⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️

This chapter contains violence

Illiana POV

I hear several gasps around me before people start kneeling, even my family. Though Emmett and Rissa do an exaggerated bow before they kneel. I have to hold back my laughter, shaking my head at them. The only one left standing is the man on the center throne. I pry into his mind fairly easy, then connect my mind with my mates so they know what I'm about to do.

   Aro? Who the fuck names their kid Aro? I hear a few snorts behind me and Emmett out right laughing. And he's an idiot. He thinks he can capture me and use me. Well, this will be fun. I let a sinister smirk take over my face and see my dad stiffen beside me. Ha! He knows what's going to happen. Emmett smirks with me as Rose shakes her head at us.

  I lift my hands up and everyone rises. I turn to Aro, after reading his mind for names, who stands by his sister Aleka and the sad king, Marcus. Aleka looks at her brother with disdain and clutches Caius, the angry ones', hand. I slowly walk to Aro with my heels clicking on the marble floor. He smiles at me before I swipe my hand and his left leg snaps. His face turns a dark shade of red as he screams and I giggle. Aleka just watches with cold eyes.

  I have everyone's attention on me as I approach his crumpled form. "Has no one ever taught you manners? I'm the queen now honey." I smile at the rage in his eyes. "Tsk tsk. You should have knelt." That comment puts him over the edge and he lunges for me. I lift my hand and his heart lands in it before I crush it. "All you had to do was kneel darling" I say with a sinister smirk. His face is frozen in shock before he crumples to the floor.

   I walk slowly to his crumpled body and let hellfire encase my right hand. I touch his body and it engulfs in rich blue flames. The fire roars alive, licking over his body and up my arm. Within seconds there's nothing left but grey ash. Aleka, Caius, and Marcus just stand still, watching me carefully, not particularly caring about the dead king.

    I wave my hand, making a long black dress appear on me and a crown. Then walk to the middle throne, stepping through the ash and sit down. Everyone looks around to eachother before Aleka bows. Then Marcus and finally Caius, albeit with a grumble. The rest of the room bows before me but I raise my hand quickly. "No need to bow lovelies and no calling me queen. My name is Illiana and please no mam. I'm at least a thousand years younger than half of you." Laughter rings around us and I smile. I turn to the two children and wave them over.

Her outfit
because she's dramatic

  They quickly walk towards me with their heads down. The blonde is tense and the brunette keeps a steady hand on his sisters arm. They stop a few feet in front of me and I sigh. I get up and gently grab their chins and tilt them up to me. "You two are absolutely adorable!" Jane blushes while Alec puffs out his chest and grins. Aleka giggles beside me, holding tight to Caius. And I can't help but stare at the beautiful vampire. Her cheeks turn a dark red as I stare into her eyes and feel the familiar tether of a soulmate bond form.

   I keep eye on Aleka as I as the kids "do you know about soul bonds?" They both shake their heads yes, as does Aleka. "Great! So I'm not sure if you feel it but you are my soul children." They both nod yes and I grab them, pulling them into a hug. They are stiff for a minute then they relax in my arms making me smile. I have children. I have children! I smile widely and gently squeeze them before letting go. "Do you both have a tattoo as well?" The nod and show a tattoo that's exactly like mine. I nod and turn towards Caius and Aleka "I also have a soulmate bond with you two but we can discuss that later if you'd like?" They just half-heartedly agree, whispering between each other.

   I turn back to the twins with a large smile, gently grabbing their hands and walk towards my family. "I'd like y'all to meet my father, your papa Charlie!" Dad screws his face up at the name but smiles brightly at the twins. "Um hi guys.." They both look at his red face and start giggling. "Okay, I do believe we have a lot to discuss but I need to talk to Marcus privately please." Everyone bows before leaving, except Caius and Aleka. Caius still sits on his throne with a small smirk on his face while Aleka sits on his lap. I quickly walk back over to the middle throne and sit down.

   My eyes drift to Caius and Aleka, who is already staring at me, making my face turn red. I send them both a bright smile and turn to Marcus. "So I have many powers and one of them being necromancy." Marcus' eyes widen but before he can speak I raise my hand "I know you have many questions but please let me tell you everything first." He nods and motions me to continue.

I spill everything to him while he calmly listens until I tell him about Isabella, the rage is clearly etched into his face. "She's a disgrace to our species!" Caius hisses. Aleka pats his back gently whispering soothingly and his red face slowly turns back to pale white. I nod in agreement and turn back to Marcus. "I can bring back Didyme but since it's been so long since she's passed, it will take her some time to readjust."

   Marcus is silent for a few seconds before tears start pouring down his face. He speeds over to my chair and crushes me into a hug while whispering "Grazie! Oh grazie!" over and over again. (Thank you! Oh thank you!) I feel two more sets of hands on me, seeing both Caius and Aleka hugging us both. Once Marcus settles, I look at Caius, Aleka, then back at Marcus. "Okay guys, I need you both to stand back as I use some powerful magic okay?"

