I own nothing, aside from Violet. Nada, zip, zilch.
Hardly a sound echoed throughout the dimly lit room which, as I was told, served as Aro's private study. We remained seated upon the sofa, albeit slightly more comfortably now that I had accepted his invitation to stay. A somewhat unwise decision, I thought, for I had no idea as to what these immortals could and would do once my presence became known. However, a century of running had taken its toll, and I now told myself that this was my only alternate option. And, should the need to escape arise, I would find a way out. I always had.
Eyeing the glass of crimson liquid that had long since been drained, I found it difficult to refrain from asking for more. Clenching my fists, however, I fought the urge; perhaps it was because I did not wish to be rude…or that I wasn't completely sold on the Volturi's intentions.
Aro watched my inward battle with fascination, shaking his head in amusement.
"Such restraint." he said, his voice a soft murmur. "Though it isn't necessary. Violet, would you like a bit more?"
He gestured to the empty glass. I hesitated before answering. Would it be safe?
I'd be none the worse even if it were poisoned. I thought, realizing that it would have little to no effect on me, anyway.
"If it isn't any trouble." I half-sighed. He chuckled quietly, looking toward the door.
"Demetri." He spoke the guard's name as if he sat in the room with us, hardly above a murmur.
The door shifted minutely, the only indication of Demetri's entrance. Soon enough, however, he stood directly in front of Aro.
"Master?" he inquired smoothly, eyes flickering to me before settling on the one for whom the question had been intended. I looked to the opposite wall, shooting him a glare from the corner of my eye. Instead of the conversation I was expecting, low murmurs reached my ears. They were hardly distinguishable against the soft wind that caressed the building's exterior, and I felt worry seep further into my consciousness. Were they planning something against me?
Wouldn't they have done something already?
For once, my mind sought hope. I found it both pleasant and unsettling.
"Violet," Aro called softly, startling me from my thoughts. I turned, finding Demetri gone and his gaze on me. "Is there something bothering you?"
"No." I answered, perhaps a bit too quickly. Not fooled, Aro sighed. I half expected him to reach for my hand, seeking the truth, but he did not. Instead, a tense silence ensued. Aro's eyes- still locked on mine -never lost their intensity, and actually seemed to grow brighter as time passed.
Unable to take it any longer, I averted my own. Annoyed with my actions, I fought the urge to huff in frustration; how could a man so easily overpower me?
"You may tell me, you know." Aro said softly, encouragingly. I hesitated before raising my head, preparing myself for his unsettling crimson stare.
Preparation, however, was impossible; as soon as his features came into view, I wished I'd taken more time to respond. Disappointment shone in them, from the set of his mouth to the glint in his eyes. I frowned, unsure. Though accepting his kindness seemed so easy before, was he truly trustworthy?
Demetri swept in then, gently setting a crimson-filled glass on the table before us. Warm and intoxicating, the smallest whiff nearly sent me into a frenzy. My canines extended forcefully, cutting into the flesh of my lower lip. I tried to pay it little mind, clasping my hands tightly together in my lap.
Fascinated by the display, Demetri did not leave as swiftly as before. Instead, he watched my struggle with childlike eagerness. Venom, warm and numbing, pooled in my mouth, threatening to trickle down my chin. I grimaced, swallowing it back with difficulty. Transfixed, Demetri had yet to look away. I saw the faint movement of his lips, heard the low murmur of a sentence directed to the only other immortal in the room.
Eyes shooting to Aro, I noticed what appeared to be a slight annoyance with the statuesque guard's actions.
It became more obvious as he spoke, loud enough for me to hear. "Yes, Demetri, she does. Now, if you'll excuse us."
Demetri, catching the dismissal in his master's tone, tore his eyes from me. "Of course, Master." He nodded in respect to Aro, then flitted from the room. I fought the urge to sigh in relief at his absence.
Which, I supposed, was Aro's doing.
"Thank you." I whispered, gaze dropping to my lap. After the scrutiny I had just endured, my hands were a welcome sight. They also left me to my thoughts; something that Aro's stare surely would not.
