September 18th, 2004
Leah wasn't an idiot. She knew the arrival of the Cullens triggered Sam's transformation, causing him to spend more time with the council. She fiddled with her bracelet and traced the outline of the words etched onto the metal. As much as it was a gift, it was also a warning to others. Leah, like others from her realm, was cursed with the worse power imaginable. From the day she was born, Leah had total control over a person's anguish and could make them relive their guilt and regret until they beg for death. It was something she reveled in, and it took years for her to learn how to manipulate it for her benefit. Seth was the lucky one. He was a demon with no power, just memories of a world where people screamed in despair day in and day out. He, like their father, spent his energy creating weapons and armor. It was Sue who trained Leah, and it was Sue who held Leah the first time she experienced the overwhelming guilt that came afterward. It was a double-edged sword, her mother had said. To drive a person insane by something they couldn't change, only to feel that exact pain when the moment ended. But the bracelet helped. Leah rarely took it off, only when she needed to release the turmoil of emotions coursing through her veins. There were far too many graves in the Port Angeles area full of people who couldn't escape from their minds.
Leah ground her teeth and shoved her hands into her pockets. She reclined against her truck to watch Sam help unload groceries for Billy Black. Seth saddled up next to her, and her brother folded his arms.
"You alright?"
Do you need to hunt?
Leah smiled tightly and said, "I'm okay for now."
"Cool. Mom's back, by the way."
"That was a short trip."
"She said the Lady of Sight left on purpose," he explained in Latin, mindful of Sam's new enhanced hearing. "There was no kidnapping attempt."
"Why?"
"Mom's not sure. But she said there was a message pinned to a tree near the area she was last seen. It stated: the day will come when the child of evil shall walk among man. Her second soul, an angel chained to a life she never wanted, will fall from grace. The cursed spirit will join them and protect them from those who wish to destroy them. The day will come when the child of evil shall walk among man, and she will end the terror of the red-eyed beasts."
"Subtle," Leah grumbled.
"I thought so."
Leah looked away from Seth and found Billy Black eyeing them across the yard. She met his glare head-on, wrapping an arm around Seth, and Billy scowled before glancing away. Leah squeezed Seth's shoulder and jerked her head.
"Come on. Let's go catch a movie."
Seth grinned and ran around to the passenger seat. Leah got behind the wheel and drove off, not once looking back at Sam and Billy. Her relationship with Sam was a means to an end, a temporary situation until her imprint arrived, but it was becoming tedious. Billy's voice in Sam's ear would cause trouble in the future. Once they drove over the boundary, Seth turned to Leah.
"How has it been?"
"What?"
"Shifting."
"It's weird," Leah said. "I thought it would cause an issue but it's like the wolf was already there."
"Would it surprise you if it was?"
"No," Leah scoffed. "I know Mom and Dad went down there after the First War. Intermingling was way more popular than it is now," she said.
"You think Mom-
"Not them," Leah hurried to correct. "But I wouldn't put it past Grandma to do it."
"True." Seth scratched at his jaw and glanced out of the window. "I've been thinking a lot about the message Mom said the Lady of Sight left behind."
"And?"
"I don't know. Some of it seems hard to put together, but even I know what child of evil means."
Leah rode through downtown Forks and propped her head on the door with her free hand. There was no need for her to say anything. She knew what it meant too. Seth grunted, suddenly looking a lot older than the fifteen-year-old he was pretending to be.
"Forks is about to get one hell of a wake-up call."
I wouldn't dare attempt to sanitize the actions of the Devil. Either IT is the most abominable creature set upon us to endure, or IT is not. There's no in-between. A.K. Kuykendall.
Bella stared disdainfully at the quote on the wall. It was tacky and lacked class, but she would never tell her father that. The last time she insulted his design choices, he painted her room pink and put unicorn pillows on her bed. The point was made, and Bella bit her tongue with every new addition to their home. They were supposed to be living in a castle, a large and foreboding headquarters for the Lord of all things Evil. Yet they had scented candles in the bathrooms, fresh flowers in the hallway, and accent pillows on the couches. Her mother's touch had yet to fade from the residence, and her father was determined to make sure that never happened. Bella wasn't against her mother's design choices, but she did draw the line at engraved blankets for the family. An elbow nudged her in the side, and she straightened in her seat. It wouldn't do well for the Princess to zone out during yet another pointless strategy meeting. It was the same every week.
