The Rights of these charcters belong to Steph Myers, and I am not her
It was now June, Ethan and Heather were officially a couple, making me thrilled, being sarcastic there. The only thing, I was truly happy about was the school year ending, so I wouldn't have to see the two holding hands every single day. I was actually looking forward to going to Alaska, even if it meant being around Eleazar's constant nervousness. I originally planned not to go, but the Delni's were insisting on it, almost saying I had no choice but to go. Yet, they understood Rosalie and Emmett being unable to attend perfectly, giving them no trouble.
Alice had more questions about the French coven, so I agreed to read the letter I got from Corin when I was driving with her and Jasper. Then halfway through, I was to switch cars and help Carlisle understand what Hecate and Aysun was saying, and the traditions she was referring too, as well as making sure he didn't do anything to insult her. So driving up there myself.
I got one last email from the Volturi. It was from Chelsea, after a slide show of her in different colorful dresses, along with her and Afton in different parts of Africa played with music to match showing their many new friends including their two tour guides. It was rather strange to see Chelsea and Afton riding on the back of an elephant, or setting together with lions surrounding them. They also had pictures of them with various tribes smiling with some of the children. Finally, I got a copy of their travel log and an email on what happened when they came back.
Dear Felix,
Even those you left the Volturi, I didn't want you to feel left out on not getting the pictures of Afton and I trip to Africa. We had a great time, I never thought leaving Volterra would be so fun, and how facing danger for the fun of it could be so rewarding.We found a number of nomads and strange vampires that treated us with such kindness, as if we were no threat at all, I was surprise how many friends we made without my influence. Afton and I did everything from dancing, to hunting, to exploring, going on safari, mission work, not to mention the numerous romantic moments we shared with one another. I think I will always were that necklace Afton got me when we visited that village in Kenya, and the bracelet in Nigeria, and the hair piece in Ethiopia.
Anyway, we came back to the tower, I was wearing a bright orange dress I got in Togo, with my hair in beaded braids, with my Uganda earrings, wearing a large hat to cover my skin and sunglasses when I walked in the door and yelled. "We're back!"
The tower was completely empty. No one was there; I went to give my sisters their gifts, only to see their rooms have been cleared. It was so strange, to see the tower completely empty. I couldn't help but wonder what happened while we were gone. I knew that Randall was up to something when he came. Anyway, Afton and I took it as a chance to unpack and put the pictures of our trip on display.
We really didn't mind being alone in the tower, I think coming back from this trip had made Afton and I stronger, we were like a normal couple, just deeply and unconditionally in love with one another.We weren't scared that no one was in the tower, the old erotic passionate flame we had seemed to return to us once again. I trusted Afton truly meant it when he said I am the most beautiful women his eyes have ever seen, and will ever see. I knew he just wasn't saying that because he has and always will be the most handsome man that ever had or will come into existence.
It was about an hour or so we spent to ourselves when we heard a slam along with the smell of a bunch of floral vampires….our honeymoon had official ended.
"Can't you get it straight; I don't want anything to do with you!" We heard a loud hiss echo through the tower. I walked down to see Alec, along with Santiago and Demetri coming in, with Marcus and Aro behind them.
"What happened?" I asked shocked to see Alec in pain, not physical pain, but emotional pain that seemed to rip in and strike every part of him, it seemed his own soul had been evaporated from his eyes. He was in more pain then my father when that anonymous bastard took Didyme's life.
"Alec," Aro came up confused reaching out to his shoulder. Alec backed away, quickly. Afton and I couldn't help but follow Alec and Aro as he went to his floor along with Marcus, Afton and I. We greeted Marcus happily, but we didn't want to miss out on what was going to happened. Marcus insisted on going up with Alec and Aro, being ready to face one another. Alec had this fury around him, his entire body howled his anger. Alec was completely silent when he returned to his room, but his body language was thunderous echoes shouting towards Aro as he went and packed.
"Where are you going?"Aro stuttered unsure how to approach Alec. "You're home now."
"I am not home," Alec spoke in harsh grumbles, the overall tone of his voice was deeper. "After what I had been through, after all that has happened, this place, these walls can never be my home again, it's just been the bloody place where I had been forced to live because I was fooled into thinking one bit made me your slave. I don't think that anymore."
"Chelsea?" Aro finally acknowledge me.
"Yes?" I asked as his pupils went between Alec and me.
"Let me help him," Marcus whispered to me, as I nodded towards Alec. I quickly lost concentration, listening to Marcus.
"I'm moving to Marcus's floor." Alec said instantly, whatever pain he was in, I was sure Marcus will put him back into respecting Aro again. He was emotionally drowned away from Aro, Marcus being Aro's brother would put him in the right set of thinking.
"Why?" Aro asked concerned as he came up to Alec and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Stay away from me," Alec demanded in an offensive manner. "What happened while I was gone is what happened to me, and I will share those experiences with whoever I please. Just because you happened to sink your teeth into me doesn't give you authority over my life, because it's mine, not yours, you made of saved it but you don't live it, you don't own it, I do. Marcus, you have a room?"
"I have two rooms free now." Marcus answered; I couldn't help but notice him smiling. He seemed to be enjoying this scene.
"Good," Alec exclaimed as he instantly grabbed his stuff and through it in the middle of the room. Something happened to him, he didn't seem like an adolescent so much. It was clear Alec had changed, which is rare, but still happens to our kind. Afton and I had changed too, because of our experiences in Africa.
That's how change comes I guess, the non-physical kind. It is not the natural course of life but through our experiences and what we collect from them. Alec seemed older, and more independent, he also seemed tired, but stronger. Like someone who has been set free and being forced to live in a cage again. I could build loyalty to Aro, but whatever experience and knowledge given to him could not be taken away or kept out of his mind. I am unsure how to tell Aro that Alec will never truly be committed to serving the Volturi again.
"Alec, just let me?" Aro came up to him concerned.
"Yes, let him see everything you saw." Marcus suggested with a wider grin.
"No, stay away from me, like I said whatever happened to me is privet, and certainly none of your business." Alec ordered to Aro. I never in a million years thought he would be so harsh to Aro. Yet, he was, he seemed to be much more independent as he packed his things.
Alec quickly grabbed everything and moved down as we heard Demetri and Sandargo come in through the main hall.
