Chapter Text
She took what Aro said to heart. The next week or so, she pushed all thoughts of feeding to the back of her mind, and allowed herself to focus on the tasks at hand. It was better then, her head a bit clearer, her thoughts full of clarity, unlike the night she’d spent worrying herself nearly ill over the matter.
Unsurprisingly, she found herself to be a little happier. More content with herself. But there was still one thought that ran through her mind as she trained with Felix again… that fleeting touch that allowed Aro to glimpse inside her mind. She had been wondering about what had triggered it, and how she could replicate it again.
Not that she wanted him poking around in her mind. She merely wished to expand her abilities, to suss out what she could and couldn’t do.
Then there was the matter of what he’d said to her. Sono attratto da te. Non so perché… The words spun around in her mind, a humiliating reminder of what had transpired in his office. Bella’s face would have been beet red if it were at all possible. Felix seemed to notice her faraway gaze, and he stopped mid combat to stare at her skeptically.
“You’re distracted again. What is it this time?” He asked rather gruffly, a hand coming to cock upon his hip.
“It’s nothing,” Bella bit out, readying herself for yet another attack. She’d become quite adept at reading Felix’s moves over the days, though there were still times that he could put her into the dirt with ease.
“You’re a terrible liar, you know that?” He smirked at her, lowering himself into a crouch, ready to pounce once more.
“Who said I was lying?” She retorted sharply, distancing her feet apart and steeling herself for Felix’s advance.
Caius was, blessedly, not present today, having left Felix and Bella to their own devices. Otherwise, their current conversation would have been impossible, for he would have been barking at them to shut up and proceed. Bella came to find that she rather liked these conversations with Felix, even if he was a smug bastard about everything.
“Right. So if I put you into the dirt again, you’ll have to tell me what’s going on. Deal?” He grinned at her, all sparkling white teeth.
Bella considered it for a moment, weighing her options. On one hand, she could humiliate Felix, but on the other, he could humiliate her. She thought long and hard on it, before a particular thought came rushing through her mind.
She and Renata had spoken in length about what had happened in Aro’s office the other night. Renata had suddenly had an epiphany, and her face had lit up upon realizing something as she grasped Bella’s hand. “You’re a shield!”
Bella had been confused as to what she meant at the time, but with plenty of thought dedicated to the matter, she’d come to understand what Renata meant. And if she was capable of letting her shield down to others, then who was to say that she couldn’t project it outwards? It was worth a shot, at least.
But Felix himself wouldn’t do. Bella would have to find someone whose abilities were a serious threat. Someone who could bring a person to their knees with a single look.
Jane .
“Alright, so here’s the deal. If you win, I spill my guts to you and you get to laugh at me all you want. But if I win… then I want you to do something for me.” She paused as a quizzical look crossed over his face before continuing. “I want you to let Jane use her abilities on you, while I try something.”
“Are you insane?” Felix laughed nervously, his face drawn up into a shaky smile before it slowly dissolved upon realizing that Bella was being serious. “No, really. What insane idea do you have, Bella?”
“Just trust me,” She smiled at him, readying herself to pounce as soon as Felix called for them to start.
“Fine. I will this time, but don’t look so smug yet. You’ve yet to beat me.”
The two of them came at each other in a blur, with Felix’s strength proving to be the biggest obstacle. Bella grappled with him uselessly, before he sent her flying into a birdbath in the garden, its stony structure shattering beneath the force of her weight hitting it. She brought herself to her feet immediately, undeterred by the shaky start, before coming at Felix again.
It proved to be a fruitless effort, as his strength seemingly matched hers, her blood having now diluted somewhat since her transformation, letting some of her monstrous strength slip away. She barely managed to slip out of his grasp before he could sling her away again, slinking backwards away from him as she drew in deep gulps of air. A useless action, one done more out of habit than anything.
She had to rethink this. Felix was too big, too strong for a head on attack. She needed to find an opening to take him down, fight defensively against him until that opening presented itself to her. So instead of charging against him again, she lowered herself into a defensive crouch, and motioned for Felix to come at her with a curl of her finger.
He did just as she asked, and Bella effortlessly dodged his lumbering blow, feinting this way and that as he swung at her. She waited until his arm had extended past her before she wrapped herself around it, flipping over the offending item before swinging Felix’s towering body over her shoulder, slamming him into the ground.
He stared up at her, momentarily shocked, before a look of annoyance crossed his face. “That wasn’t fair.”
“Maybe I don’t have to fight fair in order to win.” She grinned at him, before extending her hand to help him up. She pulled him to his feet in one swift motion, and Felix dusted himself off, looking rather troubled that he’d officially lost to her. “We had a deal, Felix. You’re not backing out on me now, are you?”
