𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟑

"If I could have your attention, please." The collective bickering of everyone gradually succumbs to an almost eerie stillness, with all eyes now fixated on me. I instinctively clear my throat, a reflexive action driven by a nagging sensation of unease. Interactions, public speaking, and any form of social engagement have consistently posed a challenge for me. The feeling of being scrutinized and dissected under the watchful gaze of others draws forth an overwhelming sense of disquietude.

"I just wanted to say that I'm honored to finally meet the people the Cullens talked so much to me about." An almost imperceptible shift ripples across their faces as the initial coldness gives way to a softness that graces their features.

In less than a second, their once gentle expressions turned cold again, as if they had had a sudden realization. Their abrupt change in mood caught me slightly off guard, but my attention turned to Aro as he began to speak.

"The honor is all ours, Mia Regina," he expressed with utmost eloquence, pausing just before me and delicately enclosing my hand within his gloved ones. It was evident that he was avoiding any possibility of direct skin-to-skin contact. I wish to express my appreciation to him later for his consideration.

"Pardon me for the interruption, my Kings, but since you've seen my niece and we've proved to you that Alexis is indeed your mate, may we take our leave?" Rosalie, who exudes confidence and a hint of rebellion, fearlessly voices this request. In turn, I exchange a glance with Emmet, a silent acknowledgment passing between us, leading him to emit a soft chuckle, as if he has comprehended the implications hidden within our interaction.

"Ah! Yes, about that." Aro cheerily diverts his attention toward me. "Shall we go pick up your belongings before we take our leave, my sweet?"

"Sure, but only if it's not too much trouble," I replied, my lips curling into a warm smile as I glanced up at him. Alice had subtly hinted at the need to pack up my belongings after her vision, and now it all began to make perfect sense.

I feel a cold hand rest softly on my shoulder, and I turn to face the person. I see Carlisle with a knowing smile adorning his face. "Do not worry, my child. I will send everything that belongs to you to Volterra, alright?" The thought of parting with my belongings momentarily stirred a twinge of anxiety within me. However, Carlisle's words assuaged any concerns, reminding me that this decision was for the best.

His commitment to my well-being brought a surge of gratitude, prompting me to embrace him tightly. "Yeah, thank you... for everything," I sincerely replied. I felt his cold hands wrap around my body, and as we shared this embrace, it was as though a magnetic force had drawn my vampire family towards us, one by one. Strong arms enveloped us; their presence was a testament to the unbreakable bond we shared. Each member brought their unique essence to the embrace.

As I stood surrounded by them, I couldn't help but reflect on how fortunate I was. Having a family that extended beyond blood was a gift that I cherished deeply. They were not just my vampire family, but my chosen family, my pillars of strength in a world that often felt overwhelming. Their presence reminded me that I was never alone and that I had a bond with individuals who would always have my back.

As the words "We'll miss you" escaped Bella and Rose's lips, their voices held a soft yet poignant whisper. Their sentiment, filled with a touch of melancholy, echoed in the air as we stood on the brink of separation. Despite the inevitable distance that would soon face us, their words resonated deeply with me.

With a warm smile and my heart brimming with affection, I reciprocated their sentiment, assuring them that they would be missed just as much. The thought of bidding them farewell stirred mixed emotions within me—a bittersweet blend of excitement and sadness.

As I waved goodbye, our farewells almost seemed surreal. One by one, their forms began to blur, and like fleeting apparitions, they gradually dissolved into the distance. Each loved one's disappearance left an indelible mark on my soul. The final member of my family vanished, leaving me standing alone with a heavy heart.

Turning towards my awaiting mates obscured any lingering melancholy; their faces were glowing with eagerness. Time seemed to pause as they stood patiently, anticipating my arrival. Their dedication to our mate bond filled me with reassurance, washing away the sadness that had threatened to dampen the occasion.

A broad grin spreads across my face, radiating the joy that now consumes me. In a buoyant display, I broke into a jog, hastening my pace to meet my mates. The distance between us rapidly diminished, symbolizing a bridge connecting our worlds. As the physical space lessened, the emotional connection grew all the more powerful.

"Are you ready to go, Angiolo?" Felix looks down at me, waiting for my response. "Yup!"  I confidently reply, elongating the 'p' sound in my affirmation. To my surprise, Marcus swiftly sweeps me up into his strong arms. Reacting instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, causing a radiant smile to grace his lips.

"Humans simply cannot keep up with our pace, so one of us shall carry you until we reach the airport, cuore mio," Caius interjects, joining us and sending a small smile in my direction.

"Why did "Mr. Suicidal until a couple of moments ago", get to carry her?" Demetri brazenly questions.

"Because he was faster than anyone else here," Alec answers in between chuckles. I didn't even have to look at Felix to know he found the nickname amusing; his laughter resonated forcefully, even from a considerable distance.

Jane, on the other hand, displayed her typical cold demeanor as she defiantly retorted to him. "Deal with it like we have to deal with it, Demetri." The tone of her voice held a hint of disdain as if challenging him to say another word about the current circumstances. Meanwhile, Marcus, with a nonchalant flicker of annoyance in his eyes, decided to run off with me securely in his arms. The rest catch up a few seconds later.