"Demetri, what happened?" Aro asked as Demetri walked right pass him to the throne room where Caius sat with Athenodora standing at his side visiting with Heidi.
"What's wrong?" Athenodora asked as Sandargo stopped to greet them, while Demetri stormed right past them. Sandargo let Aro touch his palm, Aro seemed relived in how the trip ended.
"Demetri what happened?" Aro asked as Demetri walked right past him without even looking, straight to Aro's office.
"I order you to tell me what you know, what happened to Alec?" Aro demanded as Demetri opened Aro's office drawer and pulled out letters. He pulled out dozens, some to Afton and I, some to Heidi, some to Athenodora, some to…Alec, from Jane and Sulipica who he was suppose to be with for the past couple months.
The minute Alec came in, Demetri started to sort them. Heidi without a word picked up one of hers and read it. "Oh, my, I can't believe it." Heidi said stunned.
"What?" Demetri asked speaking for the first time.
"Jane, found a mate before I did, she's like fourteen!" Heidi exclaimed.
"You will be surprised how appealing we can be to those around our age," Alec hissed.
"Yes, she can't have a mate before me."Heidi answered opening another letter offended. "And now she wants my advice."
"I'm surprise she's asking you, considering that fact." Alec said coolly. "You never having a mate that's lasted more than one night that is…"
"You'll be surprise how many men come to me…." Heidi went on as Alec rolled his eyes.
"And normally leave because most don't want to spend immortality with the most self-absorb person." Alec responded.
"Well, I never." Heidi started.
"Why is Jane apologizing to me?" Alec asked cutting Heidi off.
"Well…..I had to tell her something," Aro started.
"And as usual, the truth is out of the question." Alec said grabbing his letters and leaving.
"Aro," Athenodora looked over reading her letters. "You know Sulipica told me if anything harmful happens to Alec, be sure to tell her."
"You will keep your mouth shut," Aro said instantly.
"Don't raise your voice at her," Caius said coming in.
"Caius, stay out of this," Aro said frustrated.
"Well, when I hear you ask my wife to do the impossible for her…" Caius pointed out.
"I have Alec, he is back, safe and sound, now I can work on getting Sulipica back here." Aro sighed, looking towards Athenodora who had a blank expression.
"Alright, whatever you have to say to her, say it kindly." Caius said looking towards Athenodora.
"Aro, would you call Alec's condition fine?" Athenodora lashed out. "I'm not stupid, Aro, he's far from fine. Sulipica has every right to know."
"But wouldn't it just ruin things?" Marcus asked slyly.
"Don't tell them," Alec said interrupting. "I don't want Jane to know, this shouldn't ruin her happiness."
"Alright," Athenodora nodded. "But Aro, when Sulipica does return, and she asked why, I will tell her. She has been my friend for a very long time, and like all my friends, I know how to treat them, unlike some of us."
"Athenodora," Heidi stopped her creator on her way out.
"Yes, Heidi," Athenodora sighed.
"Do you really think I'm self-absorb?" Heidi asked as Athenodora rolled her eyes and left. I quickly went back to work, making sure Athenodora would cover for Aro, Demetri was willing to talk to members of the coven, well to Caius's family at least, and Alec didn't run out of the house. I couldn't find out where Corin or Renata went, Marcus said he will tell me after I got things sorted out. After I went to each floor securing the members, Aro called me in.
"I see your trip was successful," Aro smiled. "You found some new members?"
"New members?" I asked, did he not get it was a vacation, or a honeymoon would be a better word.
"Yes," Aro answered. "I could tell from your letters you found vampires that could be very useful here."
"What are you saying?" I asked.
"Some of the vampires you met, Rose, for example…." Aro started.
"NO! Busara would feel so betrayed considering she trusted me." I explained ending those thoughts instantly.
"Well, if she is here as well…."Aro started.
"Endesha will that hate idea," I said instantly.
"Yes, he has trouble accepting strangers enough, and he doesn't like cities, plus he can be very territorial." Afton added.
"I'm not asking you to do this, I am ordering you." Aro pointed out as we looked at each other and looked back towards him.
"Well, we aren't betraying our friends." I said strongly as Afton put his arm around me.
"I didn't ask you," Aro reminded.
"But this is a matter of loyalty," I explained. "I am not going to force my friends to do anything against their will, the answer is no."
"You're saying no to me…" Aro said as I nodded.
"I am sure, the conditions the Volturi have taken in Chelsea's abstained, and you should consider her request." Afton reminded.
"Chelsea, I am glad you two had a good time in Africa, but you need to remember you work for me." Aro stated. "I was able to get a glimpse of what happened with Alec." Aro sighed relived. "He is in pain, the only way he can find comfort if you keep him loyal to us."
I tapped my fingers to my table and looked towards him. "Find, I will do what is necessary, to make sure Alec has his priorities straight." I said nodding. "But I am not going to betray the new friends we have made."
"What are going to do?" Afton asked as he came up and gave me a peck on the cheek.
"I don't know," I answered as I let out a sigh, I never felt so unappreciated until I went upstairs.
Then I saw Eleazar's letter, which I am sure you already know. I found out the rumors were true, Marcus showed it to me, and now I am glad my sisters are gone. Yet, we can't leave, I was disgusted for trusting Aro, when he was the reason I feared the vampire world. Words can't even describe the sickness I feel right now, the way Aro used me. The way he lied, and used you, after he betrayed us. I want to go down and rip his head off.
Alec understands, he is pretty much in the same boat as my father, I don't know what happened, he told Marcus but that was about it. Marcus said he knows the pain Alec feels, and out of respect he won't tell Aro. I'm not going to let him take advantage of Alec's pain the way he took advantage of my pain, Marcus's pain, Eleazar's pain and your lack of memory anymore. I am going to see exactly how loyal the Volturi is as a coven by letting a few things go.'
Anyway, I understand why you left, and I hope now that you know the truth, you can look pass this and move on living a truthful immortal life.
Give good wishes to my brother, and his current coven, take time to know them, and just be happy.
