This chapter wasn't meant to be so long?
Anyway, thanks for reading this far!
The story is almost reaching a new phase, there are many interesting things to happen and points that will still be explored.
ps: Not related, but, there is a Brazilian actor called Caio Manhente who is the Alec I imagine in this story, so so perfect *cries* T_T
[Twilight characters belongs to Stephenie Meyer]
[English isn't my first language, so please be kind]
29
The Trial
The walk back to the wives' chambers was like being in an old children's movie. Elia followed Minos, who sometimes tapped his feet along the way and laughed to himself, showing that it was hard to contain his excitement at seeing Sulpicia again. The tunnels sometimes seemed rounded, and the lights coming from the torches on the walls gave everything a psychedelic appearance.
- I'm Alice and you're the Mad Hatter. - Elia whispered.
- I prefer the Cheshire Cat or the Caterpillar - Minos tilted his head back slightly as he answered.
- Oh, because you ask difficult questions.
The vampire laughed again, he turned to Elia and started walking backwards.
- And you Alec? - Minos asked - Which character are you?
- I don't care about children's books - Alec replied. He walked with his hands in his pockets, but close enough to Elia.
- C'mon, don't be a annoying brat... - Elia couldn't understand the rest of the sentence, until Minos pointed to the younger vampire - I think the White Rabbit.
Elia thought he would just snap back out of spite, but Alec remained silent, which wasn't so bad.
Minos started walking properly again as they had reached another flight of stairs heading underground, disappearing into the darkness as soon as he got the chance. Elia stopped at the entrance to the darkest hallway, feeling again the metallic, almost rusty air.
- What do you think of the white rabbit? - Elia asked, in an attempt to make Alec talk again. He was more sullen and silent than ever after being sent away, but returned without saying a word.
- Isn't he a character related to anxiety and societal pressures?
Elia turned to him, surprised by the quick and well-thought-out response.
- I thought you didn't like children's books.
Alec smirked. He could have walked down the shadowy staircase alone, but he seemed to be waiting for her.
- White rabbits are cute - the girl said, the chat made her a little less nervous about what she was going to face, but still no less alert - now let's end this.
In the blink of an eye, Elia found herself back in the common room of the wives, admiring the crystal chandeliers, the dark wooden bookshelves that contrasted with the marble fireplace and all the intensity of that luxurious atmosphere.
- Elia, mia cara amica! - Sulpicia's reception was warm but anxious. Elia didn't even have time to prepare and Minos's attempt to stop her was too slow, when she realized, Aro's wife was already hugging her.
Wearing an aqua green dress with thin straps, Sulpicia had a beautiful silk veil with gold embroidery covering her neck and hair, and clung to the girl with eager need, making it easy for Elia to touch her diamond skin. The girl shivered, fearing what kind of memory would travel to her mind while also fearing failing in her task, but she soon calmed down and was able to realize that Sulpicia's action had a reason.
The musical instruments, the shining piano, were still and empty without their master. Athenodora was not there, as well as Corin.
- You look tired - Sulpicia released Elia, gently brushing the hair from her face - but your eyes...
Elia quickly looked away, but when she found Minos' face analyzing her closely like a lab rat, Elia chose to look at Sulpicia instead.
- Should I call Corin?
- No, no... - Elia tried not to look too emotional, or afraid - There are already too many people here.
- Yes - Sulpicia smiled again, her wavy hair swaying - but young Alec is always a listener, only you could bring him here after so long.
Elia looked at Alec, she didn't know if he understood what she had just seen through Sulpicia, but she whispered a thank you when Alec placed his hands in support on her coat, without touching her skin.
- You came back so quickly - Sulpicia addressed Minos, whose face lit up with her recognition.
- I'll try to come as much as I can - he said, for the first time looking younger than ever to Elia's eyes - I see you're painting.
- Yes, I'm trying to reproduce a garden I saw in a photography book. - Sulpicia nodded, soon looking back at Elia who hadn't noticed the easel in the background - Would you like to join me? We didn't have a chance to paint last time because Athenodora takes her music lessons very seriously.
