Chapter 1 – Prologue: Isabella Swan

"Tell Edward I love him," I said, hanging up. If I stayed on the phone any longer with Alice, she would talk me out of going, bringing up all that could happen. I didn't know all the dangers of time travel, but I knew there was a good possibility I would never make it back. Or if I did make it back, I would be forever changed, and I was going to try my damnedest to not let that happen. For the good of the clan, I was willing to take the risks.

Setting my mind on where and when I wanted to be, I closed my eyes and snapped my fingers—Scotland… Maribella, Iain, and Ewan. I felt the air shift, like it always did when I traveled by magic. It was instant and I didn't think it should have been. Opening my eyes, I found I was in my room at the Cullens and was confused.

My gaze moved around the room, believing there was a reason. My eyes fell on the bed. A canvas bag and a folded piece of paper were on it. Reaching out, I picked up the paper. It was a letter… addressed to me.

Isabella, lass, do what you must in the past. You have an anchor in Edward, but he might lose hope. So I advise you to choose another. Someone you can confide in during your journey. I suggest Carlisle. He and Edward lived several years in Scotland. Carlisle was the McGregor clan doctor at one point, and that is where you should start your journey—with the McGregors. And, in the year 1920 sounds like the perfect place to start.

One of the magic gifts of time travel is the ability to mask your true self. Appear to be younger than you actually are. In order to gain Maribella and her uncle's trust, you need to appear to be fourteen, or near to it. I wish you the best of luck. Keep your eyes and ears open.

All my love,

Grandfather.

P.S. The Cullens attic has some interesting clothing… check it out and take the bag.

P.S.S. Oh… your engagement ring. Keep it with you but out of sight. It is what anchors you to Edward in the present day.

I swallowed. Grandfather was right. My studies about powerful magic always said to have an anchor, but I never thought of having a second. And Carlisle would be perfect.

My gazed traveled around the room, my eyes landing on the picture of Edward and me. It was taken during our date in the meadow. He was gazing down at me, love evident on both of our faces. I wanted to take it with me but then thought better of it. If anything was out of place in my room, Edward would know I was here.

Grabbing the bag, I made my way to the attic.

The attic wasn't what I expected. It had been finished. But its lower, dark stained beams were visible. Instead of dusty gems and battered boxes, there were clothes racks, the type you would find in a department store. Each rack was covered in a clear vinyl cover and marked with dates. Some had velvet boxes and I was sure they contained jewelry. Slowly, I searched for garments that would fit me. Then I remembered what Grandfather wrote in his letter. I needed to appear fourteen when I met Maribella. Everything on the racks for 1920 was for men. The dresses for 1921 and 1922 were to fashion forward.

I groaned. Women wore pants but jeans weren't available until the 1960s. Slipping out of my jeans, I tried on a pair of pants. As soon as I let go, they fell to my ankles. Selecting another pair, I found they were too tight. Forgetting the pants, I moved on to the next row. Without really looking, I pulled outfits off the hangers and stuffed them in the bag.

A door slamming downstairs had me glancing at my phone. I'd left Edward close to ten hours again. That was enough time for a shuttle to bring everyone back.

"Edward, be reasonable," Rosalie said.

"Reasonable?" he shouted.

I jumped. The floor creaked. I had to leave and soon.

"Bella left me… again. What's there to be reasonable about?"

I grimaced. He was angry and had every right to be. After putting a spell on the attic, I sent Carlisle a text.

"Carlisle… I will return. Don't let Edward lose hope. I need him to be strong. Retrieve my phone from the attic. It will be in the 1920 section. See you in the past. Bella."

I didn't wait for a reply. It was hard leaving, knowing Edward was downstairs, but I needed answers… answers that lie in the past.

Snatching up the bag, I snapped my fingers right as my phone buzzed.

"I won't let him lose you."