Chapter 21: Yuletide Christmas Special
As a special thank you to everyone who has been reading this since the beginning. Here is a very long and well deserved update for everyone. Hopefully this will get everyone through till my finals end in May. Get ready, this is the big one. Without further adieu here is the Christmas Special...in April.
Let's dance and sing and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year - George Alexander Macfarren
The days leading up to Christmas loomed over Helen, for she knew that with each passing day the New Year would get closer and the conversation of immortality would soon be upon her. Scratch that, the decision of immortality would be upon her, sans conversation. Helen had thought long and hard on if she should try and contact Ruby one final time and possibly escape but she ultimately decided that she needed to accept her fate with as much grace as she could.
She was tired, very tired. Tired of fighting, tired of dealing with the drama that resulted from loving the Hendricks family and just wanted the pain to end. Helen accepted that with more time and care she could truly love Aro and Sulpicia, and once they both realized that Helen was done resisting both of them as parents, they too were more relaxed.
In fact, there wasn't even a conversation about that. One day in the sitting room where all the family was gathered, Caius had been in a mood and not even his malicious wife could keep him calm.
"Pagan folderol." Caius sneered at the tinsel and holly that decorated the respectable furniture, "why are we even entertaining this ridiculous holiday? If we are to accommodate to traditions from our lands then I should at least hold the festival of Posidea from the cusp of my youth."
'I don't think you had a childhood, jackass. I think you came out into the world as a bitter pill.'
Helen was listening to him continuously try and provoke her, hoping to get her fuming but she wasn't in the mood for this anymore. She was tired, indeed, and devastated once she realized the other day how much she had changed since Aro had introduced himself four months ago, how much she had let this world mold her into a new version she didn't recognize. Old Helen would've decked someone for egging her on this much, probably with a pointe shoe, while New Helen was instructed to behave and be respectful of the Volturi Masters, to be sweet and feminine.
"What are you two doing? You both look thick as thieves!" Caius brought her out of her thoughts by snarling at a smirking Aro and Sulpicia, their hands entwined like a young couple madly in love.
"Oh nothing you should concern yourself with, dear brother." Aro chuckled, his eyes did land on Helen and they looked very smug. She knew what that look was for, she knew that he was pleased that he had managed to wear her down and make her into the Helen he wanted her to be. Helen had never thought she could ever accept these people and be worn down to a point of obedience, and yet it had occurred.
"I suppose you'll be happy that the holiday is about to occur, my darling." Aro smiled, showing his perfect white teeth. Helen's eyes flicked over to the large and cookie cutter evergreen that had been cut, decorated and overflowing with presents for the family to open in three days. Everything had been placed in such a stereotypical way that Helen felt like she was in an episode of The Twilight Zone. Shades of red, gold and green were all that Helen could take from the magnificent decor and an unpleasant stepford feeling came over her.
"Something like that." Helen replied, not able to get rid of the knot that had formed in her stomach. Deciding to stay here was such a hard thing to do. It was like she was giving up and betraying the very people she loved most.
"Splendid." Aro crooned. "I do so detest unhappiness, isn't that right my dear Caius?" The angry blond vampire grunted and returned to the company of his wife. Helen had begun to notice how affectionate the wives were with their husbands now that she had to spend time in the family room, she could tell that this was also probably toned down for her.
'I feel like Marcus is happy he's not the only loner in a room full of couples.'
"Helen, we'll need to be going to town tomorrow to pick up a few of the gifts I had shipped for us." Sulpicia declared, sipping on one of the glasses of blood that always existed in the room.
"Alright." She responded, feeling as though she was becoming more and more like an ornament with each passing day. She hated this, hated how trapped she was here and how even when she was going into an open place such as Volterra's town square, it was as if she were a dog being taken for a walk. She hated how she was giving up and how she was trying so hard just to make this life seem bearable.
'You can get through this, everything is going to be fine.'
For its credit, Volterra was beautiful in the winter. Snow on ancient shale rooftops and cobbled steps was breathtaking and many of the family businesses that had likely been here in the past century were adorned with Christmas festivities and baked goods. Helen had been ushered into one of the more luxurious stores that she could tell Sulpicia liked to frequent, with a watchful Santiago standing a few feet behind them at all times.
When it had been pointed out to her, Helen realized how often guards were watching the wives and protecting them. They were good at making their presence quiet in the room and suddenly she realized how many times she had felt like someone was watching her in St. Louis.
One night she had seen a man the same size as Felix follow her and Sydney out of the movie theater and thought nothing of it until now.
"We're only here to pick up an order but I must say these winter fashions are catching my eye." Sulpicia mused, her eyes eager like a cat on the hunt. She motioned for a saleswoman who leapt at the chance to attend to the obviously wealthy woman. "Please pull Signore Volturi's measurements and have the latest Brioni's tailored to his specifications. All in midnight black and paired with seven ties in complimentary colors."
The woman nodded and went to work, pleased with the commission she'd be getting.
"Does Aro even need this stuff?" Helen muttered while admiring a sweater she could imagine Aro try and be a domestic Dad in. It kind of looked like something she would buy for Richard, he'd like the dark blue color. This was something practical, something casual, it didn't intimidate her.
"Your father is an important man and deserves to have nice things, love." Sulpicia explained and then noticed the sweater Helen was admiring and looking for sizes that might fit him. "I do credit you for your taste."
"I thought he might like this, I dunno." She explained, grabbing a medium. Sulpicia ecstatically took it from her and placed it with the other items she was purchasing.
"It's not so difficult to love us after all." Sulpicia retorted, stinging Helen in a way that made her feel even more guilty. She turned her head to the side and caught Santiago staring at her out of the corner of her eye.
'I need five minutes to myself or I'm gonna scream.'
"Can I go get coffee across the street?" Helen asked pleasantly enough. Sulpicia stopped in her tracks and pondered her answer, the memory of Helen running away again clearly gracing her mind. She smiled and gave Helen chills, "take Santiago with you, dearest."
"Please." Helen pleaded, "it'll just be five minutes...Mom." That was enough for Sulpicia to concede and she saw her face relax with happiness.
"I suppose so, but I hope you understand that if you're even thirty seconds late you'll have Hell to pay." The vampire queen giggled, though Helen knew she meant it and took the fifty note Euro from her hand. Helen wasn't stupid enough to think running away would do anything but get her screwed, but she could feel herself being watched even as she walked out of the store. Buttoning her coat, she felt as though someone was trying to burn a hole in her head.
The man at the counter gasped at the bill as she bought a large Americano with milk. Helen tipped him generously because she knew Sulpicia wouldn't bother to count the change; money not being an issue to the Volturi. She sipped it from inside the bistro, enjoying what little time she would get to be outside the estate.
'You're on vacation, you are fine.' Maybe if she kept telling herself that it would be true at some point. Clumsily, a few drops landed on her coat and she cursed.
"Shit, hey do you have any napkins?" Helen turned to ask the cashier and suddenly she felt the room get heavy as the people and workers froze in place around her, like they had become statues.
"What the hell?" Helen mumbled and dropped her drink on the ground, splattering it everywhere when she saw the face she never thought she'd see.
Brown hair, brown eyes, smirking.
Ruby. Ruby White. She was here and couldn't look happier to see Helen. "Hey duckling."
"Ruby!" Helen gasped, running over and wrapping her in a big hug, she felt the warmth of another human, another person who wanted her away from here. "Oh my god!"
