A/N: My apologies if there are a shit ton of typos in this author's note, but I'm supposed to be studying so I'm quickly writing it. I was too excited to post this chapter to wait, and for once I'm actually posting on time (ish. I know it's late). I'm only able to get these chapters out because of the fabulous help from SunflowerFran, who seriously has to sift through some of the crap I write and make it read-worthy. And as for you, lovely readers, you constantly blow me away with your interest and reactions to the story. I'm so honored to be taking this journey with you, and I can't wait to see what you think about this one! Thanks to all that wished me a better week -it was sooo much better, and I really appreciated your kind thoughts. Lastly, there is a large chance (99%) that I won't be posting next weekend. I have my final exams and will also be traveling. But that also means I'll be done with school in a week's time and can devote myself to this story (and possibly a new one once this is finished?). Okay, okay, I'll let you read. Bon voyage mes chers amis!


PART III: SWAN

Chapter 23

The next three days pass uneventfully, much to Bella's glee. They stop at several towns along the way to stock up on supplies and take care of the horses. The Iris presence dwindles the further they travel away from Cullenia, but every now and then, she sees a supporter bearing their coat of arms. The symbol depicts the sun overtaking taking the moon, its triangular rays piercing through the body of the crescent. It doesn't escape Bella's notice that the colors are in red, black, and gold –the national colors of Volturia.

On the fourth day, they face their first bout of misfortune. The carriage wheel cracks due to its constant exposure to uneven terrain, and their convoy has no choice but to stop in the nearest town. By the grimace on Jacob's face, she can tell this stop won't be as pleasant as the last few even though the town itself doesn't appear threatening. The only notable aspect is that the stalls and homes are of a rather small scale, and the overall atmosphere has a lethargic feel. The air is thick with the smoke from burning fires and carries with it the smell of charred meat. Many inhabitants stare as they roll through –the carriage appearing greatly out of place in the shantytown.

"Where are we?" Bella whispers, intending to avoid drawing attention to herself. However, it is so quiet in the streets that she's positive others have heard her.

"Aryzonae," He answers just as quietly, "I would not have stopped here, but we have no choice."

"Can the carriage not make it?" Bella asks even though she knows the answer. His rigid posture is beginning to spark anxiety in her.

"We have just under half a day's worth of travel," Jacob reminds her, "We can't even make it another mile. It is best if I take care of matters alone."

"Surely they won't harm us?" Bella questions, "What reason do they have?"

"It is not the inhabitants I'm worried about," Jacob tells her, "Look at the way they're working nonstop, interacting with no one. The town is quiet, and the roads are practically empty. No town in Forxx is naturally like this, which means one thing."

"The Iris are here," Bella, breathes.

Jacob nods solemnly, "They might not attempt anything, but we must be on high alert. You will follow my lead."

Bella doesn't argue, knowing that Jacob is the most knowledgeable in matters such as these. She keeps her head down, and hood drawn, and hopes that no one will take an interest in their arrival. Meanwhile, her heart beats wildly in her chest. By the time they roll up to the mechanic's stall, she can practically hear her pulse aloud.

"Co'a vu." A burly man spits as Jacob demounts the bench and approaches him. His bulking muscles seem permanently tensed, and his mouth is fixed in a scowl. What do you want? He asks Jacob. The words are in such a slurred, broken form of Forxian that Bella almost doesn't catch them.

"My wife and I were traveling with my son when our wheel cracked," Jacob motions to the broken carriage, "How long will it take to fix?"

"How much money do you have?" the mechanic grunts.

"30," Jacob answers.

"T'io pert'a mete," You've lost your mind, the mechanic cackles, "No less than 100."

Bella swallows thickly. They have more money than Jacob offered, but certainly not as much as the mechanic countered. Even a middle ground wouldn't be affordable.

"I'm not some Cullenian foreigner passing through," Jacob tells him, "I am not paying one hundred for a wheel you've stripped off another carriage that will most likely break within a day's time."

The mechanic fixes Jacob with a stare that has Bella squirming in her seat. Bile turns in her stomach as she prepares to have to step in and assist Jacob with battling the massive man. She's moments away from grabbing her dagger when the mechanic surprises her.

"Forty. No less." He grumbles.

Jacob slips the satchel of coins out of his sack with a smile, "Deal."

"There's a tavern around the corner where you can wait in the meantime," the mechanic informs him, "But keep your wife and child close."

