All Twilight Saga characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Unless stated otherwise. The plot to Bloody Rose belongs to me. This is a non-profit story. No copyrights infringements intended.
Bella
After Alec and Jane whisked me away from the two most volatile creatures I have ever seen going head to head, they brought me to this room, if it's even considered a room. The luxuriousness of such a magnitude could only constitute it as more of a chamber then a mere bedroom. And it certainly was too much for one person to occupy.
Once we passed through the colossal double doors with the most elaborate organic wood engraving I have ever seen, behind it was revealed to be a large, circular, sitting area. All around the room, it appeared as if the walls and ceiling were covered in a draped fabric, in the most vivid shade of red. The drapes connected from the wall to the ceiling, arching outwardly, and meeting from each side, bunching up in the center of the room, where a large crystal chandelier hung elegant. It's artificial lights throwing rainbow shards across various surfaces. The sitting furniture and tables were of black velvet and the dark cherry wood, with more intricate carvings.
We didn't loiter in the area much for me to take in the other aspects of the room, as I was carried to one of three doors that were situated around the circular structure. Alec opened the middle door and ushering Jane to enter first, with me still deathly gripped to her. I was still amazed she could bare my size so casually for someone so petite.
The door we stepped through was the bedroom, and it was just as grand of an area as the previous space but slightly smaller. Right on the opposite side of the room, where my gaze fell on instantly, was a monstrous bed. Four great postures on each side, with large black and thick drapes hanged all across its upper frame, cocooning the bed like a dark womb. In fact the entire bedroom gave out a dark, dim embryonic aura. And there were no artificial lighting in this area, the only light I see emanating was from the floor to wall glass double doors, allowing the moon to seep its glow through, and illuminate the space just enough for my meek eyes to absorb.
Jane wasted no time, as she ran to the bed and placed me on the edge. Stepping back at arm's length, her eyes assessed me from head to toe.
"I will leave you to it, Jane." Alec excused himself, disappearing out the door in a blink of an eye. Jane remained, looking at me once more and pursing her lips.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"What?" I met her scrutiny with my own dose of apprehension.
"I said are you hurting anywhere. Do you feel in pain? I don't smell blood on you, so you didn't cut or scrape yourself." Her eyes still continued to probe and unnerve.
"No I'm fine." I retorted as I grabbed the collar of my shirt to cover myself. I thought the need to cover my neck may constitute as rude, but honestly after what I have been through one more immortal to vex didn't make much of a difference.
The insult wasn't lost on little Jane, I could see it in her eyes but she chose to ignore it. I think. "Lucky I pulled you out in time before the real fight broke out. Master Aro would not be happy." I lowered my head, hiding my eyes from her.
So she is only following orders. I didn't know what or how to reply to that, so I remained silent. I hoped after awhile, she would take the hint and leave the room as well, leave me to my isolation and desolate thoughts.
"I can stay if you want." If my eyes could pop right now, they would skitter across the floor like marbles.
"Master Aro instructed me to remain by your side. He .." Jane paused awkwardly. "hoped you would be more comfortable with a female beside you."
I lifted my head and looked her over, gazing at this conundrum of a child. I still couldn't figure her out.
I narrowed my eyes at her assuming that if I treated her with some suspicion then her innocent mask would slip, and in her stead would rise the Jane that I first met. The little vampire that tortured people with her wicked and twisted, so called, gift. But that mask must have been sewed on tight, or she was just as stubborn as myself.
However, I looked at this situation from another aspect.
Whether her kindness and contrite demeanor was just another form of pleasing her master, then I should use it to my advantage. She has already made it abundantly clear that she is following Aro's words, her allegiance is with him and no other.
The other two are just masters by proxy. I have noticed that since my first visit. Jane practically blooms when Aro addresses her. And Aro, despite the fact that I was brought here based on his wishes, wanted me alive and unharmed.
In addition, from what I saw in Aro so far from our first encounter, to conversing with him not a short while ago, he expressed deep interest in me. It could perhaps be that I could block his ability, or perhaps that unlike most humans I don't shy away from their kind too easily. That reason is still a mystery yet to be completely confirmed.
However his offer left me feeling confused and staggered. Do I really want to be a part of their world; can I really join this so called broken and dysfunctional 'family'?
No! No! No! A thousand times NO! An alarm rang in my head, and sirens flared warning me not to give in to easily.
That is what they want. I am by physicality weaker, but by no shear of the imagination is my mentality any less from their mind. I just need to be strong. If I surrender then it's all over. I can be contrite, but that doesn't mean I can be complacent. I just have to bide my time carefully until I am broken free of this prison.
