Chapter Two: Distress
Marcus's hands lingered on Linnea's shoulders while he stared at her in disbelief. "No." He replied firmly, pulling himself away. "No, no, absolutely not."
The petite brunette was caught off guard by his sudden rejection. More so, she was startled because of the embrace they shared. It wasn't like her to let a strange man get so close, yet, she welcomed it, enjoyed it. She recognized him as a vampire and didn't care that she was wrapped in his arms and could've been seconds away from becoming his meal. And she might've been if he hadn't been dealing with his inner turmoil.
The vampire before her had the same thoughts running through his mind. Why had he let her so close? The only logical explanation Marcus could come up with was hunger. With every human he passed during their outing, his eyes grew darker, and his throat grew dryer, painful. Here was a human who was tempting fate, an easy meal.
Marcus pushed the thought aside. He'd have to hold his breath to keep from being tempted.
Linnea breathed out a sigh, "You're right. Maybe next time, you'll think about that before you show up and put my life in danger." She replied in a rather snarky tone.
"I need to understand why you know so much about us." Marcus retorted. If information about The Volturi had gotten into the hands of mortals, he needed to know. So he could track down whatever vampires let their secrets spill and eliminate them.
Linnea scoffed, "I told you, I've had dreams about you." She didn't hesitate in her reply, and it didn't appear as if she were lying. Though now that he was showing such a rhadamanthine expression, asserting his authority, she did seem a bit shyer. She was trying to appear threatening, but once more, her eyes fell to the ground, and she turned away from him, leaning on the railing.
"That's inane." Marcus hissed, insulted that Linnea believed he would fall for such a ruse. "Who told you about me, our rules? Why are you even in Volterra?"
"You and Aro, mainly." She huffed. "But, that was in my dream, so I suppose you don't believe me."
Was she deliberately overlooking his inquiries? This isn't how the interrogation was going to work. Marcus is going to get answers. "Why do you believe you're in a position to mock me?" He questioned with malice in his tone as he reached out, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her to face him.
Sudden panic filled her as she tried to figure out a way to escape him, to no avail. However, Linnea knew he could reach her if she were lucky enough to get around him.
"Why do you think I'd be stupid enough to come to Volterra with knowledge about vampires and proceed to lie to you, realizing that you could take me to Aro, and he could read my every thought?" Her voice cracked as she yelled at him.
Linnea had a point. There was no need for her to lie. Marcus instilled fear into her for no reason, watching as their connection remained strong through it all. A feeling of guilt washed over him.
Regardless, he needed more information from her, but there wasn't enough time. He hadn't left the lair without guards flanking him. He was already pushing it and couldn't risk Aro getting worried and sending out a search party. "How long are you visiting?"
Linnea took a deep breath, composing herself. "We'll only be in town for another night."
"Are you returning home?"
"No. We'll be in Venice for three nights, heading home the next morning."
Marcus cocked his head to the side, curious as to why she offered up this information. "You could have lied." Linnea giggled nervously, "Not sure I'd want to deal with you if you had to chase me across the country or the world."
A smirk formed across his lips. "That you would not."
His hand caressed her cheek, causing her to flinch due to his earlier actions. "I wish to visit you overmorrow, an hour past midnight. Do you agree to those terms?" Linnea wholeheartedly laughed. "Just say the day after tomorrow, at 1 am. Geez. You sound like an old man."
Marcus's brows knitted together in annoyance. A couple more giggles slipped out before she calmed, "We'll be staying at Ca 'Alvise. Unfortunately, my room is facing the canal. That could be difficult to sneak into." She paused, lost in thought. "My name is Linnea; I'll leave a message at the front desk for you."
"Very well." The slightest smile played on his lips, "Then I shall bid you goodnight, Nea." Marcus leapt from the balcony, vanishing into the shadows.
Currently, he focused on trying to figure out how to play everything off. The bad part about Aro was that he'd read every single thought, so Marcus had to be careful what ideas slipped into his mind. He was loyal to Aro above all else because of Chelsea's gift, but her gift failed on those with strong bonds, as The Volturi witnessed with the Cullens years ago.
