Amnesia

Chapter 2 Awakening

The girl laid unconscious in Caius's king-sized bed. IVs and antibiotic medications were constantly being administered. The heart monitor was was the only noise in the room that filled the void. Caius and Athena sat in plush chairs across from the bed. Caius's room was more of a suite. The bedroom they were in now was separated from the lounge area, giving them more privacy. The room they were in was the master bedroom, decorated to his liking. Athena didn't care for the design her husband picked. It was somewhat dark and gloomy. She preferred brighter, more positive colors.

The surgery that was performed less than 7 hours ago went perfectly. The femur was fixed- now in a full leg cast. Her spine was realigned, and her abdominal bleed was taken care of. Caius and Athena were very grateful, offering the staff breakfast in the palace kitchen.

Aro lightly knocked on Caius's door before entering the room, Marcus following behind.

"How is she doing?" He asked while taking a seat on the small grey sofa across the room.
"She's doing well. She still hasn't woken up yet." Caius sighed, his head resting in his hands. He took unnecessary breaths, trying to make sense of the bond between him and the girl.
Seeing this, the queen rubbed soothing circles on his back. This feeling was troubling him more than it was her.
"What troubles you, brother?" Aro inquired. The blonde ran his nimble fingers through his hair.
"I don't know how to describe it, Aro. I can't find the words." Marcus stood beside him and patted his shoulder in reassurance.
"Try, Caius. We will do the best we can to understand." Marcus assured.
"Well, it's not just me. Athena feels it too. There's an overwhelming need to protect this girl. I haven't cared for a human since becoming a vampire. But this human... just thinking about leaving her on that street to bleed out- to die. It physically pains me, brother." Caius explained to the best of his abilities. Caius offered his hand.
Aro took the younger vampires cold limb, wanting to understand the odd bond that linked him to the young one passed out on the bed.

After seeing all he needed to see, he retracted his hand, amazed.
"Fascinating!" He exclaimed.
"Aro, tell him." Marcus sternly said, tired of seeing the young king and queen in their spiral of confusion.
"Tell us what?" Athena raised a blonde eyebrow at the two across from her.

"Brother, sister, Marcus saw a bond. A bond between you three. It was an odd one, however. While yours was the typical mate bond, golden and strong, this one was dark green. It resembled that of a vine." He confessed.
"A vine?" Caius questioned.
"Yes. Like from a tree."
The four sat in silence, attempts to make sense of the situation was utterly useless. Marcus offered to dig up any information in his private library of myths and legends about the bond.

"Aro?" Athena asked while looking up from her book. They had been in the bedroom for a few hours now. The king and queen refused to leave the girl's side. Aro was simply bored and didn't want to be alone, so, he opted to stay.
"Yes dear?" A smile grew on his lips.
"Does a person have to be awake for you to see their memories?"
"Not necessarily, no."
"Do you think you can look at hers? See what she's like? I want to know her name." Athena said while walking to the child's side. She stroked the girl's cheek with her ice cold finger tips.
"Well, I don't see why not." The king shrugged in agreement.

Caius stood next to his wife on the right side of the bed with his left arm encircling her waist, while Aro stood opposite to them.
The red-eyed vampire brought his hand up to the girl's bruised cheek, slowing stroking the swollen purple mark with his thumb.

The -sometimes creepy- smile that seemed to be permanently plastered to Aro's face dropped. His eyes grew wide at the horrific sight he was seeing. Anger mixed with sadness soon replaced shock.