Chapter 10-The Gala

The trek to the formal ballroom was silent except for the soft click of her and Marcus' heels against the marble floor. Bella could feel her anxiety fester with each step until she slowed herself down to a stop in the middle of the wide hallway. Even from this distance, she could hear the upbeat thrum of music from the chamber orchestra, and despite her best attempts, her hands started to tremble.

Marcus graciously did not offer any complaint and guided her into an available sitting room adjacent to the grand hall. His cold hand stroked the length of her back quietly, and its coolness was soothing against her heated skin. Beyond those doors would be countless eyes focusing on her, watching her every move and waiting for her to make a mistake. Near choking in her mounting anxiety, Bella was able to release a wheezing chuckle.

"I'm so sorry, Marcus. I unfortunately have bad anxiety issues with parties and attention being on me. I know it is silly of me. What wouldn't I do to be more like Aro right now? Having just a little of his confidence and grace would be amazing."

The taller vampire looked her over appraisingly before motioning toward her chest with his spare hand, "Well, despite not being my brother, you can attempt to mimic his mannerisms, though I am not sure why you would wish to."

Snorting softly at the ridiculousness of the suggestion, she carefully dotted away the mirthful tears at the corners of her eyes, "And how would you suggest I go about that?".

While Marcus' lips twitched upward into a slight grin, he pulled a small plastic case from an inner pocket that Bella recognized as a contact case. Watching him expertly apply the contacts, she grinned back at the near-identical chocolate-brown eyes staring down at her.

"To put it simply, I believe there is an awkward saying that states to do what you think the other person would do. However, I implore you to be yourself. It is foolish to try to imitate the skills of others. No one is you, Isabella, and that is your power."

At his affectionate words, Bella couldn't stop herself from reaching forward to tightly wrap her arms around Marcus's waist and pressing her face lightly against the scratchiness of his thick coat. A long moment passed, and Bella felt like she had hugged a marble statue. In her embarrassment, she lowered her eyes to the floor and started to loosen her grip to pull herself away just as two steel-like bands wrapped themselves firmly across her back to press herself further into the chest in front of her. A large hand, mindful not to disturb her intricate twist of curls and combs, pressed softly against the crown of her head to guide her cheek to rest softly against the brocaded fabric. In that silence, Bella could faintly detect the subtle trembling of Marcus' hand from the resting place.

How long had it been since this man had received a hug? Or any form of affection from anyone?

Long moments passed in silence before she felt Marcus' hands shifting to skim the top of her shoulders. She took a step back to look up at the unwavering brown eyes peering back down at her with an unreadable expression, though the tightness around the corners of his eyes hinted at his trepidation. Clearing his throat softly, he guided her hand back into the arch of his arm and covered it once more with his own.

"Come, Isabella. We mustn't tarry. Once we arrive, I request you stay near me during the introductory ceremonies. We will present ourselves to my brothers before proceeding onto the dance floor for the opening dance together. Under no circumstances can you leave that room without an escort you are familiar with. This is for your utmost safety, do you understand, Isabella?"

As they exited their quiet hideaway, Bella could see the massive ceiling-to-floor gold-gilded double doors at the end of the hall. Their size was oppressive, and she squeezed Marcus' arm to acknowledge his request before allowing her gaze to fall to the reflective floor beneath her heels. Their echoing footsteps paused at their destination, and Bella turned to see two unfamiliar men staring at Marcus and herself with comparable looks of disbelief. Marcus appeared unfazed at their apprehension, though Bella started to get the suspicion that the two of them coming as a couple had not been on the Volturi business memo.

"Um…Marcus. Do your brothers know that you were going to be my escort?"

Marcus barely turned his chin in her direction. However, it was enough to reveal the unexpectedly mischievous smirk across his usually expressionless lips: "No. This is my first time attending the gala since Didyme passed away. I'm sure they are in for quite the shock."

