(A/N): Hello all! This chapter was kind of hard for me. One because it is the "pre-climax", with a lot of stuff happening. The beginning I liked very much, but the ending I did not particularly enjoy. I was almost at a loss as to how to go about saying what I wanted to happen and how to organize it so that I have a basis for which the ending can be built on. So yeah...constructive criticism/ etc would be welcome. NOTE: IMPORTANT A/N AT END. PLEASE READ. Yeah, and enjoy!

Chapter 10 – Failed Humiliation

Coldness was the first emotion Bella felt. Her clothes stuck uncomfortably snug to her body; her hands and feet were tied tightly together; and she was thoroughly wet as a drowned chicken. Someone had doused her in ice cold water – her temperature dropped much too fast. She shivered uncomfortably, confused as to where she was.

An unnatural chill paced about the damp room. A heavily shuttered window was pasted into a heavily cracked wall, next to a splintering wooden door. A single candle flickered nervously on an old table that looked as if it might collapse any moment; the atmosphere was dense. She was sitting against a wall, tied up, but not gagged. Her neck felt the absence of her hair…

As she came to realize that her hair was held away from her, someone tugged painfully on the wet locks, causing her to grit her teeth in pain. Memories came floating back…she was with Alice and Jasper slinking through the streets; she afraid that Charlie and Butter had left or died; she finally seeing Charlie even though he was truly sick; her eyes widening with terror when James had stood in the doorway with an evil glint in his eyes. Barely stifling a gasp, she wondered if Charlie was alright…"The little witch awakes!" a very masculine voice whispered huskily into her ear.

"And you're the banshee-hag that always works against the good witch," she retorted, recognizing the voice. She mentally patted herself for the venom in her voice although she felt cold as heck.

There was a faint splutter, as if someone was trying to hide her laughter. James stiffened, his hands pulling harder on her hair. "I like your wit," he murmured, dark amusement flowing over every word, "but I'm afraid that this will cost you more than it will me." Bella yelped when he twisted and pulled her hair at the same time, yanking her head back to an impossible angle. James' cold, emotionless red eyes stared into her deep brown ones, now defiant in her dignity.

"What do you want?" she said with trouble, her jaw clenched.

"I want many things from you." She flinched when he ran a finger down her cheek. "But I'm afraid that my code of honor would only allow me to take one and leave the others alone." He paused; she could almost hear him smile. "Your life is precious – very wanted…but before I take it, I want your Edward suffer by watching you die…little by little."

"You would not get the chance. I would kill myself first."

"I will get the chance, don't you worry. It is much easier to prevent a living from death than prevent the death from living." He paused as if thinking. "I know that you are the only hope for the Cullen curse for ages to come…or maybe the only hope – ever. No matter how you die, they will suffer." His tone changed to a low growling sound. "Besides, I have a personal feud to settle with the family…and no one gets in the way of my vengeance!"

Bella flinched again involuntarily. Just keep him talking, Bella thought to herself, wrecking havoc in her thought patterns by digging for a topic. Finding nothing, she tried the most obvious. "What feud have you had with the Cullens?"

She apparently hit the jackpot. His eyes glazed over in an ancient fury, as if lost in the memories of his past; his grip on her slackened bit by bit. "It's my father's feud that I fight for, not mine. He was too weak to fight those who had taken all his hope and liveliness away…allowing those Cullens to step on him like that!" He spoke the name with utmost disgust. "Rosalie Hale was engaged to Father since birth. Neither had ever complained, growing up together – the perfect match, if you will. He grew to love her while she always saw him as a brother, breaking his heart when she moved away to Kimberley. Three months later, she was dating Emmett Cullen and married him only weeks after!" He was practically fuming. Yet, he had let go of her hair. She tried to move, but barely caught her balance when she realized that her feet were bound.

"Nevertheless, he found a new love even if he never quite healed after Rosalie's departure. He found a young Alice Brangdon when he was trying to follow Rosalie to Kimberly. Despite his misgivings about loving again, he fell to her charming personality. Nearly three months later, she was invited to Rosalie's wedding. Jasper Cullen, the stupid idiot, caught his eye on Alice just before Father wanted to make his intentions clear." The cold fury in his voice made her shiver, yet she could not move. She dared not think that someone would save her, only to hope that she could appeal to his better nature and maybe leave a last letter behind…

"He never found another love; and married only because his family name demanded an heir. His life was half gone the moment Rosalie left, the other half disappeared when Alice left. Never had he been happy or well since." Ancient grief permeated his tone. "Because of the Cullens, I never had a loving father and never experienced family." His voice faded away, as if confused.

