𝑪𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟓

The heavy doors of the Volturi throne room loomed before Amora as she followed Jane down the grand corridor. The echo of their footsteps reverberated off the cold, stone walls, a stark reminder of the oppressive power that held her captive. Salvador rested comfortably around her neck, his warmth a small comfort against the dread that churned in her stomach.

As they approached the throne room, Jane paused and turned to Amora. "This is where I leave you," she said flatly, her eyes flicking to Salvador before settling back on Amora. Without waiting for a response, Jane pushed open the doors, the sound of their creaking hinges sending a shiver down Amora's spine.

Amora squared her shoulders and stepped inside, the doors closing behind her with an ominous thud. The room was as grand as it was intimidating. The three kings sat upon their respective thrones-Aro in the center, flanked by Marcus on his right and Caius on his left. Their eyes fixed on her, a predator's gaze assessing prey. But Amora was no prey; she was a force to be reckoned with, and she would not cower before them.

"Welcome, Amora," Aro's smooth voice cut through the tense silence. His tone was warm, almost welcoming, as if he were addressing an old friend rather than a captive. "We've been looking forward to speaking with you."

Amora hummed softly in acknowledgment, her gaze flickering briefly to Marcus, who observed her with a placid expression, and then to Caius. His red eyes bore into her, the hatred and frustration clear in his gaze. He didn't need to speak for her to understand how much he resented her presence.

"As have I," she replied evenly, refusing to let her voice waver. "But I must admit, my feelings toward this arrangement are... conflicted."

Aro's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Understandable. It is a rather unique situation."

Marcus spoke then, his voice deep and contemplative. "Your bond with Caius is unusual, Amora. Stronger than most, yet tainted by his own stubbornness and rage. It is not something to be taken lightly." Caius rolled his eyes at his brother.

Amora nodded, feeling a surprising sense of calm in Marcus's presence. "I don't hate the Volturi," she said honestly, her gaze shifting between Aro and Marcus. "I don't even hate you, Caius. But your actions-your need to claim and control-they're intolerable."

Caius stiffened at her words, his jaw clenching as his eyes narrowed dangerously. "You speak as if you understand me," he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.

"I understand enough," Amora shot back, her tone biting. "Enough to know that your anger isn't truly directed at me, but at the situation. You have a wife, Caius. Yet here you are, trying to claim another. Why? Is it because you need someone to control? To feel powerful? Or is it because you can't stand the idea of someone who doesn't fear you?"

A deadly silence fell over the room as Caius slowly rose from his throne, his expression murderous. He descended the dais with a deliberate, predatory grace, his eyes locked on Amora. Salvador tensed around her neck, sensing the imminent danger.

"You dare speak to me like that?" Caius hissed, his voice low and lethal as he stood before her. "You will learn your place, woman."

And then, with a swiftness that left her breathless, his hand lashed out and struck her across the face. The force of the blow sent her reeling, her head snapping to the side. Pain flared in her cheek, and tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Gritting her teeth, Amora squared her shoulders and turned back to face him, defiance burning in her gaze.

Salvador, no longer able to remain passive, began to shift. Amora felt the familiar surge of power as he transformed into his human form, his towering presence a protective wall between her and Caius. His eyes, slitted like a serpent's, glowed with fury.

"How do you like it, prick?" Salvador growled, his voice a low rumble as he threw a powerful punch, sending Caius crashing into the wall with a thunderous impact.

The entire room seemed to freeze in shock as Caius slumped against the wall, dazed. Amora quickly turned Salvador back into his snake form, her heart pounding in her chest as she coiled him protectively around her neck once more.

Caius gracefully got to his feet, his face a mask of seething rage. "I'll teach you and your damned snake from hell a lesson!" he snarled, his voice a venomous hiss.

Before Caius could make another move, Marcus was suddenly there, appearing before Amora in a blur of motion. He placed himself between her and Caius, his usually calm demeanor now filled with cold authority. "That's enough!" Marcus hissed, his voice sharp and commanding. "A mate is not given to a vampire to be mistreated. A true mate bond is rare, and until you learn that, I will be guarding Amora, for her safety-because clearly, you can't control yourself."

For a moment, Caius's anger faltered, a flicker of regret passing over his features before his expression hardened once more into a mask of indifference. He turned his gaze away, refusing to acknowledge his wrongdoing.

Aro, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, finally spoke, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Marcus is right, brother." His words were simple, yet they carried the weight of a reprimand that Caius could not ignore.

The tension in the room was palpable as Marcus gently took Amora's arm, guiding her away from the center of the throne room. He led her through the grand doors, leaving the cold, harsh atmosphere behind.

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, Marcus remained silent, his grip on her arm firm yet comforting. When they reached her quarters, he released her and turned to face her, his expression softening.

"You are strong, Amora," Marcus said quietly, his voice filled with a rare warmth. "And you are right. Caius does not understand the bond you share, but he will learn. Until then, you have my protection."

Amora nodded, her heart still racing from the confrontation. "Thank you, Marcus," she whispered, genuinely grateful for his intervention.

He gave her a small, reassuring smile before turning to leave. "Rest, Amora. I will be nearby if you need me."

As Marcus disappeared into the shadows, Amora closed the door to her room, her legs finally giving out beneath her as she collapsed onto the bed. Salvador, still wrapped around her neck, nuzzled her cheek, his presence a comforting balm to her shattered nerves.

"That was close," she muttered, her voice trembling slightly. Salvador hissed in agreement, his mind brushing against hers with a comforting wave of reassurance.

Amora knew the days ahead would be challenging, filled with more clashes and struggles. But for now, she was safe, protected by one of the most powerful beings in the Volturi. And as she drifted off to sleep, the lingering thought in her mind was not of fear, but of determination. She would survive this. She would endure.

And eventually, Caius would understand that she was not someone to be claimed, but someone to be won.