Eyes widening, Bella gripped Marcus's coat sleeve tightly. Before she could offer a panicked retort, Marcus answered her objections by addressing the two flabbergasted attendants, staring at them unabashedly: "Please announce the arrival of Lord Marcus Volturi and Lady Isabella Swan."

The gentlemen wasted no time turning away from them, and each grasped one of the giant golden handles to swing the doors wide open. She could already feel her body freezing in panic as the ballroom was presented in front of her. An impossible large chandelier hung from the towering room's circular ceiling, the long crystals glittering in the bright light reflected against the polished white marble of the floor, and expertly crafted floral arrangements of soft creams, gold, bronze, and greens were draped over the various tables and handrails. And the people…the sheer amount of people dressed in priceless finery had her at a loss for words.

Marcus' cold hand flexed over Bella's own while the attendants assumed their positions on either side of the wide door. His whispered breath tickled her ear as he pulled her closer to his side: "You are safe. Keep your head held high, and don't forget to smile. You are the most exquisite woman in this room tonight. I am here."

"Announcing the noble Lord Marcus Volturi and the Lady Isabella Swan."

Bella's heart stuttered in her chest, and she briefly debated fleeing back down the hall from which they came to put herself far away from the ballroom of glittering finery. However, as if Marcus heard the errant thought the moment it crossed her mind, he quickly tightened his long fingers over her captured hand, preventing any escape attempts without causing a scene. Eyeing the vampire at her side in exasperation, who once more adorned his apathetic mask, she still could see the slightest traces of a smirk on his lips before he confidently glided into the awaiting gala while pulling her along.

Cheeky vampire knew precisely what I was thinking.

Determined not to embarrass Marcus, she angled her chin higher as recommended, daintily gathered her skirt in the opposite hand, and did her best to mimic his smooth strides. Soft classical notes flittered through the room from the orchestra, and Bella mentally reminded herself to breathe as heads swiveled in their direction. A precursory glance didn't reveal anyone familiar from within their coven, though she could feel the weight of numerous eyes of the spectators. Carefully maintaining her timid smile, she allowed Marcus to escort her to the foot of the marbled double staircase, where some familiar faces stood frozen, along with a few new ones.

APOV

Swirling the dark liquid within the fluted glass cradled in his palm, Aro allowed his assessing gaze, now a rich brown thanks to the necessary contacts, to fall over the moving mass of guests in front of them. Unknowing humans mingled with creatures of their nightmares, though as his wretched father once said, 'Business is Business,' the connections benefitted their outstretching network.

His jaw tightened minutely as Sulpicia's nasally laugh echoed in his right ear as she lively discussed the benefits of hosting some grand auction or something to raise funds for whatever project the besotted dignitary felt to discuss with her. Raw sexuality was one of Sulpicia's many talents, and while it could be helpful at times, it was times like this that Aro let the errant thought of just ripping her prattling head from her shoulders to entertain his mind if only to save his ears.

Caius' bright blue eyes met his briefly over Athenodora's head in thinly veiled delight at his discomfort while Sulpicia's abrasive laugh once again assaulted his sensitive ears. It had been a persistent rotation of arriving guests, giving their greetings and attempting to engage with the brothers. Aro, the generous host that he was, effortlessly maneuvered through the meaningless pleasantries while his gentle smile never once left his face.

As the time to officially announce the start of the gala neared, along with the beginning of the night's festivities with the host's opening dance with their partners, Aro excused himself from the endless chatter to ascend the grand staircase to the above balcony for the Volturi brother's opening statements. Sulpicia dug blood-red nails into his golden brocaded coat sleeve, the only sign of her displeasure at being pulled away mid-conversation. He would crush her hand if she damaged the expensive fabric, and Aro was fond of the flashy overcoat personally.

He had only stepped up the marble staircase before the door attendants theatrically announced another guest.

"Announcing the noble Lord Marcus Volturi and the Lady Isabella Swan!"