"Easy, Hendricks, I might think you missed me." Ruby teased, "I'm sorry it's taken me so long but I've had to lay low since Lucius has been looking for me."
"I'm sorry!" Helen exclaimed, collecting herself. "it's my fault! I didn't know there was history between you."
"No, hon, nothing between that piece of shit and me is your fault." Ruby gritted through her teeth. "I know you must have a million questions, but before I unfreeze time we need to get you out of here."
Helen smiled ecstatically before feeling her lungs drop to her stomach and her breathing become heavy as she let go of Ruby's hand. "No! No I can't!"
"Nothing is going to happen, Helen, I promise." Ruby explained, sensing her fear. "Your family is safe, nothing will happen to them either. This nightmare is over."
"No." Helen replied firmly, "it's fine, I'll be fine if I stay here."
"You don't owe these people anything." Ruby insisted, "this is what they do. They take everything and throw it away when they're done playing. They have done it to three other girls as far as I know, two from the last century alone."
"Ruby I'm tired." Helen explained, "I don't wanna fight anymore and I don't wanna be on the run forever. I know him, he will never stop looking for me and when he finds me I'll wish I was dead. If I stay here and be with him then it won't be so bad. I'll make myself love him if I have to."
Ruby grimaced and gave her a meaningful look. "Don't you think I've told the same thing to myself? I was you at one point."
"What happened to you?" Helen echoed, she had wondered for a long time now what had occurred between Ruby and the man claiming to be her husband but she knew it wasn't a happy story.
"If you come with me I will tell you, but we only have a minute before my spell wears off." Ruby explained, tugging her arm.
"I can't." Helen exclaimed again, "I should, I want to, but I can't leave. He will kill all of them if I betray him and I could never forgive myself if my friends and family died. Ruby, I will be okay."
"If I can get everyone safe and prove it, would you leave?" Ruby dared.
"I...don't know." Helen answered.
"Good enough for me." Ruby took out a small, jade colored crystal. It was very thin and snake-like, but very beautiful. She sliced Helen's hand with it and before she could wince it was easily slipped under her skin. With a wave of her bright garnet ring, the wound had healed and Helen was left in a daze.
"What did you do that for?" Helen asked annoyed and inspecting where the cut was, feeling the minuscule bump underneath her skin.
"It's a dragon scale. They are used to keep secrets and that one will prevent Aro from knowing you had any contact, memory or thought with, about or of me. When you need me, call my name three times and I'll come get you." Ruby explained, taking a pair of sunglasses and vanishing before her eyes. Helen stood there, dazed; her shoes and coat were damp with coffee and everyone was suddenly looking at her as though she was crazy.
'Well, that was unexpected.'
Helen ran out of the coffee shop and back into the store before Sulpicia was even the wiser. She was still wrapping her head around the fact that Ruby had appeared before her and offered to take her away.
'I can't believe this! I stayed here! I had my chance and I blew it! I could be in St. Louis having holiday Starbucks and listening to Sydney bitch about them not having a Hanukah latte!'
"Helen!" Sulpicia's gasp made her freeze with fear, she felt the color drain from her face. "What on earth happened to your coat, dear?"
She looked down and noticed the trail of light brown coffee that started at her double breast pocket and went all the way down to her stockings and finally down her right dress boot.
'My coat. She is asking why it's ruined. She does not know.'
"I'm sorry, I..uh spilt my drink." She explained, clearly sounding much more stupid than she intended to. Sulpicia's beautiful face was studying her, as though sensing she wasn't telling the whole truth.
"Well, be more careful." She answered, still not convinced. A saleslady ran up from Helen's peripheral and presented her with a yummy double breasted camel coat and couldn't contain her glee.
"Signorina needs a new coat, yes?" Helen blushed, but she still noticed Sulpicia looking at her with suspicion. The feeling of uneasiness returning to her once more.
Hours later, the mother and daughter duo returned to the confines of the Volturi castle. However, Sulpicia had Santiago take the direct route through the throne room. The doors opening to the large and intimidating hall, the Volturi brothers at the table to the right, studying and immersing themselves in old tomes.
"Ah, my lovely ladies have returned to me." Aro sang happily. His usual cheerfulness pinching Helen's ears and giving her the beginnings of a migraine. The fact that Sulpicia chose this way back into the castle made her stomach uneasy.
"Dearest husband." Sulpicia beamed and greeted Aro with a kiss after he had walked up to her. Sulpicia then took her hand in his and he took in her thoughts with a loving smile, his face flooding with intrigue, and suddenly Helen saw his gaze briefly flicker to her and the messy coat.
'Fuck me, he's gonna know.'
"Helen, come over here, darling." Aro grinned happily and motioned her over. Helen saw Caius and Marcus turn their attention to her, waiting to see what she'd try and pull. Helen knew their was no point in trying to disobey him and walked over with as best of a poker face she could manage. She thought after all this time that him reading her thoughts wouldn't bother her, and yet his icy grip gave her goosebumps.
She watched his eyes be ensnared by her thoughts as they usually were. Helen could tell he was looking for something that aroused Sulpicia's suspicion. Aro's eyes were digging deep into the corners of her mind and at this point she could feel her head getting fuzzy and bright spots appearing in her eyes.
He was getting frustrated and she could tell. He had never gone this deep into her mind before and was annoyed that her thoughts suggested nothing suspicious. Suddenly, Aro pulled away and smoothed the outside of her hand, containing his anger with his usual smile.
"You must be more careful, my dear." He stated with his feathery voice, "perhaps you should retire to your room for the day. I would hate for you to be overexcited before the festivities begin."
There was a pregnant pause in the room. So much tension, so much shock. Helen saw Caius' fist curl in the corner of her eye and Sulpicia's face confounded.
"Yea, sure." Helen admitted, realizing that she needed to get out of that room before Aro blew a gasket. He released her hand and she began her way towards the grand staircase.
Once she finally was out of sight did she allow a feeling of relief and joy cross her face. He hadn't been able to find out about Ruby and there was nothing he could blame her for.
There had been one part of her mind in almost three months that he hadn't touched, one secret that the Volturi weren't privy to.
It almost restored her hope.
The following day had been one of peace. She hadn't been summoned to the family room, hadn't be commanded to the wives' room and wasn't bothered for her morning lesson. She had been utterly undisturbed and it gave her the opportunity to finally have a moment of solitude and watch some bad and pointless television like the human being she was.
She knew that Aro had been furious that Helen had gotten away with some secret and there was nothing he could do to prove it. Helen admitted that part of her was worried that he might try and coax it out of her, but she also had to admit that the look on his face had been priceless.
To watch him finally not get something satisfied her in a way that disobeying him just couldn't. She knew it wouldn't last, she wasn't that stupid, but this one moment in her favor made her feel as though some weight had been taken off her shoulders.
'It's funny, this is the first Christmas Eve that I'll be spending alone. Right now we'd be opening up our pajamas and taking the family picture. We would all gather around the living room and watch It's A Wonderful Life and invite Aunt Petra over for cocoa so she wouldn't be alone on Christmas.'
Helen flipped through the channels and was annoyed when she couldn't find that movie on cable or in her DVD collection that was usually convenient. She thought about renting it and watching it on her computer but she didn't have any money in her account.
'God, I'm bored now. Bored and alone. I've pissed off the only people I socialize with even though they set my teeth on edge.'
She rose from her couch and opened the door where Santiago was stationed, acknowledging her with a curt nod. "Are you hungry for supper, Lady Helen?"
