Chapter 31
I was feeling utterly at ease; the sheets I was lying on were so smooth that I realized they couldn't be mine. I opened my eyes, and for a fleeting moment, I was disoriented, unsure of my surroundings. But then, memories of yesterday, or perhaps it was this morning, rushed back, and I realized I was in Demetri's bedroom. A soft smile curved my lips as I stretched and rolled onto my back. The scent of him lingered on the bed and the pillow beside me, and I couldn't resist lifting the pillow to my face, inhaling deeply. It's a shame I couldn't bottle his essence up. I don't know what I would compare his scent to, but I knew I had never smelled anything like it before I met him.
I remembered our erotic encounter on his balcony and basked in the delightful aftermath. I was still fully nude, and as I replayed the experience in my mind, I shivered at how perfect it had been. With a leisurely grace, I propped myself up on my elbows, glancing around the room. My gaze quickly met Demetri's; he was sitting by his easel, and by the looks of it, he had been hard at work painting… most likely me.
"Hey there," I said, my smile holding a hint of playfulness. "What are you up to over there?"
Demetri set aside his paintbrush and palette, meeting my gaze with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Just trying to immortalize a gorgeous vision. You were sleeping so peacefully, and I couldn't resist the urge to capture it on canvas. Want to see what I've managed so far? It's a work in progress, but I have a feeling you might approve."
I slid out of his bed, the soft sheets brushing against my skin as I moved. With a playful grin, I saw no need to get dressed and made my way around the easel, curiosity piqued. There, displayed before me, was a striking image of myself on his bed. I was sprawled on top of the sheets, lying on my stomach with my eyes gently closed in slumber. The painting skillfully captured the serenity that graced my features in sleep.
The contours of my body were delicately outlined, revealing every curve and line with an almost intimate precision. My eyes lingered on the portrayal, captivated by Demetri's ability to capture me in such a vulnerable state. The details were exquisite—the way he captured the curve of my lips, the way my hair spilled across the pillow, the gentle curve of my back, the slope of my hips, even the soft swell of my bottom. A smile curved my lips as I considered the image before me. Did he embellish my appearance, or was this truly how he saw me?
"It's beautiful," I voiced my admiration, my words carrying a touch of awe. Turning towards Demetri, I wrapped my arms around him in a comfortable embrace, feeling the closeness between us. Pressing my lips against the skin behind his ear, my voice took on a hushed and intimate tone, "This morning was wonderful, a perfect beginning to my visit."
"I have to agree with you," he said, still seated in his chair, which made me slightly taller than him. "Would you like that tour of the castle now? It's so big that I doubt you'll be able to see it all on this first visit. You're going to have to come back."
"I think that's in the cards. Yes, I would like that tour, but first, do you mind if I take a quick shower here? While I shower, is there any chance you could get me a fresh change of clothes from my suitcase? I'm getting a bit confused whether it's still the first day or the second."
"What? You mean you're not going to stay naked for the whole two weeks? Damn," he said with a smile, standing up. "You were asleep for only 4 hours, so it's just the afternoon now of your first day. I'll go get you something. The bathroom is the door on the right over there," he indicated, motioning with his head.
"Thanks. I'd invite you to join me, but I actually do want to see the castle and Italy for that matter, and you're very distracting when we go down the sexy time road," I gave him a smirk and headed to the bathroom. After taking care of business, I looked around. It was very clean. I guess, other than the tub and shower, vampires have no real use for a bathroom. I took a wonderful shower, appreciating the strong water pressure – much better than in Forks.
After the shower, I dried myself off and was glad that he at least had a comb I could run through my hair. I stepped out of the bathroom and saw Demetri lying on his bed. He had an outfit of mine spread out next to him. It was one of my favorites, with an off-white blouse and a red medium-length skirt. I picked up the skimpy red lace panties he had laid out for me and grinned at him.
"I see you picked out the sexy bra and panties I had brought," I said, smiling as I slipped the panties on, making sure to give him a good show. He gave me a smirk, watching me intently.
Once I was fully dressed, Demetri got up and said, "You look stunning as always. Ready for that tour?"
"Almost. I think you're forgetting something," I teased, giving him a playful look. I waited a second to see if he would figure it out, but while vampires are smart, some human necessities just seemed to always elude them. "I kinda need to eat. I can't go without food for several weeks at a time like some people," I said, smiling. "Do you have some sort of kitchen here, or maybe I could get some food delivered?"