Why had he done so much for me? Was it simply out of the kindness of his heart, or something else entirely?
I couldn't help but doubt the sincerity of his actions. The way I had been treated by his guards, as well as my kidnapping had not, by any means, been forgotten. And yet, he seemed to be trying to make up for those unfortunate incidents. It was all so confusing.
"You're welcome." Aro replied, every bit as softly. I fumbled with my fingers, unsure of what to do. Should I allow him access to my thoughts, as hostile as some of them were? Or would it be better to speak, to tell him my concerns as I saw fit?
After a moment's hesitation, I made my decision.
Exhaling heavily, I looked up. Aro watched, curious but silent.
"Since the ordeal with…him," I frowned, not daring to think the name. "I've found it very difficult to put my trust in others. To be honest, I'm still unsure of your intentions, mister Volturi." I used his last name now, for fear that using his first would indicate more trust than I had just admitted to having.
Aro frowned also, obviously not fond of this change. "I see. Violet," he emphasized my first name, crossing one leg over the other. "I truly don't wish to harm you, but to get to know you. I do not expect you to invest your full trust in me- though I hope that will change as time goes by."
Studying his handsome features, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more…something he wasn't ready to tell me.
"Is that all?" I asked, raising a brow. He seemed to realize that I had caught on, a smile tugging at his lips. Strangely enough, it did not seem malicious or smug, but genuinely amused.
"I suppose not. In fact, I was hoping you'd be interested in joining my guard. However, I will not press that just yet." He explained, probably hoping to ease my suspicions.
I nodded in understanding, not wanting to guess when 'yet' would come.
Soon after, Aro left in order to discuss my decision to stay with the other Volturi heads. I was immediately escorted from the room by another stunning immortal, who identified himself as Alec. I vaguely remembered seeing him beside my bed a few hours prior.
Despite my unease at him having seen me at my most vulnerable, I decided it would be best to keep a neutral façade. There would be little sense in attacking him without being provoked, especially with a number of invincible immortals in the same area.
Though he said little, his conduct spoke volumes. Head held high, eyes narrowed, and footsteps silent, he was the picture of discipline. And, clearly, he did not want to be around the likes of me. Only once had I been addressed in the ten minutes we had been together, and that was while Aro had been present. The remainder of that time, I'd spent glaring at the back of his adolescent head.
Perhaps he sensed it, for he spoke a few seconds later. "Aro has asked me to guard your room, once we reach it."
I gritted my teeth, barely restraining the urge to remove his head from his shoulders. Aside from this, I did not make any attempt to reply. We were walking at a human pace, something I doubted these immortals did often. Alec moved swiftly and quietly, each footstep hardly producing a sound. I kept up to the best of my ability, placing a few feet between us for safety. From here, I could steal glances at everything we passed; best to know my prison, anyway.
The corridor we currently traveled through was somewhat bright, mostly due to the presence of several very tall windows. Daylight streamed through them, appearing almost alien to the dungeon-like interior of this castle. I allowed myself one glance at the cerulean sky, which sat gingerly atop the worn roofs of the town's buildings. So beautiful. If only…
I winced as a ray of sunlight brushed my knuckles, leaving an angry, crimson mark in its wake.
See? My mind chuckled. With want, comes hurt. Nothing will change that for you.
"Everything all right?" Alec asked, glancing at me over his shoulder impatiently. Berating myself for producing a sound of weakness, I raised my head to meet his gaze.
My eyes widened at the sight before me.
Jewel-like and flawless, his skin glimmered under the sun's attention. It was as though tiny diamonds had been embedded into his skin, each one scattering prisms of light onto the far wall. I found it difficult not to stare.
Alec smirked. "It has that affect on…others." I got the distinct feeling he had been preparing to insult me, but swiftly changed his mind. For that, I gave no reply, merely raising a brow. He shrugged and continued on.