- The timing couldn't be more perfect - Minos pointed out - shall we?
XXXXX
Elia tried to ignore the side conversations and everything going on around her to focus on the blank canvas. She couldn't tell if Sulpicia was oblivious to the events or simply didn't care, but she kept talking to Minos while Alec helped Elia pick up the colors she needed.
- You're shaking - he said, but when he tried to hold Elia's hand, she flinched.
- Don't touch me now - Elia replied - I need to concentrate.
She wasn't sure if she knew how to paint before this, maybe draw, she knew she could draw, but the blank canvas seemed too big for a beginner.
- It doesn't have to be perfect - Alec said, getting as close as he could - choose a base color and a focal point first.
- Okay - the girl picked up some brushes. She didn't say anything to Alec, but she feared what his memories would bring if she could access them.
Elia glanced quickly at Minos and Sulpicia, so well immersed in their conversation. There was the focus of the painting.
XXXXX
The firelight hissed, and Elia had the feeling that the fire had gone out at some point, but someone had lit it again, though she wasn't sure who. The girl could also swear she heard people coming and going from the chamber, but she didn't turn to look.
She could hear Sulpicia's voice, chattering something to Minos, but she didn't quite understand what it was about. She also knew that Alec was beside her, occasionally patting her shoulder in a supportive way, but she couldn't catch anything more than small glimpses. Elia had been completely absorbed in her painting, and now, after the feeling of sitting for hours working on something, there were only small details missing.
That place was under Corin's influence, and even with the fiery-haired vampire away, Elia could feel the claustrophobic sensation of her gift.
- How long have we been here? - Elia managed to ask Alec, the painting was almost finished.
- Two days - the vampire answered, making the girl more anxious, he was holding a book.
Elia hurried, she wanted to get out of there before the feeling of time passing completely faded away.
- It's finished - she dropped the brushes on the floor like radioactive tools and stepped away from the easel, turning her back to the painting.
Alec went towards Elia to support her, and the girl didn't reject his touch this time, because what Minos considered to be a gift, or the door that Demetri had opened with his teeth, had closed for now. She took a deep breath, as if she was freeing herself from an ordeal, while Alec barely managed to hide his expression of satisfaction when he managed to hug her again.
Suddenly, a figure in a red velvet dress appeared next to her. Athenodora was back, with gold rings on each finger and a diamond bracelet on her right arm. She had the serious and determined expression of a Roman senator.
- I asked Corin to return later so as not to affect you - Athenodora said, looking curiously at the newly finished painting. Her eyes had a faint shade of red, giving her a lugubrious appearance along with her pale skin - I hope you come visit us more often, I enjoy appreciating the wonders of Minos.
- It's also good to see you again, ma'am - Elia gathered the strength to greet her, as it would be rude not to do so since Sulpicia and Athenodora welcomed her with kindness.
Elia looked around for a moment, just to make sure that Caius was not present. Although she had no moments with him, she still wanted to avoid him.
- Let me see what you painted - it was Sulpicia who stood up first to look at the painting, as Minos seemed to have forgotten his duties. It was as if he could spend hours and hours listening to what Sulpicia had to say and not get tired.
- They're gathered upstairs now - Alec whispered to Elia when Athenodora also walked towards the painting.
- Gathered? But for what?
- Young Renata will face a trial - it was Athenodora who said, without turning around - Caius is eager to hear what she has to say.
Soon everyone became quiet thanks to Sulpicia's loud gasp upon seeing the painting.
To Elia, her work was poorly executed, but the colors seemed right. She tried to reproduce as much as possible of what she saw, of the green and gloomy environment trapped in that memory. But there was one bright spot, yes, the focus Alec had spoken of.
Minos seemed impacted by the painting, more than Elia imagined he would be, and for a different reason. Athenodora stood to the side, admiring but thoughtful. Elia wanted to know what was on her mind.
- I thought I had forgotten about that - Sulpicia smiled slightly, then pointed to the blond figure in the ink forest, who was looking so eagerly at the stone tower - it's you, Minos?
