Chapter 24
Machinations
How I hate him! The way he postures and gestures in a way that makes everything seem like high drama. Not Vladmir of course, for whom such a display is elevated to an art form, but Aro. It's been so long since I've spent time with the ancient creature, I can now watch his movements and see them for what they truly are; a poor imitation of my friend. I don't even think he realizes what he's doing as he punctuates the announcement of my upcoming wedding with a grand flourish of his hands.
I don't know what kind of reaction he's expecting of us, as he behaves as if he's presenting us with a gift. I'm sure he doesn't expect the coldness and confusion we stare his way. How could I respond any differently as my Summer lies in the bed clinging to a life she so nearly lost. She doesn't know how close she came to dying, even if the pain is an indicator.
She doesn't remember that as soon as the scent of her blood reached past the ancient ones closest to her, the new ones attacked. Only four came, though I expected many more with the way several others eyes glazed before they fled. Vladmir and I protected her as best we could as she struggled weakly. Her movements telegraphed the most dangerous situation I could imagine, and it wasn't her bleeding that drew them. It was her weakness and helplessness that brought them, like chum in a pool of sharks. She was the perfect lure and they came to feed. She doesn't remember my command, for her to sleep, pushed with enough force it worked like an anesthetic and knocked her out immediately.
Even without her weak movements there were still four newborns ready to tear her apart and fight over her life and her blood. I was able to command two to leave and not return, but the others were too close and all they did was pause until her scent broke through my command.
Oh, and her scent was luscious. I know that a part of me opposed them because I wanted to feed on her myself and I didn't want to share. We had to leave her lying there bleeding while we fought them. They were so strong! Fortunately newborns aren't too bright when it comes to fighting others of our kind, but one got past us momentarily and we had to wrestle Summer away from the sinuous young woman before she could bite her. It was close.
But now Aro is looking at me like he needs me to play my part in his little drama. "You want us to get married at Volterra? Why?" I hear my dead voice asking the question I already know the answer to. He's seized upon an idea to elevate the Volturi's status among others of our kind. He wants to whitewash their image, even though I don't believe they can ever remove so many bloodstains.
If he would only touch me he wouldn't smile like he does. But like a practiced carnival barker he raves, trying to sell his idea to a couple very reluctant customers. I would shut him up, but Summer watches his every move, hanging on his every word.
"We found the wedding dress, and it doesn't take a genius to see the ring she wears. Besides, Vladmir always spins his lies as close to the truth as he can, so it's clear you are planning to marry the girl. And considering her fragile state and that you are sexually intimate with her, I believe you are planning it to happen soon." She blushes at his words and I want desperately to push the snake oil salesman out of the room.
"No need to be so sensitive. It's a tribute to your restraint that you can do such... interesting things together and not kill her." He's speaking to me, but he's looking at her like he wants to test his own restraint – with her.
I move to his side as he stands up. I don't even try to hide my animosity as the growl escapes my throat. "You should be careful of what you speak, and of what you think! You and I both know that I am yet younger and stronger than you are, and you are conspicuously unguarded at the moment."
"Stefan, it's not a good idea to make threats you cannot possibly make good on. You know if you were to attack me, you would never make it out of Volterra alive." His smile is as much for bravado as false sincerity.
My smile is an answer to his. "Do you know how often I've imagined just such a scenario? I know without a doubt that I wouldn't survive such a move, but there are times I believe it would be worth it. If you hurt her, I would most definitely consider that my best option."
"Touchy touchy! I can see you're going to make this more difficult than I expected. Let me put this in a different light. Right now there is no reason at all to save you – any of you. By our laws, Summer is a threat and if she's not changing then you are flouting our laws. We can perhaps get around the legality if you agree to marry her as soon as possible.
Because of your command and control we can assure anyone concerned that you have her in a place where she can be watched and guarded against ever giving up our secrets. And because of her illness we can even grant her a grace period that would outlast her good years. But you have to meet us halfway."
"Why? Why now Aro? What's so important about saving us? I've seen the callousness of the guard, why not take the opportunity to eliminate a threat to you?" I want to force him into admitting his plan, but what he says surprises me.
