A/N: Hello everyone! Welcome back, so originally this chapter was supposed to be all one chapter with Carlisle and Alec POV however by the time I was done it ended up being almost 25 – 30 pages so I cut it in half to give Carlisle the spotlight this week and we'll hear from our leading man next week!

Enjoy!

When You Love Someone

Chapter 23 – The Sound of Silence

Carlisle

It has been 24 hours since the timing of Bella's death, 6 hours since Jane had received the call from Dimitri about the fire, and 4 hours since I received the confirmation call from Marcus; Felix and Bella were indeed in the fire and both died. Now it has been one hour since the call to Alec about his mate's death to which he promptly hung up and we weren't able to reach him or any of my children since.

I couldn't bear that I had to break the news of Bella's death to the family, but it was needed. Especially in those trying times and I stood there as my own mate cried in my arms and Emmett and Rosalie wanted to be alone to digest the severity of the news in private.

Jane made the choice for both of us when she made the phone call and although I may not agree with the tact, her decision was sound in the fact we were able to lock onto his coordinates, and surprisingly, we found ourselves on our path to Italy.

All within the span of a day.

It's unusual when I think of it; my life is made up of numbers. When to clock in, when to clock out, how many patients of the day I could see, how many of those patients would die, and how many more would live. It was a numbers game that not only was I used to but lived by. As the hours passed and more people are born and die, I never would have counted my daughter as one of them.

Jane was kind enough to secure an airliner and took control immediately allowing me some peace as Esme sat beside me on the flight, no doubt lost in her own thoughts. I admit I was a coward then, not to ask what was on her mind, what was she thinking in that beautiful head of hers, but I was too lost in my grief and need of understanding but as well to prepare for the sight of Alec when we landed.

I had to prepare to whatever scene that awaited us; what would a man like Alec do? With the gift of subduing thousands, what he could he do in the span of two hours until we arrived? What would a man do if he learned his mate was gone from this world? I didn't want to think about it.

Jane knew her brother most out of all of the current company, what did she expect, or more importantly what was she prepared to do? Our priorities aligned as we had the same goal: to find and do damage control once we did. However, our versions of 'damage control' tend to contradict, still, she has been silent and still ever since Alec disconnected from Alaska, only offering a silent invitation for us to join her.

As I looked at her, her expression blank I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts she had, what plans she was making.

"Jane?" I questioned as I walked toward her and took the co-pilots chair, wanting some sense of privacy of what I was going to ask her.

"What is it, Carlisle?" She said distractedly as her eyes drifted towards me.

"I can't help but ask, you know Alec the best, what should we prepare for when we land?" I asked tactfully as her expression wavered slightly.

"Truthfully… I don't know." She sighed as she pursed her lips. "I want to say that Alec will keep his cool, that he won't do anything reckless or do anything rash but…when it came to Bella; he baffled me. He was different when it came to her. What I thought he would do, he would do the opposite. He became more emotional, more open. A welcomed change I might add. I was growing worried about his loneliness and it only ailed slightly when she came to us the first time. To save your son" She eyed me as I nodded. I remembered those days clearly although I preferred not to.

"I never imagined a human would interest him so but there he was, pestering Marcus about human nature and the preferred diet of you and your family. It was different…and then for her to show up again…well I was happy to see him so happy even if he didn't admit it." She smiled softly to herself before her expression grew dark once more. "Which is why I say I don't know what to expect. If I'm honest I've always been the more irrational out of both of us. More emotional, more untamed. He's always been levelheaded, patient, and calm. With the loss of Bella…I don't know if that will be still. We're the same in many ways however in this case, it might be very different. I would just…prepare for the worst" She said grimly as she pressed a few buttons and turned her worried eyes on me. "We're arriving," She said softly as I walked swiftly back to the window.

"Merciful Heavens" I whispered as the planed descended. I cautioned Esme back as Jane landed swiftly and we entered the scene before us.

Alec stood in the middle of a damaged clearing; numerous trees and bushes were torn from the ground and my children, even the most experienced in combat, were all immobilized on the ground as Alec stood tall not seeing, never blinking, as if he wasn't here at all.

