AN: So I know many of you may be frustrated with me, I almost posted this chapter way back in October. What ended up happening was something truly wonderful. I now have a beta. Yay!
You guys will never know how big of a difference this is going to make in future chapters and for the future of this story. We nailed down a solid plot and Li has added some great ideas and twists for VM. I'm really excited for you all to read it.
While there has not been a post in a while she and I have been working diligently and in the future this will help with more regular updates.
My thanks to my goddess of a beta Lili and to you unbelievable readers.
It could have been worst.
It had become my mantra since the day I was fished out the salty waters and dragged to shore by this hotheaded demon. What kept me strong, and functioning through this nightmare was repeating this simple truth or, lie. However one wished to look at it.
I tried to count my blessings: I, Isabella Swan, had come into this world with the fore-knowledge of the language at least. I had read books concerning these people. I had been chosen to serve Edward, and in turn I was given some privileges.
Lauren and Angela were not that fortunate. I slept on my own pallet; I had my own clothes. I did not have to sleep in the flea ridden slave corridors, or labor miserably in my master's fields. I was a Mistress; there was some fortune in that, correct? I could do worse?
I wish I didn't know the answer to that question.
But I did.
Lying here on the bed, feeling helpless and exposed, I concluded that this unfortunately was it. My mind was empty of anything that could be described as worse.
My rear and upper legs were poached in a fury of fire. I had curled my fingers under the edge of a silk throw pillow in front of me and pressed my face into his bed linens. Another dozen thwacks landed with enough force, that I was shoved forward, only to be dragged back into position by his calloused hand. The lashes fell fast, with precision, and pain.
I squeezed my eyes shut, sucked in a breath and tensed my whole body in attempt to hold back my tears. He could take my dignity away, but he could not make me scream or cry. Despite my efforts, he continued to lash me until I could no longer resist. I did not cry, but I succumbed to his beating, lying limp in exhaustion and pain. He stopped and grabbed my chin so that I was forced to turn my head and look at him. "Are we clear on the order of things here?" he hissed at me.
Busy withholding my sobbing I failed to answer quickly enough. The strap rose and fell in a biting thwack and I clamped down on my scream, yelping, "Yes!"
Lightly he righted me into a knelling position onto the soft bed. His hands, he kept on my shoulders as if to hold me in place, perhaps for fear that I might run from him. Those deep green eyes of his regarded me sternly, unmoved by my misty eyes, he searched my face for contrition. Part of me wished to deny him even that.
He let go of my shoulders and paced uneasily back and forth in his set path at the foot of his bed to the desk on the adjacent wall. His brow furrowed and his countenance was grave.
"Now my dear Bella, is your urge to rebel satisfied for the moment?" he forced the question out, as if he was the one who just been beaten.
I nodded my head, and then nodded again, my disloyal tears now running thickly down my cheeks. Some boundaries are not to be crossed. Disobeying him in his state of epitome fury was a boundary I was not willing to breach. So I gave him the answers he desired, hoping to appease him. The tears were a mixture of anger, and unchained fear accrued from my near assault.
"Do you realize what was about to happen? What you were at risk of?"
His dark eyebrows pinched together, and he exhaled sharply as if he was analyzing me.
"Yes, Edward I know what was about to happen," I confided trying to keep the venom out of my answer. I was a woman, and had been warned form the time I reached twelve what it meant to be violated and defiled. Did he honestly think I was that dim?
Glaring, I folded my arms across my chest, trying to circumvent further admonishment. I could tell he was not impressed. He took a threatening step in my direction, fully intending to put me ''in my place'', but he caught himself. Instead he ran his hands through his hair, and turned on his heel to pace once more before addressing me again.
"Bella I'm at a loss. Were you not raised under the protection of your father? Did he not insist you obey him on matters concerning your wellbeing?" He spit out in anger.
I looked at him for a moment taken aback by his question. What did my father have to do with this? He was going to insult him? What, insulting me was not enough for him? I wanted to shout that at the top of my lungs, but I knew better, my battered body knew better. So when I offered no response, he continued.
"The reason I ask is because, this is a lesson that my sisters learned before they reached their tenth summer. Why not you? Are you that headstrong that you need your lessons re-taught? "
I bit my cheek, how dare he contrast my upbringing to that of his sisters! Why would he use his sister above all others as an example, I would never know. He glared at me, and I could see the inevitable rush of anger that seemed to sway his every harsh word.
