I haven't written a vampire story in a while…and not just my one-shots. I mean an actual story. This is going to be an Aro and Bella story. I've just come up with an update schedule which can be found in my profile. I will use this upcoming week to work on those mentioned stories.
I'm just putting this chapter out because I'm excited, but it will be a week or two before I update it.
Do you guys think I should work on one story for a month and then switch? For any of my readers who write, what helps you stay organized?
Marcus POV
I saw it right away. The dark, black, band constricting around the human like a chokehold. How she was still breathing I would never understand. It swirled with manipulation, deceit, and malice. Dependency, darkness. This bond reeked of obsession. Aro walked down the steps, and I shifted, curious now. The human's eyes flickered to that of my brother. Her sharp intake of breath was heard by us all, and her stuttering heart was almost refreshing. "What have we here? Young Edward has found himself a…pet," I almost rolled my eyes at Aro, knowing he was more curious than he let on. We've never had a human here that wasn't a meal. Well, besides the receptionist.
Edward curled his lip in anger, and I raised a brow. Pet indeed. I inch forward as Aro takes Edward's hand, and as I am unable to see Aro's face, I can only imagine what lies behind the boy's mind. Edward looked…afraid. What secrets does he hide? Aro just hummed, releasing his hand, and for some reason, I was compelled to stand. I wanted to see this. The collective gasps did nothing to deter me or make me pause in any way. Yes, I lost my dear sweet Didyme a very long time ago, and I still do not know how to cope without her. I rarely bat an eye, but today is enough. I need to move again, feel free again…. this moment compels me to stand for that I know that this moment is about to change everything I thought I knew.
I glide forward, the non-use of my limbs bothering me none as I did so. I stood but a few feet behind Aro now, my eyes locked onto his hands. He merely turned to me, surprise in his eyes before he turned back to the human. He took her hand, and I had never known to see something so divine. The dark, false bond had almost constricted around her neck in protest, and she sucked in a gasp of air as if she could feel it suffocate her. It then released its hold, not completely, oh no, this wouldn't go without a fight. If I weren't sure of my ability, I would have probably blinked a few times, maybe even demand that Aro take her hand again for sure that I could be wrong, but I know that what I see is the truth.
Even as Aro, the ever so cunning man, who was rarely surprised, let go of her hand, a look or wonder on his face, that swirl of gold glided from his hands to hers. "Nothing," He whispers, amazed just as much as I. My eyes flicker down to Edward as he takes her hand, pulling her against him. I though, wanted to test something, and I should have known that Aro was no fool. "Why don't we see how Jane's gift works on the young mortal?" I turned to beckon Jane, but Aro's voice stopped me. "I don't think that is necessary brother," His tone held no room for argument, and I hid my smile. "Oh, it's worth a try, yes?" I challenged, and I heard his sigh before Jane walked forward. I turned back to the human, glancing over at the seer of Carlisle's coven. Her bond truly was genuine to the human.
"No!" I rolled my eyes. Ever the dramatic that boy is. I merely watched with boredom as Edward was restrained. I beckon with my hand for the mortal, internally smiling as she hesitantly walked forward. Her fate was sealed the moment she stepped foot in our presence. Aro watched curiously, and I winked in his direction, once again earning a surprised look from him. The human stood next to me, and I could tell it took everything within her not to flinch. "This may hurt, but only for a second," I murmur, watching with fascination as Jane stared into the eyes of the human, then she suddenly frowned, flicking her eyes to me. "You have brought a very special guest," I murmur, a smile drifting onto my face as the human looked up at me. Her brown eyes were swirling with fear and apprehension.
"Your name, dear one?" I inquire. She licks her lips, her eyes flickering behind me as she shifted. "Isabella," She responds, just barely above a whisper.
Aro POV
Isabella shrinks towards Edward, reaching for him, and I nod. He's let go, and I watch them embrace, Edward nosing at her hair, his black eyes glaring daggers at me. Hmm. Isabella sighs, relieved, her brown eyes meeting mine, before she transfixes her gaze to the marble floor. I smile, clasping my hands in front of me. "So, young Isabella is alive and well. How wonderful. However, this is far from over. You do know the rules concerning this….predicament?" I ask, turning back to head to my chair, Marcus following behind me. His sudden interest piqued mine, for I knew he saw what it was I felt. I knew the signs of our kind, and as surprised as I am to find out that my mate is not only human, but the singer to the infamous Edward, I also knew there was nothing to be done to change this course of fate.