Yes! That's is exactly what I am, a prisoner. And sooner or later Edward will come for me. I know he will. There is not a doubt in the world.
With new determination, and a stronger resolved, I stared back at the young vampire, who somehow during this whole mental dispute hasn't moved an inch.
"Is there a chance I could perhaps see Aro …. Please?" See? I can be polite.
Jane blanched at my request, as I nearly didn't even bat an eyelash. Perhaps Aro would be lenient and let me have some form of contact with the outside world. It would put my mind at ease knowing I can contact people who are familiar, get a piece of home with me.
"I am afraid Master is otherwise pre-occupied at the moment. When he is not indisposed he will call for you. However, should you need anything, I was specifically instructed to meet those needs." Jane's words felt more like an instruction of absolution to the letter.
You don't summon Master. Master summons you.
I decided on a different direction. "Can you tell me some things?"
"What sort of things?" She narrowed her eyes tilting her head to the side.
"About the brothers. What they are like?"
At that I can see Jane's eyes brightened immediately. But the glimmer faltered a bit as she takes her lower lip between her teeth as though she is conflicted.
"Very well, but on one condition." She straightens herself, standing taller; she seemed to have come to a conclusion.
I stared back, wide-eyed, unsure where this was going. But found myself mirroring her posture. "I am supposed to dress you in accordance with our standard level of garments."
I groaned. I know where this is going. "Do I have to?" I sound like a petulant child.
She smirked, arching her thin eyebrow. "I want you to understand this plain and simple, Bella. Master Aro left me to be responsible for you when he is not around. Anything reflecting poorly on you in any aspects, reflects poorly on my conduct."
She bent down to my eye level, as though she is speaking to a weak and vulnerable rabbit. "You give me this and I will answer your questions. Quid pro quo, yes or no?"
Sensing my hesitation she continued. "I should also mention that if you decline, I will forcedly have to drag you and have you bathed and groomed to my satisfaction." The wicked glint in her eyes tells me she is more than happy to do it.
Appalled by her audacity I flexed my jaw a few times, already feeling the bubbling of a snide comment working its way up my throat but Jane cut me off before the first syllable was uttered. "See it from this perspective, Bella."
She took a step back and crossed her slender arms over her chest. "You know how much the other guards fear and respect me. And my only desire is to shine in Aro's eyes." A secret smile crossed Jane's lips before she focused her bright gaze at me. "If you are obedient in this, then you will find that you have gained a great ally in me. And that will go a long way for you."
The confident cockiness of this red-haired vampire almost felt like it was a sealed bargain, and if I declined or accepted she would win in both cases. I bit my tongue and my stubborn side wanted to immediately decline just out of spite; yet somehow Edward's words rang loud and clear in my head. Compromise!
With a shaky resolve, I nodded. "Deal"
Aro
"What is so important that you had to bring me to your quarters to discuss, Aro?" Caius huffs impatiently.
"Patience, brother, you will know soon enough, Once Marcus is with us, we can talk."
"I have arrived, Aro." Marcus' rasped voice declares, entering and shutting the door to my private study with a satisfactory click.
"Ahh .. Speak of the devil." I motioned for Marcus to edge closer and sit in the vacant chair next to Caius, who is tapping his leg impulsively.
Caius crosses his arms, giving me a pointed look. "Superb, can you tell us what is this matter that must require us all to be here?" I have witnessed his irritability on many occasions. However, right now it has become insulting. He forgets whom his maker is, and should constantly be reminded.
"Learn some tolerance, Caius. I might be able to stomach it once in a while, but let me tell you it will do no good if you keep this attitude with Isabella." I hoped dropping her name would get his act together as I have witnessed before.
"I will behave around her how I see fit." He looks over my shoulder to the large row of books behind me, yet his eyes are unfocused like he is seeing something passed them. My hand twitches to reach out and know exactly what goes through his thoughts, but I suppress the urge yet again. I constantly have to remind myself that I need his obedience and trust.
"Do just that and see how well it will spit back in your face. However, I will speak to you regarding Isabella shortly, because that is not what I summoned you here for." I reply passively, pressing my lips into a hard thin line.
I decided there is no cause to take a roundabout way towards this topic. "The reason I gathered you both here is because Alice Cullen has just contacted me and requested an audience with us."
"She wants to take back the girl." Marcus spoke, more of a statement than a question.
"Not a chance in heaven or hell." Caius fumed, his eyes narrowing to slits.
I expected as much. I am not eager to see how he handles the next piece of news.
"She did not give voice to her reason, but we will know very soon as I have agreed to give her safe passage to enter our domain." I said as stoically as possible. If I can obtain her and Isabella it would be a triumph for our coven.
