A/N: Alright, here it is! The final chapter of Atmosphere. I have to say you all have been unbelievable in your support, kind words, and thoughtful responses. Honestly, this story could not have come out to be the way it is without you joining me on this journey. It's 1AM for me and I have classes tomorrow, so I will write a more extensive author's note in the Epilogue (to be posted in a few day's time), but for now you only need to know three things:
1. You're all fantabulous.
2. Fran is Frantastic.
3. Enjoy
PART III: SWAN
Chapter 33
"Do you think he realizes that these types of spectacles don't impress you?"
Jane, considering Bella's question, glances over to where Alec has Edward's head trapped in the crook of his elbow. Her nose is upturned, but Bella can't tell whether it is out of displeasure or if Jane merely hasn't the frame of reference to react appropriately to the sight of fighting men. Their sun-golden skin glistens with sweat as their muscles bulge with exertion. Behind the sparring pair sit Emmett and Jacob, laughing as they comment on the match.
The four had become somewhat of a unit as of the past two weeks. Though it means that Bella had been required to lessen her time with Edward, it pleases her to see him form a supportive group. He often grumbles about Alec and Emmett insisting he leave the cabin for sport, but deep inside, Bella knows he enjoys the inclusion. Alec's reasons for engaging in fight extend past bonding. Knowing that Jane would be in the garden enjoying the sun, he took the opportunity to show off his superior fighting skills.
"Surely this is not for my benefit?" Jane's brows dip in confusion.
"Jane," Bella laughs, "Are you playing coy, or are you being sincere?"
"Isa, speak plainly," Jane huffs in frustration, not knowing the reason behind her sister's playful smirk.
"Do you remember when you taught me about how some birds extend their feathers and dance enticingly to attract a mate?" Bella leads.
"How is this relevant -are you saying Prince Alec would like to mate with me?" Jane coughs out.
Bella nods, waving a hand in Alec's direction, "That is his strut."
Jane's eyes widen in mortification as she raises a hand to her reddening cheeks. The past days of seeing Alec attempting to garner Jane's attention had taught Bella a few things about her sister. Firstly, though Jane was not caged like her younger sister, she had still been sheltered from many things in the world. Under Sulpicia's watchful gaze, she hadn't the opportunity to form any lasting friendships; in fact, her interaction with those her age was gravely limited. Claire and Bree have taken it upon themselves to include her in their activities, similar to how Alec is working on Edward. However, Jane's naturally quiet disposition has likened her to Lucy, and the two have formed somewhat of an acquaintanceship.
Secondly, Jane has never considered the possibility of finding a partner. Much like Bella, she hadn't thought that love was in her fate and therefore closed herself off from any potential suitors. This is the cause of her obliviousness to Alec's affections. From the moment he'd woken to see her at his bedside, he'd been absolutely smitten. Thenceforth, he'd tried everything from regaling her with childish jokes to offering her an endless supply of Ida Flor oranges, (which Bella had learned Flor-idiaans keep a worrying amount stored in the belly of their ships). Jane has taken it in stride, interpreting his persistence as a trait of his naturally charming personality. However, Bella has witnessed the small smile her older sister often wears after Alec presents her with fruit, and she can tell that Jane is already warming up to him.
"Have you decided the hour you would like to depart tomorrow?" Jane asks.
Bella takes pity on her, and allows for the change in subject, "A little after sunrise. Why are you so eager to return?"
Bella catches the brief tensing of Jane's body before she relaxes and answers evenly, "No particular reason. We have a lot of matters to attend to."
Bella sighs as she props her head against her palm. The two weeks the council had agreed on to allow the troops to rest had passed quickly. Now, Bella is required to return to Volturia where she will settle her affairs. She is loath to leave Edward, but he too needs to return to his nation and show his support for his people. The two will be separated for however long it will take to stabilize their respective nations and establish the new laws of the land.
Furthermore, she doesn't know what to expect when she returns to Volturia. The citizens had been relatively silent in respect to the death of their king, but Bella knows it's not for lack of opposition. The Volturians had been indoctrinated never to speak out against their ruler, or they would face consequences. With Bella bearing the same name as her father, there is no reason for them to believe she won't punish the citizens severely should they vocalize their unrest.
