A week later

Third POV

Volturi Castle, Volterra

All the covens had arrived a day before yesterday. The three kings had been busy with making plans for the war while the high guards were asked to train each and every vampire.

Bella had been helping Aro out with her plans and suggesting some great ideas. Aro had also asked James to help Bella improve her gift.

Bella sighed once again as she couldn't seem to focus on extending the shield from herself to a guard of lower levels. James continued to torture the guard as Bella tried to shield him.

"I need sometime," Bella sighed, sitting down on a chair nearby. James let his power lose, the lower guard whining as he tried to stood up. "You may go," James ordered the guard and he scurried off.

"How do you do it?" Bella asked as James sat down beside her. "Do what?" James asked, frowning. "Use your power so efficiently," Bella stated, drawing a chuckle from the high guard.

"Practice, mistress," James said with a smile. Bella hummed and stood up. "I want to try again," Bella said. "Are you sure?" James asked, standing up as well.

"Yes," Bella said with a smile. James nodded with a small smile, calling for a lower guard. "You enjoy it, don't you? Torturing people I mean," Bella asked, fiddling with her hands.

James sighed, staring at his pale hands. "I think when you go through things I have been through, you become a sadist," he replied. "What type of things?" Bella asked, crossing her hands.

Before James could reply, a lower guard knocked on the door, entering the chambers. "Mistress Isabella, Sir James," the guard bowed, his voice slightly wavering.

Bella and James nodded as the guard straightened up. "I hope you are aware why you have been called here," James said, folding his hand neatly behind his back. "I am, sir," the guard replied.

Bella could easily see the trembling of the guard. "Well, then let's begin," James said, turning to Bella for her silent permission. Bella nodded and James grinned.

"Remember to concentrate, Mistress," James said before turning to the guard. James used several enchantments on the poor guard to inflict pain.

After sometime, the guard sighed in relief, making James look at Bella with a smirk. "I assume you have done it," he said softly with a proud smile. "Have I?" Bella queried.

"Well, I didn't stop my enchantment," James shrugged. A grin broke on Bella's face as she jumped in excitement. James dismissed the guard silently, enjoying the child like amusement of his Mistress.

"Thanks!" Bella squealed, hugging James tightly. James was taken aback by the gesture and hugged Bella back. "It's my work, my lady," he said, breaking the hug.

"I shall go and inform Master Aro of your progression," James said. "I will accompany you," Bella grinned softly. James was hesitant at first but nodded after a while.

James stared at Bella with a distant smile as Bella almost bounced on her feet as they walked to the throne room. Bella stopped in front of the door, James stepped forward and opened the door for her.

Aro, Caius and Marcus along with the high guards and some leaders of different covens looked up, interrupting their discussion.

Bella strided in with a proud stance, guarded by James. "Master, Mistress Isabella wanted to tell you about something herself," James said, bowing.

"Is that so, Isabella?" Aro asked formally. Standing up from his throne, Aro walked down the stairs and stood in front of Bella. Bella nodded, looking around at the people present in the room.

"Everyone may leave, we shall continue afterwards," Aro's voice boomed around the room. Everyone scurrying off quickly, including the two kings and high guards, except James.

"Now, what was so important that you had to leave your room, my love?" Aro asked, placing a kiss on Bella's forehead. "I learnt it," Bella squealed with a smile.

"Learnt what?" Aro asked, tilting his head to see James. "Mistress Isabella has learnt to extend her shield, master Aro," James bowed. Aro smirked, turning his attention to Bella.

"Is it so, my love?" Aro asked, his hand around her waist shifting to rest at her ass. "It is, my dear," Bella said in a flirtatious nature. James cleared his throat awkwardly, grabbing the attention of the couple.

Aro glared at an innocently smiling James while Bella let out a sigh. "Guess we don't have any privacy until this war is done," Bella whispered.

Aro nodded, placing a delicate kiss on Bella's cheek, followed by a kiss on her lips. "James, take your Mistress to her chambers," Aro ordered the raven head.

"You won't be coming?" Bella asked, pouting slightly. "I will be back soon, dear," Aro gave Bella a reassuring squeeze and let go of her waist.

"Mistress," James bowed, gesturing for the door. Bella sighed and nodded, walking to the door and slipping out of the room with James behind her.

A.N.- The climax is closed, so, I have thought of two possible outcomes. One is a bit angsty and one is fluff. So, which one will you prefer? Also, do let me know who is your favorite character in this story except Aro and Bella.