TWILIGHT : THE BLOOD INSIDE YOU IS THE BLOOD INSIDE ME
Chapter Twenty-four
This is a fictional story based on the Twilight Series, of which I own neither part nor parcel. Just borrowing the Volturi temporarily. (I'm late to this fandom. I do research online since I haven't committed the films to memory, and hardly recall the books. So I'm sorry if canon is upended a little.)
Aro and company bid the Cullens goodbye as they head home. Caius offers Charlotte a fun day out. Nomadic vampires from Australia will be petitioning for inclusion in the Volturi Guard.
Aro/OC, Caius, Dora, Felix, Demetri, the Cullens, Four supplicants to the Guard
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The first duty of the day was to bid the Cullens good bye as they prepared to return home to America. The car was brought around from the garage to the back gate, whereupon Felix and Demetri loaded their luggage into the trunk. Carlisle told Aro it wasn't necessary for him and Charlotte to escort them to the airport personally, so the goodbyes were being made out back.
Marcus had given their guests his goodbyes inside. Caius had barely glanced at them as they departed, so pointedly that Charlotte reminded herself to talk to him about that bit of rudeness later.
While Aro spoke with Carlisle, Felix and Demetri joked around with Emmett and Jasper. "You know, you Volturi aren't so bad after all. As for you, Felix, one day I will take you down," Emmett said teasingly.
"You're a glutton for punishment, Cullen, but anytime you want," Felix replied, trying to look grim but failing.
"I have yet been able to bring Felix down, and I know his weaknesses," Demetri said.
"What the hell then." Emmett said. "Tell me!"
Demetri grinned and shrugged, "He has no weaknesses. Sorry."
Jasper grinned too, less enthusiastic about the Volturi, but he commended Demetri on a good match. He bid them goodbye and went to the car to wait for Alice.
"Ok, well then... it was great sparring with you again, big guy." Emmett hooted with laughter, and before long, all three were laughing and punching each other on their arms, until Emmet finally had to go, and climbed into the back seat of the car. He was actually missing Rosalie, and couldn't wait to get home to her.
"Aro, I'm glad we were able to talk as friends again. Charlotte seems to think it's important, but from a personal standpoint, I enjoyed the visit."
Knowing that his friend was being wholly sincere, Aro smiled and offered his hand. "There were few I could speak with and hide nothing, Carlisle." He grinned when Carlisle took his hand in return, aware it was just a handshake and nothing more. They walked to the car, Felix and Demetri now waiting in the front seat.
"Well, back then, you had Marcus, Caius, Athenodora, and the Guard. Now you have Charlotte. Confide in her. Esme has been my life. I don't know what I would have been without her."
Aro nodded, thinking. "You're right, of course, but sometimes, a man needs another man with whom to discuss things."
"True, and I have my sons. Maybe you should think about expanding the family, and not just as guards, Aro," Carlisle suggested, smiling.
Aro had never considered that. He always chose those with gifts that could benefit the coven, not for personal interaction. He wondered, however briefly, what that would be like.
Charlotte was hugging Alice, sad that she was leaving. "It was wonderful having you all back. Next time it will be our turn. If we're welcome."
"Of course, you're always welcome, Charlie. With or without Aro. Thank you for your hospitality too."
"It was a pleasure. Just remember, if you see anything, Alice..."
"It's been so frustrating, Charlie. My visions are foggy these days, as if someone or something is definitely blocking them. I wish..."
"Oh, Alice, I know it must be hard, but I'm sure it will be alright soon enough." She gave Alice one more hug before letting her get in the car. "I hope to see you all again."
"I'll let you know if I do see anything. Good bye, Charlie." Alice sat next to Jasper, with Carlisle behind them.
Everyone waved as the car pulled out the back gate.
Aro draped an arm around Charlotte as they slowly walked back inside. "Thank you, cara, for asking them here. I had forgotten how much I missed my conversations with Carlisle." He leaned in and kissed her temple. "But it's also good to have things back to normal.