Her goal is to acquaint herself further with her native lands and interact with the people. She isn't foolish enough to think that they will accept her as openly as the Forxians had, but she hopes they will see her genuineness and at least listen to what she has to say. For now, all she can do is hope they will be receptive, but steel herself for the possibility of their rejection.
"Alec's staring at you again," Jane whispers.
"He's attempting to communicate mentally," Bella rolls her eyes. "Sometimes it works, and other times it does not."
"I thought he would enjoy the loss of the mental connection given your intimacy with Edward," Jane surmises.
It's Bella's turn to blush, "Yes, I suppose all involved parties are benefiting from that. However, I must admit, at times I miss having Alec's company in my head. I wonder if we'll ever get to control it again."
"There's no way for us to know," Alice sounds from behind Bella. She is accompanied by Esme, and the two squeeze onto the bench next to Jane. "You and Alec are the first Guardians to fulfill your duty."
Bella can't help the grimace that sets upon her face. On the one hand, she is thrilled that she is no longer bound by the intricate workings of the Guardian prophecy, but on the other, she feels odd being disconnected with that line of her destiny. Everyone was surprised to see that the Guardian insignias had vanished and that Bella and Alec were no longer able to communicate. Furthermore, they could not combine their powers to the same magnitude that they'd been able to when they had defeated Aro. Being the first Guardians to complete their mission, there is no documentation to give any clues as to what happens next. However, the loss of connection and insignias suggest that the two are no longer the chosen protectors of the realms. All that is left of Bella's mystical Guardian powers is a small sun insignia at the base of her neck and the remnants of her telepathic link to Alec. Her partner has a crescent moon at the top of his spine, and the peace of not seeing his brother and sister-in-law in the throes of passion. Best of all, if the bond is truly broken, then her death belongs to her and her alone.
"It is both perturbing and a relief," Bella admits, "What brings you two to the Black Manor?"
Describing the relationship between Bella, Alice and Esme would be a task in itself. Once Bella had awoken from her week of slumber, she'd greeted her 'aunt' and mother happily. The war had meant the possibility of losses, and though their circumstances were far from favorable, it didn't mean Bella wished to be rid of either woman. This being said, she can't deny the flames of resentment that still burn when she thinks of her lost and mournful years. This discordance has caused many tense interactions between the three women, and even a few arguments over the last two weeks.
"As you know, Carlisle, Emmett, Rosalie, and baby Samantha will be returning with the Cullens to Cullenia," Esme begins, "and I am meant to be returning with them."
"Yes, I know you did not want to miss out on Samantha's milestone years," Bella agrees.
"But I have missed out on many of yours," Esme says softly, "And my dear Jane's as well. If you both will have us, Alice and I would like to accompany you on your travels."
Initially, the idea is unsettling. Traveling in close confines with Alice and Esme could mean endless disagreements, and Bella is truthfully too exhausted to constantly control her emotions. However, she doesn't know for how long she'll be in Volturia, and leaving now could dissuade her even further from healing the relationship between her, Esme and Alice. The question is, which will save their relationship: distance or proximity?
Bella looks over to Jane, who looks doubly uncomfortable. At times, given her own pains of betrayal, it is easy to forget that her sister had also faced abandonment from Esme. Sulpicia had never deserved the title of mother, and Esme had always loved Jane as her own. It makes sense that Jane is as tensed by Esme and Alice's presence as is Bella. The only difference is that Bella can see Jane's willingness to move forward written clearly on her face. There are equal parts longing and betrayal in Jane's expression. It reminds Bella that to send Esme away would be to deprive her sister the chance of reconnecting with her surrogate mother. If Jane can move toward forgiving so soon after learning of Esme's survival, why can't Bella?
"I can see that you are bothered by this proposition," Esme clears her throat, "Alice and I will-,"
"It would please me if you joined us," Bella interrupts, "But you will need to travel in your own carriage. I believe the space will do well for all of us."
