Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in Twilight. I am not Stephanie Meyer.

A/N: Hello guys! Oh my goodness thank you SO much for your fantastic reviews! I never thought I'd get so much feedback and it's great to hear that you're enjoying it so far. Over the next few chapters, the story should unravel more and get even more exciting- I hope- as Edward's secrets are explained in more depth and yes, the Jasper/Bella extravaganza begins. I really hope you enjoy reading them; I had a whale of a great time planning them out perfectly. Please keep those brilliant reviews coming; they seriously mean a lot to me. :)

Anyways, on with the read! Enjoy!

Chapter Nine- Darkness creeps silently

A drop in the ocean,
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my heaven.

I don't wanna waste the weekend,
If you don't love me, pretend
A few more hours, then it's time to go.
And as my train rolls down the East coast,
I wonder how you keep warm.
It's too late to cry, too broken to move on.

Still I can't let you be,
Most nights I hardly sleep.
Don't see what you don't need, from me.

Just a drop in the ocean,
A change in the weather,
I was praying that you and me might end up together.
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert,
But I'm holding you closer than most,
'Cause you are my heaven.

A Drop In The Ocean- Ron Pope

EPOV

Cold mist clouded my vision as I slowly let my element consume me. My heart thumped loudly at my chest, a metronome ticking to a distant tune. I shuddered pleasantly as I felt the familiar chill across my chest, from the very core of my body.

I am the prodigy of ice, a wielder of the bitter cold. I can silence my enemies for eternity, doomed to remain frozen in time. I am a member of the hexagram, the fearsome six prodigies, who together possess the power to protect Pollentia from darkness. We are undefeated and growing stronger...our elements fully under our control…

I clenched my teeth as a sudden sharp pain pierced at my side. As I forced my element further, I could literally feel the tendons between us weakening. I wanted her in my control...but she was fighting to consume me completely.

I am the one in control. I am the wielder. I can do this.

I was chosen.

Beads of sweat began to gather at my forehead as I struggled to remain in control. I'd taken my pills this morning hadn't I? So why wasn't this working?

I could feel something tugging at my skin, struggling to break free. I wouldn't be able to hold on much longer. No...come on...think of who you're doing this for...

I could feel myself crumbling at the seams, my breathing becoming eradicated, frantic. I couldn't lose to this. Bella had so much faith in me. I couldn't let her down.

"Edward." My eyes snapped open and I found myself gazing into my mother's brilliant sapphire eyes, blazing with concern. I blinked, wiping my forehead with my sleeve. After our training session had finished, Mom had held me back saying she wanted to see with her own eyes what was going on with my element; she wanted to feel it firsthand. As she had once been the prodigy of ice, she of all people would be able to feel when something was wrong. Given her wide eyes and furrowed brow, I knew that this was something different than she'd ever felt before. Bloody brilliant.

"What happened?" she asked me firmly, her hand in mine.

"I...nothing," I lied, trying to look as impassive as possible. Mom didn't fall for it. She raised an eyebrow sardonically. "Edward, your forehead if matted with sweat, you're breathing like a rodent and your eyes are completely bloodshot," she said, sounding irritated. "Not to mention the fact that it felt like your entire soul just left your body."

"It was fine," I assured her, hating myself for lying. "I just had a shaky start. Look—" Taking a huge risk, I closed my eyes again, willing my element forward. Immediately I felt the creeping sensation as ice took hold once more. My body stiffened as I fought to stay in control, tensing the muscles at my stomach. No way in hell was I going to let this get the better of me. For goodness sake's I was doing shit like this at the age of fifteen without any problems. I sat upright, my core almost burning with the shrill cold. I felt Mom shudder beside me so I knew it must have been going well so far. I urged my element further, my mind completely at ease. A vision of Bella flashed into my mind; she stood before me in robes of glistening scarlet red. She looked ablaze and positively stunning, her beautiful flowing hair billowing about her like a cape, her auburn eyes tentative and benevolent. She was a truly stunning creature, like no other. Only she could save me.

