Book One
Immortal Children
PREFACE
Volterra had become a booming town. People had moved in and built homes and businesses right around the Volturi castle. The latest addition to the Piazza dei Priori, the town square, was a large clock tower that was being constructed right in the center across from the beautiful fountain. The city was pulsating with excitement. Today was St. Marcus' day.
A group of humans had returned to the castle in hopes to have a visit with Marcus but Aro sadly informed them that he had died in Romania while hunting vampires. This was not true, but Marcus was in no condition to make appearances and put on the charade of being a charismatic human again so his death was a cover story. As a result, the humans decided to give St. Marcus his own holiday, to celebrate the martyr that he was, on March 19.
The Volturi and their guards would also celebrate this holiday along with the humans. They would, however, often wear masks, because if the humans recognized them at the celebration year after year and never aging, then they would become suspicious and the secret would be let out. But as we know, vampires have only one rule to live by, keep the secret.
The Volturi had not changed much, except that they had a new addition to the guard, Felix. Although he was not gifted like most of the other guard, Aro found his sheer size and strength to be a desirable quality. He would have been a worthy opponent for the Romanian's Anton. Felix enjoyed his role in serving the Volturi, especially when it came to dealing out punishments to disobedient vampires that had broken the one rule.
The Volturi were just leaving the castle to go down to the established waterways to have a ride in the gondolas. The only one who was not accompanying them was Marcus. He would remain at the castle. The sun had not yet set but the day was overcast and they felt comfortable going out in public.
"Athena! Isn't this so exciting?" Sulpicia gushed. "I can't wait to see all the costumes!"
Athenodora smiled at her friend. "Yes, it's going to be wonderful!"
Even though they wore masks, the humans still stared at them. Not even covering their faces could hide their beauty. Athenodora's beautiful figure was revealing under her red corset and black skirts. Her long red hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her beautiful body. No man could resist looking at her and today, Caius was in a good enough mood not to mind.
Aro and Caius helped their ladies into the boats even though they didn't need it. The rest climbed into their own boats as well and they began their little parade down the stream. Music was playing; people were laughing, singing, and dancing and the color red was everywhere you looked. It truly was a festive night.
"I'm sad Marcus wouldn't join us," Athenodora said to Caius.
"You can't tell me you're surprised. He does this every year. You know that." Caius reminded her.
"I know, but still. I think a part of me keeps hoping the old Marcus will come back." Athenodora's hopes were in vain.
The Volturi were pleased that their past few centuries of rule had gone fairly smooth. Aro was ecstatic that his role as ruler was much more acceptable to vampires as a whole than when the Romanians were in charge. The guards were all fairly happy. Chelsea always made sure that everyone remained loyal to the Volturi.
Heidi had mastered her role as bait and fisherman. She lured humans into the castle to feed everyone else. Felix had become quite enamored with her though she did not reciprocate the feelings. However, every once in a while she would throw an illusion his way just to see him get worked up. He thrived on this.
"You look stunning, Heidi," Felix called over to her gondola.
She rolled her eyes and said "I know."
Demetri laughed and elbowed Felix in the ribs. The two of them had become quite good friends. They would often work together when it was time to deal punishments. Demetri would track down the offender and Felix would deliver the sentence.
As the line of boats began to round a corner a little boy became visible. He was dressed as a jester and that immediately caught Sulpicia's attention. She loved jesters. The boy was mesmerized by the passing party and his eyes locked on Sulpicia's. It was almost as if she had hypnotized him.
"I want him," she said to Aro, her eyes unable to leave the boy.
Aro laughed and replied, "My darling, you may have whatever you like."
