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Chapter 4: Heartless

Bella's Point of View

I had never felt so utterly alone in my entire life. Even when Edward left, I still had Charlie, Renee and Jacob. But now…I wasn't even the same species as Charlie and Renee. Jacob was lost to me. And my vampire family was, well, half of them were scattered and lost, and I had no idea what had happened to the other half. It was completely my fault.

The Volturi would never have come if it had not been for me. It was stupid to assume we were safe one I had been changed. Aro had always been curious about me. And when vampires were used to having whatever they wanted for century after century, he was bound to come and see how I turned out sooner or later. It was just sooner, and with more force, than any of us had ever dreamed.

Now Jasper and Edward were locked away, and Alice and I were also prisoners. Prisoners of a different sort, that was true, but prisoners nonetheless. If only we knew where they were, if they were ok. But Aro had promised us that Edward and Jasper would not be harmed so long as we behaved. It didn't take much to imagine the veiled threat in his casually spoken words.

We were not allowed outside of the city walls without an escort, and the two of us were rarely allowed out together to hunt. Aro claimed that inside the city we were allowed to roam as we wished, but there was always a distant grey cloak that tracked us.

Also, more and more frequently Alice and I had been separated. Aro kept Alice with him almost constantly, quizzing her on this and that mundane detail of the future. I was supposed to be practicing my power. Aro had apparently seen my power inside Edward's memories and he was eager to harness it for himself.

I heard a rude snort from behind me. 'Bella's daydreaming again.' Felix came up beside me, I could smell his foul breath. I shuddered, he always stood much too close to me.

'Daydreaming about your wittle pretty boy Edward again, are we? You know, he hasn't really been around too much lately.' Felix smiled, though his eyes did not share in the smile as he stared greedily at me. 'A delicate young vampire such as yourself could use a strong companion like myself.' He threw his arm around my waist roughly and pulled me against him.

I shoved him away with all my power. I was barely able to do it. My newborn strength had been slowly waning. Figures, I thought, just when I need it the most it leaves. I really had no luck at all.

'I am beginning to lose patience Bella.' Felix's eyes flashed dangerously as I took a step back. 'I'm used to getting what I want, and I want you.' His now hungry expression took in my body. 'It's only a question of when, and the longer I have to wait, the worse it's going to be for you.'

Before I could respond a new voice called from behind me. 'Felix, you're quite the charmer. If you'd used those lines on me, our relationship could have turned out completely different.' A tall, shapely vampire joined us in the clearing. Chelsea. I was happy to see her for once, though usually I couldn't stand the sight of her.

Alice had once told me that Chelsea occasionally tried to sever Alice's emotional connection to Jasper and to swerve her loyalty to Aro. Only Alice's deep love for Jasper had allowed her to hold true to her feelings thus far. The worse thing about it was that Alice had never seen Aro telling Chelsea to use her powers on Alice. Chelsea did it on her own. Out of boredom or some other perverse reason, I did not know, and the reason mattered little to me.

I gasped as Alec, Demetri and then Alice followed Chelsea into the clearing. Alice gave me a small, encouraging smile. I grinned tightly back, wondering why we were allowed outside of the city together for the first time.

Demetri saw the looks we exchanged, and he held up a tiny cell phone. 'Just in case you two get any ideas, I can be on the phone in an instant and Jane will pay your boyfriends a visit. So lets all behave ourselves, shall we?'

I squeezed my eyes shut tightly. I had not been allowed to see Edward since we had been imprisoned here, and I had lost track of the days. I thought of him every minute of the day, and I felt horrible that my very existence had never caused him anything but trouble. I hoped he was being treated well, as Aro had promised us that he and Jasper both were.

Chelsea cleared her throat. 'I'm sure you've both noticed that you are outside the city walls, and together. Caius does not think that Aro is doing a good enough job in developing your gift Bella. So he ordered us to bring you both out here for a little extra practice.'

I didn't like the sound of that at all. I glanced quickly at Alice, and she gazed back, her eyes empty. Then I understood.

'No! Don't hurt her!' My body tensed, I was ready to spring forward at a moment's notice.

'Really Bella, don't be so dramatic.' Chelsea rolled her eyes. 'Aro would never forgive any of us if we hurt his pet psychic. That's why we brought Alec, not Jane.'

I hadn't noticed him since he'd first entered the clearing, but Alec had been standing patiently the whole time, his eyes never leaving Alice.