"They're here, aren't they?" Bella speaks, unable to hold her tongue.

The mechanic looks to her, his scowl still present, but eyes squinted in speculation. She nearly breaks the stare due to her intimidation, but somehow manages to hold on. If she hadn't, she might have missed his almost imperceptible nod. Suddenly, she doesn't blame him for his gruff demeanor. She supposes she would be equally as cold to new arrivals if a radical group invaded her home. She takes two more coins out of her purse and reaches for the mechanic's hand. He flinches as she makes contact, but allows her to open his palm all the same. His gaze on hers softens minutely as she transfers the money into his callous hold.

"Stay safe," she bids him, "Un'i Is'ia Forxia."

"Ett'io, my lady," he dips his head briefly in respect and then leaves to the back of his workshop.

Jacob has a look of disbelief on his face as he ushers Bella and Seth from the carriage. Lua creeps out as well, instantly changing into her bird form so that she can fly away for a brief break.

Bella can't explain why she'd felt the need to reach out to the mechanic in such a way, but she couldn't ignore it. Something about his pain called out to her, and she felt a duty to show that she cared. She desperately wants to help his situation, but knows for now that she needs to return to Alice.

She wonders what the state of the Forxian capital is. Had the Iris been so bold as to infiltrate there as well? If she allows her thoughts to darken, she knows there's a high possibility the radicals could have overtaken there as well, and that the Cullens, Masens, and even the Whitlocks could have been killed. It's been nearly two weeks since Edward and Charlotte had left, and despite Emmett's power and Edward's fighting prowess, there is no assurance that they survived the journey. She can only hope that the beginning of their travel was as uneventful as hers, and that they were able to bypass this town altogether.

It's the only thing she has to hold on to. Otherwise, she has to come to terms with the crippling reality that her family, and the man she loves, exists no longer. Bella presses a hand to her chest to quell the pain of the thought. She's been purposely avoiding thoughts of Edward and their last interaction merely as a means of survival, but truthfully, his final words haunt her. Had he really meant what he said about regretting his coldness? She knows he hasn't forgiven her entirely –she would be naïve to think so. But if there is any possibility that he could still want her, she needs to fight for it. She needs to see him again, even if it is just to tell him that she loves him.

She loves him. She hadn't thought herself able of feeling such a deep emotion, but the gaping hole in her chest says otherwise. She doesn't know how or when it happened, but Bella fell in love with Edward. She loves the way his eyes twinkle with mischief, and the playful quirk of his mouth. She loves his awkward consciousness around strangers that contrasts with his confident presence as Crown Prince. She adores his gentle yet respectful appraisal of her, and the way he makes her feel safe. And lastly, she yearns for the feel of his lips on hers again, so that she can show him just how feverishly she wants him.

However, she will never know this if they do not survive their encounter with the Iris. By now, Bella has quite a bit of faith in her fighting abilities, but the sheer number of Iris members they come upon as they enter the bar has her wary. The radicals, men and women of all sizes and form, turn toward Jacob, Bella, and Seth as they step into the small tavern. Jacob keeps a guiding hand on Bella's back as he ushers her through, and Bella keeps Seth firmly under her arm. She had warned him not to speak until she gave him permission, but she wonders if the warning was even necessary. The look of fear on the little boy's face is enough to tell her that he has no intention of saying a word.

"What have we got here?" The barman smiles malevolently, "Vacationing?"

"Carriage broke," Jacob answers shortly, "What's the house ale?"

"Only o'vrasi here, boy," he slams down two mugs of the dark liquor, "three each."

Jacob digs a few coins from his pocket and lays them on the table, "And a water?"

"For your babe here?" The man motions to Seth, "Give him a cup of o'vrasi. I began drinking at his age."

"Water will be fine," Jacob ignores him.

"You southerners," he shakes his head, "Think you're better than the rest of us."

Despite his comment, he gets the water for Seth and points to a table at the back. The three huddle in the far corner of the room, avoiding the gazes of the other patrons. Bella tries to keep her eyes fixed on the woman performing while also being aware of any possible skirmishes. The performer's loud crooning serves to both distract and unsettle Bella. Her song is slow and languid, sensual to the point of being scandalous. She strokes her hands along her body temptingly, which draws the whistles of a few men and women in the room. Not entirely sure whether this is appropriate for Seth's young eyes, she turns his chair toward her.

"How are you feeling?" she asks him.