"We could, in fact we should get rid of all three of you. But I'm looking to the future where we may need your strength and your power. Not to mention we need to improve our image. But it's more than that... I'm curious to see what happens if she changes her mind. I've seen her magnetism through her eyes as well as Felix and Demetri, and she is fascinating! I want to change her myself just to see what happens, but we have had enough unexpected drama for a while.
"Still, I'm not willing to throw away such promise just to take out a couple old enemies. And there are still those who would be upset if we ended you. Vladmir is old enough many feel he's the oldest among us, and when you're as hung up on history as we often are, you can understand why that might bother some of us. And in case you didn't know, Vladmir would die for you – both of you! It's why he was able to fool me when I read his mind; he loves her too."
He puts on a smile worthy of a celebration rather than the threats he's toying with. "Besides, a wedding will be such fun! The city has a cathedral worthy of Rome itself, and we can have guests flown in and make this a celebration that everyone will remember for years! Of course there is still the vote, but the others should go along with me. As soon as we decide to let you live we can start the planning. We should be ready for the nuptials in a week or two, then you'll all be free to go!"
"Does this mean we're not free to go until you put on your show?" I can't help but sneer.
"Stefan! Surely your bride is worthy of a fairy tale wedding. We will need to keep you here so you can be on hand for all the preparations. We can take care of both of your dietary needs while you are with us, and we have guest quarters for any of her friends who wish to come. And of course, until you are married she will not be under your will. We couldn't just let her leave." His smile is condescending and I glare at him.
"Stefan." Her soft voice catches our attention. "I like the idea. If it means we'll be safe and we can be married, I'll go along with it. And maybe the bruises will be healed in two weeks." Her reminder of her injuries sends a brief look of contrition flitting across Aro's face.
"Are you sure?" I would do anything for her, and that she's going along with a plan that isn't her own just to keep me safe cuts deeply.
"Of course I'm sure. All of my girlfriends will be so jealous that I'm getting married in Italy. I hope they can all afford to come." Her smile is the brightest thing in the room, and I wish I could be alone with her.
Aro seems overjoyed at her answer and he claps his hands together. "Wonderful! We will get busy right away – I mean after the vote that is. Of course your friends will be our guests, and their expenses will be covered. And they will be as safe as possible here, have no fear."
"When is the vote?" I can't imagine Caius going along with Aro's plan, and I can't help but fear that our safety still isn't assured.
"As soon as she's well enough to come back into the audience chamber; perhaps another six hours for her blood to be transfused. I'll have food sent up for her, and you can stay with her if you wish." Finally Aro leaves and I am able to put my arms around her. I cover her face with kisses as she tries to hold me with a strength she doesn't have.
"Lie still il tesoro mio, you need to save your strength." I advise her to rest, but what I want to do is pick her up and run with her until Volterra is so far behind us they could never catch us. She looks at me with such trust and I am aware of all the signs of tiredness. "You need to get some sleep. I'll watch over you and keep you safe."
"I don't want you watching over me, I want you beside me. Please, there should be enough room." She moves over and pats the space beside her. I would rather be in a place to better defend her, but I cannot resist the invitations to lie next to her. I share her bed, and I cannot help but wonder if it is for the last time. I hold her frail body against me and she falls asleep in my arms. If I could weep I would weep for all the hell I've put this woman through, and that she still trusts me. I am still terrified that everything will still end badly, but I will fight to my last breath to protect her. I would rather face whatever torment I've earned in the afterlife, than continue to walk the earth in a life without her.
I watch as the bag suspended above her slowly empties. I can almost feel her strength renewing with the donated blood. How ironic that I have brought her so close to what I am, and given her a need for someone else's blood to survive. As she sleeps I can't help but touch her, softly brushing her skin with my fingertips and holding her as close as I dare. I kiss the softness of her face and smell all of her wonderful human scents. I want to absorb her, and I can't help but imagine turning her; not because I want her to be like me, but because I want her to be strong enough to defend herself.
All too soon she wakes. Her smile and her whispered 'I love you' is almost more than I can stand in our current situation.
"Shh, be still and rest." I want her to sleep longer, to postpone our upcoming confrontation. But the bag is empty and she is awake and moving. She asks for water and I find a glass for her on the table. Someone must have been monitoring her progress because the door opens and the doctor comes in. He's one of our kind and it surprises me to know that Carlisle isn't the only one with such knowledge. He removes the needle from her arm with steady hands, and checks her physical progress. Of course I have to leave my place at her side as he examines her, but I refuse to leave her room. The bruises on her body look horrible, but she doesn't seem to mind as the doctor checks to make sure there are no hidden injuries. He also checks the head injury which is stitched closed.
