Chapter Thirty
In the days following the trio returning back to Volterra, Demetri and Hermione sat down and had a heart to heart about everything that Aro had said. At first Demetri was disappointed that Hermione hadn't told him about the vision herself, if he had known, then he would have been even more reluctant to let her wander off into the dragon enclosure that housed Nafeesa. But he hadn't known, so he didn't try and stop her as much as he could have done.
Hermione explained the vision to Demetri and told him everything that she felt and how worried she had been about it. She also tried to reassure him that the reason she had these visions was so that she could try and prevent them from happening. Even knowing that to be true, it didn't stop either of them from worrying however.
Demetri then went on to ask her why she didn't tell him or Felix about the vision after she had it. He wondered if it was because she didn't trust them as much as she said she did. Sensing where his thoughts were heading Hermione was quick to reassure him, telling Demetri that it wasn't because of a lack of trust but because she didn't want them to worry about her, not when they had to worry about themselves and focus on winning the War.
As he listened to her reason for keeping the vision a secret, he began to understand why she did what she did. As always she was protecting them, making sure that she was putting them first instead of herself. Although he loved and admired her for that, he wanted her to think of herself for once. They would be alright as long as they had her, they needed her.
After their discussion Hermione made Demetri promise not to tell anyone else, especially not Felix. They all had enough to think about at the moment rather than focusing on her. She would be alright knowing that her friends were safe.
Days turned into weeks as time quickly passed by, and with it tension and excitement had built up within the walls of the Palazzo. The Volturi guard were practicing their fighting and preparing for the battle ahead and soon the other covens would be joining them. Once they arrived they would be setting off to Romania, to an army of newborns who were eagerly awaiting them.
The news of Morvin's existence hadn't gone down well with the Volturi guard when they first heard about her. It seemed that the guard members did not trust the small child, knowing how dangerous an immortal child could be. They also didn't understand why Aro of all people would allow such a child to exist, knowing that it was him who made the law against them in the first place. It wasn't until one fateful day during training that they finally understood his reasons.
Marcus, Felix and Demetri had all been worried about the animosity Hermione had been receiving ever since the news of Morvin had spread amongst the Volturi members. They knew she could handle herself, as the guard members were nervous enough around her as it was, without wanting to make her angry.
Hermione knew that they were curious to see the small girl but she kept Morvin out of sight, by keeping her hidden away in her quarters which were safely warded. Despite the wards a couple of low ranking guard members had tried to break into her rooms, and since then Hermione didn't want to leave the small girl unattended, in fear that they might actually succeed in getting to her.
It was during one training lesson that Hermione decided to take Morvin with her, she could sit with Demetri or Marcus, where she could still keep an eye on her and know that she was safe.
The moment that they entered the dome room, silence had fallen amongst the guard members who stood staring openly at the small girl. Sensing their unease Morvin held onto Hermione's hand tighter and clung to the back of her leg nervously, as she tried to hide from the glares that were directed towards her.
Ignoring the other members of the guard, Hermione walked confidently into the room and headed straight over to Felix, Demetri and Caius who were watching them.
Caius had not seen the small girl yet but had heard all about her from Marcus. Although he did not agree with Aro for allowing her to stay here, he would not harm the child either, despite what many people believed. Normally he was a stickler for the laws, but seeing how happy Hermione and Morvin made Marcus, he would never do anything to ruin his happiness. Marcus had been crushed once already, he didn't need to be crushed a second time.
So Caius decided to try and accept the child, for Marcus's sake more than Hermione's.
"And who might you be little one?" He asked the small child who seemed so terrified and fragile.
She looked up at Caius with large eyes before burying her face into Hermione. Sensing the small girl's distress Hermione kneeled down and wrapped her arm protectively around Morvin.
"Look at me little Mo." Hermione whispered, using the nickname she and Marcus had come up with. Obeying Hermione at once, Morvin turned her head so that she was looking into the warm trusting eyes of Hermione. She gave Morvin a small satisfied smile before saying, "I know being in a room with all of these strange people is scary, I was scared too when I first arrived here. But remember I'm here, so is Grandfather, Uncle Felix and Uncle Demetri. I promise that none of us will let any harm come to you. Master Caius here is Grandfathers brother; he is a nice man. Trust me." Hermione said, gently placing a soothing kiss onto Morvin's head.
