Author's Note: *Strolls around in merriment, humming contentedly* Oh why so merry? The plot thickens and it is GOOD in this chapter. Enjoy ;)
As always, I do not own these characters, I simply play with them... consensually. On with the chapter!
Last Time...
Gaming, engaging in a friendly debate with Carlisle on prose, pretending to know things about cars, and laughing at avant garde trends Esme and Alice filled her unbeating heart with a warm joy that Isabella hadn't know she was missing. Still, it felt a bit incomplete without a certain brooding vampire lurking in the corner.
"Hey Al?"
"Uh huh?" Alice responded distractedly as she added another pair of death traps to her shopping cart.
"Where's Edward? I somehow miss his stoic self with present company."
Alice surpressed a chuckle for Esme and Carlisle's sake, though the glint of amusement in her eyes was there. "I believe he was on the hunt for a piano... something's got him in a great mood."
"Huh..." Isabella pondered, intent on seeking him out after a little while longer. If he was happy, it would be a refreshing change. All she wondered was why.
Ballroom- Evening
Finding Edward was not a difficult task.
Beautiful music echoed through the elaborate room, swirling effortlessly against the marble, each note its own dancer in the melody. The familiarity of it had drawn Isabella in... she was not at all surprised to see that Edward was its maker, seated at the grand piano in the corner of the rooIsabella had entered the room silently as to not disturb the beautiful sound, though it was certain that Edward knew she was there.
A wisp of a smile played at his lips as his expression was almost dreamlike as his fingers glided across the ivory keys. All traces of tense rigidity and animosity seemed to have evaporated completely from his posture. It reminded her of what seemed to be a former life in itself, all those years ago.
Yes, one of Edward's attempts at wooing her at first- a match Alice had forseen as an albeit offchance possibility in Forks- was through the Cullen's baby grand piano. She had to admit, Edward was a talented musician- a master of the craft with decades of work infusing his expertise. The passion he poured into his music was unlike anything she had ever seen, compared to the stuffy suited composers Renee had dragged her out to see in her youth in efforts of a "musical immersion."
As she crossed the floor, it made Isabella somewhat happy to see Edward content in this moment, though she still resented his behavior on several occasions. Sure, they had differences. Many differences. Much like oil and water, modern and traditional, greyscale and vivid color... But did she wish him to be unhappy? No... there was no sense in that. What she had wanted for those years in Forks was for him to realize he was not meant to be happy with her... and be less of an ass if at all possible, but hey that might just be personal taste.
There was a pause between pieces when Edward glanced up, golden orbs locking momentarily with scarlet ones. "Isabella." He acknowledged her neutrally- a shift from his more sour demeanors as of late.
"Edward." She started, leaning in a human mannerism with her upper arms on the smooth case of the grand piano to Edward's immediate left. "What has you in such a merry mood?"
His signature crooked smile- one that made many a girl swoon at Forks High- appeared then on his boyish features. "Wouldn't you like to know." He skillfully transitioned into Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune. Understanding struck her and she managed an authentic, small smile. "I see... you've met someone."
"Something like that." He answered, neither confirming nor denying Isabella's suspicions.
"Oh come on..." She drew out the last syllable with exaggerated emphasis. "Debussy? A classic indicator for you, Edward Cullen."
"You weren't a fan, were you?" The smile reappeared, though more controlled and lacking some of its original luster.
"Ah... not quite with that particular move. Though your playing was impressive, I'll admit." She admitted. "Things have a funny way of working out, it seems. It's... refreshing to see you so lighthearted, Edward." Though hard to admit through the difficult times they had shared, it was true.
"I suppose they do..." He mused thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth quirking slightly. "You have found your happiness in the most unlikely of places."
Isabella bristled slightly, crossing her arms over that chest. The amiable moment had apparently gone on for too long. "What is that supposed to mean?"
The onslaught of notes continued, Edward looking all too pleased with himself at the seamless transition to the first movement of Moonlight Sonata. "Aside the fact that he is over 3,000 years old... The atrocities he has committed for his own gain over countless centuries... does it not bother you?" His eyes lifted to hers, glinting with a mixture of mischief and self righteousness as his tone never shifted from pleasantly conversational, despite the inflammatory nature of his words.
