Edward,

If you're reading this letter, it means that I am already gone. I'm sure you know why, so I will spare myself from writing the full reason, because I only began writing this note for one reason.

Before I go, I need you to know how much you mean to me.

Edward Cullen, I love you with every single piece of my once broken heart. You painstakingly put me back together when I was broken, bloodied and shattered both inside and out. I can never truly repay you.

I do however feel that this is one of the few things I can do for you. I ask that you please not follow me, although you've probably already dropped this letter and mounted your horse. I desire to do this. Not for me, but for you.

I will not go on about the reasons behind my objective; you know me well enough for such explanations to be useless. As for my basis of writing this letter; I suppose I could have summed it up into three simple words.

I love you.

Never forget that; even if I may not always be around to tell you. And please, for whatever happens next, don't blame yourself.

Forever yours, in heart and soul,

Isabella Marie Swan.

Alice read over the last few words a dozen more times before clutching the paper to her chest with trembling hands.

Let her live.

I rounded yet another corner of the busy streets, my eyes peeled for anything unwelcomed. I had arrived in this bustling town only a few hours ago, and I was exhausted from a full two days of travel without anything near a full bite to eat, but I was unable to find the will to rest.

Upon arriving here, I had immediately begun asking anyone I could if they knew Jacob. Much to my own chagrin, not many could place a face to the name. It was suggested to me, by one of the many I questioned, that I ask around the inns. I took the advice and, before long, I was making progress.

If the bartender from before had been correct, Jacob supposedly lived half-way down this particular street, in a rather large and old looking house. I moved swiftly in the direction I had been given. The street was not quite as busy as the others were. In fact, in comparison, it seemed very quiet. This unnerved me now more than anything else did. The setting sun cast an orange glow through the street and it was only then that I wondered what time it was. Not that it mattered when I would arrive for this particular visit. My black skirt bellowed against my legs as I soon found myself racing down the footpath.

Within a few minutes, I arrived at a house that seemed to fit the description I had been given. An old red brick building stood there, with ivy growing up the walls from the ground and snaking around the windows and doors. The shutters were a deep mahogany colour, as was the door. It gave off this deeply disturbing vibe upon first glance. I knew immediately that I had reached my destination.

Without a second passing thought, I approached the house. The gate creaked cruelly as I entered the front yard, and I prayed no one would come out to question the noise. To my relief, no one did, but I remained unsettled. I rushed through the yard, passed the front door and around the corner of the house with as much haste as I could muster. Once away from the front windows, I heaved a sigh of relief.

I had yet to think of a complete plan with regards as to what I would do. That said, anytime I stopped to ponder what I was doing at all, the only thing I could see was the image of Jacob standing over Tanya's battered body, and Edward's heartbroken expression. Raw hatred filled my veins fresh each time. Planning was obviously not my forte right now.

In the garden were a few young maids attending to the flowers with close to blissful expressions on their faces. I recognised that feeling, the relief to be outside and away from Jacob, as opposed to feeling trapped indoors. I noticed them passing in and out of the side door that led inside. If this house was anything like the Manor Jacob previously owned, I assumed that the maids probably did not get the chance to speak amongst themselves often, so they almost certainly would not notice someone like myself walking amongst them.

I glanced at my clothing. I had been careful to pack my old attire from my time at the Black Manor, and I changed into it back at the inn I had inquired in earlier. The uniform looked quite similar to the one these maids were wearing. I noted this with a hint of relief as I then rounded the corner and entered the house without so much as a glance in anyone's direction and keeping my head down. I entered the kitchen from this door. It was a ridiculously busy and seemed like the perfect place to walk about unnoticed. I noticed two things just then. The door out, and a freshly baked pile of bread that the chef had just left out on the counter. Without a second's notice, I expertly made a bee-line from there to the nearest exit, grabbing a small loaf of bread as I did so and quickly shoving it in my bag.

A gasp escaped my lips, as I left the backroom and entered the main hall through the service passage. It was so similar to what the Black Manor had been when I was stuck there, I felt as though I had been pulled back in time. A shiver made its way involuntarily up my spine, but I ignored it. However, I had trouble ignoring the gentle twinge in my stomach.

I was not alone in my own fears.

With a gentle three pats against my belly, the trembling stopped. A wave of guilt washed over me as I was reminded of just how dangerous this escapade was, not only for me, but for the baby.

We'll be just fine, Renesme.

I had no intention of placing my child in harm. I knew what it was like to be abandoned by ones own mother, and I would not let my child feel as though I was not concerned for her safety. I had to do this though, and I silently vowed to protect my unborn baby under any circumstance.