I felt my fingertips tingle as she smiled at me, showing her pearly white teeth. "I love you Edward," she whispered. Damn, I love you more... I opened my eyes just as frost began to rise from my hands, the crystals intricately carved, the patterns blending together like an endless stream. I smiled softly as I watched the icicles grow at my command, rising to create a thin wall of ice before me. My eyes widened as I noticed the faint but obvious figure of Bella in the wall. She was gazing down at me once more, her beaming smile telling me all I needed to hear. I'd done it. I'd got it right. Thank you Bella baby...for everything...

With one twitch of my hand the ice shimmered into tiny snowflakes, trickling to the floor. It was beautiful, enchanting. I risked glancing up at Mom. She was looking right at me with her pensive eyes, looking more confused than impressed. What did I have to do to impress her...?

"Mom? Mother? What's wrong?" I asked her, squeezing her hand gently. She said nothing for a few moments, still staring right at me, as though she was looking into my very soul. It was where Alice got her perceptiveness from.

When she finally spoke, she sounded like she was choosing her words very carefully. "I just don't understand it," she said slowly, frowning slightly. "How can you be in control one minute, and the next you're not?"

She could see right through me. I tried to reason with her. "Mom, there must have been times when you'd been in and out of control with the element. You of all people should know that ice is the most dangerous element asides from fire." Fire was by far and away the deadliest killer and harder to control, but ice wasn't far away from it in scale. Ice will creep, forming a crusty layer across your lungs, your windpipe. If the deadly cold didn't kill you, you'd almost certainly suffocate. It wasn't an easy task keeping it in check. My mother of all people had to understand that.

She sighed gently, twirling a bronze strand of hair around her finger. "You do amaze me, Edward," she said softly, looking me up and down. "You and Alice are the same in that sense. I wish I could tell what's going on in that head of yours."

I rolled my eyes. "Mom, you're the most perceptive person I know." She smiled warmly at that, and I had to hold back my sigh of relief. I was off the hook for now at least.

"I'm not feeling very perceptive right now sweetie," she said, shaking her dismissively. Are you kidding me? You're reading me like a book.

The loud chiming of her mobile made us both jump and she reached into her pocket with a frown. Her face warmed when she saw the caller ID. I raised an eyebrow in question as she brought the phone to her lips, smiling widely. "Hello Isabella." My heart missed a beat. Bella. God, how I pined for her lips against mine...

I watched Mom carefully as she nodded to whatever Bella was saying. I strained to hear Bella's voice, but she was speaking very quietly.

"Not to worry Bella...yes he's fine...we've just finished actually...I understand that sweetie, I do. Yes...utterly and completely...alright then—" Mom laughed softly, rolling her eyes at me. "You don't need to apologise dearest, it's fine." I couldn't help but smile. Bella was probably apologising a trillion times for interrupting. She was still the beautiful, confident, caring and considerate woman I had fallen in love with.

Mom hung up and smiled over at me. "She's an astounding young woman."

I beamed widely. "She most certainly is. I don't know what I'd do without her."

"It's obvious that she thinks the world of you, Edward," she said, staring down at her phone. "And she has complete faith you. I have faith in you too...you just need to assure me that you can overcome this hurdle. You're right; I did have troubles in the past with the element of ice. But with the support of my friends, my mentor and my family, I overcame the challenge quickly. We're all behind you no matter what Edward, but you need to tell us when something is wrong. Never hide the truth, it will always come back to haunt you." Her words were both a blessing and a curse at the same time. It meant that I could trust her with everything, yet I was hiding the full truth from everyone...all because I was too afraid of what they would think of me if they found out.

"I won't hide anything from you, Mom," I said firmly, hating myself for lying to her face. "As long as I know you've got my back, I'll be fine."

Mom smiled gently, her eyes twinkling. "I'll always have your back sweetie. Just don't depend on me protecting your front." I blinked at the sudden joke, and she smirked at me, pushing herself up. I stood up with her and she laughed at my no doubt astounded expression. "Oh come on Edward, mothers can crack jokes too you know!" She flicked my chin playfully, smiling fondly. I cherished these moments alone with my mother. Her smile lit every corner of the room. She had no idea how much relief I felt to know she still trusted me.

"Is it alright if I leave you to pack up the rest?" she asked, looking suddenly apologetic. "Your father wanted me home early to discuss meeting plans."

"Sure, Mom," I said, reaching down to pick up the cushions at my feet.

