CARME, The Runaway

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The morning after the underwater encounter with Demetri and Felix and just hours after they arrived, the sanctuary felt unusually tense. Imani had called for a meeting in the grand hall, a space carved deep into the cliffs, with the sound of distant crashing waves echoing through its high, arched ceilings. The air was thick with anticipation as the figures gathered around the long stone table.

Imani sat at the head, her expression carefully composed but her eyes giving away the gravity of the situation. To her left sat Delfin, his calm presence reassuring, though his red eyes flickered with concern. Dorothea, who had been by Imani's side during the encounter, stood to her mother's right, her face thoughtful, still processing the implications of what had been shared.

Adelia sat next to Dorothea, her dark eyes sharp and inquisitive, and next to her was Carme. Carme shifted in her seat, the smooth stone cold beneath her palms. The grandeur of the hall surrounded her, but she felt a weight of unease pressing against her chest. She glanced around at the gathered faces—each member of the Oceanic Coven carried a burden that seemed to thicken the air, and she sensed it keenly, the energy of their shared worry melding with her own.

Imani cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Yesterday, we met with Demetri and Felix Volturi. They are part of the high guard which consists of powerful vampires that Aro keeps near him." She explained, mostly to Carme who was new to all this. She didn't know much about the Volturi except that they have been the rulers of vampires for more than a thousand years. "We were able to come here early because of Delfin's specially breeded turtles, these are ones we only give to certain covens in case they wanted to communicate with us. Without that initial respect, Demetri's tracking abilities would have surely lead the two of them to the Forks cavern and see Carme."

Carme listened intently, her mind racing as Imani detailed the intricacies of vampire politics and the high guard. The fact that Demetri and Felix had sought them out was unsettling, but she felt a flicker of gratitude that Delfin's turtles had afforded them some time to prepare.

"So, if Demetri and Felix were able to find us so easily," Carme said, her voice trembling slightly, "what's to stop the Volturi from tracking us down again? What if they come for me?"

Imani's expression softened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered Carme's question. "That's why we must train you to harness your abilities. If the Volturi sense you as a threat, they will come. We need you to be ready."

Delfin nodded in agreement, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "They are relentless. We cannot underestimate their resolve. But we also have strengths of our own, and that includes our ability to communicate through the ocean. It gives us a unique advantage." That comforted Carme a little, however there was still tension there as her thoughts ran. Imani decided to continue the main subject of the meeting.

"In any case, they 'invited' us to witness against the Cullens, and this puts us in a precarious position. If we refuse, we risk angering the Volturi, but if we accept, we could be walking into a trap." Imani's voice resonated with authority, but the vulnerability in her eyes did not go unnoticed by Carme.

Adelia leaned forward, her dark hair framing her face. "What if we sent someone to gather more information? We need to understand the true nature of their intentions. Perhaps we can uncover a way to turn this situation to our advantage."

Imani shook her head, her expression stern. "That's not possible. Aro's abilities allow him to read thoughts with just a touch. If any of us get close enough to him, we could be compromised. We cannot risk him knowing our plans or the extent of our concerns."