Bella's retelling of, Acceptance and Pyro.

As my wife appeared down below. I didn't feel good about it. I was aware she would arrive the second she had decided to visit me. So was the codex. Nergal forced me into the backseat. I was informed that even though it has accepted me, it still yearns to be held in her dainty hands. I always thought it cute how small and squishy she is. How voluptuous and full-figured. Her belly is the most beautiful part of her body. It took her a long time to allow me to give it the treatment it deserves during intimate time. My thoughts died as I bared witness to why the codex craved her. The portrait in the codex revealed she had acquired dead hands. As she sat next to me and spoke to Nergal. I got a closer look at how the damage presented itself. They were still just as delicate but now her fingernails have thickened into sharp points and taken on a hue of blackened onyx. Veins of the color ran up to her wrists. The pattern resembled her blood vessels. Her hands are completely necrotic. It's a marvel that she can cast. As they continued to toss hostile words. I was getting drunk on her scent. It billowed around in a cloud and beaconed a taste. I was only partially aware I was being tugged to my feet and led back inside. Its possession of my mind sent me into a rage. I couldn't stop myself from tearing into her neck and ravaging her. She didn't fight or fuss or cry.

As I finally could heave myself away from her in horror. Nergal lurked. For the first time. He didn't appear as a friendly face. His gangrenous flesh reminded me of her tarnished fingers. As she caressed my neck and lovingly gazed up at me. A litany of apologies flooded. As each one passed my lips I knew I was groveling for more than biting her. I was submitting under the weight of my betrayal. While she just sat there. Ragged and defeated. It's my fault. All of this is my fault.

"Shh, I'm fine."

Even she didn't believe those words. My hand shakily caressed her tear-stained cheeks. A heavy scent of vomit wafted as she spoke. I didn't care. She was here. Even as I felt her physical body, I couldn't help but wonder. Is she? Could she be? Or is this just another trick?

"How are you here?"

"It doesn't matter."

As she shook her head and bit her lip to keep from saying the truth. Her eyes batted around our surroundings until they rested on the ceiling of the hallway. She noticed that it had been repaired. As she avoided thinking about our fight and what we must do. I admitted my failures.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"I tried not to but."

"Shh, not tonight ok? I've only got one."

My eyes rose to meet hers and I could see how strenuous it was to admit. Despite knowing it's for the best. I still felt bitter.

"I figured your visits might not last."

I winced at how I aimed my words. Yet she took no offense and asked me.

"Yeah, where's Zachari?"

"Around here somewhere."

"Keep him close ok? Don't let Nergal hurt him. He's been through enough."

"I'll try."

The bout of spoilt rage settled and I was dressed in shame. She never learns... neither do I. She'll always follow me. She can't see that I'm a lame witch?... vampire? I'm not even sure what I am anymore. Something in between. Some mutation of her and what my mother has done. I'd have no choice but to rid myself of Zachari. She won't stop. The only thing that matters is her survival. As she lay there all spread out under me. I yanked her legs around me and settled as humanely possible without burrowing inside. If I could, I'd lay here for eternity.

"Can you make me that chicken?"

Her timid choked-up voice collapsed my resolve and I didn't care how indignant I felt as tears fell. I mumbled in her ear.

"Yes, baby. I'd love to cook for you."

Despite the wrong, I've done to this woman she still cradles me to her breast with an uncanny love. It must be true. Alexandra Morningstar is truly in love with me and it's a crime. As she rocked and shushed me silent. I yanked her up from the floor before I changed my mind and sent her away. She shouldn't be here. Despite knowing that. I couldn't force my lips to open and utter a spell to expel her. I'll allow myself this last moment of peace and then. I will leave her forever. The whispers taunted me to make forever come much sooner. They aren't happy about my wife being so close to me. Nergal was inching along the ceiling as I lead Alex downstairs. Occasionally I'd feel his foul breath ghost near her. I ignored them by focusing on my baby. If the thoughts and sounds became unbearable. I found it easier to breathe in her scent or clutch her hand as tightly as possible. She didn't want to complain or she didn't notice.

