Fresh Air

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm still here - I have not given up on this story. With this chapter, I am so much closer to connecting the portions I have already written out. I hope you enjoy it! I will be back with more later.

BPOV

After we renegotiated our deal last night, Aro left me alone to rest. But I could not fall asleep. Every time I closed my eyes, his piercing crimson gaze met me in the darkness. The chime of his laugh haunted me as my mind danced between visions of him and my future here.

I believe I made the right decision by asking for a change in terms, but still, I dread the day that Aro will use the deal against me. Even though I now know that our fates are forever intertwined, there is no assurance that he will not hurt me - that he will not use and manipulate me to follow his will. I do not know him well enough to predict his behaviors and I am in the dark about the interworkings of his world.

And last night, when he stormed into my room. Oh, God! I swear hell was unleashing underneath his skin. Something had broken free inside of him - something I should have been terrified of. But I wasn't. Not before he melted in relief, not while he wrapped up my leg so tenderly. I only felt peace from his presence.

And even more, he does not know that I am aware of anything. I am still waiting for him to tell me the truth about what is going on. Maybe if I can spend more time with him today, I can coax it out of him. Because as certain as I am about this bond, I need to hear him acknowledge it. It won't feel real until he does.

Breakfast was delivered to my door this morning. No Aro in sight. And while I'm sure that Jane was nearby, she did not make herself known when I stepped out to grab the basket. Sitting at the table now, I polish off the last bite of a biscuit and brush off my hands. I need to visit Caius today. With all this chaos between Aro and myself, I've not found a moment to see him and I find that I miss him quite terribly.

Determined to find the man, I quickly leave my room, bounding in the direction of his study. On my way, I pass by Felix who only nods his head in greeting while continuing on his way.

"Caius," I greet the man as I enter his study unannounced. "How have you been?"

The blonde greets me with a sly grin, immediately pushing aside his work and standing to his feet.

"My sweet, sorella," he intones. "What a pleasure it is to see you this afternoon. What brings you to my study?"

Caius moves from behind his desk and pulls me into a hug. It feels nice, this human-like contact. I appreciate that he cares enough for me to outwardly express it. When he lets me go, I look up into his crimson eyes - they mirror the joy in my own.

"I've missed you," I chirp. "What have you been doing with yourself in my absence?" I take my usual seat on his chaise and prop my elbow up against the backrest. With my head in my hand, I look at him playfully.

"It's only been a few days since you were last here, my dear."

"A lifetime if you ask me." And it truly was. The last few days were exhausting and spending time with Caius is peaceful; I miss the comfort his presence brings.

Caius looks at me curiously as he leans back against his desk. "You seem different somehow." He pauses for a second and takes a moment to look me over. My smile widens. "Where did this confidence come from?"

"I can't tell you. It's a secret."

Caius looks almost frustrated at this. "I can keep a secret," he says with a pout.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore. Not where it counts."

His eyes narrow mischievously. "You wish to keep your thoughts from Aro then."

Of course I do. I leave his question unanswered, only maintaining my cheery disposition.

"I do hope you don't mean to harm my brother, cara."

I scoff. "Of course not." I look past Caius, staring at the quill on his desk. "Quite the opposite in fact."

"You know, don't you?" My gaze refocuses on the blonde and I see the surprise painted across his face.

"Know what?" I say coyly.

"You know."

"I haven't the slightest idea what you are speaking of, Caius."

"You do." I do, but I cannot confirm nor deny his suspicions. Aro will know.

He grins and I can tell by the look in his eyes that he is speaking of the bond.

"You're a very smart woman, Isabella. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm sure you will soon."

I want to thank him for the compliment but I don't want to give anything away.

"As I said, Caius, it won't be a secret anymore if I tell you."

Caius's smirk is contagious, and I find my lips pulling into a knowing smile as he says, "Alright, I'll leave it alone."

"I appreciate it."

I stand to my feet, content that I've seen Caius and further confirmed my suspicions.

"Leaving so soon?"

"I have another king to pester."

The glint in Caius' eyes boosts my confidence that I am going about this correctly. Aro needs to see me and respect me for who I am before I give over entirely to this pull. He's been kind to me, but I am still concerned that the man he presented me with when we first met will come back. I don't want to lose this progress we've made, so I must prove that I am something more than a human pet. I am something he cannot afford to lose, especially not by his own actions.

