TAINTED BLOOD (Aro Volturi X Reader)

Crimson Eyes and Listening Ears

As Marcus made his way back inside his chamber after sending off the elves, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach. The air inside the darkened room felt heavy with tension, every shadow whispered secrets that seemed to mock him. Suddenly, a sharp rap at the door shattered the eerie silence like glass, causing Marcus to jump in surprise. Who could possibly be knocking at this late hour, and why? His mind raced with possibilities - an enemy come to exact revenge, a spy seeking information, or perhaps even someone from his past come to haunt him.

Though, these were thoughts caused by the blood-wine he consumed. Steeling himself, Marcus approached the door cautiously and slowly turned the handle, unsure of what lay on the other side but prepared for whatever may come.

There stood Anya. "What do you want" Marcus spoke. "I have something you may want" she stated. Her eyes searched down the corridors on both sides. She wanted to be certain no one saw here there.

"Get in" Marcus opened the door all the way and gestured her inside quickly. As she entered, Marcus slammed the door shut. This making Anya jumps slightly. "Speak or don't waste my time" Marcus barked as he waltzed to the corner of this room and slouched, he body onto the chair. He then cleared his throat as he poured himself and goblet of blood-wine.

Anya swallowed at the sight. "I overheard a conversation in the library, between Aro and that witch" she explained "and?" Marcus questioned. Anya explained the conversation in full detail. Marcus furrowed his brows. "So, Y/N been handling Aros drinks" Marcus had a sudden idea. He couldn't get blamed for Aro's behavior. He could blame it on Y/N. Then it dawned on Marcus. Aro is sick. That is why Y/N been adding Medicinals to his drinks. He smirked slyly. He now had another reason to have Aro overthrown for his seat

"Thank you, Anya." Marcus spoke. However, his gratitude was not sweet. It was venom giving thanks. Marcus walked over and opened his study drawer. In his palm he carried a small velvet sack full of coins. "Here" he tossed the velvet bag at Anya, who caught it. "I am most grateful" Anya spoke as she gave a slight kneel and scurried on her way.

Marcus was pleased to hear the details of Aro and Y/N's conversation. He gained leverage. Knowledge that could guide him as becoming the new Volturi leader. Marcus was thrilled, he was delighted. He was like a child in a candy store.

Quickly, Marcus grabbed his Volturi cloak that was hanging by his chamber door and swiftly threw it on. He picked up his pace and made his way down the corridor until he reached the dungeon staircase. Slowly, Marcus made his way down into the abyss.

Marcus moved with feline grace towards the dungeon hall. The stone walls whispered secrets that had long been buried, but Marcus knew better than to trust their deceptive silence.

Inside, a figure stirred. It was his witch. She quickly made her into Marcus's view from the shadows she once hid in.

"Prepare yourself," Marcus hissed, his voice a low rumble. "Soon, we will take what we deserve" The witch's lips parted in surprise. "That is a quick surprise" '"Yes," Marcus affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "The time has come for Aro to pay for his debts" The witch set her untrusting gaze on Marcus. "Get me when it is time" The witch instructed. Marcus nodded his head and turned to make his way back up the stoned staircase. Each step containing cobwebs. Marcus made his way up and inspected his surroundings. He was worried that Caius would be there again.

Surely, no one was in sight. He quickly picked up his pace and entered the hollow corridor leading to his chamber. He had letters to send, and he had covens to inform. He had detail that they needed. He had information that he could use against Aro.

Quickly, Marcus made it into his chamber. He was in a rush of pure self-excitement that he did not shut the door. Only the sound of the door slamming against the wall echoed. He dipped his quill and began writing at a fast pace on the parchment displayed on his study. He was too enthralled to sit down. He was standing over the parchment, creating lingering shadows to the pace of his writing. As Marcus wrote, he was describing his literature word for word under his breath.

Suddenly, Marcus caught the mere sight of a figure standing at his chamber entrance. He exasperated a low rasp as he jolted his attention to the figure. It was Aro, "Aro! I'm sorry I did not notice you there" Marcus was playing it low. "No problem at all" Aro stated. His crimsons wide and particularly aquatinted with Marcus's movements. Marcus was not sure how to sense Aro's demeanor. aro only stood there silent with a hinted smile. "Don't let me get in your way, you seem to be writing an important message" Aro's crimsons darted to the parchment on Marcus's desk. "No, no I can finish this later. nothing important" Marcus stated. Slowly exhibiting a relaxed demeanor. Marcus then sat down in his seat.

Once Marcus sat down, Aro crossed the room with his hands together. "Who are you writing a letter to? " Aro asked. "Sedrick, actually" Marcus was being truthful. However, the truth did not lie when it came to the matter of the letter. "I don't remember enquiring a letter being sent to Sedrick" Aro questioned Marcus with narrowed eyes. Marcus knew Aro was being cross. He had become accustomed to Aro's ways for centuries.

"No, you didn't" Marcus explained. He was trying to make an excuse for his actions. Covering his own tracks. He was ultimately avoiding Aro's 'gift'. "Ahh, so you are sending Sedrick a letter...entitled what?" Aro questioned him. The reason Aro was being cross with Marcus, was because he did not trust him to begin with. It was custom coven leaders and the Volturi leader contact each other. No one else was granted this form of contact, unless enquired to do so.

Marcus quickly straightened his back in the seat. As if he was called to attention. "I thought you would be pleased, if I informed Sedrick about the mishaps in Rivendell." Marcus explained. He was lying though. Aro could sense it. "That is actually a good idea" Aro surprisingly spoke. Marcus couldn't quite understand Aro's sudden encouragement. Truth was, Aro already knew what he needed from Marcus. "Go ahead, I'll leave you to it" Aro glared at Marcus before he turned on the heel of his shoes and left.

Marcus was slightly puzzled. It took him a moment before he went back to his quill and parchment. However, Aro knew everything he needed. He heard Marcus talking to himself as he wrote the parchment. Aro was lingering in the corridor outside Marcus's chamber. Within the shadows his crimson's shown and his ears listened.

However, Aro did not fully know Marcus's plans. Only the information he was presenting Sedrick. Aro knew for years that Marcus wanted his seat. It was not that well hidden behind his blood-wine drunkenness. Aro needed to devise his own plan. He needed to protect his mate at all costs.