Bella sneered when one of the Board Members put up a vote to put more soldiers into the Pit. She, her father, and two other demons said no, causing the vote to fail. The Pit was the Board's latest obsession, a realm of free-thinkers that served the King but not the Board. Bella would rather die before she ever let the Board get their hands on the Pit. It was a safe zone, regardless of what happened in the past, and it would remain that way. She crossed her legs and removed a dagger from a sheath around her calf. She twirled it between her fingers under the table and tried to ignore the argument brewing around her. Like clockwork, discussion of the Volturi sparked tension between the older and newer demons. The newer demons wanted to go aboveground and take the Volturi out, not give them a chance to strike again. The older demons wanted to protect their home base and close off Hell to outsiders.
"Closing the portals would strand hundreds of demons who live aboveground."
Bella's eyes fell to the helmeted warrior next to her father. Captain Hadrian of the Fifth Realm, a pain demon, and Bella's soon-to-be husband. She was due to marry him by the end of the month, and the thought of belonging to that creature made Bella's blood boil. Pain demons were notoriously cocky and impulsive. Hadrian met those qualities in spades and had the nerve to sport an unimpressive package below the belt. It didn't even stir enough arousal in Bella to consider being attracted to him. But, alas, even in the depths of Hell, the patriarchy liked to rear its ugly little head. The Board wouldn't let Bella take the throne lest she marry a suitable bachelor.
Enter Hadrian, a compromise to ensure Bella didn't marry someone beneath her status.
Like someone from the Pit, a preference Bella made clear the day she was old enough to start being courted. Yet her opinions meant nothing, and Bella was introduced to Hadrian the same day they were engaged to be wed. Romantic. Bella tore her eyes away from Hadrian when her father tensed beside her. Sensing his temper rising, Bella did what any well-meaning daughter would do. She took her dagger and stabbed the neck of the demon on her right. His blood dripped down her wrist to the table, and she yanked the blade out. Blood sprayed from the open wound, and Hadrian turned his head, allowing the blood to catch the side of his helmet. The demon Bella stabbed slid from the chair to the floor, and Bella wiped her dagger on her dress. The room fell silent, and all eyes were on Bella.
"He was getting on my nerves," she said.
A Board Member huffed and said, "Isabella, that was inappropriate and entirely unnecessary."
"Have you forgotten to whom you speak?"
The older demon's eyes widened, and he said, "No, of course not. I apologize, your Highness."
Bella waved off his apology and returned her dagger to its resting place. Her father took the silence and cleared his throat.
"I believe this is the best place to end for now," he said.
"But sire, the Volturi-
"I am aware of what the Volturi is doing," her father interrupted. "Yet you all fight amongst each other like children on what to do. You were chosen from each realm and tasked with coming up with ideas to protect the people under my domain. But you have done nothing but squabble and grandstand. I am tired of the charades, gentleman. Until you come up with an idea that you can agree on, we shall no longer have these meetings."
"But what if there is an emergency?"
"Do not be obtuse, Durian," her father scoffed. "Obviously, you should come to me. But beyond that, you are all dismissed."
After a tense moment, the Board vanished from the meeting room. All that remained was her father and her fiancé.
"You did not have to kill him," Hadrian said.
"If it helps, I did think of killing you instead. But I ultimately decided against it. After all, it is rude to lean across the table."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Consider it an early wedding present."
"Bella," her father warned.
"Yes, yes, be nice." Bella stood and kissed her father's temple. She turned to Hadrian and added, "I suggest you sleep with your eyes open, Captain."
"Another threat to my life seems dramatic, even for you."
"If you believe that was a threat, then you are as stupid as you look." Bella made her way around the table and bent down to see into Hadrian's eyes. The helmet was a great cover, but she knew what he looked like beneath the metal. "I do not make threats, Captain. I like my victims to know death comes for them by my hands before I kill them," she said coldly.
"You forget who I am."
"And you underestimate what I can do," she countered.
"Stop antagonizing your fiancé, Isabella. Dinner will be at seven."
Bella stood up straight and turned to her father.
"I will be a little late. Lauren and I are going to the Pit today for lunch."
Her father's left eye twitched, and he said, "Tell her I said hello."
"Always."
