I then kept the letter on my jacket pocket then with one last look at the black feather sculpture, I clutched the pendant with the same design that hung on my neck then walked away.

I was going home.

No.

We were going home.

I was supposed to feel happy now but there was still something oddly unsettling. I fear that there were more to come at us. I just hope it's just a feeling. I don't think I can take anymore. I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of running .I'm just really tired. I really hope nothing happens anymore. But that's all that I can do. Hope. I wish the dreaded feeling would cease.

Why does death fill the air…?


Chapter 2: Angel's Final Gift

"Love? Love? Bella, love, are you okay?"

I blinked, and at once I was brought back to reality. I looked up to meet my husband's worried look at me so I forced a smile.

"I'm fine, Edward. I'm just… tired, I guess," I told him.

He sighed but then sat down beside me and took my hand. We were back in Forks…inside our room… I leant my head on Edward's shoulder and he kissed my hair.

I closed my eyes and tried to focus on anything but the small white envelope in my pocket but the more I ignored it, the heavier it seemed. After what seemed like an eternity, I couldn't take it anymore so I reached out and took the tiny envelope from my pocket and stared at it.

"Would you like some privacy, love?"

I clutched Edward's hand a little too tightly. The last thing I needed was to be left alone.

He chuckled.

"I won't leave then."

I relaxed then lifted the envelope to my face.

"I… don't think I can open this…opening it would mean that Angel knew he would die eventually – that he would go… it somehow feels like defeat…"

Edward ran a hand through his bronze messy locks and half-smiled at me. "Or rather than think about is as his defeat, why not his victory…? Who knows? Maybe he wrote something of great importance. Or his testimony of events that occurred… But for me, he is the greatest winner of us all, Bella. He was able to fulfill his promise of protecting you and he was able to achieve peace. He was a soldier, Bella. He knew that in any battle there would always be the risk of dying – dying with honor."

I nodded at him and smiled, "You're right. Well… here goes…"

Hesitatingly, I opened the envelope very carefully then I took out the letter that was neatly folded when a small slip fell out. Edward caught it and handed it to me. I read that first.

It read:

Dearest sister Izzy,

If you are reading this letter then that means that I have gone and failed to pass on a very important secret. Heed this now, at this moment – seal the room. The contents that are in my letter must not be made public. Seal the room now!

I didn't even think twice and like an automatic response, my eyes glazed over and from my reflection on the mirror across from us – I saw my golden eyes turn silver and things flew around us as I sealed the room. The windows shut tight with loud clangs, the door closed with a loud bang and lights went out. Only floating silver light illuminated the room.

I knew Edward was focusing as well, his mind sharp and alert. Then I unfolded the letter and Edward read with me.

Dearest sister,

I assume you have sealed the room already. Very good. I am about to share a secret that is known to a select few. From what was said to me, this secret is only passed on when the current keeper is dead. The last keeper was Sebastian. Do you remember him? You've met with him. Anyway, you knew he was in hiding, right? Then he chose to end his life… The reason for that is the secret was found out. It was found out by one of the Elders. Who that Elder is, I do not know. How was I able to get a hold of the secret? It was during the time I was imprisoned with Apollo in Prague. During that imprisonment, for once a week, we were allowed to get out of the cave but it was done in alternate weeks. When it was my turn one night, Sebastian came to me. Then he knew of my power to manipulate memories so he knew I would be the best choice for the next keeper.

I won't go into the details of that anymore. So I'll proceed with the secret. My dearest sister, I don't know if this would be of great benefit for you or not. I apologize if it would be a burden on your part if you head down one path or a blessing should you go down the other. But let me start with a question. How much do you value your immortality? If I tell you that there is a way for you to become mortal once more, if there was a chance, would you take it?

Whatever your answer would be, Izzy, I'm telling you this now. There is a way. There is a way to become mortal once more should you wish it. I'm sorry I can't tell you everything in this letter, my dear sister for I fear that eyes are prying amidst your shield. The only thing I can part with is a clue that would lead to another clue that we have guarded for so long.

