Disclaimer- All recognizable characters belong to Mrs. Stephenie Meyer, whereas all new characters belong to me.

Chapter 22- Enemies never die

I froze, my back stiff as a board. That wasn't possible. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion and tried my best to appear like nothing was wrong. I put on a fake smile and walked over to Yuzria, his eyes dark. Could he be one of the victims? Befallen under a necromancer's spell? You know that isn't possible, he isn't dead. " We have more company?" Yuzria asked, his eyes on the necromancer.

" Um, yeah. This is-" I paused, I didn't know her name. I bit my lip and turned to her. She held out her hand and smiled.

" I'm Claudia, pleased to meet you." I listened closely and found a bit of British dialect in her voice. She nodded her head and looked at me. " I was born and raised in Yorkshire. I moved to America four years ago. It's a bit. . .fast paced, but I like it."

" You. . . read my mind?"

" Heavens no, I could tell by your facial expression. You can be very readable when you want to be. We should try and fix that."

" I'm Yuzria," he shook her hand, but looked like he didn't really want her to be there. I stared at his eyes, trying to see the darkness that Claudia said was laying inside. Instantly, as if he was able to tell I was looking at him, he faced me. His eyes were dark, and his face was like stone. I immediately knew Claudia was right. There was something wrong with Yuzria.

" Claudia is a friend of Laurent's, she'll be staying with us for a while." I explained, trying to figure out exactly how a necromancer could've gotten ahold of Yuzria. Unless. . . no, I would've known if. . .

" Bella, did you hear me?" Yuzria questioned, pulling me back into the present. I shake my head and smile sheepishly.

" Sorry, I was drifting. What did you say?"

" I said Tori needs to go into town for a few things. I'm going to go with her. We'll be back soon."

" Fine by me. Be careful though. You never know when one of Annebelle's crazy henchmen will. . . attack, for lack of a better word."

" We'll be fine." He said, leaving quickly. My jaw dropped open and I just stared at the space where he used to be. What was up with him. I stumbled backwards and plopped into the couch, my gaze on the fireplace. I felt someone sit next to me, a hand laid comfortingly on my shoulder.

" He'll be alright. He hasn't been. . . taken over long. I can probably get the necromancer out of him by tonight." Claudia whispered. I turned to her and nod.

" I'll take you through the castle, so you can see if anyone else is being. . . taken over." Laurent spoke up, his eyes on Claudia. I waved them away, telling them that I'd catch up with them later. I was alone for a total of five minutes before I heard a small tap on the door. I looked up, and grinned when I saw Hope. She had a small doll in her hand, and she appeared pensive.

" Mommy, what's wrong?" She asked, coming into the room. I grabbed her and placed her on my lap, stroking her hair with my fingers.

" Nothing's wrong love, I'm just tired."

" But you don't sleep mommy."

" Well, I know. I'm tired of. . . some people are being very mean to mommy and her friends. So, I have to stop her from being mean-"

" Oh, and it's making you tired?"

" Unfortunately. Tell me, how has your teachings been going?"

" Good! My teachers say I'm the brightest st'dent they've ever had!"

" That's excellent! And you've been keeping up on your reading?" She shook her head fervently and smiled.

" Aren't you proud of me mommy?"

" Extremely! I've never been more proud in my life." I snuggled with her, inhaling her fresh scent. Her heart beat gently, and her skin was warm against mine. She interlocked her fingers with mine and laid her head against my chest.

" Why is someone being mean to you?" She questioned me suddenly. I sighed and shrugged my shoulders.

" She just doesn't like mommy very much. She wants me to do things that, I just can't do."

" Like what?"

" Like leave my beautiful daughter, your amazing daddy and my friends." She turned to me, her eyes wide.

" She wants you to leave us?" I shook my head and kissed her forehead. " But, you'll never go will you?"

" Of course not! Don't even think about that Hope! I'd never leave you and daddy. Never." I kissed the top of her head and just held her. Soon, I could hear her breathing slow, and knew she was sleeping. I waited a couple more minutes before picking her up. I never wanted the moment to end. I cradled her in my arms and walked up to her room. After tucking her into her bed, I crept out, my steps silent. Edward was outside of the room, a smile on his face. I didn't say a word. I just pressed myself next to his chest and closed my eyes. His arms closed around me and he murmured that he loved me.

" I hate admitting it, but I'm scared Edward." I whispered.

" I am also. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I promise you Bella, I will not allow her to touch you." I looked up, my eyes wide.

" Edward, you have to promise me that you won't do something stupid."

" Bella-"

" Promise me! Edward, she will rip you apart. Please, just. . . don't try to be my hero. I don't need one, and if you do, I swear to God I'll run. And you won't be able to find me."

" Why would you do that?"

" Because I couldn't live if something happened to you. This is my fight Edward. My war."

" You're wrong. As soon as you became my wife your fights became mine." I held his gaze, and knew he wouldn't budge. I didn't want to hurt him. But it was either hurt him, or have him killed trying to save me. But instead of saying anything, I laid my head back against him and held back a sob. I've have to save my words for another die.

-&-

I watched Yuzria walk into the conference room, his steps slow. I kept my eyes on his, wondering how long the blackness had been there. They were dark, almost evil looking. Could Tori see? As soon as they'd gotten back, I'd summoned him to the conference room. Claudia was next to me, a smile on her face. Laurent was also in the room, leaning back in his chair with his eyes on Claudia. I wondered if something was happening between them, and I hoped there was. He'd taken Lisa's death so hard. . . He deserved someone to love. Aro moved around, for some reason he wasn't able to stay still. I figured he was nervous about having Claudia in the room. Marcus and Caius, to my knowledge, were still trying to pinpoint where Eliza was. Every moment she was still gone, we were worried. Well, those of us who gave a shit that is. " Yuzria, have a seat." I said. He sat down, his face blank.

" What do you need Bella?"

" I need you , to tell me, if you've felt different lately."

" Different?"

" Yes, different." He leaned back, an amused smirk on his face.

" No, can't say I feel different. Why Bella? Worried something has happened to me?"

" Actually, I am. Who are you? Because you sure as hell aren't Yuzria."

" Wouldn't you love to know?" I growled and stood, my fists held tightly by my side.

" Don't play games with me damnit."

" Why not, you're kinda hot when you're angry."

" You bastard," I snarled. Claudia gripped my arm and focused her eyes on Yuzria. They narrowed, and suddenly, she gasped.

" Bella, I was wrong. This isn't a necromancer's work," she whispered. " He's. . . possessed by a spirit." I almost fell, I was so shocked.

" You've got to be fucking kidding me. You're kidding me right?"

" I'm afraid not." All of a sudden Yuzria chuckled. I turned to him slowly, and watched as he rose from his chair. He tilted his head to the side and grinned.

" I'm sure you'll remember me Bella. I'm your favorite monster. Well, second favorite. I believe you have something that belongs to me. Your little girl, Hope is it?" Dread climbed up my back, and I found myself not breathing. It couldn't be possible.

" No," I said softly. He moved closer, his steps slow and deliberate.

" Oh yes. Come on, say my name. Just once." He reached my side and put the back of his hand on my cheek.

" Mitchell."

-&-

A/N: Yay! An update! Lol. Sorry it's been a while. I've been sick this whole past week, and busy with school work. Hope you liked the chapter. The Mitchell thing, literally, just came to me. And I love it, so. . . I know, I'm evil. Lol. Again, I hope you liked it, and please review, let me know your thoughts. Loved it? Hated it? Want to kill me for the evil cliffy? Let me know, I love hearing from you. And thank you so much for reading. Really, I do this for you guys :)

Until next time,

Faith