Adley sat on the floor of the twins' nursery upon the soft grey mats. She'd gotten them for play time. Their cribs were simple dark brown wooden cribs. Their names displayed over each crib. The sheets neutral in creams and greens. Two changing tables along the far side near the window. The closet filled to the brim of clothes for the next few stages of life. The art work bright and colorful along the walls. A book case with books put up higher than they could reach, and the case anchored into the walls. Athena had assured her.
Auggie was sat dressed within a simple blue onesie. A rattle teether in hand. His head of dark hair was beginning to sprout fuller as time passed.
Thea was a foot from him in a white and yellow teddy bear onesie. Her hair the same length as her brother's but had begun to take on a firmer curl than her twin. She was clacking a few wooden blocks together.
Their toys across the floor around them, the toy bin spilt.
Adley's heart panged watching her six-month-old twins crawling to get at another toy. They sat up without issue a while ago. They grew so quickly, being part vampire.
"Little one, you look miles away." Marcus greeted settling in behind her.
His legs on both outer sides of hers, dwarfing her. She leant back into his chest. "Just thinking about the twins." She murmured. "They grow so fast."
"Children, usually do the first few years, regardless of species." He assured her.
"It's nice to face such normal worries. It's been some tense few months…" She stared off at the twins laughing and giggling before her.
Thea crawled over smiling wide a block in hand. She offered it to Adley. A small grunt behind the gesture.
"Do you wish to build something?" Adley grinned leaning down to pull a few blocks forward.
"Indeed, my love it has." Marcus sighed from behind her.
Marcus:
"She's at peace,"
Marcus glanced up from over Adley's sleeping body. She was hooked up to an IV, canula in her nose delivering oxygen. The restful heart rate lulling him in the silence of the darkened room. A sight becoming all too familiar.
If he were to meet the fates, he would punch them all in the face for these moments. He mentally growled.
Cassandra stood within the doorway of the medical room. Draped in dark purple outer robes. Her braids were pulled back over her shoulders. Dark eyes did not leave him.
"I am told," he sat up more in the chair he'd claimed as his.
"When was the last time you fed, changed your clothes?" She queried.
"I am undead, I do not require new clothes." He snipped. "I do not recall you becoming my superior, Ms. Bruin Blackburn."
"I say this with concern of a friend, Marcus Volturi. Something you may lose if you do not have some decorum. This is a tough situation, and you have a right to be angry, but I am not your enemy. You must feed as to not risk your fiancée. She may bounce back at the end of this, but a starving partner would do her no good." Cassandra tsked entering the room further.
The door shut behind her. She flipped on the overhead lights.
Marcus blinked a few times not looking back to the woman. His lips curling revealing his teeth below.
"You don't scare me," she rolled her eyes.
"Do you not have a job to attend?" He grumbled.
"I resigned."
Marcus tore his attention away from Adley at this. "You left your role as a librarian scholar?"
"I was being investigated." She shrugged. "I had apparently become bias within my daily operations. I was accused by the council of breaking my vows of being impartial. We are to have no opinions on the politics of the supernatural realms. I've been too vocal about vampires, the fact I helped with the arrest of the Aster family."
"I am sorry to hear this, we did not mean for you to overstep." Marcus frowned.
"To remain impartial goes against my family mottos. I'll find another job I'm certain. It's not like I lack money. I am a legacy." She smiled. "Now, I will watch Adley with my whole being. You need to go freshen up. It's bad enough your children have lost access to one parent. Do not neglect them while Adley dreams of them."
"In my time servants cared for the offspring." He sighed, a small grin curling his lips.
"I'm sure Adley would find a way to whoop you for that. She's all about family. Don't leave your babies to Janet to raise."
"Janet has arrived?"
"She arrived two days ago. It's what Aro tried to tell you." She replied gesturing for him to get out. "I will keep Adley safe."
Marcus took off to their shared rooms. He made quick work of washing himself and changing out of his suit. He opted for a t-shirt and pair of slacks. He pulled his dark waves back over his shoulders with a leather strap. The twins had a new habit of pulling hair.
Marcus flashed down to the feeding rooms, Heidi prepared him a meal.
He pushed open the nursery doors.
Aro sat upon the couch while his wife was on the floor playing with Thea.
Marcus' gaze crossed Janet who was helping Auggie build a tower of blocks.
"You join us brother," Aro questioned about to rise.
Marcus waved him off taking a seat upon the couch beside him. "I've been made aware I have been failing as a father."
"Your heart mourns its mate. Do not fret. The twins are young, they will not always remember." Janet assured over Auggie laughing as he knocked down the tower.
"What else have I missed?"
"The guard has been sent off to recruit our allies in all corners of this planet. We are requiring as much help as we can get brother. Cassandra has graciously offered her services and her family. Her girlfriend has also been called in with the legal department. They are working upon a case to bring remaining Aster family members to justice. While we wish to rush in there and end their lives. They have trapped our sister within herself, to kill them would be to lose her." Aro explained.