"Why is it that it is so hard for you to learn your place, Bella? You are under my authority. A thrall and I will not have you slutting around! "
At that I sat up on my knees bringing myself to his height. He did not just utter those words! Boundaries are not only for me, there are lines he must not cross too. Dose he actually believe I would desire such a vile act on any a soul, let alone myself?
"You know good and well that I did not initiate that!"
I brought my face close to his. My nostrils flared as I took deep breaths in attempt to calm myself.
"That is where you are wrong! You defied my brother's orders, and did as you pleased; bringing mayhem upon yourself. Have you any self preservation? Have you some excuse for your insubordination?"
Oh so that's how the Viking's mighty leader behaves? A swift blow before words-punishment before query.
"Isabella!"
My lips parted slightly, a million different responses filtering through my mind. He turned his head slightly to the left as if threatening me to just utter a word, one single word. I could tell that the fact that I indeed could think of an explanation irked him further.
"Woman, never in all my life, have I met someone with such little regard for their own safety; perhaps Rose, but that is why we have taught her to take arms. I can't allow you that liberty. Thralls do not bear arms, Bella. So what do you propose I do to prevent this from occurring yet again? Hmm?"
He clenched his eyes shut, as if he was trying to shield me from some of the remaining wrath that burned in his bones. Perhaps that was my cue.
For a moment, I considered telling him all. How I knew of Nessie, how I had spent the last days with her, how I would not have left had it been for her hunger.
But I could not bring myself to tell him more; it would not provoke understanding, only more anger and this room could bear no more anger.
"I refuse to be disrespected;" he continued his self-righteous sermon,'' By placing yourself in danger, you placed my sister in danger as well. And you have put me in a discomfited place. A place, where I am now forced to confront men who have been invited here as guests''
Taking a deep breath he continued ''I have a reputation to uphold Bella. It is dangerous to make enemies of those men, but it would be even more dangerous not to deal with the matter."
"I am sorry," I said in a shaky whisper, my mouth trembled. I shivered in anticipation for this realization seemed to have just occurred to him. I wanted this night to come to conclusion so badly, and apologizing seemed like my only line of attack.
"Bella I cannot change all of society to suit you. Do not mishear me, those bastards will be asked to leave, and if they are lucky they will leave unharmed. But you must learn to obey. I'm not in the business of forfeiting my possessions and I will most certainly not be giving you over."
He sat down on the bed beside me, sighing when I turned my shoulder to him and angled myself away from him. What about when he was wed? Would he for forfeit me then? I couldn't help it; those thoughts crawled their way into my head.
"Bella you must understand, that what you do reflects upon me. If people find me to be so careless with you, as to let you flounce about, why would they subject themselves to my leadership? You must try harder. Can you make an effort to mind?"
His voice and quieted to nothing more than a whisper, as he spoke played with a strand of my hair.
"Yes," I finally conceded, too frustrated to argue any further. He nodded for once appearing calm and at peace. He came around in front of me knelling to my level, dabbing my tears gently away with the corner of a lace trimmed handkerchief, as he made a tutting sound.
"Do not cry, Bella. All is as it should be." He lifted me up into his arms then, and for some reason I didn't find it in me to deny him that. Now nestled close to his chest, I could do little, but softly snarl at him in head. All is as it should be? What should I make for it? He felt that he had beaten me to compliance?
"Now all that is left is for you to apologize to Jasper for your disobedience, and see if he finds you appropriately punished," he whispered sweetly into my ear. I pulled away to look him in the eye, to search his face for some form of cynicism, but he seemed to be totally sincere.
"Edward, that really is-"
"It is what I am asking of you and what I expect of you," he said with a sense of finality placing me on my feet.
I looked away rolling my eyes, but nodded slightly, granting him his silly request. The Lord knows I just wanted this all to be done with.
"Do you wish to escort me then, since it is a grave danger for me to walk into daylight without the presence of a man?" I couldn't help but ask spitefully. I too was suffering from a deficiency of patience. He laughed at my tone, as if it amused him.
"Bella it is just for the time being, and you need to work on appearing contrite," he said looking at me briefly, before ushering me to the door.
I walked the dimmed corridor, his hand situated lightly in the small of my back gently guiding me along. While I knew I would find sitting tomorrow difficult, in an odd way, I was glad. He harbored nothing against me; I could see it in his cool expression and his gentle touch.
