𝗙𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀 & 𝗙𝘂𝗿: 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 | Twilight.

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~Chapter 08~

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It has been a week since the incidents happened, yet Novaria was still preoccupied with Alice's cryptic look she gave her. She absentmindedly played with strands of her hair as she sat in the ornate hall, lost in thought. Across the room, Aro, Marcus, and Caius were having a lively conversation while Novaria, Ivan, Alec, and Jane, sat together at a small table.

Ivan noticed Novaria's dazed expression and gently tapped her shoulder, breaking her from her reverie. "Wanna play?" He asked, gesturing toward a small chess board he had pulled out.

Novaria raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden invitation. "What's on your mind that made you suggest a game of chess?" Alec chimed in with a scoff, not really interested.

Ivan rolled his eyes, everytime he speaks to Novaria, Alec was always there to interrupt. He chuckled before responding "Oh come on, you guys. It's just a game. And I have a feeling Novaria could use a distraction."

Novaria shrugged and agreed "I'm down for a game. Jane? Alec?" —— Alec smirked as if he didn't just almost declined "Why not?" He glanced at Ivan before looking expectantly at his sister. "How about you, Jane? Care to join us?"

Jane hesitated for a moment before deciding to join in with a small shrug. Ivan wasted no time in setting up the chess board.

"Here we go. Let's choose who will play first." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before coming up with a suggestion. "How about Novaria and Alec?" He tried to hide his smirk, knowing Alec had feelings for her, now they could be either opponents in the game.

Novaria raised an eyebrow at the challenge, while Alec simply shifted. "Why not? Alec?" Novaria chuckled as she looked at him. "Let's see who comes out on top." Jane added, mischievous glint in her eyes.

But before the game could begin, Alec chimed in with a cheeky request. "But, could there be rewards for the winner? I mean..." He looked at Novaria.

Ivan quickly spoke "No, no. Just a friendly match between friends." Novaria couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at Alec's attempt. "Who wins, will play another match and the loser will... nothing, they just watch after." Added Ivan.

Novaria and Jane couldn't contain their laughter "Did you really think you could outsmart Novaria, Alec?" Ivan continued and teased, earning a glare from him.

"More like Alec will outsmart me." Novaria said "Alright, enough talking. Let's play." She declared, opening the chess board and signaling the start of the game.

Novaria and Alec focused intently on the game, while Ivan watched with amusement in his eyes. As the game progressed, Jane couldn't resist throwing in some dark sarcastic comments at her brother. It was a refreshing break from the serious and tense atmosphere that surrounded them.

In the end, Novaria emerged as the undisputed chess champion, much to the dismay of Alec. But he took his defeat in good spirits and immediately challenged Ivan to a rematch.

"Woah there! Novaria wins, so that means it's my turn!" Ivan protested but Alec shook his head "Doesn't matter, or just tell me you're scared to match with me?" —— Ivan groaned under his breath before decided to agree, earning a laugh from Novaria and a dark snicker from Jane.

The four vampires spent the rest of the afternoon engrossed in a series of intense and entertaining games of chess, each game accompanied by playful banter and friendly jabs.

The evening comes, and the dimly lit room gave off an eerie atmosphere. Novaria and Ivan was called by Aro. The duo entered the grand hall, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the marble floors as they made their way to Aro's throne room. She looked over at Ivan and they exchanged a glance, wondering what Aro wanted from them this time.

As they reached the throne room, Aro sat upon his throne, his red eyes gleaming in the darkness. "Ah, Novaria and Ivan. Thank you for joining me." Aro's smooth voice filled the room, his lips curling into a sly smile.

Novaria and Ivan lightly bowed their heads in respect and waited for Aro to speak. "I have a task for the two of you." Aro began, his eyes flickering between the pair. "I need you to go to Seattle and bring a certain human to me."

Novaria's not-beating heart seemed to skipped a beat. She remembered when her older sister Victoria told her to find her in the seattle if she comes back. She couldn't help but feel excited at the thought of seeing her sister again.

"Human mentioned, master?" Novaria asked, breaking the silence. Ivan agreed to her question and added "May we know the reason for this assignment and the human's name?"

Aro leaned back in his throne, his fingers tapping against the armrest in a rhythmic pattern. "The human's name is Riley Biers. He has been reported missing in forks by one of my people. It is imperative that you find him and bring him here, I have my plans." Aro's voice took on a darker tone, hinting at the severity of the situation.

Novaria's mind raced, trying to connect the pieces. Her sister's name was not mentioned but she couldn't shake off the feeling that this task was somehow related to her. It just sounds like a parallel... the time when Novaria and Ivan were taken by Jane and Alec from London to Italy, Volterra. It sounds almost the same.

"This task is of great importance. I trust the two of you to handle it with utmost caution and discretion." Aro looked at them with a mix of assurance and gratitude.

Novaria and Ivan both nodded, accepting the task with determination. "We understand, master." Ivan replied, his voice filled with loyalty.

"Good. You may leave now, and please do keep me updated of your progress." Aro dismissed them with a wave of his hand. Novaria and Ivan turned to leave but not before Aro added "You two, good luck."

Novaria could feel the weight of the task on her shoulders, but she couldn't deny the excitement bubbling inside her. Wearing the hood of her hooded cape, they left the throne room and made their way out of Volterra.

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