He laughed. "Sorry about that. Vampires do have perfect memories, but even we forget things at times. Yes, there is a kitchen here for the human staff. We can stop there first."
"Great. You know I did have a question about that," I began, my curiosity getting the better of me. "I saw that human receptionist, and you mentioned having human staff. They must have an inkling that something's different about you guys—that you're not human. Dare I ask what fate befalls them?" I wasn't sure I wanted to know, as I had a pretty good guess but I was going to be a vampire some day and wanted to know everything about my new life.
"Yes, well, they want to become vampires as well. They understand what they are undertaking by working for us. Let's just say that a few get their wish, but I would say the majority do not."
Brutal but honest. The quest for immortality is often a perilous one. I nodded to him in understanding. "Okay, let's go grab some grub and then you can show me the castle."
Demetri extended his arm in a gallant gesture, indicating the direction we should take, and we stepped out of his suite. The wide halls of the castle stretched before us as we walked, Demetri guiding me and pointing out some of the notable paintings and sculptures that adorned the walls. My knowledge of the arts was severely lacking. I made a mental note to enroll in at least one art course in college, hoping to broaden my understanding and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts.
The castle's interior was a pleasant surprise, well-illuminated and spacious. In the year leading up to this trip, I had often wondered about the dwelling place of a vampire coven. Would it be shrouded in darkness, adorned with cobwebs, or something else entirely? The Cullens lived in a normal home but they were all pretending to be human. This was a home of vampires. So far, every aspect was to my liking.
After walking a substantial distance and descending several floors, we arrived at a spacious room that was unmistakably a kitchen, originally designed to cater to the needs of a castle of this magnitude. Its sheer size was impressive, and traces of its historical functioning were evident, remnants of centuries gone by. Though modern appliances had been integrated, the fundamental structure of the kitchen was steeped in antiquity. I set about making myself a sandwich, while I ate, I studied the giant hearth on one wall. It was so massive and I'd never seen anything like it before.
As I finished my meal, Demetri shared with me, "I received a text from Felix. A few of my friends are planning to head to a club later tonight, and he wanted to know if we would like to join them. Everyone would like to get to know you."
"Sure, that sounds great. It will be interesting to see what clubs in Italy are like. Where do you think we'll go?" I said, placing my cup and plate in the rack to be washed.
"It's called 'Spirit Run' and is in Florence. I told you about it before. It's the one where they serve blood-laced drinks. I'm sure you'll like it there. It's always lively with lots of dancing."
"Sounds perfect. Okay, let's see this castle," I said, smiling as we headed off.
Demetri led me to some of the more grand rooms first. The kitchen was conveniently close to the grand ballroom, which was massive. It boasted high ceilings and was encircled by large windows adorned with intricate stained glass murals.
"We hold our larger functions here, such as parties. We invite all the established covens and nomads we are familiar with. Back in the day, it was quite the undertaking to get messages to everyone out in the world. It took years of planning, and I have to say I was quite busy tracking everyone down. With the invention of cell phones, it has taken quite the burden off me," Demetri said, a smile gracing his lips. "We don't hold the grand parties often; I would say one maybe every 30 to 40 years. It's a good opportunity for vampires to meet and for old friends to reconnect more easily."
Demetri guided me around the grand ballroom, regaling me with tales of past parties held within its ornate walls. Eventually, he took my hands in his, and we began to dance. The formal steps were new to me, but under Demetri's skilled lead, I quickly caught on. Soon enough, he had me twirling around the spacious ballroom with practiced ease.
"Our next big function here is scheduled in 8 years, so you should be nicely settled into your new life by then and ready to enjoy the party," he shared as we glided across the floor.
"I can't wait," I responded, a smile gracing my lips as he deftly dipped me low, my hair nearly brushing the floor.
"Will you be my date to the affair? It's never too early to ask," he inquired, his smile warm and inviting.
"I would be delighted," I grinned, feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought.
After our time in the ballroom, Demetri guided me towards the library. Carlisle's description had not done it justice; the collection of books and manuscripts was truly awe-inspiring. Some tomes appeared so ancient that I hesitated to even touch them, fearing that my fingers might inadvertently cause them harm. The library, extending over three stories, exuded an inviting ambiance, with numerous cozy chairs scattered on the ground level. As I wandered amongst the shelves, my eyes fell upon book covers adorned with languages I couldn't comprehend. Once more, I made a mental note that after my transformation, I would endeavor to learn as many languages as possible.