"It was a lot of fun. I was amazed how well everyone got along and enjoyed the games. By the bye, love, if you do send the winning guards on vacation, do it sooner than later."
"Any reason for the rush?" Aro asked.
"Let's just let them have their fun, and get them home as soon as possible." Charlotte felt nothing new in the way of her compulsions, but just didn't like the feeling of their best guards being away too long.
Aro looked at his mate, confused and concerned. "I will make the arrangements as soon as they tell me where they have decided to go.
Later that day, after much discussion, the five winning guards decided Kemi, Finland would make a great vacation spot. It was cold, dark much of the day this time of year, and the famous SnowCastle of Kemi was where they wanted to stay.
Aro made all the arrangements, and the small group left for the Pisa airport, amid well wishes from their fellow guards.
It seemed quieter around the compound without them, as they were the best known with many responsibilities in the group. Fortunately, there was little to do at the moment, and those left behind took the time to train on the new obstacle course which had been left untouched for that purpose.
Charlotte enjoyed using the course as well, eager to strengthen her fighting skills. She would start at the far end and run down the line, until a quarter of the way, then do flips that would land her on the rope near the top. It was just a matter of free falling to the floor before running back, saving her actual climbing time. A half a second could make all the difference in the world when fighting against an opponent, she reasoned.
Since both Felix and Demetri were gone, Charlotte didn't practice personal attack tactics. She'd wait until they returned to continue with her training.
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It was two days later, when Charlotte sat in the garden on a blanket she had found in a utility closet. She'd always hated sitting on damp grass that would inevitably stain her clothing green. The utility closets scattered within the lower levels of the castle were filled with cleaning items and things needed to make minor repairs around the castle, so Charlotte was pleasantly surprised to find an old but clean blanket to use.
Stretching her legs out in front of her, she leaned back on her hands while raising her face to the sun. Charlotte had finally reached the point that she was no longer intrigued staring at her own skin as it sparkled in the sunlight. She closed her eyes and exhaled, not bothering to take in another breath. It was peaceful out, with only the sound of birds chirping in the trees interrupting her peace. That is, until a familiar voice broke the quiet.
"Sister, why are you lazing around outside. Have you nothing more important to tend to?"
"Caius, I might ask the same of you. I'm entitled to relax whenever I want. And where is your lovely mate Dora today?" Charlotte opened her eyes, peering up at the man standing over her. She was looking up at him upside down, but the smile on his face still looked like a smile.
"She's in her rooms, reading. She isn't as used to guests as you are. It takes a little out of her."
Charlotte wanted to suggest to Caius that he should let Dora out more, but decided it wasn't her place. "Speaking of guests, you were very rude to the Cullens, brother. They're supposed to be our friends." She didn't want to use the word "allies" yet, knowing his disapproval in their consorting with the Cullens in any way.
Caius sat on the blanket next to Charlotte. His perfectly upright position made Charlotte huff. "At least take your shoes off. You're outside. Relax! Enjoy it!"
Complying with her request, Caius kicked off his shoes and removed his socks. He tried to relax, but it wasn't always an easy thing for him to do. "I do not apologise for not making friendly with your friends, Charlotte. You already know my feelings." He went silent after that.
Charlotte reached over to clasp his hand. "It's alright, Caius. I don't think they expect anything else from you, so they wouldn't be offended."
Shaking his head, Caius remembered the reason he went in search of Charlotte. "Sister, I was going to be visiting the stables later today, and wondered if you'd like to go riding with me."
Charlotte looked over at Caius, her eyes wide, "We have stables? Why doesn't anyone tell me these things?" She threw up her hands and exhaled loudly.
"I am now, so...do you care to go with me? As I understand it, Aro will be out most of the day."
"Yes, I had to bind myself to a businessman who's also head of the coven," she pouted.
Caius coughed, not that he ever had to cough, it was merely to get Charlotte's attention. Then he pointed at his chest.
"Yes, yes, ONE of the coven leaders," she amended, shaking her head.