Turning her gaze onto Caius she narrowed her eyes at him, letting him know that if he tried anything with Morvin, then he would have her to deal with.
Seeing this look made Caius chuckle as he held up his hands in an act of submission.
"She is safe from me." Caius promised, watching as Hermione relaxed at his words.
Letting out a small sigh, Morvin tugged on Hermione's hand before looking up at Caius and giving him a small smile.
"Hello Master Caius."
He heard the small voice in his mind and smiled down at the little girl before him. He had heard all about her from Marcus, and so knew of the strange way in which she communicated, so he wasn't surprised when he heard her soft voice in his head. She was such an interesting child and he was looking forward to seeing what else she had in store for them all.
"Hello Morvin, it is so nice to finally get to meet you. Your Grandfather has been telling me all about you and I have been wondering when I would get the chance to meet you for myself."
Morvin looked behind Caius to where her Grandfather was sitting in discussion with a beautiful woman, who she presumed was Caius's wife Athenodora. As if he could feel her gaze upon him, his gaze flickered to her and a small proud smile spread across his face. Athenodora turned her head to look at the small girl and gave her a small smile and wave of her own.
Unlike Sulpicia, Athenodora was happy to have a child in the Palazzo, as life could be so long and boring without the tinkling laughter of children. She also hoped that Hermione would let her dress the little girl and do her hair, things that she had missed doing for thousands of years now.
Turning her gaze back to Caius, Morvin gave him another small smile.
"Grandfather has told me a lot about you too Master Caius." She replied politely. It was true, her Grandfather had spoken to her about Caius, telling her lots of stories about him. Though everything he told her about him was good, she couldn't help but feel like he had missed out a lot of details, and because of this she found herself nervous to be around Caius. She could feel the power emanating from him, and knew him to be dangerous. But she also knew that Hermione was with her, and wouldn't let anything happen to her. She trusted that feeling.
Caius gave her a small smile then turned his attention to Hermione and Felix.
"Are we ready to get started then, you Hermione have grown a little rusty since leaving. Hopefully this practice will help."
Hermione's strength lay in her powers not in her physical skills. Although she could fight adequately enough, she wasn't as strong or as elegant as Felix or Caius. After her trip to Romania it became obvious to her that she really needed to work on this skill more than any other, especially since they were going to be fighting an army of newborn vampires. The old Hermione Granger would have been indignant about admitting to any weaknesses, but this Hermione knew better.
"I agree Caius, I think I really need to buck up and concentrate. There is no room for error especially after what we saw in the Hoia-Baciu forest." Hermione admitted.
"Then I think if you are ready Felix, then we shall begin." Caius said, as both Hermione and Felix nodded their heads in agreement.
While Felix wandered off with Caius to do some stretches, Hermione walked over to Demetri and Morvin, the latter who was looking more nervous now than what she did when she first came into the dome room. Seeing the worry and nervous confusion in the young girl's face, Hermione kneeled down and took Morvin's small hands in her own.
"Listen to me little Mo, Felix and I are going to be practicing our fighting techniques, but please don't be scared by what you see. Our fighting isn't real and I promise neither of us will hurt the other. I want you to sit beside Demetri and not leave his side alright. If you get scared let him know and I can take you back to the room. Do you understand sweetie?" She asked in a voice that was both soft and soothing.
Morvin shifted a nervous gaze over to Felix, who she knew was much stronger than Hermione. The thought of the two of them fighting each other was terrifying to her. What if Hermione got hurt? It didn't matter that Hermione said the fighting wasn't real, she didn't want to see them like that. Flinging herself into Hermione's arms, she nuzzled her cheek against her chest and listened to the soothing sound of her strange heartbeat. She knew that she had to be brave if she wanted to stay close to Hermione, for she didn't want to go back to the rooms on her own. Pulling her emotions together, she finally moved away from Hermione and sighed. She had to be a big girl now.
"I won't get scared, I promise."
Knowing how much that had taken for the small girl to say, Hermione smiled and loving stroked a finger down the small girl's cheek.