"Can I wash my hair?" She asks the question and it strikes me as odd that all the dried blood in her hair hasn't registered with me. The hair on the back of her head is matted with the sticky dried blood she'd lost earlier. Her lovely blond hair is ugly brown with it.
"You can if you get someone to help you so you don't disturb the stitches. And be careful when you brush it too, if you pull them out you'll bleed again. I don't need to tell you how dangerous that can be." His attitude reminds me of Carlisle, but his red eyes tell me he doesn't have the same compassion.
When Aro comes back Summer asks him if she can clean up and wash her hair before we have to go back into the audience chamber. "I don't know if the dried blood bothers them, but it bothers me, and I'm already the least attractive one in the room."
He laughs, and reaches out to touch her face. She flinches and I move to stop him. "Calm down, both of you!" His order stops me; he doesn't intend to hurt her. She watches him warily as his fingers brush down her cheek several times, as if he's stroking a pet. "So soft and warm," he sighs. "You are mistaken, Summer. You are far more attractive than you know. I can see from your own thoughts the way other people react to you. You are a beautiful woman by human standards, and even among our kind you are like a delicate flower next to polished gemstones. But I believe you should wash before we convene; no use taunting the others with the scent of blood, dried or otherwise." He looks my way. "We'll meet in two hours."
I carry her in my arms as the guide he sends shows us to a spa-like bathroom. Someone has even provided her with clean clothes to put on afterward. She wants to shower, but I don't think it's safe as weak as she is. Instead I run a bath for her and help her in her washing. It reminds me of our first days together, though I can no longer remain impassive at the sight of her. She smiles and tries to entice me to make love with her in the private room, but seeing all of her injuries is a reminder of how weak and fragile she is. I help her wash and take care her personal needs. When she is dressed I gently brush her hair for her, and dry it with the provided appliance. She has never looked more beautiful to me, and I wonder if it is because I've come so close to losing her.
She insists she can walk, but I still carry her back to the room where there is food waiting for her. One advantage to Aro reading her mind is that he knows the foods she likes, and that she doesn't eat meat. Her choices barely fit on the tray and I have to laugh remembering how I fed her at first; completely unaware of her human capacity and desires. All too soon she is finished with her meal and we are lead to the audience chamber. I carry her in my arms, not because I fear her weakness, but because I want to be as close to her as I can for as long as I'm allowed. When we finally stand before the three, I have to let her stand. I have my arm around her and I'm startled when Vladmir puts his arm around her also. Not that she needs both of us to hold her up, but it sends a clear message that the three of us are linked.
When Aro stands he commands attention and continues with our hearing as if he's never been interrupted. He fills everyone in on the truth and the plan he's come up with; leaving out all of his reasons of course. "...So in light of what we now know I propose that we let them live on the condition that they proceed with the wedding. The girl will be no threat to us and our two... old friends will be in good standing once more." He smiles and looks to Marcus, expecting he will easily follow his lead. "Marcus, is it yea or nay?"
His face is passive and bored, but then he looks up and his eyes scan over Vladmir, and Summer before they come to rest on me. It is sheer hatred I see in that look for just a second before the mask is back in place. "Nay. They are clearly in violation of our laws, and I see no reason to grant them amnesty. My vote is NO!" I can see Aro is shocked at Marcus's dissenting vote, but I am not. He still blames me for the death of Didyme. And I can't blame him, knowing how long I have carried a hatred of them over Tessa.
When Aro looks at Cauis I can see his plan beginning to unravel with the smug superior look Cauis wears. "Caius, you've heard my proposal to let them live. Are you going to stand with me or follow Marcus on this vote." It is clear Aro is making it a choice between Him and Marcus rather than life or death for us.
Caius stands. "I am not sure that your plan is sufficient to assure compliance and obedience to our laws." He walks to us and stares down at us, and I cannot understand how I ever saw him as an angel, for he is a spawn of Satan himself, staring judgment down on us through evil red eyes. "I too want to spare them." His lie is so blatant I can easily pick out those who can hear the falsehood, by the way they flinch at the statement. "But perhaps we should be thinking about punishment rather than rewarding them with a wedding celebration." He turns to face Aro. "I just need more assurance that they have learned their lessons and will be more respectful in the future." He turns my way and the sneer on his face reminds me of the night Tessa died. I can see it in his eyes, he's going to vote no, and I'll lose Summer too. Worse, he may vote to have me punished by watching her die, now that I can see he was likely the one who recommended my family be killed.