"So are you unhappy, sister?" Caius asked, looking at her through his blonde hair as it hung down, framing his face. He knew Aro could be dismissive of people, but he never imagined he would be that way with his mate. And he knew Charlotte wasn't one of those women who demanded constant attention. No, she enjoyed her own freedom to do as pleased her when alone.
She laughed pleasantly. "Of course not, brother. I love Aro, and I know he's busy. He likes to take personal charge of the financial side of coven business, the banking, investments, and spending. He will take hours going over ledgers, telling me he trusts no humans to manage the finances. He takes complete responsibility in discussing issues with the local police and government officials who know about us. Delegating duties is not something Aro will do."
Caius listened to her recitation of the reasons her mate was less than accessible with a smirk on his handsome face.
"But...we spend nearly every night together in our chambers." She sighed, a human affectation but one she still did by habit at times, or on purpose if letting go her frustration. "Does Dora ride, brother?"
"Dora has no liking for horses. She was thrown from one when she was a young human, and has never gotten over that. Marcus rode quite a bit at one time, but these days, not very often. Perhaps you could compel him to do so. As for Aro, he rides when he feels like it. Now that you are here, perhaps he would be more willing to go, with you along. However, for today..." Caius stood and held his hand out for Charlotte. "...it's just I."
She took it and stood, brushing off non existent grass fragments. Gathering up the blanket while Caius picked up his shoes and socks, the pair headed inside to change into more appropriate clothing.
In their chambers, Charlotte jotted a quick note to let Aro know she had gone riding with Caius, leaving it on his outer room desk. On the bottom of the note, she drew a heart and the question "Why didn't you tell me we had stables?".
Caius' car had been brought around to the gate, where Charlotte was waiting, dressed in looser jeans and a button down shirt tied at the waist. She had pulled her long hair into a high ponytail, and wore sunglasses and a sheer but colourful scarf around her neck. Leaning against the car, she smiled when she saw Caius coming toward her. He was dressed in black jeans as well, with a black denim shirt. Contrasting with his fair skin and blonde hair, Charlotte thought he looked devilishly handsome.
"If I'm to be a proper rider, I'll need some riding boots. For now, I'm stuck with these ankle boots. At least they have heels."
"You look fine, sister. We're hardly likely to injure ourselves, even if we were to be thrown." Caius held the car door open for Charlotte, then shut it behind her. Flashing to the other door, he climbed in and started the engine.
"So where are these stables?" she asked, eager to reach them. "The Volturi must have all kinds of holdings I'm completely unaware of. Do we have yachts moored on the Amalfi Coast? A chateau in France?"
Caius merely smiled while she went on and on. "Does it matter what we own, sister? Are you so greedy...?
"I did not accept Aro's pledge because I was hungry for money and power, Caius. That was his previous mate." She crossed her arms and stared straight ahead.
So Charlotte knew about Sulpicia? He didn't think Aro would have said anything. It had to be Marcus. Caius decided not to mention his former sister and merely apologised. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. You're right. I know you have no desire for wealth or power. Your heart doesn't think that way."
She turned to look at him and smiled. "It's alright. I just want to feel as if I'm a real member of the coven. Aro is one of the leadership, for god's sake, and I'm his mate. He's charged me to replace him if anything ever happens to him, god forbid, so I feel like I need to know everything."
"You don't have to convince me, sister. Talk to your mate."
Charlotte let out a laugh letting Caius know she was not offended. "I will, I will. So, Caius, where are these stables. We've been driving..."
"For 20 minutes. Is my company so laborious for you, sister? Relax," he said, throwing her own suggestion back at her. "It's in the countryside, about 15 miles from here. Turn on the radio if you wish."
When she gave him a glance, he said, "Demetri told me you like to control the radio."
"Oh. Well, I like music, so sue me," she said, pushing in the radio button. She found a station that carried old American music artists, and turned the volume up on hearing Owl City's Dental Care. She began to sing to the cheery song while Caius made a face.
