A/N: So sorry for the late update guys! Editing took longer than expected but I hope I made it up to you for the longest chapter so far! Standing at 20 pages and 11,524 words it's insane!
P.S Major tissue warning for this chapter! You have been warned!
Enjoy!
Chapter 24 – Evermore
I had never known true pain until today.
I remembered…long ago when I was a boy that Janie and I had gone into hiding beneath the floorboards of our humble home. It was cold, damp, and no place for a child…yet it was the safest place for us to be. The villagers had grown suspicious of the gifts she and I had possessed and, in their ignorance, swarmed our home. In one night, our home, property, and parents had all perished. From then Jane and I took shelter in the forests that surrounded our small village, forging and hunting what we could and stealing the rest. It was a hard life, a pained life yet not even the fire of the pyre or the change could compare to the feelings engulfing me now.
When I stepped inside and I heeded Dimitri's warning; I just wanted to see some burnt marks, possibly some ash but not nearly enough damage to cause me to suspect that my beloved had been taken from this world. Yet, the damage that was done, I don't know how she could have survived.
Some part, some deep, dark pitiful voice in my mind would whisper that she was lost yet I continued on, not even the comforting words and presence of my sister could drag me from this spot. Nothing could tear me away from the outline of this mysterious female who had such an unfortunate fate. This Jane Doe could not be Isabella Swan. She could not. Because if she was, my reason for being, my entire existence would be nothing if she was no longer here.
No, I cannot succumb. I could not look away, there had to be something else. There had to be some kind of clue. Something Dimitri had missed. Something that was overlooked. There had to be something damn it!
I was on my knees, my hands were shaking so badly that I could barely keep steady the dirt that I brought to my nose, Bella's lemon, mint, and jasmine aroma hit me almost instantly and I couldn't help the smile that crossed my lips when I closed my eyes and thought of her. Only when I opened them was I brought back to my grim reality.
I needed to focus. I stood quickly and with Bella's scent fresh in my mind I followed it to the cell that must have been hers and looked at the scorch marks. Whoever did this must have been behind them. I can confirm that this was Felix's shadow as there was some ash behind and strands of his hair. Poor Felix: he was a loyal friend, always there with a joke and a smile. I would miss him dearly but now I could not afford the luxury of mourning my friend. I had to conserve my energy to finding Bella.
As I moved ever closer the scorch marks lessened and I grinned when I saw the back end of the cell had been virtually untouched and saw the clue that I was so desperate to find. I would recognize it anywhere, Bella's blouse, crisp at the edges but it was hers. The pieces of paper below only confirmed my thoughts. These were the portraits I drew of us, the ones that she had bugged me about for so long until one summer evening I had given in to her request and drew them to her great delight. They were burnt around the edges and I smiled that the integrity of the picture remained. Bella would be happy to know they survived. I smiled as I pocketed the pictures and I looked towards the torn pieces of cloth hanging from the wall. I tore it from the wall, her scent strong. This was hers and it was recent. However, the question remained why was it here? She was so particular about her clothes, wanting to treat them well. As I got closer the scratches on the wall caught my attention: Aro
Why would she write Aro of all people? Did he have an involvement in this and if he did how much did he have? Squinting the rocks around left small gaps and I knew they were loose. I checked again that the others had listened to my orders and once I knew I was alone I starched out the rocks and ignored the pain in my hands as I clawed away from the venom-covered stone and there nestled in the cracks was the jewel, I was so desperate for. A folded piece of paper was saved from the fire. I smiled in triumph and grasp the papers. As I opened them, her familiar handwriting jumped out at me and I smiled once more only for my stomach to drop at her first sentence.
Alec,
If you are reading this, it means that I am dead.
Dead? She's not dead. How could she be dead? She couldn't be. This had to be some elaborate scheme of hers to escape. I knew Bella, she was smart, capable, and strong. She could not be dead.
However, her next sentence nearly brought me to the floor. Caius, the man we had thought was the culprit for so long…was innocent. This was a letter from her to bring the truth, the whole truth.
For so long I had done my best to bring the truth to the light, despite the consequences it would bring me. I knew long ago, from the day that I first saw you when my undead heart jumped that I could not bring myself to ignore you. Yet I had to be strong for the both of us and not let you in. Never did I expect to find the truth. The truth about Caius, about Didyme, about myself.
When I accused you of running the first time, from the first time I saw you to the woods where you almost kissed me…I wanted you to kiss me. I hated myself for wanting such things, I didn't want to think about it because I knew that if I entertained whatever this was with you, I would bring you onto the danger right there with me. I couldn't do that. I loved you too much, even if I didn't know it.
I remembered the time in the sanctuary where you were suspicious of me, questioning my character and the threat to your family. I didn't admit it then, but I wish I had, that I admired that in you. However, I didn't know it then, but the threat was already here. It has been here, for years it's been here and neither one of us knew.
Alec, please do not think bad of me when you find this. Please don't think I didn't love you. I loved you until my last breath, I loved you from the moment you wouldn't leave me alone with your stupid shoe stomping. I had loved you even in the days of the library where you would confuse me with your riddles and half-truths. I had loved you from the moment stepped foot in your world as a human and I didn't even know it. I wished I had, because then maybe we would have had more time. Maybe we would have had more memories but I'm so thankful for the ones we do have. I'm so grateful for the time we did have. I'm so thankful for the moments we made, the secrets we shared, the memories kept.
Even now, before I would step foot out of this cell and meet my fate that I am thankful. I'm thankful for coming here. I'm thankful for Edward and his cruelty and his selflessness. I'm thankful for Alice and her friendship, for Jasper and his companionships. For Carlisle and his wisdom and Esme for her tenderness. I'm even thankful for Rosalie's bitterness and loyalty and Emmett's wonder and kindness. I'm thankful for Jake's leadership and friendship. I'm thankful for the family he has given to me and is a debt I can never fill. I'm sorry to him; I told him to stay away until I came back until everything was safe. Can you visit him? Tell him I tried? That I tried my best and to tell him thank you for safeguarding the last Didyme's memory? I wish I could have thanked him myself.
I'm thankful for Jane's sisterhood, I'm thankful for Dimitri's protectiveness and I'm so thankful for Felix's friendship,I'm thankful for Marcus for fighting for me and Caius's justness.