Mom's smile softened, and she reached forward to stroke my cheek. I restrained the urge to lean against her hand, not wanting to make her worry.

"You're a good boy," she said softly, her eyes twinkling. "I know you'll get through this. You always do." I forced a smile in return, ignoring the sharp pain at my chest, and with that she flitted out of the room.

Well shit. That went well.

I sank back down to the ground slowly, taking deliberately long, deep breaths. Mom had been right to question me. How the hell could I be in such control one minute and then out of control in the other? It just wasn't normal. I began to ponder over whether what James had given me was making any improvements at all. Since I'd been taking them, my temper management hadn't been consistent. The control of my element...well obviously that was still not completely in my grasp yet. The fatigue, the pains in my chest...they were probably the most improved. But was all this really worth it? The lies...going out to meet him in the crack of dawn, going to the sea of souls...

Then I remembered the day of the festival. Just before Bella's ceremony had begun. I'd run out of medication and the pills James had been giving me before had been little help whatsoever. I'd been a complete wreck that day. James in essence had saved my life by concocting something for me so fast. Had it not been for James, I'd probably have missed the ceremony altogether and Bella... I shuddered at the thought of hurting her that much. Every time she winced, I felt her pain. We were bound in more ways than could possibly be imagined. It was like we shared the same soul in a way.

I sat upright, placing my hands against my knees, palms facing upwards. I closed my eyes briefly then focused just ahead of me. Instantly my hands began to quiver and the thick shards of ice began to gather at my fingertips. I urged my power forward, urging the ice to rise up again.

That was when I felt the unusual icy chill at my throat. I frowned slightly, clearing my throat in attempt to shunt away the feeling. It had no effect whatsoever. I swallowed, fighting the urge to panic as I felt the cold engulf me. Shit, what the hell was happening now?!

The ice hit my very core and I winced in pain as the sharp icicles cut at my insides, clawing mercilessly against my ribcage. I couldn't believe this was happening. I was slowly but surely freezing to death. My own element, turning against me. I opened my mouth to yell; maybe if I screamed loud enough, someone would hear...someone would call for help. Maybe Mom would come back just in time...

No sound escaped my lips. Not even a squeak. My airways were completely blocked. I made to grab for my throat, but hands were frozen in place. Oh no...oh shit...what the fuck was happening to me...?

It soon became difficult to breathe, my lungs crackling, coated with a thin layer of ice. Questions began to flood into my mind as I fought for my life. Had I taken more than James had instructed? Had I taken it at the wrong time? How was I supposed to ask him what was wrong if I couldn't fucking move?! How would I be able to get help? How would I explain myself to Bella...?

At the very thought of her, I felt a sickening pain at my chest, like an arrow piercing straight through my heart. I had failed her. I would never get to kiss her tender lips again; never get to see her blazing wide eyes, the arch of her perfect eyebrow whenever she was going to make a sarcastic remark...her lips...her skin...

I screamed wordlessly as my back arched and the pain roared through me like an endless cascade of bullets...

And then it was over. Just like that. Gone.

I fell to the floor with a loud thud, my body still quivering with the shock. I lay perfectly still for god knows how long, hardly believing how close to death I had just been. Maybe I'd been pushing myself too much. After all, this new medication...I hadn't been taking it for very long. James had warned me it would be stronger. I had to be more careful. Lives were at stake, and I didn't just mean my own. I dreaded to think what could have happened if Mom had been here with me.

Slowly, I hauled myself up. My legs and hands were still shaking, and I could still feel a faint throbbing at my temple, but other than that I was fine. I glanced down at my quivering hands, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do now. There was nothing I could really do till my next meeting with James. There was no way I could risk contacting him till then; if anyone found out, I'd be mince meat. Mom said she'd gone to speak with Dad, so I knew he wasn't available to talk to either.

The person I needed right now was Bella. Period. She wouldn't even have to say anything; just her presence alone would comfort me.