"I could. You're wealthy enough," Caius replied, his smirk impossible to hide. "And I may if I have to listen to this cacophony much longer, although that human dentist sounds like a true sadist. Maybe I'd like him after all."
Laughing, Charlotte realized how Caius always managed to keep her in good humour. He had no boundaries, and his sarcasm was just right for any occasion. Marcus was more contemplative, while Aro's mind was occupied on many subjects at once, except when they were making love, then all his attention was on her alone. Of the three, she had to admit, Caius was her match in the humour department. And this was the man who had initially wanted to see her killed. The irony made her laugh again.
Once they pulled off the main rode onto a dirt one, it was only five minutes to the barn that was the Volturi stables. Caius had called ahead, so when the car pulled up to the side of the barn, a groom was waiting outside. Caius got out and went to open the door for Charlotte. While he greeted the groom, giving him orders, Charlotte noticed his eyes were red. She pointed at her own eyes.
"The stable master and some of the grooms are vampires, but a few are human. Since it would be you and I, one of our kind is assisting us."
The groom went into the large barn, and after some time, came out leading two horses already saddled, one a buckskin, the other completely black.
"This will be your mount, sister. She's very gentle, so you have no need to worry." Caius held the reins as he led the animal to Charlotte.
"I hope by that you mean she still has some spirit in her. I can ride, Caius. And by the bye, I'm not mortal, remember? You don't have to take care of me."
The blonde vampire gave Charlotte a quick glance. Had he been taking care of her, or did she just see it that way. She was Aro's responsibility anyway, not his. "I think you'll approve of her."
Charlotte admired the beautiful buckskin mare with her black mane, tail, and legs. Patting her neck, she leaned in to let the animal get to know her scent, something she always did when riding as a human.
Caius' own horse was obviously high-spirited, stomping the ground even as the groom held the reins.
"You have a stallion?" Charlotte asked. "I'm impressed. You must be an excellent rider, brother." She mounted her ride, feeling the familiarity of the English saddle again. Back home, she found a small stable in a large urban L.A. park where riders could rent horses. They only offered Western saddles, but she preferred to use an English saddle.
Caius mounted his horse even while it pawed at the dirt. He patted its neck, whispering calming words. "Sei pronto per andare, Charlotte?" Caius asked, a grin on his flawless face.
"Si, sono pronto, fratello," she replied.
The pair left the grounds of the stables, riding out into the open spaces of the fields in the area. Both had their sunglasses on in case they ran into any humans. The long sleeves of their shirts hid their arms well enough. Charlotte had the scarf around her neck in case she needed it, but Caius assured her the area was fairly free of humans as long as they stayed away from the farms and vineyards.
Charlotte was enjoying the leisurely ride, letting her horse have its head for now, only using the reins if she started to wander.
"I had asked Aro once if animals could detect we were...different. Inhuman. I'm surprised they don't act belligerent like they do in the movies."
Caius laughed. "This is real life, sister, not a film. Animals would only fight us if they felt they were being hunted. We don't hunt helpless creatures. You might ask your friends the animal drinkers about that."
Charlotte stuck her tongue out at her companion, then nudged the mare into a trot, and eventually a gallop. Caius grinned and kicked his stallion into a gallop right behind Charlotte. He moved to her side, and watched with admiration how well she rode. He regretted Dora wasn't into riding, but he had someone with whom he could ride now. "Race you," he whispered, and headed for a space that divided the field from a wooded area.
Charlotte pulled the hair tie from her hair and slipped it onto her wrist, joyfully laughing. She kicked her mare to go faster, leaning forward in her saddle. The freedom of the open air, the sun, and the speed of her ride was pure pleasure for Charlotte. She glanced over at Caius, seeing he was also enjoying the day and ride.
Caius was admiring his brother's mate. She looked bewitching on horseback, her riding surpassing his expectations. "Be sure not to use your thighs too tightly, Charlotte. Squeeze too hard and..." He winked at her, knowing she could hear him.
"Thank you, Caius. Some things get forgotten." She wondered if she would ever feel more vampire and less human.