- Yes... Yes - his voice became choked for a moment - you were still human.
- Was I? - Sulpicia pondered, her gestures as light as a butterfly's - Oh, I see, I recognize the stone arch, that was the place I used to live.
She was skilled at identifying the dry parts of the painting, and lightly touched the green brushstrokes that blended into the background. Athenodora moved a little closer to the painting. Both wives were too wonderful when they were together.
- So many things have happened, some easily fade from my mind. - - Sulpicia said, like a thought spoken out loud.
"It helps, for a while, but it also makes you forget", Elia remembered Marcus's words from the last time she was in the chamber, when he spoke about Corin's gifts and what happens to someone who has spent too much time under its influence.
- I said I saw you first, before Aro - Minos' expression turned melancholic - but you said you didn't remember.
- How strange - Sulpicia said, pressing the veil against her delicate fingers - and how wonderful.
Soon Sulpicia had the painting in her hands, wondering where she should hang it, while Athenodora began to question Minos about the work he was doing with Elia.
No one was paying attention to the young couple.
- I'll go up for a moment - Alec said, tightening his grip on the girl's waist - but what about you?
Elia indicated Minos with her chin, who still seemed tormented by his own past.
- I'll be fine, I think we'll leave soon, but if Minos insists on staying then I...
- You won't go up alone, of course. - Alec looked at her as if Elia was about to say something stupid.
- I won't look for Demetri, if that's what you fear - Elia seemed offended.
He tried to kiss her, but Elia turned the face away. Alec then kissed her cheek.
- You promise? - Alec squeezed Elia's hands against his. It was as if he was trying to make up for lost time.
- Yes - she nodded - I just want to go back to our room.
Her sincerity was enough for Alec to say goodbye and return to the surface. The girl looked at Minos as soon as she found herself alone again, who had now stopped smiling at Athenodora's presence.
They still had a lot to talk about, but after what she saw in Sulpicia's memory and the complete devotion he had for Aro's wife, Elia knew he wouldn't say a word.
XXXXX
The great hall seemed darker than usual when Alec arrived. Aro, Caius, and a bored Marcus were wearing their judge's robes, sitting on their thrones, but Marcus's was falling over his right shoulder, as if he had come there unwillingly. It was Caius who told Alec about the trial when he left Sulpicia in the common room. Elia was too focused on her painting to notice the presence of others, even so, Alec decided to wait, trusting that Aro's speeches would take more than a day.
Renata was in the center of the hall, of course, right under the dome, wearing long, dark clothes. Her face was tense and her eyes, completely black, restless. Alec knew she got thirsty faster when she was anxious. There were some letters scattered about her feet, and Aro was holding a few, but Alec didn't know how that could be relevant.
She was being supported by Felix, certainly at the behest of Caius, who hated dramatic scenes, but Alec was sure the vampire was also doing it out of affection. Demetri was also in the hall, but Alec didn't look at him. As for Jane, she was on the side of the thrones, with a good view of attack if necessary.
- Oh, Alec, finally! - Renata regained her strength as soon as she saw the vampire, breaking free from Felix and hugging the boy.
Renata sobbed in Alec's arms, who rubbed her back repeatedly. Left alone, Felix looked at the scene, visibly uncomfortable.
- It's okay - Alec said. Words of comfort right now would be better than the harsh reality - I'm here to give my testimony if needed.
- Testimony? - Aro's voice made Renata tremble, she clung even tighter to Alec - But about what?
Alec noticed Jane's gaze on him. When their eyes met, the girl shook her head quickly, as if wanting him to remain quiet, but how could Alec do that? Renata has always been one of his closest friends, as well as a partner in his plans.
- About how Renata is a loyal servant to the Volturi, of course, you can register that - Alec said, then looked at Caius because later he would have Gianna write a draft of the trial. That was how the Volturi worked, everything was recorded and stored in the great library.