Once we got to the kitchen. I sternly warned her to stay seated. She can't stand not helping me cook but she sucks at it! It's almost laughable but I'm concerned she'll go hungry. Jasper isn't much better and despite Edward trying. He doesn't know how to operate a stove properly outside of boiling water. He can't even do that very well. As I rummaged around in the fridge for ingredients. I felt a nagging feeling. I hate this fucking recipe. I'd complain and just say we don't have the ingredients but then she'd want to go get them. I tried to keep my attitude neutral. She believes that I learned the recipe from a cooking channel. That's another lie. I don't feel like explaining to her the truth. I learned the recipe from Lillian's Instagram. I stalked her online. A lot. It got bad...as if on cue I heard her name. I gritted my teeth and grimaced at how easily it falls from those plump lips. I turned to face my wife and saw a gold pendant necklace dangling from those blackened fingertips and I had to force myself not to smile. I'm sad she's still alive.

"Lillian was here wasn't she?"

I could lie to her but that's sloppy. She's not asking for confirmation. She's asking to ascertain if she is in a coffin. I monotonously explained how the necklace came into my possession and how Lillian has plans to help me. I didn't miss the gobsmacked expression and the underlying stab to the heart. I'm siding with someone that has left her in pain. She brushed it off well and then kissed me. I was shocked but then understood. We're playing pretend. Dancing around this house as we should have before. I decided that if it's a play she wants. She shall experience a toying of her life... So she did. It's quiet now. We lay there in our bed. Her head is pressed against me and a plushy tucked close to her face. A soft snore drifts out. My fingers danced along her freshly washed curls. They were still loose from moisture but had mostly dried. Occasionally I'd twirl one around my finger and lightly tug like I'm ringing a bell. She'll never admit how much she likes having her hair pulled. The first time I introduced it into the rotation. Alex was not happy about it. I apologized and it got awkward because she wanted me to do it again but lighter. I didn't hear any more complaints. Despite how much I like it when she's in control. She always needed me to take the reins in this area. Some things I've come to know about my wife when it comes to her pleasure. She enjoys gradual pain. It has to build. Like roasting in a simmer of water. As I trailed my eyes along her arm and caressed it. I couldn't help but think they should be marked up. But since she can't be maimed. Her skin is pristine. I was rougher than I wanted to be. She didn't mind. I guess that means that rolling boil she's dipped in must be hellish.

I attempted to remove her from me for the sixth time. She's so paranoid any jostle sparks her head up from my chest. She'd look around checking the corners of the room and grumble. Then pass out again. I was finally able to slip her from my body. She whimpered but otherwise remained asleep. As I carefully tiptoed around the bed. She rolled over with my pillow and tucked into the fetal position. It felt like a personal stab. Even while asleep she knew I was leaving her. I ignored my emotions and took a seat at my vanity. I noticed at my feet were Alex's discarded pants. I snagged them and checked the pockets. I tell her not to but regardless she still keeps cash in her wallet. I counted the large bills and stuffed half in my bra. The rest went back in her wallet and I tossed the pants over my shoulder. I could hear what sounded like my bedroom door opening. I knew it hadn't since the reflection in my mirror exposed it closed. A nude Lillian pranced behind me until she draped herself on the edge of my vanity. The globe-like breasts bounced. Nergal is getting better at his illusions. I ignored the slutty mirage in favor of preparing my nightly routine. I made sure the mirror angled towards the bed so I could watch over Alex. I don't trust him.

-I told you. Lexi is safe. For now.-

My fangs extended and blood rushed my mouth. I tried not to react at hearing a perfect recreation of the insipid vocal fried accent Lillian flippantly tosses around. I'd think she was faking it but I'm pretty sure she's damaged her throat.

