Chapter VI - I: A Nobody in Volterra

Part I

THE NORTHERN CHAMBERS, VOLTERRA CASTLE. . .

A granite boulder crashed onto the chamber wall, barely missing the doorways. Chunks of stone broke upon impact and the booming crash that followed echoed through the lower corridors of the castle, startling the servants attending to the wing.

Aro paused from exiting the chambers, a brow twitching. "Cease with the dramatics, Caius." Aro said in a cautionary tone. "I will not tolerate this a second time."

"Have you lost your mind?" The ivory-haired king's voice seethed, dripping with fury. "You have humiliated us the first time they walked free, and now you expect us to school humans? What has Volterra become?"

"Think of it as amassing power," Aro suggested with a wave of a hand.

"Then turn the human and get it over with!" Caius snarled. His burning gaze turned to the other royal draped on a chesterfield sofa on the far side of the room, as disinterested as ever. "And you! Millennia of being the castle sloth, only to emerge as a deviant! You should be ashamed!"

Marcus shrugged. "I anticipate the joys to come from teaching, that is all."

"'Joys'?" Caius' head was throbbing, and his hands were itching for necks to wring. "We have burnt friends and family for less — the law of secrecy applies just as strictly to us!"

Marcus looked pointedly in Aro's direction. That was true.

Aro sighed before leaning against the door frame and crossing his arms. "Perhaps it is time to discuss the visions young Alice has seen of Altheia's immortality?" Marcus rose slowly from the chesterfield couch and walked towards the doorway. "The moment Altheia Beneventi stepped into Volterra, her fate was sealed."

"That psychic has been the bane of my life," Caius muttered disdainfully. "And there you go again with Fate. Nonsense!"

"As I have to confess, my brothers," Marcus murmured, an arm reaching out to Aro as he passed the boulder Caius had hurled in rage. "My intentions aren't exactly pure..."

Caius' brows furrowed together as his brothers held hands in silence. As the reading ended, Marcus looked almost guilty but Aro's face betrayed nothing. Aro remained unusually quiet for a time.

"If I were to convince you, brother," Aro started to say to Caius slowly after the pause. "That accepting a student meant having a companion, would you agree?"

Caius was taken aback by the unexpected turn of inquiry but clenched his jaw stubbornly as Aro advanced towards him. He sent a glare towards Marcus' direction. "In case my brothers have conveniently forgotten, Athenodora exists."

"And yet," Aro blinked owlishly as he stopped just in front of Caius. "You are more desolate than you have ever been."

Caius opened his mouth to retort, but stepped back, surprised and defensive when Aro lifted his hands to him.

"Come on then, brother," Aro taunted, both palms were offered up to Caius. "Take a hand and prove me wrong."

Both brothers stared each other down silently before Caius folded, his lips curled in distaste. His brothers never forced his judgment, but he knew when he was outnumbered. And most importantly, he always knew when Aro was scheming.

He avoided Aro's hands, sidestepping him. "Take a pet should you like," he hissed low as he passed his brothers. "But becoming a student of mine must be earned." Caius paused when he reached doorway, leveling Aro with a glare. "You have always been a schemer, Aro. But there will be no more compromises. The law is the law."

"Of course, Caius." Aro acquiesced softly. "I will turn the human myself at your slightest inconvenience."

"Then why not just...?" Caius' brows furrowed in frustration.

"As I said, the future shows promi-"

"Ah forget it! That nonsense again!" Caius grumbled in exasperation as he marched out of the chambers before Aro could finish his sentence.

"A human in a castle of vampires, what could possibly go wrong?" Marcus sneered as he passed the doorways, following Caius' exit. "I wonder what it is you have planned in that mind of yours..."

Aro huffed and chose to remain in the chamber, this time lounging himself on the chesterfield sofa as he waited for Heidi's return.

Barely a quarter of the hour had passed since the start of their argument and it ended as soon as it began. He had expected more revulsion and rage from Caius, but he knew better than to rest it on luck that Caius withdrew quickly from debating the matter further.

