Disclaimer: All Characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Plot is all mine.


Aro sat beside the unconscious Bella Swan, and used those few moments of peace to reflect on the mess that he found himself amidst. He knew that sooner or later the real world would call for him and he couldn't ignore his obligations as a leader for long. But for now, he would relish the quiet.

He almost envied the sleeping girl beside him. He hadn't slept in over three-thousand years. He would be willing to pay anything to gain a few hours to run away reality. And remember what it was like to escape to a land of dream, or even to a state of mind where no worries existed.

Worries like the one his brother had created. And worst of all Aro was sure his friendship with Carlisle might not be salvageable after this massive mess. And if the Volturi leader could have seen what was coming, could have predicted, and possibly prevented this catastrophe from happening. Then maybe things would have been different. And little Bella could have joined their coven without having the choice forced on her like it did.

But sadly, there was no way to turn back the clock. No 'do over' button that could correct mistakes set in stone. The only thing a leader with powers like Aro could do is ensure that no future problems happen. Problems like the one Caius created.

Aro still couldn't believe how he did not notice the change in his own brother begin. There should have been signs he could have picked up. And maybe he would have noticed something. If Aro didn't preoccupy himself with marveling about the Cullen coven and all their multitude of extraordinary gifts, then perhaps he could have paid closer attention to what was happening in his very own coven.

He could only blame himself for what was brought to his attention seven days ago. The disaster that was brewing right under this very roof. A mistake he would never overlook again.

And Aro could still remember it like it happened only yesterday.


One week ago …

Aro was sitting in his personal library in his private quarters. An impressive collection of rare books he collected for as long as he could remember about supernatural creatures from every corner of the world. Some books that many scholars even considered were lost a long time ago, when in reality they were actually tucked away in the Volturi king's numerous shelves.

The Dark Leader found that having all the books within his personal reach made for a faster resource during his many hours of research. He would often research on their own kind as there were many unsolved mysteries on their immortal existence and history. As well as other information to be collected and examined on other supernatural species.

And Aro enjoyed the privacy of doing his work in his own quarters. As the grand library that they had was mostly open all the time. And required constant cleaning and airing to prevent mold from infecting all the collected artifacts. It certainly wasn't a place for someone to be alone nor to have their concentration undisturbed.

Aro sat at his desk, feeding his fascination on his current obsession. He had several books scattered all over his desk on werewolves and shapeshifters. He seldom came across shapeshifters as they were very a rare species, so his data was very scarce.

And he collected as much as he could on werewolves since now they were close to extinction ever since he passed the law to kill them on sight nearly six hundred years ago. When Caius ran into a Child of the Moon and a fight broke out. Their rage kept feeding their ever-growing power. And their savageness made them more beast than men as soon as their transformation was complete, to the point that their humanity was no longer a part of their consciousness for as long as a full moon was out. And as with things that could not be controlled and may expose the supernatural world to humans, they had to be eradicated.

It was a decision that Aro did not hesitate upon the moment Caius nearly lost his arm to one of them. And so from then on, Aro issued a law that deemed Children of the Moon to be too dangerous and a threat to their way of life. They were to be executed without mercy. It was a sacrifice that had to be made.

However as much as Aro could read and research on the topic, unfortunately it served merely as a distraction from his ultimate obsession – an obsession that overshadowed all his other fixations; The gifted Cullen children. And the mysterious human girl, Isabella Swan. They have been his latest fascination for the past week. And the Volturi king regretted not being able to insist harder on them joining his coven.

But the leader knew that he had to be subtle with such delicate matters. And he could never force someone to join them, although Chelsea could mostly certainly sway their influence to lean toward considering the coven. Which he tried, however, the children seemed to be strongly loyal to Carlisle. And the human girl had a mysterious ability to block any mental gifts from penetrating her mind. Young Bella would certainly prove to be a worthy vampire if she already had such value as a human.

Isabella Swan. She was unlike any Aro has ever come across in his life time. And he, of all people, liked to think that he had seen everything. But Bella, she was a being of great interest. She did not fear their kind, nor did she shy away from them like most humans intuitively do. Rather, she was drawn to them. A danger magnet, is what young Edward Cullen described her. A truly adequate description. As Aro saw through Edward's memories how she would fall into countless perils so very easily, to the point that it proved to be a challenge for young Edward to protect her.

Although, what interested the dark Volturi leader them most is how young Bella has such a capacity to love in her heart. She was willing to put herself in harm's way for love. She was selfless. And as breakable as she was, she still wanted to protect her precious Cullens in any way she could.