Finally, I'm most thankful for you. I'm thankful for your friendship, for your companionship, and if I dare hope, for your love.
Alec, when you do find this letter; I'm most likely dead but Alec, I figured it out. My death would not be in vain. Alec, I was not killed for the reasons they gave. It's true I murdered Afton, but not in cold blood I swear to you I didn't. I thought he was you, I let my guard down around him and he attacked me. It was only when I attacked did, I realized he was not who he said he was. I'm sorry I tainted our special place. I'm sorry I ruined it. That's why I ran away from you.
I'm sorry I ran from you. I shouldn't have but if I'm being honest, I was afraid. Not of you but what you could do to me. I never feared for my life, but I feared for my heart. I didn't want to bring you into this mess that I was making, I wanted to protect you and I also wanted to protect me. I couldn't bear the thought of you rejecting me. I couldn't stand it so I ran. I'm so sorry Alec. I know now that I shouldn't have run however maybe it was meant that I did.
I'm not sure, not even now, knowing what I know if it was meant to be that I should have run but it cannot be changed now. What's done is done and you should know that Caius is innocent. I was wrong, I was all wrong. Caius is innocent.
Aro killed Didyme.
It was Aro all along. After I was kidnapped by Chelsea, she gave me a key that is linked to a safe behind a painting you gave her. She told me you would know the one. In the safe is evidence to bring him down. To expose Aro's crimes not only against Didyme but to the entire vampire world. He has been colluding with the Romanians for decades, possibly centuries. He told me this himself and the evidence is in Chelsea's room. There is also Didyme's journal hidden in the grove in Forks and the rest with Jake. He knows some, he would know what you're talking about. If he doesn't believe you, please show him this portion of the letter. He will believe this portion; he will believe you.
Alec, I beg of you, if you had any kindness to me, and love towards me, please do not let me die in vain. Expose Aro, expose his secrets and lies. Let the truth be revealed. Let his treachery be known. I died for this truth Alec; it needs to be told. I don't have much time, but I love you, Alec. I wish I could feel your hands on me once more. To know your embrace, to know you inside and out. I wish I had more time with you but I'm okay with dying this way. I'm okay with my fate. I love you forevermore. I love you to my dying day.
Bella.
Bella, why didn't you tell me sooner? I dropped the letter to the ground as my vision grew blurry from the tears I couldn't shed. She was truly gone. I tried to stop the sob that was threatening to come up and for once I couldn't. It broke free just as the tears swam and I collapsed onto the ground.
I could feel my breaths coming in short gasps as if I couldn't control my being; the only thought I could bring myself to rationalize was only one word: destroy.
Destroy everything that man held dear. Destroy his world, his loves, his life. I was going to end him and make him suffer. The world was colder now, I felt my body move yet I was outside of it. My body was heavy, yet I folded her letter and placed it in my shirt pocket, next to my heart where she will remain. I felt the fire in my veins, the emptiness in my chest. I knew the others would have questions, but I didn't care. When I finally exited the cell, I was a different man.
Aro was going to die today. He was going to die, and I would end…everything.
As I stepped out of the cell, I was glad to see everyone had gone. Truthfully, I didn't know how long I was there, but I knew it had to be mid-day. I knew I had to act fast and I hopped Janie hadn't been called away. "Dimitri" I called as I saw him straighten and turned my way. "Where's my sister?" I asked as he looked on confused. "My sister Dimitri, where is she?" I asked again as I was losing my patience.
"She uh, she escorted Carlisle to trial. The Kings had called upon him, but she might be with the rest of the Cullen's" He stammered
"Which is where" I questioned
"The guest rooms in the east wing; only Carlisle was called though!" He called after me as I raced down the halls. I had limited time here and maybe this way I could convince the Cullen's to join my cause. I had to be careful. Carlisle has been friends with the royals for centuries. His loyalty might eb questioned but I had to stay focused. One task at a time.
As I got closer to the east wing, I lessened my pace. I didn't want to arouse suspicion, especially since I didn't know how many eyes Aro had. I wanted him dead and although dying wasn't far from my mind I preferred to kill him first.
I couldn't risk Jane though; I had promised to protect her, and I shall. So with focus, I continued on and kept watch until I saw the familiar dark oak doors and nocked polity listening for the rustling sounds and quiet whispers until I saw Jane's careful glance followed by a sigh of relief.
"Alec" She whispered as she stepped out and grasped my hands affectionally. "We weren't expecting you today. I thought – well I thought you would want time alone?" She questioned as I squeezed her hands.
"I'm sorry Janie, I was in a bit of a shock. I never truly apologized for the scene I caused in the clearing however Janie, I need to speak with you. Privately. You were Bella's closest friend she had here, and I could use your insight" I said as she raised her eyebrow and cast her eyes to look behind her.
"Of course, whatever you want to talk about." She answered as I smiled grimily and led her to my quarters. It was the most secure place in the entire castle at the moment as I knew there were no cameras, and it was soundproof. A requirement I had made as I liked my privacy and the trust that Marcus had placed in me guaranteed me the silence. And the safety.
"What is this Alec?" Jane questioned as soon as my door was closed, and she faced me with an inquisitive expression.
"I need help Janie" I confessed as she stared.
"With what?" She asked hesitantly as I stared hard at her
"With treason," I said hardened as she quirked her head, not the least bit surprised.
"Treason? Exactly what are you planning? What have you thought of in the hours that you were alone below?" She asked hushed as she walked forward, and I grabbed a piece of drawing paper and laid out the castle tunnels I had memorized.
"Janie – I cannot let this go unpunished. I cannot let him go. His fate was sealed the moment he decided to cast his murderous gaze on Didyme. If it wasn't for him Didyme would be with us and Bella wouldn't have died to try to bring her death to light. Aro is responsible for many deaths Jane but he has done too much. I ask you, like my sister – my only blood relative. Help me with this" I asked with desperation.
She stared at me then, her eyes seemed to look into my very soul and although my sister was the one I trusted most, I knew what I was asking of her. I was asking for her life for if we were caught…I didn't even want to think of it. However, her expression softened, and whatever she saw it seemed to have sealed her choice.
"What do you need from me?" She answered as I smiled.
