Chapter 6: "Without a Trace"

Disclaimer: The proprietary elements of Breaking Dawn, including its original treatment and all of the characters, belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Edward's POV

The worst was over. Or was it? Bella had survived the change, and somehow, so had I. Her first hunt—instinctive and fast—had satiated the physical hunger. But, I was empty inside; if Bella weren't safe and whole in my arms, I'd be wishing for death, myself.

This was a father's worst nightmare. A husband's darkest fear. How could I tell my "newborn" wife what had transpired during her transformation? How would I explain that our innocent, infant daughter had been abducted from this very house by the vilest of our kind—the Volturi—without my knowledge? And the vehement reaction of Jacob's pack. Not to mention the reason behind it. Where to begin?

Someone would die for this (at my hand); of that much I was certain. How dare they? What right did they have? Why would the Volturi be threatened by Elizabeth's existence? What possible rationale could justifiably motivate such caustic cruelty—warrant this outrageous affront to our family?

Caius and Felix would be mine, and mine alone. I'd thought of nothing else in the hours since it happened. How I would single-handedly tear them to shreds. How I'd enjoy it. Caius had malevolently crossed the line. I could care less whether or not he did so with Aro and Marcus' prior consent (unlikely, given the fact that Aro would never purposely offend Carlisle and Marcus wouldn't care enough to become personally involved); a Cullen had been kidnapped and there would hell to pay. No questions would be asked.

But first, Bella must be made to understand why Carlisle and I must now leave—why we must join Alice and Jasper in Europe at once. Somehow I had to explain all of this in a way that would make sense to her. Would she even understand? How would I tell her?

Elizabeth is gone.

Bella's POV

The hunger—the thirst, rather—had subsided, and I was starting to feel more like…myself. Sort of. My first reaction upon looking in a mirror was unthinking pleasure. The alien creature in the glass was indisputably beautiful, every bit as beautiful as Alice or Esme. She was fluid even in stillness, and her flawless face was pale as the moon against the frame of her dark, heavy hair. Her limbs were smooth and strong, skin glistening subtly, luminous as a pearl.

My second reaction was horror. Who was she? At first glance, I couldn't find my face anywhere in the smooth, perfect planes of her features. And her eyes! Though I'd known to expect them, her eyes still send a thrill of terror through me. All the while I studied and reacted, her face was perfectly composed, a carving of a goddess, showing nothing of the turmoil roiling inside me.

"The eyes?" I'd whispered, unwilling to say my eyes. "How long?"

"They'll darken in a few months," Edward had said in a soft, comforting voice. Though he still couldn't read my mind, he knew me well. Understood my fears. "Animal blood dilutes the color more quickly than a diet of human blood. They'll turn amber first, then gold."

As I studied my eyes in the mirror now, I hoped that I might see a glint of that amber beginning to dance amidst the bright red flames burning in the whites of my eyes. But not yet. It would take time.

As soon as I'd changed my clothes (stained crimson from the hunt), Edward sat with me on couch and took my hands in his. I wondered briefly why his hands shook slightly as he reached for mine. But, there was only one thing I wanted now. One thing I needed. And he knew what it was.

"Can I see her?" I asked hesitantly. "Do you think it's s-safe?"

The look in his eyes confirmed it. He had seemed so distracted on the hunt. Was he afraid that I wouldn't be able to control myself in the presence of our half-human daughter? Was he right? Quickly, before I could begin to panic, Edward composed his expression and drew in a long breath.

"Bella, there's something I need to tell you," he said so quietly that human ears would not have heard. "Sweetheart, Elizabeth isn't here. I'm going to get her and bring her back to us. You'll see her very soon, I promise."

"Where is she? Why wouldn't she be here?" I stammered, confused.

Carlisle walked in with his overnight bag, and Edward glanced in his direction with a tortured expression.

"Edward, what's going on?" I pressed, growing more and more anxious by the second.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Carlisle said softly, "But, we have a plane to catch, Edward."

"I know, I know. Just…" his voice trailed off, and he lowered his eyes, shaking his head slowly back and forth. "Just give me a minute."

And then I understood. The utter despair in his voice had conveyed more than he'd been able to say. No!

I was on my feet, hands clenched into fists at my side so instantaneously that it startled me. Edward's lithe movements mirrored my own, but I didn't even consider reacting defensively this time. Instead, I squeezed my eyes shut tight and spoke slowly through clenched teeth. His hands, which surprisingly no longer felt cold, were on either side of my face.

"Who? Who has her?" I demanded, struggling to control the anger, the startling fury boiling in my veins. Edward's hands slid down my neck, and I became aware that the sides of my throat had sucked closed; I desired blood, but for a different reason now. I took a deep breath to steady myself. I was losing it.

"I'm sorry," Edward said, putting his hands lightly on my shoulders. "This is all my fault." His words made no sense.

"That's not true," Carlisle interjected. "We're all to blame."

I shook my head. Nothing was making sense. And I wanted to destroy something.

"Where is my daughter?" I begged Carlisle, who exchanged another glance with Edward.

"Listen," Edward instructed, turning my face towards his. "I will resolve this. I promise you, Elizabeth will be safe in your arms soon. But I must leave now with Carlisle. We'll bring her home, Bella. I swear it."

"I'm coming with you," I attempted, in a shaky voice that sounded like sleigh bells being jostled.

Carlisle was immediately at Edward's side, obviously braced to handle my newborn resistance, if necessary. He knew young vampires well—but I was slightly offended. Did this escalating emotion presage some misstep on my part? My daughter had been kidnapped! Was I not allowed to react?

I took another deep, technically unnecessary breath. My eyes flickered from Carlisle's gentle, but concerned face to Edward's tormented eyes.

"That, of course, is out of the question," Edward said firmly—but he sounded exhausted, if that were possible.

"She's. My. Daughter." I answered just as resolutely, struggling for control. "I will be a part of this."

"Bella," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.

"No, Edward," I continued, undeterred. "If you leave me here, I'll just follow."

He sighed again, more deeply, and looked me straight in the eyes.

"Emmett, Rosalie, and Esme have very specific instructions," Edward warned.

I set my jaw and folded my arms across my chest.

"Your still just as stubborn," he half smiled, touching my cheek, "But I'm not negotiating this."

Then, enunciating each syllable as if my immortal brain might be slightly impaired, he continued, "I will not have you in the middle of a confrontation with the Volturi, Isabella. Absolutely not."

Ah, he'd slipped.

"The Volturi?!" I gasped, but it was more of a hiss.

One more loaded glance passed between Edward and Carlisle. I missed nothing. And I would not rest until they told me everything.

"Start at the beginning. Please." I said slowly, demonstrating my control—however tenuous. "I have a right to know."

Carlisle nodded quickly. And Edward began.