Bite Me | Volturi Kings

Chapter 12

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"For the first time in our history, humans pose a threat to our kind." Flamboyant as ever, Aro swept out his cloak to round on those behind him, delivering his speech to his witnesses instead of foes. This was a justification, posed so eloquently for the ear of the fly that was to later on buzz about the world telling tales of their righteous conquest. 

"Their modern technology has given birth to weapons that could destroy us." He glanced back to gauge Shoomah's reaction, one she was more than happy to give with an elegantly raised eyebrow. You did not have to be a mind reader to know her sentiments on the subject. 

But he continued nonetheless, "Maintaining our secret has never been more imperative. In such perilous times, only the known is safe." His expressions were slightly patronising. They were his usual over-expressive expressions intertwined with a hint of talking to a toddler. 

"Only the known is tolerable, and we know nothing of what this child will become. Can we live with such uncertainty? Spare ourselves a fight today, only to die tomorrow." Shoomah cursed high heaven for Aro's skill at motivational speaking; it was times like these that she really got annoyed with his silver tongue. Such a skill was certainly useful for creating the Volturi; he had had to be able to persuade people to join his power even when he had none. So if there was anyone who could get blood from a stone through mere words, it was Aro. How unfortunate. 

What was more unfortunate was that Shoomah could see the cogs turning in the heads of the vampires opposite them. She could see their red eyes fixate on Renesmee with apprehension and even a guarded fear. 

Luckily, footsteps from afar diverted attention away from the poor child. For Aro's part, his face lit up into one of childish glee, and Shoomah smiled fondly at the sight despite herself. "Alice!" He gasped. 

Shoomah's eyes pivoted to analyse the famed clairvoyant, spying a pixie girl—in stature and in hair—walking beside, presumably, her mate. The pair ignored their allies in favour of walking straight into the lion's den. Value apparently makes you feel invincible. 

"My dear, dear Alice we're so glad to see you here after all."

As she struggled against the holds that three vampires held on her and Jasper (if Shoomah recalled the other vampire's name correctly), Alice explained her reasoning for returning. "I have evidence the child won't be  risk to our kind." 

Mirenyou leaned in to whisper into Shoomah's ear, "ughruð taʁʉʙ" (There goes his argument).

Caius was quick to glare at the male, with Aro also sneering at the disrespect. However, Alice was, thankfully, quick to gain his attention again by holding out her hand and continuing to speak, "Let me show you."

"Brother." 

Aro ignored Caius's warning in favour of allowing the young vampire forward, but making sure to keep her mate under a firm grip lest she try anything foolish. He beckoned her towards him with an outstretched hand, seeing the future through Alice's memories had become somewhat of an addiction for him. So enthralling and exciting. Especially considering that the first one he had ever seen was of him and his brothers sitting regally on a throne, superlative power amassed around them and their mate... Their Shoomah gazing at them with a look that now only existed in the depths of his memories. That addictive spark of hope had kept him wishing to see that future again and again, hoping each time he grasped her hand that he could search for a little longer to find anything regarding that enticing future. 

Alas what he saw was not the joyful existence he had so hoped it to be, but one of bloodshed and defeat. One of cold eyes turned colder, and of the very winter atmosphere biting away at his heart for them to turn into the warm eyes of that sugar-sweet future. One of agony, complete and utter agony that consumed his very soul—if he even had one left. He saw himself, his brothers, and the love of his eternal life facing rotten torment. If Aro could've, he would've shed a tear, suddenly never wishing to delve into visions of the future ever again. He played Icarus, and in turn, Icarus played him like a fool.