"Oh, this is magnificent!" Alice claps her hands with glee, "I mean, I envisioned this, but it is marvelous to hear all the same."
Esme unveils her own smile, "Thank you."
~SWAN~
Heavy exhales join the early morning symphony of crickets. Bella uses her pants and gasps as a way to curtail her moaning, but the effort is not entirely fruitful. With Edward's every thrust, a sound of pleasure escapes. It is of no consequence that she and Edward have made love countless times since their return to Forxx; every joining is as stomach tingling and toe-curling as the last.
"Every day that we are apart, I will miss feeling inside of you," Edward grunts, as he grips the backside of Bella's thigh more tightly.
"Is that the only part of me you will miss?" Bella asks breathlessly.
"And that sharp mouth of yours," he bites her lower lip for emphasis. "What will you miss about me?"
"Who said I would miss you?" Bella teases.
Edward growls as he pulls out of her, but only long enough to flip her onto her stomach. For more than the first time, Bella is glad that they'd agreed for her to keep her wings retracted while being intimate. Apparently, the prick of a feather stem could prove to be quite painful during intercourse.
"I should stop right now," Edward threatens.
Bella whines petulantly, "Do not put me in positions you do not intend to utilize."
"Who said I do not intend to utilize this?" Edward muses, skirting her entrance with a sole finger.
Teasing doesn't seem as amusing to Bella as it had a few seconds ago. Edward spends the next few minutes torturously denying Bella of any sort of gratification. Though she wriggles and writhes, he refuses to touch her in the way she desires.
"All right, I surrender," Bella cries out desperately, "I will miss you dearly."
Edward chuckles deeply, "That is all you needed to say."
Finally, he draws her onto her knees and enters her. She's no longer under any pretenses that she can remain quiet. Keening and moaning with abandon, her sounds mingle with Edward's unrestrained groans. She only silences when she is seized by the force of her orgasm, her breaths altogether stilling. Edward joins her soon after, releasing inside of her with a final exclamation of bliss.
Afterward, they lie ensconced in each other's embrace within the confines of their room. Bella walks her fingers down Edward's chest, memorizing the feel of his heated skin. Every now and then he presses a kiss to the top of her head as if attempting to fit as many as he can into their remaining time. All too soon, the sun begins to peek over the horizon.
"Why does it feel as if we are always saying goodbye?" Bella asks quietly.
"Because we are rulers of two separate nations," Edward answers, "Perhaps we should join them together?"
"Edward," Bella nudges, warning him not to make light of the discussion.
"To think on all of our time separated is too depressing," Edward sighs, "My people already believe I have abandoned them to be with you, and they are not entirely wrong."
"You helped rid the nations of a malevolent being," Bella asserts, "Never forget that. None of this has been easy, but one day it will all be worth it."
"It is already worth it," Edward corrects, "You are worth it."
At a loss for words, Bella answers him with a kiss that leads to their third, and final session of lovemaking for the night. They fall asleep entangled in one another until Jacob arrives at their door a few hours later.
Shortly after sunrise, the Cullen and Swan convoys are gathered in front of Jacob's estate. Charlotte is tearfully bidding her goodbyes to Edward and Alec, while Alice is fussing over Jasper and Peter. The Whitlocks would be hosting Charlotte for the time that her brothers would be gone, until stability could be assured in Cullenia. Though Alice would only stay for a few months of travel, she still implemented a list of rules for Jasper to follow in her absence. Edward and Alec are noticeably wary about leaving their baby sister, especially at the time of her courtship, but trust that Jasper and Jacob will ensure her safety.
"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you?" Claire asks Bella, not for the first, second, or even third time.
"Neither of you have seen your families in an unfair amount of time," Bella argues, "Do not make me order you to return home."
"But all the action follows you," Bree complains.
"What Bree means to say is that we will miss you greatly," Claire glares at her blue-haired friend.
"As I will you," Bella gathers them in a hug.
"And what of your sister-in-law?" Charlotte asks from behind the group.