"Okay," he murmurs, "Do we have to stay here long? I thought we were close to home."

"We are very close, child," Jacob says, "Just bear with us a little longer. The carriage should be ready in only a few more minutes."

"I can feel it, you know," Seth murmurs, "My communication isn't working, but the link to my family … I can feel it. It's getting stronger."

"You're getting back to your full health," Bella hums, "That's wonderful."

"I wish I could hear them," Seth complains.

"It will come back in time," Jacob assures him.

They change the conversation to lighter matters to try and lift the frown from Seth's face. Understandably, it's hard to come up with a topic that lacks seriousness in a time such as this, but Jacob masters it. He asks Seth about the things he'd like to do when he grows up, and answers questions about what it's like to be a 'knight.' Bella doesn't have the heart to correct Seth, so she merely giggles every time Jacob answers with a grimace. An hour passes as they sit there in the packed tavern. The sheer amount of people has the room sweltering, despite the frigid weather outside. Needing to cool off, Bella slips her jacket down revealing her tunic. It has capped sleeves and a dipping neckline but isn't immodest in the slightest. The true issue is that top of her sun insignia peeks out on her left shoulder, and Bella doesn't realize her mistake until a voice sounds from behind her.

"Sister!" a man bellows, "I believe you're confused about your origins!"

His table laughs around him, goading him further. Bella immediately slips her coat back on and keeps her eyes fixed forward.

"Come sit with us," he urges, "Let me show you what a real man is like!"

"Ignore him," Jacob warns lowly, "Do not turn around."

"I did not intend to," Bella growls at the same level.

"Now, now, don't be rude," the harasser clucks, "I just want to welcome family."

"She thinks she's too good for you," the barman calls.

"Is that so?" the heckler continues, "I don't take kindly to being looked down upon."

Bella clenches her fist, her earlier fear quickly becoming replaced with anger. She couldn't believe the nerve of this man to harass someone so forwardly, especially in front of their supposed spouse and child. The only reason she remains sitting is that she knows she's outnumbered, and it wouldn't be wise to instigate a fight with a room of about fifteen Iris.

"See?" the barman barks, "She won't even spare you the time of day."

From behind her, Bella hears a chair scraping backward. She watches as Jacob's eyes darken, and he reaches for his sword. She finds herself crossing her leg over the other so that she can discreetly reach for her own weapon. It becomes clear that avoiding a confrontation is now out of the question.

"I don't take kindly to being ignored either," the man growls, his footsteps nearing.

Jacob stands and moves in front of their table, blocking the man's path toward Bella and Seth.

Lua, Bella calls in her mind, I need you to come back.

The response is almost instantaneous. Her blackbird swoops through the opposing window, and lands in the middle of their table. With her near, Bella feels the slightest bit more assured.

"Seth," Bella whispers as she begins to stand. "Get under the table with Lua, and when I tell you to, run to where we left our carriage. Do you understand me?"

He nods timidly and begins to move from his seat. The moment he's safely crouched between Lua's feline form and the wall, Bella exchanges a look with Jacob.

It's time.

In quick succession, Bella uses several of her light beams to fire at the barman and the three tables hosting the Iris. The targets are blown off their feet with a force not even Bella had anticipated.

"Run, Seth!" Bella yells.

As fast as his legs can take him, Seth scurries through the small tavern, dodging the Iris, who begin to stand once more. Lua has to swipe through one of the men at the door before Seth safely exits. Her cat follows immediately after to ensure that no one else makes an attempt after him.

Meanwhile, several of the Iris have returned to their feet and are advancing. Bella's initial strike had rendered four of the fifteen fully unconscious, including the barman and heckler. Now it is up to her and Jacob to escape from the rest of them.

It's absolute chaos.

Bodies sling around the room as Bella fires blasts of light and Jacob duels with his sword. The Iris are formidable fighters, not taking long to recuperate from any strike. The moment Bella finishes telekinetically aiming her dagger at one, another advances at her with skin-grown spikes. Yet, as they're fighting, they slowly inch toward the door.

"On three!" Jacob yells to Bella, right as she's placing a forceful kick to the chest of an Iris.

"One," Bella shouts, slicing across her attacker's chest.

"Two," Jacob returns, landing a punch to the jaw of his assailant.

"Three!" Bella finishes.

