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Chapter 14: Bella

I was crying for god knows how long. All those piled up emotions had exploded and I just couldn't control myself. I came out of the bathroom, I checked the clock, and it was 11 am. I had hurt Edward and it was hurting me too. I decided to do one last thing for him before I went back. I could talk to Aro, confess everything and beg, if required, to spare his family. I was determined to help him. I changed my cloths, put on the cloak and went outside where Cassie was sitting nervously.

She saw me and stoop up.

"Bella..." she began to speak.

"We can speak later. I have important work to do." I told her. She wanted to ask about it but she didn't, maybe she was feeling guilty, still." I am going to meet Aro and speak to him about execution of those girls of Denali coven."

"Why?"

"They're Edward's family and I want to help him."

It took her a moment to digest that Edward was the guy I had fallen in love with. I hadn't told her Edward's name before but I didn't care about playing safe anymore. I thought she would ask me not to go on such suicide mission but instead she said,

"Okay. Let me come with you. I can help you to track him down." She said.

"Why?" I asked her.

"Helping him would make you feel better, which would make me feel better."

I nodded. "Felix?" I asked her.

"I'll talk to him. " She said and went downstairs.

We left in a few minutes. With Cassie's tracking skills, we reached the guards in around 30 minutes. They'd stopped at the clearing in the forest, expecting us. Aro was in the middle of entire party. One of the guards, Rick, went to Aro and gave the notice of our arrival. We both went to where Aro was. Seeing us he smiled as usual.

"Master." We both said and bowed.

"I hope you're here to welcome us, ladies." He whispered.

Without wasting time, I spoke, "Master, actually I have an urgent matter to discuss with you, privately."

He smiled. "Sure, dearest Bella. We'll take our conversation to the woods. Shall we?"

I nodded. We walked through the guards; I could feel all the eyes on me, it made me uncomfortable.

Once we were at reasonably away from the rest, Aro stopped, do did I.

"Bella. You can speak your mind, dear." He said.

"Master, I have done a mistake. While I was here I met someone and I was involved with him even though I knew..."

"Love." He interrupted me. "Fascinating. I am glad you found someone to fall in love with in such a short period." His voice was as cold as ever, even though he was smiling, he scared the hell out of me.

"Who is this lucky fellow who captured your heart?" he asked, smirking.

I gulped.

"Edward Cullen." I said. I knew he would have known this all once he met Carlisle and Edward so I decided to be honest. Hiding stuff would make things worse, I knew.

"Cullen, you say? Is he related to Carlisle in any way?

"Yes."

"Interesting." He smiled wickedly. "Bella, if you wish to resign from your services for this Edward then you have my consent. We'll take VERY GOOD care of your mother, be sure of it." He said.

Translation: Don't forget we have your mother and she'll suffer if you chose to resign.

It was a threat. Aro loved playing this game and ii had to say what he wanted to hear.

"No, master. I wish to continue with my position in The Guards if you are willing to let me."

"I would be delighted. But what about your relationship with Edward? I do not wish to keep two lovers apart." He said, fake sympathy dripping every word.

I wanted to slap him, then and there but I controlled my emotions.

"Working for Volturi is more precious to me, master, as you know." I had to play along.

"Very well. Now, would you explain what is this Edward Cullen doing in Alaska and is Carlisle with him too?'

I explained to him everything. He would use his gift on Edward anyway to find out stuff. I told him how Edward told me Denali girls were innocent.

"He says they're innocent but it couldn't be true, Bella."

"He wouldn't lie to me." I said, little too sternly.

"Of course." Aro laughed. " But we have certain rules, Bella and we must stick to them."

"Master, I am pleading before you to give them one chance to explain themselves. If they no hand in the crime then they deserve to be spared."

"Bella..."

"Please, master. I am willing to take full responsibility for them. If they commit any crime in future you can execute me with them."

Aro smiled dangerously. "You do care for this boy and you're willing to go to any length to help him. Amusing."

"I..."

"Bella, you're one of my most important guards and I cannot deny you when you are asking for such favour. Very well, I will give them one chance, for your sake. If they were to survive, it would be because you are in Volturi Guards. It will be all because of you."

Translation: I am giving them this chance BECAUSE you are in my guards. As soon as you leave, their lives are endangered.

"Thank you, sir." I said.

"You should leave for Italy with Cassie. We will take care of business here."

"As you say, master."

"I turned to go but he said,

"Remember this Bella, many people live because you're in the Volturi Guards. Who is to say what would happen to them if you left?"

This time the threat was direct. I just nodded.

Cassie and I left. We finally arrived at castle. I saw the familiar walls and I remembered how I had felt when I left for this Alaska assignment. Now I knew why I had felt that way. The only difference was now I was back in this castle with beautiful yet sad memories.