Again, I am sorry,
Chelsea
Alright, well the pictures make Chelsea and Afton look like a fun couple, and it seemed Chelsea has adopted a new wardrobe allowing her to loosen up some. Yet, the ending still proves that Marcus's daughters were still weird. I couldn't help but wonder what happened to Alec. He seemed happy when he called back in April. Yet, I didn't care about his problems anymore, considering Heather is still with a man who is also cheating on her, and using drugs behind her back. Or the fact I am still just a friend. Their problems just didn't faze me, they were not my coven.
"They have tickets on the 19th," Emmett said at a laptop looking up Mariners tickets.
"That's a full moon," Rosalie sighed as she marked the phases of the moon on a calendar based on the website given to them, planning the one month visit of her brothers, as well as making a list of other needs they might have, I suggested air fresheners to dilute the scent, but they said that might offend them. I thought it was strange, they were Rosalie's human family yet she seemed paranoid on not offending them. They did have a lot to do, they had meetings with the adoption lawyers, Cassie had an appointment to find the gender of their new baby, and not to mention the overall preparation for parenthood. As well as preparing the house for her long lost brothers, their wives, and the chaperones they must have for being illegal. I saw Rosalie reading a copy of Jane's last letter, with the highlighted parts of Mormo's and Hector's stories about human children being raised by vampires. That was the chaperons they wanted, but I warned them it was Hecate' s decision on who to send.
I walked past them with my suitcases, out to Alice and Jasper whose car I was riding in first. I saw Alice smile, as she went through the mail.
"Got a letter for me?" I asked.
"Yes, I do," Alice responded as I loaded the trunks in the car. "Felix, you got a letter from France. It is from a P.O. Box in Auvergne."
"It is the same letter, were I got one from Peter and Charlotte." Jasper explained as Alice took out that rusty old locket again.
"And it has a post stamp matching my locket," Alice sighed. "Anyway, Felix here is your letter. It's from Corin. You can read it in the car with us."
"Alright," I shrugged, ever since Rosalie read my letter out loud accusing me of spying only to find her natural brothers, the Cullen family had taken an interest in the many vampires connected with my old coven. First was Rosalie and Emmett wanted to know every single detail about the Greek coven relations to the Volturi, now Alice and Jasper, Alice particularly developed a keen interest in the French coven. So I had no problem riding with them, for the first part of the trip.
~X~
"So, even those Athena created Horus, he was considered the leader?" Alice asked confused.
"Yes," I answered. "She had her eyes taken out by the Romanians, and couldn't go anywhere, he basically just got her a human once and awhile and did his own thing."
"What did he do?" Alice asked.
"He went to universities, had a healthy curiosity for science, the arts, and philosophy. They have a great library with collection with books in just about every language." I explained. "They even have the journals of the 'gods and goddesses' of various mythologies."
"How did he …go about choosing humans?"Alice asked looking at the old rusty locket.
"As much as Aro despised Horus, they had a lot in common; both would seek humans with promise to change them. Except he had some requirements." I explained.
"Like…..?" Alice asked.
"They had to show signs of gifted, be of some use to him." I explained as Alice nodded. "He would also look at their character, someone he could live with and felt deserving. Becoming a vampire also had to be their best option."
"Dying…" Jasper trailed off, I was surprised to find his interest.
"In one case, but he would look at humans with no future, like the desperately impoverished, or the unfairly imprisoned." I explained.
"I see," Alice smiled looking at the record. "What else?"
"They had to be worthy of immortality," I answered. "He would watch their personality, and made sure they were good hearted someone who deserve to live forever, someone he could stand."
"I suppose that's a good thing, and they had to show a promise for talent." Alice asked again as I nodded. "Yes, that was a main reason they caught his interest."
"Well, Peter and Charlotte seemed to like it there," Jasper said looking at his letter. "Felix, read yours."
"Sure," I said opening my letter from Corin.
"Dear Felix, I wrote using the Cullens address, hoping that they mail it to Eleazar's new coven, assuming that is where you are now."
"Why would you be with them?" Jasper interrupted.
"I don't know Corin has always been weird." I answered, not near as strange as Eleazar, but still odd.
I am in France now, considering recent discoveries; I can no longer serve the Volturi. I am sure you feel the same way; it's such a shame that we wasted so many centuries of serving under a lie. I will hate Aro for that, and I am sure you probably feel just as ashamed for what he did to you as I do for what he did to us.
Anyway, now we can move on living in the truth. Right now, I took a job helping Carrie translate one of Horus's journals. I feel a bit bad, that I postpone the reunion with her sister. She, being in a good heart told me not to. The fact that I felt trapped there needed to be handed first, because no one should feel trapped or be held anywhere against their will.
I think the coven in Auvergne is much better than the Volturi. It is a place that Vampires want to go, the Irish coven are actually staying as guest here. Well, just Siobhan and Liam, Maggie apparently went to see this vampire matchmaker. I see all kinds of vampires coming and going, they host many nomads, and many Children of the Moon take shelter with them. I still feel strange around these creatures, but as I get to know them I am slowly over coming my prejudices. They are just looking for a safe place to stay, and they are trying not to harm anyone. Shape-shifters are welcome too, I feel a little uncomfortable with them, but I just remind myself they are here to make peace with us just as the Children of the Moon and other vampires.
They also have a library, a large one too with collections of journals from vampires long ago and vampires today. They have books in every written language. I think Horus was involved in the black market because he also built quit a collection of lost artifacts and antiques from history, as well as historical paintings and such. It's going to be open for vampires to come and study.
I agreed to help, someone else also volunteered to assist them as well. He is this Chinese vampire named Chongde, who took a job as a professor at a human university not far from them. He is helping me organize the library and collection. He is here mainly to help Monique understand animal drinkers. He believe with the evidence of the two covens in north America, the one in Australia and the other in New Zealand, along with the nomads, and older animal drinking covens it makes the count large enough for Animal Drinkers be considered part of the vampire population, and there is no reason that the views shouldn't be denied. He was shocked when he heard the Volturi singled out the Cullens to be question for their lifestyle, when he knows some that have been living it much longer. He pointed out that Animal Drinkers are unique vampires and will most likely continue to grow. Monique agreed with him, and she is going to let Chongde do a study to compare animal drinkers wants and needs. After he pointed out some covens find more seclusion from humans, other to have more interactions.
