Shadow Song
Chapter 7: The Cullen Clan Arrives
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The tears I might have shed For your dark fate,
Grow cold and turn to tears Of hate!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The next morning Isabella awoke with muscles screaming in protest, neck shoulders and back all clamored for her attention as she uttered a soft moan of misery as she allowed her eyes to open. She blinked as the room came into focus and her jaw dropped. There was no doubt, from the rich crimson rug with golden patterns to the art of ebony adorning the walls. She had remained in Caius's chambers. Nearly without her consent the events of the night before came tumbling back into her head.
Edward.
He had used her manipulated and betrayed her. It was enough to make her lay back down and attempt to burrow back into her pillow, which incidentally, was a good deal colder and more solid then she remembered moments before. Blearily she raised her head again a frown on her lips as she attempted to process this without the miracle of caffeine to aid her. A soft chuckle sounded in her ear making her jump about three inches as suddenly everything clicked into place as she raised her eyes another inch to meet the now familiar eyes of
"Caius. you stayed"
Her voice was soft, barely a whisper, even through the haze of sleep as his cool hands ghosted over her neck bringing instant relief to muscles which she realised had only stiffened up due to the fact she'd slept on his arm most of the night. Before she could stutter an apology a cool finger was gently placed on her lips.
"Hush Angel, If I minded I would have moved you....after the events of last night you seemed in need of the rest"
Mere minutes later he lifted her head as she turned to lay on her back gently supporting her head as he raised a teacup to her lips. Coffee thick sweet and dark rushed over her senses and she closed her eyes the better to focus on the wonderful flavors. with its slight chocolate aftertaste it was pure heaven. A balm for a damaged soul torn by deception. All too soon the cup was lowered and she opened her eyes sighing deeply. All the weight of the world escaping her lips in a single sound. How could she face Edward now on stage?
Crimson eyes gazed down at her softened from what she was sure might have been a feral gleam with concern. it was only the demands of her mortal body that prompted she to move from her safe haven. Quickly she attended to her morning rites and with some hesitation returned again to his room amused as the door swung open before she had even reached it. There he stood as before pale chest bare of any of the regal clothing that normally adorned his figure, the black dress pants only serving to complement his every mood. Suddenly long forgotten words drifted into her mind.
I'm the world's most dangerous predator, Bella. Everything about me invites you in. My voice, my face, even my smell. As if I would need any of that... as if you could outrun me... as if you could fight me off. I'm designed to kill.
Her smile froze as she closed her eyes again arms wrapping instinctively around her own body as she began to shake. Edward again, except this time her own memories were plaguing her. Would she be able to escape his thrall, be able to breath the free air again? The questions all clamored around her mind in a confused jumble until a pair of arms closed around her. A soft rumbling sound cutting through her panic like a knife replacing it with a soothing feel of safety. Caius, somehow he had sensed the source of her emotional turmoil and had sent it fleeing.
"Shh, Luce Mia The Cullen brat will pay for his crimes I promise you that"
She inhaled deeply, his scent flooding her senses as her fingers gently tangled into his golden tresses. the silken feel was oddly comforting and familiar after those precious moments before one of their many rehearsals.
"What am I going to do?, the play is in 2 days, I know every word every note yet I cannot, will not be able to look at him as Raoul, the man I'm supposed to go off with at the curtains end"
The mere idea was appalling to her, for once she agreed with the legions of fans who all placed their vote in favor of the leading lady snubbing the dashing viscount and staying in the shadows with the passionate devoted Phantom. Yet she was no fool this was not a man playing a role but a vampire king, a being of great power passion and danger. Caius in private was a gentle as a lamb with her but she had no doubt the rumors of the other immortals she heard were true. Trifle with anything he had an interest in and he would move heaven and earth to protect it.
That included her, the revelation was startling in the extreme and yet, he had willing braved the mental strain of the dream to rescue her from the dark lure of Edward's spell and then allowed her to cry all over him and then finally spent the night wrapped in the protection of his arms. None of it made any sense. All these behaviors were not normal for his kind. Unless....
No, it couldn't be Alice would have seen. Should have told her, and yet....
“Caius, why do you care?”
