Chapter Thirty Seven

Marcus

When I heard the news from Greece I was elated, not only had The Major and my Anastasia beaten my brothers but they had captured the one person I most wanted to see tried for his crimes which were legion although only one consumed me, the murder of my dear beloved Didyme, his own sister. Although Alec's disappearance concerned us somewhat there would be time to hunt him down if he started anything. I passed the news to our comrades and there were celebrations among those still in Volterra. Some had returned to their homes leaving their votes to be counted later and their candidates to speak to others. The Fraternidad and several other of the more powerful comrades had made it plain that they expected a say in the government of our world but I had pointed out it was for them to persuade others they were the best for the job. I also made it plain that I would not be standing, I never wanted to stay in Volterra in the first place, Didyme and I had our future mapped out for us when Aro finding our our intention of leaving murdered her and tied me to him using Chelsea. Thinking of her reminded me I needed to check on the progress, if any, that Felix was making in deciding who could be trusted to be loyal to a new administration here and who was too dangerous to be allowed to stay. I had no wish to kill anyone except my "brother" but if gifted vampires were likely to set themselves up in opposition then they must be dealt with straight away.

I found Felix with Jane and several of the guard he had vouched for as loyal to him who were discussing the merits of some of our prisoners. When I walked in they stood and bowed their heads deferentially even though I had told them it was no longer necessary, it seemed some habits were too ingrained.

"Well, how are you doing with the list?"

"We've split the guard into two groups in separate quarters which are also inhabited by our spies and so far we've only found three who seem determined to cause trouble."

"Really? And who are they?"

"Demetri, Heidi, and from what they have let slip of course Corin, but then they were always close to Aro and his mate. I think they are convinced Aro will be back with an army to wrest control from us."

"Well then they are going to be forced to choose when they hear we have Aro here a prisoner. What about Chelsea?"

"She's saying very little, I'm not sure if she's hedging her bets or if she is just waiting to see who is on the winning side but she has always been loyal to Aro in the past, look what she did to you at his command"

"Yes, I fear Chelsea will have to be dealt with unless we find a way to persuade her that we have a new and more powerful, more just council to put in his place. You should know that Anastasia is on her way back with prisoners."

Jane looked at me but I shook my head,

"I have no word on your brother I'm sorry, but now we have captured Aro himself he will be tried by the new council straight after the election, it will be their first duty."

We didn't have to wait long, The Major and my beautiful Anastasia were back by the next evening along with their two prisoners Renata and Aro who were locked separately in the catacombs under the citadel. Anastasia looked wan and weary and I was only too happy to speak to her for a few minutes and then let her go to feed and rest, The Major staying at her side. Peter and Charlotte Whitlock refused our hospitality, they weren't fans of the Volturi whatever its face and after goodbyes they along with their friend Luke, a vampire I had never seen before, left for their flight back to Boulder leaving only Garrett behind. I had always admired Garrett's fighting skills but this time he was my informant telling me what he had witnessed on the beach between Sulpicia and Caius and their conclusions. I thought he was probably right, I had always thought it unnatural to keep the wives locked away and kept artificially happy by Corin but I had no say in the matter my own mate being dead.

"We must inform Athenadora what has happened to her husband."

"How do you think she'll take it?"

"That Garrett I cannot say. She turned a blind eye to all his peccadillo's over the centuries, such as Sara but I think only because she was forced to by Chelsea and Corin. I would imagine now free of their influence she may find herself alone for the first time, what will she do? That is anyone's guess."

"So she's still in the tower with Corin? Isn't that a little odd if she wants her freedom?"

"Imagine you've been a prisoner for centuries Garrett, how would you react? I think you might retreat to the safe and familiar. She knows the tower, it has always been her home and Corin keeps her happy. She may want to stay there and I for one would not force her out but then I am not the council. We have the problem of Chelsea which is far more pressing just now"

"Chelsea? Yes, she's the one who can change your loyalties isn't she?"

"Yes and who knows where her own loyalties lay"

"Does she have a mate?"

"No, but I think most keep their distance unsure if what they would feel would be true or not. Its a tangled web we have woven around ourselves Garrett and I'm not sure we will ever be able to free ourselves of it completely."

Garrett

I went with Marcus at his request to explain to Athenadora what had happened to her husband and Sulpicia's part in his destruction although I wasn't sure that was such a good idea. In the event she didn't seem very upset or even startled by the news. She sat in her armchair lips set as I told her everything and there was no change in her expression but when I finished talking she sat forward and nodded,

"I am not surprised at Sulpicia's reaction, she hated my husband for the way he treated women and I agreed with her although I could not speak up against my husband even though he treated me like some kind of pretty song bird in its cage. I am not upset at his death, I warned him that one day he would face a better man, I'm just glad it was Darius although I am saddened to hear that he took his own life. I hope Sara is waiting for him in the life beyond, they deserve their chance at happiness after all. Will I be tried alongside Aro and his loyal guards?"

We both waited for Marcus to answer that question.

"You will be expected to appear I'm sure but I don't think you will be sentenced to death under the circumstances."

"Oh I'm not afraid to die, only that my husband will be waiting for me with yet another cage. Still I made my choices a long time ago. I would like to speak for Corin here though. She did what she did for fear of Aro and my husband. She never hurt anyone so please speak up for her to the new council Marcus, that's all I ask of you."

"Do you know if Chelsea will still be true to Aro?"

She shrugged,

"Only if she's a fool and Chelsea never struck me as a fool. I think she just looked on the things she did as her duty as a Volturi guard but I cannot say more. I'm sorry"

As we left I could see Marcus was thoughtful.

"What's on your mind?"

"I would like to see Chelsea remain with the guard but I doubt many will trust her and with her gift that is easy to understand."

I nodded, of course he was right, how could you trust someone who could tie you to them even against your will?