I hastily packed the remaining equipment away and rushed out of the hall without further ado. I sprinted off through the Beta village; the markets were now in full swing. Fruit stalls, merchandise, ornaments and pottery lined along the entire breadth of the path. Men bustled through the crowds to pay for items, women with bulging sacks ploughed through. Mothers fed their children rice with butter beans. The delicious waft of roasted meat drifted at my nostrils. I took in a deep whiff, filling my lungs with its luscious aroma. Bella loved to cook. I loved to sit at one of the stools along the worktop and watch her bustle about the kitchen, humming along to the radio, swaying her curved hips from side to side. It had been a while since we'd actually eaten dinner together. Today we would start afresh. I wasn't going to lose her.

I made my way through the crowd and bought a sack-full of yax meat. I knew it was Bella's favourite and they would be running out soon because the festivals were over for now. I paid the man at the stall, smiling appreciatively at his bow of respect and started off home.

As I reached the outskirts of the Beta village, I found myself grinning like an idiot over what awaited me at home. My Bella, my beautiful precious Bella, was waiting for me, no doubt worried sick about how my meeting with mother had gone. She knew what my mother could be like sometimes. I couldn't wait to feel her in my arms once more. No matter how many times I touched her, I could not get over how her skin felt against mine. When with her, all my fears subsided, turned into distant memories, and yet I felt the guilt prodding at my skin like an incessant insect. Would it ever go away? Would I ever be able to hold her without feeling like I'd completely betrayed her trust?

Would I ever be able to tell her?

I shook the thought away almost instantly. I'd seen how she'd reacted simply from what I'd told her; she'd been terrified. I didn't even want to imagine how appalled and betrayed she'd feel if I told her I'd been meeting with James and taking medication from him. I knew James had a dark past; many warlocks had entwined paths with the prodigies. As well as that he'd almost been killed in a fire accident. I'd never been told the details. I wasn't sure I wanted to know either. Either way, he was a troubled warlock. Bella had never trusted him. But I had been loyal friends to James before I'd even met Bella. He and I shared a history. Our childhoods were entwined. I had every reason to trust him.

It was just after two o'clock; I hadn't seen my beloved Bella in over four hours. I yearned for the feel of her tender lips against mine. The sound of her beautiful, tinkling laugh made my heart swoon every time. God I needed her so badly...

I reached Bella's garden and stopped abruptly as I heard the soft muffled sound of children playing together within the shade of the trees. Then I remembered Bella had promised them she'd check on them later. I followed the path through the trees, craning my neck left and right every now and then. I found them in a small clearing near the small fountain, dancing round in a ring, their clothes soaked through. I recognised the boy Damien, whom Bella had placed in charge, trying to hoist little Claire onto his shoulders. He spotted me approaching and called the others, running over towards me. I smiled warmly as he bounded forwards.

"My Lord!" he cried. "We've been keeping watch over the fountain of memoires." He keened over to the side to look past me.

"That's very responsible of you kiddo," I said, ruffling his hair. "I'll be sure to tell your father of your good work. Has Lady Incendia been to see you yet?" He shook his head. Well crap. She'd obviously forgotten.

"Is everything okay?" Damien asked, his forehead creased with worry. "Is Lady Incendia in trouble?"

"Not at all," I assured him, smiling for good measure. "I just wondered if she'd been by to see you all. She's probably already gone home. She had an awful lot of training to do today. You guys should probably head home too; it's past lunch time now."

"We've had quite a lot to eat sir," Damien explained, beaming widely. He waved at the trees around us. "There's so much fruit to choose from!"

"All the same, you should head back soon, okay? I'm sure my lady will make it up to you another day."

"Okay," Damien conceded. I gently nudged Claire's chin playfully and she smiled timidly. I wasn't as good with children as Bella was. She was a natural and they all simply adored her.

I left them without further ado, giving them a few gold coins for the market stall on their way back. I hurried on through the village, dodging the occasional women beating their mats over their balconies. When I finally arrived home, I was so eager to get inside that I barged straight into the door, forgetting it was locked. There was a loud squeak from inside and scuttling of feet. I fumbled for my keys, and then finally opened the door. Alice appeared from the living room, hands on hips. Oh boy, here we go.

"You scared the shit out of us Edward!" she chided, slapping my arm lightly before pulling me into a hug. I patted her softly then gently pushed her aside. "Bella?" I called.

"In here," she called from the living room, sounding rather miserable. I turned to Alice in question. She rolled her eyes dramatically.