In fact he seemed genuinely content just to be home. Whatever issues existed between the two of us, they were settled in his mind. Hopefully his mood will last long enough for me to be able to tell him about Nessie, and my comings and goings in his absence. Although something inside me believed no matter what Edward's state, the news would not be taken easily ….
My train of …unpleasant thoughts was cut abruptly by the sound of a door being knocked, startled, I looked about noticing that we were in front of Alice and Jasper's chamber. Edward rapped gently upon the door a second time, and then entered at Jasper's beckon.
Jasper was sitting at his desk, too engrossed to look up .His golden curls falling down around his face as he studied a scroll in front of him.
"Jasper. Bella is here to make her apologies. I cannot guarantee the authenticity of her words, but if she fails to offer any request for forgiveness let me know," he offered in his native tongue turning to leave the room.
"Edward," Jasper called, stopping him in his tracks, "Alice has gone to put the little one down. She chose not to tell her about your return and Rose's return; you know she refuses to sleep when she becomes so elated." Edward stood still for a moment taking in the news, and then nodded.
"I'll deliver Bella safely back to you when we have finished," Jasper promised softly. The two of them shared a fleeting glance then nodded to each other in understanding. Edward then turned to leave the room, offering me half a reassuring grin.
Jasper motioned to the bed a few feet away. I moved to the left but remained standing. He smiled warmly up to me.
If I owned anyone a true apology, it was him." Jasper, I'm sorry," I started but his wide grin had me holding on to the rest of my apology.
"Bella you really needn't apologize to me. Edward is such a mule," he said shaking his head at the door in which his brother had parted from.
I smiled back at him, happy that he was his easy going self once again.
"Anyhow I understand now your reasoning for leaving. The servant who was to deliver your meals chose to indulge in a romantic excursion instead of doing as she was told," he explained to me in a hard tone, which was somehow laced with contradictory hint of laughter. It was amazing how he could seem so stern, yet so understanding all at the same time. "One of your companions I believe…a Laurel."
My mouth fell open, and my heart jumped in my chest. Internally, I have been berating myself for leaving them alone to face such fate. But wait ... romantic excursion?
"Lauren?" I corrected.
"You did not punish her did you?" I demanded worriedly. He smiled at me widely, as if my emerging protectiveness surprised him.
"I scolded her yes. But no she bore no harm from me. Who am I to punish a girl, free or not, for falling in love? I did however offer her a chance to buy her freedom. She will be living with Lurick of Selgrige here forth. In turn she has promised to offer her services would Alice or Rose bear children," he said, his eyes staring at the blank wall in front of him as it were a ghost. The emotion that clouded his face, I could not quite offer a name to. "Thor take us if we have need of her talents!"
I smiled weakly. Talented she was. Lauren's mother was a midwife and very gifted at assisting in birth, a gift that she had shared with Lauren. It was her helping hands that had saved my frail mother when bringing me into the world. My mother in her gratefulness had offered to tutor her daughter, who was half a year older, alongside me. Lauren and I had grown up together; my playmate became my Lady in Waiting. I knew that it was a strange devotion but somehow I felt responsible for her, even now.
"Did she seem to be tolerable of this? Was it consensual?"
Somehow I could not rid my mind of a weepy and helpless Lauren, being stolen away by the heathens she so feared. If that was the case I will have no choice but to intervene, and do the best I could, no matter how little it was. Jasper however did not look concerned.
"Bella, I am not a matchmaker, but I would say she was as smitten as I have seen a girl," he commented chancing a quick glance down at his scroll.
"Did she smell of mead?"
He laughed loudly, tossing back his head so his curls flung back. "Bella, I do not believe she was intoxicated, if that is what you mean; she seemed very conscious of her circumstance."
I smiled happily to myself. This is good news. One of us is actually escaping from this fate, right?
"Is it possible for me to say my goodbyes?" I asked after a moment of hesitation, knowing it is not Jasper I would need to seek approval from.
He looked at me compassionately, and shook his head. "Lurick was only dinning with us. He lives a short distance away though. Perhaps he will bring your friend back for the last day's celebration," he suggested in a hopeful tone.
That was not the response that I had hoped for. If I could talk with her for but a moment, my heart would be at ease. I pulled at the sleeve of my dress, fretting over a situation which I held no say in.
"So he met and whisked her away in a night's time? Seems rather fickle to me," I scrutinized aloud, almost tasting the bitterness of my own words. Jasper's head shot up for his work and he shook his head.