"No, I'm fine. How do I call them to come see me?" Helen cringed at the word Lady as usual, but quickly let it faze off her. "I'm getting bored and I'm desperate."
"My apologies." Santiago replied, "The Masters have been informed of an urgent situation from Sicily and have a coven to attend trial this evening, Master Aro told me to inform you should you need him."
Helen felt a vein pop out of her head. 'Of course he did!'
"Mistress Sulpicia is also finishing up preparations for tomorrow and had to finalize the event for the New Year. I might be able to call Mistress Athenadora if you require company." He explained softly, offering her some options.
"No thanks, watching paint dry would give me the same effect." Helen deadpanned. "Am I allowed to walk around this place? I might go to the kitchens for some coffee."
Santiago straightened himself up and looked serious. "I would be content with having a servant bring you refreshments, my Lady."
"I would rather do it myself, I need a pick me up and I know how strong it needs to be." Helen slipped on her heels and watched Santiago ponder what to say to her. "When I come back we can play cards or something."
"That wouldn't be appropriate, I'm afraid." He admitted kindly. "I suppose you can, but I wouldn't recommend being gone for more than an hour. The Masters would hate to be troubled with your escape."
Helen felt a furious grin come on her face, "exactly how many guards are in the coven?"
"Fifty-two not including the family, Lady Helen."
"Then if I escape with all of you watching me, again, that isn't really my fault." Helen boasted like she scored the last cookie in the jar. Santiago gave her a smirk, "no, but I should not want to incur any wrath from Master Aro."
"Fair enough."
Helen was shown the servants' elevator by Santiago who agreed to remain behind and laughed at her exasperation on finding out that she had traveled up and down the stairs many times without knowing there had been an elevator.
The kitchens were surprisingly modern and were clearly for the servants that work and tend to the Volturi. Helen hoped that none of them would have a problem with her being there and was thankful when the room was empty.
'I'm sure they'd love to kiss Daddy dearest's ass by getting me in trouble.' She thought while preparing a very strong pot of coffee. Helen had usually gotten her food and drink from the same timid maid who never bothered her out of fear, poor woman. She assumed they all thought her some spoiled brat with a temper and a mean streak, but she never had the chance to speak to any of them. The clock read 8:51 and Helen knew that this is what she needed for a long night.
"Hey, can I have some of that?" Helen snapped out of her mind and heard a British sounding voice from behind her, turning to see a girl who could easily be her age in the maid's usual black polo and khaki's they wore. She was nice looking with her dirty blonde braid and glasses, clearly tired from her day.
"Sure." Helen replied happily, never more relieved to have contact with another human, something she thought would never happen again.
'Merry Christmas, Helen Hendricks.'
"I'm Gracie MacClare, by the way, I don't think I've seen you around before. You new?" Gracie had a London accent more than anything, not very cockney.
"Yea!" Helen was so relieved that this girl wasn't acting afraid or sucking up, she hadn't had a real conversation in ages. "I'm...Sydney. Sydney O'dell, I just moved here from America." Helen couldn't let this pure moment be spoiled, not now that she had some company
"Wicked!" Gracie smiled. "You're dressed nice for a maid, know that? Hot plans with a bloke?" She said, referring to her lace dress and heels.
"Oh, um, I'm not a maid." Helen admitted, quickly trying to think up a job that would make sense. Gracie nodded in understanding, "ahh, I see. You Gianna's assistant? I heard they might need one to train since the boss might be promoting her to Head Secretary."
"Yep that's me!" Helen replied eagerly, happy to have an excuse.
"You file and copy?" Gracie poured herself a mug of Helen's coffee and was very pleased. "This stuff is good!"
"Oh, uh..." Helen thought quickly for a second and blurted out the first thing she thought of, "I'm Lady Helen's attendant!" Gracie nearly spit her drink and covered her nose as she almost felt it come up, her eyes were shocked and now very interested in the conversation.
"Really?!" Gracie asked with shock. "No way! I've been washing linens for about three years now and I was so surprised when I heard she arrived as Master's long lost daughter. Is it true she grew up on the streets and that's what took so long? Master told us that she's not to be spoken to so they can make her reliant on them, poor thing."
'What?! Fuck you, Aro, I didn't grow up on the street!'
"I imagine she get's rather lonely when she's not summoned, but I guess it makes sense so that she doesn't stray." Gracie added as an afterthought.
"She's nice, I've spoken to her a lot." Helen replied while taking a sip, hoping that Gracie wasn't going to get in trouble for this. "She's not very happy to be Master Aro's daughter." Those two words nearly made her puke, she hated the taste in her mouth after saying that.
Gracie looked as though she had just found out the earth was flat, "Seriously? That'd be the dream! No working or studying, mind you have to take weekly classes with the maids. I'm sure the Master spoils her, too."
"She misses her family." Helen was now getting worried where this conversation would go. She was probably breaking so many rules just being down here.
"Ah, okay." Gracie was now pulling out a tupperware from the fridge, clearly about to microwave her dinner. "I understand, my mum died two years ago and I miss her very much."
"I'm sorry." Helen replied sincerely, appreciating how real this conversation felt. "My mom walked out when I was four, so I had to be raised by my Dad. He worked a lot to support three kids and...he died about two months ago."
"Oh, blimey I'm sorry, that's awful." Gracie was now heating up her food, probably counting how many minutes she had left on her break. "But we're both fortunate to have such fine jobs at our age, with any luck I can get my degree in a few years."
"Do you know why they hire so young?" Helen asked curiously, "seems strange."
"Didn't the guards explain during your orientation?" Gracie furrowed her brows as Helen shook her head, "golly they're all so full of it. They want young people so that they can keep us for a good while, most of the staff are left alone about changing us and we can get married with the Masters' blessing and the lot, but eventually they have to find new servants every few decades and then they make their decision. Mind you, I'm lucky to not be living on the street somewhere."
"Gracie." Helen felt her stomach churn at this question, "have you actually met Master Aro?" Again with those disgusting words, they made her feel awful.
Gracie looked very hard, as those the memory was serious. "Only once. One of the maids, god bless her, spilt refreshments in the Family room and on Mistress Sulpicia's dress."
Helen shuddered with her, clearly realizing what would happen to that the poor woman.
"The housekeeper told me to bring her a clean dress and some towels they had on reserve, another servant, Tina, came with me to help get the stain out, even though that carpet would definitely be replaced. One of them guards was taking her body away and I was terrified they would kill me too, even. When we went inside I could tell they were all furious that someone had upset the Mistress. I was ordered not to make eye contact and speak only when spoken to, I couldn't cry or get upset. Master Aro acted very gleeful, but like the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is how I imagine him now, and he ordered me to take his wife's dress to the laundry.
"The Mistress was very unhappy, because she said he had it made for their anniversary. The whole room smelled like rust and I nearly became ill, instead Tina started crying."
Helen gulped, even more worried that she was talking to her.
"Instead of someone yelling, Master Aro hushed her and told me to go back downstairs while he told her not to be afraid. I ran out of that room as fast as I could. I never asked what happened to Tina because I already knew."
"They're all monsters." Helen growled, furious. "Killed her for spilling their precious blood on their precious carpet."
"I was sent a package from him." Gracie continued, nervous at Helen speaking ill of them. "It had new clothes and some sweets, I was rewarded for doing the proper thing. My Dad had been a butcher, so I knew how to get blood out of very white clothes, I was able to fix Mistress Sulpicia's dress and I'm very grateful I was left alone after that."
