(A/N) I'm sorry that I haven't updated in a while. I had procrastinated on my paper for just a day too long. I finally only have a few more paragraphs to write as well as add in some of the "quantitative and visual data sets" that my teacher required and then I shall be done...but then my math teacher just had to assign a math written project. Next week, I shall be a bit more busy because of the papers and other assignments, so I might not update until Thursday or Friday...

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its related...stuff.

Chapter 20

I woke up to the plain walls and undecorated splendor that could only be called an inn. The windows were not clear, but the fact that there were windows signified that this suite was not cheap. The bed was magnificent, although not decorated as much; and the room had a faint smell of oils and herbs.

I looked around; sitting up abruptly as last night's memories came flooding in. Victoria and James had come, and James had promised my demise some day. All the Cullens were almost frantic, except Rosalie, to protect me; and Edward left only saying that he loved me. I tried not to cry at the memory. I never even told him, perhaps for the last time, that I loved him, too. I broke down at that thought, quietly sobbing as guilt tore through me.

I heard a brief gasp outside the door, and then Alice appeared. She took one look at me sobbing on the bed before hurrying over. She asked me over and over what was wrong, but I could not answer her. I was someone quite insignificant – I already knew my death date, for goodness' sakes! Yet, here was a family who was risking their lives to help me and save me when I was not worthy.

A feeling of calm seemed to spread throughout me. The guilt seemed to disappear for only a moment before it returned full force. "Bella, stop resisting, and calm down," Jasper said, his voice almost strained. Another wave of calmness spread. This time, I used it to take deep breaths and stop sobbing, although the guilt never left.

"How can we make you understand?" Alice was saying. "We all care about you and what happens to you. You are our family now, and you have made Edward seem happier than he had ever had in his life. He found his love, and we found the missing member of our family."

I stared blankly at her. "Can you read minds?"

Alice shook her head in answer. "No, but I can see the future…I can tell that you will be an important part of our family, especially to Edward." Her voice quieted. "And none of us will be able to face Edward if we let harm befall upon you."

"But I can tell…James had to be lethal, and I think he can somehow track us or he won't have the confidence that he had shown. With a faerie backing him, he had almost endless power and resources. If something happened to any of them…how could I live knowing that I had a hand to do in it?" My voice had grown in pitch throughout the conversation.

None of them said anything. Jasper just sent another wave of calmness. Not another word was said about the topic, and the day wore long.

By mid-afternoon two extremely long days later, a courier delivered a message to Alice – Maria Brandon, as she disguised herself as. The envelope was thick, and Alice quickly tore it open. Jasper was right beside her, his dark eyes scanning the lines quickly.

"They are doing well. It seemed as if Victoria is also helping James, but they are heading separate ways, trying to track us. Carlisle said that they are keeping track of the progress of them both, and for us to not worry," Jasper told me. Alice flipped the page over, read the title, and handed me the letter.

I quickly scanned the title. It was a short note from Edward, written in his elegant script. Happiness immediately came, and I bounded to my bedroom, his letter safely held in my shaking hands.

Bella,

I know that you must be worrying…but there is nothing to worry about. We led James into the Alps, but he seemed to be getting suspicious. He was careful to stay just out of my range, though I think he is going back to start over. But, don't worry. We are also as careful in making sure your traces are wiped clean. Victoria has been everywhere and nowhere at once. She is the hardest to keep track of, but Rosalie and Emmett and one of the faeries are keeping track of her comings and goings. I think the faerie's name is Flora.

I miss you – a lot more than I can make known in words. It seems like half of me is gone when I left you. I love you, and I shall come for you soon. Be safe.

Love,

Edward

As I read the letter and felt sadness bursting again, a two pieces of crumpled paper fell to the floor. Curious, I picked it up. One was written in a strict handwriting, and the other was a messy scrawl that I could hardly make out the words. I decided to read the one with the easier handwriting.

Princess Isabella of Italy:

I suppose starting with your best friend Sophie would be as well as anything. Your precious Edward and his family had led me on an interesting wild goose ride, though I could have done well without it. Sophie is with me. I don't need to hurt her, but I will if you do not do as I tell.

I was going to wait and retrace steps, but Victoria had helped me more than I can be thankful for. Even with that stupid faerie helping you. Yet, I am rambling. The choice I offer to you will be this: it is either you return this letter with a yes, and follow its instructions, or your friend Sophie and maybe the rest of your mutant family will loose their lives on your conscious. Choose wisely, my little Princess, for you may never get another chance.

The instructions are as follows: Vienna is secretly known for its dungeons. The one you will go to is accessed through a hidden trapdoor by the willow tree in central park. I trust that you can escape your mutant minions to give you enough time to go there by tomorrow's noon. I think that is within your abilities to do so.

I have my sources of information, and I shall leave my warning. If your vampire 'friends' know about this through your mouth, your friend's life will not be guaranteed, even if you do come, but let this fact not dissuade you from following. She shall suffer a worse fate if you never show up.

James

My hands trembled. How did James know? How did this letter even get here? One thing I knew for sure, and that is that I must keep my calm and return it. Sophie deserves more life than me, and she is the sister that I never had. I cannot just stand by and let my sister die!