'All you need to do is expand your mental barriers to cover Alice as well, and all will be well.' She turned to the slim boy at her side. 'Alec, begin.'

Alice's eyes went wide with shock, her always self assured body language evaporating. I knew exactly what she was experiencing. She was completely blind and deaf to the outside world.

I hated to see her like this. All the Volturi's mahogany, expectant eyes were on me. I clenched my fists at my side and tried to force myself to concentrate. I had done it, once before. I had extended my shield out to protect another. Aro wanted my power developed so that I could always be by his side and shield him. With Renata warding off any physical attack and I the mental attacks, Aro would be untouchable. The thought made me sick.

But I couldn't do it, not even to save Alice. I actually tried this time, harder than I had during any of my other forced practice sessions. I didn't know if I couldn't do it because always, in the back of my mind, was the image of myself ever present at Aro's side, or maybe I couldn't do it simply because it had been a one time deal, a fluke.

We all stood still as statues for the longest time. If any human unfortunate enough to stumble past the clearing could have seen us, it would have looked like some odd outdoor art gallery.

Finally I crumpled to the ground. Intense practice sessions were the only thing that could make me feel anything close to tired. 'I can't do it.' I whispered. 'I'm sorry Alice.'

With a start I realized that Demetri was on the phone. No…certainly they were not punishing Edward because of my failure. Demetri saw my wide eyed, panic stricken face, and an odd look flashed across his face. 'Caius, it's not working, we're coming home. But I have an idea. Do you think you can occupy Aro for another hour?'

I shrank back from his malevolent smile.

The burning pain was gradually starting to decrease. It had been all I had known for what felt like forever. I had suffered several lucid intervals during the change. Those had been the worst, when the pain retreated so that I could clearly think. I remembered I had laughed at three days a long time ago. I had said that three days was nothing, that I could endure more if I had to.

How incredibly wrong and stupid I had been. This did not feel like three days, it was more like three years, three decades of unending, burning torture.

I think I had cried out. I had sworn to myself that I was going to keep silent so that Edward wouldn't suffer along with me. But how was I to know if my screams were inside my head, or if I shouted for the world to hear.

I was eternally grateful that I had managed to remember Edward's face through my pain. During those short intervals of lucidity, I was able to focus all my thoughts on his wonderful, perfect face and then the pain was not so bad.

My heart started to flutter very fast. For one horrible minute, I though that something must have went wrong and I was dying. There, it was slowing, it was back to normal. No…I couldn't feel it beating at all. I must be holding my breath. I let out a long, low breath then sucked in a big mouthful of air.

It was like I had been swimming underwater my whole life. When I opened my mouth and inhaled, my senses were assaulted with wondrous, new, strange scents. Yet one was not so new…I sniffed the air again. It was so much stronger, it had so many more textures to it, but…

'Edward?'

Someone squeezed my hand gently. I frowned. It couldn't be Edward, this touch was much too warm to be his.

Then Edward's velvet voice spoke to me. 'Bella? Are you ok? The…transformation is complete. Does something still hurt?'

The transformation is complete? My eyes flew open and I shot up, my hand pulling out of Edwards. I shook my head, confused. I hadn't meant to jump up like that. I had only tried to sit up and now I was at the opposite side of the room.

I did not look at Edward at first, I simply marveled at my new sight. Everything was much clearer, sharper, I could read the tiny print on every one of Edward's cd cases all the way across the room.

And Edward. I finally turned my gaze back to him. It was like I was seeing him clearly for the first time. Had I really thought he was so beautiful, so perfect before? He was breathtakingly exquisite now. I couldn't find the words to describe him.

But his face, he looked so sad, so crestfallen. Suddenly I realized that he must have misinterpreted the distance I had put so quickly between us.

I was at his side in an instant, once again misjudging my new speed. He glanced up at me, his eyes full of hurt and shame. I knew he thought I was upset, that I had finally run from him, though now it was too late.

I took his hand in mine. Amazing. His skin felt warm and so incredibly pleasant to me now. I knew that I would no longer shudder from his cold touch. A smile touched the corners of my lips and I leaned in, brushing my lips ever so softly against his.

The fire inside me returned at once. Except it was not like the torture I had just endlessly endured, this was a different fire. One that started deep inside me and spread outward, threatening to consume my entire body with desire.