"I promise you little Mo that we'll be fine. You have Uncle Demetri to look after you." Kissing the little girl's curly hair, Hermione stood up and walked over to Felix and Caius who were in the middle of discussing fighting techniques. She flicked a hand over herself and her long curly hair, which had been down, was now secured in a ponytail. Her normal everyday clothes had changed into a red tank top and black yoga pants, a perfect outfit for what lay ahead.
She stretched her body the same way Felix did, then moved away to get into position. Seeing that Hermione was ready, Felix too moved into position giving her a quirk of his lips.
"I hope your ready little witching cause I'm going to take you down." He said trying to antagonize her.
Hermione snorted and gave him a small smile of her own, before getting down into her defensive position.
"So you think." She replied.
Felix simply shook his head at her, a wry smile still on his face as he too moved into his defensive position. Caius came between them, a serious look on his face as he said,
"Now remember Hermione concentrate on your enemy and ignore everything around you. Stick to the basics and give it your all. When it's time for us to go into battle for real there will be no room for error like you said. Ready." He said looking from Felix to Hermione. "Go."
The minute he said go both Felix and Hermione began to run towards one another before jumping in the air and slamming into each other. Felix was so much stronger than Hermione, so had a better impact on her. He grabbed her by the arm and tossed her to the ground, causing a loud crack on the floor underneath her.
Morvin who was sitting in terrified curiosity, whimpered at the sight of Hermione lying sprawled on the ground. She didn't like this at all. Hearing the soft sound, Demetri wrapped a protective arm around her small shoulders and squeezed her gently in reassurance.
"Don't worry little Mo, Hermione is fine honestly. They know what they are doing."
Burying her face against his arm, she wanted to believe him but was too scared. She knew about the battle that was going to take place soon, they had told her all about it after she accidentally overheard them discussing it one evening when she was supposed to be in the bath. Morvin was young but she knew the dangers that the adults were facing, she also knew that Hermione practicing her fighting skills was important. It didn't mean she had to like it however. Trying to find her own courage, she turned her attention back onto Felix and Hermione fighting, only to see Hermione back on her feet and aiming punches towards Felix.
The fighting was progressing with Felix having the upper hand over Hermione, despite the fact she had landed a couple of good punches on him. They were both concentrating on what they were doing and responding well to each other, anticipating the others moves and deflecting them. Even Caius was impressed, since Hermione was rusty.
Things took a downward turn however, the moment Aro lead Sulpicia into the room to sit next to Marcus and Athenodora. He knew that Hermione and Felix would be here practicing, and wondered if the small child would be brought out to them at last. He was not disappointed.
The moment he had entered the room, Hermione's concentration quickly turned towards him, as she felt pain twist in her stomach. Anger rose inside of her when she remembered the way that he had been treating her since she had returned from Romania. What made things worse, was the way his eyes had settled on Morvin, with a curious fascination. Seeing that look, after he had threatened to destroy her, only made her angrier. Her eyes were locked on him, as a small growl escaped her lips.
Completely forgetting where she was and what she was doing, she didn't see Felix come charging towards her, until she felt his head ram into her stomach and her body being pushed down onto the ground.
Momentarily stunned, she simply gazed up at Felix in shock and confusion, until reality came crashing back to her. How could she be so foolish as to be distracted by Aro? What had Caius just said to her, there would be no room for error.
Rolling off Hermione, Felix stood up and held a hand out to her with amusement, as she accepted it and moved to stand. She frowned at the smug look on Felix's face and done another couple of stretches before moving once again to her position.
"Remember Hermione concentrate, focus on what you are doing and not your surroundings." Caius said with some frustration.
Hermione closed her eyes for a moment and cleared her mind. She could do this. She had to do this. Not just for herself but for Morvin too. Thinking of her little girl only riled her up however, the opposite effect of what she was hoping for.
She was angry at what the Romanians had done to her little girl. She was angry at the fact she had to use a memory charm on the sweet innocent child just to give her back the life that had been so cruelly taken from her. She was angry at Aro for the way he had treated both her and Morvin. She was angry at Sulpicia for the way she had spoken to her. But most of all she was angry at herself for the way she had been acting. The bottom line of the matter was the fact that she was just angry. And no matter how hard she tried to clear her mind, her thoughts wouldn't leave and the anger stayed burning within her.