The three nod but my mates look a bit worried, watching at my every move. Already so sweet and caring. I block the stares out and focus on myself. Then I picture Didyme, her long dark hair, olive skin tone, and bright blue eyes. I feel my magic starting to swirl around me, like a mini tornado. The wind thrashes around me until it all stops, as if time froze for a second but instead a ethereal looking woman stands in front of me.

   I send Marcus a look and he slowly steps forward. When her eyes lock onto his, she gasps then speeds towards him. "Marco! Amore mio, oh pensavo di averti perso!" (Marcus! My love, oh I thought I lost you!) I smile as I feel my nose start to bleed. Not again. I feel a small cloth in my hand and see Caius gesturing to my nose with a scowl. Aleka stands beside him with wide eyes, gently caressing my face "you need to be careful, mio caro." (My darling)

Didyme

I gently wipe the blood off and pull them both towards the doors. "I promise I will but this was important" I whisper as we shut the giant wooden doors. The others all stand up immediately and bow. I wave them off "that's not necessary, right Caius?" I eye him and he lets out a huff. Aleka giggles beside him, taking my hand in hers with a wide grin. One that reminds me of her brother. Wild and dangerous but unlike Aro, she's beautiful. "Yes amore mio is correct. There is no need to bow every time you see us. Now I have a few things to take care of." (My love) He kisses my cheek then leaves with only two guards. Aleka stays with us, awkwardly waving at the group.

"Let's go my little ducks, I think we need a tour" I state but turn my head towards Aleka in more of a question. She just nods, tucking herself into my side. She's so quiet, like Rissa. The twins smile and flank my right side, Jane gently holds my right hand as Aleka has my left. "But I'm starving, so we should stop by the kitchen first. Oh! We should make some pizza!" I say excitedly but the twins look at me like I've grown a third head. "What? You've never made pizza before or you just don't cook here?" Jane fiddles with her necklace as Alec whispers "both." Jane's head hangs low and Alec pulls his sister into his side.

   Aleka shuffles beside me "I'm sorry, I was never taught to cook and since we became royalty, Aro never let me learn." My heart clenches at the thought and I promise myself right then and there that not only will these babies always know love and care. But Aleka will get to live the life she's always dreamed. They will never again feel sad or alone. The twins will finally be able to be children and make memories and Aleka will live her wildest dreams. I will make my whole family happy even if it's the last thing I do.

I squeeze her hand in mine and pull the twins close "well that settles it! Show me where the kitchen is and we can make a ton of pizzas! Actually, how many people live here because that could be a lot of pizzas.." I trail of with furrowed brows. Laughter rings out around me and I shake my head "duh, I have magic, I can literally just use that to multiply the pizzas!" Rissa comes up and brings Aleka into a hug "sorry I just had to hug you! I know this sounds weird but I've been-" Aleka cuts the off with a grin "dreaming of you! You are all of my mates. Mine?" She asks with tears in her eyes. I accidentally pick up on her thoughts and my heart almost breaks.

I wrap my arms around her and whisper "you'll never have to feel alone again. You have us and Caius. Speaking of mates, let me introduce you!" I pull back and grab the twins, pulling them all towards my family. Rissa shuffles back over to Emmett as he places his arms around her and Rose. "So this is Rosalie or Rose and her husband Emmett. They have been together for about 70 years, married 66." Rose pulls her into a hug immediately and Aleka's cheeks turn pink. Emmett kisses her hand with a smirk and Rissa just smiles at her. I kiss them all three on the cheek, loving every moment with my mates.

I turn towards Jasper with a grin "and this is Jasper, he recently lost a um, soulmate of sorts." He grins ruefully but stuck out his hand to Aleka. He gently kisses it before speaking "nice to meet you mam." Aleka's eyes basically turn into little hearts and I have to hold back my giggles. Already so smitten. But Jasper will do that. I then move to Sammy, Cali, and Sage; having left Angela at home due to the danger. "Sammy is our last mate here, we have two others that are at home as they have certain ailments that may not be tolerated here" I state. Aleka furrows her brows and nods "okay we can talk about that later then."

   I agree and Sammy grins at us both. "You are absolutely ravishing Aleka" he flirts, kissing her hand as well. She turns a dark red and giggles back a thank you. I roll my eyes and swat at him "tone it down lover boy, you'll scare her away." He smirks and I pull her to Cali. "These are my best friends and also mates to eachother, Calliope  Forbes and Sage Parker." Cali gives Aleka a glance over and bids her head while Sage shakes her hand. "It's nice to meet you! Good luck with this group, especially Lils" she pints to me with a smile. I shake my head and imitate a halo on my head "not me. I'm an angel." Dad snorts beside us and I stick my tongue out at him.

   Aleka laughs beside me, sounds like bells and I grin. "And here is the last of the family" I say, pulling her towards Dad, Carlisle, and Esme. They all smile at us, each shaking her hand. "This is my father Charlie Swan and his mates Carlisle and Esme Cullen" I casually state. Dad turns red and runs the back of his neck while the other two look shocked. "I've known for a while old man. You deserve love, so don't fuck it up" I tease. He shakes his head at me and swats at my arm. "Behave you little shit" he mumbles, bright red. I giggle and take off as he chases me through the halls.