Aro's never-ending thoughts screeched to a halt, the record of his inner dialog squealing as it derailed and rapidly attempted to comprehend the words. When that failed him, he jerked his head to face the now open door to see if he possibly misheard, though he would claim it would have to be a first. The symphony of voices fell away, though he absently noted Sulpicia's hissed intake of breath and the crack of her fan that she flung open to hover in front of her lips. He thought he possibly heard a choking sound from somewhere else beside him, but his eyes zeroed in on this unanticipated event. Aro, who had always prided himself on staying one step ahead of the next person, couldn't stop the smile from slipping from his face briefly as his eyes widened at the entering figures.

Marcus, his morose brother-in-law who usually tucked himself away in his chambers or within his beloved garden, strode into the open ballroom, looking every bit the royal figure that had long faded into Aro's memories. Broad shoulders and back straightened from their typical slumped posture were adorned with Marcus' favored cloak of colors of deep green and coat of vines. Marcus' masked brown eyes were the clearest he had seen since he couldn't remember when he met his own briefly before they flicked away to gaze down warmly at the enchanting figure at his side.

Despite not needing the breath, Aro sucked in a deep breath through his nose as his eyes devoured the springtime goddess accompanying his brother. Bella, his Bella, was a vision. Her flowing skirts whispered against the polished floor, delicately embroidered with flowers. Those same blooms on her bodice drew his eyes from the exposed flushed skin of her bare shoulders down to the tantalizing valley of her perky bosom, where he was keen to see if it was flushed as pink as the rest of her exposed skin was. In his mind's eye were his early memories of the teachings of the Spring Goddess, Persephone, dancing amongst the flowers innocently only to be swept away by Hades, God of the Underworld, who stole away the fair maiden down to his dark realm to make her his bride. It played out right in front of him. He could understand the misunderstood God at that moment, as his body nearly ached to steal the girl away from the room and secure her away where he could admire her beauty unhindered by those unworthy to lay their filthy eyes upon her.

The girl was his. His to take. His to have. His to taint. His alone.

Open POV

Bella thanked the heavens for Marcus' steady hand as he guided them through the parting crowd of onlookers. Even with her poorer human eyesight, she could already see the spectators ' curious and calculating gazes from underneath the curtain of dark eyelashes. The variety of costumes and finery displayed was dazzling. However, Marcus didn't allow her much time to ogle her surroundings before a soft tap of his fingers on the back of her hand alerted her to pay attention ahead.

Refocusing herself, she turned her gaze ahead, and she felt like her silly adolescent heart fluttered in her chest as she recognized the tall, noble figure of Aro outfitted similarly to Marcus in a styled baroque waistcoat and knee-high trousers of lustrous gold with soft cream ruffles at his throat and cuffs. The top coat had been tailored to his frame perfectly, emphasizing the broadness of his shoulders and chest, and Bella had to swallow thickly. His shining black hair was secured back from his sculpted face, and she tentatively lifted her eyes to his.

Her step faltered momentarily at the intensity of his captivatingly dark eyes. She had never received such ferocity from Aro in her brief time with the Volturi, except perhaps during their first meeting. However, at that particular time, she had been admittedly distracted. Belatedly, she realized that his eyes were now a deep brown, the shade nearly black, and she watched with bated breath as those darkened eyes traced lower over her body. Soft swirls of heat twisted in her lower stomach as she allowed herself a similar courtesy. She studied his imposing elegance once more before letting her eyes drop to the polished floor as Marcus drew them to a stop a few steps away from the other two Volturi leaders. At the slight bow of Marcus' chin forward, she dipped herself in a careful curtsey, silently praying that she would not tangle herself in her awkward limbs and end up face down on the ballroom floor.