Here is the clue: Dear sister, to the mount of the gods and goddesses of old you must go. Find the broken statue bearing a seal of the angel Michael. It is the only seal that lacks a single feather. If you have my half of the twin silver wing pendant, use this. Just press the wing upon the statue to complete the seal and wait. An entrance will be revealed and you must go inside and search for a key. This key opens the door to the oldest archive in the world – the tower of lost knowledge found in the heart of our kind's kingdom in Russia. Go there in stealth if you can and meet with and only with Leandro. Be wary. He is neither dead nor alive. Just whisper his name and he'll come. Present the key and present the other wing pendant and he'll show you where to go and what to find. That is all.

Foolish mortals have journeyed far and wide for immortality but there are some immortals who seek mortality. Again I don't know what you make of this or how you will take this but the choice is yours. What is eternity to you?

Dearest sister, I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your life. I know that you are in great hands. I'm sorry for not making it officially to your wedding. I was there but I regret not being able to walk you down the aisle. But from what I saw, you were beautiful as always and you've never looked as lovely and jubilant as I saw you then. Because I know I have long gone when you've read this, I am sorry for dying twice. But remember this, I will always be with you. I have guarded you for most of my existence and I will guard you still. I love you, Isabella. But now, I bid you, adieu.

Your brother,

Angel

I read and reread the letter over and over again until my hands trembled and I fell on my knees clutching the letter to me. I felt Edward's hands on my shoulders and his chin on my head. He let me sob dryly for some time – my sobbing ending the seal I've put as lights went on once more.

When I was calm I looked up and faced Edward, his expression was that of sympathy, pain, worry and love. He cupped my face and kissed my forehead, my eyelids and my lips.

I kissed him back, my arms around his neck and he pulled me closer to him as we kissed for a while. Our kiss was not forceful but tender, soft and more for comfort. When we finally broke away, I looked up at him and asked.

"What do we do now, Edward?"

He smiled at me as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "It seems you have a choice to make, my love."

I tilted my head, "You? Don't you mean, we? It is your choice too."

"Your choice is my choice," he answered as he brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it.

I looked down at the letter once more. "I really don't know, Edward. I have you. I have you for the rest of my existence. I have everything I need. I don't mind eternity." I faced him.

He smiled at me, his eyes gentle.

"I feel the same, I really do. But to be mortal once more – I can give you so much more, love. I can give you a true life not one of living with pretenses."

I smiled at him, "I don't mind but still –

He cut me off, "I can give you a child."

A child? I thought it through. I do want to experience growing old and living a normal life…and having a child… I smiled.

But then I remembered something and my eyes grew with worry.

"But Edward, we are too known – what if they find out that we've become mortal once more?"

He cupped my face once more with both of his hands. "Bella, they won't. We will find a way."

"But –

"Bella. We will find a way." He said firmly.

"Edward, I really want to, I really do but I think… I think I can't afford to be mortal."

He stiffened and I knew he was angry. "What do you mean you can't afford to be mortal?"

I sighed, "Listen love. I think that we should give this to others – like Rosalie for instance. I know that she would want this the most."

"So? Can't all of us be mortal?" he challenged.

My eyebrows drew together, "Someone has to stay behind and guard them. They will be killed. I can defend them and let them live a normal life and I will guard them until eventually they have passed on."

"That's not fair. You deserve a normal life too!"

I shook my head, "Be that as it may, if Rosalie and the others want this then I'll give it to them."

"Then let's not tell them."

"Edward."

He sighed. "I see your point Bella but I think it's not fair. But what if Alice and Jasper don't want it? Can't they stay and guard us when we're mortal?"

I shook my head once more, "They might not be enough."

He leant back and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and closed his eyes.

I touched his arm, "Edward, love… if you want to me mortal… you can you know…"

He glared at me at once. "Bella, how can you even think that?"

"I'm sorry. I really want this Edward, I really do but you know the risks."

His features softened then he pulled me into a hug to which I reciprocated. "I know, I know, love. But I will find a way. I promise."

I melted into his embrace and closed my eyes.

"We'll have to tell them soon," I muttered against his chest.

He rubbed my back. "Tomorrow."

I nodded and we stayed that way for a few more minutes before lying down on our bed holding on to each other as we thought about what to do.

I clutched the silver pendant hanging on my neck and thought of my brother.

So here was the next chapter of our lives and it all starts with the question…

How much do you value your immortality?


AN: Sorry for the long update. I had tons to do and other stories to update. Hopefully, I get to update soon. Thanks for reading!

Margaux