In the Heart of Volterra | Volturi Kings

R e v e l a t i o n
a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way.

As Marcus's gaze locked onto Seraphina's, a remarkable transformation unfolded on his typically stoic face.

Behind the dark lenses of his glasses, warmth radiated.

The rest of his features, usually hard-edged and unyielding, softened, creating an unexpected gentleness that sent a flutter through Seraphina.

The tight line of his lips relaxed into a small, genuine smile, softening his entire demeanor.

In the brief time she’d known Marcus—just a single afternoon—she had formed the impression of a man of few words and even fewer emotions. But this... this was different. This was a warmth that radiated from someplace deep within him, something genuine and unguarded. It made her wonder what lay beneath his quiet exterior.

Seraphina’s gaze drifted downward, and suddenly self-consciousness washed over her like a cold wave. She wasn’t the same person she had been before her pregnancy. She felt softer, rounder, more vulnerable.

Yet, as she glanced back at Marcus, the warmth in his gaze struck her.

Caius’s expression twisted into one of disgust, his voice dripping with judgment. "Pregnant," he spat,  "How quaint."

Marcus’s reaction was starkly different; his eyes filled with gentle warmth as he whispered, "Oh my. This is... unexpected."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes at Caius.

Caius snorted, disdain evident in his tone. "I fail to see how this is any of our concern. She’s just a human, after all. A pregnant human, at that."

Seraphina's hands hovered over her midsection, her eyes locked onto Aro's face as she braced herself for his reaction. To her surprise, a calm expression washed over his features.

"Aro?" she said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Is... is this a problem for you?"

The question slipped out before she could fully process it, leaving her bewildered. Why did she seek his approval? They had no history, no real connection. Yet, despite that, she found herself yearning for his acceptance.

Aro’s gaze seemed to penetrate her, and his expression remained steady as he replied, "I suppose it would be foolish of me to deny it, Seraphina. I have certain... expectations where you are concerned."

Her eyes narrowed, defensiveness igniting within her. "Expectations?" The words felt like a trap, tangling a web of confusion and anxiety around her.

Aro’s expression remained inscrutable, but his words sent a chill down her spine. "I am not upset, Seraphina. I am merely... recalibrating my understanding of our situation."

"What does that even mean?” she asks.

Aro leaned forward slightly, his intensity palpable. "I’m not trying to redefine anything. But I had envisioned us exploring a different path together. With this, everything changes."

Seraphina took a step back, her heart racing. "You’re telling me that this affect your plans?
This isn’t just about you!"

Aro’s expression softened just a fraction, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his composed facade. "I understand that, and I do not wish to make this about my expectations alone. I merely need time to adjust to this new reality."

She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "Okay, but this isn’t just an abstract concept for me. I’m the one carrying this child. I’m the one whose life will change irrevocably."