𝑬𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏𝟑

Aveline paced the length of her room, her nerves fraying with each step. The weekend had arrived, and with it, the time to put the plan she and her mother had painstakingly crafted into action. Despite their careful preparations, doubt gnawed at Aveline's mind. They were about to set out on a dangerous mission, one that could easily backfire if anything went wrong. The guilt of lying to the kings, especially to Marcus, was already heavy on her conscience, but the alternative—telling them the truth and involving the Volturi—was unthinkable. If they knew, they'd send guards with them, and that could lead to a bloodbath with the Romanians. Aveline wasn't willing to risk that.

Heidi entered her room, her expression a mix of determination and unease. "Are you ready for this?" she asked, adjusting her cloak with trembling hands. "It feels dangerous."

Aveline stopped pacing, turning to face Heidi. "It is dangerous," she admitted, her tone firm, "but it's necessary. If we involve the kings, they'll never let us go alone. And if the guards, our friends, come with us, it could start a war. I can't let that happen, mom."

Heidi sighed, knowing Aveline was right but still unable to shake her anxiety. "I trust your judgement," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "but what if Vladimir isn't there? What if Stefan was in fact lying about everything?"

Aveline's resolve hardened as she crossed the room to stand in front of her. "Then we find out why. You deserve the truth, and so does my father. We can't let Stefan's schemes go unanswered."

They exchanged a glance, the weight of their mission pressing down on them both. There was no turning back now. Aveline took a deep breath and nodded toward the door. "Let's go say our goodbyes. The sooner we leave, the better."

They made their way down the hall, passing the three kings' rooms and the two queens' chambers before continuing toward the throne room. The grandeur of the palace was evident in every step, the silence around them heavy with the weight of what they were about to do.

The throne room was as imposing as ever, with its high ceilings and dark, intricate designs that seemed to echo the power held within its walls. Aro, Caius, and Marcus were deep in discussion, their voices a low murmur that ceased as Aveline and Heidi approached. Aveline's heart gave a familiar flutter when she saw Marcus, but she quickly forced herself to remain composed. She had to stay focused. This was necessary, and she couldn't afford to let her emotions betray her now.

Aro was the first to notice them, his warm smile betraying no suspicion. "Ah, Aveline, Heidi. Off on your shopping trip?"

Heidi managed a casual nod, her smile a little too tight. "Yes, we thought we'd take advantage of the weekend. We might be gone a bit longer than usual."

Marcus's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Aveline. "Is everything alright? You seem rather tense."

Aveline cursed inwardly at his perceptiveness. She needed to stay calm, but Marcus had always been able to read her far too well. Forcing a smile, she responded, "Everything's fine, Marcus. Just excited to go out and shop for a bit. You know how it is, being cooped up in the castle."

Caius smirked. "Just don't bankrupt the treasury," he said half joking, half serious.

Aro chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, let them enjoy themselves, Caius. They deserve a break."

But Marcus wasn't convinced. His gaze lingered on Aveline, concern etched in his features. Before he could press her further, however, a messenger entered the room, diverting Aro's attention.

"Very well," Aro said, turning away. "Be safe, and do return soon."

Aveline and Heidi took the opportunity to slip away, exchanging a final glance with Marcus before exiting the throne room. As soon as they were out of earshot, her mother exhaled a shaky breath. "That was too close."

"I know," Aveline replied, her voice low, "but it's done. Now, we head to Romania."

As they moved swiftly down the corridor, Marcus's voice called out to Aveline, stopping her in her tracks. "Aveline," he said softly, his voice carrying across the hall and silencing the air between them. "May I speak with you privately for a moment?"

Aveline's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Heidi, who gave her a supportive nod before continuing toward the exit. Aveline followed Marcus to the old library, away from prying eyes and ears.

"What is it, Marcus?" Aveline asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus studied her intently, his eyes searching hers with a depth that made her feel exposed. "You're hiding something," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "I can see it in your eyes, feel it in the bond between us. Whatever it is, you don't have to carry it alone."

Aveline's breath caught in her throat. His words, his concern, only made the guilt inside her grow. She reached out, placing a hand on his chest. "I wish I could tell you everything," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "But I can't. Not yet. Just trust me, Marcus. Trust that I'm doing what needs to be done."

Marcus's hand gently covered hers, his thumb brushing against her skin in a tender caress. "I trust you, Aveline," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "But it doesn't make it any easier to see you walk away, knowing you're carrying a burden that should be shared."

Aveline's resolve wavered as she stared into his eyes. She had always been strong, always able to push through whatever obstacles came her way. But with Marcus, she felt something different—vulnerability, a deep connection that made her want to lower her defenses.

"I'll be back," she promised, her voice thick with emotion. "I just need to do this. For Heidi, for myself... for us."

Marcus's eyes softened, and he cupped her face in his hands, his touch gentle and comforting. "Then go," he said, his voice low. "But promise me one thing, Aveline—come back to me. No matter what happens, come back to me."

Aveline felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back, nodding. "I promise," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Marcus leaned in, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. Aveline closed her eyes as their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. It was a kiss filled with unspoken words, with the weight of everything they couldn't say. It was a goodbye and a promise all at once, and Aveline poured every ounce of her love and determination into it.

When they finally pulled apart, Marcus rested his forehead against hers, his breath cold against her skin. "Be safe," he murmured, his voice cracking slightly.

Aveline nodded, her heart aching as she pulled away, her hand lingering in his for just a moment longer before she let go. "I will," she whispered, turning to leave before she lost the determination to walk away.

As she rejoined her mother outside, Aveline felt the comforting coldness of Marcus's kiss lingering on her lips, a reminder of the love and trust she was leaving behind. But she couldn't dwell on it now. She had a mission to complete, and she couldn't afford to falter.

As they left Volterra behind under the cover of night, Aveline glanced back one last time, her thoughts filled with Marcus. She would return to him. No matter what, she would find her way back to him. It was a promise she intended to keep.