The moment Caius said go for the second time Hermione opened her eyes, not realizing how blazing they were. She simply stood and watched as Felix appeared to run at her in slow motion.
Letting out a feral growl, she stood where she was instead of charging towards Felix as she would normally do. As he drew closer to her, she simply turned her body sidestepping him, before grabbing him around the waist and tossing him over her shoulder.
Her actions caused some surprise for Felix, but he didn't linger on it too long. He was once again back on his feet and aiming a punch at Hermione, then another, then another, but each time he tried she blocked him, pushing his arm away with a strength he hadn't expected from her. Using his other hand, trying to catch her off guard, he flung another punch towards her. With his fist only inches away from her face, she grabbed it with her small hand and twisted his arm, causing him to cry out in shock and fall to his knees. Letting go she kicked him in the stomach causing him to fly across the ground before finally coming to a stop by crashing into the wall.
Loud gasps could be heard from around the room, as the occupants moved away from the fighting duo. Even Caius took a cautious step backwards, seeing the unflinching gaze in Hermione's eyes, as she focused solely on her target. He wasn't sure what was going on, but didn't like it. This was not the Hermione he knew.
Demetri looked towards Caius then towards Marcus but neither one seemed to know what was going on. Feeling confused he instinctively picked Morvin up and put her on his back as he moved away from the fight also. Hermione would never forgive herself, or him for that matter if something was to happen to Morvin.
"Aro shouldn't you stop this, Hermione isn't right. Something is wrong." Marcus said, with a mixture of worry and fear crossing over his features.
Aro looked at Hermione, marveling at what he was seeing. He always knew she was powerful but this had not been expected. He wanted to see exactly how far she could go and just how powerful she was. With a shake of his head Aro grinned, and without taking his eyes off of Hermione he said,
"No they shall continue."
Marcus sighed knowing how stubborn Aro could be at times.
"In that case if you won't do anything about it then I will." And with that Marcus headed towards Demetri and Morvin, his gaze fixed on the battling duo as the fight continued.
Feeling his pride knocked slightly, Felix refused a helping hand up from Caius as he got to his feet and brushed dust from his top. He frowned as his gaze turned towards Hermione, wondering what the hell was going on with her. Before Caius could say go for a third time, Felix felt his own annoyance at the situation and charged, meeting Hermione in midair.
She managed to duck his arm, as he tried to land a punch on her, and caught him in the stomach. She slid across the floor and turned back to look at Felix who growled at her in frustration.
Instead of charging at him as he expected, she began to run away from him. He took that as a challenge and began to sprint after her. Before he had the chance to slow down after realizing what she had been planning, Hermione ran up the wall flipping over Felix as he once again crashed face first into the wall. He didn't have any chance of moving before Hermione grabbed him and flung him across the floor. He went sliding over it, causing a couple of spectators to jump out of the way before they got caught up in the fight themselves.
Hermione looked at Felix with an unwavering gaze, feeling her anger rise once more. She was completely uncontrollable and was unaware of anything except her anger and her target. She slowly advanced on Felix, causing the magic to crackle and radiate around her.
Felix could do nothing but stare at her in fear and bewilderment, as she moved closer, stopping only when she was standing above him. She raised her hand up into the air as if she was going to punch him one final time, but instead of a punch that familiar blue-white ball of light appeared in her hand.
Felix's eyes opened wide in shock and fear as he realized what she was about to do. With a feral growl he watched with trepidation as her hand came lower and just when he thought she was going to release the ball of light at him, a hand quickly clamped around her wrist, stopping her from moving any further.
"Hermione stop." The commanding voice of Marcus said pulling her out of her trance like state.
All at once reality came flooding back to Hermione as she realized what she was about to do and who she was about to do it too. Guilt, fear, shock, and disgust flooded her at once, as the ball of light faded in her hand. Instantly she recoiled back from Felix and Marcus, turning her head to look at all the terrified faces around her. But it was the face of her girl that struck her the worst though. Seeing Morvin looking so stricken, clinging to Demetri as if he was her lifeline. But it was her eyes, her large doe like eyes that were filled with pain and betrayal.
