guilt he felt at what he was about to do, he allowed his rage to bubble to the surface once more. CRACK! The local Volterra's human populous looked out at the dusk sky, trying to spot the rainfall predicted by the thunder they had heard. They couldn't even see clouds! It had been a strange day in Volterra with the castle of Saint Marcus heaving with unfamiliar noises of the grotesque followed by billowing plumes of purple smoke. The town of Volterra loved Marcus. He often walked amongst them, regaling them with tales of ancient Greece and Rome and telling the stories of mythology with such gusto they would swear he had witnessed the events first hand... he had of course! They made him their patron saint and he flouted his immortality to his devoted and trusted followers.
Obviously there was no thunder, the almighty crack they heard came from Aro's open hand connecting with Felix's unsuspecting face! Confused, and slightly dazed Felix didn't resist when Aro grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and began dragging him towards the castle entry, half bent over with the position Aro held him in. "Bring him!" Aro called back over his shoulder to Eleazar who had the unfortunate job of ferrying Demetri along to meet his maker. Demetri didn't lash out at Eleazar, he wasn't dumb! But he was certainly digging his heels into the floor to resist. Eleazar, quickly grew bored of the boys display and easily threw the nervous youth over his shoulder, lugging Demetri into the castle behind Aro and Carlisle.
"What are you going to do?" Carlisle's hurried and hushed words were directed at his raging brother. Looking back to Eleazar for some instruction, all he received was a stern shake of the head, okay, so I keep my mouth shut then. Shit this is so tense. Surely Aro won't kill these two… surely not? Carlisle wasn't as sure about these thoughts as he would have liked to be. He was fond of both those young vampires. They were actually far older than him in vampire years, but having been changed in their teens they seemed so much more youthful. Carlisle had mused with Marcus many times about the 'young' guard members and how they never seemed to grow up, stuck with irrational teenage emotions for eternity. Marcus. He looked hollow when Carlisle last saw him. Carlisle hoped that was merely Alec's gift rather than any permanent state that would afflict his friend. You have always been so vibrant with life dear friend, there must be a way to help you through this tragic time. "Where are we going?" Carlisle asked tentatively, the silence was killing him as they walked at a human pace through the large castles halls. Aro hissed. "Shut up Carlisle!" Eleazar's reply shocked him! Not since early in his new born year had Eleazar talked with such a harsh tone to him… well, no more than a handful of times at any rate, he thought!
Felix had been ready to accept his fate, but that was when he expected Aro to rip his head off… that would be quick, maybe even painless! He thought. And he was quite happy with the privacy he believed Aro had offered outside in the courtyard. With everyone else ordered to the throne room. The prospect of being dispatched in front of Demetri and his uncles was a relief. Felix struggled with the humiliation of public punishments. His broad smile always dropped from his face when he was witnessing Caius quite publicly discipline the guard, it is so unnecessary, he felt.
Felix was glad Aro had rarely felt the need to do the same with his high guard. But what the hell is happening now? Aro was dragging him towards the throne room, where everyone left alive in their coven was currently waiting for further instruction. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Aro heard these thoughts and gave his boy a rough shake, if that didn't settle ideas of fighting Aro on this, the growl he gave him certainly did. Aro was well aware of how slowly they were moving towards the throne room; a vampire could have travelled the halls four or five laps in the time it had taken the miserable crew to reach the tall, oak doors. Aro stood before them finalizing his thoughts. Tracing the grain of the wood with his eyes trying to still the thoughts that raced - he needed to compose himself to address his guard. Caius was going to buck against him, he knew that, he also knew he was about to be face to face with the vampire who murdered his sister… he wasn't sure how he would react - Aro was always so sure of his actions so this concerned him greatly. "Follow my lead." He said sternly to the vampires in his company, giving Felix a squeeze as he spoke. With a final glace back to Eleazar, yeah, Eleazar knows what's going on, hopefully he'll keep Carlisle from fucking this up. With one hand fixed on Felix, he used the other to shove open the heavy doors.