- I think Lexi loves that about me.-

A small basin of water sat in front of me. I dipped my microfiber cloth into it and swiped at my face gently. Nergal cackled at my ability to pretend he doesn't exist. I was thankful when his form morphed into Jasper. Albeit a nude version. Nergal wasn't shy about eyeing at Alexandra.

"You touch her and I'll destroy myself."

-That's alright, there are other vessels.-

"Excuse me?"

-Thanks to your princess, I have the choice between her and her father. I've been dying to meet him. Isn't he kin?-

"What do you want?"

-It's time.-

"I know that."

-Now.-

"I'm aware of that... I will go willingly. When I am ready. Until then. Go sit somewhere and leave me alone. Oh and please put some clothes on. It's gross!"

-I've heard different. Haven't you desired to defile your princess in a threesome?-

I chuckled to myself and realized as Nergal had vanished from sight. If Alexandra had been up, she would have seen me speaking and laughing to myself. An unsettling feeling burrowed deep. I attempted to ignore it and continued my routine. As I grabbed a pricy eye cream, I smiled and thought of Alice. I hate how ungrateful I acted to her. I think she knew I secretly loved all the lavish things. I would always decline or make a fuss because...Hopefully, Alex won't mind my snagging from her wallet. If she does, well. My bad. Who am I kidding? It's not even her money. It's Edward's. He's a pay pig. So I don't care. Like I'm serious. Edward totally gets off on buying her shit. I felt insecure about it for a while. Mostly because I can't provide that type of treatment and it's something Alex enjoys.

To think I judged her for it. I used that as one of the reasons I didn't belong with them. It's perverse how similar being a Cullen is to how I was raised up. We consume constantly, we are always seeking pleasure, mostly to fill the void of time. It's so bittersweet to know my mother was right. It is nice to have things, but I sold my soul and lost the love of my life living up to her standards. Following her behavior. Seeking temporary pleasure and hurting others all for the illusion of control. I eyed Alex possessively as I smeared the cream on. As I sped through the rest of my routine. I started on my makeup. It took longer than expected since I wasn't sure with what aesthetic to do.

Does she think I'm an idiot? I know why she needed to come see me. This is exactly how she ended their relationship. Every time they broke up. She'd take Lillian out to this fancy French restaurant and then they'd have breakup sex on the table. It would never last. She always got back with that scummy twit. Ugh! Maybe I could go for a revenge look? As I thought more on that. It didn't feel right. I don't feel angry at her. I just feel empty. I feel nothing but a deep well of endless pain. If I'm honest at this point I'm not sure if I'm feeling my emotions or if I'm being consumed by hers. I ended up looking pretty grunge. My eyeliner and mascara were smudged and my lip liner wasn't perfect. For once I didn't fucking care. I sat back and admired my face.

The makeup was good but... my hair. It's too. Perfect. I didn't hesitate to rummage around until I found some sheers and sniped it off into a choppy mullet. Once I was satisfied with my makeover. I treated myself to a cigarette and just watched her. She had since turned back over. Her hair all messed up and her face screwed into a pout. I flicked my ashes and finally mustered up enough courage to write down my last words. I wanted to get them right. She deserves that at least. As the clock ticked and Nergal began losing patience with me. I could see him predatorily crawling around above her.

Acid drool foamed at his deformed mouth. He awkwardly snapped his neck to look at me and morphed into Edward. In the mirror, I could see Alex was still fast asleep. However, Nergal would rather me believe he was going full bareback with my wife. I stamped my cigarette out and folded up the letter. I carefully stood up and moved back to my slumbering beauty. Before I pressed my lips to hers for the last time. I exchanged rings and tucked her in tightly. I kissed her goodbye and left. I hadn't left the house yet. Just from her presence. I was situated in Alice's design studio. I figured, what the hell, I probably won't get to wear it on our big day. So why not wear my tux on my big night out? As I adjusted the fit of the corset. Nergal appeared to be pleased.