Slowing from a gallop, Caius waited for Charlotte to return to his side, then advised they should be getting back. They let the horses move at their own pace while they rode to the stable. Caius asked, "Did Aro tell you about a group of supplicants coming to Volterra? They're petitioning to join the Guard, if they can prove their worth to us."
"Aro said nothing, but Marcus told me about them the day of the games. I guess Aro didn't feel I needed to know, or didn't want me to bother him about their gifts. I have been stressing some about our strengths and weaknesses."
Caius knew about Charlotte's feelings that the coven might be in danger. Still, he was surprised Aro had not let his own mate know about the new arrivals.
"I thought they were to have been here by now. According to Marcus anyway," she pointed out.
"They were delayed, but will be here later. Do come to the newer throne room with Aro, sister. I think you will find it interesting."
They saw the barn not far, so nudged their horses into a trot. The groom was waiting as they rode up to the doors. Charlotte was about to dismount when she felt Caius at her side, waiting to help her down. She gave him a smile, saying, "Thank you, brother. That was fun. We must do it again sometime."
"You have only to name the day, sister." Caius spoke briefly to the groom, while Charlotte went over to the car.
"Perhaps later, you might visit Dora. She likes you, and it would be good for her to have a friend again," Caius remarked.
Since she lost Sulpicia, Charlotte thought. "I'd like that, Caius. I may bring her some flowers from the garden, if you think she would like them. Or you could pick some for her yourself." She raised a brow of inquiry.
"Do you think I'm a less than considerate mate, Charlotte?"
"Of course not. It was just an idea." She looked out the side window at the passing scenery, then turned back to Caius. "Thank you for the ride, brother. It was lots of fun. Maybe Aro will be interested sometime, if I can get him to stop working long enough. Or maybe Marcus would join me."
"And if not, I'm always available, sister." Caius flashed her a smile as they headed back to Volterra.
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Once Caius and Charlotte had returned to the compound, the car was taken back to the garage to be washed by one of the lesser guards. Charlotte kissed Caius' cheek, and headed for her chambers. She loved the smell of horse, but wasn't sure if Aro did. Entering their rooms, she saw he had not yet returned, so tore up the note and tossed it in the trash can by the desk.
Entering the bathroom, Charlotte ran the water a minute before stepping into the shower. It felt so good, but she hoped that, as a vampire, she would not end up with sore thighs like she used to get when she rode when human. It was like a punishment for having a good time, and her body hated her for it.
By the time she had finished, Aro had returned. He smiled on seeing Charlotte, naked, wet, and toweling her hair dry. "Buon pomerriggio, amore mio." Aro gave Charlotte a kiss and sniffed the air. "You've been riding. With Caius, I assume. He was talking about asking you to join him."
"Why didn't you tell me we had stables, Aro? One of these days, you'll sit with me and tell me everything I need to know about the financial side of our holdings, with whom we have agreements as far as city officials and law enforcement, everything. How am I to help take care of our coven if you keep me in the dark."
Gratified Charlotte wanted to know more about who and what the coven was and possessed, made Aro determined to instruct her in everything she needed to know. It would be one less thing for him to worry about. Caius was rash and at times careless, and Marcus didn't have much interest in the running of the coven. Aware that his mate would have the knowledge she would need to take his place, if ever the need arose, made Aro feel better. The protection of the coven and his people was always paramount.
Drawing Charlotte into his arms, he kissed her deeply, then nuzzled her neck inhaling the sweet smell of her soap, her damp hair tickling his cheek.
Charlotte squirmed in his arms. "As much as I would love to have a nice long interlude with you, my love, the supplicants will be here soon. And we are not even dressed in our formal regalia."
Aro knew she was right. These four petitioners could be of value to the coven if the advance word proved correct. While he went to shower, Charlotte went to the wardrobe, pulling out a full length black dress with a form fitting V-neck bodice. It was a simple gown, but the Volturi crest would be fully visible. She put on her black heels, then bent over, brushing her long hair. Standing upright, Charlotte brushed it again. Looking into the mirror, she smiled, satisfied she represented the Volturi and her mate very well.