"Oh, so this is how this conversation is going to go. Huh." Isabella clucked her tongue, considering if this was even worth her effort. Of course, leaving this conversation would make the bastard even more smug. "Let's just say if you paused your self righteous stick-up-your-ass attitude, Edward, and truly got to know him you might think differently." Isabella replied indignantly, well aware that is wasn't her most elegant comeback to date, but it served its purpose...
"Would I now?" Edward continued his morbid playing, a fitting accompaniment to the strange sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "There would be no 'getting to know him' for you if he had discovered your existence before you arrived in Volterra."
"Really Edward?" Isabella sighed- less in frustration at his words, and more at the time she would waste spelling this out for him. "Let me remind you, you brought me into this world. You pursued me. With all the theatrics, you'd have to be pretty fucking dull to not put the pieces together to guess that you weren't human. So I wouldn't play the die or be changed card."
"And all the people he has killed? Vampires, humans, god knows what else... You could almost say it rivals his lengthy list of long-gone lovers."
"All with purpose," came a light, melodic voice. Isabella turned to the entrance of the room, sharing a smile with Athenodora. This was going to be good. "Though I must say, your view of the pleasures of the flesh is quite archaic and unbalanced in this particular situation, Edward Masen." Athenodora began to glide across the floor, the sound of her heeled steps nearly drowning out Edward's muttering. It was something along the lines of the conversation not concerning Athenodora... Now he was a massive asshole and stupid. Now, there was even less going for him, Isabella mused to herself in an elated sense of satisfaction.
"Oh Edward," Athenodora sighed, folding her slender hands in front of her as she reached Isabella's side. "What a young boy you make yourself to be. Even you must know that... how do they say it... sticking your nose into other's business so rudely is impolite. I am only returning the favor." Her dainty smile turned into a smirk momentarily as she met eyes with Isabella. "You see, Edward, one does not require access to archives, visions of the future, or seeing your every thought to know of your transgressions against humankind. Your reputation proceeds you, you see, as to when you deviated from fair Carlisle all those years ago. How long was it? Five years? A decade?" Now, with each step she made towards Edward were Each purposeful, graceful, and full of poised authority as the music filtered out to nothingness. "Quite a messy clean up too... you were not exactly discreet... yet the Volturi showed mercy due to your unique gift and relation to an old friend, yes?"
The look on Edward's face said it all. He had been positively schooled. It served him right. Athendora sighed again, feigning boredom. "Come, Isabella. I think we are done here." Offering her arm, Isabella smiled and took it, walking arm and arm with Athenodora out of the ballroom as Edward remained, stewing in his contempt.
"Oh and Edward?" The pair turned, Isabella's crimson eyes regarding him seriously. "Do not think I will forget your transgression this evening. The hospitality of the Volturi only goes so far..." And like that, Athenodora and Isabella were gone.
Courtyard- Evening
As soon as they were out of earshot, Isabella's composure of mild authority and poise melted into a stream of giggles. "That was absolutely fantastic, Dora. Thank you."
Athenodora responded with pealing laughter. "Oh, the look on that boy's face was reward enough. How could anyone have thought you might be a match?"
"No idea... I have to feel bad for this girl he's interested in now. I hope she knows what ass-ery is coming." Isabella wrinkled her nose for additional effect.
"Oh yes, a little birdy told me that he covets Renata. A shield for a shield."
"How unoriginal." Isabella rolled her eyes, feeling all too sorrowful for the poor girl.
"Oh and speaking of matches, I ran into Aro earlier. He's asked me to collect you."
A jolt of electric anticipation spread across her body at the thought of seeing Aro. Her body had craved his presence from the moment they had parted just hours ago. Clearing her throat, she attempted to remain coy. "Whatever for?"
Athenodora just smiled, placing a perfectly manicured finger to her lips. The rest of their short journey was silent- it quickly dawned on her where they were heading to given the scent of lavender and honeysuckle in the evening breeze.
Her companion drew back, giving a wink before dissappearing to another part of the castle, leaving Isabella under the archway separating the castle from the outdoor courtyard.
"There you are, stranger." Isabella swiftly closed the distance to sit by her mate's side at the edge of the fountain. "Feeling nostalgic are you?" She nudged him playfully.
"Hmm... perhaps." Aro smiled at her indulgently and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side. "I missed you so, mia cara."
"Oh good." She laughed softly. "I thought it was just me... It is so strange to feel so.. incomplete without you. How can anyone stand it?"
