𝑬𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏𝟓

The atmosphere in the throne room was thick with tension as Vladimir, Heidi, and Aveline huddled around the large steel table. The flickering candlelight painted shadows on their faces, highlighting the determination etched into their features. The plan for the next day was crucial-every decision, every detail had to be flawless.

Aveline broke the silence, her voice steady but laced with curiosity. "So, what exactly happened between you and Stefan? How did he manage to convince you that Heidi was dead?"

Vladimir's expression darkened, and he clenched his fists as if the memories themselves were painful to recall. "Stefan... he was always a master manipulator. He knew how to twist the truth to his advantage. He presented me with what I believed to be undeniable proof-letters supposedly written by Volturi witnesses, reports of Heidi's death at the hands of the Volturi. He even showed me a picture... a picture of what I thought was Heidi's lifeless body. Her pregnant stomach was slashed open, and it looked so real... so monstrous. I was blinded by grief, Aveline. Consumed by rage and the need for revenge, I couldn't see through his lies."

Heidi was sitting beside him and placed her hand over his, her touch comforting and reassuring. "We've both been through hell, Vlad. But we're together now, and that's what matters. Stefan may have taken much from us, but he couldn't destroy what we had-what we still have."

Vladimir turned his hand over, squeezing Heidi's fingers gently. His eyes softened, tenderness shining through the hard exterior he'd built over the centuries. "You're right, my love. And now, we have to ensure that Stefan's betrayal doesn't bring harm to anyone else. I've called in all the vampires who are still loyal to me, but there aren't many left."

Aveline leaned forward, her curiosity growing. "How many do we have? And how many did Stefan take with him?"

"Seven," Vladimir replied, frustration evident in his tone. "The Volturi wiped out most of my coven. The vampires that stayed have been loyal to me for centuries. But I suspect some might be spies, planted by Stefan to keep an eye on us. As for Stefan, he took eight with him. They were new recruits, brought in by Stefan himself. I don't know much about them, which worries me."

Heidi frowned, concern creasing her brow as she exchanged a look with Aveline. "If there's a chance they're spies, we'll need to be extra cautious, at least until tomorrow. Aro will be able to see into their minds when we reach the Volturi, so any traitors will be exposed. But we should give them the choice-if they don't want to join the Volturi, they should be free to leave. We can't force loyalty."

Vladimir nodded, his expression grim. "Agreed. I suspect Damon and Elena will choose to leave; that mated pair has always valued independence. I'm not sure about the rest, but one thing is certain: those who choose to stay must prove themselves. We need to test their abilities and determine where their true loyalties lie. If we're to integrate with the Volturi, we need to bring strength, not weakness."

Aveline looked between them, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and affection. "Heidi and I will go in first, explain everything to the kings. We'll tell them the truth and hope they'll see the value in allowing the Romanians to stay and work alongside them. It's a risk, but it's one we have to take."

Vladimir's gaze softened as he looked at her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Since the day I met you, I knew you were braver than most, Aveline. If anyone can sway the Volturi, it's you."

Heidi chuckled, the sound light and full of warmth. "And I'll be right there with her."

After their private discussion in the throne room, Vladimir summoned the seven vampires who had remained loyal to him. The atmosphere in the room was tense as they gathered, their eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and confusion. The ancient throne room, with its towering columns and dimly lit torches, only added to the gravity of the moment. Vladimir, standing tall and imposing, looked over them, his expression grim and resolute.

"Tomorrow, we're leaving to join the Volturi," Vladimir announced, his deep voice echoing through the stone chamber. "This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Those who wish to leave now may do so-you will not be stopped or harmed."

The vampires exchanged glances, their unease evident. For centuries, they had followed Vladimir, trusting in his leadership and strength. But joining the Volturi was a step that many of them had never imagined. It was a choice that carried immense risk, and the weight of that decision hung heavily in the air.

As Vladimir had predicted, the mated pair, Damon and Elena, who had always valued their independence, were the first to step forward. Damon, tall and stoic with an air of quiet intensity, spoke first. "We've always respected you, Vladimir, but joining the Volturi is a step we cannot take. We've fought alongside you for years, but our path lies elsewhere now. We wish you the best, but we must go our own way."

Elena, standing beside him with a look of quiet determination, nodded in agreement. "We've never been ones to follow orders blindly. We hope you understand."

Vladimir nodded solemnly, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I understand. You've been loyal, and I respect your decision. Go with my blessing, and may you find the peace you seek."

With that, the pair turned and left the room, their departure silent but heavy with unspoken farewells. The remaining five vampires watched them go, the tension in the room only deepening. As the door closed behind Damon and Elena, Vladimir turned his attention back to those who remained.

His gaze swept over them, assessing each one with the critical eye of a seasoned leader. "For those of you who choose to stay, know this: your loyalty will be tested, and your strength must be proven. We cannot afford weakness if we are to stand alongside the Volturi. They are powerful, and they will expect nothing less than the best from us."

The vampires stood at attention. Vladimir's words were not empty threats; they knew the Volturi's reputation, and they understood the gravity of what was being asked of them.