Bella turns and gathers the smaller girl into a bone-crushing embrace. She almost can't believe that it was a nearly a year ago that Charlotte had looked at her with disdain, barely wanting to spare a word. Now, Bella can't imagine her daily life without the dry commentary of her friend. However, she knows that despite Charlotte's fortitude, the young Princess has experienced too much uprooting and violence in her fifteen years of living; more than many had in their entire lives. It was time for her to have at least one year of peace. Bella knows it will be difficult for Charlotte to be left without an immediate relative for support, but it is better than the alternative of long distance traveling and possible revolts.
"I am so proud of you," Bella whispers.
"It is you who helped me become who I am," Charlotte replies.
The goodbyes continue. She's tossed between the Flor-idiaans, Sam, and his crew each giving her an orange as a parting gift. All of the Acu'litas arrive to bid her adieu. Each of her lunellas embrace her in solidarity, promising once again to unite with her. She shares an extended hug with Emmett and Rosalie, and presses a soft kiss to their daughter Samantha's head; she even hugs Carlisle, though the action is still unfamiliar. Second to last is Alec, who traps her to his chest.
Do you think this will work at a distance?
"It barely works now," Bella chuckles, "Do you miss me in your head that much?"
"No, I merely want to see Jane through your eyes," Alec scoffs.
Bella slaps his chest playfully; "If you are serious in how you feel for her, do not tell her now. Wait until you are reunited, and she will grasp the depths of your feelings."
"I will do as you say," Alec nods in agreement, "As long as you dissuade any suitors in Volturia-,"
Goodbye, Alec, Bella groans.
Until we meet again, Bella.
Edward is last to meet her. The soreness between her legs reminds her of their coupling only hours prior, but the instant she sees him, she feels as if she must have him again. Despite the impropriety, Bella launches herself into his arms. She allows a few tears to escape into the crook of his neck, and from slight moisture on her skin, she knows he does the same. They both know the goodbye is not forever, but it still pains them to separate. When they can no longer delay the departure, they finally let go.
"I love you," Bella sniffles.
Edward presses a tender kiss to her lips, "With all of me."
…
Despite her composure while waving farewell to the people of Forxx, Bella finds herself crying in her carriage an hour later. Lucy, unable to deal with the bombardment of emotions, leaves to join Esme and Alice's carriage, abandoning Jane to console her sister. Bella is not only crying for Edward, but she is also grieving for the friends and family she leaves behind. She will miss so many of the people who had fought alongside her and protected her when the world had seemed to be crashing. She tries to comfort herself with the promise that she will see each and every one of them again, even if it won't be for another year. Even so, they had been blessed to come out of the war alive, and she must not grieve over her departing as if they are lost to the grave. Her heart is still pained by Eleazar, and she cannot accept more grief than that.
"You've stopped crying," Jane sighs with relief, "Would you like to step outside for a breath of fresh air?"
"Although that sounds wonderful, I should let the convoy travel further before asking for a stop," Bella supposes, "But thank you. You always know how to comfort me."
"We are sisters; it is what we do," Jane answers simply.
"I don't believe I have been able to do the same for you," Bella admits, "All the years of our relationship you have comforted or supported me. Truthfully, I owe my life to you."
"Let us remember that only two weeks prior you relinquished me from Aro's hold," Jane spits her father's name with enough venom to incapacitate a fully grown man.
"And before that?" Bella prompts, "You did everything for me while I was caged."
"You are under the misconception that I visited your cage solely for your benefit," Jane shakes her head, "What I went through is nothing in comparison to you, but I was imprisoned in that castle too. Seeing you was my saving grace."
Bella reaches out across the short space between them to grip Jane's delicate hand, "What you went through was not 'nothing,' even in comparison to me. Aro was despicable to both of us."
"He was the vilest being in the realms, and he deserved every ounce of suffering we experienced, but in tenfold," Jane seethes. "Never forget that."
"Never," Bella promises.
The scenery rolls by, changing from dense forest greens to more arid desert yellows. They cross the Pylae bridge with little resistance, with Bella and Jane both bearing Volturi official crests to validate their identities. Entering Volturia doesn't take more than three hours, but getting to the capital by land will take nearly three days. Traveling by water was certainly more efficient; however, the naval resources had been depleted by the war so that was not an option. Bella realizes that stopping in the individual cities along the way affords her the opportunity to become reacquainted with the nation.