"Lucky you." Helen snorted, "I see him all the time."
"You must be doing something right, considering you attend to the great Lady herself." Gracie offered consolingly, "I'm sure he's not so bad all the time. Oh shit!" Helen turned around and was worried that a guard or Aro had entered the kitchen.
"It's my night to polish the silver and they need it after their meeting!" Gracie looked scared, "I'll never finish in time."
Helen rolled up her sleeves and found the tray of silver that was laying out on the counter to be cleaned, she found the polish and the sponge and gave Gracie a helpful smile. "I'll help you, how much time do you have?"
"No, it's not your responsibility. Suppose your Lady needs you?" Gracie was running her hands through her braid, clearly distressed.
"She's already dismissed me and I doubt she'll do anything but pout in her room." Helen chuckled lightly, "so how much time do you have?"
"It needs to be done by ten." Gracie admitted hopefully, rolling up her own sleeves. "Thank you so much. I imagine we can get it done together."
"Definitely." Helen beamed, this being the kind of thing that made her realize that she wouldn't be alone on Christmas Eve.
They had five minutes to spare after finishing the silver together. Gracie briefly left to take the tray to the what was Helen's guess, the throne room, and gave her a minute to wash her hands of polish and gunk.
'My cuticles are fucked but I'm happy I helped her.'
Gracie returned happily a few minutes later, clearly grateful as she hugged Helen. "Thank you, Sydney! Mrs. Hart the housekeeper was happy I was early."
"No problem!" Helen hadn't realized how grateful she was to have contact with another human, to have warmth around her instead of the cold and hard marble that was Aro and Sulpicia's bodies. It nearly made her start crying.
"I might be able to leave early and go to the staff Christmas party tonight." Gracie explained, "you should come! It's mostly maids and groundskeepers but it'll be totally wicked. I snuck in a bottle of schnapps from my uncle."
"That sounds nice!" Helen giggled, but quickly remembered herself. "Unfortunately, I have to get up early to get Lady Helen ready for family Christmas."
"Oh, that's awful." Gracie sighed, "well if you change your mind it's in the servant's common room in the basement. It feels like a dungeon, but that's only a floor below us."
Gracie laughed at that statement but Helen didn't want to imagine that there was an actual dungeon.
"What's the dress?" Helen asked, now wondering if she should go since both her 'so called' parents were acting like children who were told they couldn't have dessert.
"Very casual, jeans and jumpers, the like." Gracie explained, "I'll finish my last load of ironing and then I can meet you in your dormitory, what room you in?"
"I can meet you down here." Helen explained quickly, still happily maintaining her facade. "My room is a huge mess right now."
"Oh, alright." Gracie shrugged, "I also have some of Lady Helen's things pressed if you want to take them back up, not that you have to."
"Don't worry, it's no trouble." Helen took the pile of neatly folded clothes from Gracie's hands and left the kitchen, ecstatic to have made a friend and to be going to a party without stuffy vampires or manipulative assholes. Santiago had stepped out of the elevator the second she pushed the button and she felt her heart sink.
"There you are, Master Aro finished early and wants to see you in his music room." Santiago admitted with a hopeful smile, remembering how bored Helen was earlier.
Helen, on the other hand, was devastated.
Santiago led Helen up the corridors, telling her that her clothes were fine when she suggested to back to her room and change, hoping she could fake being sick. She had only heard of this room once before, when Sulpicia explained the Volturi hobbies they took to keep their minds occupied.
'Literally, the one time I am about to do something fun.'
"Where did you find a pile of your clothes?" Santiago furrowed his brows in confusion. Helen gulped and quickly lied, something she had been doing a lot of lately.
"Oh, I found them there."
"They left your clothes in the kitchen?!" Santiago asked with rage and fury. "These new servants are completely useless! I'll have Master Aro informed on that linen girl's incompetence!"
"No!" Helen shouted in defense, then quickly stopped. "No, I mean I went into the laundry room and found them neatly folded and pressed. She was probably polishing silver or something."
"Why on earth did you go to the laundry?"
A beat passed and Helen came up with the first thought in her head. "Americans like laundry rooms."
She knew that Santiago wanted to call bullshit, but all he did was snort in acknowledgement, probably trying not to laugh at her. Eventually they reached a marble door and Santiago led Helen in, giving his Master a bow before he was dismissed with a wave.
Aro was at a very grand black piano, and when Helen surveyed the room she saw many beautiful instruments that had no doubt been collected over the past several centuries. His fingers were playing the keys together in a beautiful melody, something she hadn't heard before. The song captivated her, kind of like how he did, in a way she didn't want to explain.
"I do think this is the longest you've gone without speaking." Aro stated, "it's refreshing." Helen huffed at that comment and examined her nails, hoping there wasn't any residual polish.
"Well, I like this song." She explained, "what's it called?"
"I never named it." Aro admitted with a smile, his perfect white teeth looking even more perfect than usual. "Perhaps I'll name it Helen, since it captures you so."
He looked at her and gave her his usual satisfied grin, "come here, child. It's not polite to linger near the door." Helen rolled her eyes and walked over to the bench where he was stationed, he patted the spot next to him for her to sit down, something she immediately did.
"I apologize for being occupied today." Aro admitted with what Helen almost felt like sincerity, "an issue emerged that I could not ignore. I hope you don't think I was avoiding you the night before your holiday."
"It's fine." Helen shrugged, deciding not to make a big deal.
"I don't think it is, I know how much you detested Richard working late, my darling girl." His apology actually felt genuine, as though he actually felt guilty about not spending the day or evening with her.
"You both work, there's nothing I can do about that." She felt very uncomfortable with helping Gracie now, knowing that all he had to do was touch her hand and then he could have her executed.
"Thank you for understanding." Aro smiled happily, "do you play?" Helen shook her head in reply, remembering the piano lessons from fourth grade.
"I can do Mary Had a Little Lamb on three fingers, I tried to learn but my teacher didn't think I had any patience." She snorted dryly, knowing that he was probably about to laugh at her.
"I'd like to hear it, would you indulge me?" Aro asked with kindness and it made Helen wonder what he wanted from her. He never came to see her unless he wanted something or felt like bullying her. This entire thing was super uncomfortable.
"I suppose." Helen saw him clap his hands together happily, the piano echoing as he stopped. She put her middle, index and ring finger together on her right hand and played the song. It was flat and she had to stop once to remember the keys, he acted as though she had impressed him greatly, which made her wanna call bullshit.
"That was lovely." Aro crooned with joy, "did I tell you what my meeting was about?"
The second he said that Helen got nervous.
"You see, there a small coven in Sicily that I usually don't bother. They are not particularly interesting or powerful, so I leave them be as long as they follow the law. One thing for you to note, my dear, is that hunting is forbidden in Volterra. I have no interest in dealing with rival covens harassing my lands and even the slightest attempt is illegal. When I take you on your first feed we'll more than likely head to Cecina so you can enjoy the ocean while you indulge."
'Putting that idea away right now.'
"Anyhow, this coven was conspiring with a few other nomads to hunt closer and closer to Volterra like an ungrateful child who wants to provoke a parent. Young people think they're so clever when they fool those above them, but I have eyes and ears everywhere, my sweet one. The coven fed on a few citizens today and everyone involved was executed along with those they held dear. Do you understand what the point of this is?"
"Don't feed in Volterra?" Helen gulped like an idiot, Aro smiled evilly in response.