Ever since that little woman's arrival, the air in Volterra became… unsettling. Not just to him, but his brothers as well. Caius' agitation had tested even his own patience as of late. Marcus, who had barely raised his voice in the past decade, was restless enough to be scouring nearby provincial grounds for his own meals. He knew something was changing. He knew it, he felt it, and his mind couldn't resist it. Why else would he have orchestrated anything less than securing the Volturi Kings' newest fascination? But more than that, he wanted to understand why there was a dangerous curiosity that always seemed to follow the Cullen congrega and their human pets. A quick observation of the two humans showed that they had a common lack of fear and self-preservation with a strong sense of redemption. A truly dangerous combination. He would have ordered them dead if it weren't for the promise of their immortality.

I-sa-bella and Al-thei-a. Precious human oddities.

Their fear wasn't from death, no, but from something beyond it. Isabella feared losing her sense of self rooted in the ones she loved. A very human thing to keep. Very foolish. For what Altheia feared he couldn't pinpoint yet, as there weren't many minds to read to criticize her by. He simply needed more time to scrutinize that woman. Ultimately, both were immensely gifted and had no concrete loyalties yet, if Marcus' gift was to be believed.

What ever was a power magnate like him to do? There was simply no other option.

Aro's mouth began to pool with venom just by remembering the scent of the Italian woman the night before. Closing his eyes, he could reimagine the mixture of sweat and cotton and that little tinge of sweet nectarine. A warm room never really hid the scent of blood and fear twined together.

What curious — delicious — things these newcomers were.

He shuddered. Heidi should be arriving with a feast soon... Would he be satiated?

Aro frowned. Probably not. Not since the air in Volterra had changed.

In the quiet darkness of the chambers, Aro was alone. For the first time in a long time, he felt uncertain... but not powerless. No, definitely not. Although he had thrown Caius into a corner he had barely wanted to acknowledge himself.

What Marcus had revealed to him earlier were unexpected, but undoubtedly real.

The bonds are young and imperfect, Marcus had warned through his thoughts.

Marcus' memories of the night before replayed into his mind like a hazy recording. In the hidden galleries of Palazzo Viti, he stood alongside the woman and his brother. The exhibit had been illuminated by torch flames, but their faces were unreadable. He allowed a little banter of cat and mouse before finally offering the woman a place in his castle. Marcus attended simply to witness his latest curiosity, but in his surprise, luminescent bonds almost like harp strings unveiled slowly from their forms and crept towards the woman as the night progressed. Bonds were entwining into each other upon contact, with muted hues of silver diffusing through...

But the reality is these bonds exist. What they may mean for us is unknowable now...

Aro closed his eyes as he sifted through Marcus' thoughts.

Aro... I always wondered what immortality was for without Didyme.

Aro's eyes snapped open. History and fate always came back with a vengeance for him. And the thought of his dead sister always left a bitter taste in his mouth.

When he had obtained Caius' indulgence almost too easily, a churning feeling began to disturb Aro, rising inch by inch from his insides. Everything was going his way for now. The chess pieces were still predictable. He could barely restrain the twitching in his fingers now that his brothers had left the room to him. A sputtered sound of merriment escaped from his mouth, and next thing he knew, he was laughing uncontrollably in the darkness, arms clutching at his sides.

Aro, have you not been wondering as well? Why we never had what others seemed to find so effortlessly?

Were you never jealous?

Aro's laughter did not stop.

Aro, we are monsters.

The Italian woman smelled so good the air in Volterra became lacking.

But are we finally worthy?

Absolutely delicious.

»»—- ❈ —-««

THE HIGH TOWER, VOLTERRA CASTLE. . .

"A scholar?" A soft, feminine voice flowed across the room. "Is that what Aro likes to call his playthings these days?"

"Athenodora!" A chiming voice scolded mildly. "I do believe you could do with some company in the library."

"That is true," Athenodora agreed as she rose from the red cabriole sofa, pacing the room thoughtfully. Her index finger tapped lightly against her lip. "And young Edward will stay in the castle with his singer?"

