Chapter 19

We entered the main hall, and to my surprise, it was not the dim chamber I had imagined, but a vast and open space, bathed in natural light that filtered through an imposing skylight in the ceiling. The walls and floor, covered in white marble, reflected the light, giving the place an ethereal glow. The classic Italian architecture was evident in the robust columns that gracefully lined the hall, and the frescoes on the high ceilings that told stories of ancient times.

Despite the beauty of the place, a palpable tension filled the air. There, on an elevated platform at the back of the hall, stood the three Volturi kings: Aro, Caius, and Marcus. From the descriptions Edward had given us a few hours ago, it was clear who was who. Aro was the one in the center, clearly the leader of the three. Marcus was the one with a bored attitude, as if his mind was somewhere else. And Caius was the youngest of the three, and the one who looked at our group with the most disdain.

At their side stood Demetri and Felix, and next to them, two children of similar builds, no older than 14 years. They must be Jane and Alec. The four most powerful guards of the Volturi. And there, at the center of everything, was Bella.

Bella was standing there, clearly surprised to see us. Our gazes met in a silence loaded with emotion. Her face showed a mix of relief and concern. Her eyes full of an unspoken apology. It was clear that she regretted the situation in which we both found ourselves, though the words were not spoken aloud.

I responded with a brief nod, a gesture that was meant to be reassuring rather than reproachful. I wanted to convey that, although we needed to discuss her decision at some point, now was not the time. She nodded slightly in return, her response echoing mine. The immediate and essential thing was to face the present challenge together, hoping to resolve the unspoken words once outside this place.

Aro was the first to speak, his soft, seductive voice echoing through the hall. "Ah, the Cullens have arrived, just as we expected." His gaze directed at Edward, Alice, and the other vampires, with a calculating smile on his face. "We knew you would follow Bella here." Then, Aro's eyes fell on me, and his expression shifted to a tense smile. "And I see you are not alone. You travel with more humans." His voice became more cautious as his eyes studied me. "You. I don't know what it is, but there's something about you that seems... familiar."

I stepped forward, my voice resonating with confidence, though my heart was pounding. "I am Draco Malfoy, a direct descendant of Cassiopeia Malfoy."

The mention of Cassiopeia had the expected effect. Aro's smile faded, and his eyes narrowed with suspicion. Beside him, Caius and Marcus exchanged quick glances. I could see the tension in the air immediately increase. The Volturi guards stiffened, especially Demetri and Felix, who seemed to be assessing the situation with greater caution.

"Cassiopeia Malfoy," Aro repeated, his voice now much more serious. "It's been many years since I've heard that name." His gaze darkened, and the gravity of the situation became more apparent. "She and her family made a deal with us years ago."

"And that deal," I responded, standing firm, "has been broken by the Volturi."

Murmurs filled the hall as Aro stood up. "Be careful with your words, young Malfoy," Aro said, his tone no longer so kind. "The agreements with Cassiopeia are ancient, but they have repercussions. Have you come here to challenge the authority of the Volturi?"

"I have come to negotiate," I replied, trying to keep calm while noticing the increasing tension on the faces of the guards. "The Volturi broke the terms of the deal by not fulfilling what was promised. That breach gives my family a debt."

"Cassiopeia," Aro mused in a more serious tone, "was a formidable witch. I remember that pact well... her help was decisive in defeating the Romanian clan. Those were times." Aro's sinister smile returned before he continued. "And now a Malfoy is here, after so many years," Aro turned his attention back to me. "What exactly do you intend to negotiate?"

"Our intention is to negotiate peacefully," I said calmly. "Bella, of course, has a place among us, not as a prisoner of the Volturi."

Aro nodded slightly, though something in his smile did not give peace. "Ah, yes, Bella... her potential is still fascinating. But let us not forget, Draco Malfoy, that this pact does not include a human. She is not part of the agreement."

I took a deep breath before responding. "The pact can be renegotiated. And I know my ancestor had dark intentions, but we are not here for that. We just want to take Bella with us. There is no need for further conflict."

Aro looked at me with a curious yet macabre smile, "But, Draco, tell me, why is a Malfoy so interested in protecting this human?"

I stepped forward, my chest filled with determination. "Bella is not just a human," I began, staring directly into Aro's eyes. "She is my partner, and consequently, she is part of the magical world."

That's when Hermione intervened firmly, "And being part of our world, Bella is well-informed about vampires. Moreover, our magical law protects her, which should be sufficient reason for her to also be respected here."

Aro tilted his head, contemplative. "Interesting," he murmured. "The last time we knew of Bella and the Cullens, she was Edward's mate."

Felix, standing next to Demetri, whispered in a tone that was clearly audible and offensive, "How quickly things change with humans. Always looking for the next best deal, eh? Perhaps the problem is not who protects her, but she herself." His comment was sharp and full of disdain.