"Coward." One word spoken softly cuts through the audience chamber like a scream. He turns to face me, and even though his face can no longer turn red, I can see the rage in his features; so can everyone else. "You hide behind your laws and your vote, but you are afraid of me; you always have been, isn't that the truth Caius?" I step away from Summer even though she tries to hold me. "You're afraid of my power and my strength, even though you were the one who turned me!" I step closer to him. "Even now you want to lash out and destroy what I hold dear in the hope that you can somehow ease your fear." I step closer still and I can see behind the fury on his face, he wants to retreat.
I stop almost nose to nose with him and smile. "Now is your chance, Caius. Now is your chance to face me and defeat me! Go ahead Caius, take me out; no one will stop you. Hit me if you dare. Come on coward..." I clasp my hands behind my back and raise my chin as I give him my own sneer. "...hit me if you dare!"
Even as he snarls and all semblance of reason drops from his face, I stand passively. He launches himself at me, with his fingers curled into claws. I feel him tearing at me, gouging my flesh and leaving huge gashes. I smile and hold my attack. He's weaker than Carlisle, but my smile makes him even angrier. His backhand to my face rocks my head around and I have just a glimpse of a distraught Summer being held securely by Vladmir.
I hold still and he grabs me and throws me across the room. I hit a pillar and fall to the floor and hear Summer scream. He's on me again, he kicks me and lifts me over his head to slam me into the floor once more. I feel bones break. He picks me up once more, still raging, and I make a feeble attempt to hit him. He flings me to the back wall and my spine is crushed. In my ears there is only one sound; Summers cries. I smile as Caius tears my arm off. I close my eyes as he continues the dismemberment that has her screaming and pleading for them to stop. I know I've done all I can when I fall into nothingness.
The hunger wakes me. There is pain of course, but there is hunger above all else. I hear his laughter; it lets me know that I'm still clinging to this life. Caius is in the room with me and as I open my eyes I can see I'm in one of the holding cells. He stands over me as I lie on the floor. I've clearly had to reassemble my limbs and I can feel I've lost most of my fluids.
"Do you have any idea how easy it would have been to destroy you?" His kick breaks a couple of my ribs. "It's a pity you missed the rest of the meeting. You really should know how benevolent I'm being." He stomps my hand and I can feel several bones snap. "You are going to live, Aro and I were both in agreement on that point." He kicks me in the face, breaking my jaw and knocking out all my front teeth. "And Vladmir also will live." He raises his foot as if to stomp down on my face, but stops. "But I'm afraid our kindness isn't enough to cover your woman."
At the mention of Summer I force myself to stand. If he's hurt her I will destroy him. Maybe he can see it in my bloodshot eyes, or hear it in the grinding of my mangled jaw and teeth as I grimace at him.
"Oh she is yet unhurt, you have misunderstood me Orator. What I mean is that she is not our responsibility. Aro wants a wedding, so he may get what he wants. But that is entirely up to you Stefan. You want to prove you have such a strong bond with her; that you can control yourself where she is concerned, and that your love is strong enough to overcome her human frailty. Well, you will have that chance." His smile is more a sneer.
"Until the wedding, which Aro has kindly set for two weeks from now, she will be in your care. Neither of you will be permitted to leave this room, nor will you be permitted to hunt. If she still lives in two weeks, you can have her. So, you can stop blaming me for what happens to the women in your life, this time it's all on you." He smiles as he reaches for the door. I almost attack his retreating back, but I'm distracted when they bring her to the door. As Caius steps out, Summer is pushed into my cell and the door is locked.
I back away from her, looking at the horror in her eyes at what must be a frightening sight after the beating I've taken. "Stay away from me Summer; I need to feed and they hope it will be you."
"But Stefan, you're hurt!" She acts as if she would come closer and I put up my hand, noticing the compound fractures that are only starting to mend.