Edward's lips were hesitant at first, he did not yet believe that I was pleased with him, that I did not want to run away screaming. As our kiss deepened he started to believe that I still truly wanted him. My fingers tangled in his hair and I realized with extreme exultation that there were no longer any barriers between us. Edward need not fear hurting me any longer.

He had pulled me onto his lap, his hands resting on my hips, when his bedroom door burst open.

'Bella!' It was Alice, and her voice was lovelier than ever. She danced into the room, giggling at me. Edward heaved a huge sigh and rotated me, so that I was sitting in his lap, cuddled against his chest. 'I'm sorry for intruding, but I saw that if I didn't interrupt you now, no one would have access to you or Edward for days.'

A week ago, I would have been left blushing furiously at Alice's comment. I grinned widely. I was enjoying being a vampire already.

'And, Alice? That would have been a bad thing why?' Edward's arms tightened protectively around me. Suddenly our whole family was through the door and everyone was talking at once.

Carlisle gave Edward a proud smile. 'See, I told you you'd done everything perfectly Edward.'

Esme rushed forward and kissed my cheek, her smile warm and excited. 'I know I've been saying this a lot Bella, dear, but welcome to the family.' She laughed brightly. 'Again.'

Rosalie was looking me over appraisingly. I rolled my eyes, she must be comparing to make sure she was still the most beautiful. Though how I could ever come close to her fairy tale good looks, I would never know.

Emmett grinned infectiously at me, and I had to return his grin. 'Awesome, now we can have even teams for baseball games.' His face fell. 'I am going to miss having you around as a human Bella. You made everything so much more exciting. We never knew when the next vengeful creature would come after you, or if you would just trip and fall.'

Edward growled at Emmett, but there was no malice in his growl, it was more like a friendly warning.

Jasper had moved over to stand with his arm around Alice. He winked at me. 'Thirsty yet, Bella?'

I frowned. Now that he mentioned it, there was a horribly dry sensation in the back of my throat. Like I'd been out in the sun all day without water. I nodded my head, suddenly afraid.

My eyes must have betrayed my fear, because Edward hugged me closer against him. 'Don't worry Bella, I'll take care of you.' He whispered.

'I better come too.' Emmett flexed his arms. 'I don't know if you'll be able to handle all that newborn strength if theres trouble, little brother.'

Edward snorted. 'Who are you calling little, Emmett, you know I'm older than you.'

'I wasn't referring to age.' Emmett flexed his muscles again.

It was Jasper's turn to roll his eyes. 'Ok Emmett, we've all had enough with the flexing.'

Rosalie came up behind Emmett and placed her hands around his bicep. 'Not all of us.' Emmett winked at her.

'All right everyone, I really do think Bella needs to hunt.' Carlisle took charge of the situation. 'Edward, I think it would be best if Emmett and Jasper went with you. Bella is still unsure about her strength, and this will be her first time outside since the change. We can never be too careful.'

Edward agreed with Carlisle, and the party drifted outside Edward's bedroom and down the stairs. Edward kept his hand intertwined with mine.

It was like I had been reborn. I guess I had. Everything seemed so new and clear. There were a thousand different smells alone. Not to mention how much sharper I could see every little detail.

Everyone else had finished discussing the best place to take me on my first hunt by the time we were at the front door.

'Ready?' Edward smiled reassuringly down at me, squeezing my hand. 'We won't let you do anything bad, don't worry.'

I took a steadying breath. I trusted Edward, of course, I just didn't trust myself. I suddenly remembered Jasper's stories about newborns and cringed. If I ever hurt another human, I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

'I'm ready.' I nodded self assuredly and reached my hand out for the door. There was a wrenching sound, and I stared at my hand in shock. I had the door knob in my hand, and it wasn't attached to the door anymore. I looked at everyone, my eyes wide in surprise.

Emmett absolutely howled. 'Excellent! Doesn't know her own strength yet. This is gonna to be more fun than I thought.'

Jasper shook his head and joined Emmett in laugher. 'Like a deer caught in the headlights.' Esme smiled sympathetically at me and Carlisle frowned.

Alice just danced up to Edward and smiled smugly at him. "Oh, and Edward, about my not so timely intrusion earlier, you can thank me for that later.' Her eyes flicked down pointedly to the door knob still in my hand. She stuck her tongue out at Edward and pushed the door open.

Even Rosalie laughed now. Emmett was still gasping and clutching at his sides as Edward pulled me swiftly out the door.

