- Ready or not, here I come - it was the muffled sound of a girl's voice that made Elia resurface from the bathtub.
She was small and thin, her greasy-looking brown hair tied in a ponytail and a doll-like chin. Her black coat was similar to the ones Alec wore, but this one seemed to swallow her up.
- You're Alec's friend - Elia remembered the boy's words before he left.
- My name is Renata - the girl said, taking a thick warm towel and helping Elia dry herself - I'll stay with you while Alec talks to the masters.
- What masters? - Elia asked.
- How much vampire literature have you read? - Renata asked - Humans are very good in guessing some truths, you know that?
The girl had an accent, but she couldn't identify it right away, her Italian was almost perfect.
- Anyway - she was strong despite her size, and led Elia with ease - this world has authority and hierarchy, and you are lucky, you're going to stay with us.
Renata sat Elia down on the vanity that was inside the closet, it was one of the few pieces of furniture that weren't broken, as were some other objects. She was happy to find a hair dryer in good condition.
- I heard you hit your head - she was careful when drying Elia's hair - but the clan will take care of you, like I said, lucky.
- I don't know if I was lucky - Elia replied, she avoided the mirror - I don't remember what I lost.
- You don't, but Demetri does - Renata picked up a comb, but Elia's hair was easy to fix - you know, I remember when he...
The vampire noticed Elia's stare, soon realizing that she looked scared.
- Oh, Alec told me that you're afraid of Demetri now.
- And wasn't I always like this?
- I don't know, I... - Renata took a deep breath, she knew she was talking too much and that Alec had asked her to be careful, but how could she not answer that question? - I only saw you once when you were alive... from afar!
Renata was quick to add the last part, as Elia immediately looked curious.
- Sometimes we work together, Demetri and I - Renata continued, putting the dryer back on the vanity - I discovered that he spent too much time watching a human, which ended up being you...
Elia flinched, grabbing the towel.
- He didn't do anything wrong! - Renata took her out of the closet, taking her back to the bedroom, she had already spread some dresses in the least damaged areas - He liked you, and he looked stupid looking at you through the window! I even wanted to play a prank on you...
Elia didn't seem very interested, and Renata expected her to at least choose a nice dress, but the newborn headed towards the pile of clothes Alec had brought, which supposedly belonged to her. Renata didn't even bother hanging up these clothes because she was sure she would choose a dress.
- By the way, what happened here? - Renata took a black sequin dress from Heidi and showed it to the disinterested girl - Are you and Alec together or what?
- I destroyed everything - Elia replied, still rummaging through the clothes, pressing some to her face, the smell was familiar to somehow - but it was unintentional.
- Oh, alone? - Renata smiled - You know, it's because sometimes when two vampires...
- I think I'll wear this - the girl interrupted her.
Renata was already uncomfortable with the grey shirt with the print of a large orange cat shooting lightning from its eyes, but the sight of jeans with large pockets gave her goosebumps.
- What? You don't like cats?
- I don't like jeans - Renata shook her head - come on, I still need to finish fixing your hair.
XXXXX
Demetri hated having his thoughts invaded, exposed like that, even if it was just to Aro. He knew that outside vampires must have a distorted view of the Volturi, that there was no privacy, that his thoughts would never be safe, but things didn't work that way.
Aro used his ability to judge and only for transgressors, and since he had arrived Demetri had only had his mind read twice and only because it would be easier for Aro to receive accurate information about a battle. Even so, these were uncomfortable experiences.
And now Aro would be looking not for anything related to him or the clan, but to Elia, and Demetri hated having to expose her like this.
The master would see how Demetri had first seen her, crying one day in the cobblestone streets, and found the girl interesting enough to remember her when he finally saw her again months later. Aro would see Demetri deviate from his watch route every day to catch glimpses of her at work. How he would imagine what would happen if he ever got to know her for real. And he would see Alec's interference and the childish jealousy that had filled him during that time.
Demetri would be completely exposed and that was what he hated. He was good at finding things external to him rather than within and until Elia showed up he didn't feel like revealing anything to anyone.
- How sweet - Aro said, patting Demetri's hand a few times.
He must have been motionless all this time, as there was a layer of dust on his clothes and his long black hair.
- It's a shame she doesn't recognize you - Aro continued, his head slowly tilting to the side as if he was chasing a sound - but what would be the point if she already preferred Alec's company anyway?