"Do not think that I don't know when something happens, dear." He chuckled darkly, "now that I've informed you of that unfortunate story, is there anything you'd like to share? Anything you tell me right now will have no consequences to you or anyone involved. Should I find out that you lied to me or withheld information," he sighed dramatically, "well I can't say that I'll be pleased."
Helen felt like she was two feet tall. She knew that he was hearing her heartbeat practically dance for him and was eagerly waiting for her to confess what he all but confirmed had happened, that she had done something she hadn't. Helen had to decide whether she should throw Gracie or Ruby under the bus. She knew he'd find out about Gracie either way, plus Ruby was her only way out of here.
Helen really felt like a piece of shit right now.
"I did something I wasn't supposed to." She admitted, knowing that he would only be merciful once. "I left my room without Santiago and went to the kitchen tonight."
For a second Aro looked stunned, as though he thought she would tell him yesterday she tried to leave him and something happened.
"Go on."
"I went down there for coffee and talked with one of the servant girls. She was nice and we chatted, it felt like I had a friend again." Helen could feel herself start to cry like an idiot, knowing fully well that she was probably getting her executed. "I lied and didn't tell her who I was, she didn't know either. We talked about our lives here and we had some things in common. I said some things I shouldn't have."
Helen couldn't stop fidgeting with her hands and he took hold of one of them to get her to stop, She could tell he was annoyed by her blubbering and wanted all the information himself. Once he was finished he placed his hands together, pondering what to do.
"Really I'm more hurt than anything." He said after a long pause, scolding her as though she had written something mean about him in her diary. "The fact that you think so little of our relationship and would gossip about like a fool."
"I'm sorry." She admitted while rubbing her eyes, feeling guilty that she just screwed over the only human friend she had.
"Did she ask you to polish that silver?" He asked with his authoritarian voice.
"No, I offered to help so she wouldn't run late with it." Helen confessed like the coward she was. Aro laughed lightly to himself, amused at the thought of Helen polishing his silver as though she was doing chores.
"If it's any consolation I was going to have her disciplined for half the pieces being done poorly." He laughed louder, "now I know why."
"Shut up!" She yelled, still hysterical and wiping her eyes. "I can't believe you had someone killed for spilling blood on Sulpicia's dress."
"Oh come now, my dear." Aro smirked, "I admit to having high expectations and being upset when my subordinates fail me. Besides, your mother was the one who actually did it, that dress was a favorite of hers." He grasped his hands around her shoulders and put her head on his leg, the marble like texture being uncomfortable for Helen. He put his fingers through her hair consolingly, something he liked to do.
"Hush now, child, you are forgiven." Aro said soothingly, "is that all?"
Helen paused for a moment and decided that she couldn't give Ruby up just yet, not while she had the smallest bit of hope still inside her. "Yes that's all."
"Alright then." He said gruffly, still not convinced but with no proof.
"Why did you send for me so late?" She pondered, wondering if he had another ulterior motive up his sleeve.
"I didn't want you to be alone on Christmas' Eve, Helen." He admitted in such a way it touched her, and in that moment she couldn't deny she was grateful to have him tonight.
The following morning came quicker than she had expected. The light of the early hours creeping in, complimenting the soft blue hues of Helen's bedroom. It was rare for her to get these moments of tranquility and peace, and even at the age of fifteen she still felt herself gain a childlike giddy at waking up on Christmas morning.
The morning in the family room hadn't been as awful as she had thought. Caius and Athenodora had toned down their usual unpleasantness, and Helen could only think that another subtle threat from their dear brother had made them keen not to upset anyone.
A behavior that surely would not last.
Marcus didn't really seem particularly interested, but nonetheless participated. "A complete history of the Peloponnesian War, how kind of you, brother."
Aro nodded in satisfaction, giving his brother a small smile. Helen had received many more dresses and a complete first edition set of the Harry Potter series signed by J.K. Rowling herself, courtesy of the great man himself. Sulpicia in turn had given her enough Michael Kors and Sephora products that she would never be able to use in a lifetime.
"It's a bracelet." Athenodora said bitterly, "Sia picked it out of a magazine." Helen rolled her eyes when she admired the diamond tennis bracelet. Aro had no doubt had a word with Caius and his angry wife because their behavior had been so severely redacted that it amazed her.
She looked over at him and was so torn. He eagerly unwrapped and wore the sweater she had purchased for him, acting as though he was a spoiled child receiving a desired toy. Aro kissed her forehead in gratitude, clearly pleased with himself. He had been wearing a Santa hat all day in amusement and if Helen closed her eyes and tried really hard she could almost picture herself as being back in St. Louis. She had already purchased a bunch of presents a few months ago and didn't know if this was the time for everyone to find them hidden in the back of her closet.
Later that night, after the artificial Christmas that had been produced, Helen did admit that she was surprised by the spread she received for dinner. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green been casserole, yams, cranberry sauce and fresh baked yeast rolls.
Christmas had been a different treat this year.
The next few days had been so strange until Helen realized that everyone was now preparing for the New Year's Ball. Aro had explained its importance to her while they were playing chess one day, a break from one of the daily lessons, a platinum set he got her for Christmas.
"It marks another year of our power and benevolence and the promise of another year of prosperity. It's the one tradition we've always had." Aro explained while taking one of Helen's bishops. "It's the one occasion Lucius attends and where you will be dressed in full regalia."
"What does that mean?" Helen gulped and moved a rook. Aro smiled at her, the thought obviously delighting him. "You will don your cloak and crown and toast to another year of our reign. It's a lovely ceremony and I am delighted to have you partake, normally we all drink blood but I've ordered the staff to make sure you have wine."
"Do you countdown to midnight?" Helen asked in curiosity, invested in the idea. Aro chuckled lightly at her childish question but indulge her nonetheless, after taking a knight. "We toast at that time, yes. After we have finished the celebration you will stand up on the dais with me and decree your life as my daughter to the community." He now had her in check, "then I will change you."
Helen did a double take and nearly knocked over several pieces. "In front of everyone?!"
"Goodness, no!" Aro laughed heartily, "that would mortify Sulpicia to be so rude in front of our guests. No, I only mean that I will take you in private and bite you."
Helen still felt the color drain from her face. Aro pursed his lips together and it made her even more nervous. "Unless of course you have decided to not cooperate?"
She chose her next words very carefully, feeling so much tension in the room. "No, it's not that. I'm just...surprised and nervous I guess. You said after New Year but I didn't realize you meant right after, plus there is the actual biting part..." her stomach churned.
Aro sighed quite fatherly, "I feel its been sufficient time for you to be human, all of the nastiness behind us. I will not deny that the change is agony, you shall burn for three days and three nights. You will be reborn into your next life and nothing will keep you from being a member of the family."
Helen looked down at the board and made the mistake of allowing Aro her queen piece. "Checkmate." He snickered jovially, but for some reason that word held a double meaning to her. She thought long and hard about her relationship with him, the surrogate father she didn't know she had. Helen thought about the good times when they first met and the moments leading up to now.
He could be very caring, loving and kind when he wanted. Aro was always eager to give her love and support, to comfort and console her. He could also be vicious, mean spirited and cruel whenever she refused anything from him. Aro would never let her deny his love. Helen tried to focus really hard on the good times, knowing that they would keep her strong and that she cared about him, his approval and his feelings.
That was love, right?