"Alec" Jane said as she approached him slowly as she flinched and kept moving, his gaze unwavering.

"Alec., please, stop this" I cautioned, as I kept my voice calm. Whatever trance he was in it seemed unreachable and the last thing I wanted was for him to go on the attack.

"Alec you need to stop this" Jane warned as she flinched more as her glare turned icy. "Alec don't you dare!" She yelled before she collapsed to the ground and in moments I was met with the same fate. Although it was familiar it was nevertheless shocking.

Moments before I could see, smell, move – I had all my senses as a way to guide me and then in the same second, they were gone, and I was alone in this oblivion. Although physically I knew it was on the marsh wetlands Alec's gift was one of the reasons the Volturi were so deadly. Not only could he surrender your physical senses but your mental ones as well. You were alone and in a void with no light to guide you home.

Then in mere moments, it all came flooding back. I could feel the wetlands, I could see the dwindling twilight and I could move. I looked towards Esme she was already recovered and was helping Alice up when Alec let out a great cry.

Jane was now up as well and Alec was the one who succumbed to his twin's gift. The physical and mental anguish she could inflict was enough to make anyone go mad…and break them out of their deepest subconscious.

"She isn't gone!" he yelled as groaned and Jane took a step back, as she frowned at her brother trying her best to help him up but Alec in his stubbornness refused.

"How do you know this is the truth?" Alec asked softly as Jane looked away and I met Alec's empty, cold dead stare as I tried to hold in my shudder.

"Jane received the call from Dimitri, and I confirmed with Marcus a few hours ago; it was them," I said softly as I said the words that I couldn't believe myself.

"She isn't gone, I know it. I can feel it, she isn't gone" He mumbled as Edward grasped my shoulder. 'How is he?' I asked as Edward slowly shook his head, his own face pained. 'I see' I looked down and pushed the inevitable thoughts of my own mates' demise and felt the anguish rise as I quashed it down. Esme is fine, she is behind me, behind Edward, she is safe. She's safe.

Bella wasn't though.

"Alec, you know if she was still alive or not, what makes you say she is?" Jane asked softly as he grasped his hand and he turned away not wanting to meet our eyes.

"It's the deep-rooted sense of wrong. I would know, I would not be functioning if she was" Alec responded as Jane sighed and squeezed his hand tighter.

"Alec, I called Dimitri myself. He was the one to find them, he heard them but when he got there it was too late. All he could do was put out the fire" Jane whispered as he snatched his hand away and shook his head.

"And what of bodies? The fire couldn't have burned so long that their bodies were ash!" He gritted out as Jane shook her head.

"There were no bodies to recover, Dimitri mentioned it was one if the guards that did it. They had access to the elixirs for executions. Dimitri mentioned Bella faced some hostility after her trial and the guard felt she was excluded from real punishment. Felix was an accidental casualty it seemed since he was her guard" Jane said softly as Alec continued to shake his head, lost in his grief, and stayed steadfast in his denial.

"Alec, I'm sorry" Jane whispered as she attempted to touch his shoulder but her hand flited back to her side.

"I don't understand" Edward whispered as he stared blankly at me as he walked forward and shook his head. "I don't understand. How could she be ….gone?" He whispered as Alec growled out repeating "She isn't' gone!"

"Everything was so complicated, it happened so fast. I wasn't even called until it was too late. I was prepared to go until I had a confirmed call from Marcus." I answered as Edward nodded his head.

"I was called to bear witness to Bella's trial. It wasn't planned, wasn't even on the books. It was unexpected…I was called to come back, Alec." Jane explained as he turned to look at his sister.

"Why would they call you?" He asked disgustedly while she shook her head.

"I don't know, your guess is as good as mine when it comes to these matters. Aro even tried to demand it but I refused. I knew that they would proceed even if I wasn't there physically so I suggested Dimitri be in my stead. Dimitri could be trusted and would tell me everything that was going on. He would try to interfere in her best interest, I trusted him" Jane whispered as Alec scoffed.

"Right forth for Dimitri to protect her; Dimitri is as loyal only to those who are most loyal to him. He doesn't serve anyone but himself" He hissed as Jane glared.