"I've observed that in several of the larger rooms, including this one and the throne room, the windows allow ample light to filter in, yet the sun's rays never quite touch the floor. I assume this was a deliberate design choice when constructing the castle?" I remarked, my gaze drawn to the intricate stained glass windows high above that adorned the entirety of the library.
Demetri shrugged, his gaze shifting to the windows for a moment. "Exactly," he replied casually. "Why bother with constant sparkling when we can have well-lit spaces without the annoyance?"
I settled onto a plush sofa, and Demetri took a seat beside me. He gently picked up my legs and placed them over his lap, giving me a light massage on my lower legs. His touch was soothing, and I couldn't help but smile at his thoughtful gesture. The castle itself was a marvel, and I found myself curious about its history.
"The castle is truly remarkable," I mused. "I can't help but wonder, how long did it take for it to be built? It must have been quite the endeavor." I looked around at the intricate details of the architecture and the grandeur of every single room and hallway. "And what luck, I find myself here with someone who happened to be there for its construction all those centuries ago." I smirked as I saw Demetri smile.
"It was quite the undertaking," Demetri began, his tone thoughtful. "It took over five decades for the castle to be completely finished." Damn, I knew it must have been years, but I had no idea it took half a century. "The amount of labor needed for its construction absorbed nearly all aspects of the town. In fact, it was the castle that played a pivotal role in shaping the town into what it is today. By that point, the Volturi had imposed stricter laws to avoid exposure, so we were unable to assist with the external work. However, we did contribute to the more intricate interior design and construction once the exterior was complete. If you're interested, I could show you some paintings we commissioned during its construction. We believed that future generations of vampires might want to glimpse the past. While these paintings aren't on display, we have several rooms designated for storing artwork."
"Yes, I'd really like to see that," I responded eagerly, my eyes drifting to a stack of books beside me that hadn't yet found their way back to the shelves. They appeared so old, and it sparked my concern for the library's extended longevity. "Has there been any effort to digitize the library? Some of these books look like they might disintegrate soon due to age."
Demetri nodded in understanding. "Yes, Marcus initiated the effort in the late 1990s. He leads a small team dedicated to preserving and digitizing the works, starting with the earliest pieces. Additionally, we've established a climate-controlled room to house the more important works, providing further preservation."
"That's good to hear. I'm certain I'll return to this library before I have to leave." I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in the thought. I lifted my legs off Demetri's lap and gracefully stood up. "So, what's next on our tour? One place you've mentioned that I'm particularly curious about is where everyone trains. Could we visit there next?"
"Of course, right this way, madame," Demetri replied with a touch of playful formality. He rose from his seat and extended his arm, a gesture that made me chuckle. I linked my arm with his, and he led me out of the library. As we walked, surrounded by other vampires absorbed in their reading, I couldn't help but notice a few glances directed our way.
As we made our way to the training area, Demetri began sharing the story of its construction. "Around 500 years ago, we realized that our old training room simply wasn't going to work out. It was located in the lowest level of the castle, near the dungeons. Given a vampire's strength and the intensity of our training, we came to the conclusion that the castle's internal structure would eventually suffer from the impacts against its walls."
He guided me down a wide stone stairway, which led to the outside. Stepping onto a stone pathway, I noticed that we were at the back of the castle. On either side, the gardens we had admired from our balconies stretched as far as I could see. "To address this, we constructed a separate building to serve as our new training center. Since the castle was already built and we could shield the construction from human eyes, we took on the task ourselves. The new facility is expansive, extending deep underground to minimize its visible profile from above. We designed it in the fashion of a gladiator's arena, complete with spectator stands encircling the training floor. Periodically, every few decades, we also hold competitions there, where vampires from around the world come to test their prowess in combat."
We soon reached another structure, which only appeared to be about one story tall. Flanking the wide doors were two massive statues, each standing around 15 feet tall. The left statue portrayed a male figure, poised as if preparing for combat with his arms positioned in front of him, ready to strike. On the right stood a statue of a female, her foot resting atop a vanquished opponent. Her arms were confidently placed on her hips, her gaze directed ahead in a posture of triumph. Intrigued, I halted and admired the intricate details of the statues. They both were expertly carved from what appeared to be marble. I turned to Demetri with a smile, intrigued. "Interesting. Can you tell me more about the competitions? Are there different types of contests, maybe some allowing the use of powers and others not? Have you ever won?"