With a curtsy, I bid Caius farewell. "Thank you for the conversation. I will see you later, Caius."

"Always a pleasure, my dear."

I turn to leave, but Caius stops me at the door. "Oh and Isabella," I look back at him to see the man I long to call brother. He looks at me amused. "Do go easy on the old fool. He doesn't have a clue as to what he is doing."

I wink at him and continue out the door. The cool air in the hallway bites at my exposed arms. Goosebumps rise up from under my skin and I shiver.

"Cold?"

With a gasp, I turn toward the voice calling my name. A familiar smile greets me.

"Heidi!"

"Isabella." The beautiful blonde is in front of me now, her grin bigger than before. "How have you been?"

"Alright, I suppose. It is so good to see you again."

Heidi pulls me in for a hug. "I've come to steal you away for an outing."

"An outing?"

"Yes. It's time we get you some gowns of your own."

Excitement bubbles in my chest at the thought of heading outside into the market. The shopping does not interest me nearly as much as the fresh air. I cannot turn down this opportunity. Aro said I could venture out, did he not? I am, by all means, free to do so. But Heidi is a vampire and the markets are only open during daylight hours.

"But the sun-"

"Isn't out," she finishes. "In fact, it's quite gloomy this morning. I believe we have some time to peruse the wares before the sun makes her appearance."

My eyes go wide. "Then why are we still here?"

Heidi laughs and turns, motioning for me to follow her. "Let's go before Aro finds out we've left."

My stomach drops at that. Shouldn't he know I am leaving? After all, I am his ward. But I refrain from questioning her until we get outside. Consequences be damned, I need to breathe in the crisp morning air. I want to feel the wind against my skin again. I want to smell the freshly baked bread and the morning pastries and watch people go about their days. I just want to go outside.

When we reach the wooden door that leads to the plaza, Heidi wraps her cloak around her shoulders, connects the clasp, and lifts her hood. After situating her own garments, Heidi pulls a folded black mass out and hands it to me.

"I had Jane grab this so you wouldn't be cold. It's quite brisk this morning."

I reach out for the fabric and almost sigh in relief when the velvet brushes against my fingertips. Aro's cloak.

Without hesitation, I wrap the fabric around myself and sigh in relief at the warmth of it. The scent of Aro overwhelms me, making me feel whole again. Heidi assists me with the clasp before extending an arm out to me. I link my own with hers and together we leave the castle and head into the plaza.

Heidi leads us through the square with the confidence of a queen. Each step she takes is full of unfaltering confidence. Out of the two of us, she must be the swan because my graceless saunter does not compare to her elegant stride. The square is quite large and covered in brick. I can imagine how slippery it must be out here when it rains. I must be careful not to slip if I ever return on a wet day.

The square is surrounded by buildings of varying sizes but the bell tower above Aro's castle stands overall. Shops and stalls line the edges of the square - each more appealing than the last - leaving space for the merchants, bards, and general visitors to conduct their business and mingle with one another. Some are shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables while others talk with each other near the fountain in the center of the square.

We make our way to a clothing shop situated inside of one of the buildings. The fabrics I see in the window look promising but Heidi stops me before we get closer than a few yards.

"This is the shop the Volturi orders most garments from. The seamstress here is a bit blunt, but she means well. I wanted to warn you before we go in there."

"Is she that bad?"

Heidi's amused expression answers my question and I can't help my sigh in return. "Let's get on with it then."

My friend smiles compassionately and squeezes my arm. "We will find you some nice gowns that are more your style. Your wardrobe was stocked to Aro's preferences, but I believe you need some pieces that suit your personality better."

Together, we enter the shop. The inside of the store isn't spectacular, but the arrangement of products and supplies is pleasing to the eye. The walls are lined with fabric, each a different color or material. My fingers itch to touch each one, to see what the difference is in texture.

Behind the counter toward the back of the shop, a plump greying lady eyes us curiously. Heidi grabs my hand and leads me over to her, quickly introducing me to the seamstress, Mary. She greets me curtly and ushers me to the corner of the room to take my measurements.

"Too thin," Mary says, lifting my arm. I grit my teeth in annoyance at this stranger's judgment of my appearance. But then I see a glint in her eye. Something akin to pity? Sympathy, maybe?

I did not expect anyone to see me in such a state of undress. Not enough to see how malnourished and thin I really am. Papa and I didn't have much to eat and I've only been with the Volturi for a few weeks now. The evidence of our poor diet still lingers on my skin.