Something glinted briefly in the darkness of the room. With a gasp, she realized that her feet bonds were cut. "My time has come to avenge my father's misery."

"If your father truly loved, he would have been happy that his love found someone whom she could love unconditionally and whom would take good care of her." She mentally slapped herself for being unable to hold her tongue.

He swore under his breath. "You know nothing!" His eyes flashed angrily. He no longer had a willing audience or the patience to hold one. He gripped her hair again, tugging on it hard enough to pull her to her feet. "Listen little lady," he said. "Had you not chosen a Cullen to love, your life could be spared…or taken quietly." He paused, a devilish grin forming on his face. "But because you have…" He left the sentence hanging.

Practically hyperventilating, she let herself being dragged to the door without a fight. "Is there any last words to your darling Edward Cullen?" She mutely nodded, almost relaxing. A paper and quill were thrust into her hands. "Two minutes is all you get."

Bella closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. Shakily, she dipped the quill into an old ink bottle, and began to write on the unstable table.

Edward,

What to write? She wanted to say a hundred thousand things to him, but none of them what she really deemed important. She decided on the truth in as simple words as she could manage.

A wise friend once told me that parting words are the hardest to write. I know the truth of it now. I have to say that I am sorry. After all your efforts to keep me safe, I just have to go and ruin it, all without a fight. Forgive me and forget me, but hold happy memories dear.

Tears welled in her eyes. Shaking slightly, she continued.

And lastly, remember that I loved you, I still love you, and I will always love you. I wish I could have told you, I really do…but I suppose the heavens wished otherwise. Don't grieve for me, nor seek revenge. That is what they want. Be strong and be safe.

With love forever,

Bella

With a shuddering sigh, she bit her finger until it bled. The bright red blood drop fell beside her signature. She couldn't help herself…she wanted to leave a memory of her behind no matter what she had said. Folding the letter up neatly, she dried up her tears. "I am done," she told James emotionlessly.

He blindfolded her with one swift movement and led her like a jail guard leading a prisoner to her death sentence. The letter that Bella wrote was left on the table. A single strand of brown hair lay across it almost like an offering.

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A crowd was gathered around the Forks town square. Confused faces and trepid people glanced nervously about. A woman with fiery red hair stood atop the stage, her head held high and her demeanor noble. Yet, she just stood there. No emotion or any movement – like a stone statue. Aside from hushed talks and discrete conversations, the entire population of Forks was quietly awaiting.

Not five minutes later, the woman's head snapped to her right, eyes like daggers, glaring. She made to move, but just then, a man pushed through the crowd to stand beside her. He whispered something in her ear, to which she nodded yes, and went to sit nearby.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the man tugged another woman – younger than the other – onto the stage. She was blindfolded and tied up, though many of the townsfolk were familiar with her stature. Louder whispers resumed amongst the townspeople. That was, until the man's voice rang out.

"I presume you all wonder what we are gathering here for," the man said eloquently. "My name is James, and that is Victoria." He gestured roughly to the red-haired woman sitting down. "And this little lady here is someone whom most of you know. She is the chief's daughter, adequately named Miss Isabella Swan." Bella flinched.

"She, an angel in the eyes of many, is not what she seemed to be," James continued, his voice dropping low and threatening. "She has betrayed your town to a centuries-old vampire for her own life. Don't you even wonder what happened to her these past months? She's been gone, selling this town in return to the vampire's better nature. Whilst you wilt and die, she's been promised an eternity of youth! What punishment does this disgusting creature deserve?!"

Stunned silence followed his words. Bella stayed silent, never speaking a word; even when she was thrown roughly onto the concrete stage. Her mind was strangely calm. She imagined the crowd around her. There was the peasants, the old bookseller, the farmers, the peddlers, tavern-owners, serving maids. Everyone was gathered around her to watch her die, to judge her based on lies fed by James. And then she pictured Edward. She would rest in peace as long as he was safe, as long as he was happy.

Whispers broke amongst the crowd. Why wasn't Bella defending herself? Why does she look so sad? What had happened during the last few months? Could this be a trick?

"Do you not believe me?" James raved, quickly loosing patience. "Do you want proof?" His eyes glinting, voice rising just a little, as if daring someone to contradict him.