"I'm giving Bella a makeover," she explained. "Of course, Miss Impatient here can't keep still, so it's taking longer than planned."

"You never said you were going to pluck my eyebrows!" Bella yelled. Even her pissed off voice made me smile. I flung my keys on the ledge by the door and followed her voice into the living room. She was slouching in one of our cream leather sofas, her feet dangling off the edge. Her thick auburn hair was straighter than the bristles on a broomstick, trailing right down past her breasts. Her face was flushed slightly pink, her lips a tempting deep red. As ever, she looked stunningly beautiful.

Alice flitted to my side as I stared over at the love of my life. "Well? Isn't she gorgeous?"

I frowned instinctively. "Alice, Bella always looks gorgeous."

She huffed impatiently. "Yes, yes, but now she looks even more gorgeous right?" It was my turn to roll my eyes. Bella caught my gaze and smiled warmly. Her look said it all. She wanted me too.

"Alice how much longer are you going to be?" I asked her with a sigh.

"About another ten minutes max," she said, already advancing towards Bella with what looked a silver pencil. "You have to look at me Bella, not your boyfriend. I need to put your eyeliner on."

"Must we put eyeliner?" Bella whined softly, eyeing the pencil in Alice's hand with a look of malice.

"Yes we must. It won't look complete without the eyeliner, trust me."

Bella flashed me a desperate look before complying with a huff. I shook my head in dismay and turned the television on. I could handle ten more minutes...maybe. I headed into the kitchen and placed the yax meat in the fridge. She could cook later. I watched the news half heartedly, peeking over at Bella what felt like every split second. Alice was now setting to work on Bella's nails, eyes narrowed with concentration. Bella caught me watching from the corner of her eye. I smiled over at her. "You okay?" I mouthed. Her returning smile lit up her whole face and made my very soul ache for her.

"Almost there," she mouthed back, winking at me. Her words were fuel to my desire.

"Bella, keep still," Alice chided impatiently. She was such a bossy boots sometimes.

"Sorry," said Bella, rolling her eyes at me. I chuckled, turning my attention back to the TV. The weather forecast was sunny spells with an average temperature of fifteen degrees. Of course Rosalie could change all that in the blink of an eye, but the people of Pollentia were always prepared. The only times Rosalie ever changed the weather were when we needed storm cover on the beacon or when she was harnessing her element in training. Either that or she was losing her temper and therefore her control, but that rarely ever happened to Rose. In fact, up till recently, Bella had been the only one to lose her control of her element every now and then. Funny how her destined partner was the one having problems now...

"Done!" Alice exclaimed. Hurrah! I got up from my casual slump in my armchair and turned towards my Bella. She was sitting up as well, smiling appreciatively at Alice who was bouncing up and down on the spot. Her entire face was glowing with her innate beauty. Alice had only made her glimmer and shine just that little bit more.

"Eeee! If only I had brought you a dress as well! You know we could go over—"

"Nah uh, Alice," I almost growled, striding over and lightly pushing her aside. "Sorry sis but Bella is mine for the rest of the day...afternoon...night." The rest of forever.

Alice pouted, her bottom lip stuck right out. I folded my arms, tapping my foot impatiently. She finally relented with a huff. "Fine." She turned to Bella and hugged her carefully. "I'll see you tomorrow Bella. Gosh, you look fantastic! I am a genius!"

"Indeed you are," Bella simpered, earning a swat on the arm from Alice.

"Alice," I said impatiently. She waved me off impassively as she sauntered out of the room.

"Don't let it get too hot in here, Casanova!" she called over her shoulder.

"Get out of here psycho!"

She gave one fleeting snigger before closing the door behind her. Alice. One day she'll end driving me insane.

"Well you sure took your time Casanova," Bella teased, bringing me back to the delicious present. She smiled beautifully, her brooding eyes glimmering with anticipation. I reached down and yanked her up into my arms. She let out a squeal which soon changed to a soft giggle as I hungrily kissed along the smooth, unblemished skin at her neck.

"God I missed that sound," I growled, my lips at her ear.

"It's only been four hours!" she laughed, running her hands through my hair. I merely grunted and continued to kiss down her exposed throat.

