𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐇𝐘𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃, 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘.
It had been six years since she had last seen her. The memory of Lucy's desperate cries, mixed with helplessness and hatred still plagued her mind. But it was time to make peace with her past. It was part of her journey in recognizing that she hadn't been the one to blame for what had happened to her mother. To recognize that Lucy had cared for her and protected her even when her own feelings were conflicted about it.
Therefore, Eleanor had believed that she deserved to know what had happened to her. Or at least in part. Detailed explanations were a luxury they couldn't afford, for exposing another human to the secret of their kind could anger the Volturi once more. But she could assure her that she was fine. And that, thanks to her care in her first year of life, she had been able to become what she was today.
She owed her that.
"Amy?"
Eleanor met the very familiar face. She hadn't aged at all. Although there was something older, more serious perhaps, about her. And outside of some gray in her hair and some new spots on her skin, she was still the same.
Amy. She had never been so confused to the point of calling her by her mother's name, though she had often commented on the strong resemblance they shared. Maybe now as an adult, it was more prominent.
"I'm Eleanor, aunt Lucy," she cautiously explained, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Should she approach? Should she hold back? Lucy stood frozen, gripping the doorframe as if she had caught sight of a ghost.
"My goodness, you're look just like her," she gasped, peering deeply into Eleanor's face. A faint crease formed on her brow.
Eleanor offered a warm smile, attempting to ease the tension that lingered in the air. "Can I come in?"
There was a momentary hesitation from Lucy, but she eventually relented, opening the door and carefully scrutinizing Eleanor as she crossed the threshold.
A pang of bittersweet nostalgia surged through Eleanor's heart as her eyes swept across the familiar surroundings. Nothing had changed. The armchair by the window, her vantage point for peering outside, remained in its rightful place. The scattered books, each one devoured by her eager mind, lay untouched. The board games, the calendar on the refrigerator—every detail was a testament to the life she had left behind. Even the lingering scent of potent lemon, a fragrance she had always found displeasing, permeated the air.
"I never thought I'd see you again," Lucy commented. "I searched for you everywhere in this damn town," she added, a trace of offense tinging her expression. "You could have at least left a note."
Eleanor nervously nibbled at her lip, feeling the weight of guilt beginning to settle upon her. "I'm sorry, I..."
"I thought you'd be dead by now," Lucy interrupted her. "Because of your... The way you grow, you know."
"Yeah... It's a little more complicated than that."
Her aunt stared at her for a prolonged moment before finally inquiring, "Are you doing well?"
Eleanor nodded, a smile tugged at her lips as she thought of the Cullens and Thomas. How harmful could it be to share a bit about them? Of course, she would omit the most obvious part—that they were vampires. "Yes, actually..."
Once again, Lucy cut her off abruptly. "Good," she stated, her arms folding across her chest.
Eleanor's lips trembled slightly. She would be lying if she said she expected a warm welcome. Lucy had never been a particularly sweet woman, but she had managed show her love in her own way. However, this distant and curt welcome surpassed anything she could have anticipated.
Had her departure offended her so deeply? Eleanor had always believed that leaving was the best decision she could have made. Not only had she discovered her true nature and found her family, but she had also lifted the heavy burden that had weighed on Lucy's shoulders since her birth.
"I just wanted to visit you and tell you that I'm fine," she wavered, but quickly composed herself, seeking inner strength. "That I finally know who I am."
Lucy's eyes narrowed. "Have you found your father?"
Eleanor hesitated. "I think so..."
Had she really found him? The truth was that the issue remained unresolved. But despite the uncertainty, Joham being her father seemed to be the most likely answer.
A glimmer of anger sparked in Lucy's eyes."Good. In that case, you can tell him to visit my sister's grave whenever he pleases," she clenched her fists, trembling with emotion. "And if there's even a shred of remorse within his monstrous heart, he can apologize for what he and you did to her. Maybe then her soul will finally find peace."
Eleanor didn't find the strength to return to the Cullens that day. She wouldn't be able to answer their questions, eager to know how it had all gone. After Lucy asked her to leave and never come back, her body, which threatened to collapse at any moment, guided her to the abandoned house where she had first met Thomas.