They both reel back from their attackers and push through the tavern door, breaking into a sprint the moment they meet the outside. Bella wastes no time in springing her wings free, linking her arms beneath Jacob's and hauling him into the air. It isn't a gentle flight by any means –Jacob is a full-grown man, and much heavier than Edward had been. She strains to keep a hold of him while traveling at a speed to leave the Iris stumbling behind them. It takes but a minute to reach the mechanic's shop.

"Jake! Bella!" Seth calls out to them the moment she lands.

"Hurry," the mechanic urges as he brings them inside the shop, "Your carriage is far from finished, and your horses exhausted. I only have one to give to you in its place."

"We'll take it," Jacob rushes, unfazed.

"The horse can't take all three of us," Bella cries.

"You and Seth ride," Jacob instructs, "I'll be right beside you in wolf form."

"No, I'll fly, and you ride," Bella argues.

"Where are they?" one of the attackers sounds from a short distance away.
"Empty every stall!"

"There is an Iris base at the boundary of Aryzonae," the mechanic shakes his head, "The moment they see you they will shoot you down."

"Then we will ride," Bella agrees, "Thank you, for everything you've done."

"Be safe," the mechanic returns her words from earlier.

"Get on the horse, Bella," Jacob orders, already pushing her toward the dressed animal. She hops on and bends down to pull Seth up with her.

"Ride and don't stop unless I tell you to," he tells her, "And if they catch me, do not stop."

"No-," Bella starts.

"Écare, woman, for once in your life let someone fight for you!" he nearly bellows, "Now go!"

A firm nudge to the side of the horse sends them tearing out of the back of the stall and onto a dirt path. Bella misses seeing Jacob transform but is still in awe at the sight of him in wolf form. He's large and russet in color, only about a foot shorter than the horse she's riding. He matches the sprint of the horse easily, even able to surpass it using limited strides. They push through the thick forest, narrowly crossing through the trees and leaping over fallen logs. To her right, is Jacob, powerfully tearing through the brush, while Lua is to her left, traveling just as vigorously. Seth clings to her, his back facing the whirring land in front of them. She almost misses the sound of his voice over the whipping of the wind.

"Someone's coming!" he yells.

Bella turns her head briefly to see an Iris traveling at an unnatural speed, merely feet away. She reaches a hand behind her and blindly begins firing bolts of light. Unable to get a proper view of him, she misses, allowing him to catch up to Jacob's flank.

"Jacob!" Bella screams.

He turns around just in time, almost too quickly for Bella's eyes to follow. All she catches is the way he spins and lunges at the attacker, his massive form sending them both careening to the ground. She doesn't stop her horse to see how he fares, knowing that it wouldn't be in their best interest to linger.

It's only about a minute before he rejoins them, pushing his limbs so that he can catch up with the horse. Relief washes over Bella as she realizes he's unharmed, but she knows the worst is not behind them. They have yet to pass the boundary of Aryzonae.

As they draw nearer, Bella shifts Seth around so that he can face the front of the horse. She wraps the reigns in his shaking hands, and then covers them with her own. She doesn't know if he knows how to steer a horse, but thankfully, this one seems to do most of the steering. It's for the better, because once they reach the town border she spots four Iris waiting.

"Don't let go, and don't stop," Bella tells Seth, "Ride all the way to the capital if you need to."

"You told me you wouldn't leave me," Seth begins to cry, "Promise me you won't die. Please, Bella. Promise me."

"I promise you," she presses a kiss to the back of his head, "Now hold on tight."

When they are only a couple of meters away from the Iris, Bella expands her wings, and demounts the horse. She then fights against the dragging current to surge forward and attack the Iris blocking their path. She knocks the woman out of the way, clearing the lane for Seth.

"You stupid girl!" the woman screeches, the length of her hair elongating as if her strands were snakes.

The locks wrap around Bella's neck, strangling and pulling until Bella is gasping for air. Although she's loath to give up her ability, Bella discards her light-emitting gift and then drains the girl beneath her. The moment she becomes limp, Bella moves away from her.

One down.

She's not entirely sure it will work, but Bella harnesses her new ability and sends her silver locks to one of the attackers swarming in on Jacob. Only two Iris are left, which bodes well for them. Her silver tresses soar across the distance to wrap around the wrist of the adversary.

Not exactly where she was aiming, but it will do.

She strips him away from Jacob and drags him across the forest floor, using more of her strands to restrain him as he flounders. By the time he's at Bella's feet, almost every inch of him is ensnared in her hair. His screams are muffled as she reaches down to touch his nose, the only bit of flesh visible. Bella grips the tip and siphons his ability.