Much of the first day is spent sleeping. Bella had been up for most of the previous night, so she indulges in the luxury of the inner carriage, snuggling into the provided blankets for as long as Jane allows.
They make two stops, one of which is in the night so that the traveling soldiers can rest fully. When she is awake, Bella studies the wide expanses of dry land known to Volturia. The majority is unkempt and uninhibited, and Bella can't help but wonder why when the city is so congested. As the landscape passes by, she makes mental notes of things she wishes to inquire about.
The second day, Alice, Esme, and Lucy squeeze into the carriage with Bella and Jane. They play a game of cards on a fold out desk and find themselves in peals of laughter at the older women's ways of cheating. Even Lucy releases a few giggles at Alice's use of her foresight to gain an advantage. The card games entertain them for the first half of the day, so that by the time they reach Eclipsia, they are in good spirits.
"It is safe to exit now, Essa," Tyler alerts as he knocks on the carriage door. "Although, given how trouble seems to find you …"
"I believe I will be the only monarch in history whose staff members do not find her the least bit intimidating," Bella grumbles as he helps her step down.
Faces –hundreds of them.
That's the first, and admittedly only thing Bella registers once she looks up. The road is so congested that she can barely see the storefronts or sidewalks. She'd known that her presence would spark interest, but she hadn't thought word would spread this quickly. The crowd's tension is palpable. In their eyes, seeing Bella's silver hair and blackened irises must be a sign of future evil to come. And yet, despite their visible fear and apprehension, they lower themselves to their knees. The sight would be acceptable to other rulers, but it only angers Bella. She tampers her anger so that it is not misplaced, and speaks as gently as will allow for the crowd to hear.
"Do not bow to me," she objects.
Only one person looks up from their position, flickering their eyes upward so as not to be disrespectful. Bella stalks forward, Jane close behind, and holds out a hand to the young man. He can't be more than a teenager, and his youthful face and blonde hair reminds Bella of Peter. Initially, he flinches, most likely expecting her motion to be a chastising slap. But as the seconds pass and he realizes Bella will not harm him, he places a shaking hand into her awaiting grasp. Gently, she helps him to rise. The other citizens slowly comply, their faces now conveying their confusion.
"W-welcome, Your Highness," the boy stutters.
"You needn't fear me," Bella comforts, releasing his hand with a squeeze, "None of you need fear me, or my sister. We are not like our father. Nevertheless, I understand that only time will show you whether our words are true, so I do not expect immediate acceptance. Nor do I want you to bow -,"
"Isa-," Jane begins.
"No," Bella holds up her hand, "I have not gained their trust. They know nothing of me, and have been abused under the hand of our father." She then directs her words to the crowd, "You must respect me, but until you accept me, I do not require you to bow."
The silence that greets Bella is uncomfortable but expected. Knowing that the hearts of the citizens cannot be changed in mere minutes, she continues forward. It is a challenge to keep her head high and facing forward, but somehow she manages. She walks with Jane for several yards until she comes upon a tavern that is relatively empty given the amount of people who had left to fill the streets. Thankfully, the owner is present, and while startled, he provides Bella and her accompanying soldiers with food and drinks. As she nurses a cup of light liquor, she brings up a question to Jane that had been on her mind the last couple of days.
"What do you want for your future?"
Jane furrows her brows in confusion, "What do you mean? As Princess, I will be helping you with any diplomacy and support that you require."
"I asked what you want, not what is expected of you," Bella presses.
"But it is of no matter what I want, I have my responsibilities," Jane answers, "Are you doing what you want?"
"As a matter of fact, I am," Bella shares, "Had anyone asked me a year ago whether I would lead two nations, I would have laughed in their face. But now, caring for my people, I feel as if I'm exactly where I need and want to be."
"What if my desires are the same? What if I want to see Volturia prosper under a fair ruling hand? Would that be an acceptable answer to you?" Jane counters heatedly.
"Jane," Bella lays a calming hand on her sister's shoulder, "What has gotten into you? Why are you this defensive?"