It was the knowledge that she had caused her to feel those things, that she had inflicted those feelings in her girl, the girl she had sworn to love and protect with her life.
By losing control the way she did, by letting her anger take charge of her mind and body, she had let Morvin down in the end. And knowing that caused her own heart to break.
Feeling guilty tears roll down her cheeks, Hermione got to her feet and backed away from everyone. She was too dangerous to be around and had to get away from all the judgmental looks.
"I'm sorry." She whispered in a defeated tone. "I'm so sorry. Please look after Morvin for me."
Before anyone had the chance to say anything, Hermione quickly apparated away with a loud crack, leaving the stunned spectators to mumble and talk amongst themselves.
Back in the safety of her quarters, Hermione stood still in the middle of the room, her hand covering her mouth as she stifled quiet sobs. How could she possibly face anyone after what she had almost done? She could have killed one of her best friends, someone who was like a brother to her. If it hadn't been for Marcus she would have killed Felix right then and there without a second thought. Even just thinking about it was unimaginable to her. Never before had she completely lost herself like that. How could she possibly trust herself to look after Morvin now?
With great big heaving sobs, Hermione sank down onto her knees and began to rock backwards and forwards, as she clawed desperately at her hair and face.
She sat this way for what seemed like hours but was probably only minutes, until she felt the telltale tingles of her wards announcing that someone was outside her door trying to get in.
Hermione swiped the tears away from her face as she rose up onto unsteady feet. She knew that she couldn't hide forever and had to face up to her actions sooner or later. She just wished it could have been later, for she wasn't as composed as she wanted to be before seeing anyone yet.
With a sigh she walked over to the door but did not undo the wards yet. She needed an extra moment to compose herself so leaned against the door to try and calm herself down some more. She shut her eyes and tried to clear her mind as another knock sounded.
Turning to face the door she pressed her hands on the soft wood and asked,
"Who is it?"
"It's Marcus mio angelo. Please let me in, I promise I am on my own." Came the reply from the other side.
Hermione's heart clenched at hearing the sorrow and worry etched in her adoptive father's voice. She hated the fact that once again she had caused someone she cared about to feel that way.
With another swipe at her face she waved her hand cancelling the wards, before opening the door slowly to allow Marcus in. Instantly she backed away from him, turning to face away, as she couldn't look him straight in the eyes. She didn't want to see the hurt or disappointment that she knew would be in them.
Slowly and carefully, not wanting to startle her, Marcus made his way over to the girl who had brought him so much joy over the past few months, the girl he loved like a daughter. Seeing her so distressed and not herself pained him more than anything, and he was determined to find out what had caused this sudden change in her. He had his suspicions but wanted to hear them for himself before he done anything more with regards to the matter.
"Mio angelo please talk to me, tell me what is going on in that mind of yours to cause you to act this way. We are all so worried about you." He whispered placing his hand gently on her shoulder.
She winced at the contact and instantly pulled away from him, despite how much she needed his support and comfort just now.
"Please don't call me that, I don't deserve that title. I could have killed Felix; I could have hurt all of you." She whispered, her head bent low in defeat.
"But you didn't." Marcus replied trying to reassure her.
She snorted then vigorously shook her head without turning to look at him.
"Only because you were able to stop me. If you weren't there…." She trailed off not even wanting to think about what would have happened if he hadn't been there.
"But I was mio angelo and that is what matters. Everyone is fine although a little shook up. They are all worried about you."
Again Hermione snorted before turning disbelieving eyes onto Marcus.
"Please. If they should be worried about anyone then they should be worried about themselves. I am dangerous father. I lost control out there. I was so consumed by raw anger that I was completely out of myself, it was like I had gone and this unstoppable being had taken my place."
Marcus sighed sadly as he watched the pain flicker through her face.
"Talk to me mio angelo, tell me what caused you to feel such anger. Maybe I can help you somehow." He pleaded as he held her hands desperately in his own.
She looked at their joined hands and felt her resolve melting. Somehow Marcus was always able to calm her down when no one else was able to. He was her anchor.
"Everything." She whispered, while leaning her forehead against his arm in surrender.