- It's not fair...
- That's not how it works with us - Marcus interrupted Demetri before he could form the thought. He had been summoned and forcibly removed from his chambers by Felix to appear in the hall, and now he was there, completely out of place – but he would die for her.
Marcus let out a long, heavy sigh.
- How sad - he concluded, touching Aro's neck to convey his thoughts to him.
Aro finally released Demetri, nodding silently.
- I understand... - Aro's head began to move quickly, searching for something - Alec? Where do you think you're going?
Demetri turned quickly, heading towards the boy and blocking the door with one hand. If he had been through this, he wouldn't let his former friend get away with it.
- What are you trying to hide? - Demetri said.
The vampires were the only ones present, as Gianna had been sent back home to prepare the reception. The worst thing happened, Aro wanted to meet the newborn.
- Nothing - Alec answered through gritted teeth, but by his posture and the way his fists were clenched he seemed nervous.
- Well, I guess I can go now - Marcus said. It had been a while since Demetri had seen him, and he looked scruffier than ever.
- No, no, no - Aro stopped him, smiling slightly - why don't you analyze Alec too? From what Demetri thinks he's a thief, a thief of something that didn't even belong to him...
Demetri flinched, besides having his deepest thoughts revealed, Aro still liked to recite them aloud.
Jane was still in the hall despite Caius having left extremely irritated and with orders to only be called when they returned to talk about battles. She avoided looking at Alec the whole time, but Demetri noticed that she now seemed attentive when her brother went to the center and Aro took his hands.
Demetri approached the center again, and for a while everything remained the same, until Aro smiled broadly, and his milky red eyes almost jumped out of his face.
- What is it? What do you see?
- Me? - Aro suddenly let go of Alec's hands, still smiling as he looked at Demetri. He looked at Marcus, then at Jane, and finally at Felix, who remained in the corner, as he was there only to observe Marcus - Just the thoughts of a young man extremely in love.
- Exactly - Alec crossed his arms, taking a step back - and now you know everything.
- I know everything! - Aro laughed softly, nodding in an exaggerated way.
Behind him, Marcus twisted.
- I don't like it - he looked younger than Aro, but he was older than Alec - I don't like it.
- What exactly? - Aro asked his friend, both looking at Alec with some interest, but Marcus seemed frightened while Aro, fascinated.
- Demetri would die for the newborn, an act of love yes, but noble; Alec would kill me, you and everyone else to have her.
Marcus repeated the gesture, touching Aro's neck. Nothing he said was new to Demetri, since Alec soon showed himself to be more intense in everything he did.
- Maybe we have different definitions of love - Alec said, he then looked at Jane, who no longer looked like the focused young woman who tried to keep the clan standing, but someone with a worried expression - and you, will you go with us to meet her?
- Leave me out of this - Jane replied promptly - I will call Heidi as Demetri requested.
She left the hall soon after, without looking at her brother, pushing the doors open so hard that Demetri was sure they would break.
Demetri couldn't feel others the same way Marcus could, so he didn't know why the more fragile master soon seemed so nervous. The situation was already out of control, he knew that, so enduring Heidi's disappointed look at him wasn't difficult at all. They had already discussed and said harsh words to each other, Demetri just wanted to be sure that she really had nothing to do with Elia's accident, as what were the chances that the human girl he had fallen in love with would be attacked and turned, and even worse, lose her memory?
- Why do I have to go with you?
Marcus's complaints filled the air as the room fell into complete silence.
- Quiet, Marcus, I need to concentrate - Aro replied as he squeezed Heidi's hand.
Demetri was certain that the Volturi leader was still wearing the same clothes he had worn to chase the Cullens into the United States. He had shed his cloak, but his black suit was worn and dusty. Aro also didn't seem as calm as he used to be; his gestures seemed anxious, as if he had grown unused to being in public.
- She's innocent - Aro said as he let go of Heidi's hand.
- Are you sure?
Heidi seemed to sigh in relief, but she shot a sharp look at Demetri when he spoke. If there was a chance for reconciliation before, there was none now.
- You know I don't make mistakes - Aro replied - you can go, my dear.
- Thank you, master - Heidi bowed quickly, even so her hair covered part of her face, and she left the room without speaking to anyone else.
Demetri grunted as Aro walked towards Marcus to calm him down. He would have to accept it now, fate was against him, fate and the gods. Demetri shook his head, it had been centuries since he had thought about gods.
