A/N: This would be my second story, though I am currently working on the first. I thought that as long as I am writing some fanfiction, I shouldn't stick to one category or one story. Thought I should branch out my work. Hope you enjoy this!!

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING OF TWILIGHT!

O~O~O~O

Prologue: Goodbye

BELLA'S POV

The pain that came was almost welcoming, the fear in my heart diminished as I realized I was going to die. Was I scared? No. I felt nothing as I felt my body slowly being drained of nourishment. If I did feel anything, it would be sadness, and regret. I will never again meet my angel, nor will I have the chance to at least say goodbye.

Darkness was coming. I felt my body growing colder. The hunter was finishing his job quickly. He had long forgotten the pleasure of torturing me as he continued sucking my neck. All I can ask is that he finishes quickly…and that death will come peacefully.

"Bella! BELLA, OH GOD, NO! BELLA!"

The voice that called out my name was the most beautiful voice I've heard in my life. Why did it sound so familiar?

My body felt colder than usual. The hard hands that had been gripping me disappeared so fast that, at first, I had not noticed. I heard something else. Screaming. Cries of rage and howling of sorrow. The sound tore at my chest. Something is wrong…something is very wrong…

Cold hands grabbed me again, but this time, I felt nothing but pleasure.

"Bella! Bella, can you hear me? Bella, wake up!"

Yes, anything you want, my conscious screamed.

EDWARD'S POV

I had only just finished reading Bella's letter when I realized that she was in danger. Not even bothering to conceal my presence, or answer my family's mental questions on what was wrong, I ran out of the terminal as fast as my body would allow. I could care less if anyone saw me, and the fear of exposure—while, at any other time, may have held me back, if not for myself but for my family—meant little to me at that moment. All I knew is that Bella is in danger. I must go to her.

The streets of Phoenix rushed past me in a blur. I continued running, stopping only briefly to make sure that I was heading in the right direction.

Not far away, I thought I heard a scream. If my heart was still beating, it surely would've throbbed with pain.

I came upon the ballet studio, deserted-looking but nonetheless, I heard the thoughts that echoed from inside. I ran up the stairs, and when I entered the room of mirrors, I froze.

The hunter—James—was on the ground, kneeling, both hands wrapped around the neck of my beloved. Her beautiful, pale, heart-shaped face was slowly growing lighter. Nothing about the scene made sense, until I smelled the air.

Blood.

I let out a roar of rage and charged, literally ripping James away from my Bella and throwing him into the air and halfway across the room.

"Bella! BELLA, OH GOD, NO! BELLA!"

She didn't respond. If my heart was still beating, I would've felt the hole being punctured in it.

Her neck was bloody red. Her clothes were torn and there were cuts on her head, arms and shoulders. The smell of blood appealed to me briefly, but her frozen, peaceful expression tore me away from the thirst.

"Bella! Bella, can you hear me? Bella, wake up!"

Her heart, beating slowly, suddenly quickened and her eyes fluttered opened.

"Ed…ward?" she gasped. Her brown eyes met my topaz irises. There was no mistaking the pain. She was dying…

NO! I mustn't think like that! Carlisle, I need Carlisle!

No sooner had I thought this that I heard James laughing from the other side of the mirrored room. "You can hear it, too, correct?" he sneered. "Her heart…her heartbeat is fading. It's too late now. She's as good as dead."

Another jab at my frozen heart. If I could cry, it would've been now. She can't die…not like this…I just found her…

"EDWARD!"

I turned. My pixie-like sister, Alice, and my two older brothers, Emmet and Jasper, appeared at my side, and without a second to spare, they lunged at a struggling James. He roared and fought and struggled, but he had no chance of escaping.

"Edward!" Carlisle called out. He appeared at my side, staring down at Bella with a look of horror. Quickly, his medical expertise kicked in and he began working over her. I cradled her in my arms, hoping that my presence would, if anything, soothe the pain surely coursing through her body. Her eyes were closed, blood leaked from the corners of her lips, and it seemed that she was struggling to hold onto her breath.

"Bella?" I whispered apprehensively. I paid little attention to the commotion on the other side of the room, and I had barely noticed that the fire had already started and I could no longer hear James' thoughts.

"This is bad," Carlisle gasped. "She lost too much blood. We have no other choice."

I knew what he was thinking—literally—and my heart fought against the decision. But the look on Bella's face drew me closer until I felt my own teeth sink into her. She let out a gasp. Her heartbeat grew steady, then hammering loudly…but after a few seconds, to my utter horror, it was slowly fading…

"Ed…ward," she gasped.

BELLA'S POV

There was no other way to describe it. Lying in Edward's arms brought more pleasure than anything I've ever felt.

Using every bit of strength left in me, I slowly and cautiously opened my eyes. Edward was looking down at me, his eyes wide with horror, looking as if he would cry. I wanted to comfort him. I wanted to hold him close and reassure him that everything would be all right. But my arms were numb. I felt weak. I could hardly move, and there was only so much strength in me left, that I didn't want to move, but continue staring into his eyes.

"You can hear it, too, correct?" a voice sneered—my heart jolted at the familiarity in the tone. James. "Her heart…her heartbeat is fading. It's too late now. She's as good as dead."

There was no comforting Edward this time. It would not do to lie to him. I was dying, but the look in his eyes as his face held my own told me that he didn't want to believe it, couldn't believe it, and would refuse to believe it.

"EDWARD!"

My eyes widened slightly. Alice. She was here. Although, I sensed that she was not alone. Surely Emmet and Jasper are with her. They must've followed Edward. A few seconds later, I heard growling such as never before. James must be fighting to survive, but there will be no escape. Emmet and Jasper will see to that.

"Edward!" a second voice called out.

No sooner had I recognized the voice than a familiar face appeared. Carlisle. He began working over me, checking my broken bones, wrapping the many cuts I've sustained, fighting to keep my heart beating. I closed my eyes and fought against the pain. I struggled to keep my face emotionless, hoping that Edward would not see…

"Bella?" he whispered, his lips so close to my ear. I felt warm suddenly.

"This is bad," Carlisle said seconds later. "She lost too much blood. We have no other choice."

I knew what he was thinking. Surely, Edward would fight against it. He had not made it secret that he would prefer me to be human. No, he wouldn't do it…

Suddenly, his lips touched my neck and I gasped as I felt his teeth sink into the bloody skin.

He's trying to save me…

My heart faltered, soon quickening, but to my astonishment, my body grew ice cold and darkness was closing in. it was too late. There's nothing he, nor anyone else, can do.

I was scared now. I'll never see him again. How cruel it is that I finally found my angel, but I would not be with him as I have wished.

No, this is for the better. Surely, James is dead. They are free. He is safe. That's all that matters. Yes, that's all that matters.

"Ed…ward," I whispered. I closed my eyes. I love you. I love you now…and I love you always. Remember me.

And then I knew no more.