As Felix made his venomous observation, I felt indignation and fury intertwine within me. However, it was Bella who responded, her voice firm and her stance defiant. "I am not here to be judged for my past relationships nor to be insulted by those who know nothing about my life or my decisions," she said, clearly upset yet controlled. "I am here because my life is being threatened, and I deserve respect."

I nodded, supporting her position. Although I would have liked to put Felix in his place for his comment, and Demetri for what he had been thinking about Bella, I knew that would not help our position. I had to remain calm. Besides, Bella had already put him in his place. "Bella is right," I added, looking at Felix with disdain and then at Aro with a serious expression. "We are trying to resolve this peacefully. Personal attacks have no place in this discussion."

Demetri, who until then had been watching the scene with an air of distant curiosity, finally spoke. His voice carried a flirtatious tone, clearly intrigued by Bella's firmness. "A very brave human," he began, addressing Bella directly with an appreciative look. "To speak like this, in front of vampires of our lineage... is impressive." His smile widened, a mix of malice and admiration in his expression. "You would be a very intriguing newborn, I must admit."

Demetri's comment, loaded with insinuations about Bella's potential as a vampire, hung in the air, heightening the palpable tension. Bella opened her mouth to respond, her face a mix of indignation and defiance, but before she could utter her words, Edward intervened.

With a serious voice and containing his own anger, Edward stepped forward. "This discussion is absurd," he declared, his tone firm and resolute. "Bella is not to blame for any of this. We are here to ensure her freedom, not to debate what might be." Edward looked directly at Aro, challenging the leader Volturi's gaze. "We request that you release Bella. She is innocent in every aspect of this conflict."

Edward's intervention shifted the focus of the conversation. Aro, observing the interaction between his subordinates and Bella's defenders, slightly inclined his head, assessing the new dynamics Edward had forced with his statement.

The hall fell silent for a moment, all eyes on Aro, waiting for his response to Edward's frank demand. The atmosphere charged with tense anticipation, awaiting what the Volturi king would say.

Aro looked at him with a glint in his eyes, almost as if he was testing his patience. "Interesting demand, young Edward. And I must admit, you have prepared your case well, researching these ancient treaties with the wizards," he said, shifting his gaze to me. "However, it seems to me that you underestimate our position."

Aro looked at Jane and murmured softly, "Jane, dear, why don't you test the will of our guest?"

Jane flashed a malicious smile and turned towards me, her eyes filled with cruelty. However, as soon as she tried to use her gift on me, her eyes widened in astonishment. Nothing happened. Her power, which should have induced unbearable pain, had no effect. I couldn't help but smile mockingly.

Aro tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh... that's fascinating, young Malfoy. You're immune to her attacks. I suppose there's more magic here. Occlumency, perhaps?"

I nodded calmly with a mocking smile, while Jane frowned, visibly upset. Aro showed a serpentine smile. "How interesting... but I wonder..." His gaze shifted to the other wizards. "How about your... friends?"

The air tensed. Before I could intervene, Aro raised a hand and randomly pointed: "Jane." His eyes fell on Ron.

Before anyone could react, Jane attacked Ron. His body convulsed violently, falling to the ground, and a scream of agony escaped his lips. Hermione knelt by his side, desperate, tears falling from her face. "Stop! Please, stop!" she cried, trying to make Jane stop, but her plea went unheard. Harry and the Cullens were clearly affected by the attack on Ron, and were alert and ready to defend themselves against the Volturi for what might come next. I drew my wand, ready for whatever was to come, and saw Harry do the same out of the corner of my eye.

The atmosphere was unbearable, and desperation filled the hall. Then, something unexpected happened. Ginny, who had until now remained silent, stepped forward, her face hardened and her wand raised. Without warning, she cast a non-verbal spell. Jane's body convulsed and fell to the ground, her screams of pain echoing off the walls at the same time as Ron's screams stopped. The Cruciatus Curse. Everyone, even the vampires, was momentarily frozen, astonished by Ginny's sudden action. The young witch was unflappable, her wand firm in her hand, breathing heavily.

Ron got up with the help of Hermione and Alice, while Harry positioned himself next to Ginny with his wand ready for what might come next.

The tension in the hall instantly intensified. The confrontation was inevitable.

Aro observed the scene with a mix of amusement and surprise. "This... has become much more interesting than I thought."

Caius exploded in fury, shouting, "How dare you attack the Volturi guard?" His threatening tone echoed through the confined space.

Harry responded firmly, protecting Ginny: "She was only protecting her brother, who was attacked without justification."

"And I would do it again," Ginny said in a soft yet defiant tone, not shifting her gaze from Jane.