"Don't say that, I know you don't mean that; your only saying that because your hurting…believe me, Alec, there is a lot of hurt going on" Jane answered

"And what of you? You said you were called? Why didn't you go?" Alec demanded as he looked at me.

"I was also called; I was still Bella's guardian. Aro called to say she would-be put-on trial for treason and murder; I didn't know the extent of it but I agreed to go. I was set and ready to leave from Alaska until Marcus phoned and told me I was no longer needed. That there had been decisions made…he was abruptly called away but when he returned…he informed me Bella was gone."

"How could that be possible? No trial is allowed unless there are two witnesses and their mate present. It's the law!" Alec gritted out as Jane shook her head.

"Yes Alec, it's the law but you know as well as I do that if a mate cannot be found they would hold an inquisition. So that's what they did. A full trial was scheduled later when you returned, and all evidence could be presented but…well that can't happen now" Jane stopped short as Alec cursed.

"Why wasn't I informed? I have a phone! Why didn't they call me!?" He hollered at no one as I walked forward and settled my hand on his shoulder and I eyed Jasper as he nodded and tried to influence his grief.

"I don't know; I asked the same question to Marcus who told me they tried but you couldn't be reached. I don't know what their excuse was but believe me we will find out." I said as he shook his head and mumbled.

"They didn't try to reach me at all, and we won't be doing anything. I'll have an audience with the kings myself! They will answer for this, all of it could have been avoided! I want answers!" He growled as I nodded.

"We want answers to Alec. She may have been your mate, but she was our sister. This couldn't have been a simple lone vampire; it's too coincidental. It had to have been planned." Jasper interrupted as Alec glared.

"Oh and I supposed I should take the word of someone who not only abandoned her willfully but also exposed her to a situation that she wasn't trained for! You were both blindsided and got yourselves kidnapped! Honestly, I expected more from the Major of the south, but I guess you lost your touch?!" He spitted out as Jasper's eyes flared.

"I assure you I haven't lost anything; we were outnumbered, outgunned – they had a type of weapon that has never been invented. As for what I did for Bella I supported her when she needed me. I will forever make up the sins of the past but you underestimate her. She may have never been trained in combat to the level we were, but she outsmarted them! She had wits which are better than I can say for an average soldier. So don't toss around blame except those blameworthy!" Jasper snarled as Alec glared.

"I promise all those who had a hand in this will pay" He vowed as I nodded.

"Then we need to return to Italy. The Kings will be expecting us, expecting you" Jane answered as she stated at all of us, suspicion in her eyes.

"Like hell, I'll return on their call. I'm not going anywhere until I have more of an explanation! Janie, you said you trusted Dimitri, what excuse did he give you as to why I wasn't informed?"

"Dimitri didn't have much information, Alec. All he knew was that they were trying to track you long before the trial but that they were having trouble. He called me wondering if I knew of your whereabouts but when he called I truthfully didn't know. You and Edward has disappeared by then"

"We were tracking Bella. She was kidnapped by Xander but her tracker fell out so we went to rescue Alice and Jasper here" Edward explained as Jane nodded.

"Xander?" Jane questioned as Alec nodded "What does he have anything to do with this?"

"Because it was Caius" Alec nodded as Jane turned sharply to her brother.

"What!? Alec, how could you accuse that?" Jane whispered as she eyed us and I reluctantly nodded my head.

"Carlisle" Esme said fearfully as I turned to Jane who now had her glare trained on me.

"He's right Jane, whether you knew about it or not we suspect Caius because Bella told us herself. She was investigating the murder of Queen Didyme and suspected her killer was Caius. That was why she was so skittish, so afraid. She was certain someone was trying to kill her and as such there was an attempt made on her life before she came back to Forks the second time" I explained as Jane stood shellshocked.

"I don't believe it" She whispered

"Well then believe it!" Alec snapped as she turned her hurt expression onto him

"Alec when you showed me the sanctuary why didn't you tell me any of this?" Jane whispered as for the first time Alec looked away, shame on his features.