"To kill, kill anyone who had any involvement in this and to help me kill Aro himself…today," I said hard as her eyebrows rose.
"Today?! Alec are you mad? How could this plan, this goal so large that you think you can accomplish, especially with only a day of planning? Many have planned for centuries and still failed." She cautioned as I shook my head.
"Those who dared were fools however I am no fool. Do you trust me, Jane?" I asked as she stared incredulously at me.
"Yes, of course, Alec but some direction would be nice! Especially with what you are planning" she said as I smiled
"Because we have something the others did not. Knowledge." I said as she looked on confused. "Tell me, Jane, where is Chelsea," I asked as I started to pace, thinking of any small details and alternative routes that could work.
"I don't know. No one does. I asked and she's been gone for days on some mission." She answered easily as I shook my head.
"That can't be right. She may have been on a mission it's true but not an ordinary mission She must still be in Volterra. In Bella's last letter to me, Bella mentioned how Chelsea kidnapped her from England and revealed she had been working for Aro for years. She was the one that released Bella and that she was an underground tunnel of sorts beneath the palace. Knowing Aro those tunnels probably run everywhere underneath the city. She may be there" I rambled as Jane looked on.
"Do you have coordinates?" She asked as I shook my head.
"No, but I have a hunch on where to get a start on it. In the letter, Bella mentioned that Chelsea has been collecting evidence. There has to be something about the tunnels in there. I know where it is, but I need time. Felix said Carlisle was in trial, do you know for what?" I asked
"He was called in as Bella's guardian. It was more of a formal thing that has to be done since she was an unclaimed mate and Carlisle was the last guardian she had" She explained as I nodded my head.
"Just a formality then, but we have to be careful with them. I have no doubt that Carlisle gave his hand and Aro knows about Bella's involvement. How much I can't be sure of. He's been very skilled at controlling his thoughts but how much Aro knows could be questionable. I need to speak with Carlisle, see what he knows and once we find Chelsea, if we find her, we need to recruit the Cullen's" I instructed as Jane nodded.
"That way we would have the advantage, equalize the playing field" She answered
"Exactly, when did he go in do you remember?" I asked
"About an hour ago. We would have about two hours left until he's finished and then you would be called."
That would make sense, I would need that time to set in motion my plan. Bella may have been unclaimed, but she was still my mate. I will defend her as such."
"Okay and the next phase of this plan?" She asked as I turned to look at her.
"Once we have a start, I must ask much of you Jane you need to find Chelsea. She is key in this. Even her remains, something of proof. I don't think she is dead as she is too close to Aro, but I fear her death may be immense if we don't."
"I can do that Alec" She declared as I smiled. "Thank you," I said as I went and hugged her. I rarely liked or showed physical affection, but my sister was one of the only exceptions and I found that even when my mind was racing, she brought a comfort I had taken for granted.
"No thanks needed" She replied softly as she rubbed my back. "So, let's begin," She said as I started to exit my room and entered the quiet hallway. I found Chelsea's room easily and with the key that was covered I spotted the treasure instantly. It was a simple enough painting; it did not take much skill or time yet the humble cherry tree that I painted for Chelsea on one of our missions has remained a favorite of hers for years. I was quite perplexed when she requested such a thing at the time, however, I to hand it to her cleverness. This simple cherry tree painting, humble and ordinary hid something quite extraordinary.
Bella was right. The safe gleamed in the sun and the satisfying click gave away to numerous documents, journals, financial accounts, and the most incriminating of all – letters.
Letters written in Aro's hand, letters in the familiar Romanian script and a locket that I soon discovered contained a lock of Didyme's hair. Lists of names, vampires that had tried to unearth this mystery before but were killed either by Chelsea or Aro, and dates that were done so. I quickly stashed it away when I discovered Bella's name on the bottom and the kill date marked with a question mark. There was also a map of different markings all written in code; no doubt this would lead to a headquarters of sort or other types of hideouts meant for meetings and rendezvous points.
"Oh, my" Jane breathed beside me as I handed her various documents and maps. "This is…Alec" She whispered as she turned to me.
"I know," I said as I looked around the room and saw one of Chelsea's purses. As I grabbed one big enough, I started to put everything in the safe inside the purse, being careful of the fragile documents. "Jane, this map here should give you a start, in fact here," I said as she studied the map carefully.
"I recognized one of the entrances here, it's near the palace in the north entrance. I can start there and see what I can find" She said as she turned to me. "We can rendezvous back in the north gate. Once I find her, Alec the safest place would be here? The north entrance is close by and the shortest path" She said as I nodded.
"yes, bring her back here and keep her safe. Her testimony is key and once Marcus sees the connection it would raise suspicion."
"And what do plan to keep that," She asked as she gestured toward the bag.
"For right now it's staying with me. I can best protect it in plain sight and…and I can use one of Bella's backpacks to do it" I said quietly as Chelsea's purse would stand out too much.
"Alec, will you be okay?" Jane asked quietly as I nodded grinding my teeth.
"Yes, I'll be fine," I said curtly as I turned to her. "It would be better to take the terries down. According to the map, the nearest entrance is a mile north from here" I said as she nodded and looked towards the window.
"Okay, we'll meet back in the north gate however if something were to go wrong?" She asked as looked around trying to think of a solution. "We'll think of something," I said off handily as she gave me a look.
"Okay Alec, I trust you. You may be mad, but I can trust a mad man. Meet back at early dawn?" She confirmed as I nodded.
"Good luck," I said as I gave her a final hug and she squeezed me back.
"You, too." She whispered before in a flash she was gone out into the terries and I was left alone in the room.
Perhaps I was a mad man. This plan was mad and possibly I would have to be mad to excuse it. Never have I felt so unhinged yet so focused. I may have been mad, but I was ravenous for vengeance. Nothing would be in my way including my own sanity. As I closed the window and closed Chelsea's door softly, I made quick work of the halls, being careful not to be spotted, and saw Bella's room in the distance. As I arrived closer, I found myself slowing. The ever-growing throbbing in my chest was becoming center-focused and tried as I might I could no longer ignore it. When I stepped into her room, it was a tidal wave of emotion.