She is also going to represent nomads too, especially the ones from North America, who have different views of ancient coven. It all started when Aldric, Genève and Louis came back with another coven that was traveling with them. The leader, Peter explained the situation to Monique and she calmly worked out a compromised, with him and his mate Charlotte offering an invention to join their coven in the process. Monique also gave them a lecture about caring for the newborn, Brian. She told them how to they have to earn his loyalty, and trust. She explained the ancients did not believe that a vampire was to have automatic respect for their creator, and from what they informed her they shouldn't have that mind set either. She informed them they have to prove to Brian he should respect their authority and that is done during a vampires newborn year. The couple agreed to let Monique mentor them, only under the condition that they still have their independence and made no decisions concerning Brian's well being. She agreed to that, but winked at Aldric.
It was later; Monique had a meeting with the coven concerning the new coven members. I was allowed to attended considering I am part of them, now. Apparently they did what they were sent to do, Aldric manipulated the girl they were watching, but was unsure how long it will last because it's harder for him to change the stronger ones. Genève gave Edward Monique's message and Louis said he read Alice's creator and confirmed that the girl Horus tried to save from the singer did survive.. He also confirmed you, which you most likely already know about. Monique smiled, saying that Louis found the evidence needed to connect Aro to Didyme's death.
They also got in trouble; Monique called them out on their behavior. She goes "So, how do you greet your long lost sister, insult her husband? You were in North America, I expect my coven to respect all vampires, no matter what, these nomads are mainly made of survivors from the Southern Wars, and still have a entitlement to their own opinion. We have to respect them as part of the population. We don't want vampires disliking us, epically at a time like this. Now, you are to treat Peter and Charlotte with respect in hopes they stay here, with your influence Aldric, they just might. They will have to, because they have your future sister's mate, who has a gift we can use. I also like their minds, and their experience will be good for this coven. Carrie, will fix the problem with your animal-drinking sister."
"We have no problem doing that," Carrie smiled holding Balstain's hand.
"How do we know which nomad didn't kill Horus?" Aldric asked defensive.
"Because James, that was the nomad's name. is already dead," Monique spat out flatly. "Edward told me when he read my mind last winter," Monique went on. "Now, I highly suggested you find a room for our new members and make them feel welcome so we may get their ideas and perspective. Carrie, Balstain, we must talk and prepare for another trip."
"I think that will be wise," Carrie answered with a nod.
"Louis, did Horus?" Monique asked.
"Yes, Alice may be the last memory he ever erased." Louis explained sadly putting his arm around my shoulder. He then escorted me out in a gentleman manner and told me about everything that has happened. He was overjoyed that I had come here. He thought I came to live here for him, but the true reason didn't matter to him. After I told him, I couldn't help but let out heartache at his smile when he said: 'I am just glad you came here to stay.'
It seems so strange, I known him for almost two centuries, and we always enjoyed each other but never give each other more than a second thought of being something more. I had always been running around looking for someone to be my mate, and Louis has been my friend when it mattered, even in the darkest of times he has been there for me. It seemed these past century and a half after his creation have been a waist for me. When I knew he would be waiting for me. It was at that moment, that it all sparked, he was no longer just another friend that visited the Volturi. I saw my future in face and my life in the bliss of his eyes. It was the first time I saw him and I mean I truly saw him. I had his heart, and he never asked for mine in returned. I wanted to it give to him now; he saw beyond my appearance and truly knew my soul. Louis is my future and this coven is where I belong. So I am here for good, because I can't be anywhere else.
Now, I am going to tell you why I am writing this letter, I can't began to imagine the confusion you feel. Your whole immortal existence has been based on a lie. I don't know why Eleazar kept it for so long, but I am sure he had his reasons. I don't know what they are, but you probably want to understand them. You have every right to be angry with Eleazar, just as we all have a right to be furious with Aro. But, you still are who you are, and your identity doesn't change. This doesn't have to change the relationships you had formed over the years (well, except Aro). So don't let this doubt the importance of your existence.. You are still Felix, the strongest, toughest vampire created.
Keep in mind, when we came and found Didyme's ashes, we were all in shock, none of us were thinking straight. When one is such sorrow they aren't thinking clearly making them vulnerable. So please forgive Eleazar, I know it won't be easy, but still you're alive, and you are now around to see your mate. So just accept what happened, and forgive Eleazar. I would give anything to know Didyme better; you have that chance to with Eleazar. So please look past this and forgive him. At least you don't have to live in lies anymore. Now, you can only continue in the truth which is an opportunity that you should take.
Love,
Corin
"Alright, tell me about this Horus," Alice demanded instantly as I ended the letter.
"What do you want to know?" I asked folding the letter up.
"What about his story? How did he become a vampire? How did he end up in Mississippi? Tell me about the other vampires he changed, about his coven, his personality, etc…" Alice said giving me an anxious glare.
"Well, during the time of the Romanians, they were rather….sloppy when it came to executions," I started unsure how to describe it based on the rare accounts I have received.
"What were their rules, most of the Volturi is about not reveling themselves, what was their reason for the excitations?" Jasper asked curiously.
"When a coven was too powerful, having too much of an influence on humans." I answered simply. "That's when the Romanians found a reason and step in to slaughter them. They saw it as a threat to their power, and the lives of both humans and other vampires trying to be peaceful." I explained. "That was the reasons the Romanians took out Mount Olympus."
"Some of them escaped, right?" Jasper looked back with intense interest. "Charamos was even created by Posidon."
"Yes, one of the vampires, Athena, who the humans considered a high goddess, was able to escape with the help of her mate." I answered.
"Wasn't she?" Alice looked back.
"She just didn't have a mate for a long period of time, and the humans made assumptions." I explained. "And with the fear of him being too exposed, she didn't let the humans know, considering the Romanians found coven members by the human stories. It protected him."
"The Romanians weren't very organized in their executions, they just sort of ran and tackled one out of a time, no group executions, they wanted to see vampires watch their mates' burn, before killing them or taking their eyes out. It deepened on how bad they hated him or her. They did that with Hestia's mate after they killed her." I explained. "This allowed some to escape while waiting, Athena was able to get out and get her creation, Medusa, who she kept hidden in Athens and ran off to Thor's coven."
"For awhile, she lived with the Coven of the Norse." I explained trying to remember, it has been a long time since I heard this story. "I don't know the whole detail; I think it was the same thing, not letting the humans know about her. I think the Denalis descended from them, Sasha was created by Freya."