A soft choking noise caught her attention, and she looked up through black lashes in the direction of Caius, who looked as if he had sucked down something particularly bitter. The man's pale eyebrows, which had been raised high on his forehead, furrowed deeply at her curious glance, and he twisted his face away toward a tall, slender blonde with her arm looped through his own. The woman appeared youthful, similar to the other female vampires she had encountered so far in the coven, with cascades of spiraling platinum ringlets over a satin gown of royal blue embroidered with silver trim that highlighted her petite frame. The woman patted the disgruntled vampire lord's hand with a bemused smile on full, pink lips, and her mirthful, icy blue eyes met Bella's briefly before she turned her attention fully to her companion.

Standing to Caius's other side, and nearest Aro, was a woman of such exquisite beauty that Bella was initially taken aback in awe. However, the feeling quickly shifted to unease at the glacial expression staring back at her over the rim of the lowering black-laced fan. The woman was easily in a category all of her own concerning looks: dark blonde hair pulled back into an elegant array of twists, glittering with large cut stones of diamond and gold, which matched the impressive golden necklace spanning the width of her collarbones that dripped with additional diamonds. Bella could see the hint of another smaller chain encircling her neck, whose end dipped into her ample bosom. The provocative bright crimson dress dipped low to emphasize her large bust before narrowing, flaring out over wide hips, with a nearly indecent thigh-high slit that revealed further perfectly pale skin. Reddened lips inched upwards into a slight smirk as the heavily smoked eyes looked over her and apparently found her lacking in some capacity before she turned those long lashes up at the still-silent Aro.

Aro's demeanor abruptly shifted, his characteristic jovial smile stretching broadly across his face as he stepped back down the staircase to approach Marcus and herself. It may have been a trick of the room's lighting, but still, to Bella's eyes, his usual smiling façade appeared tense, and his eyes filtered back and forth between her and Marcus several times before locking onto the delicate jewels resting softly against her throat. Dark eyes widened imperceptibly as they traced the familiar adornments, slowly raising to appreciate the corresponding earrings and hair pins. The smile seemed frozen as he reached out his left hand to trail the back of his finger along the twisting gold. The thought of him being upset with her wearing his beloved little sister's jewelry caused her mind to fumble with a satisfactory excuse for their use as he sharply turned his stiff face away towards the silently observing Marcus, who had been watching the interaction.

"My dear brother! It has been quite some time since you joined us for such festivities! I welcome you, along with the beautiful signora Isabella!"

Pulling his hand away from the necklace, he held a long, fingered palm in front of Bella aloft, now with a familiar devious smile that she had come to associate with when he was feeling exceptionally playful like the night he had disclosed his brother's 'hidden talents' or his flippant revelation that he enjoyed riling his coven members for his entertainment. Those dark eyes implored her wordlessly to stretch her right hand out in answer, her nails lightly scratching against his palm before he encased her hand between his own.

Her heart beat erratically as his cool breath brushed gently against the back of her hand, his nose grazing lightly over her heated skin before he twisted her hand carefully within his grip to present her palm upward. Timeless eyes met her own once more, a heat burning within their depths that she was scared to put a name to while the heat swirling in her lower stomach twisted nearly painfully. The bowed man dipped his head forward, inhaling deeply through his nose, and her breath shuttered as those black pupils dilated impossibly. His released breath against her palm was chilled, his eyes captivating her when he finally pressed those sculpted icy lips against her trembling hand.

Bella nearly groaned at the frigid sensation, her eyes fluttering to stare above his curved back at the captive audience behind him. Caius looked decidedly uncomfortable, though he appeared more composed than he did initially. His and his female companion's pale eyes were calculating as they traced over her borrowed adornments in silent appraisal. Caius' face was unreadable as he shifted his gaze towards Marcus, who returned his gaze levelly. However, the unmasked hatred on the curvy blonde's face felt like ice water being dumped over her head, and Bella pulled her hand back abruptly. Flushing heavily in embarrassment, she turned to press her shamed face lightly against the rich green of Marcus's cape, the trembling appendage hidden into the folds of her skirts.