Her question was uttered in a total of utter bafflement from a mind already worn from thinking even though the clock on the mantelpiece had just struck 10 in the morning. His fingers paused in brushing an errant bang out of her face as he considered her inquiry. His lips parted to speak when from the passageway beyond a soft knock was heard and his head snapped in its direction.
“Yes?”
Jane's voice came drifting through the thick wooden door, it seemed even she was not fool enough to enter this room without an invitation. Somehow Bella knew without it ever having been told, even here there were lines that even a vampire would dare not cross.
“Master the first of the guests have arrived, The Cullen Clan”
Ah yes, the guests, how pleasant it had been the last week to focus solely on the music at hand and the play's stage directions and forget that fact it was to be performed by and to an audience of hungry immortals who would, if the Cullen’s were anything to judge by, be more than happy to end her life if she accidentally came to injury on stage.
“Well I suppose it's rude to keep them waiting, shall I remain here?”
His silence had been marked as if his thoughts had wandered far from the subject. Bella knew better than to press so instead attempted to wriggle out of his embrace which had at the sudden interruption tightened around her almost as if he feared someone had come to take her away. This proving to be utterly futile she soon gave it up. Happily for her she did not have to wait very long as he came out of his musings suddenly. His silken voice breaking the silence in nothing more than a whisper yet it sent a shiver down her spine.
“I shall attend to them shortly”
Answer now given Bella was surprised by the rough edge to that silken tone. Vampire's didn't get sore throats as far as she knew, how could they when their own venom was like acid? In her mind it sounded like the worse case of constant acid reflux ever invented. As if he had heard her thoughts a soft chuckle escaped his lips as suddenly they pressed to her shoulder blade for only a moment drawing a gasp from her lips as the cool smooth lips sent a flood of emotions she couldn't all tumbling into her veins.
“Why I care Mi Cara, as you so bluntly put it, is a secret you must discover for yourself...it shouldn't be long now”
With that he was gone in a blur of movement leaving her so riled up her back teeth were clenched. Hungry and now all flustered she glared after him. Stupid sexy vampire and their secrets, did they spend all eternity thinking these things up or was she just special? Having no answers she stalked from the room and back to the rooms she had been unsurprised to find both breakfast and a very agitated Alice waiting for her. As Bella dug into her fruit salad and seasoned eggs these words greeted her ear.
“I cannot believe he was that foolish!”
Swallowing Bella turned to her, knowing full well if this wasn't addressed pronto not only would she be eating a cold breakfast but that Alice would be dwelling on this piece of information for the rest of the day, however good her intentions and by dinner time would be driving Bella up the wall deciding to handle two situations at one she rose from her chair, Quickly changing out of her sleeping pants and shirt Bella choose the first thing in her closet she could lay hands on. A black halter gown with golden belt. Slipping into it she rolled her eyes as her friends quick fingers brushed out her hair until it gleamed red against the rich black fabric.
“I can, though foolish wouldn't be my word of choice, Alice what he did was despicable, selfish and painful. It is my strongest belief the only part of last night Edward regrets is the fact he was caught and beaten at his own game!”
“Had not Caius rescued me from his thrall I might now easily be dead!”
Struck silent Alice only stared at her while Bella returned her attention to breakfast. That done she began pacing like a caged feline, something was making her uneasy, the feeling in her gut that something was wrong. Edward was locked up, presumably under guard she was safe warm and well fed yet a nagging insistent tugging drove her to move. Reaching the door she dug into the wood with her nails, the compulsion growing.
“Alice whats wrong with me?”
Her friend has followed her steps with silent eyes, their golden depths secretive and yet knowing at she approached Bella wrapping her arms around her carefully. Not holding her back but rather as a means of support as she whispered in her ear,
“What do you feel right now Bella, describe it me"
She closed her eyes the better to block out the world and put words to the emotions that flooded her.
“I feel like...I have to go somewhere....follow something, like a piece of me.... is missing, and I must go find it”
“Then, let's go!”
Suddenly the door was open and Bella needed no further prompting with her friend securely holding her hands the feel of silk around her head told her enough, with her eyes covered she could focus, never a thought to which of her curtains now lay in tatters behind her. Footsteps echoed eerily on the empty passageways as suddenly Alice stopped.
“Bella there are two directions do you want to go up or down?”