"Under better circumstances, a newly mated pair would have many months to sate their bond... Caius and Athendora's wing of the castle was expressly forbidden as such... no one could stand to go near them." Aro then looked thoughtful. "Once this over, I will ensure we have all the time in the world, cara." Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed the top of her knuckles endearingly. "I was thinking the French countryside. It is breathtaking in the spring and summer."
Isabella couldn't help but giggle, seeing his typically cool exterior melt before her very eyes. Just for her. "Do be careful, Aro. One might take you as a romantic."
"Only for you, cara." He murmured, kissing her sweetly before pulling back, a pensive look crossed his marble features. "You have made me a very lucky man. I often wonder how I had gone forward in this existence without you." His fingers came up to stroke her cheek affectionately.
Isabella leaned into his palm, her own hand moving to rest atop it as she gazed at him. "The feeling is no stranger to me, Aro. I fear that now that we are together, I shall not be the same if anything were to separate us." Desperation and longing now laced her tone.
"It shall never happen, tesoro mia." Aro comforted her, though a small flicker of uncertainty and sadness could be detected in his eyes. They darted to the space around them- a courtyard they knew all too well under the starlight.
"Many philosophers have considered the stars as just a glimpse at our vast universe- brimming with fleeting possibilities wrought by life and death, the present and past, and individual destiny. Such destiny brought us here on that winter's eve not too long ago. In these millennia, I never dared to imagine such contentment... a morbid purpose I fulfill within our world has not allowed such things. Love was a futile dream for those who were gifted to covet it. Yet I have found it in you, mia cara. My l'amore che muove il sole e l'alter Stella [love which moves the sun and other stars of heaven]. Of all infinite possibilities, I wish nothing more than to have you by my side, il mia amore piu preziosa [my most precious love]."
Shifting away from her, Isabella's eyes widened as Aro pulled a velvet box from his suit jacket pocket, sinking to one knee in front of her. Taking an unessecary breath, his slender fingers opened the lid, one hand holding it while the other rested on his knee. "While the Ancient Greeks were quite a bit after my time, their mythology around precious stones is fitting." Looking down at the band, her mouth most certainly agape in shock, a beautiful opal ring was perched in the dark velvet lining of the ring box. Oval in shape, diamonds surrounded the luminous stone- near the shade of a full moon, along with diamonds around the beautiful platinum band. "They believed that an opal granted the power of prophecy to whomever it was bestowed upon. In this life, I have born witness to the falling of countless empires... and fall they may throughout our lives, mia cara, but our love shall never fail. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Isabella's eyes stung with venom tears as her hands came to cup her mouth in awe, before moving them to take Aro's free hand, gazing at him with adoration. "Yes."
Are blinked, leaning forward again for her confirmation. "Yes?"
Isabella nodded, laughing softly. "Yes. God yes." His arms were around her then, lifting her by the waist as his lips moved against hers in a passionate kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she giggled against his lips as she realized he was spinning them gently in their glee. "You have made me the most joyous immortal alive, Isabella." He gave her another quick kiss before seeming to remember the ring, sliding it on her finger of her awaiting left hand.
The awed expression never left Isabella's features as she gazed from the ring to Aro. "I hadn't expected... even so, this is so..."
"Perfect? Marvelous? Splendid?" Are offered, animated with delight with his mate, and now bride to be.
"Perfect." She confirmed, pulling him again into a tight embrace. There they stayed for some time, dancing to their own melody and whispering sweet nothings to the other. That is, until duty once again called, summoning them to the throne room in the far part of the castle.
The elite guard were present, as well as Caius, Marcus, and Athendora. Athendora seemed to find difficulty remaining composed, though she bit her tongue to allow the couple to make the announcement themselves. Marcus, however, had different plans.
"Aro, Isabella... I'm sure congratulations are in order." This peaked everyone's interest, Aro lifting Isabella's hand and placing a kiss over the ring that was nestled on her left ring finger. Athendora squealed then, the guard becoming quite jovial as they gave their congratulations. Once the pair neared the dais, Athendora wrapped Isabella in a tight hug, though she was rewarded with a playful glare at her plotting and secrecy of the whole event. Caius gave a stiff congratulations, though his sneer was gone. It was quite the compliment. Lastly, there was Marcus who wore a soft smile- he must have been incredibly happy, then. "Your bond grows ever stronger, brother." Aro brushed his fingertips against Marcus' outstretched palm, smiling at the vision of their bond, ethereal and wound in silver- near the shade of the platinum band that now adorned Isabella's finger.
