Viking's Mate (Twilight OC X OC)

Chapter 69: Nightingale Returns

"Ah, Ivar, Young Aria, welcome. I thank you for joining us today. I see you brought friends as well." Aro greets us with an excited attitude, though it isn't as upbeat as last time. "I'm sorry it were not under more joyous conditions that bring you to my home again." He added solemnly.

After three days of preparing and packing, Ivar, Jay and I made it to Italy. We didn't come alone, either. Jasper, when he found out we were off to war, consulted privately with his mate first before announcing he was going to join us in battle. He claims he was saved from war by Ivar once, so he told us he would be joining our side when we went. Alice, who is not a fighter, offered to journey with us to Italy to be with her mate. When she tried to volunteer to also join the battle, every one of us refused her. Her gift is useful, but she has no battle experience beyond the relatively easy newborn fight. Instead, she will remain in Italy, and use her gift to help in war prep. Emmett tried to come as well, but I asked him to stay behind, just in case, and guard our sons and Carlie in case we fail or the Romanians try something sneaky. I feel better with a strong fighter looking over them, even if it killed me to leave them.

"Thank you for the welcome, Aro, it is nice to be here again. This is my twin brother, Jay, and you already know Alice and Jasper. They are here as our allies for the battle." I say the last line with a pointed look, taking Aro's hand so he can read my thoughts. I want him to know that none of them are here to be a guard, and he would do well to not try to covet them.

He takes my offered hand in greeting, a moment of sorrow passed over his face before he changed it to a delighted sigh. "I see I lost our bet, young one. Your gifts are amazing, and will prove most useful on this war that has sadly called you away from your children. Though I must say, immortality and your gift becomes you."

"Thank you, Aro. Though let's dispense with the pleasantries, we have a war to prepare for. Fill us in please, who is the enemy and what is their objective." I get down to business, seeing Ivar already conversing with Marcus about the enemy.

"At once." Aro says, moving to the head of the meeting table in the antechamber off of the throne room where we all were. The kings and their elite guard were all assembled. "We do not know all the leading members of the enemy, just that it is the Russian coven and the Romanian brothers are leading part of the army. The Romanians we know well, and are likely the ones who started this. We cannot yet discern why the Russian's would join them. We have not crossed them ever in the past, they have always been allies. We believe they are under a new leader though." He informs us succinctly. "As for numbers, the Russian's have a large coven, almost 30 members, and they have been creating newborns as well. We also have an unconfirmed rumor about immortal children being used as well, which I fear may be true."

"And their goal?" Jasper asks him. "No one just builds an army for nothing, especially not with newborns. They likely have a time limit, or a pressing goal."

"We only know the Romanian's goal. To overthrow us and rule over all humans and vampires alike. To no longer be hidden." He says simply. "This will bring danger and death to all of us. To all immortals, and hybrids alike." He adds, looking directly at me. I know he's attempting to manipulate, but I already knew this about the Romanian's. I know already their actions would doom my new immortal existence. It's the same reason why heroes wear masks, it's to keep the normal human ignorant, and to keep the heroes safe.

"There must be a catalyst." Ivar interjects. "I have passed through the Russian coven before, they would not act without dire reason. I never met their new leader, but I heard good things of the man. They never stated a desire to rule like this." 

"Yes, but the Russian's were the ones who killed four guard members two weeks ago. They left one alive to send a message. That they are coming for us." Caius spits out angrily from where he is strategizing over a map.