Tempus | Alec volturi | Joel Courtney |

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“If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them.”

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C A R L Y

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Love has the power to heal and hurt.

I should know, I've been sticking to the same phrase since I met Joel. 

It's been a little over two months since Maddy and Alec put their differences aside and accepted each other. To know that Alec changed for the better for her, makes me really happy. 

If Alec hadn't saved her that day, I can't imagine what things would've been like, at this point in time. To know that my little sister is happy, makes me happier than ever - knowing she's in good hands. 

"Maddy! Oh god!" I screamt, as she resurfaced from the dark depths of water. She breathed heavily, clutching Alec's shirt as he pulled her closer. 

​​​​​​"You will all pay!" The Romanian asshat yelled, as Felix beheaded him and threw a lighter on his decapitated form. 

"Come on guys." Demetri whispered, glancing at the two floating in the water. I nodded, looking at the two as they kissed, before I left. 

"Maddy!" I waved, as the duo walked into the castle, ten minutes after us. She had Alec's cloak around her shoulders, and a smile on a face that mirrored his. Not to mention the fact that she was tucked under his arm. 

​​​​​​

"Carly." Maddy smiled, both pairs of eyes falling on mine. 

"I'll see you soon Maddelyn."

"No. Wait." I stopped him. "Seeing what you did for her, changed my mind about you completely."

"What are you saying?" He frowned, his head tipping in confusion. 

"I'm saying, you passed the test." I smiled. My arm reached out and I punched his, as a smile spread on his face. "Welcome to the family." 

A knock on the door had pulled me out of my thoughts. I muttered a 'come in' as the doors opened, revealing my favourite couple. 

"Hey guys!" I smiled, looking at a very grinning Maddy. 

"I'm engaged!" She squealed. "It was the best day of my life and I had no idea and - wait. You knew about this didn't you?" 

I snorted. "Of course. I planned the date." 

"Damn." 

"And," I smirked. "I'm planning the wedding." 

"Sure." Alec smiled. 

"Where's Joel?" Maddy frowned while I bit the inside of my cheek to halt the grimace that almost emerged. 

"I don't know." 

"Car. . ." 

"He said something about the library, I think." I shrugged. "I don't care anyways."

"He really loves you, you know that." Alec said, frowning lightly. 

"Yeah, right." 

"Guys," I spoke before either of them could. "You're getting married. My life is messed up and weird, but it doesn't matter right now. Everything is going to fall into place at the end, so I'm not paying much attention to it. The only thing I am paying attention to; is your wedding. Because right now, that is the most important thing."

"Yeah. . ." Maddy sighed, mindlessly intertwining their hands as she lost herself in her thoughts. 

"Now, I'm going to need you both to focus on the more important things going on - did you tell Aro?" 

"No?" Maddy frowned, the statement coming out as more of a question. 

"Go! I'm sure everyone will be excited to hear about this." I smiled. 

"Fine." Maddy smiled, tugging Alec with her. "See you in a while!"

"Bye!" I grinned. 

I was so excited. My little sister was getting married! This meant that the wedding had to be completely flawless.

I walked towards Joel's desk to grab myself some sheets of paper, so I could begin listing the invitees. As I opened up the drawers, I spotted something at the back. I pulled it out from behind, holding it up to see that it was a white shirt - the same one that I wore when I had come before. It had lost its white, becoming more of an off-white colour which showed that it hadn't been washed. I sighed, not believing the fact that he had kept it all this time. But why?

"What are you searching for?" A voice asked from behind, making me shove the cloth back in its place. I picked up my papers and turned on my heel, coming face to face with Joel.

"Grabbing a few sheets." I shrugged, moving away from him as he walked towards me.

In my quest to avoid him, I had stepped on my robe letting out a gasp as I plummeted forward. His arm shot out and grasped my waist, pulling me to him before I could touch the ground. Once I was balanced, I stood up on my own two feet, moving away from him.

"Be careful sweetheart." He whispered, holding my face. I turned away, feeling his cool breath against my skin. Despite the harsh feelings, I couldn't help but get annoyed by the constant need I harboured for him.

"I am sorry to disturb your moment, but Aro summoned everyone in the throne room now." Demetri interrupted. I moved away from Joel, towards the door as I placed the papers down on the mantle place. I glanced back in time to see Joel shoot Demetri a harsh look following me out. 

The lower ranked guards that stood outside, opened the throne room door as we approached. I noticed that we were the last to reach when the doors shut and Aro requested our attention.

"Now that we all have gathered here, let me address a small announcement." He started. "Our two lovely children here - Maddelyn Knight and Alec Volturi are to be wed in a week." He smiled, glancing at the engaged couple. "We are happy for their decision and will be celebrating their special day with great enthusiasm. Guests will be called from all over the world, to join us in this wonderful occasion."

"Jane and Carly, as the closest blood relatives to the couple, you both are put in charge of this spectacular event."

"As you wish master." Jane smiled.

"Let the wedding bells ring then." He laughed. "You may all leave." 

I smiled to myself, knowing that I have an excuse to avoid Joel for a while as I walked to Jane's room. I knocked on her door, hearing a faint 'come in' before I entered.

Her room was painted black, like all the other rooms but still had a feminine tint to it like no other had. She was perched on her desk, her eyes lighting up as she saw me. Guess she wasn't the only one excited for the wedding.

"Shall we begin?"

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