I picked up the second piece of paper.

Bella,

There's this weird man with red eyes guarding me. Please tell me what is wrong. Where are you? I haven't seen you in ages!

Sophie

My mind clicked. That was Sophie's handwriting. She learned her literacy from me. Although she never had the free time to practice writing, she is quite educated, and learned her speech about as quickly as I had. I cannot let anyone die.

I heard a muffled gasp from the outside as I hid the crumpled pieces of paper and scrawled a note of agreement for the courier waiting outside. His eyes seemed to glint when I gave him my note, though he hid it safely in an inner pocket.

When the courier left, Alice stood before me, her eyes a deep obsidian. "Bella, do you know where the hall of mirrors is?" I shook my head in reply. "Do you have a reason to go anywhere?" I shook my head no again, knowing I was lying this time. My heart was thumping in fear and anticipation.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing…" Alice trailed off. She went back to Jasper, who was staring at me intently.

I need to conceal my emotions, and plan my escape route without actually deciding it.

Back in my room, I tried to calm myself down. It was not hard, considering Jasper's influence was still eminent. I searched the drawers for a piece of parchment. I had to tell Edward somehow, although it would most likely be too late by the time he gets it.

Edward, I wrote, trying hard not to tear up. (A/N: the letter is what I remember of the letter that Bella wrote to Edward in Twilight.)

I love you, and I am so sorry. He has Sophie – my best friend from ever since I was a young girl. I know that it probably won't work, but I had to try.

Please don't come after me. That is what he wants, I guess, more competition and killing to make it more thrilling. And, please don't be mad at Alice or Jasper. It would be a pure miracle if I managed to escape. I can't bear it if anyone is hurt because of my actions.

I love you, forever and always. Remember that. The times I spent with you were the best in my life.

Forgive me,

Bella

I folded the letter and gave it to Alice, saying that it was for Sophie. She looked surprised for a moment, but she quietly agreed.

That night, Alice informed me that the rest of the Cullens had lost trace of James and Victoria and that they will come back by the morning so we can formulate a new plan. The place of meeting is Central Park.

Needless to say, I did not sleep well that night.

I was woken up fairly early by Jasper. Half an hour later, I was all dressed and standing near the entrance of the Central Park.

The early risers and athletes that often exercise within the well-kept grounds often gave funny or lusty looks at our strange party. As the sun began to rise higher into the sky, I knew that my time was running out. If my plan was going to work in any way at all, I had to act now.

"I need to use a washroom," I quietly murmured, a small blush appearing on my cheeks. Alice automatically turned her attention to me and motioned for me to follow her. I shook my head. "I-I would prefer if Jasper comes to help me calm my nerves, if t-that's okay."

Alice looked at Jasper for a moment before nodding her head. I was surprised she still had not seen anything about my plan yet. Maybe she was too tense.

Jasper led me to the nearest ladies' room. The previous day, I had studied some visitors' maps within the inn. Most ladies' rooms in the park had two entrances. I wondered if I could get away to the willow before they found me.

To my surprise, it was not too hard. The other entrance led to a thinly wooded area with tall leaf-less shrubs and low branches. I wore light colored clothing today. It would be harder to see me when I blended in well with the snow around me. The way to the willow was unguarded by Alice or Jasper. I practically tripped over the trap door. As I bent to open it, a convenient wind twirled along the path I had taken, wiping away all traces of my footsteps. I took a deep breath and descended.

The hallway I had ended up in was dark, damp, and cold. The walls were metal, I think, and my soft boots made little clanking noises on the hard, frozen floor. There was only one path I could take, and I followed it. Minutes, hours, or even days had passed – I lost all track of time. I was only aware of my ever accelerating heart beat, my quickening breath, and the dread of anticipation in my stomach as I continued down the path.

Finally, it ended. A white scrap of paper lay there.

Princess Isabella of Italy:

I trust that you are alone at this time. Push hard on this wall and it shall turn. Follow the right tunnel and it shall lead you to the cave of mirrors. Meet me there.

James

Numbly, I felt for the wall, and pushed hard against it. True to his word, it slide open soundlessly, though it shut itself immediately when I was through. I landed in an enormous cavern where many more passages branched off. I took the right one, and ended in darkness again. This one was short-lived, however.

Within just a few minutes, I stepped into a magnificent cavern filled to the ceiling with mirrors and crystals, each twisting an image of me into different proportions. The single torch that burned somewhere cast light and it scattered so that it was almost as bright as daytime. I came here to meet my fate. Surely, this place would be a very beautiful place to die. I took out the letter that Edward had written and clutched it in my hands tightly. It comforted me to know that a memory of him would stay with me as I die.

It hurts me to make Bella so pessimistic...but I hope that you like the mood. I borrowed my neighbor's copy of Twilight for the week so I can write this, but I did get a little impatient near the end, so it may be a bit more rushed.

Anyways, tell me what you think! I'm really excited at how the ending will turn out. I'm estimating about 6-7 more chapters (including an epilogue)...which means that most of them will be a little longer and more action-packed than the first 18...but you have to tell me what you think!

P.S. forgive me on any spelling/grammar errors. I'm still trying to work on my paper at the same time, so I haven't gotten a chance to do some true editing yet...