Helen looked at him intensely, and knew that if she could summon the strength to say these words truthfully, she could survive the change he would bring upon her again. Eventually she could trick her mind into thinking it was true. "Aro."
"Yes sweetling?" He asked in amusement.
"I love you." Helen stated with a small smile, a feeling of relief coming over her. She did it, she had braved through and done all he asked of her without requesting it himself. Aro's face was taken aback by this, a complete look of shock and happiness emerged. Genuine happiness, something that touched his twisted soul and fixed what was broken.
He smiled serenely. "I love you, too. I cannot express how happy you've just made me, and we're going to be such a happy family. I told you that being honest with yourself would make things easier, Helen."
"Also, you cheat at chess." Helen teased with a smirk, earning a devilish look from him in return. Helen felt more relaxed, as though all of her worries had washed away and she no longer felt her stomach churn every time she found herself getting closer to Aro and Sulpicia.
'Maybe they were right.' Helen thought as they reset the board, 'maybe the reason I've felt so miserable is because I rejected the bond and accepting it puts me at ease. Things should be much better from now on.'
Another game had started and Helen had used the experience from the first to better defend her pieces. The rest of the afternoon had been one of the easiest ones they'd had, no one had fought and no one had felt the tension that existed whenever the two of them were in the same room together. That night had been one of the most peaceful sleeps she'd ever had, as if this large weight had been lifted off of her chest. As cliched as it was, it truly was the holiday miracle she needed right now.
The day before New Year's Eve, Helen took a walk with Alec on the snow covered grounds, Santiago following close behind like the hidden friend he always was. Alec held her hand for a little while before the combination of the outside temperature and Alec's own temperature made her skin numb.
"In a few days you wont have to let go." Alec chuckled lightly, but the very thought made Helen's skin crawl. Staying here and loving Aro and Sulpicia was one thing, but to completely become like them was looming over like a death sentence. Helen glanced down at her shoes, the familiar feeling of knots forming in her stomach.
"I wish I could ask if it's normal to be nervous, but I doubt many people can respond to that." Helen admitted with a small voice. Alec lightly kissed her cheek and offered her a helpful smile.
"By the time the change is over you won't even remember being nervous." Alec smiled lightly, exposing his perfect teeth. They resumed walking and Helen took in as much of the barren grounds as she could, the smell of snow always calming her down. Helen knew that this was her last twenty four hours as a human, and she was doing everything she could to remain calm, an almost impossible feat.
"Helen." Alec said sweetly, drawing her attention. "No matter what happens, becoming one of us won't change how I feel about you." She felt her cheeks grow pink and she kissed his lips softly in a thankful manner. Alec wrapped one of his hands around her neck and left goosebumps as he stroked the nape.
It was moments like this that she would hope to take with her as her fate got closer to being sealed. As the sun set and Helen had to retire to her bedroom, a dark thought loomed into her head. 'This will be the last time I go to sleep.'
Part of her really wished vampires fell asleep, not knowing what she would do to fill the hours that would go by had she had the option of rest. Helen decided that she wanted to take the last night she had to herself and make it count. Slipping into a grey leotard, black leggings and wrap sweater, Helen grabbed a pair of pointe shoes and pulled her hair up in a perfectly neat ballet bun. When she left to go to her studio, she was genuinely surprised to not see Santiago at his post.
'That's strange. Maybe he leaves when I fall asleep.'
Sneaking out of the room like a thief in the night, Helen felt excited to have the opportunity to be alone for one last night before no doubt entering a life of always being watched or protected in someway like a doll. She mused to herself how she had become so accustomed to being Aro and Sulpicia's daughter, and how she allowed herself to change so much just to please them.
'Whatever I do, I do to survive. I always have.'
The soft playings of Tchaikovsky enveloped the room. The Dying Swan. It was almost a cliche how she would end her life as a human just as Odette resigned herself to die. A tragedy for a tragedy, although hers would have no foreseeable end. It was funny how she went through moments where she could have so much hope and relief and yet the human part of her gnawed away at it like a festering wound.
In her mind, she imagined everyone she loved: Richard, Wesley, Henry, Sydney and Aggie. She would give anything to see them one last time, one last memory. In the corners of her mind, she thought of Aro and Sulpicia, Alec and even Renata. Helen never thought she could find herself caring for anyone in this place and assumed that nothing in this place would ever bring her joy.
This was still a prison, but it had been made comfortable for her. She could see herself spending decades here learning and studying history, arts and sciences. She could see herself grow closer to both of them in years to come, and possibly even allowing forgiveness at some point. She imagined Alec and all that she could have in a relationship with the closest thing she had to a friend here.
And yet, she could always see the door to St. Louis cracked open ever so slightly, never fully shut.
Helen pictured it in her mind. Walking through the front door, the familiar smell of coffee and the springtime air freshener. She got all the way to the living room before feeling a damp liquid before her feet. Dark burgundy and rust smelling, it left a trail that led her to the lifeless bodies of her family and friends, their skin marred with bite marks and seeping blood.
Helen ran back to the front door as fast as she could and opened it to reveal Aro, Caius, Marcus, Sulpicia and Athenodora. All gave their usual look of smugness, all reveled in their image. Helen suddenly turned to the large mirror in the parlor, her skin was deathly alabaster and her mouth and chin were stained dark red, like she had spilled tomato juice.
She blinked and the brightest pair of red eyes had replaced baby blue.
Aro happily mused from behind her. "Welcome to the family."
When Helen awoke she was drenched in sweat. Her hair had been tied up and now the pins were poking and prodding into her skull. She eagerly removed the wrap sweater and stumbled over to the window in order to let some cool air into the stuffy room. She didn't even remember coming back here and falling asleep last night. After taking a few deep breaths, she looked at the clock on her nightstand: 4:06 am.
Today was December 31st, the last day she would spend a human.
That very thought weighed down on her and the nightmare hadn't helped. Helen suddenly took in everything that everyone had told her about the change. Her thirst would be unmatched as what they called a newborn vampire, and she knew that Aro would encourage her to feed and take pleasure from human blood.
She shivered in disgust.
Helen had tried to not think about that as long as she had been here, especially since it seemed everyday was a challenge. But, no, the reality was upon her now and there was nothing she could do to escape it.
Unless.
Calling Ruby and leaving would be the only option she had if she didn't want to be imprisoned here and murdering every person the Volturi brought in for the tour. She had just started to accept her life here and knew that if she did make that decision, it was highly possible that everyone around her would pay for it. It was ridiculous, she thought she had finally moved past all of the bullshit and struggles that came with this place.
Helen wiped sweat off her brow and headed over to the door where Santiago had resumed his post at some point during the night. His face perked up at seeing her awake so early and he offered her one of his aloof looks.
"Is everything alright Lady Helen?"
She bothered with no corrections and got straight to her point. "Santiago I need you to give me an honest answer on something, regardless on what it is."
He turned to her, his dark eyebrows intrigued. "What may I assist you with?"
"Do you ever regret drinking blood?" Helen asked bluntly, not sure if she wanted to know the answer. "Is it hard to live with yourself? How do you do it?"
Santiago showed no surprise at her question, clearly realizing why she was worried. He offered her a genuine softness in his haunting eyes before responding. "I've never regretted feeding at all. Lady Helen, I'm considerably younger than a majority of the guard at two hundred and the newborn thirst is so great that remorse doesn't hold a candle. There are times when I could have held more control, but I have never done something I felt ashamed of."
"Even though people beg for their lives?" Helen asked again.
