SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW ➻ DEMETRI VOLTURI

D U E

Cecilia hurried down the many stairs of the castle, going in rounds and rounds until she reached the final step. Where she'd taken at least half an hour before, it didn't take long for her to reach the dungeons now. It appeared her new form had come with better navigation skills as well, something she was eternally grateful for. 

"I almost thought you'd forgotten about me, little Cullen," a hoarse voice said softly, but with enough sarcasm for Cecilia to know that she wasn't too late. "Or are you a Volturi now?"

"I'm visiting you," she stated simply, kneeling next to the bars which hid the Russian vampire. He looked sickly, but now that she didn't have any more blood to donate, there wasn't much she could do. She cocked her head, smiling politely. "What do you make of that?"

"They turned you," Nikolai said. He looked up, a hint of surprise hidden in his dark eyes. 

She chuckled. "Sharp observation."

She didn't have much time, considering she had to be in the throne room within minutes. Demetri she'd waved off with the excuse of taking a walk to clear her head, promising that she would meet him in front of the great doors.

"What are you doing here?"

"There is going to be a feast in two weeks time," Cecilia stated. It was the one the Masters had organised to celebrate her turning, though Jane had admitted it was more a matter of politics than festivity. She didn't mind, because it would serve as the perfect opportunity. "Everybody will be occupied, which means that I'll be able to set you free."

"Sounds cosy," Nikolai said, sounding unbothered. "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is your plan?"

Cecilia didn't have one, not quite yet, but she was sure that she would figure it out. "Leave the details to me," she said, already rising. "Just know that once I've unlocked this cell, you're on your own."

Nikolai turned on his back, staring at her lazily. He smirked, but it didn't light up his face. Cecilia thought he looked like he'd died a million times over. "Sounds like you need to get me out first."

She didn't bother to reply, running away with a speed that left her breathless still. Or rather, in amazement, considering she didn't actually need to breathe anymore. Quickly fixing her hair and the green dress she was wearing, she met with her soulmate in front of the doors of the throne room. 

As soon as she noticed the worried expression on his face, she forced a careless smile on her face and she grabbed his hand like nothing was wrong. The night before had been wonderful. Demetri had taught her how to hunt, even though his expertise was more directed to humans than animals, which had been a hilarious experience on its own, and after that they had run around the forest, catching each other and toppling down in the sweet grasses. But now the sun was rising and Aro was waiting. 

"You ready?" Demetri asked, raising his eyebrows. 

Cecilia nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She had been in the throne room many times now, both for good and bad news, but the details of the room never ceased to amaze her. Still, there was not much time to spend on the architecture, considering Aro was waiting on them with a sly smile on his face. She knew then and there that it couldn't possibly be any good. 

"Ah, the two love birds," Aro said, clapping his hands together. Within a second he stood before them, holding out his hands. "Allow me, please."

Cecilia put her hand in his and though there was no difference in temperature between their skins, not anymore, she still felt chilly. She observed his face quietly, wondering why he didn't look as zoned out as he usually did. After mere seconds he let go, his milky eyes snapping to hers. Cecilia recognized he looked quite annoyed, as if he was a little child about to throw a tantrum because he was denied a sweet. She let her hand drop to her side, not backing down from Aro's stare.