Aro had just left the shower, a towel around his waist. He was using a face towel to dry his hair, forgoing the hair dryer since it made it fluffier, as Charlotte called it. Aro did prefer it flatter and out of his face.
Charlotte admired her mate as he went to the wardrobe to choose his clothing for the meeting with the Australians. Her tongue wet her lower lip, as she sighed.
Hearing the sigh, Aro turned to watch Charlotte, laughing. "Am I really all that attractive..."
"Yes!" Charlotte said, interrupting him. She bit her lip, then smiled. "Very much."
Aro started to walk towards her, but she held up a hand, then pointed at the wardrobe. "Dress." Laughing low, he turned and complied. Once he had donned his typical black suit and tie, with dark socks and shoes, the Volturi crest around his neck, he held out his hand to Charlotte, leading her from their chambers.
They speed-ran to the throne room, where the guards were waiting, lined up against the wall. Marcus and Caius were already in their seats. Charlotte noticed the absence of the five missing guards who were off on their vacation together. She wondered if they'd end up upset they missed seeing the new petitioners.
Dora was sitting on a chair next to Caius. Charlotte went over to her and gave her a hug, saying "I'm so happy to see you here, sister." She turned to Caius, thanking him for bringing her to attend the meeting.
"Of course, sister. I promised to take her from her rooms whenever she wished." Caius took Dora's hand and kissed it. The two smiled at one another, making Charlotte feel like a third wheel, so she took her own seat which was now sitting in between Aro and Marcus. It felt strange to see all five thrones sitting up on the dais. Aro felt that the mates of the leaders should be seated equally with the masters before the petitioning vampires.
Four chairs had been set toward the back of the room, where four beautiful people sat, frozen, whether in fear or anticipation, Charlotte couldn't tell.
Aro stood. "Why have you come before us today?" he asked, giving them a pleasant smile.
One of the male vampires stood, acting as spokesperson for all four. "G'day! I'm Adam, and this is my missus, Eleanor. That is my mate Noah and his missus, Galina," he said in a strong Australian accent and smiling at his companions. "We've heard of the Volturi since our rebirths. We have gifts, I believe you call 'em. If you let us show you, perhaps you might find us fit to join the Guard."
"How did you say you know of us?" Caius asked, unsure that relatively young vampires would be all that familiar with the Volturi.
"Some of our mates, immortal friends, that is, explained vampire law and those that enforce it. Youse." His eyes darted nervously from figure to figure.
Aro looked at Marcus, then Caius, his brows furrowed. Immediately, he wondered if these vampires from the Southern hemisphere would fit in with their Guard. He crooked his finger at Adam, who looked at his mate, and patting her hand, stepped forward. Apparently, they were not as self-assured as they may have initially seemed.
Five pairs of crimson eyes watched from the dais as the first petitioner stood.
"And what is your gift, Adam?" Aro asked, sitting back down, the smile on his face denoting mild interest. "Demonstrate it for us." He crossed his legs, and leaned on one elbow on the arm of his chair, his hands lightly clasped together.
Adam stood silently, moving away from his seat. Within seconds, he began to levitate upward, slowly at first, until he gained speed to reach the domed ceiling of the throne room.
Aro appeared bored while he watched the vampire rise from the marble floor, until he felt himself, chair and all, begin to rise, slowly at first, but faster until he finally stopped a few inches from the ceiling. He laughed, clapping his hands together.
Charlotte and Caius jumped from their chairs, looking up at Aro. They slowly sat back down, Charlotte never taking her eyes off her mate.
"Do not worry, my dear. I'm fine," he called down. In fact, he was having fun. "Wonderful. And you can affect anyone or anything."
"Aye, as far out as a kilometer. Further if the day is clear." He began to lower himself back to the floor, bringing a delighted Aro with him.
Once the throne had settled back to the dais, Aro waved the man back to his seat and crooked his finger to the next petitioner.