   We eventually make our way into the beautiful kitchen. One side has an older style with dark wood and giant windows. While the other side is all marble with the same dark wood and more modern appliances. Almost as if they took a kitchen from a cottage and stuck it next to the brand new ones that they have set up in stores. I trail my hand along the cold marble countertops and smile.

The Kitchens

"So are y'all ready?" I ask the twins and Aleka, who stands behind them. They both nod, standing on my right side as Aleka watches over them. I wave my fingers and all our supplies appears in front of us. Jane's eyes sparkle and Alec has a huge smile on his face. Aleka's eyes light up and is smile. Nothing bigger than seeing my mate happy. "Okay first we need to wash our hands before we cook because- well I guess germs only affect the living huh? You know, it doesn't matter just wash your hands so they're not dirty." Emmett and Sammy start laughing and I flip them off.

I look down at my own hands and see blood coating them. "Definitely don't need vampire blood in the food" I whisper. Jane let's out a small giggle, almost bell-like and shakes her head. "Human blood? Yes but vampire blood? No way." I just smile at her and flick water at her face. Her mouth drops open and stares at me for a second before splashing the water at me. Unfortunately for Alec and Aleka, I move away just in time and they both get hit. Jane freezes and Alec narrows his eyes. He quickly sticks his hand in the flour and throws it at her, caking everything in white. A cloud of white smoke hangs around us and Alec looks at his hand in shock. Aleka grabs a handful as well, throwing at me with a devious smile.

    I cough on the puff of smoke and turn to Jane. All you can see is her red eyes peeking through the flour on her face and I lose it, knowing I look exactly the same. My giggles set the others off and the twins narrow their eyes at me. The next thing I know, I'm being pelted with eggs and flour. I smirk at the kids "game on!" I wiggle my fingers and eggs go flying towards them, having one go directly towards Aleka who runs in fake terror.

    I hear several screams as members of the guard join in on the fun. Soon we are all covered in food and laughter fills the room. Until the double doors open with a loud thud and Caius walks in with Marcus. Everyone stops and the room immediately quiets down. I slowly reach for an egg before launching it straight at Ciaus. The egg flies forward before hitting him square in the forehead and breaks open, covering him in egg. Aleka's jaw drops beside me and her eyes dart between us.

I let out small giggles that slowly get louder as everyone watches with wide eyes. Aleka joins in but instead of Caius getting angry, he surprises everyone by picking up a bag of flower and speeding over to me then dumping it on my head. He grabs an egg and smashes into Aleka's hair and she shrieks. My mouth drops open before Alec throws an egg, pelting Caius in the side and the food fight begins again.

    Thirty minutes later, we're out of ingredients and tired. Caius sits down beside me at the table with a big smile. "I think this is the most lively this castle has ever been amore" his velvety voice whispers as his lips graze my ear, sending shivers down my back. My cheeks turn pink and I smile up at him. "I've never felt more at home than here. It feels like I belong here, you know?" I say, playing with Caius' fingers. His hands gently cup my face, tilting me up to meet his eyes. "You do belong here, amore mio" he whispers and I see the emotion, no the love, in his eyes.

"Forever?"

"Forever caro"

If only forever actually meant forever...

Authors note: I'm sorry this took so long to go out! I was struggling with the plot and I finally got it on track. But I could always use more help so if you ever have any suggestions or requests, please let me know! Thanks for reading and now to the best part, the questions!

• How did y'all like this chapter? I loved how soft it was at the end. The twins have my heart.

• What do you think about Aro's death?

• Do you think Didyme will be upset?

• How do you feel about Illiana and the twins relationship? I think it's adorable honestly.

• How long do you think the group will stay in Italy?

• How do you like Aleka? And what about Caius? I know I've changed things up quite a bit.

• Do you think Caius will accept Leah and Paul as his mates since their shake-shifters?

• And where do you think they will go or do while there?

• What do you think Isabitch is up to? I feel her resurfacing again soon 👀

• And finally what do y'all want to see in upcoming chapters?

Thanks my dears. 🖤 Please check out my other books:

- Abomination a 100 WTS book

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- Autophobia a The Walking Dead book

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- Alexithymia a Shadowhunters book

- Munificence a Santa Clause book

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- Aviothic a Fourth Wing book

- Crudêl a Chilling Adventures of Sabrina book

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- Caliginous a Grey's Anatomy book

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Check it out for cool outfits, sneak peeks, and a lot of other stuff! Thanks again my lovelies 🖤

Also I love Emmett memes lmao. They're all just so good. If you haven't checked out my Spotify playlists, you should. I have one called Reasons Why Emmett Cullen Is Banned From The Family Aux Cord. It's not my playlist but it's hilarious and I stumbled across it on another fanfic book comment. So enjoy that lol

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