𝑬𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏𝟏

The next day, Marcus led Aveline to a secluded path just outside the city. The trees that lined the path towered above them, their leaves creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, golden glow. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the earthy scent of the forest, and Aveline felt a sense of peace settle over her as they walked side by side.

Marcus shared stories from his past as they strolled along the path—tales of his travels before he had joined the Volturi, of the people he had met and the places he had seen. His voice was calm and steady, with a touch of humor that made her smile. He told her about a time when he had been mistaken for a wandering monk in a small village in Italy, and how he had played along, much to the amusement of the villagers.

Aveline laughed at the thought of Marcus as a monk, her heart feeling lighter with each step. "I can't imagine you in a monk's robe," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that made her heart skip a beat. "It wasn't one of my finer moments, I admit. But it was worth it to see the look on their faces when they realized the truth."

They continued to walk, the conversation flowing easily between them. Aveline found herself sharing stories of her own—of the small village near the coast of Greece where she had spent a few months, blending in with the locals. She spoke of the vibrant market that had been the heart of the village, filled with colors and scents that had made her feel more alive than she had in years.

Marcus listened intently, his gaze never leaving her face. "You have a way of seeing the beauty in the world, Aveline," he said softly. "I think that's one of the things I admire most about you."

She blushed at the compliment, her heart warming at his words. "I just try to find the light in the darkness," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The path eventually led them to a small clearing, where the trees parted to reveal a stunning view of the mountains in the distance. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the landscape. They stood there for a moment, taking in the beauty of the scene, neither of them speaking as the world seemed to pause around them.

Marcus broke the silence first, his voice gentle as he asked, "What's your favorite color, Aveline?"

She turned to look at him, surprised by the simplicity of the question. "Emerald green," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It reminds me of the forests back home—of the life and vibrancy I used to find there."

Marcus nodded thoughtfully, as if committing the detail to memory. "Emerald green," he repeated, the words rolling off his tongue with a certain reverence. "A color full of life and depth, much like you."

Aveline felt a blush creeping up her neck at his words. She wasn't used to such straightforward compliments, especially ones that seemed so sincere. She looked away, trying to hide the warmth in her cheeks, but Marcus gently touched her chin, turning her gaze back to him.

"You have a way of bringing life back to those around you," he continued, his voice low and tender. "You've done it for me, Aveline. I was lost, existing but not truly living, until you came into my life."

His words struck her deeply, resonating with the ache she had carried for so long. Aveline swallowed, trying to keep her emotions in check, but it was difficult with Marcus looking at her like that, as if she were the only thing that mattered in the world.

"Marcus," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I've felt the same way since we met. It's like... like you've awakened something in me that I thought was gone forever."

He smiled softly, his thumb brushing gently against her cheek. "Then perhaps we're meant to help each other find life again, to heal together."

Aveline's heart fluttered at the thought, the idea of finding healing and hope with Marcus by her side. For so long, she had believed that her heart was irreparably broken, that she was destined to carry the weight of her past alone. But now, with Marcus, she could see a future—one that didn't involve endless pain and loneliness.

The silence that settled between them was thick with unspoken emotions, a shared understanding that words couldn't fully capture. Marcus's hand was a comforting cold against her cheek, his touch grounding her in the moment, making her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

"I never imagined I could feel this way again," Aveline admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But with you, it feels like there's a chance for something new—something good."

Marcus's eyes softened, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a tender, reassuring gesture. "We'll take it one step at a time, Aveline. No rush, no pressure. Just us, together."

She closed her eyes, savoring the coldness of his touch, the comfort of his words. "Together," she echoed, the word a quiet promise to herself as much as it was to him.

When she opened her eyes, Marcus was still close, his presence steady and reassuring. She felt a surge of affection for him, a deep, abiding connection that was growing stronger with each passing moment. It wasn't the same as what she had with Kai—it was different, but that didn't make it any less meaningful. It was something new, something uniquely theirs.

"Tell me more about yourself, Aveline," Marcus said, his voice gentle. "I know we've shared our pasts—the pain we've both endured—but I want to know more about the little things, the everyday things that make you who you are."

Aveline hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. She had spent so long guarding her heart, hiding her true self from the world. But with Marcus, it felt safe to open up, to share the parts of herself that she had kept hidden for centuries.

"Well," she began, her voice soft but steady, "I've always loved the arts—drawing, painting, creating something with my hands. It's how I've always dealt with the pain and the memories. It helps me put everything into perspective, to find beauty even in the darkest times."

Marcus listened intently, his gaze never leaving her face as she spoke. "That explains the sketchbook," he said with a smile. "I've seen the way your eyes light up when you're working on something. It's a beautiful thing to witness."

Aveline returned his smile, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "It's my way of remembering and honoring what I've lost, while also creating something new."

He reached out, taking her hand in his, his touch gentle and reassuring. "You have a gift, Aveline. Not just with art, but with your ability to see beyond the pain, to find hope and beauty even after everything you've been through."

She looked down at their intertwined hands, her heart swelling with affection for this man who had become so important to her. "Thank you, Marcus. That means more to me than you know."

They stood there in comfortable silence for a few moments, simply enjoying each other's presence. Aveline could feel the walls around her heart slowly crumbling, allowing Marcus in, allowing the possibility of something new, something beautiful, to take root.

"What about you?" Aveline asked, breaking the silence. "What brings you joy? What do you hold onto when the past becomes too much?"

Marcus's expression grew thoughtful, his gaze distant for a moment before he answered. "For a long time, I didn't have anything to hold onto. After Didyme... I was lost in a way that I can't fully explain. But recently, I've found solace in the quiet moments—like now, sitting with you, talking about life and the things that matter. It's those simple, peaceful moments that I cherish."

Aveline squeezed his hand, understanding the weight of his words. She knew how hard it was for him to open up, to allow himself to feel again after so many years of numbing the pain.

"I'm glad we can share those moments together," she said softly. "It makes everything feel a little less heavy."

Marcus smiled, his eyes full of warmth and affection. "It does. And I'm grateful for that."

They spent the rest of the night talking, sharing stories, dreams, and hopes as they made their way back home. It was the start of something new, something that promised to bring light into the darkness of their long lives. The future was still uncertain, but with Marcus by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

Together.