Dark Blood - A. Volturi

Chapter 5

"How can I not? Every time I think I'm moving forward, it feels like I'm falling apart again. Alec doesn't care about me at all. I'm stuck in this... this game. Aro's game. I'm just a pawn on an entire chessboard. There's so many more people who have more power than I do,"

The days blurred together for Shadow, and she didn't care more or less. The Volturi's cold presence weighed heavily on her mind, as did the ever-present dread of Alec's indifference.

Every time she saw him he wore a mask with emotionless eyes, no smile, just a frown, and her heart seemed to twist a little more each time, like an invisible force slowly pulling her apart.

It had been two days since the conversation with Alice, Jade and Rosalie. They had a plan now, or at least part of one: pretend to play along with Aro's intentions, buy time, and gather information. Maybe find a loophole.

Shadow wasn't sure how long she could keep up the charade. Her heart was breaking everyday. Aro's subtle manipulations and Alec's complete disregard for her were driving her to the edge and she was losing control.

"Shadow?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by Jade's soft voice. She had knocked on the door earlier, but Shadow hadn't answered, too lost in her thoughts. She wasn't in the mood for company, but Jade had never been the type to quit easily. When she didn't respond, the door creaked open, and Jade stepped in, a frown on her face.

"I thought I'd find you here," Jade said, sitting on the edge of the bed, her usual grace replaced by something softer.

Shadow gave a tight smile but didn't look at her. "You always know where to find me."

Jade didn't respond right away, her eyes scanning the room before they landed on Shadow's tense shoulders. "How are you holding up? You haven't left your room two days straight,"

The question hit too close to the truth, and Shadow's breath caught. She felt the tears threatening to spill, but she fought them back. She couldn't let herself break down. Not yet.

"I'm fine," Shadow said flatly, still refusing to meet Jade's sympathetic gaze. "I'm fine, Jade. Really."

There was a long silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Jade didn't push her. She knew better than anyone that Shadow needed time to come to terms with everything.

"I know you're not fine," Jade said, her voice quieter now. "But that's okay. You don't have to carry it all alone. I know it's a burden,"

Shadow finally looked up at Jade, her heart a mixture of gratitude and frustration. "How can I not? Every time I think I'm moving forward, it feels like I'm falling apart again. Alec doesn't care about me at all. I'm stuck in this... this game. Aro's game. I'm just a pawn on an entire chessboard. There's so many more people who have more power than I do," She sighed. "But I can't let them win. If they do, I'll forever be stuck in this mess."

Jade's eyes softened, her features almost angelic in the dim light. "You don't have to play their game alone. We're in this together, Shadow. Alice, Rosalie, me... We'll figure something out. Maybe there's something we haven't found,"

Shadow shook her head, trying to push the pain down. "But what if we don't? What if it's too late? Aro already has me in his sights. Alec... Alec is the only one who could help me, but he doesn't even feel anything. It's like I'm invisible to him."

Jade's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression torn. "I don't think Alec wants to hurt you, Shadow. He's just trapped in his own way, too. But you don't have to wait for him to change. We'll find another way out."

"But what if there isn't one?" Shadow's voice cracked at the thought. "What if I'm just meant to be a pawn in this endless game?"

Jade stood, her expression now resolute. "Then we'll make sure you're not. You're stronger than you think. You've faced worse odds before, and you've come out on top."

Shadow let out a hollow laugh. "You think so? I'm falling apart, Jade. My heart's already shattered. There's nothing left to pick up."

"Then let's pick up the pieces together," Jade said, her voice firm with unwavering resolve. "You're not alone in this, Shadow. And we're not giving up on you. Not now. Not ever."

The sincerity in her words hit harder than anything else. For the first time in what felt like ages, Shadow felt a spark of hope flicker to life in her chest. She wasn't alone. Maybe, just maybe, that was enough to keep fighting.

Jade stood, her expression firm now. "Then we'll make sure that you're not. You're stronger than you think. You've faced worse odds before, and you've come out on top."

Shadow gave a hollow laugh. "You think so? I'm falling apart, Jade. My heart's already shattered. There's nothing left to pick up."

"Then let's pick up the pieces together," Jade said, her voice unwavering. "You're not alone in this, Shadow. And we're not giving up on you. Not now. Not ever."

The sincerity in her words hit harder than anything else. Shadow's heart swelled, and for a moment, she felt something shift within her—a spark of hope that had long been buried beneath the weight of her despair. She wasn't alone. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to keep fighting.

Later that night, Shadow lay in her bed, her mind racing. She had promised herself that she wouldn't let Aro use her, that she wouldn't be another pawn in his twisted game. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized how much she needed to get out of this situation.

The pain of knowing Alec didn't feel anything for her was unbearable, but the thought of living her life under Aro's control was worse. She couldn't go on like this.

A soft knock broke the silence of her thoughts.

"Come in," she called out quietly.

The door creaked open, and Alice stepped in, her eyes full of quiet determination.

"How are you holding up?" Alice asked softly, her voice warm and kind.

"Better," Shadow replied, sitting up in bed. "I'm just... I'm trying to figure out what to do next."

Alice smiled gently and moved to sit beside her. "I know it's not easy, but you're not alone in this. We're all here for you. And we'll find a way to fix this. We'll make sure Aro doesn't get what he wants."

Jade suddenly came in, her eyes were wide, and her mouth was open. "Shadow. I have urgent news for you. Come to the throne room with me now,"

After all the research, a final truth will be found.

A/N: Hope you liked it! I will try to post the next chapter soon!

Love,

Jade