"Yes, I'm hurt, and I'm thirsting, and you can't do anything about either one. Stay away from me!" I push my will, hoping it's enough. She steps back against the far wall and slides down until she's sitting on the floor. She buries her face in her hands and cries.
I stand and watch her. I want to go to her, to comfort her and kiss away her tears. But I also want to feed on her, to tear her open and drain her dry. I can hear the pounding of her heart and smell the sweet fragrance of her blood. It's gnawing at my resolve and I don't dare move closer. The beating I've taken has made me weak and given me a need I haven't felt since she returned to me to stay. Caius may have sentenced her to death, just as certainly as he did Tessa.
But this time I am determined to control my thirst. We stay in our opposite corners, each of us longing for the other, but for different reasons. I try not to think about her, but her scent is enough to drive me crazy. Instead I think of nothing but her, reminding myself of all the things I love about her. I can stand the smell of her, and I can even take the sound of her heartbeat. But her magnetism is chipping away at my sanity.
We are alone; Summer, me, and my voracious need. I close my eyes and pray. Prostrate on the floor I murmur the chants I learned after Tessa's death. I let the sense of mourning I felt then wash over me and I am able to resist her. For hours I kneel, reminding myself that I have been able to easily last two weeks between feedings. I lose track of time as I pray, and it's only the interruption of Aro's visit that brings me out of my meditations.
I don't move; I don't dare as he stands outside the cell. I hope he doesn't realize how much his presence strains my control. To think he would put her at risk intentionally, angers me just to think of it. "My this is an unfortunate turn of events." He speaks to Summer, knowing I'm listening. "I had no idea Marcus would dissent; it appears he can hold a grudge as long as the rest of you." He laughs at the remark; like he himself has never held on to anger or resentment. "Antagonizing Caius was a brilliant move. It's a pity it wasn't entirely successful, but still it's given you a fighting chance. Summer dear, Caius has stipulated that I am not to provide you with anything to aid in your comfort. You will be allowed food, drink, and opportunities to take care of your personal needs, but nothing else. I apologize for the lack of hospitality; I had hoped it would work out differently."
"He's hurt Aro. What does Caius hope to accomplish?" Her voice is thin, and I can hear the fear and the sadness in the tone.
"He's absolving himself of blame, my dear. He can say Stefan earned the punishment he's been given. To those who don't understand the closeness of your relationship it seems as if Caius has upheld the laws by punishing him. It also looks as if he's shown mercy by not destroying him. But we know that your closeness makes this punishment more a torture. We also understand that failure could easily mean the death of all of you. We've had to imprison Vladmir as well, so he cannot aid you. If Stefan had not provoked the attack, Caius would have demanded your deaths, and I would have been outvoted. But in challenging him it would have been seen as a weakness for Caius to use the passive vote to end him. If Stefan had won the fight it would have meant your deaths, even though the oldest among us understand that he could have defeated him easily."
Perhaps it is the humor in his words, but I suddenly understand that Aro is pleased with the way things have turned out. Not because we face death, but because my confrontation has revealed weaknesses in the other ancient. Anyone who saw the fight would know that I allowed him to win. A weakened Caius could mean strength for Aro. So that's why he didn't stop me from taunting him. If I had fought to win he would have had to stop the fight, which would have shown he was stronger than Caius as well.
"Can I ask one favor, if it doesn't add to my comfort that is?" Her voice is stronger. "Can I have my guitar in here? It's not as if I could defend myself with it, and he's the one who's voice has all the power. Please, I need something to keep my hands and mind busy. Two weeks may not be much to you, but for me it's a very long time."
"Perhaps I can do you a favor if you will do me a favor in return. I'll bring you your guitar now, and in two weeks you allow me to walk you down the aisle and give you away." I can hear her surprised gasp, as does he. "Oh come on dear, I've read your mind and I know there's no one to do you the honor. Vladmir will have to be his best man, and you have more than enough girlfriends who will stand up with you. Besides, I've never been a father, and I already feel protective of you."
"From where I am now I don't feel very protected." I chant softly, as her agitation is pulling stronger on me. "In fact it feels like this has been a part of your plan all along. I mean if I survive, you get to have the big wedding and whitewash your image. And if he slips and bites me, you know he won't kill me, or maybe you've got someone poised to intervene and save me. Either way I'll become one of you, and you'll get to satisfy your curiosity and see what new magic power I have. It's a win/win situation for you. In fact, the only ones who can lose are your old enemies, and the way you've set it up, it will look as if it's all his fault."