Demetri's smile brightened as he responded, "You're right; we do have various types of contests. Some even involve groups of vampires pitted against other groups, testing how well we work together as a team. In the realm of vampire combat, size doesn't always determine the outcome. Bigger isn't necessarily better. Skill holds far greater importance than sheer strength. During my time with the Volturi, I've emerged victorious in four tournaments. My most recent win was back in the late 1800s. Now, Felix, he's quite the competitor and has eleven wins to his name. As the head of the guard, he possesses both skill and strength, making him an exceptionally lethal force." Demetri gestured toward the entrance of the training center. "Shall we step inside and see what's happening? There's always some form of official training or people just practicing."
As we entered the building, the space opened up to reveal a magnificent sight: we stood at the pinnacle of a colossal arena. "Holy shit!" I exclaimed, marveling at the sheer scale of it. The realization that this arena had been constructed five centuries ago left me astounded. The arena boasted approximately 20 tiers for spectators, encircling the arena floor. The actual training area on the ground floor dwarfed even a football field in size. Within the arena, several vampires were engrossed in combat, and on one side, about ten pairs of vampires were undergoing what seemed to be official training under Felix's guidance. Demetri guided me down to the first level for a closer view. While the rows of stone seating didn't look particularly comfortable, I reckoned vampires had harder asses than humans and didn't find it uncomfortable. We observed as Felix issued instructions to the trainees, offering guidance on form and tactics. Eventually, he signaled for them to continue and made his way over to where we stood.
"Hey, nice to see you again, Bella," Felix greeted with a warm smile. Despite the elevation that set us several feet above the ground level, Felix's towering height put him practically at eye level with us. "How are you finding the castle so far?"
"It's truly incredible," I replied, my enthusiasm evident. "Demetri has been giving me a wonderful tour." I looked over at the ongoing combat training. "Once I become a vampire, I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to train with you all. I'm quite eager to learn combat techniques and become a skilled fighter. I don't believe that one should solely rely on any extra skills they might have. I want to be able to kick ass." I glanced at Demetri and playfully added, "Especially if this one ever gets fresh with me." I let out a light giggle as Demetri pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around my waist.
"What, me? Fresh? Never," Demetri chimed in, holding me snugly against him. I relaxed into his embrace, leaning into his chest.
Felix observed us with a grin, likely catching a hint of our relationship dynamics, but he responded directly to my comment, "You're absolutely right, Bella. I've witnessed that scenario far too often over the centuries. Vampires with special gifts sometimes believe they're invincible, only to face a proficient fighter and realize they were mistaken. I'm pleased to see your recognition of the significance of training." Felix turned his gaze to Demetri for a moment, a playful smile on his face. Then, he shifted his attention back to me and asked, "You know, Demetri never mentioned how the two of you met. Is it a good story?"
I grinned. "I like to think so. Let's just say it wasn't my finest hour, deciding to check out a loud crash alone at night and stumbling upon Demetri here, lighting up some poor bastard. It could have been the end for me, but when Demetri advanced, I managed to hold him back. That gave me the time I needed to work my magic on him until he was eating out of the palm of my hand… rather than my neck." We all had a good laugh at my turn of phrase.
I went on, "So I guess that means Demetri never spoke about the first time he and I did some training together and I tore his arm off?" I smirked as I saw Felix's delight at hearing this.
"No, Demetri, why didn't you tell your best buddy how a human bested you?"
I knew Demetri was a good sport, so I decided to dig it in a little harder. "I was just as shocked, seeing him writhing on the ground like that. You know, you guys claim you can't cry, but I swear I saw some tears there, Demetri." I grinned mischievously, adding a kiss to his bicep as if to make his boo-boo all better, which prompted a hearty laugh from Felix.
"There were no tears," Demetri countered defensively, though still smiling. "And if I recall correctly, I think it was me who had to calm you down," he retorted with a smirk.
"Well, maybe so," I chuckled, "but in my defense, I wasn't aware that vampire limbs could be reattached back then. I genuinely thought I'd caused some permanent damage."