I remembered when I first stepped foot into this room. It was brighter then; she was so happy, yet the spark was so little in her eyes. She was explaining the story of her parents, the two happy looking human in the same picture frame, exactly as she left it on her dresser. Her bad was neatly made except for a few wrinkles that I knew came from her reading sessions and her desk was well used with various notebooks and pages askew and I chuckled at her crude drawings. She was an artist in her own skill and I loved when she would look over to my own works and try in her will to keep the same strokes. I thought her attempts were beautiful, but she would always scorn herself for her lack of artistic ability. I missed that. I missed her.
As I took a shaken breath I looked away from the painful reminders and focused on her tattered backpack, the one she would use constantly. The purple and blue tones had faded with age yet to me it was new. It was her. Her scent was still strong and if I closed my eyes, I could even pretend that she was mere feet from me, giggling at some errant thought of hers and it seemed that reality was no more.
Until then I opened my eyes, and the room was cold, her room empty and in my hands was just a backpack. It was not her and it will never be her. This room filled with so many memories of her will never be the replacement of her. It seemed I had to remind myself of that and with a painful gasp I stuffed all the contents of the purse into the backpack and ran from the room, the memory of her ghost in my footsteps.
I took a few unneeded breaths and raced towards the east wing, putting as much distance between me and that room as much as possible until I collapsed onto the tile, the weight too much for me.
I missed her. I didn't want to think of her. I didn't want to remember. I wished to cast her out of my mind if only for the time being. I wish her to be gone from my thoughts and instead for her is to be in front of me. I didn't want her memory. I wanted her. I just wanted her.
How is possible to feel so much yet so little at the same time? It's uncanny, an unnamed emotion that haunts me and yet has become an obstacle. I could not afford this. I could not be in this melancholy spirit if this has any hope of working. I had to be strong. For both of us now. I didn't know it, but this was a strength Bella had always had. She was strong for both of us and now it was my turn to return in kind. So, I lifted myself up and I kept walking. I walked until I reached the east wing and before I had the chance to knock, the seer, Alice had opened the door and waved me in.
"We know why you're here and we're in" Alice announced before I had a chance to speak.
"You know?" I asked suspiciously as she nodded, determination in her voice.
"I received a vision s soon as your decision was made Alec. I can see your path clearly and now with our choices, our fates are tied with yours" She said as I looked towards the major.
"Do you know what I plan to ask of you? Of all of you?" I asked as I looked around the room.
"You want us to join your cause. Believe me, we are aware of what the consequences would be. I cannot speak for the others, but our lives were endangered back in Alaska when we agreed to help Bella. Astrid, Rosalie, and Emmett are on their way, as they were briefed on the phone and they are in unison with us. Much of our kind is growing tired of the fear. Of the unchecked power of a dictator. We hear whisperers of what it was like when Didyme was alive, in the early ages of the rebellion. Many of us want what was promised." Jasper said quietly. "We are with you," He said as I grasped his hand, and a partnership was secured.
"Alec, may I have a moment?" Edward asked quietly as I looked at him and raised an eyebrow but nodded.
"You may" I answered as I looked to the others busied themselves, giving an air of privacy.
"What is it?" I asked as Edward paced the room.
"Alec, I don't know what you have planned but I wanted to tell you about Aro's mind," He said as my interest was piqued.
"What about it?" I asked carefully
"He's different, when we arrived his thoughts had been scattered, unhinged almost. He's calculating something but there is something else there. It's like a film has been placed where I can no longer see a clearer picture. Something is up" He said as I nodded.
"I'm sure there is, he murdered my mate and is on guard. He is calculating, cunning, and dangerous when cornered. That's why we need the element of surprise – timing and precision. Is that all you wanted to tell me?" I asked, slightly annoyed as he shook his head.
"Not exactly, I just…I know your opinion of me isn't very high and rightly deserved but…I, I want you to know that despite everything. Everything that was done, I will do everything to help." He said as I looked down at him.
"I know you will, it hasn't escaped my notice that you have a motive as well. Your human mate, she is still human, isn't she? She's on a flight here as we speak with your brother and sister for an audience with Aro tomorrow. With Aro around, her safety isn't guaranteed I know what we do for the ones we love Edward." I sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"That is true but that not the entire reason. Bella was one of the closest, most dear friends I had. I want to do this for her." He whispered as he dug in his pocket and showed me a faded lemonade cap.
"You carry a battered garbage lid in your pocket?" I asked as he laughed and nodded.
"This isn't garbage, this is one of my most prized possessions. This was ours, I meant to give it to her when I saw her next but…well I wanted to know if you wanted it? It meant a great deal to her" he asked as he handed it to me dropped it in my hand. I studied the lid and looked back at Edward, this young, impulsive young man who did not know the value of the people around him, yet, the new wisdom in his eyes. The burden that he carried from his own actions. Perhaps I had been too hard on him? I took a final look before I gently gave it back to him and he looked on in surprise.
"I know you shared a special relationship with her; a unique one. Because of that...I think she would want you to keep that. It's your memory together, who am I to take that?" I said as he smiled at me and looked at it fondly.
"Thank you" He whispered as I gave a curt nod and turned to the others.
"Well, we have a short time before Carlisle returns. Once he does, we need to be ready. Jasper, I need your mind" I said as he walked forward, and I brought out a sheet of paper and drew the throne room.
"In a few hours, I will be called to bear witness to the kings. In that time the trials would be over and done with and it would be filed away as another treasonous death. We can't let that happen. As her guardian Carlisle would be invited to listen in and as a curtsy all of you as well as his family and such – Bella's last of coven. Edward, I know you won't like this, but Astrid must be there. Human or not those are the laws. For her not to be would raise too much suspicion and we can't risk it" I said as he leveled at me.
"There would a be a fight Alec, Astrid would be in danger. I can't allow it" He said as I shook my head.
"You must, which is why I want you guarding the back here. This window here is a two-story drop and below is a path that leads directly to the forest. If something were to go wrong, you can take the forest path and it leads to the hanger. You know how to fly?" I asked as he noodled in assurance. "Good, steal a plane and leave as fast as you can. If it goes south, we can reconvene later and go to plan two"
"Which is?" He asked as I looked down at the sheet.
"Not completely thought of yet. However, you would be low on Aro's list of priorities. On Caius's not so much. I don't know where his loyalty will stand but I have a feeling once the evidence is shown he will come to our side. Marcus especially will be out for blood. It will work but I understand the need for a backup for your mate. This will work if that happens" I assured him before moving on.