"I apologize," Jane murmurs with strain, "There is so much to accomplish, and I fear you will not allow me to participate now that I have finished my part in your prophecy."
"Firstly, it was our prophecy," Bella corrects, "And secondly, you are not merely a pawn to me. You are invaluable to Volturia –you know these lands and the people much more than I do. And this is why I have a proposition for you. I want you to-,"
"Wait," Jane interjects abruptly, "Do not ask me. Not yet."
"Why-,"
"Wait until we reach the castle," she explains nervously, "Then you can decide whether you want me to be a part of your future."
Though Bella is confused and concerned, she doesn't press the matter. Jane's jitteriness informs her that she will not be receiving any more information until they reach the castle. However, the anticipation of learning Jane's secret motivates Bella to push forward with the journey. She gathers her soldiers, and they continue to Volturi Castle.
Bella spends the last portion of her travel in Esme and Alice's carriage. Granted, the conversation sometimes comes to uncomfortable lulls, but it is better than being faced with Jane's panicked evasion every time Bella asks her a question. Bella has no idea what is plaguing Jane, but she has never seen her as nervous as she is now. The closer they draw to the castle, the more a feeling of foreboding gnaws in the pit of Bella's stomach. By the time she's standing at the extravagant, carved metal doors, she is nauseous from expectation.
"Your Majesty," Renee bows to Bella before repeating the motion at Jane and Esme, "Your Highnesses."
"Sola Renee, thank you for taking care of affairs in our absence," Jane greets, "I trust that everything is as I left it?"
Renee nods shortly, but the gaze she exchanges with Jane catches Bella's attention. Something about their silent communication tells Bella that the mention of 'affairs' has a deeper meaning than originally interpreted. The duplicitousness of the moment erects the hairs on the back of her neck.
"Bella, Esme, and Alice," Jane says, "Will you please follow me?"
Alice's gasp stops Bella from agreeing. "Jane," Alice breathes unsteadily, "What have you done?"
Jane heads toward the staircase without a word. As Bella hastens behind, she throws a glance in the direction of the throne room. To think that only two weeks prior she'd been dueling with her father is an odd reality to accept. The castle she is meant to claim as her own feels like expired battled grounds and the black, lightless stairwell does nothing to contradict that notion. Breathing shallowly, she tries to ignore the way the potent stench seems to offend even her sense of taste. The effort helps to distract Bella from the fact that they are heading to the cage room.
Upon entering, everything looks as it has for countless years only it's shrouded in darkness. The difference is the dark red stain on the floor and the boarded up, solitary window. Bella is beginning to wonder why Jane would bring them to this part of the castle when a slight movement in her periphery catches her attention. She turns in the direction of the shuffle, pulse quickening as she anticipates facing her cage. Huddled in the back is a figure draped in dark clothing; nothing is discernible about its features until it moves again, allowing one tendril of its hair slip into view. With bloodcurdling horror, Bella realizes the tendril is silver.
"Aro?" Bella croaks, swallowing the initial vomit that had threatened to invade her mouth.
"Jane, what is going on?" Esme exhales unsteadily.
"After Isa and Prince Alec fell into unconsciousness, we were all concerned with returning them to the ship," Jane begins to explain nervously, "I instructed the unit to proceed with moving them, and promised that I would deal with Aro and Sulpicia's bodies. There hadn't been much to do with Sulpicia –her body was practically reduced to a pile of ash. As for Aro … he had been badly burned, but not as decimated. My fears of his survival were confirmed when I felt for his pulse –it was barely there, but present. Yet, it quickly became clear that although he was alive, he was powerless. He could barely open his eyes, let alone pose a threat."
"So why not finish him there?" Alice presses, "Why expend your energy bringing him to this cage, and risk him regaining his strength?"
"Why lie to us about his death?" Esme continues, "For two weeks you led us to believe justice had been achieved."