"How did she create Horus?" Alice interrupted quickly.
"Eventually, she was betrayed by Medusa, for an exchange in being part of the Romanian guard and for punishment for abandoning her execution, Athena had to watch Thor be ripped and burned, they then pulled her eyes out and put them in the same fire so it was the last thing she saw, then they let her live."
"Since Athena was created by Zeus, the creation of his creator, Hades was obligated to shelter Athena, make her a part of the coven." I sighed trying to remember the story. "At the time humans were beginning to stop worshiping them, and she still had that goddess stamina. The coven was scared her behavior and needs would cause humans to become aware of them again, Hades wrote to Aro and Sulipica, who he kept hidden in Italy, requesting they keep her hidden until she agreed not to revel herself."
"They were their own coven?" Alice asked.
"No," I answered. "Hades was still alive, he wrote to them frequently and often visited them with supplies, making sure their needs were met, and the couple still obeyed. He told them to take care of Athena, and with the norms at that time, the two had no choice."
"You make it sound so bad," Alice pointed out.
"Because, she was a pain, still thinking she was a goddess and constantly had to be watched so she didn't reveal herself, not to mention they had to lead her everywhere." I answered. "She also took into account that her creator was once about their creator, making her in charge and expecting them to wait on her hand and foot. The main problem was she was never happy, except for when Didyme used her powers. Even those Didyme did live with the Underworld coven, she was created by Aro, he had a right to use her gift. Hades thought it was a good idea, and ordered Marcus to go and help his brother, making the deal official."
"Explain," Alice demanded.
"Normally, when two mates of different covens came together, they went with the coven of the older one, like Athena and Thor. If the other one's creator asked for his or her gift, the creator of the older one had to approve. Even those they were of the same coven, Aro had authority over Didyme, since Marcus was older; Hades had authority over the couple." I explained. "Anyway, Didyme hated having to be around Athena constantly, and follow her orders on a non-stop bases. So Marcus suggested they find her a human to turn into a vampire, so someone would be obligated to care for her."
"And that was Horus?" Alice asked seemingly interested.
"Well, yes, as soon as Aro and Marcus got Hades permission to add a new coven member through her, they sent Didyme out to buy a human for her to change." I explained.
"Buy?" Jasper asked.
"Slavery was a common practice amongst humans, for vampires they were a blood source. At a time where Venice had more slaves than free men, it was easy for them to go buy a human in any town market and have no questioning on their whereabouts after they drank him or her." I explained. "That was how they fed."
"Didyme agreed to buy a human, and convince Athena he or she would be a good vampire. Didyme being related to Aro had to find one that should signs of being gifted." I said as they nodded, she actually considered Eleazar her prize creation.
"So how did they choose Horus?" Alice asked snapping at me to get to the subject.
"I don't know, I never got really to understand the story that much." I answered. "Didyme found Horus in the slave market, and found him promising, bought him and took him to Athena saying he was her meal. He somehow convinced her that he deserved immortality, and she changed him."
"Then they moved to what would have been Gaul?" Alice asked.
"No, that wasn't for awhile, it did calm her down, thinking she had control over someone." I explained. "You notice you never hear about the gods and goddess of Romania. Horus went through and erased the memories of the humans, having them totally abandon the city of Sarmisegetuza. That cut off their blood supply making them weaker, it also cut off their protection, so no one was there between them and their castle, and no human was willing to fight with flaming arrows. That contributed greatly to the Volturi and their allies. Afterwards, when the Volturi were laying out the new order Athena made a claim that Horus should be one of the main brothers for the Volturi because of his act, and the connection. Aro denied him, saying that will make the votes uneven and offered Horus the honor of being the first guard."
"That had to be an insult." Alice huffed.
"It was," I agreed. "Athena cursed them. She had a gift of making things come true by saying it. The French have the full detail. Anyway, she was furious, and told Aro not to even desire one of Horus's future creations, then the two went to France. Athena openly admitted Horus was the coven leader and the one who decides their new coven members. Athena still made deals to use his gift for profit, making deals to erase memories of transformations and trauma, but he would only clean erase the memories of those he changed. Horus was careful with his gift, Athena still remembered the days of being a goddess, and her days with Thor. Even when he created vampires, he would only take their memoires if he thought it would be easier for them to live. Letting Aldric have confidence that he was more than a surf, and Bastian not think that he had to beg or steal to get anywhere. I always thought it was for control, until he let Louis remember the spirit of revolution and desire for justice, and let Monique, his mate, remember the education and privilege she had as a noble French woman. She sort of helped Horus calmed down with his desire for dominate power, and let the Volturi use his creations, only for deals."
"And how he end up working at the asylum in Mississippi?" Alice turned back to look at me.
"During World War One, Athena was in a building that was bombed, causing her to be killed. Horus feared losing more members, asked Aro if he could take a state in the US temporally. Aro gave him Mississippi. They weren't happy with this, considering the low population, but they worked by hunting in the asylums. Horus being a collector took this as a chance to find promising humans. He found three girls, and like all accept Louis he kept a journal on them. When the Great War ended, Monique took the rest of the coven home and Horus planned to make sure the girls were taken care of until they reached the age of twenty. Monique and Aldric were to come over so he could change and clear them, then take the three back, each with a newborn."
"Then he was killed by a nomad?" Alice got the facts straight.
"Yes, it was rumored of Aro, but Monique cleared it." I explained. "Anyway, Horus did send a warning to Monique that one of them was a singer, and asked to get the Volturi involved. When she came with Marcus, Chelsea and Afton, all they found was his ashes. When they went to the asylum they saw one of the girl's body, the other was no were to be found, only one of the girls was still waiting for him, Carrie. Monique followed Horus's last request and changed her on the spot."
"Now, it's starting to make sense," Alice said calmly looking towards Jasper with loving eyes as my cell phone range.
"Esme," I answered.
"I got some very long text from Athenodora, and Carlisle is waiting to get a call from Hecate." Esme explained.
"Do you need me?" I rolled my eyes.
"Yes," Esme answered.