Isabella Swan – What Aro would give to have her join his coven.

Aro was lost in his thoughts when suddenly he sensed a presences approaching his private quarters. They stopped outside his door, awaiting permission to enter.

Rolling his eyes at the disturbance, but seeing no way to ignore it, the king gave his permission. "Come in." he ordered in a monotone voice.

The door swung open, and in walks Demetri and Felix, rushing to stand in front of their leader's desk. Aro immediately sensed something was wrong from the look of panic on their faces. Felix wasn't the most controlled being as he functioned on his carnal instincts and the need to express his emotions openly. However, Demetri was constantly poised and controlled. And anything that could shake up his calm Tracker was cause for concern.

Aro rose from his chair and walked around it to stand in front of his followers. "What is going on?" the leader demanded. His tone strict and to the point.

Demetri replied warily. "My king, its … its Master Caius."

Aro had heard enough. He held up his hand halting the Tracker from further speaking. And beckoned him to approach. He raised his hand to Demetri and the younger vampire showed no hesitation as he stepped up and touched his Master's hand.

Aro closed his eyes and peered into Demetri's most recent memories. But he wasn't prepared for what he saw …..

Demetri was walking alongside Felix through the halls of the castle. Both men were conversing idly when they heard a savage high shriek suddenly erupt. A female was screaming to the top of her lungs.

Sensing the peril, Demetri took off with Felix closely behind him. The source of the screams, to their utter shock, led them to Caius' private chambers. They hesitated to invade their Master's personal domain without his permission.

But when they heard the female shriek; "NO! PLEASE DON'T …. DON'T DO IT! I'M BEGGING YOU. NO!"

Demetri's hands quivered. For he knew that voice quite as well as Aro himself did. That voice belonged to Athenadora. She was in trouble. They couldn't allow one of the Volturi leader's mate to get attacked and not do anything about it. That alone was a serious offense.

Demetri nodded to Felix. Both men prepared to fight the vile creature that dared to attack their Mistress. They kicked the doors to the bed chamber open, but what their eyes witnessed did not prepare them for what to do next.

The scene that Aro saw in Demetri's memories stunned him.

The 'attacker' was none other than Caius himself. He had his mate pinned to the floor by the back of her neck while he ripped her limb from limb. And tossed the piece he clutched into the howling fires of the great hearth that dominated the room.

Caius continued to rip apart his own wife despite her piercing cries echoing loudly against the walls of their rooms. But her wails were falling on deaf ears as Caius took out an entire leg and tossed it into the fireplace. Dark pungent purple smoke kept erupting from the fire with each body part being tossed in. The room quickly began to wreck of the strong awful smell of burnt flesh – Aro could almost smell the burnt incense-like stench even from Demetri's memories, causing his smooth features to slightly furrow in disgust.

Demetri, with Felix beside him, stood as still as a statue. And wondered what does one do when their King is killing his own mate? He wasn't certain if he was allowed stop his Master. His priorities were in conflict because when it came down to loyalties, he was obligated to protect his Master first and their mate a close second. If Demetri laid his hands on his Master without direct orders from Aro to do so, then it was just as criminal as treason. And Demetri, he was too loyal of a servant.

Caius, finally sensing the presence of the guards in his personal chambers, stared at them with fiery red demonic eyes. For a brief moment, he paused in his dismemberment of his mate, to address them. "If you both value your pathetic lives, then keep your distance! AND DO NOT INTERFERE!" he growled. Before he resumed maiming the weakened and weeping Athenadora, pinned under his foot.

Demetri was given a direct order from his King. His hands were tied. He and Felix could only stand by and witness the on-going horror as Caius literally murdered Athenadora right in front of their shocked eyes. All while Athenadora begged for mercy, and her husband ignored her pleading sobs as he ripped her apart.

Felix leaned into Demetri and whispered. "What do we do?"

Demetri, feeling tongue tied, shook his head. He had no guidance. He was completely lost for thought.

Suddenly, Aro's face popped into Demetri's mind. And the Tracker knew that if anyone had authority to stop Caius then it was Aro.

Demetri motioned for Felix to follow him and both men ran straight to Aro's private study.

And that's where the memory came full circle …..

Aro opened his eyes and released Demetri's hand. He kept his face stoic in front of his two Elites. And paced in front of his desk calmly. The only option he considered going forth with was to confront Caius and demand that he would explain his motives.