"I wish you would not spend so much time down there. Those kinds of demons are not worth the trouble," Hadrian said.
"Mind your tongue, Captain, lest I remove it and feed it to the very demons you disrespect. We found success against the Volturi because of them."
"The Board was the reason we won that war," Hadrian argued. "Or have you forgotten what they did in our time of need?"
"I do not need to be reminded of what the Board did, Captain. I was there when it happened."
"You were a child."
"I was old enough to bury my mother and mourn hundreds of men, women, and children that did not deserve to die in their sleep. While you were partying your way through the Fifth Realm, I was the one visiting families whose homes were destroyed. I was the one helping survivors stay hydrated while we searched for their loved ones in the ruins. You do not get to sit there and act as if the Board was the sole reason we are alive today. Yes, they saved our realm, and I will be forever grateful to them for it. But in case it slipped your memory, it was demons who went out every day to fight against the Volturi and Maria. It was demons whose blood stained the streets and poisoned the soil. There were demons as young as five picking up weapons to protect their parents even with death staring them in the face. It was demons who were ripped from their families, bound, and stolen in the dead of night. And it is demons whose names are etched into the memorial just outside. Those demons came from the Pit, from O-Village, from the Eighth Realm, and there were even demons who'd been facing execution that chose to die in battle. So if you could please stand up and stop prostrating yourself for the men who call you a good boy, that would be wonderful. I do not intend on marrying a follower. And if your happiness comes from fucking yourself on their self-righteousness, then I will do us both the favor and kill you now."
A hand landed on her shoulder, and Bella shrugged off her father before storming from the room. In her absence, her father stood and adjusted his robes. He glanced at Hadrian with something close to pity mixed with indifference.
"You might be the chosen one for my daughter, but I do not approve of your union. I never have, and I never will. With that said, it would do well for you to remember that my family suffered during that War like many others. As my daughter said, I appreciate all the Board has done and continues to do. But the Board was here in this room. They were not on the frontlines." With one last look over his shoulder as he left the room, Bella's father added coldly, "And neither were you."
"Nice to know the Board is still spinning that wonderful tale of their heroics," Lauren muttered, eating what looked like black sludge. "And I cannot believe you threatened your fiancé in front of your father."
"The Captain has a way of getting under my skin. He had no right to insult the hard-working people who live down here," Bella said. "I owe you all my life and my sanity, and it is unfair to belittle you simply because of where you come from."
"Whoa, calm down, social warrior. Everyone here knows you care about us. Even some of Corel's followers trust you, which says a lot considering."
"Yes. About that, how are you two settling in?"
"After my father was executed to the tune of music and celebration? Fine. It's not like Marx and I wanted him to live."
"He was still your father."
"By the time he took his last breath, Corel was no more my father than you are." Something dark crossed Lauren's face before she shrugged it away. "Also, I've been meaning to ask. Does Hadrian know who I am?"
"I doubt it. The Eighth Realm is not mentioned much in meetings, and only a handful of people know about it."
"Of course not. I only ask because some of my people are contemplating returning home."
"But I thought the land was unlivable."
"It is." Bella's breath caught in her throat at the implication, and Lauren gave a sad smile. "Void Walkers are noble people, Isabella. No one wants to live on hand-me-downs and spare change," she said.
"Are – are you considering –
"No. Marx and I are here to stay."
"But you-
"I gave them permission to do whatever they desired."
"Are you going to keep interrupting me?"
"Possibly. Now, why are we here again? Because we both know I eat lunch with you at O Village, not the Pit. We come here to do shit we are not supposed to do."
"We are keeping with traditions." Bella adjusted her hood and slipped her arm around Lauren's waist. They navigated the crowded part of the market huddled close. "We are going to Blackman," she murmured in her ear.
"Are you insane? There is a reason his shop is on the edge of the market."
"He has something I need. And I know him enough to get away with visiting unannounced."
"Skipping over how you know Blackman, what does he have that you need?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Always," Lauren answered truthfully, albeit still confused.
"Then trust me now, okay?"
Lauren huffed and grumbled, "Fine, but you owe me a lava shake."
"Deal." Bella glanced at the black sludge in Lauren's bowl and added, "What the fuck are you eating, by the way?"
"Marx made a new type of food source," she sighed, tossing it in the trash. "And he asked me to try it."