"Lurick is anything but fickle. He is decisive and a brilliant strategist when it comes to battle; he simply knows what he wants. His first wife died in child birth, and it is high time he wed again."
"He plans to marry her?"
In a brief moment I went from being elated for my childhood playmate to feeling quite flustered and annoyed.
This is a good occurrence Bella! I chided myself. In truth I felt rotten for hosting such emotions, and their existence…. perplexed me.
Lost in thought, I sat down only to jump to my feet.
Jasper smiled in an all knowing sort of way.
"I see my brother is putting my father's advice to good use," he commented tactlessly. "My father is of the belief that correction of the domestic nature should be applied only to a women's rear end. He claims the reason the females are naturally blessed with fuller backsides is so they can withstand the correction they need. Both Rose and Alice continually refute this belief but to no avail."
I was uncertain as to his intent in revealing such information. In truth, while I felt at ease with Jasper-this was not my conversation of choice, divulging anymore in this topic will only reveal my very strong Christian opinions on the matter.
Jasper must have noticed the change in my demeanor, for he quickly breeched another topic.
"Yet you appear none worse for the wear? What did he say about Nessie? If he is still distraught I can set his mind at ease," he offered, scanning my face for some budding emotion.
I looked at him without offering an answer. And his face fell into a frown as if he could see where this was going.
"You did not tell him, did you?"
"Oh Bella, it is most unwise not to tell him. He will find out tomorrow when he takes morning meal with her. She is sure to speak of you; you are all she speaks of these days!"
He gave me a stern look and, in truth I felt bad for disappointing him.
"I know Jasper but the subject never arose," I said with a helpless shrug of my shoulders.
"It did not arise? Bella, what are you thinking?"
He rolled his scroll tightly in his hands, and tossed it carelessly into a basket under his desk. His angry movements meant to deflect his frustration with me.
"Well I think it best if he finds out from her. Yes ,that is the best way," I said ,trying to convince myself more than him. He looked at me dumbfounded, his eyes wide. Yet he did not force the matter; he simply shook his head and sighed deeply.
"If that is how you wish to handle it, then it is your decision. But do not claim you have not been warned," he said standing up and offering me his arm. Jasper left me at the door, only turning to leave when he saw me safely inside.
Upon entering Edwards's room, I found him writing letters at his desk. For there was no other reason, why a small jar of warmed wax now made its home on his desk.
I quickly dressed for bed, shucking off my frock, and hanging it on the proper hook. Content that this long, and oh so tiring day has ended, I eased myself onto my cot, trying to avoid my rear coming in contact with anything.
Still not tired, I took advantage of the candle's glow and began to write in my journal. The pages, which until this time were mostly blank, began to fill with ease. My hand couldn't even keep up with the fast pace of my thoughts.
Unrestrained words flew out, and covered the pages of my book, fueled by the realization that this is mine. I could write what I want, be who I want. No one could judge my thoughts, beliefs, or opinions but me now.
So I took a deep breath and kept scribbling, taking down all my feelings on this new lifestyle I find myself in, quite possibly the only lifestyle I will know ….
At that thought my body tensed, and my hand stilled. What an awful thing to belief! I scolded myself. This surely won't always be my life. I hated myself for falling into such helplessness. This was not my forever; it couldn't be. I would not allow it. I may have to put on a mask, I may have to play my part, but in the end I knew who I was.
And this was not it.
If someone like Lauren could change her stars, so could I. My thoughts then rested on Lauren, and I about gasped as my feelings overtook me….
Because there it is again, that bitter tale lingering after every thought concerning Lauren.
What was the matter with me? She had always been a dear friend of mine. Her happiness should bring me happiness. She would have a husband and a family. Her only kin was her mother and she had passed three winters ago. Now Lauren would be able to mother children. She would have her very own home .where she could delegate tasks, and busy herself with womanly duties. I should be elated, but I wasn't.
All I could think of was how cold the floor was through my thin pallet. How my rear hurt from that God awful whipping he had given me. How my head hurt from crying so much ,and how if I let myself I could cry some more.
Perhaps that foreign feeling that kept wracking my conscience was ….jealousy.
Once that thought, that fact crept its way into my head, it triggered something deep inside me.
And for the first time since I had become …this; all those well constructed walls, those defense bricks, I have surrounded myself with came crashing down, throwing harsh truths at my face.
Because I may have hid it well, but for quite some time now Lauren's reality was my dream. My fantasy.