"I told you to stay on the horse," Jacob barks, striding away from his unconscious opponent.

"I-I …" Bella begins, but she doesn't truly expect any words to come from her mouth because standing before her is a fully naked Jacob.

She knows now is not the time for her be struck dumb at the sight of an unclothed man, but this is her first experience, and she can't stop herself from losing her composure. Politely, she keeps her eyes fixed above his waist, but out of her periphery vision, she can see the beginnings of his manhood. She takes a dry swallow as she flushes deep red, and then forces her eyes to his face.

"We need to catch up with Seth and Lua," Jacob grits.

"Do not act cross with me," Bella huffs, "You're the one standing in –in the nude!"

"It's quite difficult to hold onto clothing when you're a wolf with no opposable thumbs," Jacob defends, "I'm going to transform, and you will climb onto my back. We'll reach them in less time that way."

"I can't –I won't," Bella splutters, "You're uncovered!"

"Are you done?" he asks through clenched teeth.

Mustering all the dignity she can, Bella nods and waits for him to transform. Once he's in wolf form, she timidly travels to his side before strategizing how to mount. She settles on gripping his fur to hoist herself up and doesn't feel the slightest bit apologetic when he whines from the pain.

Despite her embarrassment, Jacob is right. A three-minute sprint brings them within seeing distance of Seth. Jacob advances, bringing them even closer until Bella prepares herself to make the transfer. Seth is clearly elated at the sight of them. His cheeks are dusted in tears of distress, but his mouth is wide and smiling. Bella grins in return, happy that she could keep her promise to him. She's just about to grab for the reins when the glint of metal in the setting sun catches her eyes.

The next events occur so quickly, and yet, time feels like it slows down. She uses her wings to surge forward and place herself in front of Seth just before the three arrows pierce through the air. She hears them before she feels them. They whistle through the atmosphere right before piercing through bone and flesh, all three entering simultaneously. One to the wing, one to the lower chest, and one to her side. She's propelled to the ground, her body intersecting the route of the horse. In an attempt to avoid her, the animal jumps, only narrowly missing Bella. Her ribs catch the back hooves, snapping with a sickening crack.

This is when time slows drastically.

Bella's eyes are fixed on the evening sky, drinking in the oranges and reds blotted across the medium. They bleed together, the lifeblood of the atmosphere setting in her irises. The air is blood, but the sun is fire; it burns sultrily in its final moments of spectacle. It reminds her of the seductive glow of Edward's fire.

Edward.

She supposes she won't see him at after all. What a pitiful end to her life –moments away from her destination and she couldn't even deflect the arrows. She'd tried; the arrow in her wing is a testament to this. But they'd moved so quickly that she hardly had time to react. Now she is paying the price, as her breaths quickly turn labored, and her clothes become sopped with her blood.

Is this fate? She thinks. Was she meant to die like this? She tries to think of the things she's accomplished and whether it means her time as a Guardian has come to its end. It doesn't feel like a dénouement. There are so many things she had wanted to resolve and now it seems she won't have the chance. Although, her time on this earth hasn't been entirely fruitless. She'd done more in her final, six months of living than she had in her first twenty years. She'd saved the Cullenian heirs, Seth, and had even cultivated deep relationships. She'd loved more than she'd ever thought possible, and been loved in return. Maybe that is all that was meant for her. Perhaps now she can rest. The idea of sleeping warms her, causing her lips to tug into a contented smile. Yes. She'll sleep. Just for a moment.

"Damn it, damn it," Jacob curses as he slides to Bella's side. "Come on, Cora, don't give up. Fight for just a little longer!"

"Bella!" Seth cries, "Bella, you promised me. You promised me!"

Why is Seth crying? Bella thinks. The thought feels distant to her as if it's not truly within the confines of her mind. Nevertheless, she doesn't like the distress she hears in Jacob and Seth's voices. All she's ever wanted is for those around her to be happy. It seems she can't sleep just yet.

"Jacob," Bella murmurs, throat extremely dry, "Seth. Don't cry."

"Open your eyes, Bella," Seth urges, "If you close them then you won't wake up again."