I narrow my eyes at the trio, waiting for a response. "I must be changed or…killed," Mmm, no, that isn't a fate that I would allow to claim her life. "Killed'' is such a….final term. I believe that you may have some value in a life such as this. A gift that already manifests while human is something that shouldn't go to waste," I answer, my eyes drawn to her. She glances between Edward and myself. "It always was inevitable," She whispers, and I can see the look of disgust on his face. "This could have been avoided," He whispers accusingly. Isabella rears back, clearly hurt by his words. Hmmm, the things you observe. "You don't have to decide now…but young Isabella must be turned, and soon. I'll give you a month to decide how you'll proceed," I inform, unable to hide my smirk as Edward nods at me before turning around. "Oh, there's just one condition," I interrupt, causing the three to freeze. Isabella turns first, her brown eyes wide, waiting for my response. "Edward and the young mortal will stay in Volterra, here in our humble abode. Alice may return home to send the news, and set up a suitable story to end the existence of one Isabella Swan,"
A twinge of guilt hits me as Isabella looks crestfallen, but this must be done. The rules shouldn't change, but this was also for selfish reasons. Edward is an arrogant creature, and hates to be told no. He will be so against her turning that it'll give me the opportunity to know the human that would one day be mine.
Bella POV
A month in Volterra? In Italy?! I could feel Edward's grip tighten around my waist as we were escorted out of the throne room. My thoughts were in so many places. I looked longingly behind me as Alice turned the way we came with Jane. She met my gaze with a reassuring smile. The one that had restrained Edward was leading us down a series of halls that I wouldn't even remember considering my state of mind. I squeezed onto Edward, glancing over at the vampire that had restrained him earlier. I shifted my eyes when he turned his head to look at me. These vampires seemed so much more intimidating than even Victoria.
We suddenly come to a stop in front of a pair of blood red doors, and I swallow heavily. The vampire pushes the door open with a bored expression, and I peer around him to see an enormous bedroom. "We will retrieve you for dinner," The vampire's eyes gleamed as he stared at me, but not in a threatening way. Edward however tensed, and let out a growl that vibrated through me. "Thank you," I interrupted, stepping forward, pulling Edward inside. The door was closed behind us, and I sighed, barely taking notice of the room. Against my will, my body migrated towards the soft looking bed, and once I sat on it, I was in heaven. I laid back, staring up at the crème colored ceiling.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward pacing, a frown on his face. "You can't get us out of this," I softly say, watching him ignore me with a shake of his head. Can't he see he has no choice now? This was meant to happen, I know it. Maybe not like this, but I was meant for this life. "I can try," He whispers, running a hand through his hair. "Do you really think the rulers of your world will allow us to leave? You heard Aro. In months' time, I will have to be changed. It's inevitable," I repeat my words from before. "What's so wrong about that?" I ask, not understanding why he was so against me becoming like him. He loved me, and I loved him. What was wrong with forever?
"Why did you come here?" He suddenly asks me, and I raise a brow. "To save you from killing yourself. Why else?" I retort, sitting up, and crossing my legs. He comes to stand next to the bed, a look of disapproval on his face. "Why would you do something so stupid? You shouldn't have come here," I'm unable to contain myself as I raise a bow. "Stupid? You were going to expose yourself. If you want anyone to blame, blame yourself. You left me. Then the second you think I'm dead, you go to the leaders of your world so that they can kill you. I did what I did because I love you, but maybe I'm wrong about you...maybe you don't love me as much as I thought," Maybe it was the fact that I sounded so upset or I was doubting his feelings, but his hand is suddenly resting on my knee, his face level with mine, and I can see the guilt all over his face.
Yet, as I stare into his darkening eyes, something was amiss.
After some time, I wasn't sure how much time had passed. The unspoken tension filling between Edward and I like smoke from a blazing fire. This wasn't how this was supposed to go. Just hours ago, I was ready. I could finally move on, and then to hear that he lied left a sour taste in my mouth. Now that I could think without pairs upon pairs of red eyes staring at me, I realized how wrong things were.
How wrong he was.
How wrong I was.
I tried to make it make sense, and I tried to understand why…and as his hand presses against my cheek, rubbing soothing circles into my flesh, I realized that I never asked the most important question, the question that has been nagging at the back of my head. "You said you lied. About loving me, wanting me, why? Why did you leave?" My voice is barely above a whisper, and I stare into his now black orbs, watching as he swallowed deeply, his lips turning into a frown. "I felt that the family and I were too dangerous for you, so for your safety we left," I close my eyes as his voice washes over me, my ears missing the sound of his voice after so long apart. On one hand, I'd say this was noble, but it was also incredibly selfish. I didn't get a chance to say my piece or my goodbyes. His leaving for protection didn't do me much good anyway with Victoria lurking about. He's put me, and us in more danger than he realized.
I wanted to tell him this. I wanted to tell him how stupid he was, but I couldn't. There were more pressing matters to worry about.
My slow descent towards immortality.