My first time outside opened my eyes even wider than my initial awakening. Everything was so different. Edward and his brothers had raced with me deep into the mountains. As soon as I realized that I could keep up with Edward, I fell in love with my newfound speed and exalted in the wind that rushed through my hair. It felt incredible to be able to keep up with Edward, and he grinned at me, clearly excited that I could share in this experience with him.

The actual act of hunting wasn't as bad as I thought. Jasper and Emmett had sniffed out a large herd of animals. By this time, the burning sensation in my throat had changed from a dull roar to an all consuming blaze. My instincts completely took over and Edward let me loose.

After the fact, I glanced down at my white dress and winced. It was completely covered in blood and fur.

'That's a good look for you Bella.' Emmett winked at me.

'Alice is not going to be pleased about the dress.' Jasper smiled impishly at me. 'Maybe you should get her a bib next time, Edward.'

Edward put his arm protectively around me.

'Yeah! I'll get one of those with the lobster on it for her!' Emmett nudged Edward.

'You know, the little red lobster, they have 'em at those seafood restaurants. Not that I've ever really understood sea food, who wants to eat some smelly fish when you could have a giant piece of beef. Mmm. Sometimes I miss real food.' He sighed.

Edward raised an eyebrow at Emmett. 'I think we've scouted this general area thoroughly, there is not a human for miles. I believe I will be able to handle Bella by myself.'

He took my hand and began to guide me away. 'So if you two will excuse us, I would like to show Bella something. In private.'

He steered me away from his brothers while Emmett gaped at us, open mouthed.

'I think Edward is about to put the moves on Bella.'

Jasper nodded grimly. 'And he doesn't want us there.'

Emmett frowned. 'I don't think we're gonna see much of Edward for a while.'

Jasper shrugged hopelessly. 'I think your right.'

I could just faintly hear Emmett challenge Jasper as the distance between us started to widen. 'Bet I can get home before you can.'

Jasper turned away from us, but Emmett was already gone. Jasper sighed grimly, and then smiled. 'Good thing I know a shortcut.' And he was gone as well.

Edward broke into a light run, and I followed effortlessly beside him. 'So where are we going? Are you sure there aren't any humans around?' I glanced nervously back to where Emmett and Jasper had just disappeared.

'I am sure Bella, trust me, we would have been able to smell a human a long time ago.' I shuddered, and Edward pulled me close.

Our run took us to a rocky mountainside. Before I could object Edward tugged me alongside him and I found that I could navigate the uneven surface quite easily. A laugh escaped from my lips. Edward glanced at me sideways, curious.

'I was just thinking…four days ago I wouldn't have been able to take one step up this mountain, I would have been flat on my face.'

Edward smiled. 'Am I to take it that you are finding your new body to your liking?'

We kept climbing higher. I nodded. 'I can run as fast as you, instead of hanging on your back. I haven't fallen once yet. I can feel the wind right now, and I am pretty sure I should be really cold, but I'm not.'

Suddenly Edward was in front of me, his body blocking mine from taking another step. 'I'm glad to hear that. I also find myself liking your new body.' He smiled roguishly. 'Now I can do this.' He scooped me into a great bear hug and crushed me to his body. 'And I don't have to worry about breaking you.'

He whirled around and set me on a rock outcropping. 'The view from here is magnificent.' I let my eyes wander around the landscape, we were up very high and we could see for miles in every direction. I nodded, and then noticed that his eyes were locked onto me.

He took a bold step toward me, pushing my legs to either side of his body. From the height of my rocky vantage point, his eyes were a few inches below mine. He was gazing up at me through his wide lashes, star struck.

I grinned down at him. With the wind rippling through his hair, and a wild look in his eyes, I had never seen him more beautiful. I was suddenly filled with a burning desire.

'Edward, I was wondering.' He never took his eyes off me. 'Yes, Mrs. Cullen?'

'So far, my eyesight is amazing. My sense of smell is beyond anything I ever dreamed was possible. I am pretty sure I am hearing things I could never hear before. So, I was just wondering if all my other senses were enhanced in the same way…'

I trailed off, gazing down at him, keeping my face innocent. 'Was there anything else you were thinking of doing with my new body?'

His eyes closed and he moaned softly. 'When you speak like that it is utter torture for me.' He grabbed me down from my perch and ripped my ruined dress from my body. Then he picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he was tearing himself out of his shirt.