“I suppose we do. Alright, Bella. Show me what this crazy idea of yours is. It better be worth it.”
As requested, Jane showed up to the garden not long after, her red eyes piercing as they flitted between Bella and Felix. Felix, always confident in himself, looked rather intimidated by her presence. Bella couldn’t blame him, however. She’d seen what Jane could do with a single look when she brought Edward down to his knees.
Jane’s eyes eventually settled upon Bella. “What would you have of me?”
“I want you to use your abilities on Felix while I try something,” came Bella’s reply. She circled around the garden, standing close to Felix as Jane’s eyes settled upon him, although there was a tinge of confusion in her eyes.
“Felix. Do you agree to this?”
Felix huffed, looking rather reluctant to go along with the idea. But he nodded nonetheless, promising to humor Bella’s idea.
Bella drew in a deep breath, her eyes closing as she tried to wrap her mind around her ability, going back to the evening inside Aro’s office. It had been by pure will that she’d lowered her shield to him then, an accident by all means, but a possible action regardless. Now, if only she could project that shield outwards, and protect Felix from Jane’s invisible flames…
“Pain.”
Felix groaned loudly as he shuddered, his entire body convulsing as his knees threatened to buckle beneath him. His teeth snapped together, his eyes screwing shut as he fought against the pain in a dying effort. Bella watched as he began to crumple beneath them, falling into a heap in the dirt as he writhed under Jane’s gaze.
Bella knew she had to act quickly if she were to get a shot at this. Jane wouldn’t torture Felix forever.
She closed her eyes, focusing on what she could only describe as an elastic band around her mind. She’d been trying to feel for it for days, and had managed to get a small grasp of it during that time. Slowly, she began chanting silently to herself, willing that band to extend out, wishing with all her might that it could wrap around Felix and protect him.
The band shuddered, fighting hard against her, threatening to whip back and eliminate all the progress she’d made. Felix continued to writhe in the dirt, and Jane’s face showed a distinct desire to stop. Bella fought through the resistance, urging her mind to shield Felix from the fire that burned away at him.
Her eyes flew open, and she could see it then; a shimmering light dancing upon the air before her. It extended outwards towards Felix’s convulsing body, coming to shield him from Jane’s gaze. Slowly, his writhing began to calm, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he opened his eyes, staring up into the sky with a widened look. Bella chanced a cursory glance over to Jane, and found that the little petite blonde’s lips were parted in shock, her brows raised accordingly.
Felix slowly rose to his feet, his gaze dragging over Bella as if she were the strangest thing in the world, and there in his eyes laid thankfulness. Bella grinned at him, holding her shield aloft as Jane continued to stare at Felix, willing her ability to work on him.
It never did.
Suddenly, Jane’s gaze broke away from him, and Bella let her shield recede, a wave of relief washing over her as it did. It took a gargantuan effort to project it, but Bella knew she could do it now. She could protect others if she so wished it.
“I’ll be damned,” came Felix’s wondrous murmur. “Did you do that, Bella?”
“I sure did.” She announced proudly, her hands coming to place upon her hips. “I’ve been trying for a while, but I figured I needed some good incentive for me to finally be able to do it.”
Jane’s gaze poured over Bella, and she met the petite girl’s eyes, noticing a hint of annoyance there. Of course, Bella realized. She’d be angry too if she found out that her power was useless against something.
“Master Aro will want to hear of this.” came Jane’s soft voice.
Once more, Bella was front and center in the throne room, feeling nervous beneath the gazes of Aro, Marcus, and Caius. Jane stood at her side, silent as always, staring down Felix who stood before them, looking less petrified than before and more confidant in Bella’s abilities.
The pressure was officially on, Bella realized, as she now had to prove to the Volturi that she wasn’t some talentless hack of a vampire.
Aro bounded around the two of them, Renata standing closely at his side as he did so. His hands were clasped together, an amused expression spread across his face as he directed his gaze towards Jane. “I’m eager to see what Isabella is capable of. If what you said was true, then this changes things immensely.”
“I would not lie to you, master.”
“Of course you wouldn’t, dear Jane. Now, Isabella,” He turned to face her, and Bella felt her heart jump into her throat. Aro’s soft voice came rushing back to her, a memory shrouded in secret pleasures and hidden temptation. “Be so kind as to show us what you are capable of.”
A shuddered breath ripped its way through Bella as she forced herself to focus, digging deep into the confines of her mind for that fleeting feeling, that ghostly touch of her shield. With so many prying eyes on her, it was hard to focus enough to grasp it, though she succeeded in the end, wrangling the confounded thing forward, ready to be projected at a moment’s notice.
Jane’s eyes flit to Felix, and they stared hard and deep at him, before her voice rang out. “Pain.”