"Jasper, the three other entrances need to be flanked. I want you and Alice at the center. Your combat skills will be superior to anybody in there, the guards are well trained but clumsy. Alice, I know you've been trained well however I need to be behind Jasper, in the corridor here." I circled as I looked to her "This is where you can see all entry points for the three ground entrances, and I need to make sure no one goes in or out once the trial starts. Edward, the same goes for you. From the higher window, I need you to monitor the outside. No one is allowed in…except for Jane." I said as I circled the north entrance and the hallway from the north gate.
"Jane is going to come through here; if my hunch is correct, she and Chelsea will reconvene here. I don't know what shape Chelsea will be in but Alice you need to watch her. She may not be able to defend herself. Once Emmett and Rosalie arrive, they take the east entrance and watch for the witnesses. They may try to run, and they cannot be trusted, at least not right now. Depending on how it goes this can be changed but we need the throne room secured first." I commanded
"During my testimony, there will be much revealed. Jasper, I'll need you then. Keep control of the room. Especially the kings and Edward keep watch of them as well. I need you both to monitor them. We need to be one step ahead always. If this works, we should have the advantage and won't have to kill until we need to. We need to answer first before we act rashly. Jasper, can you keep everyone calm?" I asked
"Good, with everyone doing their part and a bit of luck; Aro's reign will end," I said as I took a looked my watch. "I need to prepare, Jasper I trust you can inform Carlisle and the others," I said as he nodded.
"You have my word."
"Thank you," I said curtly and sighed before I looked at each of them, their determined expressions and fierce eyes. "Truthfully, thank you, I know I ask too much, but your deeds will be remembered," I said as Alice walked forward and grasped my hands.
"Bella was ours too. We have a duty to her as well, a repaid oath. Our loyalty to her goes to you. You will do right by her and we follow you. For her", she whispered as I patted her hand as her words resonated with me.
"You need to go now, we'll be ready," She said as I stepped away, the door closed with a soft click, and the pain that was in my heart lessened with their own wills. Bella affected us all, her touch forever with us. In a way, it provided some comfort that this new kinship with the dreaded Cullen's. So strange in their ways and mistakes of their past…we were so different and now we are the same. Both share the pain and determination to right a very grievous wrong. We were…dare I say…together.
Only a few hours to go and still no sign of Jane. After my meeting with the Cullen's, I retreated to my rooms, the ominous backpack in the corner and my worry increasing with each hour passed. Perhaps I underestimated a man like Aro. Maybe I was wrong? I couldn't be wrong, Aro was calculating. If he really wanted to kill Chelsea and more importantly get away with it, her death would be announced already. Or pose the story that she was with Bella in her final moments such as Felix. It wouldn't be a stretch. Felix was her guard and when the fire started to place her body there. I didn't want to think about it but it was the most tactical way of doing it.
Was I wrong?
As I paced, I kept watch of the forest. Jane would be coming from that direction; I would see her coming. She could have taken an alternative route if something happened. Maybe something did happen? No, I cannot think of that. I lost Bella. I cannot think of losing Janie as well.
Just as I was about to leave my room in search of her; from my window, I finally saw it. The small figure, dashing from the woods and I harried to the north entrance. As I met her I noticed the bundle in her arms and the scarred look on her face. Hollow and empty. "Janie?" I asked as she shook her head and walked past me, her pace quick and I ran after her. The bundle in her arms moved slightly and the horror of what it was dawned on me. In the safety of my room, Jane relaxed but only slightly.
Carefully, gently she set the blanket on my bed followed by a groan of pain. As I approached the dread crept onto me until finally the disfigured Chelsea looked up and I held in my gasp.
She was…torn apart. Quite literally. Her limbs were torn from her body, her arms and legs slowly stitching back together, pieces of her torso missing, and flesh of her arms and legs falling off. Her neck held various gashes and more torn pieces of flesh hung. Her clothes were all but destroyed with the blanket the only thing that could offer any type of modesty. Her eyes were closed and even on her eyelids, there were gashes.
"I found her under stone and rubble," Jane whispered from behind me and I turned to look at her. "I followed the map to an entry in the woods. It took some time but eventually, I caught her scent and followed it to a cave in. I had to dig some but Alec…there's a lab beneath the palace. It looked as if it had been ransacked but the board…Alec I have no doubt that was Didyme's lab. I found Chelsea not long after in another made cave. Whoever did this to her…. well, let's just say they took great pains to make sure she wasn't found." Jane whispered as she looked physically ill at Chelsea's condition. I couldn't blame her. This was…monstrous.
"Alec…you really need to speak with her. She doesn't have much time left. A day at the max but…. Alec, please listen to her. I would make your peace" She said softly as I turned to look at her on the bed. "I'll guard the door, but your plan may need to be altered because of her condition." She whispered as she retreated, the soft click of the door that signaled we were alone.
I neared the bed and kneeled before the remains of Chelsea as her lips curled into the remains of a smile. "It seems my last request of this life will be granted after all" She whispered as I grasped her hand and held it close.
"Chelsea…what happened to you? Who did this?" I asked as I covered gently with the blanket and she sighed.
"Aro did not deem my act as redeemable as I did. I helped Bella escape. I let her go and gave her directions on where to collect the evidence. I'm glad she succeeded. Where is she?" She asked as I looked away and closed my eyes.
"Oh. I see. I'm so sorry Alec" She whispered sadly as I squeezed her hand.
"Please don't trouble yourself with it. You released her, you helped her. Although I admit my anger was misdirected at you until I read Bella's last words. Their deaths will be avenged today, I promise that" I vowed as she nodded
"I'm so very sorry still. I wanted to spare you the pain of a lost mate. If that was the last thing, I could do for my darling it was what I would do." She struggled to say as I looked to the floor. "I wanted to be worthy of him Alec," She said as tears came to her eyes. "I will be with him soon you know. As soon as I let her go, I knew Aro wouldn't have let me live. He killed him, tricked him into attacking her and he played them all. I want to be with him again but worthy enough to be with him. I didn't want to live without Afton, so I would have made my final act a redeemable one. I'm sorry" She rambled as I shushed her.
