*** This story contains some mild language, suspense, romance, and some frightening images and situations—13 and older, please.
In the Grip of Twilight
By:
Olivia Tannis Moore
Chapter Thirty Eight:
Edward's Release
Elena paid me a visit in the pre-dawn hours. Aros had finally given his consent; Edward was free to go home and Elena would be escorting him. She had looked downright smug when she told me, confident that it was her influence that saved Edward's life. They were leaving later in the morning. I breathed a sigh of relief. Apparently, Demetri had relayed my message, convincing Edward it was best for him to leave Volterra.
And when Demetri knocked on my door a few hours later, I thanked him.
He shrugged it off as if embarrassed by my gratitude. "I have something for you." He dug in his pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. "I wrote down a letter; it's from Edward. I guess it's my way of making amends for last night. I never meant to upset you—that's the last thing I want to do."
My hand trembled as I took the letter.
"I'll go so you can read it in privacy," he said, turning to leave.
"Demetri?"
"Yeah?" he said, turning to face me.
"I'm sorry, too." There was so much I'd planned on telling him, but now it seemed beside the point. "You're my only friend in this place, and I would never have made it this far without you."
He smiled. "I'll always be there for you, Bella. If not this lifetime, then the next…"
I nodded. "So when do we get started on the transfusion?"
He laughed. "It's a little like that, isn't it? …My fangs and Edward's venom." He shook his head in disbelief. "Aro wants us to get started this evening, when the sun sets. I'll come by for you at six o'clock, if that's alright with you?"
"As good a time as any, I suppose."
I stopped him once more as he reached the door; I leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for everything."
***
Chapter Thirty Eight:
Part Two: The Letter
After Demetri had left, I went and sat on the bed. I looked at the parchment-color paper in my hand. On one side of the folded paper, were the words: You must promise to burn this after reading.
I frowned; that would be excruciating, as if asking me to burn his photograph. I pushed those thoughts from my mind, impatient to read the letter.
The paper rustled as I unfolded it with trembling hands. My breath was rapid and shallow, anticipating his anger—or worse, his disappointment in me.
Although it was written in Demetri's elegant handwriting, it was Edward's eloquent words. And I heard them in my ear as if he were there whispering them to me.
Bella,
It's 2 a.m. and I hope you're asleep and not worrying about me. I assure you I'm as fine as I can be, under these circumstances. They tell me that you'll begin the change today, and I try not to dwell on it, but it's hard; and yet I know if I do think about it, the mere thought will drive me insane—knowing that on the day we bond, I'm moving further and further away from you. There's a war going on inside me. I don't want to go— I'd live in this cell as long as I had to, if only you would tell me not to go. I'm waiting and hoping for the slightest hint that you want me to stay…before it's too late. But if you're determined to see this through, then, okay. But understand this; it is not Goodbye for any long length of time. Because I swear on everything you mean to me, that if Aro doesn't release you in six weeks, I will be back for you—and God help any creature that gets in my way.
I want you to know the reasons why I'm going. And why I'll be back for you if need be.
I'm going home because you demanded I go—and I must have faith in you. Carlisle once told me that there comes a time in every soulmate bond where one must make a leap of faith, sometimes a giant one. Because taking that leap will take us to higher ground, but denying it will only stifle the breath from our souls. I look to Carlisle and Esme and the passion they share for one another and I know this to be true—and I want that for us.
You've asked me to allow you to stand on your own…I am now taking that leap of faith. I'm taking it for us.
I love you, Bella Swan.
I'll see you in six weeks, or as fast as you can get home.
Edward
I had six weeks. It was longer than I thought I would get.
In the end, I compromised. I tore the letter in half and folded the last portion, putting it safely in my pocket. There was nothing too incriminating in those last words. Then, I closed my eyes and committed the first half to memory, before taking a match and burning it in the fireplace.
***
**Note: I'm really looking forward to writing the next chapter. I've got the music picked out, down to the very song I'll use while writing it. And if you're interested, I'll post the song, album, and artist on my fanfic homepage. Because this will be a longer chapter, and I don't want to break it, it may be Tuesday before I update. Thanks for all the comments—you guys are the driving force! Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. OTM)
*I'll try and get to the questions you posted on the review page, and the messages in my inbox, over the weekend.