Michael was tired; not just physically, but mentally too. He groaned and ached. Over ninety percent of his body was bruised or scratched; sometimes a combination of the two.
"Edward, could we maybe drop back to my home? I have grown tired of being adventurous. The star wasn't there and I can only hope to win Jessica's affection some other way." He absentmindedly scratched his arm and winced as he drew blood.
Edward, at hearing his name being spoken, perked slightly, only to drift off into space. The makeshift pack had found an inn, run by a young mute. Isabella stiffened and busily played with her dress.
"Go bathe Michael, you'll feel better." Edward shortly replied. He was in no mood for dealing with childish complaints. Michael groaned a bit louder for emphasis and stumbled off to the tub, pulling many plush curtains behind him.
Michael closed his eyes as he slipped into the warm waters. He felt he deserved a hero's rest.
Isabella sighed, revelling in the quietness of the room and the warmth from the fire. Edward sat to across from her, staring deeply into the fire.
Isabella leaned back a bit, her shoulders resting on the cushioned bed. Suddenly, Edwards eyes snapped to her. "Girl, why do you wear the pendant of my dead father around your neck?"
Startled by how quickly he had spoken, she gasped and automatically pulled a hand up to the necklace. Within seconds, Edward had his hand atop hers, trying to pry hers away. Once he had accomplished it, the other hand lifted and gently touched the clear stone in its center.
"You, why won't it change? I'm next to ascend the throne." He whispered, his muted breath tickled her chin as he intently watched the stone.
Isabella panicked. She pushed herself backwards, only to have him react buy pulling her to him. She yelped as her ankle was wrenched.
Edward felt little remorse for her pain; all humans felt it, what mattered was not giving in to the weakness of pain. "How did you manage to come across this necklace, girl?" He darkly demanded an answer, staring straight down into her eyes.
"When I awoke, it was there. I put it on, and haven't been able to remove it." Her soft spoken answer amused Edward. Was she getting flustered by his close presence, he wondered. He pulled her a bit closer and breathed in her ear, "Will you give the necklace to me?"
His eyes widened with alarm when her hair gently pulsed with electricity and light. She struggled to pull away from him, and he let her go, but not before gently brushing her hair with his open hand. A shock ran through the connection.
Isabella ran from the room, embarrassed and angry with herself.
Victoria's sisters spoke through her ring with cackles, "You couldn't even keep you hand, you ninny! Your plan better work, we are lending you almost all of our power to help. Do not waste your chance, sister." And with that, they were gone.
Victoria sighed angrily, pushing the ring back into her pocket, the hand she had worn the ring on had been discarded back in the woods.
The evil woman started her work slowly, she could feel the power draining her youth. She lost her youthful form beneath her clothing and her hair had greyed, but she managed to keep her face slightly young.
She started grinning as she imagined what she would do to the copper headed fool who dared to cross her path and live.
Isabella steadied herself outside of the closed door of her room. "You are an ass, sir Edward," she spoke his name mockingly. "I can't give you the necklace. I already said it won't come off!"
Edward had followed her and was met by a door, slammed in his face. He growled angrily as she began yelling at him through the door. Edward's mind had caught up with him in the few seconds that she had been so close to him, so close that he could see that her hair was truly mahogany, if she ever bathed it.
"If you come out, no one will ever know what you are." He tried not to sound too threatening, but without much practice, malice tinted his statement. He heard a gasp and a click, suddenly two pale hands pulled him through the doorway.
She shook as she paced before him now. "How do you know what I am?" She spun to stare accusingly at him.
"I found you at the sight where Michael claimed the star had fallen. Your hair glows. You carry my fathers ruby." He approached her slowly as he said this, standing within a foot of her, staring down at her again.
Isabella's eyes flickered closed for a moment before she dared to open them again. He was so close to her, she could reach out and touch him. She reddened at the thought and spun, stalking farther away from him.
Edward watched her emotions with his eyes coldly calculating. "So another star has fallen. Would you have any connection to the witch that has followed us?"
With her back turned, Isabella's mouth quivered. "Don't you know why stars are so valuable to you mortals?" She clenched her hands together, wishing that she had the courage to lie to him.
"I am unaware of your value, please do go on." He seemed to purr, and she felt his eyes on the back of her head.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to face the man who she imagined was without a heart of his own. "When a human consumes a star's heart, immortality is granted to the consumer." Her voice had grown softer as she uttered the words that would lead to her end.
Edward grinned, maybe the girl was useful after all. "Very well then. You will remain in this room until you are given further instructions." He quickly stormed over to the trembling star.
Slowly and deliberately, he lifted a piece of hair in his hand. "Actually, my first command is to wash yourself. You aren't to be out of my sight." With her eyes as wide as saucers, the strand of hair started to glow. It was at that point, that she started to silently weep.