"My apologies, signora. I do not mean to offend. You just need a few good meals to fill out those bones," she says with a wrinkly smile.

"Thank you." I don't wish to be rude to her. I can see that she genuinely cares, but it is nothing I can fix overnight. The damage done will take weeks if not months to repair.

"Don't worry, madame," Heidi says. "Isabella and I will stop off for a fine meal after this."

The seamstress shows me a few fabrics and I choose the darkest of the three - soft, pliable, but glittering somehow.

"We should have a larger selection arriving in a few weeks' time." The seamstress picks up a notebook and quickly opens it to peruse the notes. "Yes, two weeks from today."

Heidi grins. "Thank you. We will be back then to see what else you have." Heidi quickly pays for the gowns and the seamstress gives us a completion date a week out. Heidi says she will be there to pick it up and we head back into the square. She is grinning from ear to ear, so full of joy even though the clouds look like they want to cry.

To our right, there is a small stand of trinkets for sale a few yards out and set up out of a cart. Next to the wheel, an old woman sits at a table. She is quite wrinkled but in the joyous sort of way. Her face forever smiling along with her soul.

Our eyes meet, hers a sparkling cerulean sea. Her white wispy hair blows across her face as the wind sweeps through and our gaze breaks. Maybe I should see what she has for sale.

"I want to look at this stand over here," I say, pulling Heidi along. We approach the old woman's cart arm in arm and begin perusing her goods. Heidi seems focused on the jewelry, but I spot her glancing over at the stall owner curiously.

"How are you beautiful young ladies this morning?"

A light shaky voice breaks through our silence. I turn to see the woman standing now. She is wearing a simple dress, though the fabric mismatches here and there as though she'd stitched it up herself over and over again. Contrary to the patchworked fabric, her neck is adorned with rows and rows of pearls. And her hands, why every finger houses a ring, if not two!

"Quite well, signora. Thank you. How are you this morning?" I respond, smiling shyly at the woman.

"Feeling my age. No matter." Her grin widens. "What can I help you find?"

"Do you have any books?"

"A reader, then." Her eyes glint, though I can't tell if it's in amusement or something else.

"Tell me. Do you read for knowledge or pleasure?"

It takes me a second to form an answer for her. "Both. Reading is knowledge, regardless of the genre and it brings me pleasure. Especially during dark times."

A tinkling laugh leaves the old woman's lips and I see that smile she wears in full bloom.

"So you read for pleasure but enjoy the knowledge that comes with it?"

"Yes."

"One moment. I have something to show you."

The woman hobbles back behind her cart, disappearing from our sight. Heidi turns to me with a questioning look, but I just shrug. This encounter is odd, but I'm far too curious abou what this woman has in stock to leave now.

She returns carrying an old leather bound book. Its pages are rough with age and it's quite small. There doesn't appear to be markings on the outside that reveal its identity. A journal perhaps?

"I found this on my travels in my earlier years. I think you might find it to be… useful to you.":

She extends the book out to me, making sure it's well within my grasp before she lets go of it. I open the book, unsurprised to find a journal entry on the first page signed with a symbol I've never seen before. It appears to be two Vs overlaying each other. One is right side up, while the other is upside down, creating a diamond shape in the center. My curiosity sparks at the sight and I know I need to take this journal back with me.

"How much?" I don't have any gold on me, but I know Heidi will help me out.

"Nothing. It's yours."

My eyes go wide. "Are you sure?"

"I only ask that you return one day to tell me if you found it to be a source of knowledge or… pleasure."

Though her request seems strange, I agree and carefully tuck the book into my bag. "Thank you. I will take good care of it."

"I am sure you will. Please stop by anytime, Isabella."

"I will, thank you." It isn't until much later that I realize I did not tell her my name.

Heidi bids the woman farewell and we walk away from the stand.

"Let's get you something fresh to eat," Heidi says and together we walk toward the market.

"Do you go outside often?"

Heidi shrugs. "Not as often as I'd like. And never when the sun is out."

"Why is that? Will you burn?"

Heidi laughs. "Worse, my dear. We… sparkle." She whispers the word, her hand cupped toward my ear.

I can't help but raise my eyebrows. "You sparkle? Like the stars?"

"Maybe," she says, winking. "Have you ever seen a diamond?"

I nod, imagining the sparkling glint of a necklace, shining at every angle.