The remainder of our little journey was spent in silence. Our surroundings meant little. I had no right to want such a life, such luxury. Even now, I regretted my decision to accept the help of these…people. Everything comes at a price. Even Aro had confirmed this, mentioning his interest in me as one of his servants. I grimaced at the thought.
Needing to maintain some control, I made a decision. Even though I would stay here, I would look after myself. No favors, no supplies. My presence alone was enough of a debt to be in.
I had to steel myself. No more vulnerability.
"Here we are." Alec said disinterestedly, gesturing to a dark, intricately carved door to our left. It reminded me of the one I had seen earlier, though smaller. Producing an equally beautiful key from his right pocket, Alec unlocked it and stepped aside. The door creaked open of its own accord. I hesitantly stepped through, eyeing the young guard before turning my back to him.
The room was stunning, to say the least.
Dark, polished wooden floors, accented by artfully worn walls. A bed sat a little ways from me, against the left wall and outfitted in clean, off-white sheets. I hesitantly made my way to it, seating myself on the edge. The soft mattress nearly pushed me to sleep right then, but I resisted. Muted daylight brushed every surface, including the armchair next to a window across from me, and the vanity to my left. My hands were also subjected to a dull burn; not as severe as before, but not comfortable, either. They had begun to turn a slight pink, much like the rest of my exposed skin. Thankfully, a thicker curtain was available. I stood, walking brusquely toward it as the burn increased. It drew closed noisily, making me wonder if Alec had heard.
Of course he heard. I thought, returning to my bed. This time, I allowed myself to lie back, enjoying the plush surface. My burns had healed as quickly as they had come, I noticed, feeling the absence of pain.
I closed my eyes, indulging my tired mind. Perhaps, just once, I could allow myself to-
Voices outside my door caused me to sit bolt upright. I supposed that sleeping would have to wait.
"Is she in there?" a male voice asked. A pause, and then, "I wish to speak with her."
"And I, as well." a woman declared firmly. Her tone dared anyone to refuse. I stood, hastening to the side of the bed farthest from the door. It allowed some sort of barrier, and for that, I was grateful.
The door opened mere seconds later by Alec's hand. In stepped another of the immortals, though I knew immediately that this one was different. He carried a certain air about him, cool and calculating. The dark, rich robe he wore also indicated someone of higher standing. It clashed perfectly with his snowy hair, which brushed his shoulders. He raised a meticulous eyebrow at my rigid stance, just as a small, delicate set of fingers wrapped around his forearm.
As I soon discovered, they were attached to an equally feminine body. The woman looked to be around his age, if a bit younger. She smiled charmingly at me, causing my facial expression to momentarily soften. I hadn't expected that.
Steeling myself once more, I had to remember that this could still be a trap.
"Aro has informed me of your decision to stay." the white-haired man began, crossing his arms over his chest. I nodded once. "He has also informed me that you do not trust us."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that. He obviously noticed this, but said nothing.
"…Not entirely." I finally responded, giving him the truth. If I were to stay here, I was not about to get caught in a pointless lie. He sighed, leaning closer to the woman at his side and whispering something softly to her. She laughed quietly, but made no comment. I narrowed my eyes at the exchange.
The white-haired man did not miss it. "You would do well not to act so suspicious."
His tone was berating, spiteful. I gritted my teeth.
"Now," he continued, stepping forward. I stiffened. "I understand that Aro can be rather…ambitious, at times. He truly wants you here- you can be sure of that."
And yet, there was always a downside.
"However, I know better." the man smirked. It was arrogant, intimidating, and quite possibly, a rare sight. I fought a grimace. "Violet, you have exactly one hour to make a decision; trust us, or do not. I will not have rogue elements in this coven."
I was seething. Quietly, I hissed, "How am I to trust you if I do not know your name?"
The white-haired man scowled, crossing the room in a few strides. He gripped my arms painfully; I fought a wince.
"You will address me with respect."
Huffing, I worked up the courage to respond. "I believe that requires a name and position, sir."
He closed his eyes in frustration, the grip on my arms tightening. I had to breathe deeply in order to bear the pain.