- Why can't I just stay here? I don't know the girl, I won't be of much help.
Marcus continued to question Aro, but the other remained firm in his decision. Marcus would accompany him to Gianna's house and Felix would accompany Marcus to keep him safe, and soon it all turned into a huge entourage. Demetri soon found himself exhausted, he didn't even want to think about how Elia would react to seeing so many new people.
Marcus seemed to have resigned himself to the fact that he would have to accompany them, but he was looking at Felix as if trying to find a way to escape.
- Finally - Aro clapped his hands, which caused dust to fly everywhere - shall we go?
XXXXX
Five vampires left the Volturi castle in the early hours of the morning. Aro was holding Marcus by the hand, which was a bit comical given the height difference between them. With Felix on his right side, Marcus was completely surrounded.
- She'll be scared - Demetri told Alec, unlike him, the young-looking vampire didn't seem as nervous as before. Because of his size and appearance, Alec was often overlooked on the battlefield, but Demetri knew that he adapted to the situation much faster than he did.
- That's why I'll stay by her side - Alec said, he took a few steps forward to get ahead - and you keep your distance.
Gianna was in complete ecstasy when she welcomed Aro into her home. Demetri had never seen her smile so much. The human hadn't even slept and Demetri swore she hadn't eaten anything all day, but there she was, opening the doors and answering every question Aro had about the renovations the house had undergone over the years and about one or two servants who had died thirty years ago.
Since they decided to maintain a human speed to keep up with Gianna, Demetri kept an eye on what he could hear, but there was no mysterious heartbeat this time. Just Gianna, the only living person there.
Marcus tried to run away when they reached the stairs, but Felix was faster, holding him back, and Demetri closed the gaps he could use to escape.
- It's okay, I won't do that anymore! - he said when Aro grabbed his hand again.
Gianna led them to the secluded hallway on the top floor and soon they could hear Renata's voice entertaining Elia about something she always did when meeting a new vampire: her family line.
- Wait - Demetri heard Elis's voice and had to hold himself back from running towards her. How he wanted her to know how happy he was that she was there, that she hadn't succumbed to her wounds! - who is Michael again?
- I already told you! - Renata replied as if she had already explained that many times - He is my cousin, if we take into consideration our ancestors from two hundred years ago.
- Oooh. And why are we talking about him?
Elia's voice was soft. She had stopped shaking and crying and just for that, Demetri felt more relieved.
- You're a lost cause - Renata said. Finally, she seemed to notice the group approaching - And it seems you have visitors.
Aro let Alec go first, to announce his arrival, and that's what he did. The door was left half open, and Demetri watched as Elia ran toward Alec and gave him a big hug. She was clean, her long black hair neatly combed. There were dresses strewn about the room, but she wore jeans and a gray shirt that Demetri was familiar with. Her old clothes.
- What is this? I know there are other people here - Elia said suddenly, Alec held her hands so she wouldn't get agitated and for a moment she resembled Marcus.
- If you had told me that Master Aro was coming I would have tried harder to make her wear something decent - Renata sighed as she gathered the discarded dresses around the room like a tiny fairy godmother.
- You did well, Renata, thank you - Alec told her, then looked at Elia, who seemed to be looking to see if he didn't have a jar of human blood hidden in his clothes - and now Elia, you're going to meet some very important people.
- Meeting people... - Elia's eyes moved quickly, then finally fell on Demetri, whose face was resting in the space between the door and the wall - Him?
For the first time since waking up, Elia didn't hide or tremble as she spoke and saw Demetri. He wanted to say yes, that they could finally talk and they could come to a conclusion about why she was so scared in his presence, but that wasn't the time.
- No, not Demetri - Alec held her again, he was attentive to her, but Demetri noticed that he seemed ready to use the mist at any moment - it's the royalty, don't you want to meet the royals?
XXXXX
His skin was chalky, and his long jet-black hair only made him look paler. He looked dusty, and Elia didn't understand why she needed to change her clothes so urgently when he could walk the world outside like that. There was someone else with him, taller, more graceful, his brown hair fell to his shoulders, and Elia was certain his shirt was buttoned incorrectly.
They were like living paintings to her, only scarily real.
Elia realized that there was another in the hallway, besides the one who scared her and the skinny girl who had bothered her for long hours while forcing her to get dressed. But Alec was there, that was a good thing. She wasn't alone.
