Volterra, Italy
The town of Volterra sleeps soundly beneath a comforter of night, completely unaware of the danger that lies with them.
The danger itself is not immediately distinguishable, bearing the same sienna-bricked exterior as every other building in its vicinity. Upon closer inspection, however, one would find that it stands quite a bit taller than its neighbors, and is known to many as Palazzo dei Priori. Its appearance has remained the same over several millennia, just as its neighbors.
Unknown to the human population, so have the people who reside in it.
Their appearance differs from that of a human- pale, impenetrable skin, piercing crimson irises, and an extraordinary, heartbreaking beauty. Two of these beings make their way through the town square, invisible to the eye because of their inhuman speed. The limp form of a woman is cradled within the arms of the larger man, though this does not slow him; she is as light as a feather in comparison with his strength. Still, this does not hinder him from commenting about her lack of class, or her animalistic behavior.
She remains silent, arrested by the promise of sleep.
The Throne Room doors swing open, revealing two figures of equal height. They move with an eerie grace toward their Masters- a skill acquired by several years of close observation and discipline.
"Masters." they greet the three respectfully, nodding toward each man in his throne before speaking further.
"Do you have news for us, dear ones?" one of them inquires interestedly, standing upright before either twin can blink. An eager smile graces his lips, silently ordering them to continue; he is the leader, after all.
"Yes, Master." the female responds, offering him a smirk in return. "Demetri and Felix have just returned-"
A glint of undiluted curiosity is evident in his clouded, crimson gaze. "Have they brought someone along with them, Jane?"
"Aro, perhaps you should let her finish before you go around asking questions." one of the men behind him speaks, traces of venom lingering behind each word. He is spared a brief, half-glare before being completely ignored once more.
"Go on, my dear." Aro encourages his favorite guard, albeit a bit softer this time.
"They have brought someone with them," she confirms his initial suspicions, brows furrowing. The man before her raises a brow, indicating that she should continue.
Before she is able to do so, however, the Throne Room doors open forcefully. Aro shifts his attention from the blonde female to the intruders before they can step one foot into the room. They don't hesitate to enter, hiding their confidence behind a façade of indifference.
"Demetri, Felix- how nice of you to join us!" Aro exclaims, clapping his hands together. Then, noticing a shock of crimson within the taller man's arms, flits toward them eagerly. They halt as he draws nearer, glancing at each other smugly before returning their attentions to him.
"Master." they nod once, though he does not notice their acknowledgements. As expected, his attention is glued to the unknown individual in Felix's grasp.
"And who is this?" he asks, eyes roaming her dirt-smeared features. The overhead lights do not affect her skin, which does not contain the stone-like quality of the immortals. Yet, it is obvious that she is not human; her heart is still, and no blood rushes through her veins.
Carefully, so as not to stir her from unconsciousness, Aro reaches for her hand, which dangles lifelessly at her side. She flinches slightly at the coldness of his, but remains asleep.
Within seconds, images begin to whir past the Volturi leader's eyes. Slightly blurred and covered in a strange haze, he recognizes the woman's first thoughts. They eventually fade from her memory, replaced by those of adulthood. Love, adoration, and a constant stubborn attitude surround her for a majority of this time. Suddenly, these feelings vanish, as she plunges toward death in the form of an icy lake. The next thoughts are clearer, sharpened by her newfound immortality.
Among these, her encounter with Felix and Demetri.
"Fascinating…," he murmurs, witnessing her abilities. The images come to a halt as Felix incapacitates her, making him frown.
"Perhaps a gentler approach, Felix?" he raises a brow at the bulky man, though the reprimand is softened by a small smirk.
"I apologize, Master." Felix replies, his words devoid of any truth.
Aro's gaze returns to the frail woman, scanning over her ragged attire, and toward her face. Even in sleep, she appears to be upset, her mouth drawn into a slight frown.
So very angry. He sighs inwardly, tearing his eyes away from her pallid face. Then, as though remembering himself, allows a smile to reoccupy his features.
"It would seem that our guest is without a room." he states, a bit louder than necessary. His guard suppresses their grimaces, silently hoping that they are not the ones chosen to find an unoccupied one.
A frustrated growl sounds from the opposite side of the room. Turning, Aro stares expectantly at the white-haired man known as Caius.
"You have an objection, brother?" he raises a dark brow in amusement.
Caius does not share his enthusiasm. "Aro, you forget that neither I nor Marcus has agreed to allow this," he pauses, glancing harshly at the unconscious woman. "Person, to stay."
As per usual, Marcus remains silent, preferring to stay on the side of neutrality.
"Then you are not curious of her abilities?" Aro rejoins, facing him fully now. "Dear Caius, we have discovered an entirely different species of immortal- does that not interest you whatsoever?"
"You speak of her as though she were an animal." Caius scoffs, leaning forward in his throne. "And if she should want to leave? What would happen then, brother?"
Having considered this during Caius's response, Aro simply shrugs.
"Then we shall let her," he answers calmly, unblinking.
In truth, however, he has no intention of doing so.
Yes, I did feel the need to end it there. I'm not entirely sure, but I am worried that Aro and Caius were a bit OOC in this one. What do you guys think?
Did you like it? Hate it? Please review, and thanks so much for reading!