"Alec!" Jane demanded she stepped in front of his view.

"I didn't think…. I figured I could explain later. The severity of it was a shock, Janie. Bella needed me and once we found her…well she could explain it." He turned away as she scoffed.

"That's a poor excuse Alec, but right now let's refocus. Caius might have killed her because he might have murdered Didyme. Do I have it right?" She asked venomously as we all looked at each other and nodded.

"Yes that's right" Jasper spoke "Which is its best if we do answer their call" He continued as Alec shook his head.

"I am not their puppet! Not this time, they crossed a line. If I'm going to go I'll go on my own terms and if I go I want to there they held her. I need to see where they held her, I need to confirm…I need to see it for myself" He whispered as I looked at Edward and Jasper before I spoke.

"Alec, do you think that's wise? Your emotional state right now – "

"My emotional state is fine Carlisle; if anything, it will give me more of the answers I crave. If she's really gone –"He choked on the words before he swiftly composed himself "Then it will give me some direction on where to start."

"Which would be what?" Jane asked hesitantly as he looked at her

"Revenge" He whispered before he quickly fixed his jacket and walked up to the plane leaving us to digest his words.

The trip to Volterra was short and silent. All of us tense and kept a close eye on Alec who has yet to say a word since his ominous vow in the clearing. He's stayed silent all throughout the trip and from the worried looks that Jane has cast it was not normal for him to do so.

I supposed of all our behavior is out of character for us. Esme has not left my side, her mind on the situation while Jane piloted the jet with ease while Edward phoned Astrid from the plane. I'm sure easing her mind with the current situation and with her change approaching soon, the crumbling dynamic of the Volturi wether she would need to be moved is another matter. Alice for her part has kept her eyes on the future, monitoring for any changes although Caius's future was uncertain; come to think of it all of our futures were uncertain, something that caused Alice great distress and put Jasper on guard.

I admit I didn't have the courage to ask Alec what exactly his plans were when we arrived however I think it best I didn't. His mind was a mystery and ruthless and what awaited us when we arrived was a mystery I didn't want to see.

Once the plane arrived in the hanger however and the doors opened Dimitri was the one who greeted us and Alec's eyes flashed. The door opened and Alec ran in a flash and Dimitri immediately stiffened and I knew Alec had him in his grasp.

"Alec" Jane hissed as he waved her away.

"what did you do?" He demanded as Dimitri looked on in sadness, his eyes downcast

"I did everything I could" He answered as Alec snarled

"No what did you do?! I smell her scent on you as fresh as if she was standing there! Where is she?!" He demanded as Dimitri gained mobility and Jane helped him regain his stature.

"Alec I'm telling you she is gone. She isn't here, I looked everywhere! She's gone! I was the last to see her before she was sent away, and Felix was guarding her. They're gone Alec I'm sorry" He said softly as he continued to shake his head and pushed him away as he stalked into the castle.

"Please don't mind him, he's in a terrible shock," Jane explained as Dimitri nodded and I shook his hand in a greeting.

"Hello Dimitri" I called as he nodded silently

"Carlisle, I wish we could have met in better circumstances," He said before nodding at my other children and followed Jane as she took off after her twin.

"Carlisle, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that we need to be careful with Alec in the coming days. His mental state is all over the place and if he sees what I suspect is there, he might become violent" Edward whispered as I frowned.

"I agree we should keep watch but violence towards us isn't what I'm concerned about. Alec isn't a fool or someone who would act brashly; he's a patient man and whatever is happening in his mind right now… I guarantee will not be directed at us."

"That's what I'm worried about" Edward frowned as I looked towards him as he pulled me back until we were at the back of the group.