They didn't swing as they should, instead they flattened to the floor with an almighty thud. The few guard members on the other side had managed to save themselves from being crushed by scattering around the edges of the room. Aro surveyed the scene: first he looked to each and every member of the guard, he took his time. It appeared their loss wasn't as great as he had feared. "How many have we lost, my friends?" he called out to no one in particular. Magnus spoke up, "ten we believe, my lord." Aro smiled tightly to the man and nodded to himself. That isn't so bad, he thought, though I will have to add replacing any missing gifts to our retribution strategy.
Next he looked to the thrones - Marcus was still desolate, Alec's gift had failed him, the exertion of the day wore heavily on his face and he could no longer offer Marcus any relief. Alec looks so tired, poor boy. I cannot release him yet, I may need his eyes for what happens in this room when I leave. "Brother," Aro called to Marcus, "would you rather retire to your quarters? Caius and I will handle matters from here." Caius nodded to Marcus too and smiled softly with genuine sorrow showing in his eyes. "I will remain to see this through Aro, but thank you for your concern." Marcus was sincere, Aro felt for his brother in law and was amazed by his strength, I wouldn't be so strong, he thought.
Jane didn't look much better than Alec, though her gift was holding up. She continued her torture on Didyme's murderer. I am proud of my young ones. Aro managed to subdue the shudder at explaining to Sulpicia later why her two baby vampires were so exhausted.
Finally, Aro looked to Caius. He sat in his throne watching the burning vampire before him. Aro saw his features twisted into demented glee at seeing Jane's gift in full force, he's loving this the evil cunt. "Aro, we've been waiting." Caius' sickly sweet voice brought Aro from his thoughts. "Would you like to throw those two to the guard? Or will we be disposing of them ourselves?" Caius gestured to Felix and Demetri. The guard would rip apart treacherous guard members. It's the way coven discipline worked in the Volturi and it helped keep any thought of deflecting at bay seeing the ends old guard members were subjected to. Jane and Alec both shot their heads up at Caius suggestions, Jane losing track on her gift as she did so. Horror spread across their sweet, angelic faces at the very idea.
Jane feared having to be part of her brother's demise. She would refuse, she could care less of the consequences, she would refuse! Aro noted their reactions, you two clearly feel more for your brothers than I had realized. This pleased him. Since reading the thoughts of Demetri and Felix in the grounds and realizing the strength of their emotions towards Sulpicia and himself, he'd hope Jane and Alec would be the same. He made a mental note to check later by reading their thoughts too. He had no need to talk with Sulpicia on this, she would be over joyed at his plans.
Tinkling laughter filled the air, now the screaming from Jane's victim had subdued it was the only sound to hear. "No Caius. These two are mine, you know that!" The lightness of Aro's tone hid nothing of the intent behind his words, you will not touch my boys Caius. "And having searched through their minds I know they are not to blame for this incident." Marcus' head rose slightly at this. He looked just as blank as he had when Alec's fog was over him. All emotion had been ripped out of his heart watching his beloved wife fall into Aro's arms without her beautiful head. His gift still worked though. He could still sense where loyalties lay. Caius' bonds were hardly present at all, and the fragmented bonds he did have only extended to Aro and Marcus. Of course the one to Athenodora was incredibly strong.
Aro's loyalties had changed a little though. He was still just as attached to Marcus as he had ever been. But Aro's bond with Caius - Marcus had felt it wavering form many months now, today it was all but gone. Then there was the bond he shared with his high guard - that had always been there too, Marcus had only checked a month ago on Aro's behalf to see how strongly his guard were attached to him. The strength of Aro's loyalty to the young ones had grown enormously since then. It seemed as strong for Aro as his bond with his brothers, Eleazar and Carlisle. Marcus smiled despite his broken heart. He was happy for Aro, and Marcus had seen this bond developing for a long time, centuries in fact, and always knew one day their bond would be strong enough to stand alone outside of this coven. It was happening now.
Marcus trusted Aro, he knew how much he loved Didyme, they playfully argued over who loved her more… he wouldn't allow Felix or Demetri to live if he thought they were truly responsible for her demise. He wasn't sure what Aro planned to do, the guard, and especially Caius sought retribution from within when a catastrophe such as this occurred. Aro, my dear one, I expect you will share your intent with me when the time is right. Surprising everyone, Marcus spoke up, "we should not be so hasty Caius; to lose such valued members of our ranks at this time would be foolish. We have already lost so much." Thank you Marcus! Aro thought to his brother in law. Caius couldn't argue for the heads of Aro's boys now. Not because he was out-voted, though he was, but because Marcus was their unspoken voice of reason.