Her voice was soft yet there was weight in the simply question as if more hung on her feeling then a simply direction change. Almost as it was a life path laid before her and Bella inhaled twice turning in a slow circle before she stopped the tug was absolutely sure.
“Up....we must go up!”
The closer they got the heavier the burden seemed to grow, the faster her steps became, until as they hit level ground and she was almost running Alice in easy strides never breaking her hold. Suddenly her vision was restored. The flickering lights of the torches revealed.
“The Throne room?”
“Alice, why would the pull bring me here?”
The blindfold was quickly returned to her eyes plunging her into darkness once more, with a sound like a rolling boulder the grand doors swung open, every eye in the room turning in their direction yet no one looked surprised at her suddenly appearance. Had she been able to see Bella easily could have blushed at all the unwanted attention and yet the tug drove her on. A rustle of fabric met her ears and the sound of three distinct individuals rising when Alice spoke quietly from somewhere about her knee. She was kneeling Bella realized. Soft gasps now caught her ear from somewhere over her shoulder.
“Volturi Kings All, we are answering the call of the bound, the quest for the other half, grant she who seeks the answer now the honor of completing her search.”
Cool fingers raised Bella's chin as another pair of hands took her own, Marcus! She realized, the ever sad tone of his voice was recognizable. He picked up her right hand holding it gently in his own as if mindful of her fragility as he then placed it within the hands of another.
“Pardon is granted with full measure, Welcome to you seeker Swan, what you seek in the knowledge many had wandered the world for, today your quest ends, are you ready to learn the truth?”
“I am”
“Then I as guardian of the sacred bond grant you this freely, the connection you seek to confirm is true and pure. There will never be another to fill the gap nor an escape once the truth in known from this first meeting events are thrown into motion you cannot control . . Do you still wish to know the truth?”
“I Do”
“Then as all of you gathered here, acting as witnesses to the event. I Marcus Volturi do grant you Isabella Marie Swan, the knowledge of your true and rightful soul mate!”
Suddenly the blindfold was removed with a formality more suited to an old world kingdom. Momentarily blinded by the sunlight flooding into the room Bella blinked as it began to fade. She was surrounded by three figures, her hand held safe and warm at last. Her eyes journeyed upwards and finally, met those of.
“Caius!”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The tears I might have shed For your dark fate,
Grow cold and turn to tears Of hate!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The next morning Isabella awoke with muscles screaming in protest, neck shoulders and back all clamored for her attention as she uttered a soft moan of misery as she allowed her eyes to open. She blinked as the room came into focus and her jaw dropped. There was no doubt, from the rich crimson rug with golden patterns to the art of ebony adorning the walls. She had remained in Caius's chambers. Nearly without her consent the events of the night before came tumbling back into her head.
Edward.
He had used her manipulated and betrayed her. It was enough to make her lay back down and attempt to burrow back into her pillow, which incidentally, was a good deal colder and more solid then she remembered moments before. Blearily she raised her head again a frown on her lips as she attempted to process this without the miracle of caffeine to aid her. A soft chuckle sounded in her ear making her jump about three inches as suddenly everything clicked into place as she raised her eyes another inch to meet the now familiar eyes of
"Caius. you stayed"
Her voice was soft, barely a whisper, even through the haze of sleep as his cool hands ghosted over her neck bringing instant relief to muscles which she realised had only stiffened up due to the fact she'd slept on his arm most of the night. Before she could stutter an apology a cool finger was gently placed on her lips.
"Hush Angel, If I minded I would have moved you....after the events of last night you seemed in need of the rest"
Mere minutes later he lifted her head as she turned to lay on her back gently supporting her head as he raised a teacup to her lips. Coffee thick sweet and dark rushed over her senses and she closed her eyes the better to focus on the wonderful flavors. with its slight chocolate aftertaste it was pure heaven. A balm for a damaged soul torn by deception. All too soon the cup was lowered and she opened her eyes sighing deeply. All the weight of the world escaping her lips in a single sound. How could she face Edward now on stage?
Crimson eyes gazed down at her softened from what she was sure might have been a feral gleam with concern. it was only the demands of her mortal body that prompted she to move from her safe haven. Quickly she attended to her morning rites and with some hesitation returned again to his room amused as the door swung open before she had even reached it. There he stood as before pale chest bare of any of the regal clothing that normally adorned his figure, the black dress pants only serving to complement his every mood. Suddenly long forgotten words drifted into her mind.
