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 42 - "Often Hope is Born when all is forlorn"*

Carlisle had tried to send the others ahead of him but to no avail. Once they received the blood Carlisle warmed a small amount in the microwave as the others loaded the car taking Caius and the few necessities they needed. Emmett drove their van allowing Carlisle to sit with his patient. He slowly coaxed a half conscious Caius to drink; at first he was reluctant but once Caius tasted the contents of the plastic pouch he quickly drained it. Having downed the mixture Carlisle compelled the old vampire to rest.

After hours of driving they finally found a place and Caius's body was placed in one of the bedrooms. From then on it was a question of giving him fresh blood bags every fifteen minutes until the supply was gone; then all they could do was wait.

That morning the music of Alice's mobile filled the air and looking at it; she quickly recognized Esme's number.

Clicking it open she heard Esme's voice saying "Hi, it's me".

After writing down the address that Esme had given her she asked "How is the patient doing?"

Esme slowly replied "Well he seems to be stabilizing but he is still at risk".

Then Alice heard Esme's voice was replaced by Jaspers "tell me where you are staying? I'll come over and stay with you".

Hearing his anxiety she swiftly said "Don't! I'm not in any danger and am planning to come back tonight anyway".

"You sure?" Jasper apprehensively inquired.

"Yes" she assured him "Don't worry about me; I'm more worried about Edward and Alexia. I can't believe that they were caught because of my stupidity".

Hearing the distress in her voice Jasper defended her saying "You don't know that you had a bug on you".

Alice moaned "Ja, right; tell them that! They are now in Aro's hands and with all Edward's knowledge of what happened I don't think Aro will be so forgiving. You guys have to think about freeing them".

After hanging up Alice lay on the bed, trying to concentrate on the future and hoping to see something of significance. Her mind however was clouded by the anxiety she felt for Edward. With all the things happening at once she realized that it would be next to impossible to attempt any kind of rescue.

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In the meanwhile Edward and Alexia had arrived in Italy; in the company of some lesser known guards. He wasn't afraid for himself but hated the fact that Alexia had also been dragged into this.

The trip down to Italy had been held in silence and as he read the minds of the others he understood that they were explicitly sent to Norway a couple of weeks ago. What he didn't understand was how Aro knew that they were there. It was then that Edward realized that there had to be a spy among them, someone that told Aro where to look.

When they finally arrived in Volterra they were instantly met by Felix and Jane. Felix gave them a devious smile and Jane formally nodded saying "Master Aro is expecting you; I am to take you both to him. Then motioning the guards to follow, both Jane and Felix abruptly turned and lead the group down the passageways. With both Jane and Felix in front and the guards behind them they were escorted to Aro. This was like a déjà vu of the time he walked beside Bella so many years ago.

Edward felt helpless as he heard the fear permeate Alexia's thoughts; he was furious that he had allowed her to accompany him to the hospital. He knew however that this was no time to ponder on things that he could not change, instead he folded her small and fragile hand in his in an effort to calm her taut nerves.

After a long silent walk through the various tunnels they finally arrived at their destiny; the throne room. The guards standing at the doors automatically opened them and both he and Alexia were guided into the room with Jane and Felix bringing up the rear.

As Edward stepped inside, he quickly noticed that both Aro and Alec were sitting on their designated thrones. Felix stood beside them and Jane quickly walked to stand behind her twin. As soon as the doors closed he also detected a number of guards blocking the exit.

Aro looked up and smiled saying "Oh Edward how nice for you to drop in and with a friend I see.

Walking towards Alexia, Aro held out his hands and asked her permission to touch hers. Edward watched as Aro took hold of her hands and his body grew rigid at the sight of this.

The guards observed Aro as he examined her thoughts and history and opening his eyes he said "you are only guilty of loving the conspirator beside you".

Aro's fierce glance then fixed itself on Edward who, the moment after Aro had spoken his accusation was held by two guards.

Aro's then advanced and holding out his hand he said "now it's your turn Edward". The guards held Edward's hands against his lower back while Aro touched his forehead. "I see that you are not the instigator of this small mutiny; it seems I have my ex-sister-in-law to thank for that".

Then looking further he said "It seems that you and her have however been misinforming my brother-in-law concerning things you have no knowledge of; it is no wonder that he has not come back".

Then turning towards Jane he said "It is time we taught Mr. Cullen that treachery will not be tolerated and I have no choice but to punish him for the good of all; go ahead my dear"

Having said that Jane turned her ruby eyes towards Edward and the searing pain began. Alexia observed the scene as her mate writhed on the ground knowing nothing except the all overwhelming pain which must be enveloping him. After a while he could no longer keep his silence and began to scream his agony.

In a moment of desperation she screamed to Aro "Please master Aro, show pity".