- How insolent - Caius rolled his eyes, his blond hair was wet. Away from Athenodora he didn't look even remotely like the polite man from the underground who warned Alec about the tribulations Renata was facing - after bringing a newborn to the castle he still wants us to pardon a potential criminal?
"He still hasn't forgotten the way I acted during Elia's accident," Alec thought. That could become a problem later on as his plans evolved, having allies was always a good thing.
- Calm down, brother - Aro sighed - Alec is just saying what he thinks, although lately he has been acting too much for his own interests.
- That's why I think we should implement punishments again - Caius stamped his foot - executions don't always work to suppress revolts and we still have dungeons with chains!
Jane seemed scared at the possibility of her brother ending up suffering retaliation, but Aro raised his hand to calm her down before she could even say anything.
- We are all witnesses that Renata follows orders - it was Felix who grumbled, a very courageous act that left even Alec surprised, but his display of friendship was the last straw for Caius, who began to shout about how the Guard members were getting used to insubordination, which made Aro raise an eyebrow at the noise.
- Having a family is not a crime - Marcus' words silenced everyone, and by the look Aro and Caius gave him, those must have been his first words during the trial - and I like Renata, she reads to me sometimes, so I would like her to live.
- Thank you, Master Marcus - Renata turned to face him, but still holding Alec's arm as if it were a rope that connected her to life.
- I think we've heard enough - Aro said, he had left his jet black hair over one shoulder - and Renata's thoughts didn't reveal any crime, on the contrary, she didn't even keep in touch with her cousin Makenna and Luca's letters, which she received without permission...
Aro was keen to point that out, which made Renata lower her head. Alec didn't know how she had gotten the letters, but he imagined it had been Gianna and Demetri's doing. They were too nice.
- ... They show that your uncle also had no idea about anything, although... - Aro gave a playful smile - We'll have to go to Malta anyway, to find out for ourselves.
Renata nodded silently, and Alec made her raise her head. Guilty or not, she needed to have dignity.
- You're free, my dear - Aro finally said to the vampire's relief.
Caius rolled his eyes, he didn't like trials without executions, so he was the first to leave the hall. Marcus followed him, but first he approached Renata, patting her shoulder. Aro left the hall without speaking to anyone, not even Jane, who seemed to want to exchange words with him, but ended up being ignored.
When only the members of the Guard were present, Renata finally showed a smile.
- You survived - Felix was the first to greet his companion, hugging her in surprise. Alec thought he was going to break her in half, but Renata seemed used to it.
- Powerful allies, that's what I always say! - Renata jumped for joy, sometimes putting her hands over her heart.
- I'm glad everything worked out - Demetri said, his hair covering his face as he bent down to hug Renata. Alec tried to ignore him, because looking at the tracker made him make unnecessary comparisons to himself.
- You faced the masters - Jane said, looking at Felix - I never thought you were capable of this.
- So you're going to be the next couple in the Guard or what? - Demetri joked.
- Enough - Renata threatened to kick his shin - don't we have enough problems because of couples?
Felix swallowed his laughter and soon after Renata realized what she had said out loud. She soon turned back to Alec.
- I knew you would come, Demetri doubted, but I knew. Thank you.
Alec caressed Renata's hands, recognizing some of the family rings she was wearing. She was really dressed for an execution.
- Are you going back to the wives' chamber? - Jane asked. Renata had already walked away with Felix and Demetri. Alec couldn't join them.
- I have to do something first, then I'll go get Elia, she doesn't react well to Corin's gift.
- Could it be biological? - Jane pondered - Athenodora and the other one seem to react well, but Marcus can't stand her either.
- It could be mental - Alec replied - Corin is an easy way out of pain.
He looked at Jane.
- But what's wrong, do you miss Elia?
- Of course I do - Jane sighed - she listens to me.
- I listen to you too, sister.
- It's not the same - Jane looked at the trio that was now leaving the hall.
- Did the dead human hear you better than I did?
The comment made Jane angry, Alec could tell, but he didn't regret what he said.
- When you see Elia again, tell her she can listen to music on the radio that's still in my room.