As Esme and Alice ply Jane with questions, Bella's mood drastically changes. The terror she'd initially felt at seeing her father alive, dissipates, and is replaced with a much darker, disturbing emotion. She looks to her sister and now understands the apprehension on her face. It becomes clear to Bella why Jane had been stressing; she'd been worried that Bella would be upset and reject her for lying about Aro's death. Perhaps she'd even worried that Bella would view her with disgust for keeping him imprisoned in the cage. But as Bella looks at the former king, she can only feel one thing –sinister glee.
"Stripping Aro of his powers achieved justice for the nation. Jane saved him in order to give us something more personal," Bella says, "Vengeance."
Whether Esme and Alice are in support of this, Bella cannot tell. However, she can't find it in herself to care for their reactions as she stares down the man who had reduced her life to that of a caged pet. A quick glance at Jane confirms that the same fury lingers in her stare, and that her sister is in complete agreement with any actions Bella might take going forward.
"If you do not want to be a part of this, now is the time to leave," Bella warns.
She is surprised when Esme and Alice remain rooted in their spot. She'd thought their earlier objections had meant they were opposed to this vengeful turn of events, but the resolve on their faces say otherwise. It has occurred to them that they can finally punish Aro for the misery he had introduced into their lives.
Jane grabs an abandoned mop handle and swings it against the bars of the cage. The clamor of the metal in the small room is jarring, but the discomfort is worth seeing as Aro jolts out of his sleep. As Alice pries the wooden plank from the window and allows sunlight to filter in, Bella can see the extent of his injuries. Oozing, bloody sores adorn nearly every inch of his skin. The luster that his absorption had given him had been only a temporary supplement; without it, he appears thinner than a sheet of parchment paper, and whiter than Cullenian snow. The remaining humane side of Bella feels remorseful for allowing him to endure such suffering, but then he opens his mouth.
"You always fly back to me, don't you-," he rasps.
A strangled cry erupts from him, as he grips his forehead with flaking fingers. Jane's piercing stare of concentration informs Bella that her sister is exercising her gift of pain.
"Jane," Aro pants after Jane has paused, "Glad to see you are back as well."
"I told you I wasn't done with you," Jane replies darkly.
Bella is struck by the emotionless inflection of her tone, as she has never before seen this side of her sister. At the same time, it isn't surprising that this harsher facet of Jane's personality exists; a woman who was secretly able to form an army against a monarchy must have some fortitude.
"Itara," Aro slowly moves his head to face Esme, "You only grow more beautiful."
"Do not insult me by calling me your 'wife,'" Esme growls, "You despicable, monstrous man."
"You didn't always think that way of me," Aro muses, "And you, Alice? What have you to say about me?"
Alice merely stares in response, lips pursed in disgust. Bella isn't sure whether she remains silent out of defiance, or because she has nothing to say to him.
Aro yells out again, as Jane reapplies her ability. The anguished shouts fuel Bella's sadistic satisfaction. She searches inwardly for some inkling of guilt, but there is none to be found. The darkness inside of her wants him to hurt and hurt badly.
"What was that for?" Aro spits.
"Your voice annoys me," Jane answers simply.
"I thought the darkness lay in Isabelle alone, but I was mistaken," Aro lifts an unsteady hand to point at Jane, "You have the devil in you as well."
"The only devil in this room is you," Esme accuses, "A cage, Aro? You kept my child in a cage! Not to mention the horrific way you degraded Jane at every turn –I am swearing to you now that no matter when I leave this world I will haunt you in the afterlife!"
"Such large promises," Aro sighs dismissively. He then looks to Bella, "Well, let's get on with it then. I assume you are going to be the one who kills me. Will you make it long; the way I had planned for your sweet Edward?"
Aro continues goading her, expecting an angered response matching the one he'd received from Esme. However, Bella merely smiles, content with the plan she had settled on the moment she saw Aro encaged.
She has nothing to prove to him.
Not anymore.
Alice inhales sharply as her eyes glaze over and she's transported into a vision. Once she regains awareness, her troubled stare tells Bella that she has seen what Aro's fate will be.
"Oh, Aro," Alice shakes her head, "Long is not even the beginning of it."
…
"Are you sure about this?" Jane asks as the carriage rolls to a stop.