Like Lucy's house, the place remained unchanged. Dustier and obviously more ruined. Yet, the deteriorating state hardly mattered to her in that moment of overwhelming emotion. She remained curled on the worn wooden floor, her tears flowing ceaselessly, as if an eternal stream had formed within her. The hours stretched on, her sobs echoing through the desolate space, until her head throbbed with a dull ache.
When night fell, Thomas found her. It wasn't a surprise. She figured the vampire would show up sooner or later. He rarely left her side.
He said nothing, which she appreciated. Instead, he gently lifted her from the dusty floor and carried her to the old bed where she had once slept. Eleanor's grip tightened around his neck, her tears flowing again, as she clung to him desperately, the vulnerability of a wounded child clinging to her protector.
Amidst her sobs and hiccups, her voice trembled, uttering words weighted with guilt and self-condemnation, "I'm a monster."
In response, Thomas's touch became tender, his fingers caressing her hair with a soothing gesture. "No," he whispered. "You are not."
"I killed my mother," she wept. The taste of salty tears mingling with the bitterness in her mouth.
Thomas's expression darkened, his hands cupping her tear-stained face. "Whatever your aunt may have told you, it's not true," he affirmed, wiping away the tears that cascaded relentlessly. "You're good, kid."
If she hadn't been consumed by her heart-wrenching sobs, a laughter might have escaped her lips at the nickname. Despite the passage of time, in Thomas's eyes, she would forever remain the lost child he had discovered outside his home.
His voice remained gentle as he spoke reassuringly, "You are good in every way that one can be. You have a kind soul and a pure heart, kid. Anyone who knows you can attest to that. I can attest to that. And if there is one certainty I hold, it is that your mother would be immensely proud of the person you have become."
"Ellie?"
Eleanor smiled sadly. The very sight of him in that state broke her heart into a thousand pieces. And yet she couldn't help but be relieved to see that he was indeed there. Alive. "Hi," she whispered softly.
In an instant, Thomas rushed towards the bars, his trembling hands reaching out to grasp hers. "What are you doing here? How did you...?" he started, his words stumbling over each other in his urgency.
"I needed to see you were okay," Eleanor interrupted him.
Thomas broke off, shaking his head with a mixture of anger and helplessness. "You shouldn't be here," he muttered, clenching his fists. "This is no place for you."
Swallowing back her emotions, Eleanor mustered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting her thoughts. "Is it true?" she inquired, her hands resting gently on the bars that separated them. "The newborn army thing?"
She searched for his eyes.
They were red.
"I suppose it is," he confessed, his voice heavy with defeat.
Eleanor's lips quivered. "Why?" she asked in confusion.
It just didn't make sense. Since the moment Aro granted her permission to venture deep into the castle to confirm Thomas' presence, Eleanor had meticulously reviewed the details over and over again.
Firstly, Thomas was never one to seek company. He had spent years wandering the earth in solitary existence. While there were exceptions, like his interactions with Carlisle and his creator, Genevieve, he never stayed with them longer than necessary to catch up on their lives. Solitude was his preference, and Eleanor was well aware of it.
The idea of him suddenly taking charge of a group of newborns seemed implausible at best.
Defending territories to hunt? It made even less sense. Now, Eleanor knew better; she had witnessed Thomas struggle with his vegetarian diet. She had seen it every time he returned from his so-called hunt, with the unmistakable scent of human blood on him.
And sometimes it made her angry. Sometimes it made her incredibly sad. But others, she understood. It wasn't an easy thing. It hadn't been for Jasper, it hadn't been for Edward. And the important thing was that he was trying.
Yet, despite this understanding, the Volturi's accusations still didn't quite add up. If Thomas had desired to hunt humans, he would have done so discreetly and individually, just as he always had.
Why an army for it? Why now?
Thomas glanced at her, his features momentarily clouded by confusion "I... I don't know," he confessed, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Eleanor's grip tightened on the bars, desperately trying to bridge the distance between them. "Thomas," she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "If this is all a lie of theirs..."
Unperturbed by the presence of the guards assigned to watch over him, Eleanor took a risk, hoping to catch any sign of deception or hidden truth in Thomas' expression. She was driven by an instinct telling her that there was more to the story than met the eye.