Our lips met while he frantically unbuckled his pants. The taste of Edward's lips was incredible. There was a multitude of flavors and tastes that I had never before been aware. I couldn't get enough and I deepened the kiss, forcing his mouth open with my tongue.

His pants fell to the ground and he kicked them away, shifting my body so that I could feel how hard he was. I ground my hips slowly against him and he groaned deep within this throat.

Edward pulled away from my lips and trailed rough kisses down my chin and onto my throat. He bit at my neck, and his tongue stroked the wet skin between his teeth. Edward sighed deeply and murmured into my neck. 'You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.'

My hands went instinctively for his hair and my fingers became lost in its bronze length. His teeth fell from my neck and he pushed his head against my hands.

I had had enough, I couldn't be this close to Edward any longer without feeling him inside me. I repositioned my hips and drove myself onto him. I suddenly gasped, I felt like I was going to pass out. Having Edward inside of me before had been wonderful, but this was the most intense thing I had ever felt.

This smoldering sensation inside of me drove me absolutely wild. Edward must have sensed my heightened passion because he flung my back against a rock outcropping and moved his hips violently against me.

I threw my head back and growled deep in my throat as he thrust in and out of me. Edward snarled back, his lips claiming my own with forceful, rough kisses. He put one hand on either side of me against the rocks and his thrusts grew more desperate by the second.

My head still lolling back, I moaned Edward's name loudly. His lips attacked my bared throat, nipping at my skin and kissing from my chin to my collarbone.

I screamed Edward's name and bucked my hips toward his as I climaxed. He growled and held me down forcefully as he moved quickly toward his own climax. My fingers dug deeply into his back.

Finally his hips slowed, he thrust against me, gently, one or two more times and then slowly let me slide down the rock wall and into his arms. He was transformed in an instant, cradling me softly in his arms, gazing down into my eyes in wonder.

An angel's smile touched his lips. 'I never knew anything could feel that wonderful.'

I nodded, sheepish. 'If I would have ever guessed how intense that could be, I would have married you ages ago.'

He grinned. 'We have forever now, my Bella.'

I gazed back into his eyes for what seemed like ages and ages before he reluctantly let me slip to the ground. His pants, some 30 feet away from where we were standing, were ringing.

He growled warningly in the direction of the ringing but quickly made his way over and answered. Edward sighed and frowned at me, flipping the phone shut. 'Alice is threatening to come after us if I don't bring you home. She has accused me of keeping you all to myself.' He crossed the space between us and wrapped his arms possessively around me. 'I do not know why I shouldn't keep you to myself, you are mine.'

I was abruptly aware that we were both still naked and I slipped from Edward's grasp, trying to find my dress.

'Uh, Bella?' I turned and Edward was holding my dress in his hands. 'I don't think this is entirely wearable.'

I cringed. He was right. My once beautiful white dress was now ripped and stained with blood and animal fur. It looked like PETA's worst nightmare come to life.

He sauntered over, his clothes in his other hand. 'I, for one, firmly believe that right now clothes are overrated. But it wouldn't do to have our family see you like this, so you can borrow my shirt.'

I took the immaculate white dress shirt from his hand and slipped into it. He brushed my hands away and buttoned it himself, taking his time. Edward then lifted my hair out of the shirt and dropped a gentle kiss on my nose, his eyes sparkling.

He stepped into his pants and turned toward home, offering me his hand. I gasped, my hand covering my mouth in shock. 'Edward, oh no.'

His eyes flashed darkly as he looked around for whatever was troubling me. I giggled behind my fingers. 'No no Edward, there's no danger…its just…Edward I'm so sorry, your back…'

He frowned and tried to look over his shoulder at his own back. 'What is it?'

I cringed and whispered softly. 'Bruises, from my fingers.'

Edward's eyes widened and then suddenly he was laughing. I let my hand fall from my mouth and smiled, I loved the sound of his laughter, it was like music. He grabbed me up in another giant, crushing hug.

'I never thought I would be the one who was in danger from you.' He put his lips up next to my ear and whispered. 'I didn't feel a thing though, love. Not anything bad, anyway. You're forgiven.'

He sighed theatrically and let me go. 'I almost forgot, Alice gave us exactly nine minutes to get back.' He began to run while I kept pace beside him. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up because he was moving much faster than earlier, but it was still all so effortless. I grinned. 'Why nine minutes?'