~X~
"She probably thought texting and writing letters are the same thing," I shook my head, knowing Athenodora's lack of technical skills as I looked over the ten extensively long text messages, it had pretty much the same content of Chelsea's letter, except with a little more detail about Demetri. "Well, apparently after the whole letter episode, she got around to asking Demetri what the problem was….she annoyed him until she spilled. But it's in confidently that she didn't tell anyone or seek anyone for help…he want her to keep quiet. She figures if someone volunteered to help Demetri then she wouldn't be seeking and if someone asked she wouldn't be telling, she would be answering." I said finally detecting the three hundred word text message.
"So she wants me to call her?" Esme asked, making sure.
"Yes, and be sure to ask about Demetri." I nodded handing the phone back as she died it quickly.
"Athenodora," Esme said instantly when the phone answered.
"Esme, did you get my text to call me," Athenodora happily. "It's Esme, Caius…..Oh my gosh I am so glad you called."
"About what?" Esme asked. "What happened…..How? Are. Things. Going?"
"Well, Alec's home," Athenodora explained.
"You told me," Esme nodded. "Is he alright?"
"No, he's not, he's really depressed, and refuse to talk about what happened, I don't think he wants to be part of the Volturi anymore, that would be heart breaking for Sulipica." Anthenodora sighed.
"True," Esme answered, unsure what to say.
"So what are you doing this week?" She asked. "Are you still going to Alaska to see your friends?"
"Demetri," I whispered.
"Yes," Esme answered her, taking a deep breath. "How's Demetri?"
"I am glad you asked," Athenodora exclaimed. "Can I ask a favor of you, as a friend?"
"Sure," Esme said shaking her head.
"I can't tell you what happened, but can you please tell Tanya that Demetri's really sweet, and has a good heart, also tell her whatever stupid thing he did, he didn't mean it." Athenodora asked as if it was an emergency.
"Why do I tell you things?" Demetri said in the back ground frustrated.
"After six hundred years, you should know by now you don't tell her a problem in less you want an intervention." We heard Caius's voice.
"Would you two quiet taking, I'm on the phone." Athenodora said instantly.
"Dora," Esme called back to her attention.
"Well, than just go, so I can talk to her in privacy….thank you…yes," Athenodora explained.
"Why do you want me to tell Tanya this?" Esme asked trying not to laugh, as Carlisle looked over nervously, both thinking of the Irina incident.
"Because I fear my family has left a bad impression to their coven," Athenodora explained. "And I don't want that to ruin things. Tanya will be good for Demetri."
"Does he know you're setting him up?" Esme asked unsure.
"Of, course; I am always trying to set him up, when I hear about a good decent vampire." Athenodora explained. "It's been six hundred years now and sometimes, he'll just be sitting there reading a newspaper and I say, 'Demetri, can you track down your mate for me that will make me very happy.' Then he leaves the room."
"He does, does he?" Esme smiled.
"Yes, then I pick up and read the paper he was reading, with so many in the house it's so hard to get some alone time, so I always bringing up the fact that Demetri doesn't have a mate, and he leaves. Heidi won't she'll tell me why, so I tell her she has a visitor. Sandargo, I asked him to run me an errand. Caius is really hard to get rid of because I don't like lying to him, I just tell him to leave me alone, when he's driving me nuts."
"But he's your mate?" Esme asked confused.
"Well, yes, at first he was perfect and all but after a century or so than I realized there is some stuff about him that drives me nuts. Others consider him very cruel, and heartless, but I know from experience, the least compassionate person imaginable can show one more kindness than those who are suppose to love them. I suppose I have to tell you my story for you to understand why….do you mind?" Athenodora asked respectfully.
"No, not at all," Esme answered.
"Alright, picture it, Cosa, first century, I guess you could say, I was from the A. D times, but didn't know it yet. Anyway, I was born in the house of my father, Gallus, to his slave woman named Balbina. That was common at that time, and explained the lady of the house's behavior. Latonia, I was suppose to show respect to her but even today I have to say she was the purest bitch I have ever come or will come across. The woman would beat me for the simplest things. Sometimes I had the brutal punishments for some things my mother had done. It seemed she take out her life's misery on me. She would let her children join in on it too, her older daughter would show sympathy on me, and sometimes she would try to get me things for my healing. Gallus, my father, if he deserves to be called that, was a bloody coward; he would come home to see me with burses and broken bones, and never did anything about it. Not once did he say anything to Latonia, his wife that he ruled over, yet he still took advantage of my mother.
Then there was this one time, I was eight, and I accidently spilled water while taking it from the well. Well after I got boiled water poured on me, and beaten, Latonia told all the slaves that I was to starve for a whole month, and if anyone tried to feed me, then they would receive worse. My mother would sneak me something at night, but I was forced to go all day without eating anything. One day, Tacita, my older half sister that took pity on me sent me a note to her secret lover. It was ironic if you think about it, considering what happened on the way back.
I saw this man selling figs, delicious, beautiful figs, he turned his back in front of a girl who had nothing but left over stale bread for two weeks. As I grabbed one, the man saw me and called the guards out to get me. This was a time when they took no sympathy on executing children; I kept on running at a fast beat until I was cornered in a dark sordid ally. They had their swords drawn as I backed behind an empty crate. No humans were around, and this was an area where street beggars took shelter. It was a perfect place for a vampire wanting to spend a few hours alone to hunt.
I saw him come out from an abandon building and instantly took their swords, bending the blades to feed on their blood. It was a wet day, but he still crystallized like diamond chips in a pig pen. I peeked through the wet wooden planks as his sharp teeth sucked their blood, saving my life. I thought he was a god, coming to rescue me. I walked out as he fed. Dead bodies on the street wasn't a strange sight back then, a place being so many executions. He didn't even notice me as I sat there and watched him drink the last drop of blood.
"You didn't see that?" He asked quickly noticing my presence as I nodded, taking a closer gaze into his eyes. Even at that age, I saw that he had pain in his red eyes, he had this anger he kept in him.
"Are you a god?" I stuttered in awe as he stood, taller and stronger than any man I have ever seen.
"No!" He sneered instantly. "What were you doing watching?"
"Thank you for saving me kind sir," I quickly uttered as he paced in front of me.