In all matters that divided Aro and Caius, Marcus would say where the axe should fall. This generally pissed Caius off. Aro with his demi-god father was the head of their leadership, which was enough to put up with, but even on undecided matters Caius couldn't win. No, that's when Marcus would decide, being deemed so much wiser than Caius for a century or so more time on this earth. That wasn't the reason though. Aro allowed Marcus to have his say, and sometimes allow it to be the final say because he respected his opinion. Marcus WAS wise. Aro, in his own mind, represented the order of the coven. Caius completed the trio, he was a vital part of it in fact - he was vengeance.
"RAAHHHH!" Caius' frustration erupted from his mouth. He flashed over to the only captive they had taken from the battle, the one that killed Didyme. Kneeling down to the terrified vampire Caius plunged his hands into the mans stomach, pulling out his bowls and watching like a child playing with sand as the blood trickled through his fingers. The assaulted vampire howled in agony as Caius set to tearing him apart, taking care not to sever his neck and end his suffering too soon. When Caius was finished he stood, covered in the vampire's blood and stepped over the twitching remains of the still living ragged mess of a man and headed for the guard.
Pacing around the room sizing them up like he was picking off a human for his kill. "Did you not hear Marcus, brother? We have lost enough!" Aro said forcefully to Caius. Now Caius turned on Aro with his murderous glare. Aro laughed back in return. Caius was no match for Aro and they both knew it. If every soul in the room had to choose between them not a single one would choose Caius! "You want my guard Caius? Try it!" Aro threw Felix to Caius' feet and motioned Eleazar to do the same with Demetri.
Apprehensively, Eleazar obliged with throwing the youth still hanging over his shoulder to join his brother. Demetri had been silent since they passed through the door way. Which was unusual for him. It was true that Felix and Demetri knew they were held in higher regard than the other guards and the way they swaggered around the halls of the castle left no one in any doubt. They were arrogant, cocky, smart mouthed, and untouchable! So being brought into the throne room carried like a stubborn toddler over his uncle's shoulder was beyond humiliating. Demetri knew this room was full of the females he had swooned into the sack… and now they are seeing him like this, could anything be more embarrassing? He thought to himself. He would be mouthing off in a vain attempt to save face as he hung over Eleazar's shoulder, but his complaining when passing through the halls had earned him a good few stinging swats to the rear already and he would die, simply just die if that had been witnessed by anyone. Having remained like a good little vampire over Eleazar's shoulder, and therefore facing the wall, he hadn't seen the events unfolding, though of course he'd heard them. He wasn't surprised at being delivered to Caius' feet.
Demetri jumped into a defensive pose, ready to attack Caius - if he was going out he'd do it in style. He wouldn't have fought Aro, but he respected Aro, he loved Aro. Caius was a prick! Felix was just sitting there…"Felix, Felix! Get up!" Demetri quietly willed his brother to stand with him. Aro took a step towards his boys, "Felix, you will get up and fight him, do it now." As if being brought to life by Aro's instructions Felix leapt beside his brother, not entirely sure what was going on. Does he really want us to fight Caius? Raising a questioning brow to each other the boys turned back to Aro. Ignoring his sons Aro stretched out his arms wide, "do you see Caius, they don't want to harm you either, they could attack, I have told them to, they will not do it, brother." Adding more gently, and imploring his coven mate to see sense. "They are loyal to our coven Caius, and they work for US. Let us not lose more of our skilled guard, we have lost so much already." Aro slipped in Marcus' words at the end, hoping Caius would relent. They couldn't afford to lose Caius, if they did he would have to be replaced by another, vengeful vampire. Aro didn't want the bother of that, though, he considered, if you force my hand, I will kill you.
Caius took his time. He wasn't the fool Aro took him for. He knew those two obeyed Aro and only Aro, he must have prepped them for this on their way in here… it certainly took them long enough. Okay Aro, I'll play your little game. The first chance I get I will take my revenge on these two. I'm just as conniving as you are brother, he thought hatefully to Aro. Caius knew Aro could read these thoughts later, he simply didn't care. He never hid his thoughts from Aro. They both knew where they stood, their relationship only truly lasting this long because of their shared interest of preserving the royal vampire seat in Volterra and upholding the laws of their kind for the good of all vampires. "Alright brother, if you are sure of their allegiance, I am of course happy to submit to your greater knowledge, you having access to their minds and all."