I'm the world's most dangerous predator, Bella. Everything about me invites you in. My voice, my face, even my smell. As if I would need any of that... as if you could outrun me... as if you could fight me off. I'm designed to kill.
Her smile froze as she closed her eyes again arms wrapping instinctively around her own body as she began to shake. Edward again, except this time her own memories were plaguing her. Would she be able to escape his thrall, be able to breath the free air again? The questions all clamored around her mind in a confused jumble until a pair of arms closed around her. A soft rumbling sound cutting through her panic like a knife replacing it with a soothing feel of safety. Caius, somehow he had sensed the source of her emotional turmoil and had sent it fleeing.
"Shh, Luce Mia The Cullen brat will pay for his crimes I promise you that"
She inhaled deeply, his scent flooding her senses as her fingers gently tangled into his golden tresses. the silken feel was oddly comforting and familiar after those precious moments before one of their many rehearsals.
"What am I going to do?, the play is in 2 days, I know every word every note yet I cannot, will not be able to look at him as Raoul, the man I'm supposed to go off with at the curtains end"
The mere idea was appalling to her, for once she agreed with the legions of fans who all placed their vote in favor of the leading lady snubbing the dashing viscount and staying in the shadows with the passionate devoted Phantom. Yet she was no fool this was not a man playing a role but a vampire king, a being of great power passion and danger. Caius in private was a gentle as a lamb with her but she had no doubt the rumors of the other immortals she heard were true. Trifle with anything he had an interest in and he would move heaven and earth to protect it.
That included her, the revelation was startling in the extreme and yet, he had willing braved the mental strain of the dream to rescue her from the dark lure of Edward's spell and then allowed her to cry all over him and then finally spent the night wrapped in the protection of his arms. None of it made any sense. All these behaviors were not normal for his kind. Unless....
No, it couldn't be Alice would have seen. Should have told her, and yet....
“Caius, why do you care?”
Her question was uttered in a total of utter bafflement from a mind already worn from thinking even though the clock on the mantelpiece had just struck 10 in the morning. His fingers paused in brushing an errant bang out of her face as he considered her inquiry. His lips parted to speak when from the passageway beyond a soft knock was heard and his head snapped in its direction.
“Yes?”
Jane's voice came drifting through the thick wooden door, it seemed even she was not fool enough to enter this room without an invitation. Somehow Bella knew without it ever having been told, even here there were lines that even a vampire would dare not cross.
“Master the first of the guests have arrived, The Cullen Clan”
Ah yes, the guests, how pleasant it had been the last week to focus solely on the music at hand and the play's stage directions and forget that fact it was to be performed by and to an audience of hungry immortals who would, if the Cullen’s were anything to judge by, be more than happy to end her life if she accidentally came to injury on stage.
“Well I suppose it's rude to keep them waiting, shall I remain here?”
His silence had been marked as if his thoughts had wandered far from the subject. Bella knew better than to press so instead attempted to wriggle out of his embrace which had at the sudden interruption tightened around her almost as if he feared someone had come to take her away. This proving to be utterly futile she soon gave it up. Happily for her she did not have to wait very long as he came out of his musings suddenly. His silken voice breaking the silence in nothing more than a whisper yet it sent a shiver down her spine.
“I shall attend to them shortly”
Answer now given Bella was surprised by the rough edge to that silken tone. Vampire's didn't get sore throats as far as she knew, how could they when their own venom was like acid? In her mind it sounded like the worse case of constant acid reflux ever invented. As if he had heard her thoughts a soft chuckle escaped his lips as suddenly they pressed to her shoulder blade for only a moment drawing a gasp from her lips as the cool smooth lips sent a flood of emotions she couldn't all tumbling into her veins.
“Why I care Mi Cara, as you so bluntly put it, is a secret you must discover for yourself...it shouldn't be long now”
With that he was gone in a blur of movement leaving her so riled up her back teeth were clenched. Hungry and now all flustered she glared after him. Stupid sexy vampire and their secrets, did they spend all eternity thinking these things up or was she just special? Having no answers she stalked from the room and back to the rooms she had been unsurprised to find both breakfast and a very agitated Alice waiting for her. As Bella dug into her fruit salad and seasoned eggs these words greeted her ear.