"How do we know this?" Marcus demanded.
"Cassandra did a scan of Adley once more. Her sister has identified the magic being used to keep her there. It is a complex set of spells. There are only two ways to release her from this web that does not lead to her demise. Trust me Marcus, I would have blown that house up faster than they would've been able to yell for help if possible." Janet replied.
"Who do we have so far for support?"
"We have obtained the help from our Irish friends, the Cullens, and Denali covens." Aro replied. "The Cullens arrive tomorrow."
Adley:
Adley opened the door of their shared bedroom. She'd dressed for the day within a long A-line floral dress. She'd taken to braiding her hair into two French braids, she reshaped her bangs. She finished the outfit slipping into a pair of slippers.
She made her way down the familiar hall of the Volturi castle. The over arching high ceilings of the old fort. The torches lit, allowing her to see where she was headed.
'You cannot remain away…'
'Come now, Adley. Be a brave girl.'
Adley stiffened, the whispers echoed off the stones around her. She stopped in her tracks looking around.
Where was Ibrahim? Why was there no guard following her?
She turned back to continue towards the nursery.
Two large black doors stood before her. Rounded cast iron knockers held the doors shut.
These did not belong here.
She stepped back turning to go back to the bedroom.
Two large black doors cracked open in front of her.
The doors creaked as they swung open, slamming with a thud into stone walls.
A long room, with high arches. The dark walls lined with black tapestries. Rows and rows of wooden pews filled with shadowed beings.
In the center within five high chairs looking down upon what looked to be a podium and microphone. a stand.
"Adley Choi, you stand accused of murder, torture, kidnapping of Hartford Aster. The new charges are escape in a third-degree felony."
A deep voice read out over the pews.
Whispers and gasps followed.
"How do you plead?" Another figure questioned.
"Not guilty." She rasped. "Hartford was a intolerable asshole, who deserved everything that happened to him."
Outcry grew louder.
The crowds mumbled words got closer.
Adley cringed as they began to scream.
"Adley? Are you alright? You've been standing here for ten minutes before you began screaming." Jane's cool hand took hold of her wrist.
Adley shook, eyes blurring over with tears. "I'm fine…"
"Okay…"
Bella:
"How much longer until we land?" Bella questioned, looking out the plane windows.
Despite it being midnight, she was able to make out the runway illuminated by flood lights. They had landed within Florence on the Volturi jet twenty minutes ago. They were needing to wait until the car came through the tarmac and shuttled them to Volterra.
She kept the frown from her face at the thought. The last time she'd set foot within this country, she'd almost lost her life.
"I can hear Felix's thoughts now." Edward murmured from beside her.
The Denali clan had hitched a ride with them, along with a few mortals Bella did not recognize shrouded in purple cloaks. They shared familial features of curly hair, medium brown skin, and high cheek bones.
"I never thought I'd see a day I'd be back in Volterra. Despite Adley being with Marcus." Bella admitted.
"That's cause this idiot was trying to off himself." Emmett butted in from the seat opposite them. "Don't make a pattern of that, please Eddie. I really don't need Ma upset again."
"I have no intention." Edward ground out.
"Stop antagonizing him." Rose sighed unhooking her iPod. "I really don't get why we are here. I thought they hated us?"
"We owe Adley and the Volturi our lives thrice over." Esme spoke up. "She saved our family when she did not need to. We are here to return the favor. You are to be upon your best behavior."
"Yes Mom." The six echoed.
Marcus:
Marcus laid Thea carefully in her crib next to her brother's. Her dark curls grew thicker each passing day. Cheeks as round and rosy as ever. Lips slightly parted like her mother did when she slept. He'd checked the development charts to compare with the twins. both were within that of a nine-month-old human.
Thea weighed 19lbs and measured in at 27 inches. Auggie weighed 20lbs and measured in at 28 inches. Janet had assured him that both babies were doing well. They were eating appropriately and trying solid food slowly. He stepped back from the bassinets to return to his work.
The door opened to the nursery. He placed a finger to his lips, whilst Athena popped around the corner.
She flashed to his side. "The jet has returned. Aro requests your presence to greet the arriving covens. I'll keep an eye on the twins."
"Thank you, sister."
He flashed out of the room down the many levels towards the throne room. Jane stood at the door helping him slide within his over robe. He glided into the round room, making his way up the dais.
Aro greeted him with a nod, hand held out.
Marcus brushed his fingers against his brother's. He took a seat within the throne, looking out across the room. Many guards were stood along the edges. A few benches he noted near them had a few mortals sat in purple robes.
It'd been two weeks since Adley returned to them. Word had been sent out to allies of needing support through this time.
Marcus made note the mortals, were sat eyes closed. Purple encompassed each of them. He recognized the Bruin-Blackburn families. There were some unfamiliar faces amongst them, however. This was the downside of witches and warlocks. They were not immortal. Whilst they lived a few hundred years, they still died.