"Our skin sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight."

"But it doesn't hurt you?"

"No, but it would endanger the secret of our kind if the humans caught us out in the open on a sunny day.."

I nod in understanding, leaving it at that.

The smell of fresh baked goods leads us to a bakery and Heidi quickly buys me a baguette. Once I have the bread in hand, we head to the fountain and sit down on its edge. I break into the warm bread, tearing off a piece and popping it into my mouth.

"Do you like Master Aro?"

I finish chewing my bite and swallow. "What do you mean?"

Heidi scrunches her nose. "Do you fancy him?"

I do not answer her right away. The truth is complex. I do fancy him, quite a bit more than one should after knowing someone for only a couple of weeks. But there are other forces at work here, and I still have not been able to separate what I feel for him from what I feel because of the bond.

"Why does that matter?"

"It matters more than you know, Bella." Heidi grabs my hand. "You need to ask Aro about mates."

"Heidi, I'm not going to do that. Not when-" And I stop myself there. I've blown my secret, just in a few words.

"Not when what?"

There is nothing I can say to get myself out of this situation. I groan, let go of her hand, and pop another piece of bread into my mouth. Unwilling to speak with my mouth full, I wait until I finish chewing to respond. "Not when I have the upper hand."

Heidi looks surprised. Maybe this was the last thing she expected from me. But then again, how is the human supposed to know about vampire mates?

"So you know of mating already?"

"I know I'm Aro's. I am unaware of the exact specifics of what that entails. But I know that I am his mate."

Heidi offers me a sympathetic smile.

"How did you find out?"

"It wasn't hard to miss."

Heidi nods, looking away for a moment. "So you know then."

"I had to ask Jane to explain the concept to me… I've felt this… this pull to him since the day we met." Another delectable morsel of bread touches my tongue.

"I don't know how I feel about him yet," I say in answer to her earlier question. "But I think he's beginning to grow on me. I just don't understand why he was such a brute when we first met."

I know I should watch what I say to her, I know Aro might be able to see all of this, but I pray he doesn't. Not before I figure out what I'm doing.

"I overheard a conversation between Masters Aro and Marcus one night. Master Marcus was angry with Master Aro over his treatment of you. Master Marcus was upset that he could disrespect such a gift. Especially after thousands of years alone, pining for a mate."

I nod, not entirely surprised. Something changed after the night in the throne room. He changed his behavior. Maybe that was Marcuis' doing. Maybe not. Regardless, something changed him overnight.

"That day he brought you in front of the guard, he was so unlike himself." Heidi shakes her head, looking concerned. "I've never seen him so taken over by his baser instincts, not even when he feeds. You set something off in him… Regardless," she turns her head toward me, "he should not have treated you in such a manner - especially while you are still human."

"Is that what he is normally like?"

Heidi shakes her head and fixes her gaze on the gaggle of people bartering across the piazza. "Since I joined the guard, he's been a kind and just ruler, even when tough decisions must be made. He is very logical, most of the time, and values the opinions of others… But in more recent years, he's grown impatient - slightly unhinged. He treats his guard members very well, though. I'm grateful for him and the other masters.

"I think you need to speak with him about the mating bond. Jane and I are both unmated. While we can explain the bond and its effects, we do not feel them. And nothing in a vampire's life is greater than the change they experience when they meet their mate."

"I'm not ready for that," I reply, picking at my baguette. I toss a few chunks out and watch as the pigeons swoop down to claim the morsel. So free. I wish I had wings too. Then I could fly away from here and never have to think of Aro again. "I don't trust him."

"I understand. He hasn't done much to harbor your trust, has he?"

"He's trying. But he's keeping this from me. And until I hear the truth come out of his mouth, I won't be able to trust him."

Heidi flashes me an understanding smirk. "Men."

We laugh together for a while and our conversation drifts into more pleasant territory. When a streak of sunlight peaks through its curtains, Heidi tells me it's time to go. We head back, a burgeoning friendship between us and a leather-bound journal burning a hole through my purse.

~~AB~~

Heidi returns me to the castle and escorts me to the library. She hugs me before saying goodbye for the day and heads out on her own adventure.

The sight of my favorite chair welcoming me feels akin to coming home and I melt into its comforting embrace. Carefully, I pull the old journal out of my bag and begin reading:

We've been out in the desert for far too long. I received word of a merchant from Egypt who knows of a cure for this nefarious condition. Or so it's been told.