Aro looked at her as if he had seen her for the first time and ignoring her remark retorted "I remember seeing you in my late wife's chambers. I had not authorized your visit but you were rude enough to go without".

Alexia didn't hear Aro's words as all of her attention was concentrated on Edward's screams of agony. Aro, agitated by her lack silence decided to take Alexia away from the little play that was unfolding before them; he had seen but a glimpse of her gift and wished to know more about it.

With a nod of his head he motioned the guards to surround Messalina saying "take her to my office; I wish to speak with her in a more peaceful atmosphere". The guards motioned towards the doors but Alexia refused to abandon Edward. She was no match for the guards and was soon overpowered as one of the men quickly tossed her over his shoulder. He carried her out of the room but Alexia still did not capitulate fear and anger fuelling her retaliation.

As Aro passed Jane he stopped for a moment to give her further instructions "I wish you to keep this up; an hour of your treatment with a 10 minute break between the hours. After four hours he is to be taken to the cellar where he will be locked up".

Leaving Jane and Alex he followed the guards to question the new and inexplicable prey that had inadvertently found herself caught in his web.

Once he arrived at his office he saw that Alexia had been released and stood a safe distance from them. Hearing his approach she turned to watch him enter the room and suspiciously observed his every move keeping a healthy distance between them. Aro then motioned the guards to leave saying "Please stay at the doors; I do not want anyone to disturb us. I will call when you are needed" and watched as they left.

Alexia was still distracted by the faint screams of her mate but as she watched Aro her apprehension grew.

Totally unfazed by either the sounds in the castle or the anxiety that radiated from Alexia, Aro sat behind his bureau and motioned her to take the chair across from him.

She was very skittish but after a moment's hesitation she cautiously took the offered chair.

Sitting across from her, he put his elbows on the desktop and gracefully entwined his fingers. Raising his two index fingers he rested his chin and scrutinised this mysterious newcomer saying "So my dear it seems you have gotten yourself into quite a fix".

He allowed her a moment to answer but when his question was met with silence his temper flared. In one swift motion he griped her chin and drew her face towards him giving Alexia no choice but to bestow him her full attention. Once that was achieved, he nodded his head in approval. Then, with his customary tranquil voice he unreservedly spoke "As I was saying, what am I to do with you? It seems that you do not realize that your immortal life is hanging on a thread".

She looked into his eyes and tentatively answered "I mean no disrespect but I seriously doubt I will have much to say about my fate master Aro. If you wish to execute or imprison me it will make no difference what I say; you will do as you see fit".

"If you do not accommodate me I may decide to kill your mate in a horrific manner, as retribution for his disobedience and force you to watch" he countered . Then seeing the look of horror on her face he sneered "What would happen if I locked you up with your memories for the next hundred years?"

This callously spoken remark sent Alexia's mind reeling; she knew Aro could be malicious but this was the most diabolical thing she had ever heard. The thought alone set shivers down her spine.

"Now that I see I have gotten your full attention, I wish to probe your mind further to find out more about your gift. It seems that you can see extreme situations or should I say events that have taken place in the past. As of yet I have never seen anyone with your capabilities".

She sarcastically smiled as she said "It is not a gift but a curse; what is the worth of such a gift! To see pain and suffering and not be able to help alleviate it?" She asked as she listened to Edward's screams of pain.

The sounds burned in her soul and for a moment she forgot cautiousness as she asked "What is the use of power if you can't even enjoy it. Bella loves Caius as I love Edward; you are losing your credibility of your pears and yet you go on".

Now it was Aro's turn to feel the pain as the knife of truth dug deep in his mind. He had never thought it possible that such a young girl could have the audacity to voice such a conviction to someone far superior to her.

He shouted for the guards and when they arrived he pointed at Alexia saying "take her to Athenodora's former rooms and make sure that she is secured there".

He was fascinated by her gift but at the moment he had more important things to tend to. After this all blew over he would take his time to analyze her and the strange bond she had with Edward Cullen. In the meanwhile it was important to keep her out of sight for a while so he decided to have her sealed up in the room until all the problems had blown over.

While roaming Edward Cullen's mind Aro had observed the coven's chaotic situation and decided it was time to attack. Seeing Caius bloody body in the arms of Carlisle Cullen would not only turn his Isabella against the Cullens but, it would also turn the Volturi coven against the Olympic coven. Then Aro could take the gems that were often denied him; the mind-reader, the seer and this new one. He would bring them to Messalina and from then on he would be able to control them as well.

Leaving his room he walked over to the guard's room and selecting two new guards he told them to seal up Athenodora's rooms. After having done that he went back to the throne room and finding Alec, he motioned the younger vampire to follow.

* J.R.R. Tolkien