Please don't worry.

I had come out from the kitchen just left of the staircase, where a few young women were bent over polishing every inch of each step. Jacob must be expecting some company tonight, I quickly thought to myself, before making my way up the stairs and ignoring the mumbled complaints of the women.

At the top of the stairs, similar to the Cullen house, were two separate flights of stairs going in opposite directions. For a moment, the childish part of me wanted to just close my eyes, spin around and pick a direction. I ignored this side of me and quickly decided to just go left for now.

As I glided through each corridor, I heard different snippets of secret conversations between the maids and butlers.

"He's been very nervous about these people coming…"

"Black? Nervous? Please, tell me who these people are so I may thank them."

"I hear he's merely entertaining them tonight because he's being suspected…"

"Suspected? Suspected of what?"

When I looked around at that, about five women were giving the one who had asked the question looks of equal exhaustion.

"Well… other than that. Poor girl… has anybody seen her today?"

Again, I found myself peering over at that particular group. They all shook their heads solemnly, and I felt a pang hit the pit of my stomach. Not sure if that was Reneseme or myself, I gently pat my stomach before listening once more to the conversation.

"Well… I saw Natalie, you know that girl that usually sticks around with her. She looked a little worse for wear herself. Her eyes were bloodshot, like the poor girl had been crying."

One of the two men there shook their heads, "Yes indeed, I also saw the young girl. Just earlier in fact. She was headed for their room…"

I briefly wondered if this was how Angela would react to my beatings. I immediately shook my head of the thought however, taking this as my chance. I patted down my skirt, before walking straight over to the group of workers.

"E-excuse me…" my voice was far too gentle, and I pressed myself to speak up as all their eyes suddenly fell on me. I raised my head, forcing myself not to be the blushing Bella I typically was, and to be brave for a change.

"Can we help you, miss?"

Her voice startled me, but I gave a curt nod and forced my voice out now, "Yes, you can. I've been sent up to retrieve a young woman, by the name of Natalie. Might you be able to tell me where her room is?"

The group simultaneously gave each other looks of equal worry. One of the women spoke up then, "W-what business would you have with her?" Was she being… defensive?

I gently shook my head, "Please, do not worry. I was brought up by the chef to give the poor girl some food." I pulled out the bread I had stolen earlier for proof. It seemed like they all relaxed at this.

"Sure, I'll show you to her room." One of the men said, and he then led me away from the group and off down the hall. The walk was silent, and I couldn't help but notice how all eyes were now suddenly on me.

When we passed one room, I heard a silent cry followed by a sickening thud. My eyes widened at the noise that was just beyond this door, and the man at my side seemed to notice, though he didn't say anything. When we reached the door to Natalie's room, he gave me a quick bow and left.

I turned to face the door, and gave a soft knock before pushing it open and walking inside. One the far bed was a young girl, about sixteen, sobbing quietly.

"Who's there?" she asked immediately.

I approached her cautiously, not sure what to actually say. She watched me as I made my way over. I stopped at a safe distance and finally found my voice again, "Hello Natalie. It's nice to meet you. My name is Bella."

I lowered my gaze to the bag at my side, in which the dagger lay.

"I'm looking for Jacob Black."

I galloped up to the next town gate, only stopping at the guards station long enough to give in my name, before racing my horse off down the main street. I had been to more than six different towns in the past two days; searching each from corner to corner for Bella.

However, anyone I asked had no recollection of her passing through. I was beginning to lose hope. It was raining heavily here, and my boots squelched as I entered yet another inn. There were not many at the bar. An elderly man seemed to be working behind the counter. I walked up in a stupor.

With the rain pouring so heavily outside, it would be at least another hour before I'd be able to ride off again safely. Defeated, I stopped at the bar and asked for a glass of water. I hadn't eaten since Bella's disappearance, and I could feel myself growing weaker.

The glass stopped beside me, but it did not hold water. I glanced up as a place of cold meats was placed near me as well.

"I did not order this." I told the man at the bar politely. He explained that it had been ordered for me by a woman. I heaved a sigh. No way was I going to have the patience for a woman trying to catch my eye.

I gave a half hearted glance up to the woman standing opposite me. The moment I dropped my gaze however, it shot back up immediately. My eyes widened at the sight of her.

It was Bella.

Well, of course not actually my Bella, but this woman was the very image of her. She was beautiful, though a little older looking than my fiancée. Her brown hair fell in waves that perfectly framed her heart shaped face. Her lips were a full pink, just like Bella's, but her eyes… a startling blue. It was only then that I realised I was staring into her eyes. I quickly bowed my head, a flush of embarrassment coming over me.