By now, Athenadora would be nothing more than ashes, and there was nil that could be done to change that. She was no loss to Aro. She had no talent, nor any fighting skills. If anything, she was a burden and a nuisance. But Aro kept her around for Caius. She entertained him.

While Aro paced in his study, his guards followed his form going to and fro apprehensively. Feeling their eyes on him, the Leader stopped. He spared the two men a glance as they awaited his orders.

"Demetri," The dark King turned to fully address his Tracker. "inform Caius that I wish to speak to him at once. Do not leave his side until he arrives here."

Demetri nodded and sprinted out of the study to fulfill his Master's request.

Aro turned to the hulking vampire. "Felix, go to Marcus and tell him to come here immediately."

"There is no need for that, Aro. As you can see, I am here and well aware of the situation thus far." Marcus stepped through the door of the study. Felix stepped aside to give his Master space and bowed his head respectfully.

Marcus approached Aro and subtly grasped his fingers to mentally communicate with him. 'Has Caius gone mad, brother? Is it even possible for one of our kind to lose their mind without warning?' Marcus asked, looking slightly skeptical as though he doubted such a thing was plausible.

Aro sighed. "I do not know, Marcus. But once our other brother arrives, we shall see with our own eyes."

Marcus vaguely nodded and went to stand at the furthest end of the room.

They only had to wait a moment or so before Caius stepped into the room, he appeared to have changed his clothes so the stench of the act he committed wouldn't be detected on his person. But there was still hints of the smell of burning immortal flesh lingering in his smooth, blonde hair. And his expression was as impassive and snobbish as though he didn't just murder his mate less than an hour ago.

Caius stopped in the middle of the room, facing Aro. He glanced briefly to regard Marcus' leaning form at the other end of the wall before he returned his attention to his dark haired brother.

Demetri arrive behind Caius. And Felix was still lingering idly, awaiting further instructions. "Demetri, Felix," Aro addressed. "both of you stand outside and guard the door. I may require you later. Allow no one to enter, or interrupt our meeting." He ordered indifferently. The two guards exited the study and sealed the door shut behind them.

Aro turned his head gracefully to face his blonde brother. His expression may have been apathetic, however his deep crimson eyes practically burned with the intensity of the glare he was sending towards Caius.

The blonde Leader returned his brother's stare with a stinging leer of his own, but otherwise he kept quiet. His stance was rigid and tense, like a cobra coiling itself to prepare for a strike. To anyone that didn't know Caius as well as his brothers did, his taut form could strike fear in their hearts and send lasting chills down their spine.

Aro leaned casually against the front of his desk, propping one foot over the other. Sooner or later, news of what has happened to Athenadora would travel all across the castle. So there was no need to speak in secretive codes regarding the topic. But that still did not make this problem any easier. Aro has never heard of a vampire killing their own mate before. Abandon them? Yes. But to kill them so shamelessly and without remorse. This was a first incident of its kind.

And Aro certainly did not expect Caius to be the one to do such a deed. He was starting to think that perhaps Marcus' theory may be proving its validity, that perhaps Caius was truly losing his commonsense.

Aro pursed his lips and decided to simply ask his brother and head from there. "Seeing as how your actions will soon travel to every ear within our coven, and therefore could not go unquestioned – I ask you, brother dear, why did you murder Athenadora?"

Caius simply answered, "She no longer served her purpose."

"That explanation is not acceptable, Caius! You are a King, one of the ancient immortals to walk this earth. Your actions affect us all, just as much as my actions do, just as much as Marcus' actions as well. It affects all three of us because we stand as a united front to our kind – So I ask you again, why did you murder your wife?" Aro tried to reign in on his anger as he repeated his question. If there is one thing that truly displeases him is that if he asks a direct question, he expect a direct answer in return. Not a half-assed roundabout answer.

"She was no longer worthy to be my wife, to be queen, to share my bed. Does that answer satisfy you, brother dear?" Caius practically growled. The cynicism in his tone didn't go unnoticed either.

Aro was slightly taken aback by the response. However, that still did not truly justify why Caius had to resort to killing Athenadora to rid himself of her. Be that as it may, with the way Caius was dodging the subtle questioning, Aro wouldn't reach the answer he was seeking fast enough. There was only one quick and sure way to get what he needed …

"Caius …" Aro took a careful step closer towards the blonde vampire as he attempted to reach for his hand.

Caius, instantly sensing what Aro's intentions were, leaped to the other side of the room. "Don't come near me, Aro!" he snarled. Looking more vampire than ever. The viciousness was clear in his swirling, slowly darkening, red eyes.