"Everything what?" He asked in return.
She sighed then said,
"Everything caused me to be angry. I saw the way that Aro was looking at Morvin and just felt this sudden explosion of anger inside of me. He had wanted her destroyed before and now he looks at her as if she is some sort of prize." She frowned as she remembered the look he gave Morvin, and tried to calm the swirling emotions inside of her once again. "Then I remembered everything Morvin had been through, everything she's still going through and not only was I angry but I was livid and I could feel myself snapping. I was angry at Aro again because ever since I came back from Romania he has treated me with nothing but disdain, I thought…" She trailed off again shaking her head as if rejecting the words that wanted to come out. "Well it doesn't matter what I thought, what matters is I was wrong. Then I was angry at Sulpicia and the way she confronted me about Aro. But out of everything the person I was angry at the most was myself. I am a fool father and I have no one to blame but myself."
Marcus listened intently to what Hermione was saying and frowned at her words. He knew that Aro had something to do with this change in Hermione. Before she left for Romania, Aro had been talking about her being his mate and he could see his feelings clearly reflecting from him. Then all of a sudden he changed, and was drawing closer to Sulpicia once again. He wasn't sure what happened, but something must have gone on to cause such a sudden change in him. And Hermione was right, ever since she had returned Aro was treating her appallingly. He knew how manipulative his brother could be, but he never thought he would go this far in his perusal of power. The fact that he was using Hermione in this manner fuelled his own anger.
"Mio angelo, I don't know what has happened with regards to Aro but I promise I will find out and end it. As for Morvin you cannot change what has happened in her past, but you can change her future. She is happy, healthy and loved by you, me, Felix and Demetri. But as long as she has you she will be fine."
Hermione pulled away from Marcus and glared at him, once again feeling angry at herself.
"How can you stand there and say that to me after what I just done? What happens next time I lose control? What if it's aimed at Morvin? What if I hurt her?" She sighed trying to hold back the fresh wave of tears that threatened to escape. "I cannot be trusted to look after her father, I can't trust myself."
Marcus frowned at Hermione then grabbed her none too gently by the shoulders.
"Listen to yourself Hermione. Yes you lost control. Yes it wasn't the most pleasant experience. But do you honestly think that you would ever hurt Morvin. She needs you Hermione, not me, not Felix and not Demetri but you. Now pull yourself together. Be the strong capable person that I know you are and face up to your responsibilities. There is a small child waiting for you out there, scared and waiting for some reassurance from you. Go to her and comfort her and stop this nonsense at once."
Hermione was shocked by Marcus's impassioned outburst, as she had never heard him raise his voice like that before. Normally he was so calm and reserved.
Her body tensed and she grew taller at his words, knowing that he was right.
"Where are they?" She finally asked.
Instantly relaxing, Marcus gave her a small smile and bent to kiss her forehead.
"They are still in the dome room mio angelo. You go up, I have somewhere else to be at the moment."
Arm in arm they left Hermione's quarters and headed down the corridor. Once they had reached the end, they split up as Hermione walked up to the dome room and Marcus headed to the leaders shared quarters, knowing that the person he needed to speak to was there.
Slamming the door open, he stepped inside the room and spotted Aro at once, sitting alone at his desk in quiet contemplation. Closing the door behind him, Marcus strode up to Aro, his arms folded and a frown marring across his face.
"I have just been to speak with Hermione, Aro, if you care at all. Whatever you have said or done to her you will end it now." At his words Aro simply looked up at him but did not say anything, so Marcus continued. "I thought Hermione was your mate, I thought you cared about her. You promised me that you wouldn't hurt her and yet you have. What changed? And why?"
Once Marcus had finished speaking Aro stood up and walked across to the fireplace to lean against the mantle. He gave a heavy sigh and lowered his head in exasperation.
"You are of course correct in what you say brother, but I have my reasons for what I'm doing. You must trust me with this."
"Trust you. How can I trust you when you are hurting someone that I have grown to care about?"
Aro whirled around quickly and stared at his brother for a long moment before saying,
"You care for her more than me, more than the rest of the guard." He asked.