The knock on the door had me raising from the bed, and I glanced over at Edward who's eyes were transfixed on me. "Yes?" I call out, looking towards the large red door as it opened. It was the vampire that escorted us, his eyes roaming over me briefly before barely sparing Edward a glance. "It's time for dinner," My stomach rumbles despite my nerves, and it's at that moment that Edward responds with, "We aren't hungry," The vampire raises a brow, his lips pulling into a thin smile. "The human says otherwise. Aro requests that you feed. Surely having your singer so close to you puts you in a frenzy," Edward didn't respond, just stared at the vampire with an intimidating glare.
The vampire simply ignores Edward and turns back towards me, and it's then that I notice a dress on his arm. "The Master's request that you dress appropriately," He swiftly moves forward, laying the beautiful red dress down on the bed, black pumps to match. "Once you're done, knock. Please don't as you mortals say, dilly dally, we have a schedule to keep,"
He lays down a robe for Edward with similar fancy attire, and my stomach rumbles again, urging me to move. Without waiting for Edward, I head to the bathroom to change. The dress, dare I say, was beautiful. Something I've never seen, and would probably never have worn. As I took a glance around the bathroom, I realized it had a shower, and there were towels laid out as if expecting a human guest. I quickly peeled off my clothes, and after fiddling with the Victorian knobs, I managed to get the hot water going. I quickly stepped in, sighing as the hot water washed over my skin that had started to sweat from nerves. Keeping the vampire's hint to be quick, I washed, and did my best to feel clean.
After stepping out, I tended to my hair with the already attached hairdryer, and let it do its own thing. Now to the dress. It was an off the shoulder type dress that hugged my body without feeling tight, almost as if it were tailored just for me. It was a dark, almost burgundy red that stopped just above my knees. I looked into the mirror, and I actually looked mighty alright. My eyes looked sunken in due to the lack of sleep these last few months, but my now blow dried hair took away from my eyes in a way that was almost elegant, well elegant enough.
In a way, I looked okay. Now the heels were another story. I gingerly slipped them on, holding onto the counter, looking myself over in the mirror. I gained at least two inches in height due to these, and I had to admit that they were downright comfortable. For the moment. I took a few hesitant steps, holding my arms out to brace myself, and once I felt like I wouldn't topple over, I opened the bathroom door. I was met with silence, and an empty room, Edward's outfit still on the bed. "Edward?" I called out, and my attention was gathered by the door opening. I was expecting Edward, or even the vampire from before, but it was neither who greeted me. It was Aro, his straight, black hair was in pristine condition, and shined a bit even under the lights within the room.
He was dressed in a black button down shirt, cuffed at the wrists, and black slacks, shoes to match. He looked very…formal, yet power emitted from his presence. I caught the shining silver 'V' shaped pendant that rested around his neck. "I apologize. I may not be the vampire you were looking for cara," His smooth and velvety voice made me snap my eyes to his sparkling red ones. I could feel my cheeks flare as he offered me his hand. I hesitantly moved forward, the carpet deciding to make my small walk difficult. I wobbled a bit, Aro's hand clutching onto mine as I all but stumbled into him. I felt my cheeks get even hotter as he gently pushed me to stand up straight. "Sorry," I murmur. Aro just raised a brow but said nothing as he slid my hand in the crook of his arm.
"Will Edward be joining us?" I question as we slowly walk back down these winding halls, my heels clicking against the marble floor. This time I tried to memorize what was where. Aro hummed after a few seconds of silence, and it made me nervous. "Not tonight. It seems that his thirst has become of major priority, but he will be waiting in your chambers when you return this evening," He replies calmly, and the relief must have been palpable on my face when he glanced at me because he chuckles, the sound rather different than what I heard around the Cullen's. Whereas their laughs or chuckles sounded almost human, Aro's was the opposite. It sounded inhuman. I'd assume because of their lack of being around humans unlike the Cullen's, they have no need for a façade. It was almost hypnotic. "Edward, like you, is far too gifted to simply dispose of,"
Dispose of. I didn't like those words.
I also had to know something. I knew that Edward despised the idea of me being changed, but what if a month passed, and I was still human? What would happen then? "If…if Edward doesn't change me…what happens then?" I question, looking around as we went down an unfamiliar corridor. We walk through a series of doors, and that's when I can smell the food. It smelled divine. My stomach growled again, and I held a hand to my stomach as if I could make it stop. "Then I'd change you myself. As for Edward, I am not sure," I wanted to ask why would he be up to that task, but before another word could be uttered, we had walked into a dining area, and there on the table was a feast fit for men laid out. Pasta, freshly baked bread, tossed salad, cheese, crackers, grapes, and many other fruits I recognized. Aro led me to the table, and pulled out my chair. Saying a quiet thank you, I was pushed in, with Aro sitting across from me.