But that did not deter Aro's movements. "Caius, what are you hiding from me?" he asked curiously, more interested to know the truth now that he has seen how desperate Caius recoiled from his gift. As though he was a threat to the blonde vampire despite how calm Aro was in that moment. And if Caius thought Aro wouldn't be interested to know what went on in his mind, now he wanted to know more than before.

"Stay back! My thoughts are my own concern!" Caius snapped. His hands gripped the wall behind him to the point that his nails formed claw-like indents in the hard brick.

Through the entire exchange, Aro was slowly approaching his brother. But seeing how Caius was reacting with hostility towards him, he stopped. It was clear to Aro that if he approached Caius any further, then violence may erupt between them. And brutal force was not Aro's favorable choice.

If this was to be a hands-on situation then reinforcements should be called in. "Demetri, Felix, would you kindly come in and restraint my brother? That's an order." Aro spoke loudly for the guards to hear.

Like a flash of lightening, the two guards entered the room. Each one holding Caius' arms and preventing him from fighting back as they pushed him back against the wall when he tried to push forward. Seeing his chance as Caius was distracted by the guards, Aro rushed over and with both his hands he grasped the blonde Leader by the face and focused into his mind.

And there it was …

Aro was shocked. It was the last thing he ever expected to find in Caius' thoughts. His mind was filled with many thoughts of Her; the human girl. Isabella Swan. He was obsessed with her. Her passion, her courage, and even her mortal frailties – He wanted to have her. To have control over her.

He wanted to possess her mentally and physically. His mind was filled with obscene and vulgar images; of Caius claiming young Isabella, over and over and over – Aro was very disturbed. And what troubled him the most was that in all those indecent acts … Bella was still very much human, and often unwilling.

Having had seen enough, Aro skipped past those thoughts. He couldn't handle seeing anymore. Then, suddenly, among a plethora of thoughts something got his attention like a beacon. Caius was planning to assemble a large number of guards and grunts to form a small army, and travel to the Olympic region; the Cullen's territory. He planned to take young Isabella forcefully from her home. And slaughter any vampire or human that prevented him. Even so far as to annihilated the entire Cullen coven if they stood against him. He was so prepared and determined in his schemes that even Aro himself believed he could actually succeed.

Aro felt a sliver of what could only be a shiver running down his back. All those precious Cullen gifts … gone. His dear old friend, Carlisle, gone forever.

He would not allow that to happen. Not while he had the power to prevent it. There simply had to be another way. A faster way to pacify Caius from going on a killing rampage, to calm the beast within him that's out for blood.

A plan began to form in Aro's mind. It was quick, and not completely well thought through. But with time not being a luxury granted to him. It's the best plan he could form on such short notice. There was no time to think of any alternative course of action. Aro's mind was resolved.

He dropped his hand from where he was still holding Caius' face and walked towards his desk. Aro lowered himself elegantly on the seat and sighed deeply.

For the first time since the altercation begun, Marcus moved from his spot and approached the desk. "Aro?" He called to his brother.

Aro lifted his head, nearly forgetting Marcus was even in the room from all the revelations he just discovered. He turned to the two guards still restraining their Master who seemed to have calmed a bit. "You can let go of him. Leave us." He said with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, my lord – our sincere apologies, Master Caius." Demetri offered, as he and Felix released the blonde Leader. And left the room.

Now that all three brothers were alone. Caius smoothed his hands over his garments with as much dignity as one, who was restrained by his own followers, could muster. "So now you know." He sneered at Aro.

Aro sighed warily. "So now I know." He nodded. He locked eyes with Caius and raised an eyebrow. "Of all the girls in the world – it had to be Isabella?" he asked. But it was more rhetorical.

"I see …" Marcus said dispassionately.

Aro frowned. "Care to share your epiphany, Marcus?"

"When the girl and the Cullen children left our castle, our brother's link to Athenadora was abruptly severed. It did not weaken like all bonds usually do – One minute it was there and then the next minute it just … wasn't these anymore." Marcus explained.

"And why, pray tell, didn't you feel the need to inform me of this matter sooner?" Aro asked, feeling rather annoyed.

Marcus shrugged. "You know how fickle bonds can be, brother. However, I apologize for not informing you beforehand. It won't happen again."

Aro sniffed, lifting his chin. "I certainly hope not"

He then turned his attention to Caius. "You will not be going to the Cullen's territory." He stated firmly.