"Who is also still human," Sulpicia confirmed, whispering conspiratorially. "I wonder what my king has planned. You know his games never end well," she said nervously, a hand darting out to pull at Athenodora's skirt. Athenodora stopped her pacing and sat beside Sulpicia again. "...I have a bad feeling, sorella."

"Perhaps... she is an interest for Marcus?" Athenodora suggested weakly. "An entertainment."

"Ah, you've felt it as well, haven't you?" Sulpicia smiled sadly, gaze following her toes that traced the gold trimmings of the rough, emerald-threaded carpet. "The pull between you and Caius is weakening too, isn't it?"

Athenodora's hand paused from comforting her sister. She looked away before swallowing thickly. "It has not been as strong as before," she admitted.

"Sometimes I wonder," Sulpicia's tone was low, almost guilty. "What Didyme would say if she were still..."

The queens sat in silence, one just as hesitant in comforting the other.

A knock sounded through the door.

"You may enter, Corin." Sulpicia rose, her greeting hopeful. "Have the kings called us for court?"

"The masters request the ladies' presence immediately," Corin affirmed. "Additions to the castle shall be introduced today."

Athenodora stood, too fast and too stiff. "Of course. Sulpicia and I will follow shortly." Her tone was clipped.

Suplicia sent the messenger a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you, Corin."

As the queensguard exited and footsteps disappeared from hearing range, Athenodora turned to send her sister a cold look. "We must prepare, sorella. You know what will become of us."

Sulpicia sighed and lowered herself onto the cabriole couch again. She held her sister's gaze for a moment before distracting herself with her red-painted toes, retracing the gold trimmings of the carpet. Her slender hands started to feel at the embroidered couch, fingertips tracing the hemmings of royal blue silk.

She would miss being queen, but... it was very lonely lately.

A small mischievous smile formed from her lips. "I think Didyme would have told us not to give them the pleasure of a quick good-bye."

"Sulpicia…"

The queens shared a dark, meaningful glance.

»»—- ❈ —-««

THE THRONE ROOM, VOLTERRA CASTLE. EARLY APRIL MORNING. . .

"Benvenuto, young friends! Welcome back to Volterra!"

Aro rose from his throne as the visiting coven walked through the doors. Caius and Marcus remained seated. Aro descended from the steps and embraced the coven leader briefly. "Carlisle, buon fratello, it has been such a long time! What has taken so long for your visit?"

"Aro, Caius, Marcus. I must admit I have been remiss," Carlisle paid respect to each king before he returned to Esme's side. "But I bring my family today. Both in greeting and, as I understand, invitation as well."

Aro was obviously delighted. "With all your children! Isabella, too! What an occasion!"

"They are obviously here to send off their spawns," Caius drawled. His eyes zoned in on the only vampire-human pairing in the room. "Edward, since I am informed you will be staying, I must remind you that improper decorum warrants decapitation, yes?"

Edward nodded stiffly. "I will abide, Master Caius."

Caius said nothing else as he regarded Edward. Instead, he rose from his throne to lead the Olympic coven to the drawing room, where the queens and the castleguard awaited introduction. Caius' expression turned sour when he realized his brothers had not led alongside him immediately and instead diverted their attention to the so-called human scholar at the end of the group.

"Caius." Carlisle greeted amicably as he fell into step beside him. "How are you, old friend?"

Caius glanced sideways at his friend and former court advisor from a long time ago, before noting that his eyes were still the same shade of the sun. "Hn. Still sane despite your choice of diet, Carlisle?"

Carlisle shook his head before letting out a soft chuckle. "I see time has not moved for you."

Caius frowned. He didn't seem to like what that meant.

When they reached the entryway, he cleared his throat before opening the doors and speaking, "Carlisle and coven, you must remember my wife, Athenodora, and our sister Sulpicia..."

»»—- ❈ —-««

Meanwhile, situated at the end of the group, Altheia allowed Aro to kiss her hand, but looked at him oddly when he held on for a moment longer.

"Just checking," Aro almost sighed. "You and Isabella remain quiet to me, it seems."