Exactly what the Aster family would be once they fully assembled. Marcus drummed his fingers against the arm rest of his throne. His vision flared red. They will know the full wrath of the Volturi. They had called in a few favors for this.
A growl fell from his lips.
"Patience brother, in due time we will make sure all is right with the world once more. They will not get away with the harm they have forced upon us." Aro assured him.
"These witches and warlocks force our hand too often Aro, surely we can consider wiping them out?" Caius asked.
"Now, now brother. We know we would be out numbered. Their powers are quite valuable. When under the correct control."
"It is time we revisit the Accords. These violations cannot continue." Marcus voiced. "We must have more control to enforce the law against those who cross realm borders. To trust their own kind to punish them, it is too lenient and bias."
Steps into the room echoed.
"I fear you may be right, the laws are held and enforced by too many with ulterior motives. Law enforcement has become too political. Fringe covens have made themselves known within smaller communities. They feel the legacy families hold too much power." Beth stepped close to them. Her grey eyes glazed over. "We will assist you put the Aster family down, if need be, and prosecute those who are further away."
"You dare step away from being impartial?" Marcus questioned.
"My loyalty is with those who don't exploit dark magic. The spell that binds Adley, it's blood magic."
The main doors of the throne room opened wide. Three covens entered, followed by eight additional warlocks and witches dressed within the Bruin-Blackburn purple. Marcus zeroed in within the Cullens who were center within the group.
Carlisle Cullen approached first, with a nod of the head.
Aro stepped down arms wide. "Carlisle, my friend. It has been long since you set foot in Volterra. I wish it was under better circumstances our families were reunited, alas, you are always welcome."
"Aro," Carlisle shook his hand, before embracing him. "It seems danger follows our newest additions. We owe Adley our lives, of course we will be here to our best abilities."
"How was the flight, dearest Esme?" Aro offered his hand.
Esme took it graciously, whilst the elder pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "It was quite comfortable. Thank you."
"Isabella, immortality suits you." Aro turned to the youngest addition.
Marcus studied the girl. She was paler than she'd been as a human. Her once soft face took on a sharper angle. Her eyes now burnt orange. She fidgeted with her wedding band. Edward kept an arm around her, meeting his gaze.
A few yawns went through the mortals around them.
Marcus glanced to his watch. It was just passed one in the morning.
"Brother, perhaps we continue this at a more appropriate time? Not all our guests forgo sleep." He commented, barely above a whisper.
"Welcome everyone," Aro turned to the rest. "I know the flight was long. We gather here to give greetings. We will discuss the further details of what is happening tomorrow. Please settle in, drink the provided blood. Animal blood is available for our guests as well. Meals will be available for request from the kitchen for the witches and warlocks."
"Thank you Aro,"
Marcus made his way down to the infirmary once more. He'd freed his sister from watching the twins. He'd found Dr. Janet Kim in the nursery upon the couch in the far corner. He'd had a single bed brought into the room for the elderly woman. She offered to stay with them, while he returned to Adley. A knowing glint in her eyes when she shooed him.
"Get the doctor in here now!"
Cassandra's shrill order echoed out in the hall.
Marcus picked up his speed, flashing to the door.
The doctor pushed into the room passed. In his hands defibrillators.
Two nurses were shouting to each other holding down the thrashing form of his mate.
"What is going on!" He snarled.
The demand fell upon deaf ears.
The heart machine flatlined, began to beep.
Cassandra stood on the opposite side. The purple robe discarded to the chair he'd been in. Her face was dripping in sweat, it rolled down her face from her hair line, over her cheeks and nose. Her grey shirt soaked around the neck and arms. Deep purple plumes encased his mate.
The doctor demanded they let go of Adley. He needed space.
He charged the paddles, counting out.
The first hit.
Adley bounced.
Nothing.
A second charge.
"Clear."
"Get ready to induce."
Adley jutted up.
Her heart stammered once. Twice.
The beat found a steady rhythm.
Adley remained covered in the dark purple plumes of Cassandra's magic.
Adley's form shook the longer the magic rolled over her, encompassing her.
Marcus forced his way to the side.
"What is going on?"
"She began screaming two hours ago. She'd been peaceful before that." Cassandra relayed. "They broke through my blocks. I don't know how. I've been trying to fend them off. It's not working fully. The magic shut her heart down."
"Adley cannot die…" He stated. "She can be killed certainly but, she is immortal."
"I didn't want to take the chance," Cassandra huffed. "She remained on that table for forty minutes. No heartbeat. I don't know what will happen to her mind now."
Adley:
Adley dropped to her knees.
Hands ripping at the neckline of her dress, she pushed it out of her way.
She hissed out, while she dug into the skin above her breast.
Fire thrusted through her chest, spreading through every nerve in her. It shot up and down her limbs.
The figures and court room melted away.
"GAH!" she dug her fingers harder into the skin. she clawed trying to stop the scorching heat. Red coated her hands, dripping down her arms.
The flames grew higher.
Her world fell black.