"You're addictive," I mumbled softly against her skin. I felt her lips at my cheek and my world tilted. I always wondered how she could affect me so easily. We collapsed down onto the sofa just as my lips finally met hers. She kissed me hungrily, clutching to my upper arms, and I responded with equal passion, my hands roaming across the small of her back. I'd waited for what felt like eons to touch her, now I wanted all of her.

She broke away with a gasp as I gently lowered her into the cushions, looming above her. I trailed kisses down her neck, her shoulders, then her breasts, consumed by the feel of silky skin against my lips. Bella gasped sharply as I tugged her jacket zip down, following a trail down her sternum, hungry for more.

She laughed breathlessly, hooking her legs at my hips. "You're not so bad yourself. Quite irresistible." She slowly trailed her hands down my back and I shuddered pleasantly. Only she could make me feel that way. She could wipe out my nightmares, my bad memories, just by her touch…her gentle words…

"Damn," I growled, yanking her jacket off her shoulders. She leaned forwards and discarded it beside her, her beautiful eyes blazing with excitement. God I wanted her. I made to pull off her T-shirt but she stopped me, biting her lower lip. What? Why?

"Bella?"

"Edward, babe, can we save this for later?" Huh?

"Why?" I asked, trying and failing not to sound too needy. I leaned forwards and nibbled at her cheek softly to brush off the fact. Her hands instinctively drove into my hair.

"Well I just wanted to sit and chat with you," she said, her tone hesitant. I glanced up at her, raising an eyebrow in question. She blushed a delicate pink. "Well recently you haven't been home till really late. I know it's because of what you've been going through, but I just thought it would be nice to spend some quality time with my boyfriend which doesn't involve fucking over every surface in the house."

I smiled wryly and kissed her moist lips softly. "That sounds inviting."

"Edward, be serious," she chided, a smile in her voice. "We can do that later. Trust me I want to, just later." I sighed heavily and sat up, pulling her with me. Well shit, that ruined the moment. I'd been pining for her for so long…

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, pouting slightly. She smiled widely and kissed me briefly before reaching for the controls behind her and turning up the volume. I lifted her so she lay against me, my lips in her hair as she flicked through the channels, trying to find something entertaining to watch. I could humour her for now. She deserved it.

I hardly paid any attention to the TV; I played gently with her sleek hair, tucking it behind her ear and running it through my fingers. She was a true goddess and she was mine. I pushed aside her hair and stroked along her bare neck, marvelling at her skin; young and unblemished.

Which reminded me… "By the way, you forgot to see the children in your garden didn't you?"

She stiffened against me. "Shit. Alice was incessant about coming over. I totally forgot about them." She made to get up, but I held her down.

"I've already spoken to them," I assured her, my lips in her hair again. She smelled like sweet, delicious berries. "I told them you'll make it up to them another time and that you were busy." She relaxed at once, leaning back into me.

"Alice," she hissed.

"Alice," I agreed with a chuckle. That was all that needed to be said. Alice will be Alice and there's nothing we could do about it.

"I've always wondered what it would be like in her shoes," Bella murmured, playing with my fingers. "Do you think she ever has some sort of interval in her schedules…or times when she gets a migraine from all the stuff she's trying to do at once?"

"I can solemnly assure you that from birth that girl has been on full steam ahead," I said with a small smile. Alice really didn't believe in respites of any sort. She was always ready to do more. It was one thing I admired and yet couldn't stand about my younger sister. No matter what, she thought there was light in every path. It was frustrating when I couldn't believe it as strongly as her.

Bella shook her head in wonder, bringing my hand to her lips. "I just wish I could get into that mind of hers for one day," she said before tentatively kissing along my fingertips. I closed my eyes briefly, holding my breath. She wasn't playing fair.

"Bella, baby, if you want to hold on till later, I suggest you stop doing stuff like that to me."

I could tell she was smiling without having to look down. "Sorry," she said, not sounding sorry at all. Jeez, she did not play fair. I knew she would give in soon; all I had to do was wait. I had patience enough for that. She could tease me, but I would soon feel her velvety skin against mine. I wasn't the only one wanting, yearning.

She would give in soon. My beautiful Bella.

I heard her sharp intake of breath as I lifted her T-shirt slightly with my free hand, exposing her toned stomach. Her strong muscles tensed at my touch as I slowly trailed my hand across her skin, up and down.