"I already told you, signore," Altheia's eyes crinkled as she grinned at him. "Anything you want to know, you only have to ask for."

Aro regarded her silently, almost fondly, before turning his attention to Marcus, who was standing beside him.

"Signore Marcus, thank you for allowing me to stay as well." Altheia bowed. "And for letting me use the main entrance."

Marcus hummed. "Hmm, how could I not? Felix said you refused to leave your accommodations without assurance."

"Erm... yes." The woman flushed under his gaze, embarrassed. Marcus noted that her eyes were warily darting to the ivory-haired king at the forefront. "He doesn't approve of this, does he?" she whispered nervously.

Aro sighed. "My brother, despite appearances, does enjoy seeing old friends."

"But I am not an old friend," Altheia replied, biting her lip.

Marcus looked away. "You are here to learn. Becoming family will come naturally."

"That is true," Altheia consoled herself. "How difficult could it be? I am still in Italy after all."

He and Aro said nothing before ushering her to the front.

»»—- ❈ —-««

"Carlisle and coven, you must remember my wife, Athenodora, and our sister, Sulpicia." Caius introduced as his brothers made their way to his side. At the center of the room were the queens, distinguished by their black cloaks lined with intricate emerald markings, seated on an antique sofa. Standing behind them were the Royal Guard, grey cloaks draped on their statures, creating a stark contrast against the white pearl and smoke marble-accented drawing room.

Athenodora Volturi was a tall, slender woman with fair hair. Like the rest of her coven, her red eyes contrasted against powdery skin. Her face displayed no obvious softness despite her femininity. She looked perpetually displeased with her calculating gaze, small pointed nose, and thin, unsmiling lips. With her demeanor, it was no surprise to the usual audience that the woman was compatible with her husband of choice.

Unlike her coven sister, Sulpicia was the epitome of beautiful warmth and softness. She was a medium-sized woman having a small, kind face, framed by long, dark brown hair that draped past her chest in waves. Her eyes, although red, were warm and attentive. Her full lips were ready to curve at the slightest joke.

"I am happy to see you after so long, Carlisle, Esme," Sulpicia was first to rise and speak. "It is a shame you will not be staying with your children, but the castle is happy to receive them all the same."

Athenodora rose slightly to reach for Esme. "It has been too long, caro."

"Oh sorelle. I return with many stories for you both," Esme said softly as she stepped forward to kiss at their cheeks. "But I should introduce to you my children first. You must call for me at once, should they give you any trouble," the Olympic coven matriarch smiled as she gestured to them one by one. "You must remember Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward. But it is Alice and Jasper who are new to the family."

Sulpicia beckoned Rosalie to her. "Bellisima. Please tell us you will be staying as well?"

Rosalie's eyes widened, slightly panicked. Emmett laughed at the expression on his mate's face. She shot him a look before replying, "Sorry, no. Edward, Bella, and Altheia will be the ones staying."

Sulpicia pasted a friendly smile on her lips as she turned her head to meet the three in question. Her gaze found Edward standing protectively beside the two new faces. She blinked, slightly surprised, as her red eyes discerned between them. "Hello," she said in a welcoming voice. "You must be Bella and Altheia."

"Yes, I'm Bella Swan." Bella said lamely as fidgeted with herself, unsure of whether she would need to bow. "Please take care of me."

Altheia met Sulpicia's gaze before bowing. "My name is Altheia Beneventi. Thank you for receiving us."

"You've returned so soon?" Athenodora's voice chimed out as she regarded them slowly. "It is very curious to us that you have chosen to… reside in our castle. Not many humans willingly do so because of the, ah, obvious concerns. Not that we mind," Caius' wife added.

Bella bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. "Volterra is beautiful," Bella said honestly after a moment. "So I guess that's why I didn't want to leave Italy."

Sulpicia let out an amused laugh before gesturing between Bella and Altheia. "It is also curious to me that you are not sisters. Both of you… smell similar."

Bella and Altheia straightened as they shared wide-eyed looks.

"It's probably the lotion, soap, and shampoo," Bella said decidedly.