"Have you had your brother tested?"
"Repeatedly," Lauren said. "He comes back negative every time. I'm convinced he's cheating somehow."
Bella rolled her eyes and looked away. The Pit was not the safest place for royalty, especially the market, but Bella grew up in its grimy and seedy depths. She knew it better than anyone, and the demons in the pit supported her and her father more than they did the Board. And while her crown would usually get her places faster, Bella left it at home. She could not risk being recognized. The duo snaked their way through the crowds, ignoring outstretched hands and pleading eyes, and Bella pulled Lauren to the side down an alley. They separated and stopped at a nondescript door. Bella sliced her palm on the rock hanging from the frame. She placed her bloodied hand against the wood and waited. Bella didn't react when her hand started to burn, but Lauren made a disgusted face once her flesh began to smoke.
"Gross."
Bella snorted and peeled her palm off the wood when the door opened. She ushered Lauren inside and shut the door, locking it behind her. Lauren gasped as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the antiques and illegal items on the shelves. One, in particular, caught both of their attention.
"Fuck, is that an actual vampire?" Lauren exclaimed. "No way!"
"Yes. That would be Maria," Bella said.
The vampire strained against her restraints, and Lauren came up behind her.
"As in the warlord, Maria? The one that led half the army down to Hell?"
"The the same."
"I thought she was aboveground."
"She was."
"Why is she alive? And why does Blackman have her? Scratch that, how did Blackman find her?"
"I am not the one who found the vampire." Bella and Lauren turned as Blackman emerged from the shadows. "The Princess was the one who brought Maria to me in pieces. I put the creature back together again for my entertainment."
"You did?" Lauren asked Bella.
"Charlie," Bella said. "He got me aboveground, and I hunted her down. She was easy to track. She started another War in the South, and I followed the breadcrumbs."
"Okay, we can talk about that later." Lauren turned to Blackman and asked, "And what do you mean by for your entertainment?"
Blackman shrugged and snapped his fingers. A small flame erupted from the tip of his finger, and he touched Maria on the arm. The vampire raged and jerked in her restraints, but there was no use. She was trapped in a creation meant to keep her bound for however long Blackman wanted. The vampire's skin sizzled and melted to the floor, mixing with the other signs of torture. Blackman extinguished the flame and wiped his finger on a rag.
"I do that now and then when I get bored waiting on a shipment."
"Why?" Lauren asked. "Just, you know, out of curiosity. Why not kill her outright?"
"Because she did not extend my family the same reprieve when she tortured them for hours. I intend to avenge my children and wife for the rest of eternity."
Lauren gave him a thumbs-up, and Bella snorted. Blackman pressed a button on the wall. The device holding Maria slid into a secret compartment, and Bella never looked away until Maria's red eyes were shut out.
"What can I do for you, Princess?" Blackman glanced at Lauren. "Or should I say, your Highnesses?" he asked.
"Oh, no. I don't – I don't use my title," Lauren explained quickly.
"Why?"
"The last thing this world needs is me coming out and saying I have control over a group of people."
"Fair point," Blackman chuckled. "Still, how may I help you today?"
Bella reached into her cloak and took out a large bag of coins. She dropped it on the counter, and Blackman cocked his head.
"I want to speak to the Lady of Sight," Bella said.
Blackman didn't bother denying it, and he said, "You wish to hear your future."
"I do."
"Hold on," Lauren said. "Do you understand what you're asking? Hearing your future is-
"Crime in the eyes of the Board," Bella finished. "All futures are pre-determined by status, not by the poisonous words of a cursed woman. I know the law, Lauren. I help uphold it each day."
Lauren made a face and said, "There was no need to get snippy. I was just making sure you were aware of the consequences."
"I know, and I am."
"Why do you want to do this?" Blackman asked.
"Because I am due to marry a man I do not love to save my spot on the throne, and I wish to know if this path is the one I am destined to be on."
"Once your destiny is said aloud, there is no coming back. You must follow it, or you will face Oblivion."
"I accept those terms." Blackman exhaled and nodded. He went to the back of his shop, and Bella pulled Lauren into her arms. She kissed her friend on the forehead and whispered, "My father knows of this."
"He agreed to it?" Lauren whispered back.