"Most vampires do not enjoy playing with their food, my Lady. Many of us accept the natural order of the food chain and do not cause any undo suffering to our meals. Though, I will not deny, there are some that have acquired that distastefulness. I doubt you will be among them, it's usually done by those who enjoyed harming others in their former lives.
"You might take comfort in knowing that feeding isn't very painful, the change is." Santiago explained with a shrug.
"You're a lot nicer than you'd like to admit, Santiago." Helen replied with a small smile.
"I disagree with that, but I'm happy to be of service."
Helen nodded and closed the door, returning back to the captive room she had grown so attached to. She understood where they were coming from, really she did, it was their food source and they need it to survive. What didn't make any sense was that Carlisle Cullen and his family fed on animals and yet they were regarded as heretics. Helen couldn't imagine doing that to another person, but everyone told her she wouldn't have much of a choice due to her thirst.
It still bothered her greatly that in addition to become a vampire, she would have to hurt other people in the process. Then there was her dream where she ended up killing someone she cared about.
'I feel like it doesn't matter how I feel about it, my fate was already sealed the moment Aro found me.'
Aro and Sulpicia made true on the fact that New Year's Eve was the most extravagant affair for the Volturi. The entire castle had been decorate in shades of black and gold. The ballroom was filled with enormous amounts of candles and Lucius bewitched the room so that floating iridescent orbs gave the place such a wonderful shine. Aro explained that they would get brighter until the clock stroke midnight and then exploded into harmless fireworks.
Unlike All Hallow's Eve, this celebration started at noon and would end at midnight. The guard had changed out of their cloaks and into shades of ivory and gold, while the family wore the complimenting combination of black and gold. Even the lower ranking members and the servants were allowed to attend part of the celebration, a reprieve for all those who worked here.
Another note Helen picked up on, was that the absence of the Cullen's had appeared to go unnoticed.
Helen's dress was a dark obsidian, long sleeve and form fitting. It had a half open back and was incredibly classic, something she imagined Audrey Hepburn would wear. Her dark ginger hair was tied up in an intentionally messy low bun, which exposed her neck in a very uncomfortable way. The first time she had seen her cloak was this morning, it was lighter than she expected and had a small rose fastening in the front that she thought was a nice little detail.
Like the rest of the family, in addition to wearing the cloak and the crest, full regalia was a lightly woven gold laurel wreath. While the women had more flowers in theirs, Aro's was the most intricately made.
Helen turned the corner once to get some more of the New Year's Punch put out for the humans and ran smack dab into Gracie. Her straight hair let down and wearing a simple red dress, sans glasses. The moment she saw Helen, her face went white.
"You...you're name isn't Sydney innit?" Gracie choked out, clearly embarrassed and on the verge of tears. "I'm so sorry, I should've guessed it."
"Gracie, I shouldn't have lied, but I was worried you wouldn't have treated me like you did." Helen admitted sheepishly. "I hope you can forgive me?"
"Helen." Sulpicia came from behind her, her perfect blonde waves framing her face. "Why are you troubling yourself with a linen girl? I hope you bowed before her, child."
"Yes Mistress." Gracie curtseyed, "might I be excused Lady Helen?"
Helen gave her a sheepish nod and felt her head sink in despair. She lost the only person here who didn't treat her like an object or an insect, but like an actual human. Sulpicia's hands grasped around her shoulders and pulled them back so quickly Helen winced.
"Shoulders back and head up, you have an image to maintain, love." She replied maternally, like a proud soccer mom who was too invested in their kids' business. Helen sighed and nodded again, not wanting to deal with this anymore. Sulpicia either didn't care that Helen had polished the silver Christmas Eve, or Aro felt as though no one needed to know.
She chose the latter, because he probably would've looked bad had anyone else known. Lucius spent the rest of the night chumming it up with Aro and Caius, clearly laughing like fraternity boys at a college reunion. Helen couldn't help but feel uneasy about him, wondering what it was he did to Ruby that left her a drunken bitter person, what had let her to be on the run from the man claiming to be her husband. Ruby had always said that she and her were exactly the same, so the only guess Helen had was that Lucius kidnapped her into marriage or something.
Lucius caught wind of Helen staring at him and gave her a cold and slick smile. "I must thank you for telling me where Ruby White was last, it's given me a whole new lead on finding my wife."
Helen felt like slapping him.
Caius also returned the favor by egging her on. "I do hope you'll punish her, women should know not to stray." Helen looked to Aro for support and he realized it. They both exchanged glances and he realized she was expecting him to say something to the contrary, to dismiss their argument.
He said nothing and happily sipped his drink.
Caius, however, made a mistake. "I did tell Aro that getting involved with a married woman is always a headache, although he managed to tame his woman in the end, after some unfortunate circumstances."
The room suddenly went very stiff as Sulpicia tensed beside her husband, nearly shattering the glass in her hand. Aro gave one of his fake smiles and jovially wrapped his fingers around Caius' arm, making his face lose its grin. Athenodora cleared her throat in fear, realizing her husband's grave error.
"This is hardly a place to speak of such things, dear brother, I hope you aren't trying to make Sia uncomfortable." Helen could tell that Aro was on the verge of punching Caius, and yet he never let his facade drop. She was still angered by the situation and the double standard.
Sulpicia was different to them because she was Aro's wife and was incredibly loyal and in love, despising her human husband. Ruby was an ungrateful bitch because she clearly loved and preferred her human husband to Lucius and left him. Aro of course just proved that he thought women shouldn't leave their husbands unless he deemed them unworthy.
It wasn't the first time she'd heard crap like this. Richard had gotten a lot of grief from his father and his old boss for not being able to 'keep a wife' so to say, even though her grandfather absolutely despised Kathleen in general.
"Of course." Caius replied in a fake apologetic voice. "I hope you can beg my pardon, sister."
Sulpicia happily nodded, causing Aro to slack his grip and wrap his arms around his wife in happiness. Double standards aside, it was clear to everyone that Aro unconditionally loved Sulpicia, never mistreating her and never making her think he didn't care.
"I love you." Sulpicia muttered towards him, clearly content. Aro probably whispered it back into her hair, inaudible only to Helen's human hearing, as she saw him mouth something with a smile. Helen took another swig of punch and glanced at the floating orbs, they were all getting very brighter, making her adrenaline spike. She set down her punch and began slowly walking towards the grand staircase, when suddenly Aro appeared before her wearing one of his fake smiles.
"You're retiring awfully early dear, it's very rude to our guests and family." She could tell in that moment everyone was staring at her, waiting to hear her excuse.
"I need to use the restroom." She replied sheepishly, a little peeved that something as simple as that had to be cleared with them. Aro relaxed and moved aside for her to use the stairs, realizing she wasn't pulling something stupid. As she trotted along she heard him lightly call after her.
"Don't take too long, sweetling."
After removing her cloak and carefully laying it down on her bed, Helen dabbed a cold washcloth on her neck and forehead, a little warm from tonights attire and absolutely stressed to a tee.
Her mantle clock showed she had three hours left of this torture, of this insufferable evening. One hundred and eighty minutes left of humanity, counting down like a fucking ridiculous clock.
'This is it, the final stretch. Maybe they won't all be so infuriating to me after I'm changed.'
She doubted that, but her hope was the only thing keeping her sane. Helen sat down for a moment and took in all the surroundings. This room had been a nice calming aesthetic for her, something she hoped she could keep think after she was changed. Suddenly, she heard the door to her balcony click open. Think it was a strong wind, Helen did a double take when she saw Ruby standing on her balcony with dark jeans and a coat on.