Silence. Everyone in the crowd looked towards one old and wizened man. "We heard one side of the story. And if there's one thing we learned from the chief and his daughter, it is that one can never judge just hearing one party's story." Bella smiled. The old bookseller was indeed wise. Everyone else agreed to his words. But how could she tell them that the vampire was not dangerous? Only those who knew him well could overlook the fact that he is a vampire and judge the being underneath.

Still thinking, rough hands dragged her into a standing position, untying her blindfold. Her eyes squealed at the sudden light. With nearly hollow eyes, she stared at the town she once knew so well; the people she knew since she was born.

"Where were you, lass, the past few months?" the old bookseller asked kindly.

"I was with Edward," came the reply. It sounded lifeless even to her own ears. She had died the moment she knew she could never see Edward again. Her heart seemed empty – everything was empty. So calm…why was everything so calm when she wanted to scream?!

"Where is Edward?"

" Kimberley, my home."

"Her heart seems broken." The bookseller's wife, a librarian, nudged her husband slightly. It was not like Bella to keep answers so short. To Bella, they said, "What happened?"

"He pushed me away to keep me safe."

James started pacing. This would not do. His head suddenly snapped up. "Isabella," he called. Bella winced. "Tell everyone what Edward is and what his family is."

"Edward is a vampire; his family members are stony animals." Her eyes were glazed over, as if lost in a wonderful memory; as if she no longer cared what she had said. In her mind were playful images of Edward chasing her across the castle; them sharing a sweet kiss under the bright moon; them picking flowers and suddenly having a food fight. And then her heart squeezed tight, realizing that they were just memories. She wanted to cry.

James knew naught of her resignation to fate, seeking only to publicly humiliate her to the highest degree. He drew out a wide mirror seemingly out of nowhere, whispering something to it and holding it out for everyone to see. The crowd gasped. For the first time since she left Edward, her cheeks flooded with color and she showed an emotion other than emptiness. It was shock…

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Two dogs, their marble white skins glittering softly in the light of the setting sun, padded quickly through the field. Noses to the ground, they moved in perfect harmony. Moving ever quicker, until they were nearly full-speed sprinting, both crashed through the door of an abandoned cottage. Creaking shutters sang mournfully, and dust danced all around them. Towards one side of the room laid a table, shaking in its effort to uphold itself against gravity.

The two dogs stood in stunned silence, neither moving nor speaking. The table groaned as it fell over. A folded letter twirled gracefully in the air, dancing and prancing within the cacophony of swirling dust. One of the dogs approached the letter as it slid finally onto the ground. Sniffing it, she perked up, eyes squinting to read the words upon it. There was only one word to read: "Edward".

"We need to give this to him," Alice said, still sniffing the letter.

Jasper sighed in agreement, wincing at the frenzy and madness Edward would be in when he understood what happened. He was up for a rough night…

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Bella felt herself pelted by rotten food, though she felt nothing of it. There was no shame, no feeling, no anything; only emptiness reigned in her mind.

It was funny how a crowd of people who watched you grow up could be so easily swayed by twisted truths and lies. They, whom you trust the most, turn against you at the slightest proof. James had shown them the unthinkable – of the monster that Edward was and then of how she frolicked with him. It made everyone – even the bookseller and librarian – turn against her, calling her traitor.

Night had settled then. Just had most people were about to leave in anguish, James claimed that the next day shall be a punishment. Still, she had no shame, nor a regretful thought; save for one. She never should have listened to Edward; never should have left him when he so demanded it of her. Regret could be such a painful thing, for this regret was hurting her in a much more harmful way than any rotten eggs and cabbages could every do…

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"And you just left her to their mercy?! What were you thinking?!" Only Carlisle and Esme refrained from flinching at the tone Edward took. He fumed, pacing around the room. "I'll tell you what! You weren't thinking. Do you want to know what she said?"

Alice and Jasper shuddered, shaking their heads. Edward suddenly froze. His shoulders slumped, defeated. His previous anger was all but forgotten; and his golden eyes were laced with fear and loss.

"She asked that I forget her but retain happy memories; and remember…" his breathing hitched; his voice bearing awe and extreme sadness. "And remember that she loves…loves me…"

A collective gasp sounded throughout the room. "Edward…the curse…"

"…won't be broken until we admit that to ourselves and to each other personally," he answered with a hallow ring. "There is absolutely no way that I could love another if she dies." He spun on his heel and ran out of the cozy room. From the windows, the animals saw a blur racing across the grounds into the trees. They sighed. Forks was not far, but his curse would cost him dearly, especially now.

