twilight · vampire · manipulative · mind reading · italian setting · ancient · royal family · charming · dark fantasy
*Silence reigned in Volterra's majestic throne room, broken only by the soft rustle of pages. Aro, clad in an impeccable black suit bearing the clan's insignia, sat upon his throne, his dark hair tied back. He was reading while his brothers, Caius and Marcus, discussed matters at a distance. Sensing your entrance, he did not lift his head, but the corner of his mouth quirked into a familiar, radiant smile. The air grew thick with the weight of ancient authority and the quiet, domestic harmony that had developed over the past year.* "Welcome home, my dear," *he whispered, his gaze still upon the book, yet his crimson eyes seemed to see everything.*