Felix immediately began to crumple beneath her gaze, the fire burning him once more. But Bella was there to save him, projecting her shield forwards, forcing it to wrap around him like a protective blanket. Her fists clenched at her side, the amount of effort it was taking to do such a thing draining her of her energy.
But she wouldn’t falter. No, not right now, in front of the Volturi. In front of Aro.
She wouldn’t disappoint.
True to its nature, the shield waved off Jane’s invisible flames, and Felix rose to his feet, his brows drawn together as the pain receded, leaving him unaffected by the blonde’s eyes. Bella struggled to keep the shield up, feeling it rubber-banding back to herself as she fought valiantly against it, willing it to stay in place. Jane stared for much longer this time, perhaps truly testing her ability to keep it in place.
Time dragged on, and Bella began to feel it slip away from her.
Before it could recede, however, there came a bout of laughter at her side, mirthful and full of amusement. Jane’s gaze tore away from Felix, that same look of annoyance crossing her face as she averted her eyes elsewhere. Beside them, Aro laughed again, a look of pure wonderment crossing his face.
“Fascinating!” He exclaimed, clapping his hands together slowly.
“Impressive,” came Marcus’ aged voice, and he leaned forward in his seat somewhat, a motion that had Bella doing a double-take.
“Ah, our dear Isabella is talented after all! I always knew she would be. Her mind was too much of an enigma for it not to be special.” Aro turned to her, along with Renata, and the look he directed at Bella could only be described as proud. “Such a powerful tool. The ability to nullify another’s abilities with a simple look. I’ve never seen anything like it in my long life.”
“You’re amazing, Bella.” Renata whispered quietly, so as not to disturb the court.
Bella nodded at the two of them, a bashful smile spreading across her face as her eyes went downcast. She’d never been made to feel so special in her life, and despite the way it made her feel somewhat anxious, the feeling was still largely nice. “Thanks, Renata.”
“Indeed,” Aro continued, coming to stand before Bella, blocking her view of Felix. “And to think, this is simply the tip of the iceberg. There’s no telling how far your abilities could be extended. Why, I wouldn’t say its too far out of the possibility that you could defend us all, if you tried hard enough.”
The thought was a daunting one. To expand her shield so heavily, to swathe every single member of the guard in it felt exhausting. Bella could tell that her training would be harsher now, especially by the way Caius smirked at her.
“It would take a lot of effort, but I think if I practiced, I could probably do it.” She found herself saying.
“Of course. You are still, by all means, a newborn vampire. The fact that you have already shown so much promise is baffling. I have never encountered someone who has taken to vampirism on a scale like you, Isabella.”
“I don’t know what to say,” It was true. She had no explanation for herself, just as baffled by Aro on the matter.
“Regardless, that is enough of a showcase for now. Isabella, if you will?” He extended his hand to her, his fingertips curled somewhat as he invited her to take it.
Bella stared at it for a moment, before daintily reaching up to lace her palm with his. The feeling was almost electric, and she nearly gasped as something foreign and altogether pleasant washed over her.
From behind them, Marcus seemed to startle somewhat, his eyes widening a fraction, before falling back into their half-lidded stare.
Aro led her away, out of the throne room and through the long-winding halls. His hand never left hers, a soft reassurance and presence against her skin. Renata didn’t follow, and Bella found herself slightly nervous at where Aro could be taking her. Together, they flitted down the halls, passing by the setting sun, which was still strong enough to make their skin gleam and dazzle.
Bella had never seen Aro in the sunlight before, and the sight of his face glittering like thousands of diamonds nearly stole her breath away. He was… beautiful, breathtakingly so. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him, and he came to meet her gaze briefly, a knowing look in his eyes. She felt a pang of embarrassment run through her, and she tore her gaze away immediately.
They stopped before the grand door and windows overseeing the garden, propped up on a ledge that led down via a set of stairs. Aro turned his gaze towards the setting sun, the orange glow casting a heavenly sheen over the flowers and statues that polluted the garden, the fountains that peppered it bubbling away as the only source of noise.
Bella’s eyes followed suit, and for a moment, she let herself appreciate the scenery, drawn into the mesmerizing colors that her human eyes would have never been able to see. It was peaceful then, the two of them standing there, hands interlaced, standing in a comfortable silence that begged no words to be said.
Bella let herself get lost in the moment, feeling far away from all of her problems, feeling content to be standing at Aro’s side. What a strange feeling, she thought, to feel so natural beside him, to be holding his hand as if the two had always been doing just that. It made her heart flutter, to think about the intimate implications of it.
Aro hadn’t any reason to be holding her hand. There was no way he could see into her mind unless she invited him in, and they’d long stopped walking. Perhaps he was lost in thought, and soon he would release her, returning to whatever duties called for him. Bella found herself feeling sad at the thought, bereft of someone’s attention that she found herself desperately craving.