A fantasy I realized in this moment will never come true.
Because here I was. I was not promised a family or children. There was no home for me here, no certain future, certainly no promise of marriage.
Edward was about to marry and what would I be then?
A simple slave girl, whose only identity was that I once warmed the handsome Edward's royal bed. I would sleep in the slave corridors at night, and slave away cleaning his halls by day. Perhaps he would sell me as they did in certain parts of England. Perhaps he would free me.
''He will never make me a Lauren '' those words pierced into my heart. As much as it pains me to admit it; it was what I wanted from him. A happy ending, a fairytale.
''Did you say something?''
I must have spoken aloud for Edward was no longer writing, but staring at me confused. I shook my head no, but he kept his gaze on me for a while, his eyes distant as if he were daydreaming. I glared at him then wrote in angry scribbles on the parchment, for an hour or so, putting all those thoughts to words. I could feel his eyes on me but I did not care to look up. After a time, I set down my journal to let the pages dry. Unfortunately I forgot that I had resolved to not even look at him, and I chanced a glance.
It surprised me that his eyes were still turned in my direction as if he was waiting for something.
"Should I fetch a second candle or are you finished for the night?" he asked civilly. He was leaning over, his upper body supported by his desk, his eyelids droopy. The candle by his side was now flickering, burned to the wick. And then I realized that he had been waiting for me to cease. I narrowed my eyes.
"You could have simply ordered me to be done," I offered snidely, but he shook his head.
"Bella you will not bait me into a fight. Now what will it be?"
Part of me wanted to say I needed a second flame, just to force him to be awake, but I too was drained.
Instead of answering him I stood and walked calmly over to his side, while trying to keep my expression cold and calculated. I extinguished the flicker by pinching the flame between my fingers. He was all the sudden very conscious, his posture stiff. Our hard gazes met in the dim room, and then I turned around quite satisfied by the look of anger laced with confusion on his face.
Because I was not the only one fooling herself in this chamber of Angst.
Edward could pretend that all he wants was my submission and obedience, except the ugly truth was; a apart of him craved my rebellion and desired our fiery arguments. But from this moment on he wouldn't even be getting that.
My thoughts that were scratched down in my journal all confirmed this. That is what I love the most about writing is its freeing ability. It opens up one's mind, and helps you understand thoughts that seemed so unfathomable, when brewing in your head.
In this past hour of discoveries, I have come to realize that the opposite of love is not the hateful act I have been putting on for him. It's indifference.
And that is precisely what I am going to give him.
He'll scream, and I'll say nothing.
He'll insult, and I'll feel nothing.
He'll demand, and I'll do nothing.
Edward Cullen's life was in for an interesting turn of events. He was about to be so miserable, that he was either going to get rid of me or kill me. Both outcomes were a success in my opinion. It is about time I quit those childish fantasies of mine.
Though I am certain it was killing him, he wordlessly he made his way to his bed and I found my place on my pallet. When I was about to drift off, I heard Emmett's voice behind the door.
"Edward, those bastards are gathered in the hall. Father has said his part- you and I are to give them the infamous Cullen escort to the city limits."
Edward groaned slightly then rose and went to the door. I saw him through half closed eyelids as the light from the hall filtered in. He was shirtless and barefoot and his hair was a mess. Emmett assessed him with a swipe of his eyes then folded his arms across his chest.
"If you are too tired, Jasper and I can do it," Emmett goaded, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"No I will go. It was my woman they touched. No matter how tired I am-I would not dream of letting you and Jasper handle it while I slept," he said with a laugh.
"And that Edward, is what makes you my brother," said Emmett, clapping him on the shoulder.
"If that is what makes us brothers, it is highly probable that Bella is Rosalie's twin," Edward commented dryly, while pulling on a shirt. Emmett smiled, looking my way and I did my best to appear asleep.
"Nah, she is just a woman, Edward. Testing authority is one of their most favored pastimes. It's normal," he said lightly, with a shrug. Edward scoffed then turned back to me, as he put on his boots.
"Well I'll I know is that she is going to be the death of me," he said before closing the door.
I lay there for a while quite satisfied with what I heard. As tiring, and emotional this night was , the truths ,and revelation that were uncovered today ,I very much needed to face. And it seems like Edward and I are finally going to be on the same page.
