TAINTED BLOOD (Aro Volturi X Reader)

Amidst the Gardens

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Amidst the sprawling gardens of the Volturi, Caius and Athenodora strolled hand in hand, their footsteps barely disturbing the serenity of the surroundings. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms created a vibrant tapestry, casting an ethereal glow upon their path.

Caius, gazed thoughtfully at the blooming roses. His eyes held a hint of sadness as he recalled the countless centuries he had witnessed. Athenodora, her beauty as timeless as the marble statues that adorned the gardens, looked up at him with a mixture of love and concern.

"My Caius," she whispered, her voice soft as a summer breeze, "what troubles your mind?"

Caius sighed, his voice heavy with the weight of his thoughts. "I cannot help but wonder, my love, if our existence has served any purpose. We have witnessed countless wars and tragedies, yet our power has been used sparingly."

Athenodora paused, her heart aching at his words. She understood his longing for meaning, but she also knew the limitations of their existence. "We are not gods, Caius," she said gently. "Our purpose is not to intervene in the affairs of mortals. We are guardians, protectors of the vampire world."

Caius nodded slowly, his eyes still clouded with doubt. "Yet, it seems as if we have become mere observers, watching from the sidelines as humanity suffers."

Athenodora reached out and caressed his cheek. "We may not be able to change the world, my love," she said, "but we can make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. We can offer guidance, protection, and a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times."

Caius smiled faintly; his spirit lifted by Athenodora's words. He realized that even in the face of centuries-old despair, there was still beauty and purpose to be found.

Together, they continued their walk through the gardens, their bond as unbreakable as the ancient oaks that towered above them.

"I can see in your eyes, there is something else bothering you dear" Athenodora added after their brief silence.

His gaze held a flicker of trepidation.

"Athenodora," Caius began, his voice a low rumble, "I have come to seek your wisdom."

Athenodora's eyes, shimmering with ancient knowledge, met his. "Speak, Caius. What troubles you?"

With a heavy sigh, Caius revealed, "I have learned that... that the witch is Aro's mate."

Athenodora's lips parted in surprise. "Aro's mate?" she echoed. "But it is forbidden. The Volturi have always upheld the ancient laws."

"I know," Caius said, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "But it cannot be denied. The witch possesses a power that... that draws Aro to her. It is their natural string that draws them close."

Athenodora pondered his words. "And he is exchanging her" she questioned

"That is why I have come to you," Caius said. "I have heard from Marcus that Aro is no longer exchanging her for the tomes. However, Marcus wants her gone."

Athenodora closed her eyes, as if seeking guidance from the unseen forces that whispered to her. After a long silence, she opened her eyes and met Caius's gaze.

"The path before us is fraught with peril," she said slowly. "The ancient laws forbid the union of a Volturi and a mortal witch. But, because she is his mate, he could not possibly hand her over and get rid of her. It is his instinct to stay by her side. How could Marcus expect him to give up the one thing he been longing for."

Caius leaned forward eagerly. "I told Marcus that I want nothing to do with it"

"The laws state that the Volturi cannot create new vampires," Athenodora explained. "But... they do not forbid us from... transforming Y/N into something else." she gave a knowing look to Caius.

Caius's mind raced. "You mean..."

"Yes," Athenodora said. "A witch. A creature that exists outside the laws that govern vampires. But an immortal witch with vampire value can stay."

Caius hesitated. "But that would be risky. The transformation could... could kill her. let alone kill whomever drinks the tainted blood within her veins."

"I know," Athenodora said. "But it is the only way to preserve Aro from growing mad. Aro's love for Y/N cannot be allowed to shatter the ancient order. but we cannot expect them to part. Especially allowing Marcus to shatter them."

Caius nodded slowly. "I will present this option to Aro. May the fates guide us in our decision."

As Caius turned to leave, Athenodora's voice stopped him. "Remember, Caius. This is a path that must be tread with great care. The consequences of our actions could echo through eternity."

Caius kissed Athenodora before leaving her in the gardens to find Aro, his mind heavy with the weight of their secret. The fate of the Volturi, and the love between Aro and the witch, hung in the balance.

Athenodora is not aware of Marcus attempting to dethrone Aro. Caius could never find the courage to tell her of his treason conspiring with Marcus on the subject. He had to tread carefully. That is why he informed Marcus that he no longer wanted to be part of his plan. He had to think of Athenodora. How his actions could fall on her shoulders