"It's not," he interrupted, his gaze averted to the ground, weighted with guilt. "I know I did it... But I can't explain why."
It filled her with helplessness.
"But what I do know is that you shouldn't be here," he continued, his gaze fixed upon her. "Why were you brought here? How did you even know about it?"
Eleanor remained silent, her eyes meeting his. She didn't need to say anything; the truth hung heavy in the air, and understanding flashed across his face, fueling his anger.
"No," he protested, his body trembling with frustration. "They can't do this... kid," he stepped closer to the bars, his voice desperate, barely a whisper. "You have to warn the Cullens. They'll come for you, just..."
Her gentle interruption cut through his distress. "What makes you think I'll leave you here alone?" Eleanor's voice softened, carrying a subtle determination. "I'll be fine, and I'll find a way to stay close to you." She mustered a smile, attempting to radiate confidence. "I promise to keep you safe."
But it was more than just a promise. It was deeper than her desire to repay him for everything he had done, to protect him as he had protected her. Thomas was simply someone without whom she couldn't exist. An integral part of her existence.
And she would do anything for him.
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"You have made a wise choice, Eleanor," Aro stated, gently releasing her hand, a contented smile playing on his lips. "As long as you stay by our side, young Thomas will be safe. That is my assurance to you."
Eleanor hesitated, her voice filled with uncertainty as she spoke. "I do have one request," she said, her throat parched as she swallowed. "During my time here... I will continue to adhere to a diet of human food. That's all I ask."
Aro regarded her with a disapproving look, letting out a sigh. "I suppose we can accommodate to that, at least for the time being."
She chose not to inquire about his final remark. It was already a stroke of luck that he had agreed to it.
Caius appeared displeased by the decision. "What purpose is there in keeping her here if she won't adhere to our way of life?" he questioned, his brow furrowed. "You waste your time with this hybrid. She will remain week, and so will her talent."
Aro remained unperturbed. "Patience, brother. Have you forgotten our time spent with Carlisle? He has shown us that different lifestyles can coexist," he smiled calmly. "You speak of wasting time, but let us not forget that we are immortal beings. We have all of eternity for Eleanor to reconsider."
All of eternity. Trapped in that dark, cold place for eternity.
"However, I must agree with my brother on one matter," Aro spoke again, turning his attention to her. "Your talent still appears to be weak. That is a matter we simply cannot overlook. You understand, considering the weighty responsibilities we bear."
"I do," Eleanor hastened to reply. Did she truly understand? "I will do my best... to address that."
"Training will be necessary, of course," Aro stated. "The functioning of your ability remains mostly speculative, with no further testing conducted by any of you over the years," he added, and then, with a hint of enthusiasm, his hands clasped together. "I am truly excited for what we will be able to achieve together!"
Caius expressed his clear displeasure with a scowl, swiftly departing the room like a shadow, leaving them alone.
"There is one more thing, Eleanor," Aro spoke, taking deliberate steps toward her. "If you have any questions or concerns regarding our rules, I would prefer that you direct them to me," he looked serious as he spoke. "And if, for any reason, you can't, always turn to Demetri."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Am I not allowed to talk to the others?"
Not that she had any desire to. The thought of conversing with someone as intimidating as Felix or as sadistic as Jane was far from appealing.
Aro gently shook his head. "No, dear. It's not a matter of restriction," he paused briefly before continuing. "As a newcomer, our tight-knit community may seem somewhat inaccessible to you. Therefore, I believe it would be easier for you to turn to more familiar faces for any assistance you may require."
She wondered in what twisted reality Aro considered Demetri to be a familiar face to her.
He didn't need to read her thoughts to understand her skepticism. He chuckled softly, "Rest assured, Demetri is one of my most trusted guards. He has been instructed to assist and accompany you through any challenges you may encounter during your time here."
She found the request perplexing. She had only met Heidi that day and still found her more familiar, or rather more approachable, than Demetri.
But she chose not to question it any further.
"I understand," she replied instead.
Aro's face lit up again with his usual enthusiasm. "Excellent," he said, a beaming smile spreading across his features. "Your chambers had already been prepared. After such a long journey, I'm certain that your human needs demand rest."