It seems to take all the energy within her, but somehow, she manages to peel back one eye at a time. Seth is crouched by her right, one of her hands clenched in his tiny ones. Oddly enough, she can't feel the sensation. Lua sits at her feet, head bowed to the ground as she mourns for her owner. Bella can't establish a mental link with her, but her lowly position tells Bella that the animal is distressed. Finally, she looks to where Jacob is kneeling, clad in foreign clothing. The sight makes her giggle. The sound comes out more as two shallow breaths.

"Jacob," she gasps, "You're clothed."

"If you're able to make jokes, then you had better live, do you hear me?" Jacob barks as he tears through a satchel.

"But I'm really tired," Bella responds with a deep sigh, "And my heart hurts."

"You have to take out the arrows, Jake," Seth implores, "She's hurting."

"She'll bleed out," Jacob answers through gritted teeth, digging through a second satchel.

"No, no, Seth. It's not the arrows. My heart hurts," Bella mumbles rather nonsensically, until tears spring to her eyes. She begins to cry not only because of the pain that stabs through her body but for all the people she won't get to see again.

Seth grips her hand more tightly, enough that she can finally feel it. "Jake, please, do something!"

"Got it!" Jacob yells, holding up what seems to be a rope, "Bring the horse to me."

The moment Seth leaves, Bella slowly moves her gaze to Jacob, "It's okay. We both know I'm going to die."

"Hold your tongue," Jacob spits through clenched teeth, "Now this is going to hurt, and for that I am greatly sorry."

"What-,"

Agonizing pain tears through Bella as Jacob snaps off the tail of the arrow burrowed in her chest. Her scream echoes through the forest, unsettling the wildlife in the immediate area. She doesn't even have the time to regain her breath before Jacob is reaching for the arrow in her side.

"No, please," Bella cries, "Leave me here. I've fulfilled my duty! Let me die."

Jacob doesn't listen. Regret washes over his features as he grips the second arrow and snaps it in the same manner as the first. Bella's world dims slightly, the edges of her vision blackening due to the extent of her pain. By the time he finishes, she's a sobbing mess.

"I'm sorry, Cora, I'm so sorry," Jacob comforts, his voice cracking with emotion. With a tenderness she'd never seen from him, he brushes back the silver locks from her forehead with a bloodied palm. "Seth!"

"I don't want to look," Bella hears him whimper from behind her.

"I know, child, it's not a pretty sight. But if we want Bella to live, I need you to help me, okay? These are the kinds of things we knights have to do," Jacob tells him, "Will you be a knight with me to help Bella?"

Bella can't see or hear Seth's reply, but it must have been in the affirmative because seconds later, she sees him taking the rope from Jacob. Another surge of pain passes through her as Jacob cautiously lifts her from the ground. He then drapes her across the back of the horse, her stomach facing down since the arrowheads are still protruding from her back. With Seth's help, he uses the rope to secure her to the animal's torso. She's positioned rather awkwardly, but firmly so that she will not fall off during travel.

"She needs a jacket," Seth tells Jacob, "When you get hurt you feel really cold."

"Great idea," Jacob acknowledges. He jogs a few feet into the brush before returning with what appears to be one of the Iris jackets. He ties it around Bella's hips, the only place it can go without disturbing the weapons embedded in her flesh. "Are you ready to go?"

"How do I get on the horse?" Seth asks.

"No, Seth, you'll be riding with me," Jacob informs him, "But I need you to keep an eye on Bella while we head back, especially if she looks like she might slip."

"I can do that," Seth nods in assurance.

Bella watches the encounter with lulling eyes. She's not truly processing what's going on, but she listens anyway. She's getting more tired by the moment, and she knows that she'll soon fall into a deep sleep. She hopes that Seth and Jacob won't be too upset with her.

"Jacob," Bella calls. It's barely more than a whisper, but his heightened senses pick up on her voice.

"Yes, Cora," he answers.

"Thank you," she sighs. "For everything."

"Don't thank me just yet, Cora," he replies, "I'm going to get you home."

~SWAN~

She's back in her nightmare again.

Except, it's not the recurring dream she'd had before the night of the Cullen Castle destruction. Rather, it's the nightmare that was her life before escaping from Volturia.

She's in her cage, sitting with her knees curled to her chest. Everything around her is dark, the only light originating from the moon as it filters through the window. A sound in the far corner of the room frightens her.

"Lua?" Bella calls.

Her bird chirps back to her in reply.

She breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, Lua. How did we get back here? Quick, help me find a way out."

Lua chirps again, but this time, there is something peculiar about the sound. It's too high pitched, almost as if she is distressed.