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When I woke I could tell it was late morning for the footsteps that echoed in the halls were many in number, signifying that the slaves had begun their morning rounds. I sat up groggily, dreading this morning. After last night's revelation, I knew what I was to do. Simply existing was eating me from the inside out. I wanted to live. How to establish that was a mystery to me, but I was determined to find out.
Edward was long gone. I did not wake when he had returned but the perfectly folded bed linens told me had. He most likely had already mingled with his guest, took his morning ride and eaten with Nessie, who had most likely been up for the past three hours.
Which brought me to my first act of incompliance-I was going to confess willingly: I, Edward have befriended your daughter. And yes she knows the Lord's Prayer and no I do not feel sorry for teaching her it.
I emotionally tried to prepare myself for Edwards's wrath, expecting to see him barging through the door at any given second; hopefully he would be angry enough that I won't even have provoke him. The good Lord may take mercy on me, and Edward will finally have his full, and send me away.
This…this is what I want-what I need. Yet that doesn't make it any easier. And sitting here waiting for the inevitable did not calm my nerves either.
So I busied myself with putting away his clothing, the clothing that was packed in the coffer, which I found discarded by the door this morning. When the door flew open, banging the wall behind it, I expected to see a red faced Edward. However it was a worried, tear-stricken Alice that entered the room in fast flight.
"She's gone Bella," she cried to me, flinging herself into my arms, sending me falling back to the bed behind me. Confused, I allowed her to cry ,but pried her from me to make out her mumbled words.
"Who is gone?" I asked in frustration. She looked at me with her sad eyes pooled with tears and sniffled a few short breaths, as if what she had to say took tremendous effort...
"Nessie! Someone has stolen her and we cannot find her anywhere," she cried between a heart-wrenching sobs.
All the blood in my body pulled into my heart and I began to imagine the face of the sick soul who had abducted such a timid child. Perhaps it was those filthy men who had set their eyes upon me. They were upset and decided to seek their vengeance. I blocked my mind from the things that such a twisted person was capable of.
Suddenly, all the scheming did not matter. All I could think of was her: the little girl who knew nothing but the four walls of her room, the little girl who loved to sing and rock her dollies.
"Edward and Emmett have begun to question the guests. Rose is simply trying to beat answers from people, but no one has come forth. My mother is devastated and my father is threatening to have his men search everyone's dwelling," she said without breath.
"Edward will surely blame me. I am the last one to have seen her! I tucked her in, after she made me sing that silly song twice over. She did not eat breakfast and she will still be wearing her night things. She will be cold and hungry," she panicked. "Oh Bella he will never forgive me and I shall never forgive myself. What are we to do?"
Unsure of the answer I rubbed circles on her back as she cried warm tears onto my shoulder. I thought for a moment and rose to my feet leaving a sobbing Alice on the bed. I quickly laced my boots and tied my wool coverlet about my shoulders. My feet guided me as if they knew before my mind could connect the pieces.
Outside everyone was running about and the attitude was far from celebratory. The curtains had been hung once again, and the patter of rain attempted to muffle the chaotic shuffle. Servants darted back and forth, coming to Edward or Jasper with answers before darting off again. Carlisle Cullen's voice carried across the room every time he directed a person this way or that.
Down the hall I could hear doors slamming as more servants searched the rooms of each quadrant. The entire place was being turned upside down. There was crying and raised voices and a sea of whispering guests, who stood on the perimeter of the commotion watching with uncaring eyes. It always angered me how some found amusement in others suffering; now it simply set my blood boiling.
Edward was now sitting in the corner his head in his hands his elbow propped up on the table, he looked positively desolate. My traitor's heart fluttered, and longed to comfort him-promise him that we would find her. He just looked so broken.
"Rose has situated guards on both sides of the stables, so no one will take off with her on horseback. I've a dozen men at the entrance would any one attempt to leave on foot. Mother is turning apart the slave corridors and kitchens. If she fails to turn up within the hour father will send men out to search individual dwellings. She will be found Edward," Emmett promised, placing a firm hand on his brother's shoulder. Jasper was behind him talking in a calm voice, but his eyes caught mine as I walked into the room.
Like a ghost I floated past the scurrying people and slipped out of the hall into the cold morning rain. Jasper, seeing the determination in my step, followed me. Edward, who saw Jasper jump into motion, simply trailed behind him.
No, I will not be changing my mind. This is, this was the last time Edward Cullen would ever have any kind of power over my emotions.
But right now, this is not about me or him. This is about the child I've grown to love. And I think...I think I know just where I might find her.
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