Third

Volturi Castle, Volterra

Bella stared at the Volturi king, taking in his features with her heightened vision. She wondered if Aro's pale skin was always this flawless or was it just her vision. She could see every single stitch in his tailored suit. She could spot every single strand of his drak brown hair.

"Aro," she said softly and then, she walked to him, cupping his face in her hands. She didn't shiver this time because of the coldness of his skin instead she leaned in. Aro understood what she wanted, leaning in.

Their lips met in a deep kiss. In their kiss, there was a promise of infinite years of passion and never-ending love. Their lips moved in a sync. Love and promises were present in that kiss; things which couldn't be described by words were described by actions.

Aro was the one to break it, a whimper left Bella at the lose of physical contact. Aro placed his hand on Bella's waist, turning to face Marcus and Jane. Bella started leaning into Aro, a small fond smile appearing on her features.

Marcus looked at the couple with nostalgia. He was, suddenly, reminded of Didyme by the loving look in Bella's eyes. The raven haired and crimson eyed lady would have been overjoyed if she was alive, but alas, it wasn't in her destiny to see her elder brother happy like this.

"I am glad for you both," Marcus said and turned around, walking out of the room to go back to his library. Bella frowned lightly and looked at Aro. Aro caught the unspoken question and turned to look at Jane.

"You may leave," he said. Jane nodded and walked out of the room. Aro turned to look at his special brunette, gently taking her hand in his and placing a delicate kiss on it.

He guided Bella to sit on the bed, sitting beside her. "You want to ask something," he stated more than asking. "Indeed. Why did Marcus sounded... upset?" She asked.

Aro sighed, looking at Bella and his clasped hands, playing with them. "You see Bella, mates are very important in vampiric lives. Marcus' mate, Didyme, she was also my sister."

Bella gasped softly, gazing at the man beside her. She could easily spot the sadness in his crimson eyes, as if the said feeling danced in his eyes. She wondered if she was the first one to notice them or not.

"What happened to her?" Bella queried softly. "She was killed... by a..." Aro wondered if he should tell her the truth or go by the made up story. "By a?" She asked, looking at him.

"A werewolf."

Lie. Aro's dead heart clenched as he yet again repeated the same lie. The lie surrounding his own younger sister's death. He looked at Bella. She was biting her bottom lip, thinking something.

"What are you thinking, love?" He couldn't stop himself from asking. Bella gazed at him from the corner of her eyes. "What if... if Didyme can be killed by someone... something... then am I..."

Bella didn't complete the sentence. Aro felt his heart sank. She was right, if he can't protect his sister then how can he protect Bella. If he can kill his own sister, then... no he wouldn't. He never can.