The Doctors Assistant | Carlisle Cullen x OC

Chapter 19 | Journey to Volterra

The gentle hum of the car engine filled the air as Ashley sat in the passenger seat, munching on her McDonald's meal while Carlisle expertly navigated the winding roads toward Volterra. The rhythmic motion of the car coupled with the comforting aroma of fast food soon lulled Ashley into a peaceful slumber.

An hour and six minutes passed before Carlisle gently roused Ashley from her sleep, the grandeur of the Volturi castle looming before them in the distance. Ashley quickly adjusted her hair and makeup, her nerves tingling with anticipation as they approached their destination.

As they stepped out of the car and made their way toward the imposing castle gates, Carlisle shared a brief yet poignant story from his past. Ashley listened intently as Carlisle revealed that he had once been a part of the Volturi, a revelation that sent a shiver down her spine.

Inside the castle, they were greeted by a woman named Heidi, her regal demeanor mirroring the grandeur of their surroundings. With a graceful sweep of her hand, Heidi led Carlisle and Ashley through the labyrinthine halls of the castle, her footsteps echoing against the stone floors.

Finally, they arrived at an ornate elevator, its gilded doors beckoning them forward. Heidi instructed them on which floor to ascend to reach the throne room, her voice carrying a hint of reverence for the ancient rulers of the Volturi.

As the elevator doors closed behind them, Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension mingled with excitement. With each passing floor, the weight of their purpose in Volterra grew heavier, and Ashley knew that the encounter awaiting them in the throne room would change the course of her life forever.

As the elevator doors slid open, Ashley and Carlisle were greeted by the sight of two formidable vampires standing before them. One, with an air of quiet intensity, introduced himself as Alec, while the other, with a more robust demeanor, was introduced as Felix.

"Welcome to Volterra," Alec greeted with a nod, his tone cool and composed.

Felix's grin was predatory as he added, "We've been expecting you."

With a subtle gesture, Alec and Felix motioned for Ashley and Carlisle to follow them as they strode down the grand corridor leading to the throne room. The atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension, and Ashley couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension gnawing at her insides.

As they approached the imposing double doors of the throne room, Alec and Felix came to a halt, their expressions inscrutable. With a silent understanding, Ashley and Carlisle exchanged a glance before stepping forward, the weight of their purpose heavy upon their shoulders.

With a resounding click, the doors closed behind them, sealing them within the hallowed halls of the Volturi's inner sanctum. The room was bathed in a dim, ethereal light, casting eerie shadows upon the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.

At the far end of the room, seated upon ornate thrones carved from stone, sat the three rulers of the Volturi: Aro, Caius, and Marcus. Their presence was imposing, their gazes piercing as they regarded Ashley and Carlisle with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Aro's smile was unnervingly pleasant as he spoke, his voice smooth as silk. "Welcome, Ashley. And Carlisle, it's been quite some time."

Carlisle's expression remained stoic, though Ashley could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface. "Aro," he acknowledged with a nod, his tone respectful yet guarded.

As the meeting between the Volturi and their unexpected guests unfolded, Ashley couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to change in ways they couldn't yet comprehend. With the fate of their future hanging in the balance, she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead.

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Will the Volturi let Ashley tell them thr truth?