"Caius Volturi." the white-haired man finally said, crimson irises boring into my own. "I am the leader of this coven."
Preparing myself for a fracture, I whispered, "I was told that Aro was the leader of this coven."
"There. Are. Three." Caius fumed, releasing me abruptly. I stumbled back, taking in this new information. Had Aro lied to me? Then again, I had never thought to ask if he was the only leader of the coven.
If this is what you plan to base your trust on, you are severely damaged. My mind remarked.
"Three what?" An airy voice sliced through the tension. I peered over Caius's black-clad shoulder to find Aro, leaning against the doorframe with a mask of amusement planted firmly on his features. For a brief moment, I felt a surge of relief.
Snap out of it! I hissed inwardly, stiffening. Aro watched openly, a ghost of a frown tugging at his lips before he grinned.
"I trust that you are treating Miss Violet well, dear brother?" he raised a brow at Caius, almost in challenge. It was obvious that this was something of a routine for them, as the latter huffed in annoyance.
"Of course, Aro." Caius said mockingly, glaring daggers at me. I returned the favor with ease.
Aro clasped his hands in front of him. "I do love it when everyone is able to get along." he sighed, sarcasm dripping from his overly cheerful remark. A chuckle nearly found its way from my lips, but I bit my tongue. The woman next to Caius, however, had no problem with giggling quietly.
"So do I." Caius agreed venomously. "Which is precisely why I cannot allow this-" he eyed me critically. "Thing to stay."
"You speak of her as though she were an animal." Aro smirked, and I could tell from Caius's low growl that the statement had some deeper meaning. "Now, if that is all, are you finished here?"
"Quite." Caius replied shortly, stepping away from me. Then, as an afterthought, grumbled to my stiff form, "One hour."
I made no move to reply as he swept toward the door, hardly pausing to grasp the unnamed woman's hand in his own. She rolled her eyes at his antics, winking at Aro teasingly. He returned it with ease, and then they were gone. Unthinkingly, I allowed myself a small sigh of relief. It was only when Aro's smile grew that I realized my mistake.
Idiot. My mind criticized. I swallowed hard, hoping undeservedly that no consequences would occur due to my display of weakness. So much for invulnerability.
"Such a pleasant fellow, isn't he?" Aro asked, slowly approaching where I stood. My eyebrows raised a fraction in surprise.
"Very." I remarked dryly, flinching as his fingers brushed my cheek. He tutted in faint annoyance.
"No need to worry, dearest. I simply wished to make sure that you were alright." he explained, gently turning my head from left to right. I tried to ignore the combination of anger and, irritatingly as it was, gratefulness at his actions, focusing on the pendant that hung from his neck to distract myself. Beautifully crafted, it gleamed under the scrutiny of a few stray rays of sunlight. Something about it reminded me of…
"No damage done, as it would seem." Aro murmured, releasing me. I raised a brow, thanking anyone who may be listening that my heart could no longer beat. Honestly, what had gotten into me?
"Fantastic." I muttered, looking to the floor. To this day, I cannot be sure if the word was directed at his statement, or my thoughts.
Sighing softly, I thought I heard him mutter something under his breath. Unfortunately, I could not quite catch the words. Tilting my head slightly in curiosity, I made no further move to investigate. I shouldn't care so much.
I did care, however, about the new inhabitant in the room. Their scent wafted under my nose almost precisely when my head snapped upward. Aro had turned to face the woman, an amused smirk playing on his lips.
"Did you forget something, Athena?" he asked. The woman who had accompanied Caius smiled brightly in return, practically floating into the room. Graceful and delicate, I wondered briefly if everyone within the castle had been privately trained in the art of elegance. However, such a thought was far too dim-witted to be given further attention.
"You insult me, Aro." she reprimanded, a sarcastic hand placed over her heart. "But, as it seems, I did neglect to introduce myself to our newest addition earlier." Her crimson eyes flitted from him to me. I clenched my jaw tightly, prepared for anything.
