When Ends Meet (Marcus & Aro Volturi)

Chapter 9: Confessions or Secrets?

The ball carried on for what seems like forever, but I suppose that these types of events wouldn't have much of a time limit with everyone not needing rest or sleep. Marcus is talking to a few coven leaders, whom I have already been introduced. Athenadora is stuck to Caius' side. Felix and Demetri are flirting with the guests and I am here...standing alone and awkwardly by the terrace doors. Feeling a slight breeze, I decide to take a walk. I mean, everyone is so occupied, no one is going to miss me. The terrace is lit with fairy lights, and it looks so romantic. I guess I am not the only one to think so as it hosts a few couples that are practically in the midst of some passionate make out sessions. Not wanting to stick around, I find the staircase that leads down towards the garden. I descend carefully. This dress making it nearly impossible to take each lowered step, but with much effort, my feet finally meet solid and flat earth. The area is dark, but not so much so, as the moon spotlights the garden. I walk along the cobblestone pathway; the click of my heels is almost too loud for the serenity here—yet I can still hear the soft hums of violins from just above. I continue to walk, not necessarily trying to find something, just following instinct. And as much as I hate to admit it, it leads me to where I usually like to go. To our gardenias. However, I am disappointed to see that the flowers have folded up for the night—their petals tucked in, and not bloomed out like usual.

"Needed some air?"

I turn to the familiar voice with a smile. "Yes. Being the only human at a vampire ball does make one feel claustrophobic. But you don't need to breath, so what brings you to the outdoors instead of entertaining your guests, Mr. Volturi?"

Aro chuckles, putting his hands into his pant pockets. "You see, I saw a stunning young lady in green standing quietly by the wall. I was going to strike up a conversation, but she suddenly disappeared out and onto the terrace. I've come to chase after her—after all, a gentleman shouldn't let a lady be alone."

I laugh lightly. "Oh? And where is this beautiful lady?"

Aro smirks, moving in closer. "You haven't seen her? She is quite hard to miss. I have not seen anyone lovelier than her."

I too take a step forward, continuing with our playful banter. "Nope. I didn't pass anyone on my way down. I'm sure she is quite a charming thing for you to follow her out here."

"Yes...however, I think I was wrong." Aro sighs and I tilt my head in confusion. "You are far lovelier than she." He smiles, and I blush immediately. Thank goodness for the shade of night because I know Aro would be absolutely delighted by the flush of my cheeks. "Will you spare me another dance, Miss?" He offers his hand with a slight bow.

"I would be honoured." I gently lay my hand atop of his and we pull together, swaying along with the faint sounds of the orchestra.

"We live in the same place, yet we have to avoid each other like the plague." He sighs, and I chuckle.

"I think it will pass. I'm sure Marcus will come around soon. I miss talking to you in the library and watching our flowers here in the garden. It's strange...thousands of years in age difference yet we seem to just...click." We laugh.

"I do have to admit, I have never connected with anyone like this before. Perhaps we're soulmates." He says in a playful tone, and I just roll my eyes. "What? There are platonic forms of soulmates. We might just be it."

"Perhaps...but don't say anything like that to Marcus. He'll definitely hide me away for the rest of my mortal and immortal life." I warn.

Aro and I continue to sway slowly in the moonlit garden. The soft and smooth movements of our bodies relaxed me to the point of me laying my head against his chest. I could feel Aro laying his head atop of mine, and it felt right. I had no room for guilt or any such feelings to make me believe that being here with him was wrong. The comfort of resting against him made me think of Bella. About how she would be this close to Edward during their first dance. The ease of Aro's presence begins to fade, as sadness and disappointment sets in. I sigh with the thought, and Aro ceases our swaying.