"We weren't sure what you liked. It's imperative that you are taken care of until your change and after. This will be your home for the next few months," I was about to question what he meant before he was beckoning me to eat. I loaded my plate with what I wanted before digging in. I maintained my composure despite how much I wanted to roll my eyes in the back of my head at the taste of the pasta. It was amazing. As I ate, Aro watched off and on, seeming to utilize this time to look through some papers. It felt very surreal. Surely this wasn't the ruthless man that Edward had warned me of months ago. Yes, I could tell that authority leaked from his very person, even by just a glance or a click of his tongue when he wanted something. Then again, there was something different. I wasn't sure what it was.
"All finished?" Aro asked me after some time, and I nodded, wiping my mouth with a napkin. He was suddenly behind me, pulling out my chair, holding out his hand for me to take. With less hesitancy than before, I took it, and he pulled me up fluidly, putting my hand in the crook of his arm again. We walked back the way we came, and I decided to voice my question from earlier. "You said this will be my home for the next few months. Why is that?" I glanced up at him this time, feeling no need to watch my feet as I knew I was in steady hands. "As a newborn you will experience new emotions and tendencies. Aside from my curiosity if you will be gifted even as an immortal, it is also to make sure you are adjusting well in your new life, then you will be free to do what you wish," I nod slowly, my thoughts lingering to Edward once again.
"What about Edward? I don't think he'd want to stay here longer than necessary," I point out. Aro glanced down at me, his lips quirked into a tiny smile before it disappeared, a neutral expression in place. "If young Edward changes you, then I doubt he'd go anywhere. You see, the bond between maker and child or progeny, is an intense one. The two are connected more than mated pairs simply because of venom ties. The connection is very strong, and almost overpowering. The maker is consumed with making sure their progeny is well taken care of. Sometimes the maker is the mate, making that connection even more intense because of it. So, if Edward changes you, his instincts wouldn't allow him to leave until he were sure you were well to be on your own," He explains. "If you change me then, you and I would be…connected?" Aro nods in silent affirmation.
I found the idea fascinating, but I was also confused. What kinds of bonds existed in this world? What bond did Edward and I share? Another question crawled up my throat before I could stop myself, "Can a vampire and a mortal share a bond if the human is their singer?" Aro's eyes flickered to me for a moment before he stopped at a pair of old, wooden doors. I realized now that the area we were in was much older than what I had seen when arriving. This side of the castle was much older, the stone walls a dark gray with hints of brown. There were no windows here, illuminated only by the small torches placed in metal frames. Looking closely, I could see a large 'V' ingrained into the wood.
"Where are we?" I asked softly as to not disturb the silence that surrounded us. I could still hear my echoed question though despite my efforts. Aro pushes open the door easily, and before me is what I would call a miniature library. Books liked the walls from floor to ceiling, a ladder sitting off to the side attached to the shelves for easy access. There was a fireplace directly across from me, illuminating the room in a soft glow. "All you wish to know about our kind is here. There are books that tell of our kind, some factual, some fictional. Direct accounts from vampires before myself, and these bonds you seemed so interested in. If that is what solely interests you now, I'll show you where you can find your answers," With a cool hand on the middle of my back, Aro guided me forward to the section, plucking a book from the shelf.
The front was a title I did not recognize due to the language. He hummed for a moment before quickly disappearing and reappearing with another book in hand. It was a bit thinner than the book he gathered from the shelf. The book was thick, and very pristine though I knew that it was older than Aro. "This I think will pique your interest. I regret to tell you that it is in Ancient Greek, but this one here helps you transcribe whatever word you want. I believe that you will find better enjoyment this way," I glanced at each book, covered in a thin sheet of dust, nodding slowly.
I felt an odd sensation as Aro placed the books in my hands. In a matter of seconds, I was in front of my room, the vampire bowing his head at Aro. "Thank you Felix. Is Mr. Cullen finished?" Felix glanced at me for a moment, mild curiosity at the books in my hand. "He should be back within the hour Master," Aro just nods, before gently nudging me into my room. I turned to see Aro watching me with a look I couldn't place. "It was a pleasure. I believe I'll be seeing more of you Isabella," I regarded him with a soft smile, bowing my head. "Your majesty," I reply. His soft hum was all I heard before the door was closing, and I was left alone with a book that could possibly be my undoing.
Please refer to my profile for my update schedule and what stories. It will go into effect 9/19/21
A side note: I am not going to make Edward inherently evil or the bad guy. At this point, I can say that for Edward, he truly does care about Bella despite their bond as viewed by Marcus, he is still a 17 year old despite how long he's been 17.
I'm still working on the POV, but who did you like the most? Or who else would you like to see.
Stay safe out there guys. XOXO