"I'm Athenadora, Caius's wife." she offered her hand. I unfurled one of my fists, grasping it gently. Aro watched intently from beside me, but made no comment.
"I'm Violet." I said, discomfort evident in my tone. Why was she doing this?
"Your accent," her brows furrowed in thought. "Are you from France?"
"Yes." I replied, frowning. She giggled.
"Not to worry, dear. I was just curious."
I fought the urge to raise a brow, practically feeling Aro's enjoyment at my awkward conversation skills. Athenadora, to confirm my suspicions, shot him a look.
"I believe Aro has become too comfortable watching you squirm." she remarked, almost suspiciously. Turning back to me, she smiled. "Would you like to take a walk with me, instead?"
The thought of being alone with this woman did not instill much fear. I was almost positive I could escape her, if need be. Yet, for some unknown reason, I got the distinct feeling that I would not need to.
Looking to Are, he seemed to read the question in my eyes. "It is alright, Violet. You may." There was a hesitance in his words that I could not quite explain. I held his gaze for a moment longer, unable to decipher the emotion behind those crimson orbs.
Then he blinked, and it was gone.
"Excellent." Athenadora grinned, looping her arm through mine before I could protest. Sparing one last look at the eccentric Volturi leader, I allowed her to guide me from the room. Beams of sunlight smiled cruelly from the windows along the corridor, brushing any available skin on my person. I clenched my jaw in pain, focusing instead on the petite arm guiding me along. Like Alec's, Athenadora's skin responded beautifully and painlessly to the sun's attentions. Glancing at my face, its owner frowned.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, concerned. I was taken aback by her worry for the condition of a complete stranger, my hardened expression faltering. Surely, no one would care about my state; I was a pawn, trapped in a game which I had no desire to play.
Wasn't I?
"No, madam." I recovered quickly from my stupor. My lie was exposed swiftly as a searing ray of sun slid across my shin. Unthinklingly, I winced, an angry red mark forming on the limb. Athenadora gasped.
"Oh, my," she murmured, flitting us toward the opposite side of the corridor. It was cloaked in shade, for which I was grateful. I nodded my thanks, hesitant to voice it.
"I see the legends are true for your kind." she frowned, examining the reddened flesh as it quickly healed itself. I made no comment, but watched her with barely concealed suspicion. However, instead of clawing at the limb with expertly manicured nails, she rose, shrugging.
"I suppose a walk in the garden is out of the question, then?" she chuckled, looping her arm through mine once more. A startled smile threatened to emerge on my lips.
And without further delay, we continued on. The little episode was not mentioned further as we perused the castle (from the shaded side of each hallway, of course), and before long, I found myself enjoying the scenery. Athenadora was very amusing throughout our walk, pausing before each room to tell me who it belonged to, as well as something interesting that had happened within. By the time night rolled around, I knew precisely where Demetri had lost his hand in a fight with Jane, where Caius kept his extensive collection of anti-werewolf paraphanelia, and where Aro liked to spend time by himself on days when no visitors were expected. I found myself especially interested in tidbits of information dealing with him, though I blamed this on the fact that a majority of my conversations had been with him thus far. If Athena noticed, she spoke nothing of it.
An hour into these explorations, Caius had found us.
"Miss Violet, there you are." he had practically hissed, just as Athena and I had begun to turn a corner. And then he was before us, crimson eyes boring into my own. It was unsettling, his demeanor; I felt as a mouse does under the scrutiny of a cat.
"Miseur?" I addressed him, raising a brow. He narrowed his eyes in response.
"I assume you've had enough time to consider your options?" it was more of a statement than a question. I nodded, because in truth, the decision had been made even before he had given it to me.
"Yes, I have."
He sighed. "Well, out with it."
Raising my chin defiantly, I replied, "I choose to stay, and to trust you."
There was little truth in the latter part of the answer, but I ignored it in favor of challenging the arrogant leader. He noticed, a low growl just barely reaching my ears.