- My dear - the chalk-skinned man said, and Elia had the feeling that he had spoken before, but she hadn't heard him, as she was too focused on the others - can you understand me?
- She's Italian, of course she understands - Alec answered for her, he touched her shoulders while Elia remained seated in one of the three chairs that had been quickly brought into the room by Demetri.
- That will make things easier then - he spoke again, his smile was inviting, and Elia felt like smiling back - can you do me the honor?
He held out his hand as if he expected Elia to take it. The girl looked at Alec, waiting for an explanation.
- Master Aro can read minds, he just wants to get to know you.
Alec's voice calmed her, she had the feeling that they used to talk before, but she didn't remember exactly what kind of conversations. Elia took Aro's hand, but only because she knew Alec would give her more blood if she cooperated.
She felt nothing, but watched the chalk-skinned man's enthusiasm drain from his face as he patted her hand gently.
The other, the messy-looking vampire seemed to realize that something was wrong.
- What is it? What do you see?
- I see... - Aro began to speak, and Elia saw part of Demetri's face again by the door - Nothing... But not completely, I mean... Her thoughts are lost, chaotic, confused... I can only see her fear during the accident and what she thinks now, after her change, the desire for blood...
Aro licked his lips as if remembering something delicious. He was right, Elia was thirsty.
- The head - he let go of her hand - you said she suffered a head injury.
- Yes, sir - Alec answered, he stroked Elia's hair as if she were a doll - but it's already healed, that's why she woke up.
- Interesting - Aro pondered aloud - and she's afraid of the sun, poor thing, thanks to those books full of lies...
- She has ties to Alec, I can see - Marcus began to speak - but as family, as protector.
Elia didn't understand what the other was talking about, but she noticed Demetri's laughter outside while Alec knelt beside her with a frown.
- If there was something with Demetri I can't see it now... But why is she afraid?
- Her thoughts are mixed up, some are even lost forever, just imagine, there is fantasy and reality mixed - Aro looked at Alec and Elia didn't understand why he smiled - and there was an accident, right? She felt scared, so scared, poor thing…
Those strange figures held hands, and Elia watched them, fearful.
- She wants to leave this room - Aro said - that's what she wants most, to break the bars you put on her window and run away.
- But she can't do that - Alec looked at Elia even though he was answering the man - you know that, don't you? You'll end up being discovered if you go out alone, you need me.
- She needs a teacher - Marcus disagreed.
- A teacher and a doctor – the mind reader smiled again, and this time Elia clung to Alec - you can come in, Demetri.
Elia watched carefully as Demetri entered the room, this time without trying to hide. There was something very strange about his face, something she couldn't remember.
- The two of you will be responsible for her and so I will communicate my decision to both. I accept the girl's entry into the Guard if I can bring a friend to examine her.
- Examine her? - Alec stood up, and Demetri didn't know what to say, as he didn't know what it was about - Are you talking about your crazy friend, the one you brought when Jane and I got here?
- He's a little eccentric maybe, but...
- Eccentric? - Alec screamed, and Elia stood up immediately because it was the first time she had seen him react like that.
Not knowing where to go, she ran to the bathroom, closing the door
- Marcus is eccentric - Alec continued, without realizing that Elia had run away - that man is...
- My condition for accepting her - Aro remained still. Beside him, Marcus shook his head - do you want me to read your thoughts again?
Alec said nothing, just nodded silently as Aro and Marcus stood. A little further back, Demetri was more concerned looking at the direction Elia had run. He didn't know that friend of Aro's.
- We'll have a meeting tonight about Stefan and Vladmir after… - Aro looked down at his own dusty clothes - After I look more presentable, and I want you both there. Now, Marcus, Alec, let's go...
- I must stay with Elia - Alec replied.
- No, you come with me - Aro smiled, even so, his words were threatening - Demetri will stay with her, give him some time.
Aro left first, and Alec soon followed after throwing the chair against a wall. Marcus stood still for a while, while Demetri contemplated the door where Elia was hiding.
- You should talk to her - Marcus said, a pale and confused figure whose hands did not stay still - I changed my mind, I really want to meet her.
Then he left, followed by Felix and Renata who were supposed to ensure his safety on the way back to the castle.
Demetri didn't beg Elia to come back, he just closed the bedroom door, but this time he waited for the girl inside.