"Late Merry Christmas, Helen Hendricks." She toasted and took a swig from a flask. "Or should I call you Volturi now?" Helen felt her anger rising for a moment and then took a deep breath.
"You aren't in any position to judge me, Ruby." She said boldly, causing Ruby to snort in laughter.
"So I see they did manage to break you down, I was wondering why you hadn't called on me." Ruby admitted with a glazed look, "it's my own fault for being too much of a coward and not helping you escape sooner."
"Ruby you need to leave, Lucius is here and I have people expecting me." Helen stated while putting her crown back on. Ruby suddenly grew very upset.
"Good lord listen to yourself! You think this is how you sounded two months ago? I didn't think their brainwashing would be that quick." She buried her face in her hands. "I'm such a fuck up, I never should've let him do this to you. I knew what would happen and I didn't do anything."
"Ruby, I'm fine, really." She wished she had some more confidence in that voice.
"Why did you give up?" Ruby had a single tear on her face now. "Why won't you fight?"
Helen contemplated her answer. She thought she had stopped fighting for her sake, but in truth she really just wanted to keep everyone safe and keep Aro content. Helen knew she wasn't the same person she was before and that she could never be her again, but part of her truly felt too tired to keep fighting.
"Because I'm exhausted." She stated with defeat. "You're not the only coward in this room."
Ruby sighed and wiped her face. "I am begging you to take the opportunity I never had and leave, leave and try to forget. Your family is safe in Hawaii, I've cast undetectable protection spells on everyone you love. Richard Hendricks left being the DA to go work for a firm, he's safe and out of the spotlight. Everyone the Volturi interacted with has had their memory boggled, if someone mentions seeing it on the news they will just feel confused. They are safe Helen, they will always be safe."
"Until I leave and then spend the rest of my life wondering when I'm going to get found or if others have suffered because of me." Helen stated. "Ruby, I'm secretly hoping that I either get changed or the venom kills me tonight, because I can't spend anymore time being stuck like this."
Ruby sighed and shook her head. "Hendricks, I really, really, need you to let me help you. Things are not going to get better just because you do what it is they want. You are going to wake up someday and realize you don't recognize who you are and what you let him turn you into."
"I know it sounds defeatist and I know that it's even stupid, but I can't find anyone I could leave completely and painlessly. I should be getting back before people come looking for me. You don't owe me anything, Rubes, but I promise I'll let you know if I need you." Helen protested softly, adjusting her crown and cloak, leaving the devastated brunette alone.
Midnight arrived sooner than Helen would have liked. The orbs grew very bright all at once and exploded into a million lights and created a wonderful cosmic glow. At that precise moment, Aro drew everyone's attention as he gave the toast that Helen was dreading. "Dear friends, I give many thanks for those who pilgrimaged tonight. It has been an exceptionally wonderful year, and I give my everlasting gratitude to my daughter Helen."
Helen watched as Sulpicia beamed with pride and every one now had their eyes on her.
"Words cannot express my love for her and I would like to toast to her as we mark the beginning of a new year I wish her a long and happy eternity with us all. Vivat Volturi."
"Vivat Volturi!" The crowd cheered in unison, everyone taking a toast and Helen downing her wine so fast that her cheeks grew very warm. Suddenly Aro turned towards her and gave her a triumphant grin, making her feel that she had no air around her.
"Shall we retire, dearest?" Aro asked coyly, clearly trying his best to hide all of his excitement. Helen knew that there was no point if she delayed or made a scene. This is what came with no longer fighting, this is what she resigned herself to.
Helen nodded and placed her glass on a nearby table. Sulpicia came over and wrapped her arms around her, happily stating into her ear. "I'll see you in a few days, don't be afraid."
Athenodora and Caius nodded in her direction, neither pleased nor displeased. Marcus raised his glass to her lightly, a small sign of wishing her luck. Aro then turned Helen around and began leading her up the grand staircase.
An executioner taking a prisoner to die.
When they arrived at her bedroom, Helen tensed so greatly she was so afraid that he was going to pounce on her. Aro merely studied her, probably sensing her fear. He sat himself down on one of her chairs and folded his lands in his lap.
"I'm not here to hurt you Helen, but I've told you the change is agony. Change into something comfortable and let me know when you're ready to begin." He stated calmly, surprising Helen. This is probably one of the few situations that anyone could empathetic to. Helen knew for a fact that most vampires were changed by accident and endured great pain and confusion, so she appreciated that Aro was trying to make her more comfortable.
Helen grabbed an oversized grey sweater and a pair of black leggings. Letting her hair down, her heart wouldn't stop racing and her hands couldn't stop shaking. She wasn't sure if she could do this and splashed a bunch of cold water on her face to try and calm down. She studied every part of her face, every freckle and every imperfection. She brushed her hair back and took a mental image of the mole near her hairline that was almost always hidden by her part.
'I won't be you anymore after this, I'll doubt I'll even look the same. Thanks for fifteen years, you got me through a lot. Goodbye Helen Hendricks.'
Helen took a deep breath and wished she had some of her old anti-anxiety medication from middle school, something to calm down. She knew there wasn't any point, nothing would relax her and nothing would give her comfort.
It wasn't the first time in her life she sometimes wished she didn't feel anything at all.
Helen hadn't felt this defeatist and desolate in almost two years, this tired and this worn down. She didn't have any fight in her anymore, both of them had made sure of that, all she wanted was for the transformation to hopefully take away some of her pain. Helen walked back into her bedroom and sat down, holding Mr. Peanut tightly in her arms.
"Okay you can come in." Helen said weakly, feeling like a small child who's parents were checking for monsters under the bed. Aro appeared in her doorway, still studying her like a hawk. Helen couldn't face this in the eye, she was almost on the verge of tears.
He placed a consoling hand on her shoulder and this is the first time he looked at her with genuine remorse. There was a pregnant pause and he took her wrist in his hand, Helen didn't need him to say or explain anything else.
In that long moment of silence, it was if they were the only two people in the world. A man who loved her like a daughter and a girl who saw him as a father figure.
Everything would get better after this, she knew it, it had to be better.
"Forgive me." The last two words that sealed her fate. In an instant, Aro brought her wrist to his mouth and she saw the frighteningly unhuman action of his mouth recoiling to expose his pearl like teeth. It took half a second for him to bite down, and another half second for it to break her skin.
Helen tried crying out in pain but all it did was come out as a sharp gasp, no it wasn't until her arm began to feel as though it was engulfed in flames did she scream, and then once the fire began spreading down her arm and into her chest did tears flood down her face and begin to blind her vision. She couldn't tell if she was moving from the way her whole body burned, but she did feel something pouring down her face and couldn't tell if it was sweat, snot from her nose or if she hadn't gotten a nosebleed out of stress.
She thought she had known pain and how wrong she was. The flames had wrapped around her so tightly that she felt like her skin was either being melted or ripped apart. Aro told her about the flames, but failed to mention the feeling in her skin that creeped all the way down into her muscles and bones. She could hear her heart pounding as though it was no longer inside her body due to its volume.
The last real feeling she had was someone placing something over her, was it something to smother the flames? Finally they burned so brightly that all she knew in her damnation was pain.
She would wait for the flames to die in this perpetual Hell, waiting to rise from the ashes.
Thanks for all your continued support! Almost to the end of part one!