"There are rumors that Hadrian intends to kill me once we consummate," Bella sighed. "By law, my father is unable to do anything to interfere in the wedding as it was-
"Approved by the board." Lauren scoffed and laid her head on Bella's shoulder. "What is the point of having a King if there are men who rule him?" she asked.
"You know why."
"The war was so long ago. Can they not move on?"
"Doubt it. The power is too great to surrender."
Blackman returned with a woman in all-gray. She stared at Bella warily, and it made sense. If Blackman was caught with her, he would be hung for treason, and the woman would be tortured to death. Such were the laws for witches.
"Your money is no good here," Blackman said. "I will do this for free."
"Why?" Bella asked.
"Because you helped me when you did not have to. Mercy is worth more than any gold."
"To you."
"Yes, to me." Blackman stepped away from the woman and folded his arms. "This is your final chance to turn back, Princess."
"I have made up my mind."
"As you wish."
The woman held out her hand. Bella took hold, and the woman's eyes clouded over. The two disappeared in a cloud of smoke and reappeared in a clearing.
"Where are we?" Bella asked.
"Forks, Washington," the woman said.
Bella frowned and asked, "Why are we here?"
"This will be your home before the sunsets twice over," the woman explained. "You are meant for more than what lies ahead. As Fate states, the day will come when the child of evil shall walk among man. Her second soul, an angel chained to a life she never wanted, will fall from grace. The cursed spirit will join them and protect them from those who wish to destroy them. The day will come when the child of evil shall walk among man, and she will end the terror of the red-eyed beasts."
Bella memorized the words to recite later and said, "Clearly, I am the child of evil, and my destiny is to go aboveground to take down the Volturi. I thought destinies were supposed to be mysterious and enigmatic."
"Our purpose is to lead someone to the path meant for them, not create riddles."
"Huh. What do you mean by my second soul?"
"You have a mate."
"Demons do not have mates."
"You and I both know you are more than a demon."
Bella's only reaction to that was the twitch of her brow.
"Who is the cursed spirit?"
"Leah Clearwater. You have one question left, child. I suggest you use it wisely."
"Of course, it's Leah," Bella sighed. "I have not seen them in years."
The woman said nothing, and Bella knew she was running out of time. She also knew what her last question should be, but it was too obvious. Her second soul – her mate – was chained to a life she never wanted, which meant her mate was a vampire. Leah was the cursed spirit, which told Bella there was something more to Leah's family than being half-demon as there was no curse when they lived in the Pit. That left Bella with one thing to ask.
"Am I to bring down Aro Volturi?" she whispered.
"You are to bring down more than him, Princess."
Bella bit her tongue as the woman released their hands, and they returned to the shop. Lauren jumped and grabbed Bella, looking her over for any injuries.
"Lauren, I'm fine," Bella chuckled.
"You disappeared for an hour!" Lauren exclaimed.
"We were somewhere safe," Bella said. "I promise."
"Yeah, well, don't do that shit again."
Bella smiled and said, "Yes, ma'am."
Lauren blushed, and the woman bowed at Bella before leaving the room. Blackman waved his hand, unlocking the door.
"You should return soon, Princess. It grows late," he said.
"I will." Bella titled her head. "Do you have supplies for a prolonged trip aboveground?" she asked.
"What do you need?"
"Everything to start a new life," she said. "And something for Lauren and her brother."
"Marx is not coming with us," Lauren scoffed. Then she scrunched her nose and added, "Hold on, why are we going aboveground?"
"It would be safer for Marx if he joins us."
Lauren pouted but stopped arguing it. Blackman tapped the coins to get their attention.
"You can pay for your documentation with this, and I will have your paperwork ready by mid-sun tomorrow. Do you need transportation?"
"I have a portal stone," Bella answered.
"Very well. Safe return to you both."
"And to you the same," Bella and Lauren said in unison.
They left the store and blended back into the crowd. Once again, Bella wrapped an arm around Lauren's waist to keep her close while they hurried through the market. The later it got, the more crowded it became, and the last thing Bella needed was to lose Lauren so soon after Corel's execution. Lauren rested her head on Bella's shoulder and sighed.
"Now. Want to tell me what that lady said to you?"
At the end of dinner, Hadrian excused himself, and Bella fiddled with the ring on her finger.
"Is everything alright?"
Bella glanced at her father and said, "I would like to visit Mom."
"Of course."