Aro blinked languidly in puzzlement at her hasty retreat for a moment before he straightened himself to his full height again. His sharp, barking laugh caused a shiver to run the length of Bella's spine, and she unwittingly pressed herself further into Marcus' firm side. The movement caused Aro's eyes to narrow before he shifted his attention back towards his brother, his sharp smile firmly in place, as he extended his hand for his brother to take.

However, instead of taking his brother's proffered hand as usual, Marcus dropped his hand slowly to wrap his right arm securely around Bella's narrow waist, with the left moving behind him to rest against his lower back. At Aro's perplexed face at the blatant refusal to peruse his thoughts, Marcus smiled genteelly before sweeping low into a practiced bow, knowing his brother could not force his hand in the presence of so many curious onlookers.

"It is a pleasure once again to enjoy my family's company for such an occasion. I apologize for my delayed arrival for the festivities, but I had to retrieve my companion for the evening. The time is nigh for the formal introductions and opening waltz, Aro."

Aro's hand slowly closed at the subtle dismissal, the knuckling cracking loudly as their guests started to whisper amongst themselves in apprehension of the delay. Flicking dark eyes around the room, he laid them briefly on his brother as he rightened himself before he clapped his hands together with a step back. Caius took a single step toward the two males, his blue eyes guarded as he took in the peculiar encounter he was witnessing, unsure if he would need to intervene. Aro waved a hand dismissively in his direction, though the slender vampire simply crossed his arms and continued to observe. Taking several additional steps back toward the staircase, Aro silently conceded his brother's win before sweeping his arm toward the balcony.

"Marcus is quite right! We mustn't keep our esteemed guests waiting. Come!"

Aro pivoted on his heel to make his way up the marbled staircase without glancing back. Bella peered out the corner of her eye as the crimson beauty threw her another look of disgust before quickly catching up with Aro and resting a manicured hand on his forearm during their ascent. Caius glanced at their departing figures before sharing a tense look with Marcus and turned to climb the stairs with the unnamed blonde at his side.

Marcus' tapping fingers against her side drew her out of her depressing thoughts, and she tilted her head up to see him staring down at her. Giving her a reassuring nod, Marcus wrapped his arm tightly around her waist and brought his left hand around to hold her lightly as they approached the wide staircase. Wobbling slightly on the first several steps in her heels, Bella was grateful for Marcus' steadying hands during the ascent. Once reaching the landing, Aro briefly met her eyes over his right shoulder before firmly looking downward at the crowd, pressing forward to hear his address. A pang of disappointment resonated in her chest at the slight while Marcus led them to a spot to the left of the two brothers. She barely heard any of Aro's grandiose speech before it was over, and Marcus was carefully descending with her toward the ballroom floor.

Her pale skirts whispered against the glossy surface before she drew up short when Marcus turned to face her. Blinking owlishly at him in confusion, she realized that Aro and Caius had assumed beginning positions a bit away from them with their unnamed dates. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest as the blonde slid slim fingers up Aro's arm to rest against his pale neck, her other cradled tenderly in his other hand. Those same hands that had gently brushed back her hair as their owner stitched her wounds closed, the same ones that had traced the line of her jaw followed by the brushing of soft lips in their wake, and the same ones that had pressed her against that firm body not even 48 hours before. She had no claim to the Volturi king and no rational reason to feel the betrayal that she did, but it didn't stop the bitterness from burning her throat.

Forcefully pulling herself from the musings, she forced herself to raise her hand to rest lightly on the expanse of Marcus' broad shoulder and relaxed the other into his awaiting palm. The music shifted into an upbeat waltz, and Bella panicked at the possibility of tripping over her uncoordinated feet. As if reading her anxious thoughts, Marcus dipped his head near her ear with a soft chuckle, "Just hold onto me. I will not let you fall".

At her jerky nod, Marcus wrapped his right arm firmly around her waist, tight enough to force Bella to release the breath she had been holding, and then the room started to move. Fisting her hand into the velvety fabric of his cape, she focused on the intricate designs of his coat as she counted the steps silently within her head. However, in typical Bella fashion, she crossed over her foot on the wrong count and felt the tilt as her heel caught.