She laughed from her seat. That same intoxicating laugh, though not nearly as lovely, as Bella's. I heard footsteps as she approached me from her side of the bar.

"Afternoon, sir." She greeted in a friendly manner, "My, you look a little worse for wear, I must say."

Again, I felt embarrassed as her small hands reached for my chin and tilted my face upwards so she could get a better look at my dishevelled appearance. An unimpressed hum left her, and I swore I heard her mutter 'not good at all' under her breath.

She released me, much to my relief, but sat down at my left then.

"I hope you don't mind," she gestured to the food that she had undoubtedly bought for me, "You just looked a little famished."

I shook my head, "Not at all, thank you."

"Think nothing of it."

There was a long silence after her words before anyone spoke again. It was me, not wanting to hold up silence and appear rude.

"What has you waiting around this inn on a miserable day like today, ma'am?"

The woman gave me a small smile, picking up a piece of meat from my plate and picking away at it as she spoke, "My husband, he's meeting with someone in an another town. He insisted that I go shopping, but I'm not one to spend his money like that. So, I decided to wait about this fine establishment for him to return." she finished with a smile in the direction of the barkeeper, who looked suddenly quite flustered.

"I see..." I wasn't nearly as interested in holding conversation as she seemed to be, "What work is your husband in, may I ask?"

"He's an officer of the millitia, and he's stationed in the town just north of here." She replied immediately, her gaze travelling around the room as she spoke, though no looking at me once. I simply nodded in response.

"So… what brings a young man like yourself so far from the Cullen estate?"

Had I been drinking at the time, I most certainly would have spat it out. "I beg your pardon?" I had not told her as much as my first name, "What gave you the idea that I was…?"

"Edward Cullen?" she finished for me, "Well, my master a few years back was great friends with Sir Carlisle Cullen. You have many of your father's features, my boy." She looked as though she had been scolded suddenly, and quickly bowed her head, "I'm terribly sorry for your loss. They were wonderful people; both your mother and father."

I gave a small nod, and a slight smile, "Thank you. They were."

"What brings you to this small town anyway, Mr Cullen?" she asked with honest curiosity.

"I'm looking for someone."

Just as the words left my lips the bartender had turned round to us, "My my, seems everybody's looking for someone nowadays."

I perked up at his words, "S-someone came through here?"

He nodded, "Indeed. Just this morning, a young girl came through here looking for a Jacob Black." He gave the woman at my side an extra glance before continuing, "Looked a lot like you actually, miss."

At that we both jumped up and simultaneously asked, "Who?!"

His curious expression never faltered, and I pondered the reaction of the woman beside me myself, until he spoke the name that could stop my heart, "Said her name was Isabella… Isabella Swan."

"What do you want?"

Her voice was torn with accusation. A reasonable response to a stranger appearing in your room without notice, I suppose.

"Your friend… is she…" I paused, unsure how to voice my next question, "Is she… with him?"

Her eyes widened a little, but they took in my countenance and she seemed to relax just a little before giving a sad nod.

"I can't save her…"

Guilt. I would recognise that tone anywhere. Angela would use it whenever I got back from Jacob's with injuries. I bit my lip and tightened my hold on my bag.

"I can."

Natalie jerked up at my words; her eyes wide once again as she looked at me with disbelief.

"I'll need your help though."

Her eyes shone in the dim light of her room as she gazed at me; unsure. She began biting her lip, thinking about how she should answer. For a moment, I panicked. What if she ran off, alerting everyone to my presence? What would I do then?

Before I could stress myself out any further however, she suddenly spoke up, "H-how can I help?"

Within minutes, we were marching down the halls, Natalie tight at my side. Her eyes looked full, certain. I believed that Angela would have done something quite similar to this were she ever given the chance. As we rounded the corner that would lead me to Jacob's room, we gave each other a quick nod before Natalie moved away from me.

A few feet down the opposite hall, she suddenly collapsed.

I quickly hid, remaining silent as countless maids ran over to her.

"What happened?!"

"Oh my, quick call a doctor!"

"Someone take her downstairs!"

From my hiding place, I watched the large group leave with Natalie. I hoped she could maintain their attention for long enough, but now was not the time to rely on anyone or anything other than myself.

Standing at the door, I could hear the faint cries of Natalie's friend. I was told her name was Emma. The young girl seemed to be taking up quite a lot of Jacob's attention, I noted with malice. Taking in a deep breath, I quietly pushed open the bedroom door.