Marcus walked down the familiar narrow path leading to the Volturi tunnels. He realized that somehow, a tinge of his smile lingered. His spirits were lifted because of that strange girl's presence. For once, he welcomed the change; it wasn't artificial like Corrin's gift; Marcus genuinely enjoyed Linnea's company. And that was something he was going to protect.
Once entering the labyrinth of corridors, Marcus began considering Linnea's transformation. Or if he'd even have the strength to ask her to join him? It was ultimately her decision to make.
Marcus rounded the corner, taking the path that led to his chamber when he ran into Corrin, who seemed relieved to find him.
"Aro called an emergency meeting just a few minutes ago. He expects you present." He gave the girl a nod, stoic expression in place. "Thank you, Corrin."
A set of heels clicking against the stone floors echoed through the halls, rapidly approaching. Marcus recognized the footfall as Jane's. He made it back just in time. "Aro has grown tired of waiting." Jane's voice remained monotone, matching the scowl across her face. "Or did you not understand how dire the situation is?" She directed the question at Corrin, who'd practically hidden behind Marcus.
"Corrin has done nothing wrong. I take full responsibility for our delay." Marcus spoke up, drawing Jane's attention. She turned and began heading back towards the elevators, expecting both to follow. Corrin stayed behind Marcus as they walked, wanting to distance herself from Jane, knowing her short-temper.
The entirety of The Volturi, aside from the wives, Jane, Marcus, and Corrin, had gathered in the turret room. Most of the less critical, transitory members of the guard had darkened eyes, while the permanent members were growing darker but still retained their red sheen.
Currently, their thirst was an issue. Aro was giving Heidi specific instructions on gathering the next group of livestock. She was to stay nearby and gather victims from cities bordering Volterra. This went against their customary rules, but this was a special case.
If need be, they'd spread a rumor of a serial killer in the area. The current matter at hand was far too important for the coven to go without feeding immediately.
The door opened, allowing the missing trio to enter; Heidi passed by, heading out to begin her search. Aro's attention focused on Caius, who was visibly irritated, hatred radiating off him. Once Aro caught the trio's presence, he immediately went into action, instructing Corrin to lessen Caius's rage, forcing him to be content.
As Corrin passed Aro, he reached out, taking her hand, seeing that she'd watched Marcus leave and waited for him to return. He pondered why Marcus would've left the palace and decided it was nothing of concern. However, Aro made a mental note to address the situation later.
Marcus moved to his throne. The strange flowery fragrance he carried piqued Aro's curiosity once more. His lethargic co-ruler carried a woman's perfume, but more than that, he carried human aroma. Aro quickly and silently debated the cause, wondering if Marcus went searching for a meal, before noticing there was no trace of blood mingling with the cologne. He concluded that Marcus was potentially courting a woman for companionship as he'd done with Sulpicia. Perhaps he'd grown tired of his grief and loneliness?
"Brother, it is so nice of you to join us." Aro gestured towards the center of the room where Demetri and Felix currently held two women captive. Both were vampires; the blonde seemed mournful, the ginger was furious.
"It seems the children of the moon have made a re-appearance. These two are guilty of consorting with them."
Aro's words angered the redhead as she struggled in Demetri's grasp, fully intent on charging and attacking Aro. "You see, Mioara came here to report a crime. Unfortunately, Mihaela, her young covenmate, fell in love with one of them. She hoped that would be enough to hide the fact that she shared intimacy with one."
Again the woman pulled against the larger vampire. "It wasn't consensual, you sick fuck!" She didn't care how well-protected Aro was; rage burned deep, and if given a chance, she would take him out.
Clasping his hands together, he looked towards the smallest vampire in the room. "Jane." He called softly. As soon as he'd spoken her name, Jane sent an excruciating jolt of pain throughout Mioara. A second later, Aro raised a hand, and the infliction ceased.
"We can't learn anything further from them; there is no sense in prolonging their lives." Caius protested, dissatisfied.
"In due time, brother. I assure you, they will not live to see another sunrise."
Marcus intently watched the girls' bond glimmer. Growing in strength, yet decreasing constantly. Mihaela remained attached to Mioara, while Mioara was seething with anger, upset at her coven mates' lapse in judgment. And now, because of Mihaela, they were both going to die. Though as much as Mioara blamed her, after seeing Aro and Caius's reactions, she wanted nothing more than to protect her friend, realizing that coming to The Volturi was a mistake.