Closing her eyes tightly, she did not experience the expected descent towards the floor. Instead, she felt herself lifted firmly against Marcus in a large twirl, sending her billowing skirts swirling around her legs in a beautiful arc. Wide eyes flew open as she realized that her feet were barely brushing against the floor, and she stared up at Marcus' enigmatic smile as he twirled them elegantly across the expanse of the floor. Her feet would press against its surface briefly to occasionally help with a turn or twist, but if she faltered, she would be lifted carefully to glide through the step. She couldn't stop the smile from stretching across her face or the soft giggle from bubbling up during one of the more swinging turns, and Marcus smiled indulgently.

As the waltz drew to a close, the orchestra shifted to another exuberant tune, and other couples made their way onto the dance floor. The movements were similar to the first dance, though there were moments when the couple would break apart temporarily and turn before rejoining. Completely unfamiliar with this particular dance, she followed with Marcus, who guided her through the first few moments.

"Prepare yourself." Marcus' quiet words brushed against the shell of her ear, and before she could ask what she needed to prepare for, he carefully twirled her out and away from him. She didn't have the opportunity to panic before a new set of arms pulled her toward a new dance partner. The grip of this person was tighter on her waist than Marcus's, and she grunted lightly at the jerking pull that brought her into awaiting dark blue and silver-clad arms. Once she could catch her bearings and realize that the song had switched partners, she turned alarmed chocolate brown eyes upwards to clash against icy blue.

Caius.

The slim Volturi ruler held her securely as he twirled her through the complex footwork of the song's counts. Despite the initial discomfort, Bella was surprised to note that Caius was holding onto her firmly, a bit harder than Marcus, but not painfully so. She fought against her body's natural reaction to stiffen, given her proximity to the unpredictable pale-haired vampire, and resolved to drop her eyes and stare at the needlework of his overcoat.

"What have you done, human?"

The slight vampire was critically looking over her displayed jewelry in rapid succession. The hissed question had her blinking at the spiteful vampire in confusion. "Excuse me?".

He swung her out away from him before pulling her back into him with a little more force than necessary. She winced slightly on contact against his stone-like chest, but he seamlessly moved them along into the next move.

"To Marcus. To Aro. My coven."

Narrowing her eyes, matching his condescending gaze, she allowed him to lift her upward briefly during the appropriate pause in the music and twisted away from him. She quietly spat her response, her hand still clasped firmly in his own, knowing he would have no issue hearing her words over the thrumming tune.

"I am not doing anything. Unlike someone I know, I don't make it a habit of hurting those around me."

Her eyes unintentionally sought out the graceful form of Aro, who slipped across the floor with the platinum-blonde woman who had stood beside Caius at the staircase. The restless energy in her chest that she had been able to repress slithered uncomfortably underneath her breast as she took in the bright smile stretching his handsome face in response to whatever conversation he was having with the small woman.

She was slightly more prepared for Caius' irritated yank forward, returning her into the nook of his arms. However, she had not expected the loss of her equilibrium or bending over the length of his extended arm so far that her wayward curls brushed the floor's shining surface. The fear of him dropping her quickly fled as she was pulled up, nose to nose, with a shaking Volturi king who looked as if he wished nothing more than to rip her to shreds. Flicking his eyes over his shoulder in the same direction hers had been staring just a moment prior, he turned his glacial eyes back down to stare at her uncomfortable shifting. The breath was pressed from her body as he rested one frigid hand between her shoulder blades and pressed her close enough for his lips to tickle the fine hairs near her ear as he inhaled and exhaled softly. She could hear the condescending smirk in his discreet mutterings despite not being able to see his arrogant face.

"Funny little fact. The lovesick, the betrayed, and the jealous all smell alike."