"His thoughts are wild but plans are already being thought of; they aren't pretty. Some are tamer like hunting down the guard who did it if they aren't already dead but others….the Volturi itself will be jeopardized if he acts on any of them. It would leave a power vacuum; battles, riots – he's aware it will lead to disarray but he doesn't care if it does. He's vengeful Carlisle" He warned

"I'm more than aware of his vengeance; however maybe we should consider the plans he has," I warned as Edward's eyes widened

"Carlisle you don't mean…"

"I do mean it, Edward. Change is coming and all the signs point to war. Before our trip to Alaska, Alec and I had an intriguing conversation. Alec is privy to knowledge that is secretive to the Volturi and access into the inner circle; however, what we will learn today will set in motion the next course of events. Bella did not die in vain and her death might have just sent off the course of war. I want us to be prepared if it does." I warned as he nodded seriously as we were led to the basement level. Instantly I knew we were heading to the cells and I closed my eyes in preparation.

The cells were infamous for their cruelty and I hope that Aro was gracious enough to not submit her to that kind of torture. Not that I don't think him capable but it would have been unscary but enough that if he so desired he could have made an example out of her. I hope he didn't.

At most, there were those that proved inescapable. Bars and walls coated in venom that made it painful to the touch and the cameras that monitored even the smallest movement. Those I would think would suit the cause and when Dimitri led us closer to that level I let out a small sigh of relief to know she had been spared that kind of cruelty but as I looked to Alec relief was far from his mind. On the contrary, he looked calm, almost indifferent to the scene that was waiting for us.

The further down we went the smell of ash and smoke became heavy and the hallways darkened with lingering smoke. The foreboding feeling in my stomach grew stronger with every step we took and it was only the fact Esme was by my side did each foot go in front of the other. My courage was weaning and the hesitancy was showing. I felt Edward's hand than on my back as he pushed me forward and I issued a soft thank you. No doubt his own horror slowly mounting as I risked a glance at his darkened eyes. He looked ill, I felt ill.

Dimitri pulled to a stop suddenly and turned to us, his face grim. "Prepare yourselves, although most of the smoke had cleared there are still many burnt pieces of debris and charcoal. Their scents…well they still linger and I caution as venturing too far. Especially for you Alec, it could be…a bit much." He warned as Alec only stared.

"Move aside Dimitri," Alec said as he nodded and looked away waving us in. "Be careful" He said softly as I turned my eyes away from the safety of the hallway and delayed my glance until I heard Esme's gasp of horror, only when I looked did I see why.

"Mother of God," I said breathlessly as the entire room was charred, the ceiling was burnt with the wooden beams hanging low. Bella's cell, as it had to have been hers, was torn open; a distinct outline of a female lay waste on the dirt-covered ground with another outline of a male next to her was burnt onto the dirt itself. The aroma was ungodly, a mix of Bella and Felix's own unique scents mixed with fire and smoke and the unrelenting smell of fear. I covered my mouth and staggered back at the sight as my eyes flew to Alec who stood still, no movement showing from him at all. Edward took a glance and had to leave the room while Jasper, with all the turmoil of the room, staggered back from the weight of it all. Alice, my tiny brave daughter supported both of them as she dragged him and herself away from the sight, her eyes welling with tears. The only ones left were Esme, Jane, me, and of course, the still and silent Alec.

"Carlisle" Esme breathed "My baby" She breathed as I saw a small flinch from Alec and Jane reached a shaken hand out to her brother before he flinched away and growled.

"No one comes near," Alec said low, his voice calm.

"Alec, you can't be here alone" She whispered before he bowed his head

"Don't come near here. Everyone, get out." He whispered in a deadly tone and I knew we would have to leave. This was no place for us to intrude on.

"Jane" I cautioned as she looked to me, her own broken expression overriding reason. "It's best we listen," I said slowly as I pushed Esme away from the room and held my hand out for Jane.

"But…I can't" She whispered as the usually calm and collected Jane looked between me and her brother.

"Yes, you must. If you want to help your brother, it's best we let him grieve" I whispered as Alec remained still.

"Leave!" He shouted as Jane startled, jumped, and reached for my hand as I pulled her away from the room. I was barely out before I saw the great, stone-faced Alec crumble to his knees followed by a roaring inhuman sound of agony.

Hello darkness my old friend

I've come to talk with you again

Because a vision softly creeping

Left its seeds while I was sleeping

And the vision, that was planted in my brain

still remains

Within the sound of silence

Simon and Garfunkel – The sound of silence

A/N: See you next Monday and don't forget to review!