Felix grinned, enjoying our playful back-and-forth before he spoke up. "I need to head back to the training, but can you join us later tonight, Bella, when we go out?"
"Absolutely, looking forward to it," I replied, my smile mirroring Felix's nod as he returned to his duties. We continued to watch the training for a while, but as the sun began to set, I found my hunger returning.
"Hey, I'm starting to feel hungry again, and it seems the sun is setting. Do you think we could step outside in front of the castle, so I can grab a bite to eat? Also, I'd love to explore a bit, see how the human world lives around this castle."
"Sure thing, let's head out." Demetri gestured for me to lead the way, and together we ascended the steps until we emerged outside. A gentle breeze greeted us, and the daylight was still painting the sky with its soft glow, although the sun was steadily making its descent toward the horizon.
"The training center was pretty impressive," I remarked. "It looks like a great place to get a workout in. We should go back when there are more people around. I'm curious to test my abilities against others', you know, matching up our powers. Seeing what others can do often gives me fresh insights into how my own abilities work and how I could use them."
"That should be easy to arrange. The training center is one of our most frequented spots. It's usually bustling with activity, particularly during the daytime when going outside isn't as convenient." Demetri guided me to the side of the castle this time, and we began strolling through the expansive gardens. The surroundings were adorned with several grand fountains, and as I peered into one of them, I saw that it was filled with large Koi fish moving gracefully through the water.
"I've always been fond of Koi ponds," I commented, a smile gracing my lips as I settled down at the edge of the fountain, taking a moment to observe the fish.
Demetri settled down beside me, a reminiscent smile curving his lips. "You know, I came across fish like these back in the 17th century during a mission to Japan," he began. "I was drawn to them, just like you are. So when I returned and shared my discovery with the kings, they decided to have several large fountains built all around the grounds. It was quite an endeavor to import fish like these all the way from Japan, but they managed it. And ever since then, Koi have been a part of the surroundings here. A lot of people find them soothing to watch."
The Koi fish were swarming in front of us, their movements eager, probably anticipating a meal. Unfortunately for them, they were out of luck this time. By the time we rose from our spot, the dark of night had settled around us. We made our way back toward the castle. Entering through a large archway, we found ourselves eventually back in the reception room. Instead of taking the elevator to the garage, this time we exited through the front door.
Stepping outside, I was greeted by a well-tended grassy expanse that sloped gently downward. At the end of this grassy area, a scene unfolded—a charming marketplace, exuding an air of tranquility. Taking in the surroundings, I couldn't resist a playful comment. "Hey, where's the moat with the alligators to protect you all?" My words elicited a snicker from Demetri, who led me to the marketplace. As we arrived, I noticed a fountain similar to the ones in the gardens, though this one lacked the Koi fish.
"What's the background story that the townspeople believe about the castle? It's clearly kept up, but I assume you don't let humans inside, do you?" I was genuinely curious about how they managed to coexist peacefully with the human residents of the city.
"We're pretty much in charge of the laws and governmental affairs for all of Volterra, even if the people don't realize it. We've woven together a convincing narrative about the castle's continued function and maintenance. A few times a year, we even offer tours. Of course, we limit the humans' access to certain sections of the castle during those tours. So far, it's been quite effective," Demetri explained.
As Demetri was explaining the castle tours, a darkly amusing thought crept into my mind, stirring a mixture of morbid and comedic feelings that set off a fit of giggles. Demetri quirked an eyebrow, his gaze locked onto me. "Do I even dare ask what's amusing you so?"
"Nothing much. I just had this twisted vision while you were speaking, and it struck me as oddly amusing," I admitted with a playful glint in my eye. "I imagined this sultry vampire lady, right here in the marketplace, yelling 'free tours' to unsuspecting humans. She'd gather a crowd and lead them into the castle. Then, of course, the grand finale would be in the throne room, where you all would have quite the feast." As I painted the picture of my absurd idea, it grew even more outlandish.
Demetri's grin widened, and he played along with mock seriousness. "Hold on a second," he chimed in, raising an eyebrow as if in deep contemplation. "You might be onto something here. Having our meals willingly walk right in and present themselves to us? Brilliant! Plus, who would ever notice a bunch of tourists going missing every day after visiting Volterra? I'm sold!" He chuckled before continuing, "I'll have to bring this ingenious idea to Aro's attention immediately. Thank you, Bella."
