"So now what?" It was Aphrodite who broke the uncomfortable silence. Everybody turned to Aro, expecting a concrete answer to that question.

"Shift the mistresses' things to mates' chambers and Ms. Sulpicia's things to an empty chamber in the North wing," Aro commanded.

Caius let out a soft groan at the mention of his wing but decided not to protest right now. "But what after that?" Sulpicia asked, staring at Aro intently.

"Summon all the loyal covens. We shall fight the upcoming war," Aro announced as a chill ran through everyone's spine. Jane, Alec, Felix and Demetri bowed and walked out of the room to being the orders into motion.

Bella stared at the farthest wall, thinking about the upcoming bloodshed and the possible outcomes. There could be hundreds of them; some good, some bad.

Aro stood up, grabbing Bella's attention. "I and Isabella will retire to our room for now. Inform me if something happens," Aro said to his brothers.

He grabbed Bella's hand and gently dragged her out of the throne room and towards their chambers with James on their heels.

Bella noticed the grip Aro kept on her hand, the closeness between them and the way he would glance around like a predator. Bella could tell he was on high alert.

The walk to their chambers was short but stressful. Once the doors were closed, Aro lose his stiff posture. He sighs deeply and sits on the bed with his head in his hands. Bella sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Everything will be alright," Bella says in an attempt to comfort Aro. "It doesn't seems like that," he replied with a defeated sigh. "The battle between Romanians and us have been going on for centuries, Bella."

"I am aware of the stress you are feeling Aro, but we can't work under pressure. It would only worsen the situation," Bella said, rubbing small circles on his back.

"I am not scared about anyone, Bella. I am scared about you. What if something goes terribly, terribly wrong? What if they get to you?" He looked up at Bella and she could see the scared look on his face.

For the first time in forever, Aro felt afraid of an upcoming event which couldn't be reversed. He was afraid to lose, after all, after so many years he had something to lose.

"I will be just fine, Aro. All you need to focus is on yourself and the upcoming war," Bella said with a small, encouraging smile. "What would I do without you?" Aro asked with a smile dancing on his face.

"Well, you always have me," Bella shrugged with smile. Aro chuckled lightly, staring at Bella with adoration and tears. "Why do you have tears, Aro?" Bella asked, her hand cupping his cheek in concern.

"What have I done in life to have you?" Aro choked on his words, his red eyes trying to find Bella. "You have gone through a lot, love. You deserve to be happy as well."

Aro smiled, kissing the hand which cupped his cheek. Bella let out a soft giggle, making Aro smile widely. "I like it when you laugh," he admitted, making Bella look around in sligh t embarrassment.

Aro leaned in, his hands grabbing her waist softly. The couple stared at each other, leaning into each other. Their lips moved in perfect sync.

Aro's hand travelled through Bella's curves, making her squirm. A small, barely audible moan from Bella was all it took to make Aro go feral.

"You want this?" Aro asked between his kisses on her neck. "Yes," it came as a small, breathy whisper but it was all Aro wanted.

••••

Darkness surrounded the forest, figures standing in a circle. Hoods concealed their faces. An approaching figure had the Volturi necklace around its neck.

"Any information?" The leader of the group asked. "They have summoned all the covens from around the world," the figure said. "We are proud of your loyalty to us," another figure from the group said.

The figure with Volturi necklace bowed and turned around sharply on her feet, walking back. "Are we supposed trust?" A figure from the group asked. "That very person is our key to entry in the castle."

A.N.- Sorry for the super late update. Make some guess on who is the traitor. 😉