Aro spoke again, "What I want to know, my dear, is why you believed you could commit such an atrocity and fall under our radar?"
"You can't judge an entire species based on something that happened hundreds of years ago!" Mihaela protested.
Caius stood, livid, breaking through Corrin's attempt to keep him calm. "This goes far beyond the sins those cretins committed centuries ago! They are attracting attention from the media; humans are reporting wolf-men! Not a single one of you will live."
Mioara relaxed, catching Demetri off guard, pulling one of her arms free. Again, the guards tensed, but once more, Aro raised his hand to calm the others. "It seems our guest has something on her mind. Release her. Let her come to me." He smiled wickedly.
Demetri was reluctant to do as he wished, but he obeyed, allowing the vampire her freedom.
This trap was painfully obvious. There was no foreseeable outcome where the rogue vampire would win. It was thirty against one. Nevertheless, if there were the slightest chance of her being able to do damage against Aro, she would take it. Her death was imminent either way.
Mioara ran towards Aro, who waited with anticipation. The second her foot reached the bottom of the stone steps, he turned, paying her no mind. Mioara threw a punch, only for it to be caught by Caius, aided by Jane's gift, incapacitating the traitor once more.
When Aro reached his throne, he sat, crossing his legs. "You are being executed for consorting with werewolves and for assaulting multiple members of The Volturi Coven."
"Your arrogance will be your downfall, Aro." The ginger spit, futilely attempting to fight against the pain rushing through her system.
"Perhaps. But, you are not living to see that day. Caius, do as you wish."
As if on command, Caius and Felix ripped their limbs off and set them aflame.
*
Sunlight crept through the sliding glass door, illuminating the room. Linnea lay awake, stretching across her bed, thinking of her mysterious visitor the night prior. Marcus was challenging to read, and she had no idea how he felt about her. He was curious, that's for sure, maybe even a little confused. The situation was aggravating. Linnea sighed to herself. But, he was attractive; she'd have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
They needed time to talk, and she didn't know where to start. What events were important? Should she mention the girl he was with or about the battles she'd seen him fight? Linnea remembered how the woman was ambushed and killed by Marcus's co-leaders.
A gut-wrenching feeling swelled as she rolled to her side, wrapping her arms around her core. Remembering that dream always sent chills down her spine. Maybe she'd steer clear of it until she knew Marcus a little better.
A knock on the door startled her, "Linnea! Are you ready yet? We still have some sightseeing to do before we head to Venice!" Her mother called through the door. "Y-Yeah, just give me a second!" She hollered back, getting up and scrambling to the dresser.
Whenever she met her mother out in the main room, the older woman tried peaking in the room behind her. "If your friend is still here, we can meet up later."
"Friend?" Linnea questioned, trying to play dumb.
"The man you invited into your room after I left last night." Her mother informed. "I came back to ask if you wanted anything specific for dinner, and I noticed the two of you in quite the embrace. I wasn't aware you'd made any friends; you've seemed so downcast."
Linnea was panicked, trying to develop a cover story, trying not to listen to her mothers' ramblings. "So, when did you two meet?" Her mother asked, breaking her concentration. "Uh, we met a couple days ago at one of the museums we visited."
"Are you sleeping with him?"
Linnea looked at her mother with wide eyes, in disbelief that she'd asked such a thing. But then she considered her options. Marcus planned to visit her again, and she'd likely have to meet him in the lobby; it was probably best to agree. "Yeah, actually." Linnea walked past her mother, curling a lock of hair around her finger.
Both women left the room, walking downstairs, heading out to grab lunch. Her mother seemed content with the information Linnea provided. The second they reached the car, she started in on her again. "So, does your friend have a name?"
Linnea huffed in annoyance, rolling her eyes. "Yes, mom, of course he has a name. It's Marcus."
An interrogation followed that question. What did he look like? Were they going to continue to see each other? Was he the only man? And finally, the question Linnea wasn't prepared for; did she love him?
Rather than giving her mother the satisfaction of an answer, she remained silent during the car ride.
Heidi returned the following morning with the first 'tour group,' just enough humans for the masters and higher guard members to feast.