"Always a pleasure to help out," I leaned in to him, my fingers tracing a sensuous path across his firm stomach, feeling the tension beneath my touch. Drawing him closer, I pulled his body down with a teasing smile, my warm breath caressing his ear as I whispered in a breathless voice, "I can't have you going hungry now." Demetri responded immediately, his strong arms enveloping me as he lifted me effortlessly off the ground. His lips trailed a slow, teasing path along my neck, sending delightful shivers through me.
As his kisses stirred a growing heat within me, his voice, a velvety whisper against my ear, only fanned the flames, "You always know just what to say." Our lips met in a fervent kiss, soft and sweet, yet charged with an undeniable passion. The sidewalk beneath us seemed to fade as the world narrowed down to this shared moment.
Eventually, Demetri eased me back onto the ground, and I leaned into his chest, seeking the comfort of his embrace as I attempted to steady my racing heartbeat. I could feel his raging hard-on pressing against my stomach, a tantalizing reminder of the desire we shared. Knowing we both needed to regain our composure, I reluctantly created a bit of space between us, allowing him to cool down.
With a wry smile, I observed as Demetri took a moment to collect himself, returning to the present with a charming smile. "We'll have to continue that later. Now though, if you spot a restaurant you'd like to try, just let me know," he said. His voice had returned to normal and was its usual light tone.
We strolled along the cobblestone sidewalks, the atmosphere strikingly distinct from what I was accustomed to back in America. The businesses exuded a personalized, mom-and-pop vibe, standing in stark contrast to the established commercial stores I was used to. This ambiance seemed to transport the area to another time, as if I had stepped back in history, even though closer observation revealed the contemporary reality through the products being sold and the people bustling around. "Let me take a guess," I quipped, glancing at Demetri. "You guys own all the land and carefully curate the shops that are allowed to open?"
A smile tugged at Demetri's lips as he replied, "You're quite perceptive. You're right on the money. We aimed to maintain the areas charm to match the castle's aesthetics. Having fast-food chains like McDonald's on every corner would certainly detract from that. As you venture away from the castle, you'll find a more modern setting, but near the castle, we're very strict about the businesses we allow."
I spotted a cozy little restaurant that seemed inviting, and with a nod, I directed us to stop there. We were seated promptly, and I selected an authentic Italian dish. Since I couldn't decipher the menu myself, I leaned on Demetri to translate for me. While we waited for our food to arrive, a thought crossed my mind. "Could you take a few pictures of me? I'd like to have some to share with my parents." Handing over my phone, Demetri swiftly captured some snapshots of me as I smiled for the camera. Remembering that we lacked any photos of us together, I decided to change that.
Taking my phone back, I approached a man and woman sitting nearby. After catching his attention, I showed him my phone and signaled if he could take a photo for us. Thankfully, he grasped my request, nodded in agreement, and I returned to my seat next to Demetri. Nestling into his embrace, I felt his arm wrap around my shoulder as we both posed for the camera with matching smiles. After he took a series of pictures, I reclaimed my phone and extended my gratitude to the kind stranger.
Demetri and I chatted about various things until my food arrived. Digging in, I hummed in delight after the first bite, as it was excellent. Demetri had opted to just order dessert, which I eyed in appreciation as it looked delicious. After my satisfying meal, we continued to explore the city, soaking in its ambiance, until Demetri's phone buzzed with a text. "Looks like Felix and the others are ready to head out. Are you all set?"
"Absolutely. Do you think I'm dressed appropriately, or should I change into something else?" I wondered aloud, glancing at my outfit. I thought I looked great, but I wasn't entirely sure what type of club awaited us.
"No need to worry; you look perfect. I'll let them know we're on our way back to the castle," he reassured me. The night was picturesque as we strolled back to the castle, its illuminated presence now casting a magical aura over the surrounding area. Demetri reached for my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, and as I tilted my head up to him, he met my gaze with a smile that I returned. Upon reaching the entrance of the castle, Demetri held the door open for me, and I stepped inside, enveloped in a sense of utter contentment.
Let me know your thoughts. I tried to make the Volturi's home much more interesting. Sometimes it's described as just the clock tower, and other times as a castle. I went all out for their home. In my mind, I'm picturing it like the castle you see at the beginning of the Disney movies.