I can hear the gritting of Caius's sharp teeth gnashing against each other. "You did what?!" his voice boomed through the study. I can see Marcus placing his hand on his mouth, covering it. He is amused?
However I was becoming vexed about the blonde loose canon. I fixed him with a frosty stare, and whispered menacingly. "Hold your tongue before I cut it off!"
Caius slumped back into his chair, and looked away puffing a big gust of air.
"Does she travel alone?" I turned to Marcus, swallowing the venom that pooled in my mouth at the issued threat before answering him. "No she does not."
Marcus looks thoughtful as he places his fingertips on his cheek. "So the mind reader returns." His eyes faintly brightened and he stares far away, lost in a thought or a daydream. These are the most eventful issues we have had in many a centuries, and all transpiring within a fortnight.
It takes a lot to receive such trivial response from Marcus. A little piece of me is saddened to know this to be so. A long time ago Marcus was a lively man, but now that is a memory. A ghost of a person I barely knew, and often believe it to be a figment of my imagination.
Now he is an entity barely hanging by a loose thread of loyalty. Many days I often regret taking Didyme from him. Masking the fact that it is the right thing to do.
No, I still believe it to be so for Didyme was selfish and reckless. Try as I may to persuade her to remain she, however, clawed to be away from us, from me, her own flesh and blood brother. Her and Marcus leaving would have destroyed our coven when we didn't hold the power we have in our grasp today.
Having Marcus and Caius with me was the best judgment I could ever make, with them by my side we overtook the Romanian coven and so our era began as kings. And with Jane and Alec came the invincibility. Hell would have to rain its fury on us if I wished to relinquish such power, and even then I will never fall nor surrender.
Caius' voice pierced through my mental sphere, returning me to the present. "And you are allowing them both to enter our territory?"
I shake the thoughts from my head and focus on my younger brother. "I cannot refuse such a simple request for an audience. What if they speak of this? What if news of this travels to other ears?"
I place my elbows on the desk, clasping my palms in front of my lips. "Our reputation will be tarnished. Our reign will be questioned. And I cannot allow that to happen. I know the exact purpose behind their visit. And I will break the earth apart and let it swallow me whole if I allow word that the entire Volturi are in dispute all for the sake of one human girl." I stated solemnly. I may take great interest in Isabella, and her gift is a great asset. But I cannot allow our allies to think I have gone soft for an adolescent mortal.
"What do you propose we do then?" Caius inquired as he unhooked his robe, letting it cascade to the side and placed one knee over the other. The crease of annoyance still lingered in his brows.
"When they arrive here, I imagine they would appeal to see young Isabella. Naturally, we cannot decline, since she did offer herself up to be brought here. And they would no doubt persuade her to come back. And as I mentioned before the very notion of Isabella coming to live with us was because she agreed willingly, take that away from the scheme and we have an escalating problem."
I place my thumb over my bottom lip as I contemplate the results of said problem. "Taking someone's mate is never a pretty sight. You all witnessed how Edward reacted to when he thought her to be dead. For a boy that young and so passionate to have something so precious taken from him would wage war to retrieve it. History spoke many tales of lost love and scorned lovers."
I looked at my two brothers, as their attention lingered on me." As much as I hate to say it, but we have equal amount of enemies as we do with equal amount of allies. And surely some of those allies must have surly feelings towards us that with the right voice they can turn against us. I am not looking forward to starting a war."
"Surely the boy doesn't have such influence to turn many against us." Marcus expressed softly.
"Maybe so, but he has Carlisle on his side. That is more than enough influence." Carlisle would no doubt side with his pseudo son than an old friend, no matter how far long our friendship went.
Caius leaned forward in his seat. "And I assume you have a plan?" It seemed my words finally encouraged my brother to be an active participant.
I cannot help the smile that graces my lips. "You assume correctly, my young brother. Because that is where you play in this scheme as well. Marcus you may leave." I look to Marcus to dismiss him. I can see that this conversation has already lost his interest as he reverted to his void state.
Marcus rose from his chair fixing me with a vacant stare. "Before I take my leave there is an issue of dispute between our allies in Rome and Milan. How do you wish to proceed?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose and took steady and unneeded breaths in pursuit of taming the wild beast from roaring. Too many conundrums wanted to rattle my cage and entice the fiend.
This new development is the speck that was needed to top off this entire mess. It was becoming tradition of the Roman coven and the Milan coven to pounce on each other's throat. I turned a blind eye to the vampire wars raging in the United States in their southern region, but only due to the fact that they waged it inconspicuously. I didn't need a civil war among our people right in my own back yard.