The room was dark, the curtains pulled shut and allowing little light through them. I could hear Emma's cries however, and I quietly made my way over to the bed. Jacob had obviously left not long ago. She was still in a state of shock. I took in her appearance with a sense of disbelief. Her clothes were in shreds, and in the dim light, I could make out numerous dark bruises already forming along her sallow skin.

I bent over her, "E-Emma?"

With a gasp, she stared up at me. Her eyes held panic, "Y-you can't be here!" she tried to yell, but her voice was far too hoarse.

"It's alright." I attempted to sooth her, "I won't hurt you."

She continued to tremble though. It was then that I realised she was not staring at me with those terror-filled eyes, she was looking behind me.

He never left.

Before I could turn around, I was on the hardwood floor. My heart was beating wildly against my chest as his sneering laughter rang through my head.

"You! Of course you would come back!"

I weakly raised my hand up to my throbbing head. I could feel the damp through my hair. Through my blurry gaze, I saw my crimson blood almost glow on the candlestick I had been stuck with. In the darkest corner of the room, he had stood there, watching me.

I have been such a fool.

"You'll pay with your life."

Of course I will…

I reached for my handbag dizzily, as he thundered towards me. Before my hands could take hold of the bag, I felt him take hold of the collar of my dress and roughly pull me up from the ground.

"What could have possessed you to return I wonder?" he sounded amused. Like a cat playing with his favourite toy. It sickened me to no end. His eyes trailed the length of me as he held me up from the ground, and I felt myself tremble under his touch, but it wasn't from any sort of pleasure.

I could hear the soft patter of feet as Emma ran from the room while Jacob had his back to her. A part of me felt betrayed by the young girl, but another part was relieved that at least one of us would make it out of her alive.

Up close, I could see in his eyes, the sheer delight of the situation. My heart sank at my earlier realisation.

Only one of us would really make it out of here alive.

"Oh, another one to add to poor Cullen's list." He spat as I was, once again, thrown to the floor. This time, I landed much closer to my bag however, and with achingly rigid hands I reached inside and grasped the handle of Edward's silver dagger. Jacob's eyes hazed with suspicion.

"What are you playing at, Swan? Eh?" He leaned down, to strike me no doubt, but I sooner lashed out with the blade. He yelped, like a dog smacked with a paper, as the dagger made contact with his skin. I skimmed across his cheek, causing his to tumble back in shock.

I shuffled back across the floor, trying to gather my footing now as Jacob howled in pain now. Through the hand that was clutched to his cheek, he glared up at me, "You bitch!"

He ran towards me and, as I lashed out with the knife this time, caught my wrist. He quickly snatched the dagger from my grasp, and before I could understand what had happened, I experienced the sickening feeling of a blade plunging into me.

I let out a deafening scream as he twisted the dagger whilst still inside my shoulder. I soon sank to my knees, blinded by pain. The arm I could still use was clutched tightly around my stomach as fear finally set in through the adrenalin.

I had placed us in terrible danger, and now we were doomed.

Jacob's grip on Edward's dagger tightened significantly. He jerked the dagger towards me, causing me to yelp and tighten my arm around my stomach. A look of mild surprise then shone across his features as he took in my reaction.

"My, my…" he hummed, a sly smirk spreading across his face, "You seem awfully defensive of that frail stomach of yours, Miss Swan." A gasp left my lips as he hoisted me from the ground with one arm. Now face to face with him, Jacob sneered at my worried expression. His hand came up and roughly cupped at my stomach from under my arm. His smirk widened.

"A bump… I see." He sneered, bringing his face closer to my own. His lips came to my ear, "You're carrying Cullen's bastard child then." The hand on my collar tightened and I didn't receive a moments notice.

"You… whore!" He threw me back across the room. I felt myself smack against the bedpost before crumpling to the floor. My back ached terribly, and I was beginning to become dizzy from the wound to my head. Jacob obviously didn't care. I watched him advance once more. This time, the dagger gleamed as he pointed it outwards to strike.

"I'll hurt Cullen twice as much this time, eh?" the dagger was pointed low, as if ready to plunge it into my stomach.

I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to show my own weakness in the face of death. I didn't want to show fear.

But, sometimes, we simply can't help ourselves.

I understood this as I watched Jacob in my last moments, through tear-filled eyes. That sneering grin, those murderous eyes, his flaring nostrils as he lunged the blade towards me. I flinched – what a coward I feel like now.

A harsh thud, but I was not the one to hit the ground this time. If I thought back carefully, I swore I had heard a cracking sound just a second before. The sound of something blunt making contact with flesh… or bone…

I could not feel any additional pain, and though I was puzzled by such a thing, I could not bring myself to open my eyes. I was slowly being called away from reality. I was falling asleep.