Adam's mate Eleanor stood and gave the Volturi leaders a slight bow of her head. She held out her hands moving them as the air around her began to waver, appearing to coalesce into a clear but solid bubble that surrounded her. Adam pulled one of two lone torches sitting at the main doors off the wall. He set the flame against the bubble. It began to glow red as it heated up, but eventually the bubble returned to its colourless appearance. Next, he stood back several meters, then pulled a knife from his belt. He tossed the knife at his mate, but it bounced off the bubble harmlessly. He picked up the fallen blade and returned it to his belt. He then threw himself at the bubble, which resulted in his being knocked to the floor.
"Will it repel harsher weaponry?" Aro asked.
"Aye, bullets, smaller rockets, but we haven't tested it with missiles or other military-style projectiles." Adam got up and took his mate's hand once the bubble had receded into nothing, leading her back to her chair.
Aro was smiling as he thought about the potential of several of his guards being protected within this bubble. "You, next."
The vampire named Noah stood, his discomfiture apparent on his face. "I can change metals from one to another. For example, a bronze blade can become steel, and a steel wall can be changed into aluminum." He waited until Adam handed him his blade. Noah ran his hand over the blade, until it changed colour. No longer iron, it was now a shining steel. He gave the now transmuted knife back to his friend.
Aro looked at Caius, the warrior of the trio. "Strengthening and weakening. Promising, do you agree, brother?"
Caius already had thought of the potential in a battle. "I agree, Aro. Very promising."
Aro waved the man aside, beckoning to the last female vampire, Galina. "And you, my dear, what gift have you?"
She stood and walked to the middle of the room. While the Volturi leaders on the dais were watching, she seemed to concentrate, her eyes closing momentarily. She opened them again, and an exact duplicate of her appeared across the room. Aro stared wide-eyed at her, then at her copy and back again He tilted his head at Afton, who walked over to the copy and tried to grab her. His arms moved through her as if she were air. The copy still responded to him, even smiled at him at one point. In a few minutes, the figure dissipated, and Galina moved back to her chair.
"Fascinating," Aro exclaimed. He stood and clapped his hands together, grinning. "Afton, take our guests to the guards' recreational room, while we discuss their futures."
Once the supplicants led by Afton had left the room, Aro spoke to everyone. "What do you think, brothers, Dora, my dear, shall we accept them?" Aro was excited, not having seen potential of their kind since Alice and Bella Cullen.
"I can see the potential in bettering our fighting forces, Aro," Marcus said.
Caius concurred. "True, brother, if your mate feels we need to strengthen our might, they will be assets. They'll need to be trained first."
Charlotte smiled at Caius. She felt good knowing their three leaders took her fears and warnings seriously. "Felix and Demetri will be home soon. They can take over that responsibility."
"Very well," Aro said, "We will accept them provisionally, and see how they do after training. I will speak to each one individually, just to be sure they are being truthful. With Charlotte's portents, we must be sure they've not been sent here to do us harm from within." Aro routinely used his gift on his current guards. The newly arrived were always examined by Aro before their final acceptance.
Afton soon returned with the four supplicants. As they stood before the five thrones, Aro stood, giving them the good news that they were accepted into the Guard for the time being. His examinations and their actions during training would determine final confirmation of their positions as guards. Afton left with them, taking them to the rooms they would have as their own while at the castle.
Aro held out his hand for Charlotte as they took the three steps down from their chairs. Caius led Dora from the throne room, followed by Marcus. The rest of the guards left, until the room was empty.
The Volturi were getting stronger, but would they be strong enough.
A/N :
The Volturi have been known as the law keepers in the vampire world for centuries. Then corruption took hold, until finally they lost the respect of their own kind. Soon, they will be given the opportunity to regain that respect. But at what cost. Please stay tuned.
*I didn't mean to post another chapter so quickly, but it wrote itself. I hope readers are just taking their time reading them, a reason I don't make chapters terribly long. Thanks for your interest.*