Caius snarled in response to this. "Nothing you can say will stop me from …"

"Let. Me. Finish!" Aro raised his voice as he rose from his chair and slammed his palms on the desk. That seemed to have done the trick as Caius held his tongue momentarily.

The dark haired Leader took a deep breath to calm his temper before he continued; "You will not go to the Cullens, and you will certainly not kill anyone gratuitously – You want Isabella Swan? Fine, she will be brought here instead, and it will be done in a way I see fit.

"So it's either my way or not at all. Am I making myself clear, Caius?" Aro stated roughly. Leaving no room for negotiation. Caius could either take the offer or leave it.

"Very well. Get her here. And do it fast." Caius agreed, then turned around and abruptly left the study.

Aro sat back down in his chair. He felt mentally exhausted. Marcus approached him. "What are you going to do, Aro?"

"Thought it might not be my original plan to gain Carlisle's most gifted for my own. I will at the very least have obtained one." Aro replied.

"Demetri!" He called loudly. He didn't need to yell, but today's events have frustrated him beyond his usual tranquility.

Demetri stepped inside. "Yes, Master."

"Summon Alec and Santiago to me. I also will be requiring you and Felix to be in attendance." The Leader instructed.

Seeing the expression on his King's face, Demetri cautiously asked. "Is everything alright, your Highness."

"Hopefully it will be, once I send you all on a little trip to America." Aro replied.


The sound of a door opening pulled Aro from his thoughts. And in walks the source that started this chain reaction, and brought the human girl under their roof.

Caius paused at the foot of the bed and let his eyes drift between his brother and the sleeping Bella. He then looked back at his brother who remained beside the girl and still had a hand on her head, delicately stroking her hair.

"Why am I being kept away from that which is supposed to be mine?" Caius asked. And to his credit, he actually simmered down from the wild beast he turned into, back in the throne room.

Aro stopped stroking the girl's hair. "She is not an object, Caius."

"Nevertheless, I do remember you bringing her for me – Do you recollect that, brother?" The blonde immortal countered.

Aro frowned, clicking his tongue in displeasure. "Honestly, Caius, I'm not sure if you will be enforcing your lewd fantasies on this poor innocent girl against her will. I said I would bring her here, as you can clearly see," He waved his hand over Bella's slumbering body. "But I will ensure she is to live here safely and out of harm's way."

"Oh Aro … no matter how crude you think of my thoughts; you know I do not always act upon them." Caius spoke benignly.

And Aro had to agree, he didn't always act on every single thought that ran across his mind. Aro didn't know why he was being overprotective of the girl. But the moment she walked through their doors and he saw the fear in her eyes, something in him stirred. He had yet to know what this was he was experiencing. But he did know one thing unmistakably, the girl needed his protection – even if its protection from his own brother.

But for now, he had to appease the beast. "Very well, Caius, you may stay with her. However, I will be keeping guards outside her door at all times."

Caius nodded. "Whatever you think is best, Aro."

Aro sighed and then slowly eased himself off the bed, gentle enough to not rouse the sleeping girl. Although it seemed she must have sensed the touch of comfort that was about to leave her side and she reached out and grabbed Aro's hand, as she groaned and mumble something incoherently.

For a second Aro thought he may have woken her, but she still had her eyes closed. His brother, on the other hand, didn't like how the girl clung to his hand and growled faintly.

Aro glared at the man. "She is dreaming, Caius. Calm yourself." He hissed.

Very gently, he loosened Bella's grip on his hand and laid her hand on the pillow beside her head. He then proceeded to the door as the blonde immortal approached the bed.

Without looking back, Aro left the room and shut the door behind him. He refrained from looking back because he knew that if he did then he may reconsider and decide to stay. But now he needed to indulge Caius for a bit, in the hopes to keep him calm.

Aro lifted his eyes and saw the Witch Twins standing across from the door. Exactly where he ordered them to remain. He took a step towards them and they bowed their heads.

"Master." They spoke in unison.

Aro placed his hands on their heads. "My dear little ones, do me a favor and watch over Bella. If anything happens that could bring her harm, I want you to protect her and notify me at once. Understood?"

"Yes, your majesty." They replied, bowing their heads further.

Aro nodded, seemingly satisfied. And then proceeded to the throne room. As a Leader he had responsibilities and couldn't be there all the time to protect Isabella himself. But he had his aids to do that for him. He just hoped nothing bad would happen too soon as he had enough excitement within his castle walls to last him several days.

And it already appears that tonight is shaping up to be a long night.