But would I ever awake?

"It's Okay darling… Just stay with me."

Who?

I dashed through yet another winding street, barely dodging others as I zipped through the thick crowds. I had left my horse at the town inn, figuring I'd move more swiftly without it. This was the town the bartender heard Bella mention earlier. Jacob would be found here.

And I was certain wherever I found Jacob, I would also find Bella. For his sake, Bella would be alive.

Turning what I believed to be my last corner, I rushed down a much more secluded street at full sprint now that there were few people to collide into. In the distance, just ahead I could see a small gathering of people outside one of the larger houses. I knew immediately I had reached the place.

Skidding to a halt just outside the small gate, I came in contact with a guard.

"I need to get in!" my words came out in pants, and I tried to push past him. Unfortunately, he was quite a large man, and he easily held me off.

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't let you inside." His voice was deep and commanding, but still he watched me warily as I continued my attempts at getting through. After a then exhausted sigh, he decided to tell me, "There's been a murder young man. I cannot possibly let you through!"

He took in my sudden frozen state with worry. I found myself instantly rooted to the spot by his words, unable to comprehend the possibility that…

"S-sir?"

I collapsed to my knees, taking the man by surprise as he rushed over to my side, "Young man, are you alright?" He was asking such a foolish question, and I simply couldn't reply. How could I possibly be alright?! How could I ever be alright again?!

Bella is…

"Did you know the man who died?" he asked me, now in more of a grieving tone. My own eyes widened at his question. A man had died?

"The man…?" The question left my lips with obvious disbelief. I found myself, once again, unable to believe what I was hearing. I wasn't sure what I wanted to believe anymore. Was I to get my hopes up too much, and have them ripped apart… would I be able to cope? Would I go mad?

I never truly got to let her know how much she meant to me. I should have treated her with so much more respect. I should never have let her out of my sight. I should have –

He nodded, "Yes. The owner of this house. A newcomer to the town. Jacob Black."

Jacob Black was dead? Someone killed Jacob Black?

But who?

And was she alright?

"What? But what about…?"

I never got the chance to finish my question. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and, before I knew it, I was pulled around. Now, I faced a man more than twice my age, with dark brown hair and chocolate coloured eyes that, seemed awfully familiar.

"Is there a problem here?" he looked between myself and the guard at the gate. The latter explained to this man that I was trying to enter without authority. This new man gave me a look to suggest that I should know better, but at that moment I really couldn't have cared any less.

I was surprised by how shaky my own voice sounded as I spoke up; "I'm looking for a friend. She was last seen around the house." I prayed she had been found safe, but I had the sickening doubt in the pit of my stomach that told me otherwise. This whole ordeal was becoming much too familiar.

I turned to face the most recent arrival to our conversation with a dull look that I hoped would help him realise I was not to be messed with, but I was surprised by the expression on his face.

"W-who are you looking for, might I ask?" he was staring at me now, and in his eyes, I could see honest concern.

I decided that there was nothing more to lose. If he knew where Bella was, I would go looking for as long as it took. If he told me that the love of my life was no more…

I didn't have an answer for that.

Swallowing hard I replied clearly so I need not have to repeat myself. Staring him straight in the eyes I opened my mouth with certainty for the first time that day; "Her name is Bella Swan."

That made all the difference. Instantly, I saw his expression relax, and I swore a smile came close to showing across his lips. Tipping his hat up in acknowledgement to me, he spoke once again before taking me away from the Black Manor once and for all.

"I'm Officer Charlie Swan. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Cullen."

A/N: Okay, I know this seems just so typical of me by now, but I am sorry =P
I was pretty much swamped all summer between bad news and good news and dates and arrangements that I just couldn't get my head around it all. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this little chapter, I found it a little difficult to write. I didn't was a whole cliché ending where Edward comes along, saves the girl and sweeps her up into his arms before flying off into the sunset - though I do love reading endings like that myself =P

I went for something a little different. I think it's safe to guess that you all knew who the woman at the bar was, right?
And Officer Charlie Swan I'm hoping was just a dead give away, hehe ^^

Anyway, please let me know what you thought.
There's either one or two chapters left - though I can't wait to finish this story, I don't wanna rush through it.
We'll see either way! Please leave your thoughts in reviews ^^ Greatly appreciated as always! And thanks so much to everybody who's stuck through this story with me up til now. Lets hope the ending isn't a HUGE letdown! ... heh... :p

Bye for now,

Kami