"Very well then." he snapped, sweeping away. Then, over his shoulder, he added, "Athena, it would do you well not to waste your time with that."
She rolled her eyes. "Pleasant, is he not?"
I hesitantly nodded in agreement.
Before long, the sky grew dark. Athenadora saw this time as a way of getting me outside and into the garden. I had resisted slightly, but relented only when her face fell into one of the most pitiful expressions anyone had ever laid eyes on. I cursed her silently for being able to manipulate me so easily, vowing not to fall for such tricks again.
However, the garden was a sight to behold.
The trees bent their limbs to perfectly shroud the long, narrow pathway leading to the main area. I fought the urge to run my fingers along their rugged trunks when we passed, attempting to retain at least some of my cool, indifferent attitude.
"Are you coming?" Athenadora giggled, already standing in the center of the garden. I raised a brow, nodding, before swiftly moving to where she stood. "What do you think?"
I stood beside her, gaping at the beauty of it all. Stars twinkled from between the interlocking tree branches, casting an ethereal glow upon the flowers below. There were so many of those- rose bushes, tulips, carnations, sunflowers…they all lived among each other, defying laws of nature with their grace. I wondered briefly who had pieced this structure together. Time and patience were obviously needed for such a creation.
"It's wonderful." I blurted out, before realizing my mistake. Was it so difficult to detach myself from the world? I didn't recall it ever being so tedious.
"Thank you." Athenadora did not notice my inner battle, but ducked her head gratefully. "I did it myself."
Restraining the urge to further compliment her, I could not keep my eyes from widening. Of course, she had to notice that.
"Do not look so surprised- I can be very crafty…when I choose to be." she chuckled, plopping down on the dirt path. I raised a brow. Shouldn't she be worried about the state of her dress?
She merely returned the look. "Being proper gets boring after a few centuries. Lighten up a bit, would you?"
I flinched from the chastisement, but seated myself regardless. She laughed at my expression.
"A little tense, are we?"
I shrugged. Nothing I didn't deserve.
"What is bothering you, Miss Violet?" she softened, attempting to meet my eyes.
"Nothing." I answered, albeit more harshly than intended. She studied me for a moment, before going silent. I looked to my right, spotting the glimmer of water around one of the paths leading from the garden.
Water, icy and unforgiving, filling my nose. Arms, thrashing wildly, seeking air but finding none. A scream, muffled by the water. And then the blackness- sweet, warm blackness. Worry-free. Safe.
VIOLET!
I jumped from my reverie to reality, finding Athenadora's hand on my shoulder.
"Violet?" she murmured quietly, concern evident in her tone. I blinked hard before pushing myself from the ground.
"I..I must go, Miss Athenadora. Thank you for showing me around." I attempted to smile gratefully before hurrying inside the castle once more.
"You're welcome!" she shouted in confusion behind me. I sucked in a breath, steeling myself, before visualizing my room to the best of my ability. Thankfully, it was enough to send the corridor around me into a flurry of colors and sounds. I stumbled as the noises faded and the room stopped spinning, leaving me in front of the bed I so longed to see. Perhaps, if I closed my eyes and slept, everything would return to normal in the morning.
As I discarded my shoes and crawled beneath the covers, tears gathered in my eyes. What if nothing changed, and I still found myself at the mercy of the Volturi?
Of course you will. My mind mocked me. You deserve exactly that.
I bit my fist to keep from sobbing. It would be horrible to show any more weakness.
And yet, I still cried myself to sleep.
Alrighty, it's been ridiculous how busy I've been. I want to thank all of you for sticking by me, and this story. To those who reviewed: Supernatural freak 36, Savysnape7, KaylahDemi, Trying to Put Pen to Paper, Kassandra203, Goddess of the Undead, and Foxotr, thank you so very much. Reviews always make my day. To any newcomers, welcome!
By the way, I'm looking for a cover art to go with this story- is anyone willing to make me one? It can include anything dealing with this story. I would really appreciate it.
Would you be so kind as to leave a review? It means a lot! Thanks for reading!