"Rest Chelsea don't speak such nonsense. Bella has found Didyme's book. There are remedies that can heal you" I said softly as she shook her head.
"There is no remedy for the elixir of execution. I have little time, but I tried my best, I will continue to do so." She said as she looked at me from the corner of her eye. "Jane spoke to me on our way back here. She whispered of an uprising. Of change. I wanted to help."
"Chelsea…thank you, but you have done enough. The evidence you collected, the letters you wrote, they will be enough. We will be enough…for both of them" I assured her as I stroked her hair and she relaxed back into the pillows. "You were my first friend; both in this role and in this life. You were there for me in my darkest times and I will be here for you now." I whispered as she smiled sadly.
"As you were mine. Who knew the fates would have this planned for us? All the wars, the deaths yet here you are."
"Here you are" I repeated as she tried to chuckle, the sound harsh and ragged.
"I wish I was better. I wish it was a different course I took"
"Why didn't you?" I asked boldly as she turned and looked down.
"I was foolish. I wanted power, freedom. I wanted out, yet when the war started, I chose my side. I didn't care about who won or who lost; truthfully, I just wanted out. Out of the games, they played, and I wanted to live. I wanted to live with you." She confessed
"We were good together, we aren't mates, never a mated pair, but I love you. Even now when we are in love with ghosts, I am in love with you. I wanted to do right but when the battle happened. You were too close. I admit I had worked with Aro before the battle. I wanted what he promised me, but he was going to involve you and I couldn't let that happen. Then I saw him." She said hauntingly.
"I saw him take her. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine Aro capable of the murder of his own blood, but I saw it and from there – he had me. He threatened he would come after you. He would even come after each friend I had in court. It worsened when Afton came to court and I fell. Aro took in Afton and I joined but Afton didn't know. I'm sure he had his suspicions, but he was good. So good. So much better than me but Alec, I swear I stopped killing when I was with him and only did if I had to. If I didn't have a choice."
"I know, I believe you, Chelsea. You aren't that type of woman. I know the real Chelsea. I didn't even need the letters or the lists to prove it. Afton brought out the best in you" I admitted as she laughed.
"As did Bella. Never did I see the stoic Alec laugh so loudly or smile so happily. She was your match my friend" She whispered as I bowed my head to rest on hers.
"Perhaps this is our fate. To live forever in torment, in the shadows of what could have been" I said softly as I felt her head shake.
"I don't believe that. Alec, I believe there is still a chance. Bella was a remarkable woman, so smart and she had gone further than anyone before her. She did things no other could." She whispered as her eyes flashed.
"What do you mean by that?" I whispered as she leaned in and ushered me close.
"It takes someone great to tame the beast and to fuel what is impossible" She whispered cryptically "Unfortunately that is all I can say. For if I am wrong, I will not be wracked with guilt, but I dare say I am not wrong."
"Wrong about what?"
"Death" She whispered as she sunk back into the pillows and cast a look at the clock. "You'll need to be dressed soon and prepare for court. I want to make my peace. I suggest you make yours. I wish success onto us today but Aro is crafty. I want us to win the battle, but the war has only begun." She warned as I stood and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"We will be victorious today," I said as she looked down.
"We shall see," She said gravely as I made my way to my closet and picked out my favorite suit, and left her in the care of my sister. I had to get ready, but Chelsea's warning never left my head.
This was it.
The hallways were quiet, and I could see Carlisle and Esme waiting for me by the grand doors. I tightened Bella's burnt blouse around my wrist, a reminder of what I was fighting for. Everything that I am, was for Bella. To the suit, I wore (it was Bella's favorite, something about bringing out the undertones of my hair) to my act of war. I was ready. More ready than even I knew at the time.
I shook Carlisle's and Esme's hands as I saw the rest of the Cullen's in position. Even the tiny human Astrid who gave me a curt nod as I entered the room.
I had everyone's attention. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I only cared about one pair of ruby red ones and they were smiling at me.
"Alec, oh my dear boy!" Aro exclaimed as he glided to me and I bowed respectfully, careful of the role I had to play despite the rage that was building the closer as he approached. "Oh, my boy, how sorry I am for you." He grasped my face as he led two quick kisses to my cheeks, and I returned in kind.
"Yes, although I know she will never leave me. For my eternal life, she will be with me and I have comfort that her death was swift" I replied hollowly as he frowned and nodded. A perfect facade indeed.
"Yes, a terrible fate. Truly terrible, and for the bond to never be sealed! My deepest condolences Alec, we will all miss her terribly, however, this does not erase the trial that was needed." He observed as he sat back on his throne, Caius and Marcus stoic; careful to give away their true emotions.
Immediately I knew that Aro was suspicious of me. He had not asked for my hand and that is a clear sign he knew enough. So much for my element of surprise but there was hope for Chelsea. So on to plan B and showing my cards much sooner than I intended. I gave a small look to Edward and he nodded as he confirmed my suspicions. Very well then, let the games begin.
"I understand there was an inquisition held without my presence. Forgive my hastiness but I grow tired of pomp and flair. Aro, I was away on a mission, why was I not contacted immediately that Bella had returned?" I asked swiftly, wanting to get down to business as Aro's smile widened.
"Alec…we feel for your loss and the grief that you must feel but your manners are lacking. May I remind you that we are in full-court and I am your superior. You may address us as Master, King, or your majesty. You know the procedure Alec and I must insist that you do not stray from it." He lamented as I leveled my stare.
"I understand the procedures, Aro, however how can I be expected to uphold the sanctity of the law when it was so blanketly ignored by our very leaders," I demanded as his smile fell.
"Watch your tone, Alec, you may be a part of the guard, but this is a formal trial for not only your deceased mate and her potential involvement with the Romanians; but how a top guardsman may have breached confidentiality and disclosed secrets that pose threat to the foundation of the Volturi itself." Aro chastised as I stood straight and held my ground.
"The severity of the secrets that I had been entrusted with stays with me. I have been a loyal servant for hundreds of years and have claimed many victories in the name of the Volturi. The crimes you accuse me of Aro and those of my mate are false. Bella is and has always been innocent of all crimes. Especially those in relation to collusion with the Romanians. I will not tolerate the dishonor of her name to hide the shameful acts done of the truly guilty nor will I tolerate my name to be tarnished in the mouth of a coward!" I roared as his eyes flashed dangerously.