As a human, walking into the turret room and seeing twelve ravenous vampires turn and stare at the newcomer with blood dripping from their mouths was a terrifying sight to behold. It was especially unnerving to watch Aro wipe his mouth and give a welcoming smile while holding out his hand, asking for the parchment the human held.
After witnessing these vampires drain the lives out of humans, with no prodigious given over men, women, or children, how could one have the courage to approach the thrones?
Rebekah asked herself that question each time she spoke with one of them, but her dream of becoming a vampire and ruling alongside them couldn't end just because she was afraid. If she completed every task they gave her to the best of her abilities, everything would be just fine.
Carefully, she extended her arm, placing the letter in his hand while repeating 'don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile' over and over in her head. Subconsciously, the smell of rust was overwhelming her. Rebekah's stomach churned, making her smile drop as she tried to swallow the feeling. But, she messed up by side-eyeing the pile of corpses in the room, which produced a gag. Each vampire in the room looked at her. Marcus let out a sigh, knowing the fate she'd sentence herself to; Caius rolled his eyes as if she were acting overly dramatic, and Aro just kept his smile, leisurely folding the letter and placing it back into the envelope before tossing it back to his throne.
Rebekah had the desire to turn and run as if trying to run away was even an option. Instead, all she could do was stay frozen in place as he gradually stepped down the stairs until he stood before her. Gingerly he lifted a hand to her cheek, softly brushing against it. "Mia cara, hai commesso un errore."
Felix and Demetri glanced toward another, confused that Aro had yet to signal them to remove the human.
"Mistakes can be forgiven if you make sure it will not happen again, young Rebekah." He followed up, shooing her away with a motion of his hand.
Bewildered, Rebekah bowed to her masters before turning and heading back towards the hall. Aro glanced over, noticing the concern of his subordinates. "With Heidi gathering tourists from the area, we cannot afford to hire another secretary. Rebekah stays until our current matter is handled. Unless she makes another mistake."
Once the mess was cleaned and the corpses disposed of, Aro dismissed the guards, allowing them to return to their previous activities. Only Renata and Demetri remained in the turret room tasked with keeping Aro safe if anyone were foolish enough to break through. Caius announced that he planned on visiting Athenodora in the tower and left soon after.
Aro was delighted by the idea and made a mental note to visit his own wife later that evening. Again, he was reminded of the floral redolence which hung on Marcus's cloak.
"Marcus." Aro cheerfully called before his brother could slip out of the room.
He was met with a melancholic response, "Yes, Aro?"
"Dear Corrin told me you ventured into the city alone last night. Where did you go?"
Marcus knew that Aro didn't want a verbal response; instead, he wanted to see where his travels took him. Strolling from his throne over to the table where Aro sat, Marcus offered his hand, which Aro quickly took, almost giddy about what information he might uncover.
Aro watched as Marcus left the sewers, carefully tracking the girl's perfume through the city, figuring out her location, and leaping to the balcony where she stood. But, some of Marcus's memory was blocked; Aro saw the intensity of the bond between the two, yet, instead of the argument, whenever Marcus placed his hand on her shoulder, she turned and smiled, instantly embracing him.
There had to be more to their relationship than that, so he searched further back, finding their first encounter earlier that day as he traveled alongside Aro through the city. A simple glance, that was all.
This was perplexing and not being able to figure out the entire tale infuriated Aro. Instantly he decided not to reveal his shortcomings to his brother. "Ah, I see. So you're seeking the companionship of this young maiden?"
Marcus nodded, pulling his hand away. He silently wondered why Aro wasn't concerned about her knowledge of vampires? It was best not to question Aro's decisions.
After Marcus left, Aro attempted to wrap his head around the situation. In town, Linnea looked at Marcus with recognition, and he acknowledged the bond between them. But, their meeting remained a mystery.
Frustrated, he stood from his seat, slamming the book he pretended to read down on the table. The wood splintered as the leg crumbled, sending the items crashing to the floor. His sudden movements startled Renata, who sat on the stone steps just before the throne.
"We needed a new table anyway." Aro shrugged his action off, heading out of the room to further contemplate his power.
To Be Continued...
The floor beneath crumbles under the heavy steps of the king who would leave his pawns to die.