Her father snapped his fingers, and the guards and servants left the room. He stood from the table and held out his arm. Bella stood and linked her arm through her father's, letting him escort her outside. There were no gardens in Hell, just miles and miles of dirt, but there was a unique beauty to the castle grounds. It was filled with statues and reminders of a time not too long ago. They stopped when they reached a frozen image of a vampire that looked suspiciously liked Maria with her arms outstretched and a demon with its blade aimed at Maria's neck. The demon wore a set of royal robes and a crown.
"Mother was a vampire."
"She was."
"What does that make me?"
"A threat," he whispered.
"The Board knows?"
"Since the moment you were born," he said. "You had red eyes instead of orange, and your skin is twice as durable as an ordinary demon. Not to mention all the other things you can do that I repeatedly tell you to stop doing in public."
"At least I have wings like the other kids," Bella snorted.
Her father rolled her eyes and adjusted their position, wrapping his arm around her.
"That is why they wish for me to marry a demon," she said.
"Yes. The Board believes the bloodline needs to be purified."
"I am not tainted," Bella huffed.
"No, you are not. You are perfect, and I love you."
"Even if I tell you that I will be leaving the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes, even still." Her father looked down at her. "Where are you three going?" he asked knowingly.
"Forks."
"Is that not where-
"Yes," Bella said. "That is where Leah and her family moved there not too long ago, and Charlie also."
"Why there? Other than it being one of our more obscure portals."
"It has to do with my destiny," she said, squinting at the statue.
"So, you did hear it?"
"I did."
"And?"
"I am destined for something great, but it will be our undoing."
Her father nodded and tugged her slightly to continue their walk. They moved in silence and listened to all the different sounds around them. Bella would miss it.
"Do you have your documentation? Finances?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Where will you stay?"
"Charlie has no choice but to let me stay with him," Bella scoffed. "That fucker owes me after what happened the last time he came down here. And Lauren thinks she can convince the Mallorys to take her in."
"You mean Jasurel and Villia?"
"Jason and Valerie," Bella corrected wryly. "They no longer use their born names, remember?"
"I like their born names better than the ones they chose."
"You need to get over that breakup you had with Jason."
"He left without saying goodbye!"
"Dad."
"Fine. But I prefer their born names. Jason and Valerie sound ridiculous."
"I emphatically disagree. Born names are either good or awful, there is no in-between down here. I'm just glad I got away with a normal one."
Her father grimaced and said, "Okay, your mother made me promise not to tell you this. But your born name is not Isabella."
"That is not funny." Bella stopped walking when she realized he was telling the truth. "You have to be joking! What is it?"
"Isa Bellaore."
"Dad!"
"I thought it sounded unique!"
"That's awful," she whined. "I am never using that name. Ever."
Her father chuckled and changed the subject.
"What are you going to do about your marriage?" he asked.
"I plan to shove the ring down his throat."
"Of course, you are." Her father laughed and wrapped his arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "I will miss you," he murmured.
"I will miss you too."
"You will do great things, just like your mother."
Bella thought of the vampire trapped in Blackman's store, how she was the last thing her mother saw all those years ago, and she said, "I will do right by her."
"I know you will." Her father bent down and whispered, "And bring Aro's head to me when you return."
"With pleasure."
January 14th, 2005
The Clearwater family had dinner every night at seven like clockwork. No matter where they were, they had to be home by seven. Those were rules, and it was a dinner meant for them and them alone. So, when Leah hissed and ripped off her bracelet, throwing it on the table, the family went still. Leah activated the bracelet while rubbing her wrist.
"Open message," she said.
The bracelet unfolded until it was a flat sheet of metal, and a wall of fire appeared. The Clearwater family saw Bella's face through the flames. She gave Leah a cocky smirk.
"Hello, pup."
"Bella!" Seth exclaimed.
"Hi, little pup. Mister and Missus Pup," Bella teased.
"Good evening, Isabella," Harry said dryly. "How nice to see you at our dinner table."
"Oh, crap. I am so sorry! I promise to be quick."
"Get on with it then," Sue faux-scolded.
"Right. Bella Swan will be arriving tomorrow morning with Lauren and Marcus Mallory. They will be attending Forks High School, and you have never met them before."
"I thought you were supposed to be here a month ago," Sue said.
"Dare I ask how you knew I was coming in the first place?"
