I wanted to get these two chapters out two months ago and it didn't happen. I still don't believe it's September but it's been a crazy start to the school year and so much stuff has happened, but it is what it is.

Caius POV

I wasn't sure what prompted me to run my fingers through Bella's hair, feeling the silky strands slide between my fingers as I gently combed through them. Her hair was soft, like spun silk, and the rhythmic motion seemed to soothe her, which helped her drift off to sleep even more. She had been yawning earlier, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, and now sleep had finally claimed her.

She looked quite peaceful in her sleep- a content expression over her face. Earlier, she had mentioned nightmares- but she looked content in sleeping. For a brief moment, I wondered what caused her to have her nightmares, but I doubt she would share it with me, whatsoever. Even the brief thought of having Aro to have me know was unlikely, considering that his gift was no use on her- just like all the other gifts. Even if his gift did work on her, I didn't want to ruin her privacy. She would tell me when she was ready- if she wanted to discuss that.

As much as it pained me, I knew I couldn't stay there all night, by her side. There were things I had to get done, things that couldn't wait for me and Bella's relationship to continue. It was one that I probably should have done as soon as we realized that the relationship wasn't working, but we didn't. We stayed together, until now.

I got up from my position, watching carefully for any sign that Bella might awaken, yet- all she did was curl over to the other side, a peaceful expression written all over her face. It didn't seem that she even noticed my lack of presence on the bed, or anything like that- which was a good thing. I really didn't want to explain to her why I wasn't going to stay with her, in case she has nightmares.

"Chelsea," I called as soon as I opened the door.

It only took a moment before Chelsea flitted to my quarters, and bowed as soon as she arrived.

"Yes, Master Caius?" She asked.

"Keep an eye on her. Keep her company, in case she wakes or when I get back," I told her. "I shouldn't be gone for long, but just in case."

Chelsea's face brightened as she let out a huge smile.

"One more thing, do you have any idea where Athenodora might be?" I asked.

"Check in the gardens. I saw her, Didyme and Sulpicia headed there," Chelsea said after thinking about it for about a minute or so. "You should probably head there first."

I didn't bother responding to her comment as I headed towards the gardens. It seemed like I just didn't ever pay attention to the gardens or how beautiful it looked when there was a full moon outside. The soft glow illuminated the flowers, casting long shadows and blending the darker hues of the violet petals into the night. The pink and red flowers appeared muted, lacking their usual daytime vibrancy, while the white blooms seemed almost translucent, glowing softly as if lit from within.

It was rather beautiful- one that I just never noticed. It almost took everything in me, not to wake up Bella to see this incredible sight, but I wouldn't. She needed her rest, considering that she was still injured. Instead, I admired the beauty until the voices coming from nearby perked my interest.

The voices were coming near the garden where the sound of water splashing down was heard. Didyme with her long, lustful, dark hair sat on the edge of the fountain, a smile written all over her face by something that I had completely missed. Both Sulpicia and Athenodora's backs were turned against me, looking at each other. Sulpicia was holding some flowers in her hand- looking like they were freshly picked, while Athenodora looked up towards the sky a little bit.

I stepped closer, which made Didyme, Sulpicia and Athenodora look towards my direction- any sign of laughter or a hint of smile that was on their faces only a couple of seconds ago. There was an awkward silence that filled the air, and only Athenodora was the only one who broke the silence.

"Caius," She regarded me in a neutral tone. "This is a surprise… You haven't sought me out in so long. What made you seek out my company?"

"I wanted to talk to you," I told her- my eyes flickering towards Sulpicia and Didyme who was by her side. "Alone."

Athenodora looked towards the other two female vampires and told them in a low voice, "It's okay… I'll come find with you when we're done."

"You must tell us what happens if we don't hear it first," Didyme practically giggled through most of her response, as she and Sulpicia walked away- towards the castle in the meantime. "It's not like there are many secrets around here. We're all going to hear about it anyway."

What Didyme said was the truth, especially with our hearing. However, there were things that I didn't want to have much of an audience- and this was one of them. It was no else's business, but it's not like it was going to be a secret.

"I don't know why you sent away both of them. We were having a good time," Athenodora mentioned, looking towards where the other two vampires were last seen. "Besides, it's not like they're going to hear it anyways."

"I don't want anyone else in our business, considering our current affairs," I told her.

"What about them?"

"Our relationship is over… I don't want to be with you any longer, considering I have found my mate…"

Athenodora nodded, "I understand… We fell out of love thousands of years ago and I know you no longer enjoy my company… Besides, our agreement in staying together was so long because of the fact that both of us didn't have mates, and it wouldn't look good on the Volturi otherwise."

I nodded.

"Bella's my mate, and she's changed me. I know I haven't felt this feeling before. I just want to make her smile and make her happy. I want to give her the whole world, and make sure that nothing happens to her. I want to spend all eternity with her."

Athendora cracked a small smile, "You know one might think that you were in love with the human girl, but I heard that's what people who are mates feel like- especially considering her… I'm not a fan of humans by any means but she seems good for you…"

"She is. I really hope you'll be able to find your mate, eventually," I told her. "But our relationship is done. I'll sign the papers or whatever, but you are free to leave this place. I'm not making you leave permanently. Volterra is still your home and you have been here so long…"

"Thank you," She murmured. "I wouldn't mind seeing some of the world and maybe in the meantime, be able to find my mate. It's been thousands of years, perhaps there is hope for me yet… It took you a long time, but maybe mine is out there." She looked up towards the sky with a wishful expression on her face

"All of the Volturi's assets are at your discretion, when and if you choose to leave," I told her.

"I'll take my leave in a couple of days after I say my goodbyes. I know I'll miss Sulpicia and Didyme the most… We've been together for so long- it's hard to believe."

"Take as long as you need."

"Thank you for everything, Caius," She said with a smile that screamed adoration. A look that I haven't seen a while, especially coming from her. "I must get back to Didyme and Sulpicia. I wish you luck with everything."

I watched her head towards the castle- her form becoming smaller and smaller rather quickly before it disappeared inside the castle. I smiled at her, relief overcoming me.

It was done.

Me and Athendora was finally over, and now Bella and I could have our future together.

Update (September 23rd, 2024)- gave Athendora a better conclusion that what she had before.