Alara
I must say, looking at the three 'kings' of the vampire world, I was deeply disappointed.
Despite, my reputation of not being intimidated by anyone, I was expecting the act of standing in judgment in front of the rulers of the vampire world to at least evoked a feeling of fear in me but it didn't come.
I couldn't say the same for my brother, who stood way too close to me and slightly behind me, which was ironic because he was the one they were interested in, not me.
Yet, he cowered behind me like he often does, me acting as his protector and big sister like I always do.
"So you are the famous manipulator?" The vampire spoke but it was less of a question and more like a statement in a sing-song tone.
My brother did not reply, so I spoke up, "He is."
The vampire eyes finally landed on me for seemingly the first time; before he was too busy eyeing my brother like a coveted prize to even spare me a prolonged glance.
"He insisted to only come with us if she was allowed also." One of the other vampires, Demetri, explained. The dark hair vampire speared me another glace, and I stepped forward. "You want my brother for his power."
It wasn't much of a question. I have heard of the Volturi leaders, especially the one called Aro who had a knack for collecting vampires with great gifts. There was a slight twitch of annoyance in his expression before he stepped down from his throne.
"His power would be of use to us, however, it is a simple offer. He is free to refuse."
Of course, it was. But not without a consequence.
I knew that the Volturi was not used to being refused and naturally, I realized that if Nico refused, I was going to be the consequence. Although the thought of being used as collateral was upsetting, I still was impressed by the practical thinking on their part.
"Well, I refuse." Nico bitted out, venom lacing his usual soft-spoken voice. Aro glared back at him and the throne room became stiller than it already was.
"No, he doesn't," I spoke up and now everyone's eyes were trained on me, but my eyes only meet Nicolae who had a familiar dumbstruck look on his face, the look that questioned what the hell I was doing; it was a look I often got from him.
Nicolae was usually good at reading people; it was a side benefit that came along with his power of changing their mind, but he was naive, always underestimating the extent people would go to get what they want. I hope that he could read me now, and realize what I was trying to do.
"Do you make all the decisions for him, now?" It was the blonde one- Caius - that asked that question.
"No more than a sisterly counsel." Alara glared upon him. He was no more than twenty in appearance, making him the youngest looking of the three.
"Hence why, using me as collateral is a generally good idea." I glanced back at Aro, as a condescending smirk slowly appeared on his face.
"What?" Nicolae stepped forward, finally understanding what was happening.
"I offered you a choice. I didn't promise it would be a fair one." Aro walked back up the steps.
"That's a risky technique to use, Aro." It was my first time saying his name and I saw a slight apprehension in his expression before it disappeared.
"It's never been a problem, before." I fought the urge to roll my eyes, of course not.
Rumors of the Volturi coven have been rampant since the last decades. Most revolved around how they sought power throughout the vampire world and hoped to overthrow the Romanian coven that ruled for centuries.
Of course, our leader Dorin always dismissed the rumors claiming that was not possible; No one could overthrow the Romanian coven, especially not a "newly" established one such as the Volturi. Despite their potential, they didn't have the connections and none of the covens would stand behind them if they seek to overthrow us. Dorin was wrong, and now dead along with most of the other members of the "great and ancient" Romanian coven.
I knew that Nicolae and I couldn't have been the only ones still alive.
Especially since loyalty wasn't a particularly popular character trait among the members of the Romanian coven. I had run to get Nicolae when news of the approaching Volturi, spread around the castle. I had no desire to fight but Nico; Nico with his naivety and human morality that he had refused to discard over the decades stopped me.
"Go without me." He said." I'll catch up with you after. I'll come find you, I promise."
I wonder if that was his way of manipulating me. He knew I would never leave him.
"You're going to use Corin to tie my brother's loyalty to you." I declared.
It was no use trying to play Aro's game. I knew that he would most likely win, if not by his age then through his power. From my short time in his presence, I could tell he was good at his technique - being subtle, luring you in until you are comfortable around him, comfortable enough to forget that there is a reason he rose to power so fast. And I knew that perhaps the only way to even go about this was to be the complete opposite.
It was in my nature to be blunt, but after this particular characteristic got me in trouble with most of my past coven members, I learned to use the art of subtlety and manipulation; mostly, from observing Nicolae, who was the master of both.
"Wait, no." I countered. "You're going to first use Corin to try and break my bond with my brother, tie his loyalty to you, and then get rid of me."
"Not really, but that's an excellent plan," Aro replied, all while looking like he was actually considering adopting my plan.
In his contemplative state, he actually looked impressed, so I wasn't too shocked when he declared, "You might be of good use to me too."