"You know the rules."
"Fine, fine. But yes, technically, we have been aboveground for the last month or so. But we have only been in Forks for a few days."
"Did you take the wrong portal?" Sue asked knowingly.
"We ended up in Phoenix!" Bella groaned. "I have no idea how it happened, but Charlie set us up with a friend of his to get us a car and new clothes. Then we had to drive from Arizona to Washington."
"That still does not explain how it took you a month to get here."
"Marx wanted to see the mountains, and then Lauren wanted to see Yellowstone. Honestly, I should have left them home."
Sue chuckled and said, "Well, I am glad you all made it safely."
"Me too. I am looking forward to seeing you all. Oh, one more thing. My mate is a vampire. Love you guys, bye!"
Bella ended the message and vanished, and the bracelet returned to its natural state. Leah shook her head and put it back on her wrist.
"It is always something with that one," Harry said.
"Did it surprise any of you that she brought Lauren and Marx?" Leah asked.
"Not at all," Sue said. "Lauren and Marx are the unofficial rulers of the Eighth Realm."
"And Corel's children."
"Lauren and Marx paid the price for their father's actions, and they still are paying it. Do not judge them until you meet them."
"I hate when you know stuff that we don't," Leah huffed.
"Speaking of which, I thought demons didn't have mates," Seth said.
"Isabella is not a full demon," Sue explained.
"Wait, what? Since when?"
"I imagine since birth, son," Harry chuckled. "We wanted to wait and tell you."
"You knew too?" Seth asked Leah.
"I had no choice. The damned creature marked me as her equal when we were kids," Leah huffed. "We later found out that her blood mixed with mine triggered some kind of bonding."
"You two are platonic soulmates," Sue said.
"I know, I know. But still. I feel like property."
"Now you're just being silly."
"Where did she bite you?" Seth asked.
Leah pulled down her shirt, revealing a bite mark on her collarbone. It was faded, but it was there.
"We were lying in bed together when it happened." Seth's face twisted, and Leah added, "Not like that! We were – I was sleeping over at the castle."
"How has Sam not seen that?"
Leah made a face of pure disgust and said, "He never sees me without my shirt on, nut." Seth stuck out his tongue, and Leah did the same before adding, "Either way, Bella having a vampire as a mate is hilarious."
"An angel chained to a life she doesn't want? I wonder who that one is," Seth mused.
Sue said nothing, but it was clear from her face she knew exactly who it was.
Rosalie's body relaxed as she drained the blood bag. She gave Kate a brief nod as her sister dropped down on the roof beside her.
"Eleazar finished your contacts," Kate said, passing her a container. "He said this material would last longer than a few days."
Rosalie grunted her thanks and tossed the empty bag to the side with the others. She used her shirt to wipe her face and then stared curiously at Kate.
"Tanya and Irina took the others into town. You have maybe two hours to change and get rid of the smell," Kate said.
Rosalie grunted again and stood, brushing the dirt from her jeans.
"I know you can't talk right now, but are you okay? Do you feel better?"
Rosalie nodded and started to pick up her trash, but Kate stopped her.
"Go, I will clean this up." Rosalie hesitated, and Kate pushed her toward the balcony. "Seriously, go. You need as much time as you can get, and you have to change back into appropriate clothes."
Rosalie rolled her eyes and dropped down to the balcony where her room was located. She sped into the bathroom and started the shower, stripping her clothes. Rosalie stepped under the warm water and let it wash over her. She eyed the pink streaks swirling around the drain with a sense of fascination, always captured by the contrast with the white tiles of the Denali bathrooms. Rosalie washed away the blood, replacing it with her favorite shampoo and body wash. By the time she finished, her two hours were nearly up, and Rosalie sped through the rest of the process. Her clothes were gone and disposed of by presumably Carmen, and a set of new clothes rested on the bed. Rosalie scowled as she held up the beige sweater dress and lingerie before pulling them on. She slid the thigh-high booted heels on afterward and threw on a white faux fur vest. Just remembering to get her contacts, Rosalie finished with thirty seconds to spare before the Cullens returned. She hesitated in front of the mirror, seeing the stranger staring back at her, and Rosalie fell into the routine.
"I am Rosalie Hale," she mouthed to herself.
Rosalie repeated the words until they felt real enough she could go downstairs and play pretend.