Altheia nodded sagely. "We shared toiletries the whole week."

The room burst into snickers and chuckling. Carlisle coughed, hiding a laugh behind a fist.

"I apologize. I meant to say that your, ah, blood. They smell similar. Both of you look similar as well," Sulpicia's teasing smile was bright. "I'm happy to receive the both of you."

"As am I," Athenodora held their gazes seriously. "However, before we get ahead of ourselves, you must be oriented on castle rules. We do not want accidents happening, do we?" Athenodora gestured behind her to introduce each of the Kingsguard. "Our most dependable, such as Jane, Alec, Felix, Demetri, Renata, and Santiago serve the Kings and the coven. Should anything be amiss, approach them at once."

"On the other hand, only the most beautiful serve the Queens," Sulpicia said with a soft, teasing smile at the Queensguard. "Their names are Corin, Heidi, Chelsea, Afton, and Mele. At the event of any disturbance, follow their orders. They are responsible for securing the castle and its subjects at all times."

"Now," Aro interjected with a clap. "It is to my understanding that while Altheia will stay with us indefinitely, dear Isabella will stay only until the academic year at Universita di Pisa starts."

Sulpicia's head tilted slightly. "I see. Miss Swan will stay for at least half a year?"

Aro smiled. "Yes. And so. Throughout the duration of your stays, understand that you are not allowed to leave the palace without a King's permission and a guard. This is for your own well-being. We promised Carlisle to keep you safe."

Aro had been looking at them unblinkingly, when they realized he was waiting for a reaction. Bella and Altheia nodded once, slowly.

"In any event, you must not disrespect, antagonize, or disobey your superiors here," Carlisle's voice rung out seriously. Aro smiled at his former amicus curiae. "It is the very hierarchy of the Volturi, of Volterra, that has protected it for so long. Deem it with respect."

Again, Bella and Altheia nodded once.

"Perhaps there is no need for talk of disciplinary sanctions," Aro said this merrily, hands held together in front of him. "Edward made a display of our practices perfectly clear, yes?"

"Yes, Aro," Edward said simply. "Death."

Bella and Altheia looked to Edward in horror.

Heidi's voice had an underlying taunt. "Additionally, should you prefer, keep to your rooms on noontime of Sundays. The throne room will be occupied." Her smile was dangerous.

Bella's face scrunched up. Why would the throne room be occupied?

Seeing the look of confusion on Bella's face, Altheia reached for her and whispered. "That's when tourists arrive... remember?"

Bella gulped. Oh.

An unsettling silence overtook them for a second, before a guard chuckled under his breath. The tension in the room eased.

"Anyhow, Gianna prepared a map for your convenience," Heidi supplied two files from her cloak and handed them over. "Your quarters will be located at the third floor of the West Wing."

"You will serve Volterra as you stay," Athenodora reminded them in a strict voice. "Obviously, we do not welcome strays into the castle just so."

"We have had no competent secretary since Valentina, you see," Sulpicia's tone was sad, but Bella thought that was just for show. "So, Isabella, Gianna will meet with you today, after you have settled. You understand?"

Bella nodded again. Edward cleared his throat.

Sulpicia seemed thoughtful as she turned to look at him. "I'm sure Edward will be around to help Isabella, but I can only imagine that the kings have some favors for you."

Edward looked pained.

"As for signorina Beneventi," Athenodora said finally. "It is the kings' discretion as to where you will be permitted in the castle. But as the Volturi scholar," The term seemed odd coming from her. "I believe you will find yourself most in the library, which has been neglected as of recently and is direly in need of upkeep…"

"By recently, the Queen means a century or so," Felix's eyes almost sparkled as he smiled innocently at Altheia. She blanched in response. "Good luck with that."

"It is the most opportune moment to say," Aro held the attention of the room. "That while our young friends will follow these conditions strictly, any misdemeanor from any vampire to their person will be considered a misdemeanor against me."

Carlisle and Esme sent him a grateful look. Alice's eyes glazed for a moment, before she nodded and smiled genuinely. "Please take care of them, Aro," Alice's voice chimed. "You won't regret it."