-You clean up nicely.-

I admired the look. Yes. I did. I placed Alexandra's ring on the necklace given to me by Alice. It situated right over my heart. As I slipped my boots on. I looked over the room one last time and realized something was missing. I quickly left a note for Rosalie. Telling her how bitching she was. How much I loved her. Rosalie quickly became the big sister I needed growing up and I almost feel more fucked up for hurting her than I do Alex. Then it was time. I transported to the Cauldron.

I was standing outside the place. It's located in an old up-and-coming neighborhood. Lots of mom-and-pop shops around. I leaned against a lamppost and dug around in my backpack. This is all I've got left of our life. A few tickets to a concert we never went to. A dead starfish. Some blood. Some pictures. A ring. Her spellbook. I pulled out a note for Hannah. As I stomped on over and pinned it up. I noticed how dead the streets were. It's odd since there are always parties or clubs going on around here. I opened the door and was hit with a foul odor... I shut it and tore the note off. I guess I was too late. I decided that it was best to go alone. What, are you shocked? It's what I've always done. Why would that change now? I was going to inform the coven of Frost's location. Welp. Here goes nothing. As I disappeared, the note fell and blew away. It was caught in the hands of someone watching me. I wasn't aware of them yet but Nergal was. When my shoes touched down and the Tuscan sun beat on me. I regretted my tux.

I didn't have a plan. I just kept walking. My backpack was strapped to my back and my hands loosely clung to them. My head nodded along to a tune in my earbuds. The statement from earlier about Alex and I being similar in the sense of wanting control tumbled around. It made me think deeper about why I betrayed her. In some sick way, I think I wanted to be her. To be like her. Hell. If I'm honest. That's why I fed on Alex. At first, I only fed on her emotions. I'd feign to catch a whiff of that pandemonium. That chaos that spins her world around. It's sort of ironic that I exist in a reality that is quite literally manipulated by her fingertips. Whatever. The point is. I made the mistake of believing I could tame it. That I could bottle it for myself and gain some sort of relief from the rigidity of my life. It's what makes my being a vampire so fascinating, in a way, that is exactly what happened. Since I've had a taste of her blood. I do have clarity and some relief. Ain't that a bitch?

-Where are we headed?-

I was somewhere lost outside Volterra. I could check google maps or something but... I looked down at my smoldering fingertips. The sizzle and crackle felt good. I was reminded of my princess and her warning me about being outside. I didn't have the heart to tell her. I liked the pain. It helps me to stay in the present. I shook the whispers quiet and focused on the task. Okay. Alice's instructions were pretty clear. I know I have to kill Aro, Marcus, and Caius. Oh, I can't forget Jane. I stopped for a moment to rehydrate and then kept moving. I came across a small cottage. It was abandoned. I figured I'd settle here until the sun goes down. The inside was dusty and covered in cobwebs but it was doable. I found a suspicious-looking bed to lounge on as I rummaged around in my bag. I snagged a notebook and a pen. Okay. I came a little prepared. I opened it to a previous page and re-read some things I had written about the Volturi.

In my research, I found. The front runners are of course the big three but also. Their wives. Specifically, Sulpicia and Athenadora, The first being Aro's mate and the second is Caius's. There was a third woman and she was wife to Marcus. Her name was Didyme. She was an interesting woman, her gift could induce unadulterated happiness. It's believed that's why Marcus is so dead. Not only is he missing his mate but he's stuck in withdrawal from her inducement. Here's the kicker, she died at the hands of her brother. Aro. Oh yes, he murdered his own sister. For what? Didyme's wiles had captivated Marcus so much that they had planned to run off and leave Aro broke and destitute. He couldn't have that.

Her death changed the course of history and exulted Aro's throne. I ignored the irony of my life and remembered that Marcus is still none the wiser. I wonder what might happen if someone were to let it slip? My best bet is to sneak in and slip him the news. He can take care of Aro and Caius himself. The only issue is Chelsea must also die. If not. Their death would be wasted. Her job is what holds the entire empire together. She manipulates the loyalty of everyone to fall to Aro's will. But... if I kill her, how will I make them bend to mine? There are many obstacles.