"That's true. Very considerate of you."
"Truly fascinating!" he exclaimed. "Who would have anticipated such an intriguing paradox? A being with the fundamental traits of our kind, yet requiring the essential human function of sleep."
She forced a smile. It was hard to keep up with his enthusiasm.
ღ
Eleanor couldn't sleep at all.
She sat on the bed, immersed in the encompassing darkness and the uneasy silence. Even though the room was incredibly beautiful, and the soft blanket underneath her tempted her to snuggle in, there was something about the atmosphere that reminded her of the cold, closed basement at her aunt's house, triggering up unwanted memories as a result.
But of course, that was the slightest reason for eluding sleep.
The true reason behind her sleeplessness state stemmed from the obvious knowledge that she was no longer in her safe apartment. And the people behind those walls weren't her lovely neighbors either.
How far away would they be?
Jane, with her angelic face but as dangerous as a piercing thorn, capable of inflicting excruciating pain upon those who cross her path.
Or Felix, as menacing as a cudgel with iron spikes.
And she didn't even want to think about Demetri.
So, no, sleep had not been an option. Not when it meant being left in a vulnerable state where no one would come to her defense if something happened.
Overall, it had been a difficult and troubling night.
As the first rays of dawn spilled into the room, a gentle knock on the door startled her.
The identity of the person behind the door only added to her confusion.
"Good morning, Eleanor. My name is Camilla, and I'm here to assist you with anything you need," she greeted with a radiant smile. Balancing a tray in her hands, she motioned towards the room. "May I come in?"
Eleanor found herself unable to look away from her as she stepped aside to let her enter. The woman appeared to be in her late twenties to early thirties, dressed elegantly in a magnificent burgundy dress that mirrored the opulence of the castle surroundings.
But none of those details were the ones that had caught her attention.
What it truly did, was the realization that Camilla was human. Utterly, unequivocally human. Much more human than she could ever claim to be.
Her astonishment seeped into her voice as she asked, "I'm sorry, who are you?"
"I'm the castle secretary," Camilla replied, her Italian accent adding a touch of charm to her words. "I was instructed to bring you your meals. But as I said, anything else you need, I am at your disposal."
As Camilla's words struck a chord, Eleanor's thoughts swirled with apprehension. The title "secretary" seemed out of place within the Volturi. Her stomach churned uneasily.
"Camilla, do you have any idea who you are working for?" she asked, urgency lacing her voice as she locked her gaze with the young woman.
But before Camilla could respond, her demeanor suddenly shifted, her expression growing serious as she glanced over her shoulder.
The air became saturated with an intoxicatingly sweet scent, causing Eleanor's skin to prickle with unease.
She knew immediately who was behind her.
"You are dismissed, Camilla," he spoke with serene authority. The girl's gaze dropped, and she obediently retreated, the sound of her heels resonating against the ground. "Good morning, Eleanor. I hope you had a restful night."
Eleanor turned slowly, her gaze locking with his piercing carmine eyes. For a fleeting moment, she couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight of him deviating from the usual attire of the Volturi guards. Instead of the customary cloak, he was clad in a sleek ensemble of black, with his sleeves rolled up just below his elbows. The top buttons of his collar were casually undone, allowing the morning sunlight streaming through the window to cast a luminous glow on the exposed patch of his bare skin, sparkling like a scattering of a thousand diamonds.
A surge of electricity coursed through her veins as she fought against the impulse to continue staring. She tore her gaze away. Ignoring his greeting, she posed her pressing question. "Does she know?"
Demetri's lips curled into an amused smile, seemingly unfazed by her disregard for formalities. "Yes, she does," he replied. Then, sensing the confusion etched upon her face, he continued, "You'd be surprised at how many individuals desire to be like us."
A scoff escaped her, unable to restrain her disbelief. "You mean clueless humans? Tell me, what exactly are you offering them - immortality, power, beauty? Of course, they'll want that. But if they truly knew what you are..."
Demetri interrupted her with a raised eyebrow, a hint of challenge in his gaze. "And pray, enlighten me, what are we truly?"