Aro relaxed a little, Caius caught that, "but tell me, dear brother," such a sweet voice now, which usually meant the intent was anything but sweet, "if you are so sure they have no blame in today's events, why have they been HUMILIATINGLY dragged into the throne room?" Aro chanced a look at his boys, Caius was trying to get a rise out of them, hoping they would snap. With the stress of the day's events Aro doubted either of them could take much of Caius' tongue lashing. Take it you shall boys - you will not bring down all I have built for your pride alone! Aro knew Caius needed this, he needed to embarrass them a bit if he wasn't going to be able to rip the cocky fuckers to pieces. He'd allow that.
Aro replied to Caius, setting him at ease, showing he was still on the same side and joining in a little with the public display, "they may not be to blame Caius, but I am far from pleased with their actions today and both shall feel my wrath" Demetri and Felix, looking every bit the embarrassed little boys Aro expected them to be, stood silently, chancing looks to random guard members around the room who were loving the turn of events.
Receiving Aro's message that it was safe for him to go ahead Caius verbally ripped into the two vampires before him. He questioned their actions, their motives, he made them apologize. He made clear if they were to continue in their roles as member of the high guard they were expected to set a better example to the wider guard. Caius spoke slowly, he let each statement hang in the air, and then he would side-line them with a question… of course they had switched off and didn't answer properly! A very audibly "HISS" came from the pair as Caius backhanded them both for their insolence. Who the fuck is he to talk about the high guard anyway, he has no say over Aro's appointments, who the fuck does he think he is, jumped up little prick. Felix's thoughts were turning more and more hateful towards Caius, the current reason for his shame.
Demetri was just as stressed, being slapped, hard, by one of the masters and in the throne room no less - mortifying! I'm going to start planning my revenge on you for this as soon as I leave this hall, Demetri was going to take Caius down. Okay, he knew he couldn't do that, but coming up with little schemes, each more ridiculous that the last was all that was getting him through this public dressing down without launching at the evil cunts throat.
The other four 'senior' members of the Volturi all looked quite satisfied with the chastised boys. Caius hadn't finished though. Grabbing Demetri by the scruff of the neck he dragged him to the guard. They were barely containing their laughter as he was forced from the slightly bowed position to apologize to each and every remaining member in the room. The hisses of pain he involuntarily released as Caius roughly manhandled him just added to his shame. Watching his brother being humiliated, Felix turned to Aro "seriously?" he asked in a hushed voice, praying Caius wouldn't hear. Closing the gap between himself and his son, Aro whispered menacingly into Felix's ear, "you have far more to worry about than Caius, my boy." Felix winced at Aro's words and his tone. Felix realized then that this night was far from over, Aro clearly had plans for him. As Aro stepped back Athenodora, Sulpicia and Carmen entered the room - the latter two walking quickly to Marcus to check on their ailing coven mate.
Seeing his darling wife take his seat Caius stopped Demetri's forced apologies to the guard. He had someone else to focus on now. He roughly threw Demetri to the foot of the small set of stairs leading up to the thrones. Demetri could have landed properly, but that would be disrespectful. Aro was quite proud that the boy had managed to allow himself be thrown and to land so ungracefully. Demetri rose to his knees knowing exactly why Caius had thrown him at Athenodora's feet. "Anything to say Demetri?" Caius pushed the boys head to face the floor as he spoke to him. "My Lady I am sorry for abandoning you whilst on guard. I sensed lady Didyme leave the castle grounds and acted with haste, I should have secured your safety first. I am at your mercy, my lady." Demetri apologized sincerely to Caius' wife, she wasn't as vengeful as him, but her mean streak still shocked those who saw it; so at odds with the delicate flower persona delivered through her soft face and flowing hair. She smirked at her husband, and without breaking his eye contact addressed Aro, "I am sure you will be whipping these insolent whelps for their foolishness today, Aro? I know you prefer to chastise your guard as though they were still children." Caius' face glowed in delight as his dear wife, clever girl, he thought to himself.