"You have dangerously emboldened, Alec! For such words to be spoken by anyone who holds a lesser position then you would be severely punished for your sheer lack of respect!" Caius seethed as I turned my eyes onto him.
"Be careful who you defend Caius. I understand your intentions to be true but be wary of those snakes who have yet to shed their skin." I chastised as he gasped, and I looked to Edward who nodded and signaled that Janie was approaching.
"Such insolence! Have you completely lost your mind? Has grief taken ahold of your competence so that you've forgotten how to hold yourself in the middle of formal court? Shame, Alec. If you haven't lost your mate their would-be dire consequences for you!" Caius thundered as I gritted my teeth.
"I may have insolence but that doesn't answer my question. Why wasn't I contacted for my own mates' trial!" I demanded as Aro waved me off.
"We tried to inform you Alec, but you couldn't be reached! We didn't know your location; we couldn't send a plane. We followed all laws required and then some. When you could not be reached, we had no choice but to contact her guardian – Carlisle." Aro said calmly as I glared.
"That doesn't excuse contact! I had a phone! I was in Italy at the time of the trial, yet I wasn't informed! Her death could have been avoided if I was here! I hold one of the highest positions in both combat and defense. I am a top-level guardsman and yet a phone call is hard to come by? Her death is on your head!" I yelled as I looked at Aro directly.
"Alec, calm yourself. Do not blame us for your failures of duty" Caius hissed as I growled out "Failure of duty! I assure you I have not. It was your ward, Xander who took part in the kidnapping of Bella four days before the trial! I have video footage and testimony to back up these claims" I announced as Caius sat back shocked and Aro frowned. "How dare you accuse of failure of duty when you, yourself can't control your own household." I seethed as Caius bared his teeth.
"Would that be an accusation? You accuse me of the kidnapping of a mate?" He hissed as I shook my head tried to regain my composure.
"I wouldn't do you the dishonor, but may I remind the courts that as a ward of the Volturi, Xander could be taking orders from all three Masters. I can assure you in the letter sent from Aro to Xander and in the testimony of a key witness, that we will be hearing from shortly, Xander was operating under orders of Aro" I declared as I removed the letter and handed it to Caius before he turned sharply to Aro.
"This is your seal! Your signature Aro! How would you pull an underhanded trick just to steal a ward!" He snarled and before Aro could breathe a word I stepped forward and interrupted
"His intentions were not to steal ward but to use Xander as a scapegoat for the murder of Bella Swan" I announced as the whispers started and for the first time, Aro showed nervousness. Good.
"Preposterous! What outrageous claims to be made from a desperate man so mad with grief that you would blame anyone but yourself for the death of one's mate!" Aro shouted as I glared.
"You hired Xander as an assassin! You had Chelsea aid him in your quest to guarantee Bella's silence over her knowledge of the lost queen, Didyme!" I shouted as Aro jumped up and shouted "Mad! You are a mad man who walked these halls deluding himself with stories backed by no proof!"
"I assure you I am of sane mind and I have proof. Letters are written in your hand about the money placed in Xander's account. The coordinates of the cave underneath the city and even directions on how to create moon chains; a practice that has been outlawed for a century!" I declared before showing the letters to the court and Marcus and Caius took hold of them and Aro continued to glare. As I saw him reach for a letter, I quickly cast my gift, so he would be frozen on the spot. His expression so fixated on me he didn't even notice his own brothers' loyalties shifting.
"This is his hand" Marcus confirmed as Caius nodded.
"All the accounts line up with the money transactions. Aro's seal is on every single one of these" Caius whispered in disbelief as I approached them.
"These letters have been collected from Chelsea over the last 5 centuries. She was forced to be an unwilling aid to Aro to keep secret any illegal activities he has done to keep his treachery. This trial may have been for Bella, but I enact my right as Bella's mate to hold her killer accountable and for his trial to begin; the trial of Aro of the Volturi!" I demanded as shock rang from the room and various witnesses spoke in whispers around the room.
"This is unprecedented" Marcus muttered as he looked down once more at Aro's script.
"Indeed. Yet Alec is fully within his right to hold a trial of a suspected killer. We must follow our own laws, Marcus." Caius said gravely as he nodded.
"Then let's proceed" Marcus declared as they both gave me the full floor and I turned directly to Aro.
This was the moment that I had planned. The moment that I prepared for. The very moment Bella gave her life for. I shall not let her down…again.
"Aro of the Volturi" I stated as I stared right into his eyes "You are charged with murder, conspiracy, collusion with foreign powers, blackmail, assault, treason, kidnapping, espionage, and the most heinous of all crimes here: mate killing." I growled as Caius and Marcus looked towards their 'brother'. "I would like to add for the court that these crimes are against Bella and myself; as a guardsman and protector of the sanity of the Volturi. I have presented evidence of all charges in letters written by Aro himself, decorated with his seal. There you will find accounts, money transactions, war degrees, maps, and most damning of all: a list of names of vampires killed to protect Aro's shameful secret." I paused as I walked closer to them and Aro's eyes were black with hatred.
"The secret that these brave individuals lost their lives for. The mystery that my own mate, Bella, risked and died for. She discovered his treachery and, in her quest, to bring the truth to the light, Aro had her murdered! To guarantee her silence as he did for hundreds of others through the millennia! My Bella, the brave, beautiful, intelligent, and astounding woman had discovered what this monster had done and stole her from me before we could have any time at all. The same crime he committed thousands of years ago to another member of this court. The same hatred, the same heartlessness, the same immoral act. Just as he did to my Bella." I choked briefly as I stared at Marcus as the dawn of shocking realization came upon him "He did to our leader Marcus." I raged as the gasps and screams of shock rang around the room, but my full attention was on Marcus. Caius sat frozen in his seat but Marcus…Marcus was stunned. His eyes flitted back and forth between Aro and myself with a vary of emotions that crossed his face.
"Marcus," I said quietly as I approached him cautiously as his wild eyes landed on me "Marcus I understand the gravity of my accusations. I know what punishment would await me if I was wrong, but I'm not. Bella wasn't wrong." I empathized as I took out the locket that was sealed away and gently placed the rusted colored locket in his palm as tears came to his widened eyes.
