In the main hall of the Volturi, the atmosphere was dense. Aro, with his usual enthusiasm, announced that he had found an extraordinary vampire, set to marry in a week. Caius remained silent, a distant look reflecting his typical indifference, but inside, an unfamiliar restlessness simmered.

“She will enter now,” Aro said as the door swung open.

Caius froze. It was her—the woman he had believed lost, the only one who had ever broken through his armor. Memories of laughter and unfulfilled promises echoed in his mind, each a blow to his hardened heart. He stood silent, eyes fixed on her, a whirlwind of emotions brewing beneath his cold exterior. The pain of losing her intertwined with disbelief. In an instant, his belief that love was dead was challenged, but he knew this could become a new kind of prison.

The room around him faded, and Caius fought the urge to approach. He was a Volturi, a creature of shadows, and now, her light threatened everything he had built.