Demetri sunk even lower hearing Athenodora out adding to his shame. Just kill me, just put me out of my misery now, dear god I didn't even do anything, Felix I am going to kill you for this. Demetri was horrified at the mounting shame he was feeling. Why was Aro doing this to him? He hadn't done anything wrong, well, not really.
"That I will Athenodora. They will be left in no doubt about who is in charge here. I dearly hope I won't have to explain who is in charge to anyone else…" Aro glance around the room to the gathered guard who all suddenly found the floor to be so interesting. That was okay with Aro, they were showing they submitted to him. He looked back to Caius and then to Athenodora. Unnerved by Aro's stern word which she knew full well were not directed at the guard, but at her, and maybe her husband, she merely waved a hand in his direction and looked away. Aro was satisfied with that. He needed Caius, for now, but she was his dead weight to carry, not Aro's, if she wants some target practice, you can supply it yourself brother.
Yes! Go on Aro! Okay, so he is going to wear me out when this dress down if over, but he isn't going to kill me. Reprieve. Felix felt a glimmer of hope at Aro's words. Sulpicia had been silent since she entered the throne room. Jane and Alec had taken their places at her sides. They looked so tired, and so young. Aro what have you done to my little ones! She wanted her guard and her husband back in their quarters. But she knew well to be silent in these proceedings. Aro never let anything happen accidentally - If Aro was allowing Felix and Demetri to be dragged around like rags and humiliated in this way, there would be a reason for it. There had better be a damn good reason, I look forward to your explanations, dear husband!
Who's in charge! The audacity of it! Who is in charge, dear brother? These two defiant cocks, or us! Caius was incensed at Aro's clear warning to Athenodora, though his own arrogance meant he didn't recognize the threat was also directed at him! Caius stormed across the hall to Felix, and Aro shoved him forwards, forcefully. Caius took a fist full of Felix's dark hair,pulling sharply at the roots he dragged him to the start of the line of guards circling the room. "What do we have to say Felix?" Caius asked him as though talking to a child!
Felix couldn't take much more of this. The stress of the day, of the last few months actually were mounting in pressure on Felix' fragile psyche. Aro's last statement had given Felix enough of a boost to buck against Caius now, Aro wasn't going to kill him, he was safe – safe-ish. He kept his mouth shut, Caius pulled harder at his hair, he remained in the humiliating, bowed position, but he wasn't going to be apologizing to anyone. "Felix, you will be making your apologies to the guard," Caius voice held firm, though he was quietly worried he may have pushed the volatile boy too far, "You can either do so now and retire to your quarters to face your punishment, or you can go now and return with your well-tanned hide and make your apologies then."
Felix wanted to curl up and die. As ridiculous as Caius had made his options sound, they were truly his only options. Fuck. We really are reaching new levels of shame today. Aro I am begging you, please step in and save the last of my tattered pride!
Carlisle had watched dumbfounded until now. He could see the great deal of stress Felix was under, and he didn't understand Aro's behaviour at all. Carlisle stepped close to his brother and whispered into his ear, "Aro! Do something, before it's too late! Felix will attack Caius if you don't intervene," there was no reply from Aro, and Carlisle ignored Eleazar's protests and orders to 'shut his mouth', and 'fall back'. Carlisle pushed on, "Aro, for the love of god you must do something!" - Too loud. Everyone heard that. Aro's dead heart sank. Caius' torture of his boys was nearly through. Felix would likely have gone along with the apologies with a little more time, and if he hadn't, Aro would have instructed him to do so - Caius would be sated for a while and he could get the hell out of this room. But no. Now his annoying little brother who couldn't keep his opinion to himself had thrown the metaphorical spanner in the works. Aro already felt like he was firefighting in this situation, now he had to add damage limitation to his tasks too.