After a day's travel from Athens to Alexandria, we continued on to the Arabian Desert. There we found the man they spoke of. The problem is, he is dead. Drained dry but with the Egyptian word for "liar" painted across his forehead in blood.

My suspicions have only been confirmed - there is no cure. I will remain this demon until the day I am destroyed.

The entry is short and signed with the symbol I saw earlier. It almost looks like a person raising their arms to the sky. I turn the page, ready for the next entry.

"There you are." A relieved voice chimes. I look up to see Jane standing in the doorway. "Master Aro has been waiting for you since this morning."

Alarmed, I quickly tuck the journal back into my bag. "Is everything alright?"

"He did not say," she answers with a shrug. "Master Aro went to visit you this morning shortly after you left with Heidi. He's been waiting for you since."

I nod. "Do you happen to know where he is?"

Jane smiles. "Likely your quarters. I believe he decided to wait for your return there."

I roll my eyes. Of course he did.

"Well then," I start, standing from my seat. "Best not keep him waiting any longer."

Jane accompanies me back to my room and she leaves me at the door. With a deep breath, I push the door open and enter the darkness.

I do not see him, but I can feel him. He's here. I make quick work at lighting a candle and carefully set it down on the table. After half a minute of silence, I finally cave.

"You can come out," I breathe, looking around the room for a sign of him. "I know you're here."

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. He's behind me. With a gasp, I turn around. He is a foot away, close enough to touch.

"And just where have you been, piccola?" It's not a greeting, but he doesn't seem angry with me. At least not in the way he speaks to me.

"Were you planning on scaring me, Aro? Why have you been hiding in the dark?"

"I believe I asked you a question first."

He steps closer to me and I can feel his breath on my forehead. His proximity is unnerving. And the static between us, constantly humming in anticipation, only grows the longer we stand like this.

"You did… But you're also the one creeping about my rooms. Are you spying on me?" I know he's not, but I can't help it. Maybe a little joke will lighten the tension.

But then, his arms sneak around me, unexpectedly pulling my body flush against his own.

"Where were you?" I don't know if he's talking about today, or the time since our souls separated so long ago but I don't think too much more on that. He doesn't seem angry with me, impatient if anything. But the feeling of his arms around me is oddly comforting, even if it's such a strange reaction to my disappearance for a few hours. Though I know where this bond of ours will eventually lead - at least I think I do - it's overwhelming to be this close to him. He is overwhelming.

"I went out with Heidi."

His lips are at my ear now, stirring a fire in my belly. My stomach flutters, aching and flipping.

"Where did you go?" Still so close. Too close.

"The piazza. I ordered a dress," I say, breathless.

His hand creeps into my hair, rubbing circles on my scalp. It takes everything in me not to moan at the sensation.

"Do you not enjoy the clothes I provided?"

I frown. What is going on here? Would it upset him if I didn't? I do like the clothes; they are more beautiful than any I've worn before. But Heidi was right. I need clothing that is more representative of who I am.

"They are nice. Though not entirely me."

"I see."

We are silent for a moment. I don't pull away from his hold, and he does not release me.

I look up at him. The soft glow from the candle bounces off his cheek, casting shadows on the other side of his face.

"Are you going to answer my question now? What are you doing in here, Aro?"

"You weren't here and I could not find you," he sighs, still massaging my head. "Jane made me aware of your departure and I chose to wait here for your return."

"Sitting in the dark?"

"Yes," he grits. I see it now, the flash of anger.

"Why?"

"I wanted to see that you returned safely."

We stare at each other for a few beats.

"Are you upset with me?"

Aro shakes his head and smiles at me halfheartedly. He lifts his hand and traces a thumb across my cheekbone. I unconsciously lean into his touch, which in turn elicits a gasp from him.

"Can you feel it?" He asks. His eyes are soft now.

"Feel what exactly?" He looks sad at my question like he expected me to know what he is referring to. And I do, but I need to hear the words come out of his mouth.

"Never mind, tesero," he whispers with a defeated smile. Aro pulls away from me and clasps his hands behind his back. "I am happy to see you are well. I should be on my way."

With a slight bow, he turns and heads to the door. Just as he opens it to leave, I get over the shock and step forward.

"Aro," I call after him. He turns. "Are you alright?"

That sad smile creeps across his features again. "Just fine, cara mia. Have a good afternoon."

And then he is gone.