Marcus didn't have to think about his answer, as he quickly said,
"Yes I do." He had been a member of the Volturi for a long time, he had seen many Wars, participated in many battles and arguments and he was bone tired of it. Ever since Hermione had come along Marcus had felt a peace within him that he had not felt in such a long time. With the added bonus of Morvin, he found himself happier than he had ever felt before.
"I see." Aro said, his mind whirling with this new information. "Then perhaps if I tell you my reasons then you will understand better. Hermione is my mate, these past few weeks have been difficult because I long for her more now than ever before. But I cannot give in to those feelings. I need her to hate me, I need her to stay away from me, from us."
Marcus could hear the sincerity in his voice, but he still found himself confused by his brother's actions.
"If that is true then why Aro?"
Aro went into his jacket pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, the same piece of paper that he had shown to Demetri not that long ago.
"While Hermione was in Romania I received this letter along with a lovely present." He said handing Marcus the offending piece of paper.
Marcus quickly unfolded it and read the words, a horrible sick feeling rising in his throat.
"Will your mate's heart still beat, even after I have torn it out and hold it in my hands" Marcus said aloud, causing Aro to wince. He of course knew the words by memory now, as he had read the letter over and over again since he had first received it.
Looking away from Marcus and the letter, he went back to leaning against the mantle.
"Along with that letter, a wooden box was delivered to me with a fresh bloody heart inside. The letter, as you can guess brother, can only be about one person, which means someone knows, a traitor in the guard perhaps, or maybe one of those people from the ball. So you see brother, I cannot let my feelings for Hermione show. I need her to hate me, in order to protect her. She is already a target as it is, without people knowing she is also my mate."
Marcus could understand his brother's actions a little better now, but he still felt Aro was going about things the wrong way.
"Why didn't you tell me about it?" He asked. "What if you push her too far and she realizes she doesn't want you after the battle? What then?"
Aro looked at Marcus and gave him an apologetic smile.
"I figured the less people who know the truth the better. I cannot risk anyone knowing my plans. Hermione must be kept safe and I felt this was the best way. As for after the battle," He sighed turning away from his brother. "I made her promise me that she would stay here in Volterra and never leave. Not even to go back into the wizarding world for a visit. But the promise is a lie, I will let her go if that's what she wants. I am a selfish man, but I care for her too much to keep her here." He admitted.
To say that Marcus was shocked was an understatement, he knew how selfish his brother could be, so hearing his words now was a most welcome surprise. But still he could not hide his annoyance at him.
"That is all very good and well brother, but who is it best for?" Marcus asked, feeling his own anger boil to the surface. "Have you any idea how hurt and confused Hermione is. It is because of her anger that she almost killed Felix, and you dare stand before me now saying it's for the best."
"I must confess I was not expecting that from Hermione, but wasn't she magnificent." Aro beamed with pride, still recalling the image of Hermione in all of her glory. It appeared her anger was beneficial in more ways than one.
"Magnificent. Aro she almost killed her friend, her brother. She is racked with fear and guilt just now. I'm sorry but I cannot allow you to treat her in this way anymore. I also care for her too much."
Raising an eyebrow at Marcus, Aro said,
"Oh and what will you do to stop me?"
With a serious look on his face, Marcus simply stared down at his brother before saying,
"I have been loyal to the Volturi for years, accepting everything that you do and say. But I have been quiet for far too long. Not now. Now you go too far Aro and I will not stand to be a part of it any longer. After the War I plan on leaving Volterra with Hermione and Morvin. We will make a new life together away from you and away from this place. This time you will do nothing to stop me." Marcus said with a determination he had never felt.
Before Aro could say anything to try and persuade him against such a thing, Marcus turned and left a grim looking Aro behind. He had of course heard his brother talk about leaving before but it had never happened, as there were ways to stop such a thing from happening and he was not averse to using such methods.
Sitting back down at his desk Aro pressed the intercom button and waited for Heidi to answer. When her soft voice sounded in the room Aro simply said,
"Heidi send Chelsea to see me immediately."
With that he sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers together as he became lost in his thoughts. Once Chelsea had dealt with Marcus, there would be no more talks of anyone leaving the Volturi or Volterra. He would have Marcus's loyalty once more no matter what it took.
