Aro smiled as Caius entered the room. "You're looking happy, brother," he remarked.
"Yes, I suppose I am," Caius grinned. "I haven't had this much fun in months."
Aro raised his eyebrow. "I let you have that American three weeks ago, didn't I?"
"Oh, that was nothing. The fool died before I'd even started."
Aro leaned forward eagerly. "And the girl? She's stronger?"
"Oh, yes, certainly," his brother replied. Then he frowned a little. "She isn't much of a screamer, though. I'll have to work on that."
"Nothing like a torture chamber without screams," Marcus said dryly.
Aro chuckled. "Come to think of it, brother, I haven't yet asked your viewpoint on all this."
"Do you need to?"
"Of course! Do you think I'd execute a plan without consulting either of you?"
Marcus' eyes were dark. "It doesn't sound like you need me at all. The girl is suffering just fine without my help."
Aro glanced at Caius, and they shared a smile. He moved to Marcus' side, where he sat, brooding. "You pity her, then?" he asked softly.
"Let it rest, Aro."
Aro touched his hand. "No… I must say, Marcus, this touches me deeply. You and Renata seem to be in accord with one another."
Marcus glanced up, irritated. "Renata? What does she have to do with it?"
"She pities Aster, the sweet thing. She's been sulking about for days, only because I won't tell her our plans for the girl."
Marcus rose. "Suppose you tell me, then?"
Aro rubbed his hands together. "Ah, but that would spoil the surprise!"
"You said you would consult with us."
"Oh, let him know, brother," interjected Caius. "What is there to hide?"
Renata walked down the hall softly. She could hear Aro's voice, soft and sonorous, through the walls, but no words were distinguishable. She moved closer, pressing her ear to the massive doors.
"…until she realizes what she's dealing with," she heard him say.
"I don't understand, Aro."
Renata leaned even closer, fascinated in spite of herself. She had never heard Marcus sound so agitated. "That's barbaric," he continued. "We've never done that before."
She heard Caius' sharp, nasal voice. "All the more reason."
Marcus didn't sound pleased. "She must be alive for the process," he insisted. "Are you taking precautions?"
"Oh, yes," Aro replied.
Caius laughed loudly. "Definitely." Renata heard them both snickering, and then Marcus' voice as it rose in anger. "Do as you wish then," he snapped. "Only leave me out of it!"
Rapid footsteps clicked across the marble. Renata stepped back, barely avoiding the doors as they were flung open. Marcus stood there, his face white with rage. His head jerked, finding her face in the darkness. She stared back at him, unable to remove her gaze. She blinked, and he was gone, a breath of air past her.
She shook herself, unnerved, then walked through the doors to find her master. He was standing with Caius, speaking rapidly in low, eager tones.
"Ah!" he called, upon spotting her. "Just the little angelo I wished to see!"
She gave him her hand, smiling, and he sighed. "Poor Marcus," he said regretfully. "He does get anxious about the most trivial things."
"Such as?" She kept her face smooth, relieved he no longer touched her.
"Nothing, my child," he said. He took her face in his hands, placing a kiss upon her lips. "Now run along. My brother and I have much to discuss."
"Master," she said nervously. "I've been wanting to speak with you—"
"Not now, Renata. Please leave us."
"But, my lord, it's important."
"Renata…"
She stopped, looking at his cold face. Then she bowed to both of them, leaving the room as quietly as she could. There was nothing more for her to say. She glided down the hall, her face somber, until she stopped outside a familiar door. She listened. Someone had cried out from inside; the cry that comes from troubled dreams.
The small vampire sighed, sitting down against the wall. A blood-soaked rag lay near her foot. She picked it up, fingering it, then swiftly tore it to pieces.