I can hear him laughing. "Summer you are such a jewel! Do you know how long it's been since anyone's spoken so boldly to me? Oh they smile to my face and speak so politely, and then when I read them I hear a whole different story. You are delightfully honest. And you're right, you know. I hope he does bite you; such a precious flower shouldn't fade away and die. You belong with us, and once you see with new eyes and feel your strength... you won't want anything else.
"You're wrong. I belong with him, and I'm going to stay human all the way to the end. If he understands that, why can't you?" I can hear the conviction in her voice, but I know Aro doesn't care what she wants. I wish I could warn her not to challenge him, but it's all I can do to keep away from her. The thirst burns.
He laughs. "You think you will still be human in two weeks? You have obviously not spent much time with a hungry vampire." He's playing with her – taunting her! "I'll make you a deal Summer. If you make it the whole two weeks and remain human, without any outside help that is, we'll wipe the slate clean. You can get married and afterward be free of the Volturi. We won't hunt you or force the three of you to comply with the laws – within reason of course. If you want to travel and sing in every hotel lounge, we will turn a blind eye. If you live to be a hundred years old, you'll be safe from us. We won't interfere in your lives for any lesser offenses.
"That's what I'm offering if you win. But if you lose, if he bites you for any reason and you wake up on my side of the vampire/human divide, then you have to give me something. If you win you get your freedom, but if you lose, I want a year for each of you. Whether you give me three years, or the three of you each give me one, that's up to you. Three years of obedient service to the Volturi in whatever capacity we see fit." I hear his amusement, and it takes a while to realize what he's trying to get her to agree to do.
"No Summer – don't do it!" I can barely gasp the words past my parched lips. I look her way to see that she's heard me, and it chills me to see him standing so close to her even though the bars are between them. "Don't trust him Summer." I hear my raspy voice and realize that the thirst has stolen my power away. I couldn't command a flea to bite a dog as shriveled as my vocal chords must be.
"I don't trust you Aro. It seems like it would be very easy to trick him into biting me. He's weak and almost defenseless."
"Are you suggesting that I would cheat?" I can hear the exaggerated outrage in his voice, and I'm surprised to hear her laugh.
"Of course you would cheat! You like to win, so not cheating would go against your nature. I may have been born yesterday compared to you, but I'm not stupid." His laughter surprises me, and it sounds different. It takes a second to realize he's not mocking, deriding, or condescending, but honestly laughing.
Her counter offer shocks me. "I'll tell you what, I'll offer you a similar deal. In two weeks when I'm still human, we get the freedom you mentioned. But if you don't cheat, and he bites me, I'll give you two years before I put an end to myself. You have to let them go, this is just between you and me. If I wake up on your side of the fence, I'll know whether or not you cheated, and if you didn't, I'll be one of you for two years. You think I'll want to live like that, but I know I won't have to worry about it because he won't slip. I trust him."
"I'll have it written up and you can sign it." I want to protest, but I can barely breathe with her scent flowing over me.
"I don't need a contract, I'll accept your word – unless you need me to sign something."
"Humm, you are a trusting little thing. I think in two weeks you'll feel differently. I'll hold you to your two years; you do know better than to test me on this. It's good he's told you so much about our laws; it will be easier for you when you become one of us."
"It's good that you've given me your word. In two weeks we'll get our freedom."
"I've never heard of marriage referred to as freedom, but you can delude yourself on more than one point if you like."
"So you're going to hold us to getting married here whether I'm changed or not?" I hear the worry in her voice. I hate that I'm forced to listen to their conversation as if I'm not even here
"Of course. Your marriage has already been announced, and it's a term for your release. I can't go back on something that's already been decided. Besides, I've always wanted to have a wedding at Volterra, and you will make a lovely bride, especially if you're one of us."
"Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I will be human when I get married."
"So, we have a deal? Two weeks, no cheating, freedom if you win, two years if you lose?"
I try to protest. I fear drawing enough breath to speak as long as her scent is tearing through all of my defenses. The urge to protest is being overridden by an urge to pounce on her and feed. It takes every bit of my will just to remain in one place – silent. If only I didn't have to hear her make her pact with the devil. "We have a deal."