When Ends Meet (Marcus & Aro Volturi)

Chapter 30: Chasing A Dream.

*Smut ahead*

Aro lead me down the hall, my memory still hazes but I somewhat recognize where we are going by the paintings on the wall. Without really thinking, I approach one, stare at it with some form of curiosity. There was something about the frames. My eyes scan the wooden boarders until I see something etched into the bottom right corner; an E. "East." I whisper as I run a finger over the small carving.

            Aro watches me carefully. "So...you remember Marcus telling you about these?"

            My brows furrow as I try to conjure up the conversation. "I'm not sure...but I think so." My eyes shut, as I pull hard on the thread of my memories. Yes...I remember. Didyme did this to navigate the castle. I used these markings to make a map so that I too could wander without getting lost. I look to Aro with a small smile, offering my hand to him.

            He takes it, and looks through my thoughts, responding with a smile of his own. "You're getting there. Now, let's continue on. There is someone who has been anxious to see you."

            Aro and I continue to make our way to our destination. A pair of large wooden doors greets us. They are like others I have seen, but for some odd reason I could tell that they led to an entirely different room. Without either of us touching the door, they swing up to allow us entrance. Walking in I see Marcus and Charlotte. They sit comfortably on a throne with a book between them. I am enraptured by the sight of them being so close when a voice pulls my attention elsewhere.

            "Ana."

            I turn to see two blondes. A man and woman. The man seems menacing, but I get the feeling that he is not what he appears. Something tells me that he is actually quite kind despite his unfriendly facial features. The woman on the other hand looks very much the opposite of the man she is linked to. Her brows turn up with worry, and her posture seems drawn close to the man in comfort. She reminds me of a good friend...a really good friend.

            I look to Aro, hoping that he would fill in the blanks. "This is Caius and Athenadora." He offers, hoping that I could put the rest of the pieces together myself.

            "Caius..." I say, summoning the familiarity of his name from my thoughts. I close my eyes as I sense it. "My brother. One of the Volturi leaders....and Athenadora's husband." I say before switching my focus to the blonde female. It didn't take much then because a smile of knowing spreads on my face. "Thena."

            "Do you truly remember?" Athenadora says cautiously.

            I hesitate at first, but with more memories flooding in with their faces, I nod. "Yeah...I remember."

            Athenadora practically sobs, as she lunges for me. Throwing her arms around me I feel her shudder. "You stupid girl! You gave us all such a fright! Never, and I mean NEVER do that again!"

            Slightly stunned, I melt with her emotional lecture. "Of course."

            "Mama, look at what papa and I are reading." Charlotte runs to me with her book.

            With Athenadora releasing me, I crouch down to take a look. "Oh...this...this is my favourite book." I say with a slight gasp. It shocked me how quickly my memory was returning.

            "Yup! Papa and I read it all the time, and sometimes daddy will read it to me too." I stare at my daughter, a prior thought and new confusion, alarming me. I look to Marcus, then back to Aro.

            With slight embarrassment I stand up looking between the two. "Who...is Charlotte's father?"

            "Does our daughter look nothing like me, amore?" Marcus chuckles softly, as he leaves his throne to approach me.