"I shouldn't of, as a matter of fact, I should kill you for seeing what you saw." He responded as I followed him, wondering what dimension he would disappear too. "Quiet, following me girl! I am no savior, I am a killer, and can't you see that! You shouldn't be near me. By the way, I am not kind either. "
"Why don't you do it? If you are suppose to kill me, why don't you do it?" I asked huffing. "Believe me, it will do me a favor."
"Shame, a young one like you has such thoughts." He bent down. "When you have yet to live true sorrow, I can however tell you suffered, by the very beat marks, and the bones that show. My gosh, you look like an ugly chicken, girl."
"I don't know, girl," He answered walking away.
"My name is not girl," I hissed instantly. "It's Athenodora, and if you were a bit nicer than you wouldn't be so miserable."
"I'm not miserable," He shouted as I followed him. "And if are so well behaved, than why were those men after you?"
"I stole a fig," I answered.
"Well, they think with your pathetic appearance, they would give you some figs." He muttered as I still followed him.
"Well, you think with your pale complexion you should be outside more." I pointed out right back to him as he finally turned to face me; he made a face, a hard face showing his teeth and red eyes. I just stood there looking at him. "You can be a great danger to my family, if you tell; I should really silence you in the only way that would say permanent. Instead, I just keep bickering with you."
"Again, with the killing me, if you're so horrible, why haven't you done so yet?" I asked.
"You are impossible," He muttered. "Listen, girl, your just a human and most likely will remain so." He said putting a hood over him as we went out to the streets. "Let me get you something to eat, and then I will think over killing you."
He then went out and bought a placenta, which was this baked dough with honey, and spice, a dessert back then. Humans call the dish pizza today. He gave it to me, noticing the fast pace I ate. He didn't say anything but just watched.
"You eat fast, and for my kind that says something." Caius said with his jaw dropped and looked behind him, I notice a group of beautiful pale face women coming down the street, like swans in a mud water lake flowing in fine elegance stopping in an instant when they saw Caius. I heard some whispers causing Caius to turn and acknowledge them. Something about these women, who will be later known as Empusa, Mormo, and Didyme had me daze as Caius turned to look at them. "Do you need anything else?" He asked quickly.
"May, I be your kind?" I asked seeing the sweet graceful faces of the woman who just watched me with untrusting predator red eyes. I notice one of them smile at me as they talked amongst themselves in a silent circle.
"No," He answered firmly as one of the woman's red covered lips moved creating a windy mumble, getting his attention. "I will give you anything but that."
"Then, may I have your name sir?" I asked as he just stared at me with sadness.
"Caius," He said strictly, looking back towards the pale face women. "Now, swear you won't tell anyone of this encounter."
"I swear, I won't," I promised, knowing this moment was mine, I had no possession, but this hour spent with Caius. If I was only allowed to carry one thing with me, it would be this memory.
"Good," Caius ordered as he took some coins out and wrapped them in a piece of cloth. "Here is a reward for your silence."
"Thank you for your generosity," I sighed breathlessly looking up but he was gone.
It was at that brief moment, of him not being there, Caius did kill the slave girl that stole the figs. She died, the girl that thought of nothing but misery and lived for fear died, someone who thought of the future empty was taken by him. When he left, there was another little girl in her place, someone who felt her life had purpose, found meaning. My spirits rose because of this kind person.
The thoughts of being one of those pale red eyed women, with him by my side seemed to brighten my soul. The money Caius gave me could have given my mother and me food for a month, but I took it the temple. I gave it to the goddess, Venus, in prayer that when I see him again, to let me take his heart. I only kept the cloth he gave me, which I still have today. I tucked it in the locket of my bulla, hoping he would be the one to take it off.
Oh, I should tell, a bulla was an amulet, today they are smaller called lockets. A girl no matter what station wore them until her wedding day, and then it was taken off by the groom. I kept the cloth in it, close to my heart, knowing I will see him again.
"That winter, I dropped the mistress's powder box resulting in a terrible beating, so terrible I could barely walk afterwards. It was so bad this time my mother wouldn't let Gallus, take advantage of her. Balbina, a slave woman ordered him to be a man, and take control over his wife. Later, Latonia explained she couldn't look over me, because I was the very symbol that he had no love, or respect for her. The only way she will be happy, is getting me out of the house. So the next day, my father took my mother and I to the market.
Now like I said earlier, in Cosa, death wasn't an uncommon thing. I saw executions, public beatings, and other acts that humans today wouldn't be allowed to see until they were seventeen on a daily bases as a child. It wasn't strange when Caius killed those men in front of me; I never saw the sight of blood and gore frightening, it was life.
The law was harsh, and it was a lot stricter than most cities. Gallus would often debate against these beatings and executions; father would constantly inform how the law should be kept with mercy and that was his philosophy. My father's writings and works are still found staking how men should be given a chance to reform.
Prudentius who ran Cosa, did not, he thought fear was the way to run the city, and made it clear through the brutal punishments given by his hands. Prudentius was no doubt a cruel man, with no values in human lives. Yet, he was the first one who showed me how a man truly loves.
I remember him coming into the slave market, with his eyes solid without even looking at my tablet he said: "I'll take her."
Gallus protested, Balbina pleaded, with him. They were begging him not to take me, don't make me a prisoner of his house. He showed no emotions, pointed out I was for sale, and he was willing to buy. Prudentius even said no one is going to buy some skin and bones that has yet to reach puberty. He even doubled the price, reminding my father he was doing him a favor by buying me. Gallus told him I was his daughter, and he wanted to go for someone right. He pointed out, if he truly cared about me, then he would have me freed and wait until I reached marriageable age to find someone right. He then handed my father the money and had his guards forced me from me from my mother's arms, and dragged me to his place. Balbina screamed reaching out for me, as Gallus held her back. That was the last time I saw my mother.
I was then taken to the baths, where other guards showed up with two of his servants. I remembered their faces when they saw me. They seemed stunned, and concerned as he told them I was to be washed, and the wounds from the beatings and bruises. He explained to me they were slaves and they were going to take care of me. He then told them that I wasn't allowed to be shown to the mistress in my condition; it would upset her with my marks. He gave them an apartment, was the women washed and bathed me, and used herbs to heal my wounds.
I refused to give up the cloth Caius gave me; I told them they weren't allowed to even touch it. I let them take the snarls out of my hair, I let them put the hot water on my body, and I let them but the hot cloths to heal me. But I put up a fight when they tried to take it away.