Jane left Alec alone after that, disappearing faster than Renata did with her friends.
Alec was the last to leave the room, finding Gianna's table empty. He wasn't sure if it was day or night, but he found the cat sleeping on a cushion under the human's table.
Alec crouched down next to the cat, whose fluffy tail was wagging slowly.
- Misty... - he said scratching the animal's delicate chin. His name was like an inside joke - Your mother is busy, but she will soon come and play with you again.
"He looks comfortable here," Alec thought, sizing up the red cushion that now served as his bed and regretting the fact that he could not take the cat underground.
Apparently Renata and the others had gone to the Guard's common room, so the corridors were quiet. Alec was able to calmly descend to the last room that was accessible to everyone, which was above the wives' reserved area.
Couples in the clan were supposed to be more private, but Chelsea had the advantage of living too deep to care, and Alec was able to hear about her moments with Afton too soon.
"What a nuisance" the vampire thought.
- Chelsea - he said, knocking on the wall that led to the vampire's room in the hopes that they would stop whatever it was they were doing.
Alec had to knock twice more for Chelsea to hear him, and with each knock he seemed angrier.
It took five minutes for Chelsea to finally appear, wearing only a golden silk robe that matched her light brown hair that was studded with tiny sparkles that looked like they were made of tiny diamonds. She was a little shorter than Alec, but noticeably older.
- Did Renata die? - was the first question Chelsea asked, perhaps because Alec rarely called her.
- Renata is fine, but Aro will be going to Malta soon.
- That was expected - Chelsea fixed her hair, even with little light, the diamonds shone - but what made you come here? Can't you see I'm busy?
- I want to ask you a favor.
- Oh - Chelsea smiled, then crossed her arms. Having someone with Alec's influence owe her a favor was a good deal - about the girl with no memory?
- About the girl with no memory, my Elia, I want you to connect her to me, understand? Only to me!
The vampire's sincerity surprised Chelsea a little. After so many years, it was still rare to meet those whose plans were so straightforward and passionate. But Alec's action also made it clear to her that he was losing control of the situation, and that this was a desperate gesture.
- You know that Aro asks for my services every time a new vampire joins us...
- And I'm grateful that I didn't get caught up in your web - Alec was out of patience - having to deal with Jane's affection for him is already too much.
Chelsea's mouth twisted, but not out of anger. Alec soon realized that she seemed to have something to tell.
- What is it? Tell me.
Chelsea shook her head, giving Alec bad news was not a pleasant task.
- I can't tie your girl to anyone, and don't get me wrong, you're not the problem - Chelsea was quick to add - connecting her to you would also help a friend of mine, you know Heidi still thinks she has a chance with Demetri…
- But... What are you saying? - Alec blinked in disbelief - Is she a shield by any chance?
- No, not a shield, this is different from what happened to the Swan girl in the United States... - Chelsea took a step forward, the diamonds were now more visible, as were the silver threads that held them to her hair - I've never worked with a mind-damaged vampire before, let alone a newborn.
Alec was too surprised to retort or accuse her of lying. Deep down, he knew it wasn't impossible and even justified Aro's hasty call to Minos. They were both interested in the possibilities of that problem.
- Don't get me wrong, Alec, I've tried, several times, but every time I think I've caught her - Chelsea raised her hand and grabbed the air theatrically - she disappears!
The vampire rubbed his face, that meant...
- That means you must be doing something right, after all she's with you, isn't she? Even with Demetri around. - Chelsea said, but Alec didn't seem to be listening anymore.
- Have you reported this to Aro?
- Of course I did, and I will keep trying - Chelsea nodded - but since Minos is here and you two seems fine, he didn't care much.
"For now", Alec thought. He was aware that without Chelsea's influence, he was under constant surveillance, but the importance of his gift saved him many times, and Jane's presence made him a hostage like any other. As for Chelsea, she lived too close to Corin, and the addiction was already beyond her control.
- So you can't make her love me more than Demetri - Alec sighed.
There was only one way out now.
The tracker had to die.