He shrugged. 'She saw the sun coming out in nine minutes, and she wants you to see something.' I eyed Edward suspiciously but didn't have a clue what he was talking about.

We made it to the Cullen's backyard right on time. The entire family was outside waiting for us, and I was mortified that they would all see me wearing nothing but Edward's dress shirt.

Carlisle and Jasper politely averted their eyes and Emmett wolf whistled. Rosalie rolled her eyes and stomped on Emmett's foot, he only grinned wolfishly at her.

Alice danced over, a large full length mirror in her hands. She shook her head and scowled at me. 'Really Bella, don't ever let Edward dress you again.'

Edward made a face at Alice and turned his head to me, breathing in my ear. 'I think she looks brilliant.'

Alice ignored him and took my hand, pulling me away from Edward. 'I wanted to be here when you first saw yourself.'

I put a hand up in warning. 'Hold on Alice, I know what I look like.'

She grinned. 'You know what you used to look like Bella.'

I gasped. She was right. With everything else that had gone on, I hadn't even given a second thought to my appearance. Could I really look anything close to their perfection? I doubted it.

At that moment the sun emerged dazzlingly from behind a cloud. My breath caught in my throat. There, in front of me, were seven glittering angels, beautiful beyond comprehension. I did a double take, catching my reflection in the mirror that Alice held. No, not seven, there were eight.

I took a step closer to the mirror, not believing my eyes. I was still myself, but there were no longer any imperfections. And I was absolutely radiant. The sun glinted off my skin just as it had Edward's in the meadow.

I whirled to face Edward, still dumbfounded at my appearance. He smiled. He would have been amazingly dazzling even without the sun bouncing off his glimmering skin. I sighed.

The sun was gone as quickly as it had come and all the vampires returned to their normal, if not still spectacular, selves.

Alice mirrored my sigh with one of her own. 'She was supposed to be looking at herself, not at you Edward.' She mumbled something about Edward always ruining her fun.

I couldn't take my eyes off Edward. He came quickly to my side and took my hand. 'Sorry Alice.' He turned an impish grin on her. 'I think we have some more looking to do.' He tugged me past them all quickly. I was sure we would end up in his room.

Rosalie's lilting laughter followed us as we headed into the house. 'Less than five minutes, looks like I win this one, pay up boys.'

I could just hear Jasper as we disappeared behind the door. 'Did you see his back? Score one for me.'

Alice and I were herded back inside the city walls. Had I ever thought this city was pretty? It disgusted me now.

I tore away from Felix's arm as he yet again tried to wrap it around my waist. He just grinned and kept in step with me. 'What does that pretty boy have on me anyway, honey?' I'm bigger.' He winked at me. 'I'm stronger. And I'm not locked away. What more could a girl ask for?'

I ignored him, my eyes searching the quickly growing castle, wondering where Edward was right now. Over time, I had learned that ignoring Felix was the only real way to respond to his endless advances. If I scorned him or said even one word, he would just turn it back on me and keep going.

I quickly realized we were not going the usual way back to the castle. Our vampire escort had all begun to look the slightest bit nervous. I had no idea what was going on. But I had a feeling I wouldn't like it.

I suddenly remembered a dim human memory, and I knew where we were. We were about to drop into the sewer tunnels that Alice, Edward and I had traveled to reach the castle. What reason could they possibly have for taking us that way?

As we advanced through the tunnels a new smell hit me like a ton of bricks.

Edward! Edward was nearby. I saw that Alice had picked up on it too, but before I could say anything she was quickly whisked away down a separate tunnel by Chelsea and Alec.

I felt horrible about it, but I was not too concerned with where she was going right now. My tunnel was taking us closer to Edward, I was sure of it. We rounded a bend and then I saw him.

I gasped, my hand flying up to my mouth in shock. Could that really be my Edward?

He was on his knees, shirtless and shoeless, wearing only a pair of black sweatpants. His head was hanging low to his chin, his beautiful eyes turned down. His skin looked even paler than usual, if that was possible.

I was confused, I knew he must smell me too, he must know how close I was. But his head did not move.

'Edward!' Still he did not move, and Demetri held up a warning hand to me while Felix grasped my shoulder tightly. I snarled at the huge vampire holding me, but I made no move towards Edward as I recognized the slight figure standing next to him, Jane. There were also two grey cloaked figures behind them.

