An Unresolved Past
This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
Chapter 33 – And, after all, what is a lie? T'is but the truth in masquerade*
Aro walked towards the small group of apartments in de back of his wing of the castle which he had allotted Dragus. Upon entering he noticed that it had been cleaned and looking above the roaring fire he saw that the portrait of Dragus's former mate.
Aro's mind went back to when she had been Caius's slave; he still remembered her fiery temperament that Caius had slowly and methodically shattered. In the end, although she maintained her beauty and grace, she became spiritless so he quickly lost interest in his broken doll.
While Aro studied the portrait Dragus's shadow cautiously separated itself from the other shadows of the room.
Feeling his presence Aro calmly stated "Your wife was very beautiful".
"Have you come to tell me that?"Dragus mocked.
"No, I have come to give you a chance to revenge her" Aro said as he turned his gaze from the painting to Dragus's eyes.
"You have already given me that chance; don't you remember?" Dragus smirked and then laughed as he continued "You should have seen the surprise on his face! I admit, although it was a short victory; it felt good!"
Having realized his own love for Isabella; he finally grasped the agony behind Dragus's fury as he explained. "I need someone to help me convince my mate that any hope of Caius's return is futile." He then hesitated, allowing Dragus a moment of to consider his words before he added "somewhat the same way that Ilona was convinced of your death."
He instantly saw the tortured look in Dragus's face and realized he hit a nerve.
Recalling the return of his damaged mate Dragus softly muttered "When I first saw Ilona after her release I was delighted but as soon as she spoke I realized something was wrong. She feared and rejected me; her body was intact but her mind was in constant torment. It took me many decades to convince her that I was her mate and even more to get her trust."
With a gesture of his hand Aro said "I have forgotten nothing and remember that part of your story vividly. That is why I have come to you; as you know I have taken Caius's former mate as my own, hoping she would accept our bond but I am beginning to believe that she still clings to a futile hope that he will return".
"No one could survive such a fall; not even that devil" Dragus sneered
Aro nodded in agreement saying "Both you I know that I cannot, for the life of me, convince her"
Looking up, Dragus distrustfully gazed at Aro thinking this one of his traps as he murmured "I think I am beginning to understand your dilemma but find it strange that you would allow that".
Aro shrugged his shoulders, cautiousness lacing his words as he declared "Normally I would not, but momentarily I am in desperate need of her absolute loyalty".
He saw the maliciousness smirk on his fellow collaborator grow as Dragus asked "What exactly, do you want me to do and how?"
Aro explained Bella's condition and then added "Although I am unhappy about the incident, I have decided to use it to my advantage. At the moment she is helpless, her body is in need of nourishment and rest. You can use this vulnerable state to bend her mind; give her drug fortified blood to keep her awake while indoctrinating her with your gifts of conviction".
Dragus folded his arms, shook his head and probed "How do you see that working?"
"If she speaks or thinks of Caius you can make her body feel nervous, devastated and sick; causing her not to dwell on her former mate" Aro shrewdly answered.
Dragus carefully assessed Aro's words and a small sneer grew as he reflected on the possibilities. "I haven't used my power to do this sort work before but having tested her reactions….. it may indeed work". Then looking up towards Aro he suggestively said "In the past I had full domination over the women involved; is that the case now?"
Aro knowing the nature of ancient vampires quickly said "No, no rape! Use your powers; we already know how fearful she is of them; I'm sure those will suffice."
"What a pity" Dragus snickered "I thought to give Caius's mate the same treatment he gave mine."
"No! I forbid it. I do not want her mind shattered; I only want her loyalty. You will be well paid and I will keep you under our radar so that you will be able to enjoy your riches but for that; you must keep your word" Aro emphasized.
Shrugging his shoulders Dragus cunningly said "I cannot guarantee the same results for a technique I have never performed but, will do my best. What exactly do you want?"
It took but a moment's though before Aro answered "You must convince her beyond any doubt that Caius will never come back, that his death is an irrevocable fact and that she is pursuing the unattainable. She must be forced to acknowledge that by breaking her vows to me she has not strengthened the Volturi coven but made it weaker; thus shaming the memory of Caius".
Dragus smiled, enjoying the chance to get back at his opponent even after death.
Walking towards the fireplace and standing directly under the portrait of Dragus's mate Aro continued "Secondly; I want you to persuade her that by involving her friends she may cause the downfall of their small coven".
Then walking back towards Dragus he sneered "You must prevail upon her that by instigating false rumours she has led not only the Olympus coven but also Marcus and Demetri astray. If she and they continue this madness it will be seen as treason by the entire Volturi coven; the penalty being execution for all involved".
"Lastly you must imply that although she has wronged me; you are sure you can convince me to help her back in the fold. All she need do is let go of all her delusions and path of destruction."
Dragus scoffed "You have put much thought to your plan but it seems that you build on a guilt complex; most vampires do not possess such feelings".
Aro smiled saying "You forget Dragus; she is new and it seems Isabella's human emotions and loyalty still exist and therefore we can compel her actions. She will not care for consequences pertaining to herself but will never want to put anyone else in harm's way".
Dragus's face was perplex as he muttered "I have never seen that in a vampire and certainly not in a newborn".
"That is both her strength and her downfall" Aro remarked and then began to divulge all her fears and obligations so that Dragus had something to work on as well.
Dragus was too curious to remain silent "Is she worth all the trouble she has caused you?"
Aro smiled as he replied "She makes me feel alive after centuries of death"
Dragus had heard that new vampires often had this effect on the old ones so nodding his head he said "then it sounds like I have my work cut out for me".
Later that evening Bella woke up to the opening of the door. She was still weak and could only move her head looking for the source of the sound.
Half dazed by blood loss Isabella regarded the man who had called himself Dragus enter the room.
He looked down at her, frowning as he circled the bed Aro had placed her on. Standing still he bent over and whispered into her ear "Master Aro has informed me of your paranoia; it seems you believe you are a victim of some sort of a conspiracy instead of realizing that you have been instigator of a conflict".
Shaking his head he straitened his back and drumming his fingers on the table he added "By your actions you have brought discord among the coven and dishonour to your former mate. If this continues you will bring the Volturi coven and all those you care for on the brink of devastation"
His hand softly stroked her hair as he added "Although Aro loves you dearly he cannot, given his function as king, condone such treachery. However he is convinced that in your grief, you have distanced your mind from the harsh reality so he has asked for me to help you."
You see this room?" he said as his hand motioned to the space around them. "It is now your personal training room and you will only be allowed to see me and whomever I invite to join us. It might take months but I promise to show you your faults so that you can finally be Aro's best ally. With that said he left the room and Bella was alone in the dark silence.
She turned her head trying to resume her search but was quickly interrupted as a tremendous pain overtook her senses. She screamed, begged and pleaded but the assalt continued.
* Lord Byron