"We're not sure about that just yet, eh, Jazz?" Emmett's laughter was unrestrained as he elbowed Jasper repeatedly. Rosalie sighed.

"Bella, a secretary?" Jasper's expression had been contorted in disbelief since early on. "How many papercuts will it take before we lock her in an empty room?"

"Hey!"

»»—- ❈ —-««

The rest of the Cullens left shortly after the meeting, but not before Esme reminded the remaining trio to behave themselves. Her maternal gaze stayed longest on her eldest son.

"I'm not ten, mom," Edward said, exasperated. "We'll be fine."

"If only you didn't act like one," Rosalie said under her breath. Edward shot her a glare.

"Don't have too much fun without me, Alice," Bella gave the small pixie a hug before letting go. "And please watch over Charlie for the meantime."

Alice sent her a wide smile. "Of course, Bella. Do you want a tip?"

"What tip?"

"Call dibs on the left quarters of the third floor."

"Okay?"

Edward coughed into his fist.

»»—- ❈ —-««

According to Gianna's instruction, the castle was distributed relatively simple. A person would enter either through the southern wing coming from the Volterra plaza mayor, or from the underground tunnels using the elevator. The north wing housed the masters, their private chambers, and studies. The East Wing belonged to the Guards and should never be visited without invitation. The west wing was basically belonged to everyone, but was more welcoming to humans, as it included the kitchens, dining hall, baths, helpers' dormitories, the entry to the gardens, function halls, and even a prayer room (which is unsurprisingly the least used room of all, or so Gianna says). Central to these areas were the lobby and corridors leading to the throne room. Edward later clarifies to Bella that the queens live separately from the castle, as they are housed in the towers for their own protection. Bella crinkles her nose at the archaic practice.

"This place is too beautiful," Altheia marvels breathlessly at the ornate interiors leading to the west wing as they pass by. The windows stretched tall and were made of stained glass. Sunlight would pass through the stained glass and mimic the interiors of a basilica.

Gianna hummed short. "It is less so in the evening. Should any of you hear… noises… in the night, I advise that you simply walk away."

Bella and Altheia shared a shuddering look behind Gianna's back.

When they reached the third floor, Altheia chose the moderately-sized room to the right of the stairs. It had a bare queen bed, an antique roll-top desk, and two windows overlooking the gardens. Basic dressers and a floor-length mirror could be found just outside her own comfort room, so she figured that she really didn't need anything else.

Bella noted that the left quarters were considerably more spacious and allowed a four-poster bed. Bella had stomped her feet when she discovered that the room she had chosen had a connecting door to the adjacent one. Which was Edward's room.

Goddamnit Alice.

»»—- ❈ —-««

The day had mellowed well into the night when Altheia was called to the northern chambers. Alec waited outside her room as she sorted through her things, before escorting her wordlessly through the dark corridors. He promptly left the Italian blank-faced when they arrived at their destination.

The chambers were dark and only had light coming from one feeble torch. Altheia braced herself when she saw that only Caius was in the room. They stared at each other in silence, before Altheia lowered herself into a bow.

"Master Caius."

"I will not teach you." The king said flatly. Altheia's head snapped up. "You have shown me no promise."

Altheia looked down again, pursing her lips. "Is it because I'm human?"

Caius sneered at her. "It is because you are not worthy."

Altheia shivered from the coldness of the room. She bowed again. "I will endeavor to please you. Please keep an open mind, Master Caius."

An annoyed brow rose at her response. "How brazen. I did not take you for a fool."

"It's not about being brave," Altheia said as she shook her head softly, eyes meeting his but quickly looking away. "I know my worth, signore."

"You are worth nothing. A nobody," Caius bit in an unforgiving voice. "In the end, it is only your blood that my brothers want."

Altheia tilted her head at him as she chewed her lip nervously. "Would you like to test me?"

Caius frowned. Nothing about this woman was impressive. She was nervous, weak, and shivering before him. She was grasping at the minuscule chance she had.

"Test you." He repeated flatly. The brunette nodded once.