Though Bella's body had protested at traveling again so soon after reaching Volturia, the rewards of this voyage outweigh the negatives. She extends her legs and rotates her neck, attempting to stretch out the stiffness her body had acquired over the past three days. A peek around the curtain reveals the desiccated, empty plains of the Pylae.
"Will you think lesser of me for it?" Bella counters with her own question.
"I worry that you underestimate the burden of subjecting another to suffering," Jane explains. "However, I could not be any happier with this decision."
"Then we are in agreement," Bella finalizes, "I will sleep easily when this is over."
The sisters share a final glance before exiting. Immediately, Bella's throat dries with the arid conditions surrounding her. She squints against the sand that is swept from the ground by the whipping winds. After grabbing the hem of her dress with one hand, she begins to walk toward the edge of the Pylae, located only a handful of feet away. As she stares into the belly of the canyon, she is in awe of how she was able to survive all those months ago.
"Your Majesty," Renee addresses, "Shall we unload the prisoner?"
"Yes, please," Bella answers.
She surveys the vast expanse of land as several soldiers heft the large cage to where she stands. Inside, Aro rants, pulling against the chains that restrict him to the center of his confinement. It hadn't been an easy feat transporting the cage outside of the castle. First, Aro had been sedated, and then removed from the cell. Then, an architect had been tasked with deconstructing the cage, moving its pieces, and then reconstructing it outside of the castle walls. Lastly, Aro had been returned and shackled to its floor. He'd awoken in a fury, pulling against his restraints until the pain of the metal against his raw skin rendered him unconscious.
"So this is it? You're going to leave me out here to die?" Aro tirades. Jane, Esme, and Alice join Bella at the ledge, watching as their former king thrashes in his imprisonment like a frenzied animal. "You think that will make up for all the years of your pathetic life that you were mine?"
"That would be too merciful," Bella answers, "If I were to leave you here, you would die in three, maybe four days without water."
"I have people who are still loyal to me," Aro continues to fume, "They will get me out of here! I will escape and wreak havoc-,"
"No, you won't," Bella interrupts, "Because you will not be staying here."
"What?" Aro seethes.
"See you at the bottom," Bella waves, and gives the cage a mental shove.
It takes quite a bit of exertion, but one thrust is all that is required. The cage wobbles unsurely before it topples over the lip of the canyon. Aro's screams decrescendo as he falls down … and down … and down. Bella waits a few seconds before following his descent, entering the Pylae with the assistance of her wings. She trails behind the falling cage, keeping a close eye on its projection. When it's moments from meeting the ground, she pushes the boundaries of her telekinetic strength and lessens the impact of the crash. She wants the collision to hurt, but Aro is of no use to her dead.
"You..." Aro pants. His shortness of breath could be due to the pain of impact, or the shock of falling –either way, Bella is pleased. She rights the dented cage with a wave of her hand and walks close enough to its bars that if she wanted to reach out and touch Aro, she could.
"Here," Bella tosses a small metal key to him. Despite his disorientation, he manages to unlock his shackles. Before they can even clatter to the ground, Aro is in front of Bella, hands gripping the bars of his container. Spittle flies from his mouth as he says,
"I am going to kill everyone you love."
Bella leans in closer, her face millimeters from the features of which she is nearly a replica, "You will never see another day outside of this cage. You are going to remain here until your body is so fatigued with thirst and hunger that you become even more crazed than you already are. And when you think that you will get the reprieve of death, I will send someone to feed and nourish you –forcibly if need be –so that you are healthy enough to survive. Then I will repeat the process over and over and over again until I tire of the thought that somewhere, some place on this earth you are still breathing. Then, and only then, will I allow you to die. Because my life may have been yours, but your death is now mine."
"You ungrateful, sniveling rat!" Aro screams, reaching out desperately as Bella begins to walk away. "I will end you; do you understand that, Isabelle? I will destroy you!"
Bella allows herself a final glance at Aro, promising herself that this will be the last time she sees him alive.
Then, with her back turned to him she bids,
"Goodbye, Father."
Terminology
Itara –Wife [Volturian].
"Nothing changes until people decide to do the things they must, in order to bring about peace." Shannon L. Alder
~CH
