Author's Note: As the story is coming to a close, I would like to thank you so much for all of your support. There were times when I was banging my head on the desk trying to finish a chapter while juggling everything else in my life, but it was all worth it in the end. And of course, my wonderful reviewers for taking out some precious time to give me a few words of encouragement and advice. And so, I deliver to you another chapter.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring up at my father's face. He seemed reasonably calm as usual, but the tiny glint of worry in his wise eyes was evident. I was lying with my head safely in his lap and my body stretched out onto the bed. I still felt the pain that Annabelle inflicted, but I knew it would eventually wear off. That was the least of my worries right now.

"Isabella," My father said, feeling my forehead with his palm, though I couldn't of had a fever. As if that was even possible. "How do you feel?"

Every muscle in my body ached, but that pain was nothing compared to how I felt inside. In my heart, I felt like I had just fallen off a cliff and my flesh was being torn apart by starving wolves. My father's question was rather redundant. He already knew how I was feeling, or at least he knew how I felt physically. He couldn't stop Annabelle, but he could see what she was doing just as clearly as I could.

"I'm fine," I answered monotonously. I pulled myself up to a sitting position. My head felt like it was filled with rock and concrete without my father's lap for support. I grimaced at the pain, but didn't utter a complaint.

"Why don't you just admit how you feel?" my father breathed, sounding tired.

"Because you already know how I feel," I responded rubbing my temple to try and ease the pain. "And if you already know, why do we waste time with such utter nonsense?"

He let out a heavy breath. I was referring to more than my well-being. My father knew what Annabelle was forcing me to do as soon as I did. He knew exactly what was at stake in this game and that I didn't have a lot of time.

"I promised your mother that I would protect you, look after your happiness. But now, because of me, you are put strait into the line of fire," my father sighed looking at the ceiling in deep thought.

I grabbed his hand and pulled it onto my lap. I held it in both of mine tightly. This may be my last chance to speak to him. I never got the opportunity to be filial to him. I should at least say goodbye properly. This has nothing to do with him. This was purely my choice. No matter what, I found comfort in thinking I had a choice in the matter.

"This is not your fault. It is no one's fault. I just have to do this," I said, giving his hand a squeeze. He looked down and gazed at my face for a moment.

"How can I simply hand my only daughter to her death?" My father asked sweeping my cheek lightly with his free hand. "What is the use of being in my position of such esteem and power if I cannot even protect you?"

"Because of your position, you have a responsibility to look after more than just me. There are many others who depend on you. You and I can't risk their safety to save ourselves," I said trying my best to sound confident.

"There is no need for you to sound so brave. I suppose your decision has been made then?" I nodded and suddenly recalled something I needed to know.

"Father, what does Annabelle want from you?"

His face grew stern, and he pulled his hand out of mine. He looked away from me and turned his gaze to the door. The way he reacted further sparked my curiosity. This must not be just any ordinary object.

"I left to fetch soil from the place of my origin. It is the only method that can destroy me or Annabelle. If either of us is set on fire and the soil is thrown in as well, it will bind our powers and destroy us both."

I didn't understand. He said destroy them both. My father was not capable of speech errors. If he said it, he had to mean it.

"What do you mean destroy you both?" I said my voice beginning to waver.

"We were born together; we will die together," he replied in an emotionless tone. How could someone be so indifferent about their death?

My body began to shake furiously when the realization hit me like a meteor falling to the earth. The world began to tremble along with me as my mind became utter chaos and then to a wretched understanding.

I finally understood why my father said it was his last resort before he left. He originally planned on sacrificing himself to destroy Annabelle if someone had to die. He never actually planned to choose between Annabelle and me. He would die with her if she ever harmed me. He might still be considering this now.

The thought of losing him drove a chilling fear into every cell of my body. I had lost my mother already; I can't lose my father too. I wasn't strong enough to handle all of this at the same time. It would simply be the death of me.

If Annabelle wanted me to bring her the soil, then she already suspected what my father wanted to do. She wouldn't simply allow things to slide with this knowledge. At the level of hatred she held for me, she would kill the hostages and then take them to hell with her. It would satisfy her, even in death, to know that I had lost everyone I cared about.

"Father, you can't!" I said falling onto my knees on the carpeted floor. He reached down to get me back up, but I shook him off. I grabbed his knees and looked up at him in panic.

"Isabella, get-"

"You can't just leave everything behind. What will everyone do without you? What will happen to what you've built? You can't just throw-"

"Isabella!" My father interrupted his tone frustrated and a bit angry. I closed my mouth instinctively as he got up off the bed and stepped away from me.

"Get up," he ordered. I pulled my self off of the floor then straightened. He walked over to me and held me by the shoulders out in front of him. He was trying to calm me, but I still had an argument to make.

"Father, Annabelle wouldn't let us off that easily. Even if you died with her, she might harm others on her way down. She just isn't worth it."

"Bella," he laughed dryly. "I've thought of every possible scenario. I'm not a rash person. If I wanted to do something so dramatic, I wouldn't wait until things got to this point. And most of all, I can't do it because it would also affect you as well."

