𝑪𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟔

Weeks had passed, yet there was no sign of Caius. Amora tried not to care, but the bond between them was a constant, gnawing presence. Marcus had assured her that Caius was feeling the same ache, that he would come around eventually, but Amora wasn't sure if she wanted him to. She wasn't about to be the other woman, no matter how strong the bond was.

In the past few days, she had grown close with the Volturi members-except for Caius, of course. Aro had been kind enough to retrieve all her belongings from her apartment, allowing her to completely settle into her new room. Her art supplies were neatly organized, her clothes hung in the grand wardrobe, and Salvador's things were placed with care in a cozy corner. With the help of Heidi, Renata, Jane, Corin, and Chelsea, her room had been decorated to her liking, filled with soft lighting, rich colors, and her favorite pieces of art.

Santiago, Felix, Demetri, Alec, and Afton often came by to visit, usually ending up on her bed, trying to play with Salvador. The snake, however, wasn't very appreciative of the attention and would often slither away to find solace wrapped around Amora's shoulders. Marcus, the quietest of the bunch, would sometimes sit at her desk, engrossed in important paperwork or a book, his presence a comforting one.

Despite the growing bond with the Volturi, Amora felt something was missing. A void she didn't want to acknowledge because she feared what it meant. She kept in contact with her family as promised, thankful that the Volturi hadn't taken her phone away. But whenever she was alone, the silence would bring her thoughts back to Caius and the irritating pull of the mate bond.

One afternoon, as she lay on her bed, gently running her fingers along Salvador's cool, smooth scales, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in!" she called out, not expecting much. But when the door opened, her heart skipped a painful beat.

There stood Athenadora Volturi in all her glory. The woman from Caius's painting. His wife.

Athenadora was ethereal, her alabaster skin flawless, reflecting the room's dim light like moonlit snow. Her crimson eyes, framed by thick lashes, held a haunting depth, and her golden hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, shimmering as if kissed by the sun.

Her gown, a deep royal blue, clung to her lithe form, embroidered with silver thread that danced with her every movement. Modest yet regal, it exuded timeless elegance.

As Amora gazed at her, pain twisted in her chest. Athenadora was everything she was not-elegant, poised, and perfectly suited to Caius's world. This vision of perfection was a painful reminder of the bond between Caius and Athenadora, a bond Amora had no right to disrupt.

Amora quickly sat up, her fingers tightening around Salvador, instinctively wrapping him around her neck like a protective scarf. The woman was even more beautiful in person, with a grace and elegance that made Amora feel suddenly small. Her heartache only deepened, cursed by the bond that made her yearn for the husband of this perfect woman.

Athenadora stepped into the room, her movements fluid and confident, yet there was a warmth in her eyes that caught Amora off guard. "Amora, it's lovely to finally meet you," she said, her voice gentle but with a hint of excitement that only made Amora feel worse.

"You're... Athenadora," Amora stammered, her throat tight.

Athenadora smiled, a soft, knowing smile. "Yes, I am. And you must be the woman who has my husband in such a twist."

Amora's breath hitched. "I'm not... I don't want to be the other woman."

The statement was more of a plea, her eyes searching Athenadora's for any sign of resentment or anger. But to her surprise, Athenadora laughed-a light, melodious sound that filled the room with an unexpected warmth.

"Oh, Amora," Athenadora said, moving closer to sit on the edge of the bed. "You are not the other woman, trust me. Caius and I... Our relationship is not what it seems."

Amora blinked, confusion knitting her brows. "What do you mean?"

Athenadora's gaze softened, her smile bittersweet as she began to explain. "Caius and I met when we were both human. We were both running away from something-him from an arranged marriage to a woman three times his age, and me from a similar fate. I was eighteen, and the man I was to marry was sixty-five." Athenadora paused, a shadow crossing her features. "But what no one knew was that I've always loved women. My true mate is actually Sulpicia, Aro's supposed wife."

Amora's eyes widened at the revelation. "But... then why..."

"For appearances," Athenadora continued, her voice steady. "Caius and I came from powerful and wealthy families, and in those times, a relationship between women would have been frowned upon, not just by humans but by some covens after we were turned as well. So, Caius and I reached an agreement. We would marry, but only in name, to protect our true relationships. We grew to love each other, yes, but only as best friends, nothing more. And we agreed that once Caius or Aro found their true mate, the charade would end."

Amora felt a weight lift off her chest, only to be replaced by something lighter, yet no less confusing. "So you're... you're not upset?"

"Upset?" Athenadora shook her head with a smile. "Not at all. In fact, I'm relieved. Caius is stubborn, but he's already miserable being away from you. He told me so himself, during one of our regular cups of blood."

Amora couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her, despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Her heart fluttered, a feeling she wasn't used to, especially not for Caius. The man was a drama queen, she mused, but maybe-just maybe-there was more to him than she had seen.

The two women continued to talk, their conversation flowing easily now that the tension had been broken. Amora found herself relaxing, Salvador occasionally flicking his tongue against her neck as if sensing her calming mood. Eventually, exhaustion from the emotional rollercoaster caught up to her, and she began to drift off, her head resting on her pillow, with Salvador curled beside her.

Athenadora watched her with a fond smile, gently tucking the blanket around her and Salvador. "Goodnight, dear sister," she whispered, pressing a light kiss to Amora's forehead before quietly leaving the room.