A/N: A quick thank you to everyone who added this story in their alerts and/or added it to their favorite list. It truly means a lot to me.

Chapter 21-

Bella's POV-

"Do you really believe that Aro had a change of heart and set us free?"

I turned to look at Athenadora, an eyebrow raised in amusement, "of course not. Can you see an idiot tattooed on my forehead?"

She smiled, waving me off. "Aren't you worried, then? I wouldn't get it past that man to construct some slimy plan that benefits him and only him."

I nodded my head in agreement. "I know. But at the moment, just relieved to be out of that jail. Can't say that I will miss it!"

She let out a laugh, "Well, I am seeing the rising sun after two millennia; you have no clue how good it feels!"

I smiled in response; her happiness almost contagious. "Sulpicia is in Aro's study?"

"Yeah." Athenadora offered me a nod. "Aro suggested she go through some of his official documents, something regarding a coven that is unwilling to co-operate. He wanted Sulpicia's advice on how to proceed."

"Did he actually open his mouth and say so?"

Aro asking for help? Now that was unheard of.

She grinned in agreement, "I was shocked too. And so was Sulpicia, from the looks of it. She has humored him at the moment, but I have my doubts on how long this personality change of Aro will last. It is so unlike him. Almost unbelievable!"

I hummed in response. "He has something on his mind, that's for sure. But truly, we are free! Aren't you the least bit happy?"

"Of course, I am." She rolled her eyes at me. "You have no idea how happy and relieved I am, even if I now have to see Caius's face at least once every hour! Gosh, how much does that man sulk? Is there any end to it? It is exhausting to just watch his face and tolerate his childish tantrums!"

I smiled, letting her continue speaking, "But Bella, I am also worried. Aro…he is insane. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goal. This…" she sighed, looking me into the eyes, dread evident in them. "I don't know what he is planning, but it is not good. And that scares me."

I let out a sigh, squeezing her hand tight. "We can worry all we want; it is not going to change the future. So, why not relax and take each moment as it comes?"

She nodded her head in agreement, gulping. "Let's just be cautious, okay?"

"Always." I shrugged, a sigh leaving my lips. "Quick question, did Chelsea appear at your doorstep with a bunch of clothes, makeup and heels?"

"Yeah." She admitted. "Scared me to no extent, the way she appeared out of thin air!"

I giggled, agreeing with her. "It was so creepy; one second, I was staring at the wall, and boom the next second she is standing in front of me with a wide grin on her face. She told me her name after I had alerted the entire castle with my screams."

"Did she tell you that Aro had sent her with the command to assist you in whatever you need?"

"She told you that too?" I raised an eyebrow in question.

"Yeah." Athenadora hesitantly stated. "It is so, so strange. It feels as if Aro actually cares about our feelings."

"Well, miracles do happen! They may seem impossible to think of, but yet, here we are!"

She grinned, shrugging. "Let's just hope this miracle brings good things for us."

"So far it has." I pointed out. "We are out of the dungeon."

"I hope it stays so." she nervously stated. "I don't want to ever go back in there."

"Me too." I let out a sigh, my eyes staring into nothingness.

"Bella? May I talk to you in private?"

I turned to look at Marcus, a smile on my face, Athenadora excusing herself, as I offered Marcus my undivided attention.

"How could you hide something like this from me?" he accused me, anger and disappointment evident on his face. "Do you know how horrible I feel at the moment? It feels as if you don't trust me at all."

I winced, aware that I deserved the lashing. He had every right to be angry on me. "I am sorry. I was going to tell you…"

"When?" he demanded. "After your father rescued you or before?"

"Marcus…"

"No, Bella." His tone held a finality unlike ever seen before. "You are my mate and as such, I respect and value you, but this is too much to ignore. You betrayed my trust. You went against me..."

"I brought us allies." I protested, slightly miffed by his accusations. "Wasn't that what you wanted?"

The end result had been in our favor; why was he still cribbing?

"Of course, I did." He hastily admitted. "And I am glad for that. But I would have been gladder had you told me that you had called for help! This feels as if you could not wait to get away from me…"

"It is not like that." I winced, somewhat deep down aware that that is exactly what I had attempted to do. I had tried to get away from him; that being my second biggest motivation in placing that call to Charlie, the first of course being getting away from that prison that had held me a prisoner.

"You don't need to lie." Marcus shook his head in sadness, reading the truth on my face. "I had believed that the mate bond would be enough to bridge all gaps between us…but maybe not…" he paused, shutting his eyes tight before opening them up again and looking at me. "I won't hold you a captive. You are free to go."

"What do you mean?" my voice was quivering as I forced the words out of my mouth, unable to believe that I had actually heard them being spoken.

He sighed, letting out a deep breath. "You will not be troubled henceforth. If you wish to return with your father…"

"You will let me go." I finished the sentence for him, doubtfully pronouncing every syllable.

"Yes." He admitted. "This is it, Bella Swan. Our roads diverge here. I will always love you, but I would rather not force you to accept my love."

"You will let me go?"

Was he serious?

This was no joke…right?

"I promise you will never be troubled by me again. Just one request, leave after tonight's celebration. I don't believe in creating a scene…"

I shrugged, waving him off. "I understand. And that's the least I can do. You are a good man, Marcus. I just wish…I had been more accepting of who you are."

He offered me a sad smile, "We each have our destiny to face. And maybe…this is mine. Goodbye, Bella Swan."

I smiled at his retreating form; my goodbye murmured by the passing wind.