'Now Bella, we will try your shield powers again.' Demetri grinned and licked his lips in what could only be anticipation.

'No…' I took one step forward, hand outstretched to Edward.

Then his head was thrown back violently, his hands clenched tightly into fists at his sides. I glanced around quickly and saw Jane smiling beatifically at Edward.

'Stop it! Stop hurting him!' I tried to wrench my arm away from Felix, but Demetri only moved over next to me and took my other arm in his hands.

'Not like that Bella.' He whispered into my ear, his voice sickening me. 'Use your mind.'

I saw the veins standing out in Edward's arms, he was in obvious agony, though a sound never escaped his lips. He crumpled to the ground, rolling his body into a tight ball.

'Edward! Edward, please!' Dry sobs tore from my chest as I struggled against my captors.

I couldn't control my fury to concentrate, all I could think of was that Edward was in pain, and it was all my fault.

After an immeasurable period of time Edward's head slowly moved, for the first time since we have been torn from each other's arms such a long time ago, his eyes met mine.

I moaned in despair. His eyes, his beautiful, warm, soft butterscotch eyes were empty. They were still a light gold color, but they were dead, lifeless. I barely recognized them as belonging to my beloved Edward.

A cry of fury tore from my lips, I didn't even recognize it as a sound that I could ever make. I ripped my eyes from Edward's and glared at Jane. All my frustration and rage boiled to the surface. And underneath those strong emotions, pushing them to the forefront, was my intense love for Edward.

At that moment it was as if I was seeing through a filter. There was a light, hazy film surrounding me. I pushed at the film and it leapt outward timidly. My eyes flashed from Jane to Edward, and I pushed again. This time the film roared out toward Edward and completely enveloped him. And I knew that Jane could no longer hurt him.

Before anyone around me could register what had just happened, or that anything had happened at all, a new presence swept down the tunnels, catching us all off guard.

A black cloaked figure swept up to Jane, and put a translucent, papery hand on her shoulder. 'Enough, Jane.'

I did not recognize the voice. His hand stretched out, as if plucking some invisible string in the air, examining it. 'You are destroying them.'

'Take them back.' I was astonished, those last three words had been spoken in a voice that I did know. It was the bored, indifferent tone of Marcus. He turned abruptly and swept away, knowing that his command would be obeyed.

Jane was glaring after his back, her fun clearly ruined. Demetri and Felix were staring at each other, mouths agape, clearly just as shocked as I at this turn of events.

Felix shrugged. 'We better do what he says.' I'll take the boy, you get Bella back safely.

He sauntered over to Edward and pulled him roughly to his feet. Edward stood obediently and did not react, his head down, eyes to the floor. Felix glanced back at me and scowled, then slammed his fist into Edward's stomach, hard.

Edward doubled over, and Felix laughed harshly and swept his feet out from under him, knocking him to the floor.

I roared and my arm was out of Demetri's grip like it had never held me. I was on Felix in a heartbeat. Fueled by all my rage and frustration I raised my fist. A distant memory surfaced, and a voice long forgotten lectured me. Keep your thumb inside your fist Bella, hit him in the gut. Thanks Dad. I tucked my thumb inside my fist and with all the newborn strength that remained to me I brought my fist forward, into Felix's stomach. The force of the blow knocked him into the hard stone wall, his body gouging a huge furrow of rock out of the tunnel.

Felix lay against the crumbling wall, dazed. 'Next time, pick on someone who will fight back.' I snarled.

I rushed forward, and my hand briefly brushed Edward's cheek before I was pulled roughly back. Demetri held his arms tight around me, holding me back from the only place in the world that I wanted to be. The two nameless, faceless grey cloaks picked Edward up off the ground.

'Get up Felix. How can you be so careless.' Demetri wrestled me away from Edward. 'Help me with her. You two, get Edward put away before things get any more out of hand.'

I watched helplessly as I was drug away from my Edward. Before we rounded the bend, his face flashed up quickly, and our eyes met for the briefest of heartbeats until the tunnel tore him from my sight.

I smiled grimly to myself. They could take me from Edward now, but what I was pretty sure of was that none of them knew that I had just found the key to my power. I was also pretty sure that Caius would want to keep Aro from touching me for as long as he could manage. For all Caius would know, his little experiment had failed miserably. He would not want Aro knowing about this for a long time.

This would work to my benefit. I was going to get all of us out of here, and soon.