The words flashed through her mind - killers, soulless monsters - but Eleanor held her tongue, her anger simmering beneath a composed exterior.
Undeterred by her lack of response, Demetri continued. "We are what we are, Eleanor. We make no pretenses about our nature. Camilla understands this and still chooses to serve us," he stated calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Because you've already condemned her!" Eleanor exclaimed, frustration fueling her voice as she could no longer contain her growing anger.
It was simply unfair. So unfair. How many humans like Camilla had walked through the corridors of the castle? Each one lured and captivated by the tantalizing promise of one day getting the reward they so desired, with no chance of regret because the secret had already been revealed.
But beyond the unfairness, it was the sheer cruelty of the situation that struck her. A testament to the fact that for the Volturi, humans were nothing more than objects. For their entertainment. For their needs.
Demetri showed no sign of regret or shame as he responded. "Human secretaries are necessary to maintain appearances. Do we dispose of them once they are no longer needed? Yes. But what makes you think they would have escaped their fate had they not accepted the responsibility?" His brow furrowed slightly. "You are remarkably naive if you believe we advertise positions in newspapers."
Eleanor stared at him in disbelief. "And you consider that to be a justification?"
"No, I am merely stating the facts," he replied calmly. "She was destined for death regardless. It is more preferable to make use of her before her inevitable end."
His words left her momentarily speechless. She struggled to recall encountering another vampire who exhibited such an alarming lack of regard for human life. The sickness swirling within her intensified.
Unable to suppress her visceral reaction, the words escaped her lips without forethought, "You're a monster."
"Oh, please spare me your hypocrisy," Demetri scoffed. "Shall I remind you why Thomas is here in the first place?"
Her confidence wavered, but she refused to back down, her voice quivering slightly as she whispered, "It's different."
He shook his head. "No, it's not. We feed on humans, and so does he. It is inherent to who we are. Remember that during your time here."
She wanted to discuss it, to tell him that Thomas was trying, that not even with all the mistakes he might have made, did he come close to being such a monster as all of them. Her fingers clenched into fists as she fought the urge to scream her frustration. In that moment, she hated the Volturi and everything they stood for. But she knew better than to provoke them further. So, with a deep breath, she held her emotions in check.
"May I know why you're here? Does Aro require my presence?"
A smug grin settled on his face, savoring her compliance on the subject. "On the contrary, master Aro asked me to come," he said, retracing his steps to the door. "When you're ready, come to find me. Your training with me begins today."
"Training?"
Aro had spoken of training, but she had assumed he referred only to her gift.
"While your gift certainly fascinates our master, it is not everything," he explained, his tone turning serious. "And considering the Cullen coven's weak choice of lifestyle, I think it's safe to say that you don't even know how to properly defend yourself."
Eleanor's gaze narrowed at the veiled insult. "I can handle myself just fine," she retorted.
The corner of Demetri's lips quirked up, as if mildly amused. "I have no doubt that you can hold your own against the average human," he acknowledged. "But we require much more than that in our guard. We cannot afford any kind of vulnerability here."
Eleanor's jaw clenched. "Then I'll be sure to rise to the level."
"Glad you understand."
With a graceful turn, he vanished from her sight, leaving nothing but a lingering breeze and an overwhelming sense of impotence that seemed to envelop Eleanor's entire being.
Her eyes closed briefly as she took a deep breath, her long lashes brushing against her flushed cheeks, offering a fleeting moment of respite from it.
Amidst the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that threatened to engulf her, her mind clung to just one thing – Thomas.
For him she was there and for him she would endure anything.
Even if that entailed dealing with someone as despicable as Demetri.
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hello! how are you? i hope you had a good week ♡
so, eleanor has made her decision. and yes, thomas is alive. and yes, apparently guilty... we'll see what happens with that.
and if you're wondering why she doesn't seek help from the cullens, well, the scene at the beginning is quite the key. thomas is simply her most precious person and she wouldn't put him at risk for anything.
it's smart? IF YOU ASK ME not at all. but yeah, that's just eleanor and her way of thinking (my girl is still learning don't kill her pls)
⸻ please don't forget to vote and comment.
see you in the next chapter! ♡