Silence consumed the two before he rose from his seat to make his way in front of her. The woman stilled as he lifted a cold finger to trace the soft expanse of her neck. Altheia shivered again.

"I do not care for what my brothers see in you," he murmured, nail scraping dangerously at the veins embossed from under her skin. "But to me you are worth no more than a month. So you will have that time and the resources of the castle to prove your worth to me."

Altheia's eyes narrowed.

"In a month's time, you must come to me and tell me the name of the first vampire and how he was born," Caius' eyes fixated on the rushing blood under her skin. "Or I will remove your pretty little head myself."

Altheia stepped back, brown eyes blown wide in fear. The threat was real.

"Do you really think Aro can protect you?" Caius sneered at her. "You confound his gift, true. But to me…" the vampire's hand suddenly found itself wrapped around her neck tightly. Her body was lifted from the ground and her legs struggled. "…you are nobody."

Altheia's hands tried to pry at the fingers that choked her. In less than a minute, her vision started to dim. The last she saw were parting red lips revealing long fangs before all faded to black.

»»—- ❈ —-««

"Must I remind you that human women are fragile?" Marcus drawled at him as he scooped an unconscious human into his arms. "Aro will not appreciate this. He promised her protection."

Caius pretended not to hear anything from behind the executive desk.

"I am awarding you my lenience this once. But I must warn you, Caius… Should you place one more bruise on her body," the dark threat in Marcus' voice made him pause and to turn to face his brother. "You will lose a brother."

"Is she that important to you?" Caius snarled as he rose to meet Marcus' stature.

"No." Marcus laid a hand on his shoulder as he passed him by. "To all of us."

Marcus left him by the doorway, seething and confused. Caius' gaze darkened as he watched as their figures disappear from the corridor.

"Alec," he snarled. The guard revealed himself from the shadows of the room. "Call for Heidi. Tell her to bring no less than ten."

Alec bowed before disappearing.

»»—- ❈ —-««

A crash reverberated through the dark night. Screams erupted but shortly disappeared into cold silence.

Caius stood in the midst of bloodless corpses, the edges of his mouth dripping slightly with red liquid. His eyes flashed dangerously in the dark.

"I've killed twenty and drained them dry, Aro," the ivory-haired king cried. Aro stood in the dark corner of the throne room, arms crossed over his chest, his mouth cemented into a straight line. "But the thirst remains!"

Aro looked disdainfully at his brother. "Caius, you do not thirst. You know this."

Caius snarled, marching to his brother in rage. "Not thirst? I know you feel the same!" he accused with a finger.

"Then you should also know there is only one reason." Aro levelled his brother with a dark glare.

"How can you stand it," the king's voice mellowed into desperation. "It makes me feel weak."

"Her blood is different to us," Aro agreed. "But it is all the more precious."

"…you must let me taste…"

"Restrain yourself," Aro urged. "There is more to her Fate than a corpse by our feet."

"Ah." Caius' eyes were now downcast and his tone suddenly soft. "You should have smelled her then, heard her choke," Caius muttered, almost with devotion, as he took the cloak Aro offered with a hand. It only took a second of contact to display Caius' memory as he relished on the wilting expression on the Italian woman's face as she fought for air and lost consciousness not too long after. Aro's red eyes flashed dangerously in silent anger. "Her heart fleeew, Aro, and then descended… She lost herself so quickly," Aro hissed at him in warning. "If what Marcus says is true, Aro… If I should believe you," Caius' eyes flashed to meet his. "Then Fate must be a sadist."

*Translations for this chapter:

congrega - coven
sorella, sorelle - sister, sisters
benvenuto - welcome
buon fratello - good brother
caro - dear
bellisima - beautiful
amicus curiae - friend of the court; someone who is not part of the court but is allowed to offer his opinion

Version 18 January 2021

Notes:

The goal of Part I is to remind the reader that vampires shouldn't be romanticized so quickly. While they look absolutely dashing in the movies, Aro and Caius would kill anyone for fun, selfish reasons, or no reason at all. I think people conveniently forget about that. Not that I blame them.