Tempus | Alec volturi | Joel Courtney |

† eight †

_____________________

" Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that "

_____________________

J O E L

____________________

Three months have passed since Carly and Maddelyn were first thrown into the dungeon. After many attempts at taming them and trying to teach them of our regulations, we gave up. Never have I seen women with such thick skin and a driven hate for their own mates. 

"Do you think the ladies have changed?" Felix questioned me as I looked through my chambers for the papers he requires. 

"Madelyn is still very feisty and rebellious, whereas Carly refuses to even look at me and speak in my presence. It's been very long since I have seen or heard her." I said, shuffling through my clothing chest. 

Why didn't you listen to me Carly? Everything would have been so different if you had  obeyed us. I thought to myself.

I turned around to Felix and handed him the papers he needed.

With a heavy heart, I walked out of my chamber and out of the castle to rid myself of the plaguing thoughts about Carly. I wandered out towards the market, stumbling on a couple who seemed to be confessing their love. The three words they uttered made a heavy feeling blossom in my chest. A sort of emptiness consumed me, knowing that the person I love, would never reciprocate my feelings. As I walked, I could still hear those words resonating in my ears like a broken record. 

She doesn't like you - she won't even look at you. She won't love you after all the ill treatment you put her through. I thought to myself.

Finally having enough with the outdoors, I turned on my heels, my cloak swishing behind me, and returned back to the castle. I went back to my chamber and threw myself on the divan picking up a goblet of blood that was placed on the side. I breathed slowly, listening to the light patter of footsteps as they made their way towards my door. A small knock was heard right before the door swung open revealing Antoinette. 

"Where have you been?" She asked, with faux worry as she entered my chamber. "Look at yourself Joel - you look so exhausted. You definitely need some rest."

Her hands ran through my tufts of hair and her lips were twisted into a smirk that validated indecency. 

"I am okay. What brings you here?" I asked moving away from her.

"Aro wants to see you." She shrugged. 

"I should be leaving for the throne room then." I said, standing up and trying to get away from her. She smiled and sashayed out through the door. I sighed and sped through the halls towards the throne room, wanting to get this over and done with as soon as possible so I could get back to sulking. The lower guardsmen pushed the doors open for me and the first thing I noticed was that Alec was called too.

"Master." I nodded. Aro smiled widely looking between us before he spoke. 

"Have your mates caved yet?" 

"No. They haven't changed and don't seem to understand. They are hurt in every way possible but they remain adamant." Alec said, his tone laced with annoyance.