I looked to Marcus now with more control in my facet and voice. "Lets place a hold on that topic a moment. I will speak with Caius first then send for you again so we can talk on the matter and hopefully reach a resolve."
"Very good. I await your word, my brother."
I sat patiently until Marcus left the room before I returned to the blonde eager vampire.
"I want to speak to you about Isabella." I started.
"What about her?"
"She did come here of her own free will, and if we hold her against it from returning with the boy it would be problematic. We need to convince her to decline if she was offered a return home."
"Why not have Chelsea conjure a bond of loyalty to us? Just like ….." he edged closer on his seat and mouthed. "Just like Marcus."
I only hoped it were that easy. To use the same method we applied on Marcus to bond him to us after Didyme's death would be easier to accomplish. If only it were that easy. "That was the first path I considered. But Isabella's mysterious ability to block all mental powers even stretches to Chelsea's gift."
Caius' gaze turned to one of awe as he absorbed this new revelation.
"We could persuade her. Or perhaps possibly you could persuade her." I offered.
"Do you have a method in mind for my consideration?" His eyes shifted to a wicked glint.
I crossed my legs and placed my hands on my knee. "Although I appear to be so good with negotiations, despite my persuasive words, you are the true master manipulator between us all. My approach is subtle and needs much more time. And I spoke to Alice not long ago; she confirmed their arrival in Florence. They should be here within short hours."
Caius rubbed his palms together. And I did not need an insight into his mind to know that his gears are spinning, concocting a plan in motion. His malicious smile spoke volumes. However method he may use, we needed the girl's corporation. Tricking her is one thing, scaring her is a whole other entirety.
"Before you go to the young Isabella, let me give you one last piece of advice to consider, Caius." I locked my gaze on him. Roaring ember to flaming red. I spoke with my most passive and serious tone, but allowed the intensity in my eyes to convey a deeper meaning. "Choose your words carefully, my young brother. For words are the greatest and most powerful weapons in the world. It can spread seeds of doubt, and taint even the purest of hearts. Words make mighty men and kings fall to their ruins. Words can toughen the spirit and crush it all the same. They can cut deeper than the sharpest blade."
I placed my palm on my mahogany desk, and bent forward on my chair, smirking conspiratorially with my brother. "Now go to her."
His lips stretched into a diabolical smile, one that would rival the devil himself. And like a specter, he rushed out of the room, leaving a gust of air in his wake.
"Demetri" I called to my most trusted guard. His statuesque form peaked through the ajar door. "I am at your service my master."
"Summon Marcus back into the study."
"Right away." Yet he remained in place unmoving.
"Out with it!" I spoke grimly.
"Forgive me. Lady Sulpicia has asked to see you, master."
I stroked my thumb over my lip, as one matter upon another continued to pile at my feet. However, Sulpicia irked me immensely with her childish behavior, she should rightly stew while I handle more pressing concerns. "Keep her locked in the tower. Instruct the guards to watch her around the clock. I will deal with her when I see fit. If she rattles on, tell her it's a direct order from me."
"Yes master." Demetri bowed his head and exited the study, closing the door behind him. I would deal with our neighboring covens as my main priority, as I trusted Caius to handle his own obligations.
Bella
"See? Now don't you look and feel simply ravishing? I couldn't have done a better job in such a short time." Jane exclaimed. She looked like a kid who just received a new toy.
I looked back to my reflection in the mirror. I barely recognized myself. Hair groomed and curled in cascading layers to the side of my face. I wore a beautiful cocktail dress of beige chiffon overlaid with black veined and embroidered lace. The neck was arched in a scoop to reveal a generous portion of my chest and accentuated my collarbone. And the sleeves halted just right at my elbows, with the full length of the dress stopping just above my knees. Such an elegant look befitting a princess, and wasted on me.
"I am sure Aro would approve." I commented sarcastically. So would Alice. I thought bitterly.
However Jane didn't pick up on the disdain in my voice and met my gaze in the reflection of the mirror, smirking snobbishly. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes at her.
"Yes master would most certainly approve." She agreed as she placed the beige lace heels next to my bare feet. I eyed them in the mirror warily. Heels and my gracelessness were not mutual friends.
"A good job indeed, Jane." A deep velvety voice spoke from the door, startling me to snap my head and gaze at its owner.
My eyes instantly locked with Caius as he stood by the open bedroom door. He shrugged out of his long dark robe and clutched it in his hands.
"You may leave us. Alone." He ordered Jane. She exchanged a look with me, faintly shrugging before giving me one last look over. She appeared to be satisfied with her grooming methods as she admired her work and turned to walk across the room to the door. Caius passed her as he sauntered in my direction and handed her his robe.
