Last Time...
"The vampire world is in grave danger, unlike any you have ever faced." Isabella lifted her unoccupied hand to rest on top of their joined hands. "I believe we have the power to stop it."
Chapter 2
These exact words started a chain reaction, that in the end, ended up with Isabella in what could only be described as an archaic dungeon. The fact that such a place was still used by the rulers of the vampire world made her laugh.
Said laughter may have made her guards begin to question her sanity, not that she had the best reputation so far with them… pulling them from galivanting at the ball to guard her chamber. Not that she could conceivably get out of it. Such musings were proven with a gentle tap against the hard stone, earning Isabella a burning glance from the bigger cloaked guard.
Raising an eyebrow, she withdrew her hand from the wall and tucked folded her arms across her chest. "Okay…". She clucked her tongue, leaning her head back against the stone wall she currently leaned back against. Victorian dresses with hoop skirts didn't allow for typically sitting comfortably, so standing in heels was the way to go.
"So…" She began conversationally, earning the eye contact of vampire hulk. "Come here often?"
"No."
"Oh. Any particular reason?"
"If you must know," Felix droned. "Humans usually don't last this long."
"Ah." She registered his dismissive tone, indicating he didn't intend on being very social, not that that deterred her lack of self preservation. "Sorry for taking you away from the party."
Silence. It did appear to be a sore spot. Well,. Back to counting stones it is.
—
One thousand, eight hundred and forty seven…
One thousand, eight hundred and forty eight…
One thousand, eight hun-
The sound of the cell door abruptly opening jarred Isabella from her nearly meditative state. Wordlessly, Felix picks her up by the upper arms, dizzyingly appearing within a blink in front of a set of ornately carved wooden doors. Felix effortlessly pushed them open, a feat that could only be accomplished by someone possessing inhuman strength with their weight and size. It revealed a circular room encased in pristine white marble, akin to the ballroom; the only difference was that the swirling designs within the marble were black and red. The ceiling domed upwards with skillful glass paneling, displaying the beautiful Volterra night sky, adorned with clusters of stars. The moon provided milky light— that when combined with the lit torches on the walls, added to the dramatic effect of the room itself.
Central to the room was a raised marble dais, where expertly laid marble steps ascended to three dark thrones. The dark wood exteriors were mostly obscured by the three vampires dark cloaks that encompassed their frames. The jet black fabric contrasted with their pale, luminescent skin, which only seemed paler in the moonlight.
Clasping her hands, she bowed her head fractionally before meeting the eyes of Aro. She was aware of the cloaked vampires who watched closely behind her.
Rising, Aro descended the stairs with fluidity, a curious expression crossing his features. Rubbing his hands together thoughtfully, he closed the few feet of distance between us, his left hand outstretched invitingly. "I must try again." He murmurred musically, enclosing her small hand in his own. Willing herself to relax, Aro laughed unexpectedly in amusement, clapping his hands together.
"Hm…" Isabella observed as he traced her palm slowly with his index finger. "Jane?"
"Yes Master." A young blonde vampire spoke from behind her. Isabella remained relaxed, knowing that no harm would come to her… and she was correct.
A small growl escaped Jane's lips, echoing through the chamber. "Ah! Remarkable! Still a mystery…"
"If you saw past your vapid curiosity, Aro, you would see that she is a threat." Caius bit out, narrowing his crimson eyes at her in frustration.
"Hm… that is true, not knowing what you are. No heart beat, yet your eyes are not that of a vampire." His eyes darkened at this, with a dangerous glint to them. "You cannot possibly be human…can you?"
"I-" Her voice froze with her gasp as his index finger sliced suddenly across the soft flesh of her palm, drawing a bead of crimson liquid.
The atmosphere in the room darkened significantly as the surrounding vampires visibly stiffened. "Curious…". He murmurred, as if to himself as he raised her palm to his lips, sampling her blood with a languid brush of his tongue.
He remained that way for a moment, eyes blissfully closed, before opening once again, eyebrows raised with a sly smile as he hummed in contentment.
"She is human, after all." Aro looked upon her hands, seeming regretful as he dropped her hand before returning fluidly to his throne. He reclined, stretching his long legs out in front of him while propping his head against one hand, observing the confounding human girl in front of them. She had certainly fooled every one of her humanity, especially in the pale quality of her skin against the deep navy dress that clung to her skin before flaring out into a classic ballgown skirt. Her dark chocolate locks kissed her shoulders in tender curls.
"So what are we to do with you now?" Aro mused rhetorically. "A human has come into our midst to warn us, brothers, of some impending danger…"
Caius scoffed at this. "A mere mortal cannot possibly be believed."
Aro turned his head to Marcus, dismissing the blonde's tirade. "Marcus?"
"I see no immediate danger." He spoke quietly, his features softening. "What brought her here will make her useful to us." He offered his hand to Aro.
Aro touched Marcus's hand for a moment, before the two vampires shared a knowing look. "I see. I suppose we must then trust you, dearest Isabella. But, never fear— we may explore this tomorrow. Something tells me that despite your… talent… so to say of disguise, you also grow weary as mortals do." He smiled at her as she yawned, as if on cue. "Felix will show you to your rooms."
"Good night," Marcus murmured as Isabella left with Felix.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has supported this story so far. It feels great to be writing again after so many years away. I wonder what that knowing look was... any guesses? Also I know that this deliberation is partially filler, but it'll start getting extra interesting next chapter!