second life, second chance

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1787 – The new beginning for Dorothea

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1787 – The new beginning for Dorothea. Aro's decision to turn Dorothea that fateful night had set her on a path she never anticipated. He brought her to the Volturi's stronghold in Italy, a place steeped in power and secrecy.

As the days passed, Dorothea's mortal life faded into memory, replaced by a painful new reality. The transformation was excruciating, her throat aflame as she awoke to a burning hunger that Aro had warned her about. He was by her side as she struggled, his voice smooth and reassuring but with an undertone of expectation.

"You'll thank me one day," he had murmured, his crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Aro himself took on the task of teaching her. Dorothea learned the nuances of her new existence: the predatory instincts, the strength, the speed, and most importantly, the rules. He drilled her relentlessly, ensuring she understood her place among the coven and the importance of control.

At first, Dorothea felt a deep sadness, not anger, at her immortality. She mourned the life she could no longer have. But that sorrow turned to something darker when her first feeding was arranged. Michael, the husband who had betrayed her so profoundly, knelt before her, trembling, his pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. Something snapped within her. The memories of his cruelty surged, and she drank him dry without hesitation.

As his lifeless body crumpled to the floor, Dorothea felt no remorse—only a strange, liberating sense of justice. That moment cemented her resolve to embrace her new life, if only to ensure no one would ever have power over her again.

A week into her new existence, Dorothea discovered her unique gift. It wasn't a gentle revelation but one forced upon her when she accidentally brushed against a guard. In an instant, she had full control of his body, her will overriding his. It was a heady power, one that made Aro's eyes gleam with delight.

"You are extraordinary," Aro whispered, pride lacing his voice. "I knew I was right to choose you."

But Dorothea soon realized her power was more than just control. With every touch, she glimpsed the deepest secrets of those she encountered—their pasts, their futures, every joy and sorrow etched into their souls. It was overwhelming, almost unbearable.

She quickly resolved to hide this aspect of her ability from Aro, fearing what he might do with such knowledge.

The gloves became her armor. She wore them constantly, a barrier between herself and the overwhelming flood of others' lives. They served as a reminder of her curse as much as her power.

Dorothea's place in the Volturi was complicated. She found genuine companionship with Aro, Marcus, and Alec, but her relationships with others, especially Caius and Jane, were fraught. They scrutinized her every move, eager to find fault.

Yet Dorothea maintained her composure, her radiant smile never faltering. Despite their coldness, she couldn't help but see them as a surrogate family—a fragmented echo of the one she had lost.

Her thoughts often drifted to the child she would never hold. The knowledge that vampires could not bear children was a wound that never fully healed. She imagined the life her child might have had, their laugh, their smile, and it broke her heart anew each time. Some nights, she wished for an end to her existence, but the fire of survival, fanned by Aro's belief in her potential, kept her moving forward.

Thoday was different from the start. Aro mentioned a new addition to their circle—a vampire he held in high regard. Intrigued, Dorothea's curiosity bubbled over. When she finally met him, her breath caught.

The vampire standing before her was tall, with golden hair reminiscent of Caius but with a completely different aura. He exuded calmness and kindness, a stark contrast to the harsh intensity of the Volturi. But what truly captivated her were his eyes—a warm, glowing gold that seemed to hold a world of stories.

She blinked, momentarily forgetting her manners. "My apologies," she stammered, her voice soft but steady. "May I know who you are?"

He smiled, a gentle curve of his lips that put her at ease. "I am Carlisle Cullen. And you must be Dorothea. Aro speaks highly of you."

The warmth in his tone surprised her. "He does?" she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I've heard a great deal about you as well."

Dorothea circled him slowly, her curiosity unabashed. He stood still, allowing her to observe, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. She stopped before him, tilting her head. "Forgive my forwardness, but your eyes... they're unlike any I've seen. What is your diet, if I may ask?"

Carlisle chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I feed only on animals. It sustains me, though it's not as satisfying as human blood." Her brows furrowed. "Animals? You survive on that alone? Doesn't it weaken you?"

"It does, to an extent," he admitted. "If I were to face Aro in combat, I wouldn't stand a chance. But it's a choice I've made, one that aligns with my conscience."

Dorothea's expression softened noticeably, a gentle warmth spreading across her features. With her hands placed firmly behind her back and standing proudly on the heels of her shoes, she beams up at him with a radiant smile. Her confidence radiates as she boldly states, "Aro values your friendship greatly. He worries for you, you know."

Carlisle's smile widened. "He's told me as much. But I'm fortunate to count him—and now you—as a friend."

Her cheeks warmed slightly at his kindness. "Please, call me Dorothea."

"And you, Carlisle," he replied with a slight bow of his head.

In that moment, Dorothea knew she had found a kindred spirit. Carlisle's golden eyes reflected a strength and compassion that resonated deeply with her. Despite the darkness of her past and the shadows she carried, she felt, for the first time in a long while, a glimmer of light.

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐬 | Jasper Whitlock ✅Where stories live. Discover now