Prudentius came, and told them to pick their battles as he came with a new tunic for me. I remembered being so awed by it, with a woven belt, thinking he may have gotten the wrong one, because it was clothes of a freed girl. He then explained I was going to be given to his wife as a gift, which I thought instantly of beatings and such as they waited for me. I thought it was strange, the very man who would decapitate men for stealing a bottle of wine told his servants to pick their battles. He then made me look in a barrel of water, in the month I was with the servants; I had become a free girl. Well, at least that's what I looked like. He explained to me, I was a gift for his wife, and I was not to forget I was their slave, I couldn't leave and I had to do what she said, because I belonged to her. He made me promise loyalty to her and to be well to her. I still feared him, and agreed to the promise.
Prudentius then placed me between two guards, and they made me travel up the hill to his house, far above over looking Cosa. He opened the door, and I saw Honorata coming out to the courtyard waiting for him. She was a beautiful woman, still one of the most beautiful women I ever seen, she stood there with her black cypriote curls pulled back into a bread with a silver hair piece, with a silk dress with several jewels, and covered in makeup coming down to her husband. She was much younger than Prudentius, but still was devoutly loyal. He came up and kissed her on the cheeks, I saw him put her arms around him, and gave him a strange gaze, it was in a way I have never seen a man and women look at each other. I watched as he put his arm around her, leading to her me. Prudentius, the harsh man that spilled blood daily, took no force to Honorata, he was gentle towards his wife. It seemed this man, who Cosa considered still evil, even today, was someone completely different from the public.
I remember him bringing her to me; she paused, as if her heart stop coming towards me. It almost seemed she was going to cry, as she nodded saying: "I will fine use for you, don't go behind the house."
I grew to love them, Prudentius and Honorata; I actually respected Prudentius, more than my own father. I saw him once, when I was fourteen. Gallus came up to me, and tried to talk to me, I told him I needed to bring the water back to my mistress. Prudentius never used any of the slave girls to fulfill his needs, like most Roman men did back then. It was clear his eyes, heart, and body was only for his wife by the simple way he would look at her. He made sure we were fed, and had proper clothes. They took care of me especially; Honorata gave me few chores, and took particular interest in me. She never had a harsh hand, and she would give me very few chores. They would make sure I was fed properly, and Prudentius even brought an army doctor over when I was sick.
They did keep that class, I never ate with them, and I still had to work, but I found myself enjoying working for them, because they were so kind and I learned to love them like parents. Centuries later, I found a record, Prudentius and Honorata did have a daughter that fell off the cliff, and she was the same age I was when he bought me.
"As much as came to love my master and mistress, I never forgot Caius, I never told anyone about him. I kept the cloth, the same cloth he touched, and I wondered about him almost every day. I would think of his voice, as I hymned doing laundry. I still thought of his smell, when I was gridding flour. I thought of his face when I was alone sleeping at night, I wondered where he was when I was hauling water, I thought of the beauty in his eyes when I weaved cloth. I still prayed to Venus, to join him. I knew even then, I was the one who let out a streak of compassion, in a curl monster. I would go to town, and see Prudentius crucifying men for practicing the wrong faith, and let me take a break from spinning wool and show such compassion for his beloved wife. They prepared me for being Caius's wife, I guess one could say.
I became older, near the age that most freed girls would be getting married. For slave girls it was a different story, or in my case adopted slave girls, it was a different case. Honorata was scared to let go, she didn't want me leaving her house, told me I was like a daughter. Prudentius, I could see he was beside himself unknowing what to do with me. He knew it would be an insult to ask a Roman man to take a slave for a wife, and the men in Cosa would not take concern for my future seriously. They couldn't force two slaves into marriage, and often too many times, they feared that selling me to a trusted faithful man would lead me into prostitution. Honorata couldn't stand the thoughts of that. Later they explained to me, I can't marry, and forbid me from being with any man. I wasn't allowed to have lovers, or give myself to someone else. It didn't seem that bad of a request, considering I still had school girl dreams on Caius.
'Then one hot summer day, I went to get water out of the well. I looked in the reflection, and saw a sparkling figure leave quickly. I dropped the vase quickly, 'Caius,' I called looking around. 'Caius, is that you?'
'I didn't hear anyone, or anything. I thought I heard a hiss, as I took out the cloth from my chest and kissed it. I heard a slant whisper, 'you'. He was calling me, asking for me. I got the water and walked back, hearing footsteps calling for me. I went about that day, with a strange feeling of being watched. I ignored it those, then I went to bed. It was in deep in the night, when I felt someone shaking me waking me up in a flash. He was there, watching me. I was just a child the last time I saw him, but the lines of his face was still clear even after a decade and a half.
'Caius,' I huffed amazed.
'I should have waited at least a century to come back to Cosa, after fifteen years you should have forgotten, or called it a dream." He huffed. "I didn't know you would still recognize me, you were supposed to forget that.'
'How could I?' I asked him. 'You come down, like a hero, and save me. Then leave, how was I to forget you, even after fifteen years?'
'I didn't think you live that long; you were so young and skinny, so weak you could barely stand. I know humans change fast, but how the hell did you come from being a little twig to a….what the hell are doing being so attractive as a human? My gods your body is so…..'
'I've been waiting for you,' I interrupted. 'I knew you would come back to me.'
'But I am suppose to kill you,' He moaned. 'Because you know about us.'
'Again, with this, you want on about this last time, if your suppose to kill me then why don't you do it?' I hummed annoyed.
He then kissed me, and I kissed him back, it was the first time I've ever been kissed by a man but it felt good. I pulled him close to me, breaking the orders of my owners. I then felt his teeth in my neck. It seemed like my dream had turned to a nightmare, until I woke up, and we were in the mountains, with Caius by my side, in the way I spent years dreaming about."
"So that is my story, I understand you are in the car you can tell me yours later, if you like." Athenodora let out a brief, I could tell by Esme's eyes, she understood the custom now; Esme had no choice but to tell her story eventually, out of respect for Athenodora telling hers. "So, how have you been?"
It was just then, Carlisle got a phone call, "Felix, it's Hecate. She's calling to inform me on the three vampires she is sending in July."