-I do believe I can help.-

Despite my better judgment. I looked around the hovel and found Jasper. Nergal must get off on appearing as him. It's the second-best impression yet. I knew if I asked him. It could backfire for me. Each time I acknowledge his presence. I can feel him digging deeper into my brain. Yet I knew. There's no point in fighting this.

"How am I expected to kill them?"

-I thought you'd never ask.-

The book floated from out the bag and flipped open. Along the pages, the blueprints of the city were exposed. I was surprised to see how fortified Volterra is. The city is mostly situated on a hillside and filled with staggered sienna stone buildings that are so tightly packed you can't drive. This was done on purpose as it limits ways of transportation in and out of the city and with their enhanced sight helps see every angle of the winding streets where sentries and traps are in abundance. If one wasn't careful. You could set off any number of nasty things. The image zoomed in to show the specs of the Palazzo dei Priori. I'm familiar with that building. That's where they live. Underneath is a set of catacombs that run through the city. That's my way inside. Now that that's out the way. I needed to think of a way to distract the elite guard.

-You let me worry about that.-

I shivered as his imitation of Jasper surpassed the one of Lillian. He may not be able to master the southern accent but he sure captures the level of desire Jasper has for death. I'm just glad he's had a taste... he deserves it. My jealousy came back and I found thinking about her upset me. They are certainly perfect together. In my stupid projection of disappointment. Nergal took it upon himself to settle into my body and take over. I hate this part. The worst part about not being in control of my mind is I have no clue what goes on. It's like I'm shoved into a dark corner and when I wake up I'm shrouded in fog. When I came to this time. I wasn't attacking my mate but standing in the center of Volterra. I was near an open grate. So I at least bypassed my time in the catacombs. As I trailed my eyes around I got a glimpse of my surroundings. There was no moon. No stars. Just a darkened sky. A thick rain pelted down. Lightning struck that distantly familiar clock tower. I recall how loud its bell rang at the stroke of midday. If only I could go back, I wonder how different things would have been if we hadn't crossed Laurent. Would Edward have come here or would he have rotted? I felt guilty at thinking I'd have her to myself.

Nergal broke through my obsessive train of thought and reminded me why I'm here. To slay one of the oldest creatures left to walk these lands. The looming stone door that housed the crypt of the vampire king haunted me. I paused before attempting to open it and looked behind me. Volterra, the home of the king was blazing in red. Many of the buildings were puffing out ash and smoke that even heavy rain couldn't smother. That was nothing compared to the screeches of wild beasts. They scurried and snapped and licked and lapped at any passing stranger. Oh my? What had I done? The whispers bellowed in joy to explain what we had did to the innocent souls of Volterra. It was Nergal that created the infection that is riddled throughout a vampire's body. The originals were much different. However, he was able to replicate the evolved virus. When the people of Volterra went to sleep he raided and swarmed the homes with sick rats that were sent to bite until the people of Volterra moaned and groaned for blood. As the dead rose. This didn't bode well for the king. Since the newborn vampires are clambering to get past the stone walls where he sits flush and safe. All while distant screams echoed in all directions and this smell. If I could describe it. I'd liken it to burnt hair. Yeah. The smell of burnt hair chokes every breath. As I shed a tear for the dead. I could hear him tauntingly ask.

-Isn't this what you wanted? A kingdom all for yourself. Your precious princess has delivered on her promise. You will be queen. So why are you blubbering like a fool?-

As he continued to lash and order my suffering away. I shook my head in defiance and collapsed. No! I won't do this! I won't hurt her! Please! Someone help me! He cackled at my horror and trepidation. As my shoulders slumped in defeat. I felt myself slip under and my body move to open that door. There was no stopping him as he slaughtered guard after guard as they came to their king's aid. As I marched toward the dome-shaped throne room. My feet were trudging through blood three inches deep. Body parts lined the jade tile floors. Any passing soul that may still be breathing was forced to pretend. Otherwise, they would have their head removed. He was adamant about no one being left behind.