"Must? I must do something? Tell me Little brother, why 'must' I do anything? Particularly on your say so!" Aro had rounded on Carlisle and was accentuating his speech by jabbing his pointed finger into Carlisle's chest. Carlisle was confused about what was happening, WAS confused - now he was pissed. Eleazar seeing the emotions in Carlisle change decided to take charge, he knew well what Aro was trying to do here, he understood Aro had to allow Caius to have his relatively harmless fun with the boys if they were to stand a chance at survival after this. Demetri had risked Athenodora's safety when he left her alone to find Didyme. And Felix… Felix had clearly failed to guard Didyme altogether. These were heinous crimes. Aro was doing his level best to save the pair and it was not time for Carlisle to fuck it all up! As Carlisle made to stand up to Aro, Eleazar butted between them, "allow me, brother," he said softly as he gripped their youngest brother by the throat. Carlisle protested but Eleazar was stronger than he was, he had to submit to being unceremoniously dragged from the throne room and towards Aro's wing of the castle. Once I am sure we will not be disturbed I will fill you in on all I know brother, but if you try to bite me again I will pull out your fangs from the roots! Carmen followed her mate and brother in law, hoping to find out what the hell was going on!
The conversation between the three brothers had offered Felix a reprieve, he could see how pissed Aro was, he caught his tone too; Aro wasn't coming to his rescue this time. He had to suck it up and apologize to the guard. Felix began offering his regrets and seeking the mercy of his fellow guard before Caius had to tell him to start. This pleased Caius, though it wouldn't make him handle Felix any lighter. Roughly dragging him around the circle he ensured each and every member had been apologized to, he even allowed them to laugh a little at the bruin's unfortunate predicament. It was only Antonio and his small band that found any humour in the situation though, the rest of the guards believed the whole ordeal entirely unnecessary and were firmly on the lads' side in this.
Once complete he shoved Felix to Aro's feet and made to walk back to his wife, Caius was finished now, he'd played long enough. A quiet, but unmistakable 'evil cunt!' was heard by all in the room. Spinning on his heel, fury refreshed, Caius was ready to start again! "That's what he thinks of us Aro, this ingrate, this whelp, he should be begging for our mercy!" Caius roared. Frankly Aro wanted to join him. Felix, his petulant son, sat at his feet without a shred of regret. "Aro we need to do something about his attitude, IF we are to keep him that is? Defiance like this will corrupt the entire guard if allowed to seep in, we must act Aro!" Caius seemed genuinely worried about their guard and the effect Felix seemingly go unpunished would have… Aro wasn't born yesterday, he knew Caius wanted to see the boy suffer, but still, he wasn't wrong about defiance destroying his coven. "Demetri!" Aro calling his name startled him. He dared a look over his should as he responded "yes, master?" "Fetch the bull whip."
Demetri rose silently, though he was sure he felt his stomach hit the floor as he did so. The thought of that whip made him sick. The idea that Aro was going to whip Felix in this room, so publicly, was awful. Caius' eyes danced playfully around the guard, he wanted them all watching this - for their own good, and for his own pleasure. A small faction of the guards were delighted. Antonio, Afton, their mates and the handful of hangers on had started nudging each other and whispering their glee. They would have happily paid good money to see that cock of the walk brought down a peg or two and now they were getting the show for free! Aro stood watching them. One by one they realised they were being watched by the vampire king, they caught the thunderous look on his face and quickly brought themselves under control again, fearing for their own hides now.
Aro looked sadly to his wife, she was shooting daggers back at him, "my queen." Aro said apologetically as he bowed his head. She knew he wanted her to take her leave and though she felt torn looking at the sorry state of her eldest guard, she relented. Sulpicia stood and took the hands of Jane and Alec and led them away from the thrones and out of the room towards their quarters.
Demetri returned quickly, far too quickly for Felix' liking, thanks brother! Handing the implement over to Aro with his eyes downcast submissively, Demetri was trembling. Aro nearly called an end to the whole thing, I could take down Caius, most of the guard would follow me and destroy Antonio's band - we could start again. Here, or somewhere else. It wouldn't matter. Basileus would make it right. Basileus. Aro thought about his father gloomily. I know he has plans, he would be furious if I ruined them – whatever they are. He has said so many times over the last year to keep Caius on side. He would blow his top if I fucked things up now, especially if I am fucking things up because I didn't have a proper handle on my own two lads. Damn it! Aro was backed into a corner and he didn't like it. Demetri was still shaking in front of him. Aro took his hand kindly and pulled him in closely. "You are to go to our quarters and wait for me there, understood?" he asked his boy quietly. "Yes master," came Demetri's small reply. And with that he left to follow Sulpicia.