"Lua?" Bella beckons again.

The sizzle of a match being struck sounds before the light reveals Lua. Her bird isn't hopping on the ground as she usually does; instead, she's gripped in the tight hold of an ash-white hand. Bella looks up to see black, beady eyes staring back at her.

"I don't believe you'll be getting out of here anytime soon. Did you miss me, Isabelle?"

"This isn't real," Bella shakes her head as she closes her eyes, "You aren't real."

"Oh, I am very real. If I wasn't, could I do this?"

Lua's frantic chirps fill the air as she's squeezed in the hand's unforgiving grip.

"Stop it!" Bella begs, "She hasn't done anything to you."

"I'm not doing this because of her; I'm doing it because of you."

"What have I ever done to you?" Bella cries.

"You hate me. You've always hated me."

"Because you're evil," Bella spits. "And I will stop you, even if it's the last thing I do."

Finally, the person steps closer to Bella, allowing her to see them clearly. She gasps as bile churns in her stomach. She'd thought she'd been conversing with Aro, but the person before her is not her wicked father. The pale hands, the black eyes, the silver hair … the person in front of her is her.

She smiles devilishly, lifting the match to her lips. The last thing she whispers before extinguishing the light is,

"Come and get me."

Bella wakes with a sob in her throat, choking on her emotion. She shoots up in bed but quickly regrets the motion. Gut-wrenching pain emits from her side and her chest, forcing her to lie back down again with a grunt. She registers a similar pain in her left wing, but it's tolerable compared to her more grave injuries.

By her surroundings, she knows exactly where she is. The wooden interior and the bedpost that she'd been chained to all those months ago inform her that she is back at the Whitlock cabin. She releases a sigh of relief. She can't remember anything of her journey strapped to the back of the horse, and she can honestly say she is grateful for this. It couldn't have been that comfortable if she can still see rope burns on her wrists. Jacob had held true to his promise –he'd brought her home. Furthermore, that means Seth is also safely returned to his family.

They had made it.

She's too elated to remain lying down. Much more carefully, this time, she rises, and brings her legs to the edge of the bed. It requires her gripping the bedpost with both hands, but she manages to stand. Step by painful step, she limps to the cabin door, having to take a break midway. When she finally grasps the doorknob, she doesn't waste time in swinging open the entranceway.

The sight before her brings her immediate warmth. She trails her eyes from the right of the room to the left, taking in the faces of her loved ones. Alice is perched on Jasper's lap, gently brushing back his hair. Peter is standing behind Bree, looking over her shoulder as she whittles an intricate design. Claire is seated between James and Quil, quarreling over some novel that Bella can't see the title of. Rosalie is cradled in Emmett's arms, as he rubs a loving hand over her stomach. Charlotte is sitting in front of the fire, her head rested against Edward's legs. Bella's gaze would have remained on his had she not noticed two other persons in the room. One of them is Sir Carlisle, and she's thankful that she's too tired to conjure up any feelings of annoyance at the sight of him. However, the other person is who completely steals away Bella's attention.

The sob that Bella had quelled just moments ago tears through her lips with double the volume. If she'd thought that being lanced with arrows had been painful, she stands corrected. Suddenly, everything makes sense. Every interaction Bella had held with Carlisle whirls through her mind as she locks eyes with the orange gaze in front of her:

Two guards entered the room bearing their swords, one with forest green hair and the other with a blonde mane …

The green haired one restrained Isa while the blonde removed Esme's unconscious body …

The blonde haired guard had left shortly after the Queen's murder …

She is so shocked by his appearance that she is rooted in her place once the music starts. Bella knows him; she just can't place him in her memory …

"We have never met before," Carlisle says gruffly …

Bella reaches for her chest, gasping as she feels to see if the arrow is still embedded there.

It has to be.

Bella has to be dead.

Because if she's not, it means the person in front of her is truly there.

It means …

That Esme Swann is still alive.


Terminology

Co'a vuWhat do you want? [Forxian]

T'io pert'a mete -You've lost your mind [Forxian]


A/N: I know I'm ten different kinds of wicked for leaving you guys here, but I know most of you guessed this already. Sidenote, this was actually my favorite chapter to write thus far, so I hope you enjoyed it. Until next chapter!


"With each passing moment, I'm becoming part of the past. There is no future for me, just the past steadily accumulating." Haruki Murakami