I finally entered to find the king. I was immediately overwhelmed with pain. Nergal was struggling to fight against Jane. The damage her gift took on my body healed over just as quickly as it appeared. Yet the real trouble was Alec. As his deathly mist muddled my mind Nergal lost cling to my body and I was able to take the driver's seat. I heard a voice warn me. I could just barely hear the whisper beg me to listen. To forgo my plan of harming Jane. I attempted to shake its incessant words. Yet I found they only got louder until it was silenced. I was shoved into the backseat once more as Nergal tossed my hands out and flames burst forth. The heat was so intense I felt my flesh shatter. As Aro, Marcus, and Caius attempted to escape, leaving the twins behind, they melted. It was satisfying to witness. Though Nergal had underestimated my ability to withstand the damage. My hands hadn't healed quick enough to catch Jane and Alec as they were escaping through the crystal skylight. He was determined to ensure he ended their lives and did the only thing he could do. My jaw fell open and a tornado of souls escaped from my body and I hit the floor at the foot of my throne.

At last, a queen...

I wasn't the only to crash to the tile. Alec was twitching about a good ten feet from me. A oily snake-like mist was tunneling through his mouth until his body went lax. Jane risked her life to retrieve him. The last of my energy was sent out in a burst to get her. Before it could crumble that little girl to dust. They were shielded by the ghostly figure I've come to know as Zachari. A resentful inhuman bellow exited from my exhausted corpse as Jane escaped with her brother and I fell into darkness. Unlike before. I wasn't trapped. The darkness cleared and a land filled with nothingness and destruction revealed itself to me. From blacked soil, I heard Lilith call for me. Those slippery sly words were an order to find the keys and set her free from her crumbling iron castle and into this world. As the images of the precious keys that helped forge my goddess flitted in my mind. The first location was revealed. I must find a way to the past and seek out the Druid known as Merlin. He is the one that shall set me on track to find a sword of light. The one problem is I have to get it before Alex does. That's just peachy. The vision came to a close as I was vaguely aware I was being picked up. I peaked my tired eyes to see my captor. It would be Alex's tramp to bridal carry me up some hidden staircase and into a grand bedroom. I was tossed onto Aro's bed. I felt it dip next to me.

"I hope you didn't think you'd get away with leaving us behind. Right?"

"I stopped by and smelt death."

Hannah confirmed my suspicions of bodies being left behind. It was to cover the scent of living beings hidden upstairs. Lillian was the one that found my note and they followed me here. I rolled away from her and saw a crown resting. It wasn't large or particularly glamorous. It was just a plain platinum circlet with a dangling diamond. It would have lain on Aro's widow's peak. Nergal was right. This is exactly what I asked for. When I screamed to the heavens begging for everything. Of course, my feeble mind didn't understand that Alastronìa is everything. So by claiming it. I stole her. As I reached out and possessed my prize. The dainty circlet felt as if I was holding the universe in my very fingers. Nergal kindly reminded me, that I would. He shushed my upset and ordered me to rest. As my eyes shut tight and the bejeweled crown was slipped onto my head. I pondered about what had happened. I was under the impression that Jane was meant to die. That she needed to be killed to protect Alex. I attempted to bring forth the memory of reading my sister's instructions. But I couldn't recall.

Who was it that wanted Jane dead? I knew that Victoria warned Alexandra of Jane wanting to hurt her. I remember that well but for the life of me. I just can't. Was it Alice? She did say I was to kill her, right? Or had Nergal deceived me into believing she was meant to be killed? Why would Zachari step in to save them? What does Jane living change for Alex? My thoughts ceased and in a dream, I found her inside the walls of a library. As my precious princess fretted. I relaxed into a corner and allowed myself to sleep. As it will be the last true peace I have... watching her, yearning for her, until inevitably, she will come and slay me. To come possess the throne that's rightfully hers. Just as I will always be.