Felix had seen his brother shaking and was envious of how Aro tried to ease his discomfort… there would be no easing his own, he knew that. Before he had any more time to process what was to come, Aro pulled Felix to his feet by his large, left bicep. Pushing him further into the centre of the room, Aro addressed the guard, "my friends, I am sure you understand insolence is not tolerated in the Volturi coven, but we, your faithful leaders," Aro gestured to Caius and Marcus with his free hand, "we understand that sometimes mistakes will be made. Our friend Felix here has made MANY mistakes this day," he let that hang in the air a short while, he could feel Felix trying to pull away in a broiling mixture of shame and trepidation. Alas dear boy, you have forced my hand, and now you will pay your price. "I feel it only fair to show you all what Felix shall receive for his crimes, and I will allow you to decide if you believe my method harsh enough, or not." Fuck fuck fuck fuck… why did I say that to Caius, not worth it, totally not worth it, not worth it in the slightest!
Afton and Antonio had already decided that whatever Aro did to Felix, it wouldn't be enough. They caught Caius' eye as he winked at them, he was hoping they would do their duty by him and call for harsher terms – they knew their preferred master well.
Aro held the whip in his right hand, with a flip of his wrist he had caught the stray end of the bull whip and gripped it tight. He'd no intentions of using the fearsome thing as a long whip, instead, folded in this way he could wield the implement as he would a belt, or a strap. Tightening his hold on Felix' bicep, which was tight enough already had you asked Felix, he spun the young guard so he was backed up to the guard and began his assault. Vampire strength strikes laid out across the bruins back, shoulders, backside and thighs. Felix hissed and gasped with each one that landed, feeling the bite of the doubled over bull whip lashed over and over again. Aro kept up the speed and intensity for a minute or so and then released his hold over his son, who promptly dropped to the floor and desperately tried to rub the biting sting from his skin - all shame forgotten, for now. "Is that it?!" Caius asked incredulously. "Certainly not brother, but I intend to deliver the full punishment in my private quarters, Felix, get up!"
Felix tried to bring himself under control before he stood, wincing and grimacing he wiped the stray tears from his cheeks but more took their place. Aro wasn't pleased already and being ignored when he had told the boy to stand pissed him off. Releasing the tail end of the whip he brought the implement down again, it bit a stinging strip across Felix' back and wrapped around his body to his chest. Felix gasped, he wanted to scream but the sound caught in his throat. "Now get up!" Aro ordered darkly. Felix scrambled to his feet this time, keeping his face covered with his hand across his eyes as his breath hitched audibly, and embarrassingly.
Caius wasn't happy with this at all. "Forgive me brother, but this hardly seems a fitting punishment for the treachery he has displayed!" Walking over to Caius, whip still in hand, Aro asked his brother to hold out his hand. Caius smiled, assuming Aro was going to give him the whip so he could deal with Felix himself, he eagerly thrust his hand forward. Without warning, Aro laid a thunderous crack on his brother's hand with his whip. "Ahh!" the strike had caught Caius completely off guard, and he couldn't help his reaction to the slash of fire that burned in his palm! Caius looked ready to launch himself at his brother in arms, but Aro closed the gap before he had chance. Pulling his brother in close Aro spoke quietly to him, "I will whip this brazen brat until his clothes fall away in tatters, and I will bring those rags to you. You have my word brother." Aro told Caius solemnly.
Caius looked down at his hand, a swollen line where Aro had landed his whip was already visible and his skin was discoloured. Biting his lip, Caius closed his hand tightly into a fist, testing the effect. He quickly opened it back up and shook his hand, trying to rid himself of the pain. Caius was finally satisfied. His hand was blazing in pain, if that is what Aro intends to do to the boy, I think I'd rather have my arm taken off for a few days, Caius thought to himself. He nodded to Aro and squeezed his shoulder gently to offer his support. Athenodora stood from her seat and Caius joined her so they could walk out together. Marcus' few favoured guard were still with him, they helped the master to his feet and left for Marcus' quarters. Aro bid him good night and promised him they would talk tomorrow. Marcus seemed content with that. The remaining guards looked lost. Aro threw out some orders for his surviving twenty members, mainly patrolling the high walls and guarding all entrances, he assured them all they were safe in his coven and that they would work out new strategies tomorrow, for now he had to deal with his own guard.