Placing her hands against his slim shoulders, she shoved herself away from him, not expecting him to open his arms wide to allow her such an easy escape. The momentum was a tad too firm, and Bella saw the floor spin and closed her eyes tightly in anticipation of the inevitable fall. However, new arms enveloped her waist, and she swung into the most delicious embrace, the aroma of deep spices penetrating her senses. The drugging fragrance washed away the tension built up in her body, and she sunk deeper into mind-numbing comfort. Finally able to blink open hazy eyes, she tilted her head back to stare dazedly into the man's pale face that had begun to haunt her dreams and now her thoughts.

Aro boldly pressed the coolness of his cheek against her own while he swayed themselves unhurriedly side to side. His deep inhalations were broken only by the soft humming of the orchestrated tune, his chest vibrating soothingly underneath her fingertips where they rested against the lapels of the overcoat. Dissatisfied with the amount of skin contact, Aro leaned back only briefly to guide both her arms to wrap lightly around the column of his neck before he pressed his chin against her temple, the side of those enticing lips feather light against the hidden sutures within her dark hair.

Slipping her eyes closed, she permitted herself the briefest moment to submerge herself entirely into the cradle of his arms. Letting her head press firmly against him, she reveled in his presence, that enticingly dark scent causing her extremities to tingle. However, in the back of her conscious was a soft warning that she was partaking in a risky game whose outcome was unknown. Fleetingly, Edward appeared in her mind's eye with his perfect boyish good looks, looking as handsome as he did the first day she laid eyes on him at school, though his golden eyes were now cast towards her in betrayal.

Her head jerked to the side at the apparition while her eyes flew open in surprise. How had she forgotten Edward? The Cullens were facing a feasibly lethal judgment in the upcoming days at the hands of the very vampire who she was currently fawning over like a ridiculous schoolgirl. Bella could not deny that her attachment to the charismatic Volturi leader was growing alarmingly fast, and a streak of shame coursed through her gut. Despite whatever 'bond' she shared with Aro, which she yearned to clarify, she had an obligation to the Cullens. They were in a dire situation simply because of her existence.

As the orchestra completed their melody, Bella forced herself to step back from Aro, who stared back at her intently at her withdrawal. Painting a smile on her face, she let her eyes fall away to the side, "Thank you for the dance, Aro."

There was a beat of silence from him before he stretched his hand back out to catch her slim fingers with his own and brought them up to brush his lips firmly against her knuckles. Dark eyes observed her, and she felt his grin soft against the skin of her fingers before he released her, "The pleasure was mine, il mio uccellino".

Sending her a final enigmatic smile, he disappeared into the shifting mass of partygoers. Steadying her nerves, she made to find Marcus or one of the other Volturi coven only to realize that her path was blocked by the two women who had been accompanying Aro and Caius from earlier. The curious look of the platinum-haired woman contrasted significantly with the angry stare of the lady in red. The scrutinizing look dropped quickly into a softer smile as the woman stepped forward, snapping her lace fan closed against the pale palm of her opposite hand.

"You must be the infamous Isabella. You have been quite the topic around the castle these days."

Shifting awkwardly, Bella found herself unsure of how to respond. She had no idea who these women were, though she could assume they were reasonably important vampires based on their proximity with the Volturi kings. Never one to enjoy being singled out, Bella's eyes flicked around her hastily in search of a familiar face, though she found none, and she resolved herself to answer the expectant looks from the two women.

"I wouldn't say famous. I'm just staying here for a little while."

Blood red lips stretched wider, and Bella could hear faint alarm bells setting off in the recesses of her mind when the unnamed blonde reached forward to run sharp nailed fingertips over the golden necklace at Bella's throat. Stamping down the primal urge to pull away, she stayed still while the woman flicked her nails lightly against the earring dangling from her left ear.