...Since when had that happened? She had no idea what lead to her appreciating Aro’s company so much. It was as if one day, a switch had gone off, and his presence had transformed from ominous to consoling. He was no longer the vampire that she feared, but rather, one she looked up to. His endless patience with her was a godsend, something Bella appreciated with every fiber of her being.
He’d been so understanding of her thus far. Bella was sure that living with the Volturi would be hell. She’d gotten the implication that they were all cold, heartless monsters, but instead found that they too valued family in an unconventional sort of way. There was care and love here for each other, concern where others lie and trust that went beyond anything else Bella had ever seen.
For once, since she arrived here, she felt at home. Welcome, beloved, appreciated. All the things she felt that her past life had lacked in some way. No longer was she the sore thumb sticking out, but instead, she was one of them. A member of the Volturi, and one of its most prized individuals at this point.
She found herself smiling, crimson eyes twinkling as these thoughts ran through her head.
Aro spared her a quick look, his voice quiet in the peace of the setting sun. “Ah, now that is a sight to behold.”
She laughed softly, deigning to keep her words to herself in hopes that it would prolong the moment. She never wanted this to end, she realized. The feeling of Aro’s skin against hers, the way his fingers laced gently through her own. The beauty of twilight lingering in the distance, of the grand garden that lay before them. Pride that she felt from earlier still singing in her veins…
“This is wonderful,” she murmured, never tearing her eyes away from the scenery. It was true. She felt nothing but bliss in that moment, a feeling akin to relief mixed with joy coursing through her. It was as if the manacles had been lifted from her wrists, and Bella could feel her blood flowing again.
“I agree, mia Isabella. It feels like the dawn of a new day.”
“Or maybe the closing to a bad one. And therein lies hope in the next.” It was a rather poetic statement coming from her of all people, but that’s what she felt in her heart.
“Beautifully put, cara .”
“So what does this mean?” She found herself asking, turning to face Aro as their hands remained entwined with each other. “Now that I’ve shown the guard my abilities, where does that put me?”
“Hmm,” Aro hummed thoughtfully, his free hand coming to straighten a strand of hair upon Bella’s head. “At my side. Your much too talented to be elsewhere.”
“Like Renata?” Bellas asked, full of hope.
“Better than Renata.” Aro replied coyly. “The power of diversion is indeed an impressive one, but to be completely shielded from my enemies own abilities? Priceless.”
“I wouldn’t want to let you down…” It was true. Bella couldn’t fathom failing Aro when he called most for her power. The idea of seeing someone with a power like Janes make him crumple, or worse yet, disfigure him had her stomach rolling.
She would become better, she thought sternly. For her sake, and his.
“You won’t. I am certain of it.” His palm came to flatten against her cheek, his hand still surprisingly warm against their now matched temperature. “I trust you with my life, Isabella.”
She swallowed thickly at that, her heart jumping at those words. Bella’s hand tentatively rose to plaster over Aro’s, feeling the grooves of his rings against her palm. Her eyes went downcast, her teeth nibbling her bottom lip as she stood there, processing the weight of what he just said.
It was a hefty feeling, to be entrusted with one of the Volturi king’s wellbeing. It further frightened her that it was Aro of all people, someone she’d grown to somewhat cherish during her time here.
For a moment, a flash of something horrible passed through her head. The image of Aro being torn apart by unknown enemies, his head severed from his shoulders, his eyes staring blankly as they burned him, and Bella standing by, knowing that his death was on her hands. His wellbeing, cast away in favor of failing miserably.
She shuddered, and he felt it beneath his palm.
“Fear not, stella. I’ve many others who are willing to protect me in the meantime while you hone your abilities.”
“I’ll try my best to improve as quickly as possible,” Bella whispered to him.
“I trust that you will.” He sighed then, allowing his hand to fall from her, and the lack of his touch was instantly saddening to Bella. “As loathe as I am to admit it, I have work I must attend to. Marcus should be expecting you soon.”
Bella almost wanted to protest. If only she could have a few more minutes with him, maybe even an hour. She wanted so desperately to prolong the moment, to have him stand by her side just a little longer. But she gave in, knowing full well that Aro was a busy man. Any time spent with him should be considered special, sacred.
The fact that he even made time for her was flattering.
“I should go then.” Bella said weakly.
“Best not to keep him waiting, hm? I will talk to you at another time, Isabella.” He turned away from her then, whisking down the hallway in a blur, leaving Bella alone with her yearning thoughts.
She sighed, before gathering her thoughts together and heading for the library. She had a lesson to catch up on, and Marcus would surely be cross with her if she were late.