A moment later, Alice stood up. "Well, I'm following him." She left with Jasper at her heels. Esme wanted to follow, but Carlisle restrained her, saying that they had no right in mingling with the business. The children had to do it themselves.

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"Force her to never return! Banish her from Forks, forbidden to ever return!" someone yelled out. "The trickery she deceived us with deserves no less."

"Trickery…how do we know she won't seek revenge? Kill her! Her life will salvage our city and redeem our previous wealth."

Bella swore she could almost feel her ears developing scars if they rambled one more times. Scapegoat…she was going to die as a scapegoat and as a lure. She prayed that Edward had received her letter and actually heeded it. She internally sighed. Knowing him, she'd be lucky if he didn't blow half the roof off.

She felt something stone-cold at her throat, pressing into her skin, biting until it broke her skin barrier, drawing blood. "Shall I just slit your throat? It would be merciful of me really, to let you die this easily."

"As if you can ever be merciful!" Her teeth clenched and unclenched. He only chuckled. The edge of the sword, still touching her skin, swayed ever so slightly. She hissed inaudibly at the pain.

"What are you waiting for?!"

"Are you dim? Do you really want Bella gone that quickly?"

James paid no heed to the quiet whispers within the crowd. He drew Ter across Bella's neck – slowly, deliberately shaking his hand to create more torture. "Just kill me," she hissed, clenching her eyes.

"You are right, you know. I can not be merciful." He smirked. "How about this? I'll make a pretty little drawing on your pretty little face with my pretty little sword?" The cold metal was immediately removed from her neck.

Her eyes snapped open, narrowing at the sharp point of the gleaming obsidian sword glaring at her eyes. "Let's see…a little mark here," James stated, drawing a line down her left cheek, "and a matching line here." He gave the same treatment to her other cheek, drawing fresh blood.

Apparently, the crowd had enough of this taunting and began to dissipate. No one talked; no one spoke. All had a feeling that they were tricked, but no one wanted to mention it, afraid that they will be scorned upon.

James saw none of that. He continued to trace her face with his sword, seeking to mock her and her beauty. Yet, it was only when James claimed that he'd gouge her eyes out that she reacted like a live human. Her eyes snapped open, showing nothing but pure unadulterated terror at the sword looming ever closer. At the last second, she closed her eyes, anticipating for the pain…that never came.

A gunshot went off. Two seconds later, the sword clanged onto the ground. Bella's eyes opened again to reveal a frozen looking James. He shot around, body suddenly heavy with an unknown weight. Bright red hair spilled from his arms. On the ground, a few drops of blood trickled.

" Victoria?" James inquired, his voice in denial. " Victoria, wake up!" There was no response. As he sank to the floor, the old image of Charlie appeared. He was holding a pistol aimed at James; his eyes were nearly red in anger.

"No one lays a hand on my daughter."

James did not care. He cradled Victoria's head in his lap like a child, whispering nonsensical words into her ear the entire time. One single tear rolled down his cheek.

Bella was about to say something when someone engulfed her into a breathless hug. A familiar scent wafted into her nostrils. "Edward?" she whispered, almost shakily, turning around in his embrace.

Breathing ragged as if he had ran a hundred miles, he only hugged her tighter, reveling in her returning embrace. "I missed you so," he whispered back. "I…I really, really…" he paused, licking his lips. Her eyes looked up in anticipation; his confession died in his throat. He swore under his breath. "What happened?"

"He tried to ruin my face," she replied, tears cascading down her wounded cheeks. "I think it will scar…"

Being ever so gentle, he swooped down to kiss the cuts ever so slowly. "I'm so sorry…I'm so sorry for putting you through all of this…it was unforgivable."

She was about to reply when a movement caught their eyes. James picked up Victoria bridal style and walked away. Half way across the street, he turned and shouted, "There is revenge…don't you worry!" And he disappeared.

Staring into her eyes, Edward swooped down and kissed Bella with the slightest sigh. All's well that ends well…and right now, it may not be the end, but the end was looking very good.

Yea...I can kind of end everything here, which leaves me to my important point. School is starting, and I am definitely not sure if I can continue regular updates or not. So...I am asking a vote. There are about 3-4 chapters left (or thereabouts). I can either promise at least one update per month, or update an outline of what is going to happen and then update the ending (this could be up within two weeks). So...yeah...if you could tell me what you prefer, and I'll follow majority votes :).

And then, also comment on this chapter:D lol...leave a review!

Cathy