"Marcus, I found this in the evidence locker that Chelsea had been hiding. We both know it was hers. I remember she was wearing this the night of the battle." I said quietly as he nodded his head and Caius looked on shocked as his eyes filled with rage.
"Yes. This was hers." He whispered as he slowly stood, and I backed away as he came to the middle of the room. Close to Aro. "I gave this to her." He started as he looked at Aro, his pain clear on his face as I watched the scene unfold before me.
"This was the first gift I ever gave her. This was her mate's gift; this is what I gave to her before our bond was sealed. She never took it off, even cleaned it while it still hung around her neck. It always carried her scent, even now it remains…and yet…there is more here." He paused as he turned sharply to Aro and stalked towards him. They were face to face and Marcus held up her locket, right in front of Aro's frozen expression.
"It would always carry her scent…so tell me, Aro, why does it smell of Stefan and you" He said dangerously as I looked between them. The room was heavy with tension. "Alec. Let him go." He commanded as I took away my gift and Aro crumbled to the ground, his nose at his feet. He scrambled to his feet as Marcus placed a firm hand on his arm, unyielding. Marcus wasn't going to let him go. "Explain this to me Aro" He demanded lowly as Aro's eyes shifted around the room, as his silence spoke volumes.
"It would be in your best interest to speak…brother," Caius growled as he walked and stood behind Aro. In a flash, I saw Carlisle, walk and stood to beside him. Blocking the last escape route, he had as I stood my ground.
Aro was trapped.
As he stared at the ground a slow, small smile crossed his face and held his hands up in surrender. He bowed to both Marcus and Caius and then to me, his eyes bright as his smile grew wider. "I know when the game has been lost. I concede…brothers. I concede to you, Lord Alec." He said softly as straightened and looked at Marcus.
"I will not cover my lies any longer. Lord Alec has beaten me, well, I should correct myself." He chuckled as he stared at me, his eyes gleaming. "Bella has beaten me. Even in death, she has proven a nuisance. Yes, I killed her Alec. I may not have caused her death with my hands but now…I regret that I didn't" He smiled as I growled, and Marcus's steady hand landed on my shoulder before I could take a step. "I know I have lost the trust in many today but believe me when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed the thought of Bella perishing in the fire. I was there you know? I saw my agent douse her in lighter fluid and set the whole place on fire. I must admit, it was rather touching that in her last moments she screamed desperately for you Alec. I'll even give you the pleasure of knowing that her last word was your name on her lips" He smiled as I growled and only Marcus's hand stopped from tearing him limb from limb.
"As for my sister, that is a different story." He went on as he frowned, and hints of regret covered his features. "I loved my sister Marcus. Love her still. She was the jewel of the Volturi. So charming, witty, and able to bring the best out of each induvial. Her gift, the very embodiment of happiness and the ability to make everyone better. She was my jewel." He whispered as he stared at Marcus. "Which is why it was such a tragedy that she forced my hand." He whispered before there was a quick snap of his fingers and suddenly, I went cold. I couldn't feel my body, I couldn't move. I was frozen. I shifted my eyes to see everyone the same except Aro had a sinister smile on his face and he chuckled. He clapped his hands before he moved to go underneath Carlisle and in mere moments… he was free.
"I didn't want to do it, but she left me no choice! She refused me her talents over and over again! Harnessing the ability to create weapons out of nothing and yet she did nothing with it! Then she became involved in my arrangements with the Romanians. She grew too bold!" he ranted as he walked slowly around us, his footsteps echoed around the room.
"Didyme was a threat. My own sister, a threat to everything I was building! For us, for her! She threatened its entire existence on the basis of morality." He seethed as he walked to Marcus and patted his shoulder.
"I am sorry Marcus. You are a dear brother to me, and I couldn't have asked for a better mate for my beloved sister, you were everything I could have hoped for her…and then some." He said darkly as he continued to pace. "You and Didyme were so dynamic together! It was a scene to behold! Her wits and charm combined with your tactical mind and ambitus drive…the two of you would have led the Volturi into the golden age!" he chuckled before trailed off and frowned as he turned to us. "You would have held the position that I had built for myself. You understand now…how I couldn't let that come to pass" He cried as I saw Renata for the first time come out of the shadows and Aro offered her his hand.
"I knew that eventually, my skeletons would come back to haunt me. I've made it my mission to track and collect any talented individual I could find, any vampire that could aid me when this dreaded day arrived. During the years it has served us well and then…my Renata came to me as a beacon of light." He smiled as he kissed her hand and she smiled. "My lovely Renata; my stella eterna" He whispered as the translation entered my mind as an everlasting star. "So gifted, so loyal, and just as driven as myself. The match I had been waiting so long for. As many of you know, she has been my guard as a shield for many years but that is just one of her many talents. My Renata, a living duplicator!" he bellowed as he kissed her cheeks. "Able to copy and cast out any gift that she has contact with, she could do it at any time, at any distance, and at any predicament, it may be needed." He smiled as he looked at me and the growing horror only deepened at his words.
"How ironic that my very prison is now yours? How poetic it must be that your vengeance has led to your downfall" He said as he pinched my cheek. "Your gift is very strong Alec, tell me…is this how you thought it would feel? I know from many of your throughs that to escape your loneliness you would wish your own gift upon yourself. Consider thinking me when you awaken" He smiled as Renata held a small device in her hand as she coldly smiled toward us. "My sister wasn't the only talented alchemist, but I must admit this is my only invention. I think my own brilliance I have only needed it once and that moment would come when I would need it most. I am sorry for everything I have done, but I will protect what is mine." Aro said darkly before Renata threw it down on us and purple smoke filled the room as my vision was becoming blurry.
"Rest easy that you will not die from this…but when I return, you will wish it had!" Aro's words rang throughout the room as I felt my body drop. The only thought I had remembered was that:
Bella, I have failed you.
Now I know she'll never leave me
Even as she fades from view
She will still inspire me
Be a part of everything I do
Wasting in my lonely tower
Waiting by an open door
I'll fool myself, she'll walk right in
And as the long, long nights begin
I'll think of all that might have been
Waiting forevermore
Dan Stevens – Evermore
A/N: Please review and tell me what you think! I'll see you all next Monday!