“I cannot believe he was that foolish!”
Swallowing Bella turned to her, knowing full well if this wasn't addressed pronto not only would she be eating a cold breakfast but that Alice would be dwelling on this piece of information for the rest of the day, however good her intentions and by dinner time would be driving Bella up the wall deciding to handle two situations at one she rose from her chair, Quickly changing out of her sleeping pants and shirt Bella choose the first thing in her closet she could lay hands on. A black halter gown with golden belt. Slipping into it she rolled her eyes as her friends quick fingers brushed out her hair until it gleamed red against the rich black fabric.
“I can, though foolish wouldn't be my word of choice, Alice what he did was despicable, selfish and painful. It is my strongest belief the only part of last night Edward regrets is the fact he was caught and beaten at his own game!”
“Had not Caius rescued me from his thrall I might now easily be dead!”
Struck silent Alice only stared at her while Bella returned her attention to breakfast. That done she began pacing like a caged feline, something was making her uneasy, the feeling in her gut that something was wrong. Edward was locked up, presumably under guard she was safe warm and well fed yet a nagging insistent tugging drove her to move. Reaching the door she dug into the wood with her nails, the compulsion growing.
“Alice whats wrong with me?”
Her friend has followed her steps with silent eyes, their golden depths secretive and yet knowing at she approached Bella wrapping her arms around her carefully. Not holding her back but rather as a means of support as she whispered in her ear,
“What do you feel right now Bella, describe it me"
She closed her eyes the better to block out the world and put words to the emotions that flooded her.
“I feel like...I have to go somewhere....follow something, like a piece of me.... is missing, and I must go find it”
“Then, let's go!”
Suddenly the door was open and Bella needed no further prompting with her friend securely holding her hands the feel of silk around her head told her enough, with her eyes covered she could focus, never a thought to which of her curtains now lay in tatters behind her. Footsteps echoed eerily on the empty passageways as suddenly Alice stopped.
“Bella there are two directions do you want to go up or down?”
Her voice was soft yet there was weight in the simply question as if more hung on her feeling then a simply direction change. Almost as it was a life path laid before her and Bella inhaled twice turning in a slow circle before she stopped the tug was absolutely sure.
“Up....we must go up!”
The closer they got the heavier the burden seemed to grow, the faster her steps became, until as they hit level ground and she was almost running Alice in easy strides never breaking her hold. Suddenly her vision was restored. The flickering lights of the torches revealed.
“The Throne room?”
“Alice, why would the pull bring me here?”
The blindfold was quickly returned to her eyes plunging her into darkness once more, with a sound like a rolling boulder the grand doors swung open, every eye in the room turning in their direction yet no one looked surprised at her suddenly appearance. Had she been able to see Bella easily could have blushed at all the unwanted attention and yet the tug drove her on. A rustle of fabric met her ears and the sound of three distinct individuals rising when Alice spoke quietly from somewhere about her knee. She was kneeling Bella realized. Soft gasps now caught her ear from somewhere over her shoulder.
“Volturi Kings All, we are answering the call of the bound, the quest for the other half, grant she who seeks the answer now the honor of completing her search.”
Cool fingers raised Bella's chin as another pair of hands took her own, Marcus! She realized, the ever sad tone of his voice was recognizable. He picked up her right hand holding it gently in his own as if mindful of her fragility as he then placed it within the hands of another.
“Pardon is granted with full measure, Welcome to you seeker Swan, what you seek in the knowledge many had wandered the world for, today your quest ends, are you ready to learn the truth?”
“I am”
“Then I as guardian of the sacred bond grant you this freely, the connection you seek to confirm is true and pure. There will never be another to fill the gap nor an escape once the truth in known from this first meeting events are thrown into motion you cannot control . . Do you still wish to know the truth?”
“I Do”
“Then as all of you gathered here, acting as witnesses to the event. I Marcus Volturi do grant you Isabella Marie Swan, the knowledge of your true and rightful soul mate!”
Suddenly the blindfold was removed with a formality more suited to an old world kingdom. Momentarily blinded by the sunlight flooding into the room Bella blinked as it began to fade. She was surrounded by three figures, her hand held safe and warm at last. Her eyes journeyed upwards and finally, met those of.
“Caius!”