"Edward," she purred, turning her head to peer at me. The intensity of her stare made me harden beneath her. Sweet Andromeda…

"I love you," she breathed, reaching up and gently caressing my face. I leaned into her touch, closing my eyes. Oh I needed her so badly.

"As I love you," I whispered, keeping my eyes closed. "I need you."

"I know," she said softly. "Soon, my love, soon."

I held fast to those words, holding her closely as she rested in my arms. I could hold on, for her.

She was mine. I was hers.

Soon, my love, soon.

BPOV

I lay in his arms, feeling completely at ease; secure and safe.

I need you.

God, I needed him too. But we had all night for that. I was happy with just laying with him, feeling his steady heartbeat against my back, his hands pressed gently against my stomach.

I'd been so worried about him all morning, waiting to see whether a broken man would return to me. It seemed that I was wrong.

I was curious to hear what Esme had to say nonetheless. "So, how did it go with Esme?"

He shuddered, his teeth gently grazing my ear. I held back a moan. He seriously knew how to distract me.

"I'm lucky to be alive," he said simply.

Fuck. "Really?" I knew she would be hard on him.

He chuckled, reaching up and gently pushing my head to the side slightly, exposing more of my neck. "Nah, it was fine. She did have a few words to say to me, but once I explained, she gave me a chance to redeem myself. That's why I had to stay behind." Well thank Andromeda for that. At least he'd gained his mother's trust once more. Carlisle would soon reciprocate as long as Esme was okay with it. Not that they would ever turn their backs on their only son anyway.

"I told you, didn't I?" I said, hitting him lightly on the arm. "You'll be fine."

"I'm not saying she was too proud with me Bella," he said sternly. "Just that she was willing to forgive." I knew all too well how harsh Esme could be with him. Alice was just a small child compared to their mother's wrath. I'd never been on the receiving end of Esme's punishing stick, and I sure as hell didn't ever want to end up there either.

I turned in Edward's arms to face him. His magnificent emerald eyes were pondering as they stared down at me. Even now, I couldn't believe he was mine. I gently took hold of his face, leaning forwards so our noses brushed. I had his undivided attention.

"Edward Anthony Cullen," I said slowly, my eyes boring into his. "We are bound together as one. We are destined partners. I swore to stay by your side always. Now I make another oath to you. I swear, on Andromeda herself, I will do everything in my power to help you find your way again." He said nothing, but his eyes widened as I gently pressed my palm against his chest. "I will help you find the light." I instantly felt the heat surge along my arm, into my hand. It passed right through into his chest and we both gasped as for a brief second our elements clashed, fire against ice.

He swallowed, closing his eyes briefly. We both knew the deepness of this vow. If I failed, more than my broken heart would be at stake. His lips parted as he slowly reached up and held my head in place. I could taste his sweet breath against my tongue.

"Bella…" he whispered. "You do too much—"

"Hush," I said, kissing him softly. "I could never do too much for you. Now my fate is bound to you." He sucked in a deep breath as I pressed my lips to his cool forehead.

"Boy do I love you," he said hoarsely, pulling my head down to kiss me tenderly. I smiled against his luscious lips.

"As I love you," I whispered, losing my train of thought as his hands trailed down my back, reaching the hem of my T-shirt. I pulled back to stare into his glorious eyes once more. "Always." He smiled sweetly and my heart melted. He could make me crumble so easily.

We began to kiss ardently, his hands roaming across my bare back. I lost myself in his touch, his scent, brushing aside a worrying thought. His eyes, glorious as ever, were now permanently tinted along the edges with a glint of silver. Perhaps it was the vow I had placed upon us. He was showing no signs of struggling. No signs of aggression; only passion. Nothing could be said about a slight blemish in the eyes. I vowed to help him, and I wouldn't stop till he found his way completely.

He was mine, I was his.

Nothing could stop us finding a way.

A/N: Ohhhh dear! Hope you enjoyed that one. Any questions, feel free to ask by review or PM. Thanks for reading! I was thinking about putting a timeline of important dates and events that occurred in Pollentia since time was recorded. Let me know what you think!

Love y'all!

Cherry xx