Heartbeat [Alec Volturi]

Judge

"She will be an arduous newborn."

Aro dismissed the prediction, "no more so than the twins, I expect."

"Aro, a decision must be made." Marcus reminded the eccentric leader. They could only discuss the topic for so long before they were talking in circles.

"Very well, then," Aro sighed dramatically. "Caius?"

Caius scoffed, reiterating his favourite sentence for the issue. "One human in the castle is one too many."

"Yes, so you have said."

"Marcus? Sulpicia has informed me that Alec shared only positive developments during their absence."

The ancient man contributed his unique perspective on the last occasion he'd been witness to the boy and his mate, "as their connection grows, so does her bond with us all. Her loyalty is entrusted through his."

"Loyal as a dog," Caius mocked, even though the news was especially pleasing to all three Kings. There were no members so well bound to their Masters as the twins. If their new member survived the transformation, she would need little training.

Aro sighed, "and loyalty is so cherished these days."

"Then it is decided–"

Two hard knocks sounded from the heavy wooden doors.

"Enter."

The soft steps of their Elite Guard member became the only sound in the air as the Kings observed their new company. The girl dropped her hood as she entered the private library, but she lacked her preferred proper appearance for their court. Her hair had fallen from its setting, and her crest was tucked under her collar, the gold chain barely visible round her neck. They did not comment on it.

She stopped in front of the thrones and properly greeted the three rulers.

"Ah, Jane. To what do we owe the surprise?"

"Parce mihi pater," [Forgive me, Father] The young girl said clearly, her face a terrible mix of guilt and shame. She offered her hand, and Aro took it immediately, curiosity overwhelming him at the unexpected display from his pride and joy. And just as quick, he dropped it.

"This changes things."

Aro glanced back at the other men, then returned his attentions to the girl. He raised his hand, and she made the slightest twitch before he placed a hand on her cheek. "All is forgiven, dear one."

He turned away, dismissing her without a word, and she walked out with her back straight; her facade returned, but her nerves unended.

"Oh, and Jane."

She kept her composure. "Yes, Master."

"It would be unfortunate to worry your brother with this information. Don't you think?"

Her eyes widened despite herself, but she nodded her head, knowing nothing, if not to do as she was told. "Of course, Master."

"Wonderful!" Aro cheered, looking over his shoulder to the other men. As Jane prepared to take her leave once again, he added in a darker, monotonous tone,

"Ensure his mate agrees."

Jane hid her reaction well and the doors closed behind her.

Caius prompted, despising being left out of the loop, "what is it, Aro?"

They waited, one patient, one impatient, as Aro took his time returning to his throne. "It seems our human is not as susceptible to Jane's gift as we were led to believe."

Caius hissed with lividity, "the human deceived us? The subterfuge–" Before he could continue antagonizing his own narrative, Aro interjected.

"Calm, brother. Both girls were, unwittingly, participating until the discovery was made."

Marcus spoke up, "do you believe Carlisle's theory has sufficient standing to modify our decision, in light of the circumstances?"

"It would be unfortunate if the transformation failed," Aro mourned, with a small exclamation, "all that potential."

"If she were to die–" Marcus warned, "the boy will be destroyed, Aro. Even you could not hope to control him." The words seemed to spark something in Aro.

Caius hissed in reluctant agreement. "He would be unpredictable, vulnerable; it would be as our enemies desired."

"Then, human, she will stay."

Only they had forgotten something.

"Yes. Until the Cullen girl's prediction comes to pass." The blond man continued in impatient displeasure. "Then, what will be the distinction if the human perishes now or thereafter?"

Aro stood once more, an odd passive intelligence exciting the nerves that shot to and fro in his mind. The idealism of the circumstances could be no grander for the Volturi and would ravage their enemies for the scum they were.

"The boy's fury will have a solid place to land if young Alice's vision comes to fruition. He will have a defined enemy: Her murderer." Aro grinned gleefully.

Caius leaned forward, already satisfied with the plot of Aro's plan. Their third leader watched lazily but with a veiled interest as Aro pivoted back around to gloat to the men.

"And we are well aware of what our beloved Alec can do – with the right nudge."

"Then we wait."

~End of Part 1~