"Dispose of this and get me another." He dropped the dark garments into her waiting arms as she disappeared, delicately closing the door behind her.
Caius stopped several feet away from me, as I remained rooted to the ground. He subjected me to his intense scrutiny as he examines the dress all the way to my naked feet. His lips stretched into a pleased grin before coming to rest on my own eyes.
"You look …." He paused, shuffling in his mind as though he could not decide on a word. "Lovely." He mouthed oh so slowly, making his tongue flick against his pearly white teeth.
Oh! It was a compliment. I blushed profusely at the unexpected comment. Not what I had anticipated. Specially coming from the same barbarian who went mad a few hours ago. Now he stands in front of me, taller, broader and somehow younger looking than I took him to be. Perhaps it's the dark overly large robe he adorned.
Now that it's disposed, all I see is a tall, blonde, beautiful, young man. If I had to guess, I would say he was turned into a vampire around his late twenties. But I learned that venom worked in many mysterious ways, he could be younger or older.
He still had on the burgundy dress shirt I took notice of before. Surprisingly, it was still intact, like that fight before never even happened. But now the allure was different, the dress shirt that I assumed to be loose as well was deceiving. In truth, it clings perfectly to his massive, broad and well defined chest. The sleeves pressed to his large arms like a second skin, moving delicately with the subtle motions.
Feeling the sudden skip in my heart I ripped my gaze from him to stare at the floor instead. "ummm … Thank you." I replied awkwardly. My voice seemed so small and shaky.
"Your lover boy will be here shortly, along with that little dark haired sister of his."
I looked to Caius with a stunned silence as my heart blossomed at the news. He merely remained still and passive as he gauged my reaction. But I didn't care.
They are here to take me home. I knew they wouldn't leave me. I knew Edward would come for me. It was only a matter of time.
I closed my eyes and breathed the first good sigh of relief since I have arrived to this dark and dreary place. I finally felt like life was pulsing into me, and vibrancy shined within like the sun that peeks behind the clouds after a cold rainy day.
"You love that boy." Caius' words cut deep through my delight.
I frowned. He wasn't asking a question. I think. But I replied nonetheless. "Yes I do." I nodded confirming his statement with my confidence and sincerity.
He looked over his shoulder at the terrace as the light of the moon seeped through, shining bright and clear, illuminating the room vividly and casting on his chiseled features, from his high cheekbones, to his long defined nose and those luscious lips.
"And he loves you?" Now he was truly asking, but the tone that lingered was heavy with doubt, ringing loud and clear in my mind. Why would he state my love for Edward yet doubts Edward's love for me?
When I didn't speak he turned around and pierced me with an intense glare that sent goose bumps flying across my arms.
"Of course he does." I confirmed, my tone coming out harsh and defensive. But fear still struck at my nerves as the glow of the moon made his red eyes shine with a luminosity of a feral predator.
"Does he now?" he spoke in a low deep voice, dripping with sarcasm.
And like a flash he was right in front of me. My eyes that connected with his from across the room, now landed on his muscular chest, which was inches away from. I yelped as I tried to take control of the shock sent to my frantic heart. I craned my neck up from his chest, skimmed him with my gaze over his Adam's apple, across those well defines chiseled lips and into those pair of scorching red eyes.
A slow smile stretched upon Caius' lips, reaching all the way to his eyes that twinkled with wicked glee and stopping my lungs from receiving any more air.
"Would he fight for you?" he whispered, blowing that intoxicating breath upon my face.
I closed my eyes and inhaled it like it was a sweet drug and exhaled. "Yes."
He chuckled softly. He was affecting me and he knew it!
"Care to test that theory with a bet?" I opened my eyes and what I saw nearly made me shudder through my spine as the person before me took on the menacing face of a wicked devil in the guise of a handsome, fair haired, vampire deity.
"What kind of bet?"
Author's note:
Thank you all so much for the overwhelming response to my previous update! It was truly motivational and a great welcome back. You guys made me remember why I loved this site so much. xxx
I started a Pinterest for BloodyRose & Temptation. I am already posting some pictures of references for the already posted chapters, and I will keep adding more pictures as the stories progresses and some ideas for future chapters. For those of you who are reading Temptation, I have almost managed to reconstruct the Cullen's house as I originally imagined it when I was first reading the books before the movies were made. So I hope you like what you see. and please excuse the outrageous taste, i got a little carried away with my expectations.
You can find me by searching "Pinners" for LolitaTheGothic
or try pinterest *dot* com *slash* Lolita The Gothic (no spaces)