"Oh? You must be quite the woman to enchant our beloved Marcus enough to pull out these old trinkets. It has been so many years since I saw them on our precious Didyme, benedici la sua anima defunta! Athenodora and I were close to her and considered her akin to our sister. It was decidedly unexpected to see her prized possessions on someone claiming to be a mere guest," the woman gestured casually over her shoulder at the willowy, paler blonde whose unreadable glacial eyes shifted subtly to her companion but offered no contribution.

Once those pointed nails drew back from her face, Bella retreated several small steps. Bella was not well versed in high society deception, but even she could pick up the veiled insult in the woman's offhanded commentary. Fisting her trembling hands into her flowing skirts, she lifted her chin and met the woman's predatory smile with one of her own.

"It is not a claim, and I do not intend to stay here longer than what was demanded of me. I am merely waiting out my time until my…," Bella's sentence trailed off as she contemplated what even to consider the Cullens factoring in her ambiguous relationship with Edward, though she decided that it was a thought process for another time with the more critical issue being the woman before her. "I am just waiting for my boyfriend's family to return, then I will be leaving with them. Marcus has been a most generous host in the meantime who was thoughtful enough to lend me the jewelry for tonight's event. They will be returned to him later tonight".

"A boyfriend, you say? How exciting! Ah, amore giovane! You must be eager to reunite with him and return to the States. It's unfortunate that Volterra is no longer as safe as it once was." the woman exaggeratedly glanced around her before leaning toward Bella with a theatrical opening of her laced fan to whisper conspiratorially, "Why, just a few days ago, a gentleman was found stabbed to death in one of the back alleys with a letter opener. The poor man had his throat slashed open by his attacker. Imagine such violence in our revered city! I understand completely that you would want to go home as soon as possible."

Bella's blood turned to ice in her veins, and she found that she couldn't quite feel her extremities anymore as she stared wordlessly at the tall blonde who gazed back down at her in mock concern. Memories of that man's mocking laugh echoed in her roaring ears, and she could almost feel his hot blood coating her hands again. Did this woman know what she had done? Despite her empathetic acting, the woman's eyes eagerly focused on her while awaiting her response.

Opening and closing her lips several times as the experience replayed in her mind, she shakenly moved away in a weak attempt to escape her knowing gaze only to experience the sensation of a long arm winding itself around her back and a large hand pressing her firmly into a strong side. The smell of trees and fresh earth flooded her nose, and she peered through her lashes up at Marcus's dignified profile. She couldn't be sure if Marcus had heard their hushed conversation, though she was grateful nonetheless.

Sulpicia quickly fell back at the appearance of her former brother-in-law to stand a couple of steps behind Athenodora. For supposedly only being a figurehead, the man had damnable timing. The little pest had just needed some more gentle nudging, and she likely would have fled the gala of her own accord. Huffing under her breath, she looked briefly at the well-dressed, pale, olive-skinned, golden-eyed man who stood to Marcus' left, "Ah, dear Eleazar! It is so good to see you again. Your presence is sorely missed in our humble family," she greeted the man warmly before turning her displeased face to watch the Volturi ruler then allowed a smooth smile to stretch her across her full lips.

"My dearest brother, it is so good to see you out of your chambers and away from those dusty old tombs!"

A low grunt was Marcus' only response, "Witch," before he dismissively turned his back to face the indignant, open-mouthed woman and pressed his hand to Bella's lower back to usher her towards the golden-eyed gentleman who was watching their interaction keenly. Behind her, she could hear the indignant intake of breath, then the loud clacking of the red-gowned woman as she moved to the opposite side of the ballroom. Silently reveling in the pompous lady's frustration, she returned her focus to the smiling gentleman before her. His cold fingers wrapped around her hand and lifted them to press a polite kiss against her knuckles, confirming that he was a vampire, and she studied his familiar golden eyes curiously.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Isabella. I am Eleazar of the Denali coven".

Quotes:

"The lovesick, the betrayed, and the jealous all smell alike"-Sidonie Colette

Translation:

Il mio uccellino-My Little Bird

Benedici la sua anima defunta-Bless Her Departed Soul

Amore giovane-Young Love