A/N: Sorry for the wait. My mother had back surgery, so I had to go take care of her. I know this is really short, but I'll try to do better on the next one.

Chapter 17

The door was locked and she had sanctuary from the outside world, even if it was only temporary. She sank into the hot water and bubbles with a sigh. Dawn's eyes closed as the heat soaked into her aching bones. The venom was slowly working from the inside out. She had no appetite either for energy or food and she had been throwing up quite a bit lately. Everybody thought she had anorexia when she just felt horrible. There was no way she could see a doctor simply due to what she was.

Her band mates were worried about her because they'd finally booked a big concert and she wasn't enjoying any of it. She was exhausted most of the time.

Dawn's mind went back to Carlisle. She felt horrible for leaving him, but she was worried. Her cravings for Carlisle's energy had never stopped and she feared for what she might do to him. She didn't know what she was going to become after she succumbed to the venom. She didn't know if she'd want to kill him or not. Her body often felt like it was on fire. She had never felt so alone in her life. She couldn't tell anyone.

After the water began to cool, she felt a little better and climbed out of the tub with some difficulty. Then, she pulled a rich red silk nightgown over her head that made her blonde hair stand out more. She decided it was time to go to bed. Just taking a breath seemed to take a lot of effort.

She slipped between the sheets of her hotel bed. Twice, the band members knocked on the door, but she ignored them.

Everybody shut the Hell up and leave me alone...please...

She slowly went to sleep, then faded into unconsciousness. She wasn't aware of Edward using some of the hotel staff's knowledge to get Dawn's room. She wasn't aware of Alice distracting the manager at the front desk while Emmett snatched the key. She wasn't aware that they were all coming for a rescue. Emmett tossed Carlisle the key so that he could be the one to open the door.

When they came in, they weren't sure what they expected. Dawn's belongings were scattered carelessly around the room. The usual blueberry scent that was hers now had an acid, tainted smell.

Carlisle found her in the bed. He carefully pulled back the covers. What he saw was worse than he could ever imagine.

"Oh, my God," he breathed.

Dawn's breath was so light that it was barely detectable.