Timeless Ties || Volturi Kings

17. Sunday Best

Feeling good, like I should
Went and took a walk around the neighborhood
Feeling blessed, never stressed
Got that sunshine on my Sunday best

— Surfaces

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That week, Alessia didn't interact with Caius and Aro much, because she was still a bit crossed with them.

On Sunday, a message from Julia popped up on her phone, inquiring if she'd like to embark on their monthly outing. This signaled the commencement of their PMS woes. Alessia and Julia's menstrual cycles had long ago synchronized, and they had a well-established routine of venturing to the stores in tandem to restock their pain relief supplies, as both of them often endured excruciating headaches and cramps.

Adding to that, they indulged in the tradition of purchasing chocolate and candy together, a cherished ritual between them. It had become one of their signature activities, and they always made time to visit both the supermarket and the pharmacy side by side. (Sometimes, Alessia couldn't help but feel a tad reminiscent of elderly folks for spending time in places like these, but she rather enjoyed it.)

Once Alessia and Julia arrived back at Alessia's apartment, Alessia carefully positioned Caius' relief stone onto the dedicated base she had acquired just for it — it fit perfectly and now Caius' art could stay up by itself. Then, she headed to the kitchen to assist Julia in preparing brigadeiro.

When everything was ready, they snuggled together in Alessia's bed, rewatched the last two episodes of "Wizards of Waverly Place" because they just loved to suffer, and indulged in some conversation. The latest tidbit on their radar was about Alex, who had spontaneously gifted Julia a bouquet of flowers. According to him, he had specially instructed the florist to imbue the bouquet with a "heartfelt" message, something along the lines of "I love you forever, and I believe in our future." Julia's joy knew no bounds, her blonde hair in constant motion as she gestured animatedly to express her happiness. Alessia couldn't help but share in her friend's excitement, content that Alex had managed to navigate another month without her having to issue any threats.

That night, Alessia chose not to intrude upon her visions and instead observe. She watched as Helios engaged in polite conversation with a man named Ptahhotep, deftly persuading him to reveal the location of his coven's base.

Helios presented himself as "Markellos, a diplomat," artfully brokering agreements both concerning the Uraei and his own coven, which was now technically also Alessia's. He skillfully crafted the dialogue to avoid disclosing the coven's name, representing himself as their sole emissary. He assured the members that his coven was headquartered in Europe and extended an invitation to contact him should they ever visit the continent.

On Monday, she dedicated the entire morning to her studies and faced an oral test with her professor. To her disappointment, she received a B, which was below her usual A grades. However, she knew it was way better than it could have been and thanked her professor, feeling a slight sense of relief. As evening fell, Helios and Alessia engaged in a debate about whether she should wear her own formal attire or if it would be more appropriate for Helios to arrange Egyptian clothing for her when she met with Ramesses and Nefertari, because good first impressions were always crucial.

On Tuesday, Alessia's day revolved around her university commitments. Alongside the group Julia had assembled, they dedicated the time between their classes to kick-start their International Law assignment. This approach proved beneficial as it allowed them ample time for research, and Alessia had already begun crafting the presentation, a task she always enjoyed.