"How, other than me losing you forever?" I asked, my brain racing to digest the information I had just recently received.

"Annabelle and I are connected at birth. You are my biological daughter, and so we are connected also. There is a great chance that it would kill you too. Destroy three lives with one swipe."

I was stunned and at a lost of words. This was just another convenient method for Annabelle to end my life. She probably already knew about this, and wanted to cause my death with her own hands. I didn't mind going to hell, but this involved more than just me and Annabelle.

"Does Annabelle know about this? Has she decided on anything?" I said, barely able to keep my voice stable. My father sensed my unrest and began to rub up and down my arm. It was useless. Everything was hitting me so fast that I felt overwhelmed and dizzy.

"I cannot be sure. Although her obsession for me won't allow her a complete decision so soon," he said assumingly.

A decision is a decision no matter how partial it is. If a woman doesn't have a choice, she'll pick the route that best suits her even if she doesn't want to. Right now, she detested me. The question is, does her hate for me conquer any love she may still have for my father? She gave me three hours, and it meant that she gave herself a time limit too. She'd make her decision before time ran out. Whatever route she chose, I still had to make my own.

If I went to deliver the soil to Annabelle, I ran the risk of losing my own life and my father's. But I might be able to save the hostages and ensure the safety of those in this mansion. If I didn't go, Edward and others will surely die, and many others will be harmed when Annabelle comes after me. Nothing is guaranteed; everything is put up to chance.

I was not content with either choice, but I had to pick one. I had to try something. At least that way, everyone will have a chance to live.

"Father, I still want to go. Give me the soil," I said looking straight into his eyes. He smiled weakly at me, and then gave me a tight hug.

"I trust that you know what you are doing. I will let you go. You must be careful." He patted my back. I pulled away and nodded at him. I wasn't sure if my being careful was much use in this case.

He took a step back and held his open hand out to me. A long tube of ordinary-looking dirt appeared in his palm. I took up the glass container. It felt warm in my hand despite not having encountered any source of heat in who knows how long. It looked like simple dirt, but it felt like a radioactive weapon in my hand. I closed my hands around it and the tube disappeared once again. This was the safest way to keep something, and the only power that I was allowed to use in the mansion.

"Say goodbye to Alexander before you leave. The poor boy is still waiting for you in the garden." I nodded again and stood on my tepee toes to peck my father on the cheek. Then, I turned to leave.

After I pulled open the door, I looked back at him one last time. And I forced myself to finalize my will, the only way I could keep going with this. Finally, I raced down the hall and descended the stairs. I wasn't sure what I would say to Alex at this point, but I had to free him.

Once I reached the garden, I saw Alex seated on the large swing. I suddenly remembered what happened here a while ago. He walked back into my life using this swing, and now I was here to shut him out again. It was ironic how life continues to toy with us.

Alex stared at the large rosebush with a complete focus. I approached him in silence, but I was positive he knew of my presence. I sat down next to him on the swing and let out an intentional heavy breath.

"Alex, I have something to tell you, but you have to promise me something first." He finally looked at me and waited patiently for what was next. "Turn around with your back to me." He hesitated but obeyed.

I actually didn't want to do this to him. Yet, I was afraid he wouldn't let me go or would want to come with me. I couldn't involve him in this too. He might become another victim. There was another life at stake.

I raised my hand and touched my index finger to the middle of his back. His body stiffened like stone underneath my touch. With his back to me, he had no time to retaliate. I grabbed his shoulders and carefully turned him back to face me. His eyes were open, and he could blink, see, feel, and hear, but he couldn't move. Which was exactly what I wanted?

"I'm sorry I had to do this, but just hear me out, okay?" I didn't wait for an answer, because he couldn't give me one. "Don't worry; you will go back to normal in about five hours or so." If I touched him with my whole hand, he would need someone to release him. I didn't plan on coming back, so it was better this way.

"Alex," I began trying to gather my words. "I thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your strength when my hands were shaking uncontrollably. But there is nothing I can give you. I'm just someone he has forgotten. My heart has been long stolen by someone else. Thank you for being the candlelight that brightens my smile. Your warmth was always kind but never disturbed my winter. I haven't decided on where to go from here. That's why I can't agree on you accompanying me. I'm afraid you will always be affected by me. I'm sorry."

It sounded like I just delivered a prepared speech. I wanted to tell him how I felt, but the words came out in a blur. And now, it sounded like a jumble of confusing words. I could barely comprehend what I just said myself. I just hoped he could pick out what I said and understand me. I was forced to make this short, knowing that time was of the essence.

"I hope you can find a girl who can care for you just as much as you do for her. And if you choose to hate me, then I will not blame you. Goodbye."

I hung my head and touched my lips to his for a brief second. Then I got up off the swing and headed for the trees. I could feel his eyes on my back as I disappeared from sight. It was time to face my fate.

Author's Note: Thanks much to my editor for her work even though she was extremely busy. Even though she was pushing the deadlines, she made it! You rock Hopeless4U! Please review!