Marcus' expression then became serious. "I'm afraid this is not solely a social call... One of our bonded lower guard... their bond has vanished completely. "What is most peculiar is that he still lives... no vampire has been able to break Heidi's bonds. Until now." Marcus mused, a distressed look crossing his face.
Aro nodded in morbid understanding, his eyes scrutinizing the thoughts shared between them both, though none could see the thoughts shared. "It is true... Krystoph is lost to us." Sighing, Aro led Isabella to his throne, sitting with what looked like a heavy weight to his shoulders. Isabella moved to stand behind him, looking to Athendora who occupied a similar position behind Caius, her hand resting on his shoulder. Athendora looked worried as well, which did not quell the sinking feeling in Isabella's stomach.
Demitri stepped forward then, his head bowed as he waited for permission to speak. After a nod from Aro, he began. "Masters, Mistress Athendora and Mistress Isabella, no other guard have returned from their regional scans. I have attempted to track each on multiple occasions, but their location is a void to me. I have never been unable to visualize where each member of our coven is located. With Krystoph lost to us, as Master Marcus describes, I would like to inquire their fate as well."
"Brother?" All eyes turned to Marcus upon Aro's cue. Marcus looked thoughtful, brows set in concentration. Lastly, he became quite resigned, giving a heavy sigh. "They have been destroyed."
"How many?" Isabella whispered, hardly believing what she was hearing.
"16, including Krystoph." Aro answered. "
Northern Russia-Sunrise
Krystoph had been running for days, the scathing burn in his throat proof of that. Where had he begun? Extreme hunger had often induced delirium in lesser vampires... yet he had no choice but to fall prey to it. He had crossed a sea, that he knew, but still they followed.
They grew closer, their scent sickly sweet yet putrid. His body screamed at him to escape, but as he looked upon the rock face in front of him, he knew he had been trapped. There was no escape in sight.
The slowness of their steps was proof of that. They were taunting him, drawing closer and closer until the figures were before him.
"Do not be afraid." The leader spoke then, with an enchanting smile. "How lucky you are..." Their gait was languid as they sauntered towards their prey with a look of delight.
"What luck?" He spat, eyes glinting with vehemence. The Volturi had taught him better than to grovel at the near end of his immortal life. "Enough of these games. If you are to kill me, do it now and be done with it."
"Kill you?" The leader posed with an airy tone, eyes full of displeasure. "Now what would be the value in that? You, darling, are the one that managed to slip from our grasp. The one that got away in this age's colloquial terms." They cocked their head to the side, seeming to rake the captive man up and down. "Evading us the longest of your coven mates, you deserve your just reward."
The surrounding figures chuckled darkly, sending chills down Krystoph's spine. In a mere second, the leader pounced, pinning him to the ground with unimaginable strength. "Oh, darling, you will thank me. I am giving you the gift bestowed upon me long ago... but do try to keep your screams down, hm?"
They opened their mouth then, putrid breath spilling across the exposed flesh of his neck. Before his eyes, teeth elongated and sharpened into jagged fangs. In an instant, they dug mercilessly into the marble flesh at the base of his throat with a deep grinding sound. As the venom drained from his body into their waiting mouth, it was replaced with something else.
That is when he roared in agony.
The discussion of the locations of the guard members before their dissapearances slowly filtered into the background of Isabella's subconscious. Her vision became unfocused and hazy, her hand slowly dropping from its place on the back of Aro's throne.
"Isabella?" Athendora's distant voice questioned her sudden change of demeanor with considerable alarm. Isabella looked everywhere and nowhere at once.
With an anguished cry, she collapsed to the ground, the skirts of her gown enveloping her crumpled form. Her marble fingers clawed at her neck as she screamed. Cool hands tore her hands away, Aro's distant words of panic for his mate echoing in her ears.
"Get Carlisle and the seer now!" Aro roared.
Author's Note: Dun dun dunnnnnnn. What did you think of Aro's proposal? And we have another look at our villain! The plot thickens...
Translations:
L'amore che muove il sole e l'alter Stella. [Love which moves the sun and other stars of heaven.]
Il mia amore piu preziosa [my most precious love]