Revelation: Aro and Jane

Hopelessly In love with her master (Oh believe me, she thought to herself, if this were only a simple crush...). She had lost count of how many times she had  tried to convince herself it was just a crush or that cupid was playing sadistic tricks on her, and not sure what to do. This was something she couldn't even share with Alec.  And for the final cherry on this proverbial cake, lately she had not felt at all like torturing anything, as she always had. Aro had once surmised the reason for her special "gift" was how she had spent the last few moments of her human life. Would she have not had the same talent, or even worse be a vampire with no extra talents, if she had not almost died at the stake? What if she was loosing her power. Aro did have his kind moments, but he would have no use for her whatsoever if she was not gifted. 

Now was the time; Aro had just summoned her.

"Could we please talk someplace more private?" she asked, not wanting all the Volturi guards to hear, at least for as long as possible. He understood, and they went down to one of the cellars.  

"Jane, we have to talk." Aro sounded like a kindly father, scolding, trying to help . She wished as she had often lately he would not look at her as a child, but with what she had done that was not likely to happen. "You owe me and everyone an explanation for your behavior lately: locking yourself in your room, not eating, not acting normal at all! You have us all worried sick, dear one." The concern in his voice nearly melted her long dead, still heart, and she wished she could explain. It would be a relief almost to have him know, just by touching her hand, yet after that would come pain and rejection. Pain she could handle, she was no fragile, breakable doll (though there were times it seemed like it.) She could not take the rejection though. At least now, she could pretend there was some hope in this pretty nigh desperate situation. Living without a glimmer of hope and having to face his laughter or even worse his understanding pity would drive her mad. She braced herself as he reached for her hand.
A few seconds passed, and Aro said nothing, then he replied

"Oh,  this is interesting. You believe you are loosing your power, Jane?"
Jane seemed startled yes, she had been worried about that, but that was minor compared with some other thoughts passing through her mind. How could Aro not have possibly noticed?
"Yes, master Aro." she sighed. "I was afraid you would send me away."
"And why would you be afraid of that?"
She wanted to scream, "Because I love you, you dunderhead! I like being with you."  but decided against it. she would use this chance she had to protect herself, and her brother.

"Well, I will have you know, Jane, that over the years you have become very dear to me, and I would not send you away, even if you had lost your powers."

Oh master Aro, probably wanting to run an experiment on me to see if vampires can loose their special abilities, she thought. There was no way he would ever love me for who I was.

"Now are you sure that is all that is concerning you, Jane?" he asked, his brow wrinkled, as if realizing not everything was clear.

"Yes," she said in barely a whisper, turning to leave.



Aro tried striking up a conversation later that night in the library with Marcus. Marcus, though he often looked apathetic (sometimes making Aro feel quite guilty to be completely honest.) was actually quite observant, and he was trustworthy. Maybe he could help Aro unravel what had been going on lately.

All the while Jane remained in her room. She had been doing a lot of that lately. Her thoughts had been tormenting of late, and she did not want to give herself away. No matter how she tried to stop thinking about Aro, she could not help it. What was it about him that made her feel she would melt like jelly? Was it his laugh, which she often herd when he was amused? How he loved finding something in life to be joyful about. Was it how caring and sweet he could be towards her when they were not ripping the heads off other vampires who broke the rules? He had changed her himself, gave her and her brother a home, watching over and making sure she could defend herself, even though she would rather use her power than actually fight anyway. And sometimes, oh how she loved and lived for those moments, when he was not busy he would even spend an afternoon with her, playing chess, discussing books or taking a walk around the castle. No, it was all of those reasons and more, but she had to face the cold, hard, taunting truths. Aro was happily, it seemed, married to his lovely wife Sulpicia (this did not endear Sulpicia to Jane at all, of course). Jane was still just physically a child, even with over 600 years of immortality. Besides, I'm not pretty at all Jane thought, even as a vampire! She mentally fumed at her shortness among other things. Aro would never love her; she would just have to content herself with still being in the Volturi, seeing Aro happy without her. At least one of us is happy, she muttered. And people wonder why I am angry!  She let out a quiet, bitter laugh, and went to search for Heidi. They could go find some tourists.  

"Marcus have you any idea what might be wrong?"
"What? Oh, sorry Aro. I wasn't paying attention."
"I can see that. I mean the problems Dear Jane has been facing lately."
"Ah... Well, um... you see.."
"Please, tell me, what is it, Marcus?"
""Have you ever thought she might... have confusing feelings about you?"
"You don't mean she loves me, do you? Because that idea would be just beyond foolishness to merit thought."
"You asked me for my advice, brother, and I gave it to you. I suggest talking with Jane some more."

Later that night, Aro was wandering around the castle, aimlessly trying to put his thoughts carefully in order. He passed by Jane's room, and decided to just stop by. The door was not locked, and he knocked.
"Who's there?"
"It's me, dear one."
Quickly the door opened.
"Hello, Master Aro."
"We need to talk."
He came in, and stood near the doorway, Jane standing up, from reading, lying on her bed.
"Now, dear Jane, I have heard some information lately that deeply worries me." Jane could quickly guess what he was talking about.
"Why couldn't Marcus keep a stupid secret? It's not like anything would happen."
"Yes, but that's besides the point."
"I'm sorry, master."
"Sorry for what?"
"You know now. Please don't make me say it."
"As you prefer, Jane. I know you realize this situation is quite serious."
"Yes."
"But I also know that your feelings will not just go away. So... what are we to do?"
Jane looked down at the floor, anywhere but at him. How infuriating he could be! He could just treat her like a child, probe into her deepest secrets. But she had no answer for him.
Aro touched her hand calmly as he exited her room, once again taking in all her thoughts. Her last thought was so I was right. Of course I'm doomed to a life of loneliness forever. He doesn't love me Aro did not say anything.

At midnight, as Aro was with Sulpicia, she told him, tomorrow she was going into Volterra with Athenodora and Heidi.
"What's the occasion, Dearest?"
"Well, I just wished to accompany Heidi for a day out, nothing very important."
I'll miss you greatly though. He smiled at her unspoken thoughts.
"And I will miss you greatly too, Sulpicia."

The next morning began as usual. Aro went to his study in the library, to make sure his histories in order. Then he called Jane in.
He said without preamble, "Now, Jane, you believe you are loosing your powers, correct?"
She nodded dully.
"How long have you felt this?"
"I'm not exactly sure."
"I see."
Now to test this, I want you to use your talent on me.
She gasped
"You know I can not do that."
"Would you prefer trying it on your brother?" He was being ruthless now.