At that critical moment, I felt the need to intervene. "We don't want this to turn into a war," I said, trying to keep calm in my voice. "But we are prepared to defend ourselves if necessary. We do not want a conflict, but we will not back down."

As glances were exchanged among those present, an idea formed in my mind. It was a risk, something we had not planned to discuss at this meeting, but the situation was getting out of control and might be our only chance to change the course of events.

I took a deep breath before speaking, knowing that what I was about to reveal could alter the power dynamics in the room. "There's something everyone should know about Jane and Alec," I began, capturing everyone's attention. "They were once humans, Obscurus. It's a phenomenon that used to occur in ancient times when young wizards were forced to suppress their magic." As I said this, I could see the looks of surprise and disbelief from Jane and Alec, exchanging glances. Then I continued, "They were transformed by the Volturi and have been under their control, all part of the pact with Cassiopeia Malfoy."

The silence that followed was dense. Aro, Caius, and Marcus exchanged quick and tense glances, while Alec and Jane seemed genuinely surprised by the revelation.

Caius was about to explode again, but Aro raised a hand to silence him, assessing the new information with a calculating look. "It's true," he finally admitted, his voice calm but cold. "We gave them a purpose when the magical world denied them one, although also because we recognized the power they possessed."

After Aro's confirmation, I saw how surprise was still clear on the faces of the twins. However, both quickly composed themselves, their faces returning to show their absolute fidelity.

Aro observed the scene with a raised eyebrow and then spoke in a tone that mixed disdain and a certain gleaming admiration. "Do you think it's that easy to dismantle the Volturi guard, young wizard?" his voice resonated in the spacious hall, "The revelation may be a surprise, but Jane and Alec are loyal to us." His gaze turned to the twins, who nodded firmly, any hint of doubt had disappeared from their faces, reaffirming their loyalty with steely determination.

Aro's confidence in his subordinates was palpable, and despite the seriousness of my accusations, it seemed that I had not managed to sow the seed of discord I had hoped for.

"That's enough," said Caius with fury in his eyes. "If you have nothing more to add, we have what we need to deliberate."

With this, Aro smiled, "I agree, brother. It is time."

In an almost theatrical gesture, Aro approached his brothers, Caius and Marcus, and took their hands. Nothing happened, or so it seemed at first glance. But as the Cullens had explained to me a few hours earlier, Aro's gift allowed him to read the mind of whoever he touched with his hands. The hall fell into a tense silence, all eyes fixed on the three brothers who communicated in silence. Caius's gaze still had a furious tone, as if he was arguing with Aro. On the other hand, Marcus had an expression of boredom, as if he had no interest in the final decision.

Several minutes passed until Aro finally released his brothers' hands. He turned to face us, his expression that of someone who had made a decision.

"After hearing my brothers' opinions on this," Aro began, his voice clear and authoritative filling every corner of the hall, "I have reached a decision." He paused, making sure he had everyone's attention. "Considering everything, we are willing to concede in the negotiation. The ancient agreement with the Malfoys still carries weight, and we must avoid an unnecessary war. Bella will remain under the protection of the Malfoys, and I propose that neither the Volturi nor the Malfoys will interfere in each other's affairs."

A murmur of relief spread among our group members, and Bella, who had been notably tense, allowed a sigh of relief to escape her lips. I gave her a reassuring look, before addressing Aro. "We accept the conditions," I affirmed, relieved that the twist in our strategy had borne fruit. Honestly, it was hard to believe that the decision was so positive. It was everything we initially hoped for, and it was hard to believe that after everything, including Ginny's attack on Jane, they were letting us go.

Aro made a slight gesture to Bella, indicating that she could now leave the center of the hall. Bella wasted no time and walked towards us, or towards me specifically. As she reached my side, her eyes met mine, and in them, I saw a mix of relief, love, and a trace of the uncertainty we still had to face. With a gentle gesture, she took my hand between hers, intertwining our fingers. Her touch was warm and comforting. I knew we had so much to say to each other, but now was not the time. Now the priority was to get out of Volterra.

Suddenly, Alice let out a surprising sound, similar to a sob. Aro's expression subtly changed, and with a malicious voice, he added, "Now that the matter of Bella is resolved, we must move on to the next issue. We cannot ignore past transgressions. Edward Cullen, you have exposed our secret to a human, an action we cannot overlook."

The atmosphere tensed again, and the previous relief vanished as quickly as it had arrived. Aro fixed his gaze on Edward, who nodded in resignation, understanding the implications of his actions.

"Edward will be sentenced to thirty years in the Volturi guard," Aro declared. "His gift is too valuable to be wasted, and his experience with humans can be of great use to us."

Uh, what do you think?

What will happen to Edward now? And to Draco and Bella? And to Jane and Alec? So many questions.

Don't forget to review!