A/N's: WARNING. This chapter has extreme scenes of violence, please remember before reading that this fic is rated 'M' for a reason. If you're under age or sensitive, I can't take responsibility for your bad dreams.
Ch18 Fight
I looked from Edward to Laurent, and then over at James, who appeared very pleased with himself. Edward's eyes were wide and his hands clenched at his sides. He just stared at the man who had created the catalytic non-existence he'd 'lived' in for the last one hundred years.
Laurent was Edward's creator?
I started to piece together the story Edward had told me with the images I had conjured from his tale. I remembered that Edward had told me about Marcus begging for a strange man's help in saving his wife, and Edward had been promised to that person as his reward.
He had been so young and naive and trusting of his ward. Marcus had taken him in and given him a home, an apprenticeship, and more importantly, friendship. Because Edward had lost his father at a very young age, in Marcus he had found a father figure, only to be used in the worst way that I could imagine.
After his change, Edward had searched for his creator, wanting answers to aid him in his new life; to understand his new desires, and of course, his new found capabilities, but he had eluded him; until now.
He'd told me how he'd searched the globe for this man, how he's visited the Vampire Mecca in Italy and gained knowledge about his new life, his needs and his abilities, but he'd never found the reason he'd really gone there in the first place. As far as I knew, this was the first time Edward had seen and spoken to Laurent since that fateful night with Marcus.
I could not fathom how James had found Laurent when the mind reading abilities of a Vampire had failed.
Why was he even here?
I didn't know what reactions would occur from this and I was scared; an icy sliver of fear gripped at my insides. I felt nervous and sick.
"James, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice shaking.
"I should ask you the same thing," James scowled between Edward and me as if to illustrate his point. He was angry at me and I knew should he get me alone, I would suffer his wrath.
"I hardly think that's relevant," I said, but despite my confident words, my tone was low. I was terrified.
"You defy me too many times, Isabella, and that makes me mad."
Edward tore his gaze away from Laurent and stared at James. "You watch how you speak to her!" Edward growled. "I have had enough of your games. I warn you, James, I will destroy you."
"You forget my leverage?" James asked looking bemused.
"I do not," Edward replied, to which James' expression changed to surprise. "You can no longer threaten me with your cruel intentions. I will do what I can to stop you. Come what may."
"You're happy to gamble with the lives of others?"
"If their fate is ruled by your word, then I have already lost, but if I take your life as redemption, that will surely offer their grieving families some satisfaction, will it not? Killing you will be my liberation."
I wanted to smile at Edward's words. He was calling James' bluff. The lives of those kept prisoner in the caves had been held over our heads, as our responsibility. But if we did not fight back, and continued to play along with his games, not one of us would emerge the victor.
James was right, it was a gamble, but what choice did we have? To remain his tools in his rampage, for many years to come, was likened to a living hell for me. I stood by Edward and his decision to fight. We had been compliant for too long. By bringing Laurent, James had finally pushed Edward too far.
Laurent remained standing by the carriage he had just exited. He continued to smile at Edward. He seemed to enjoy Edward challenging James, and I pondered on Laurent's loyalties and his true reason for being here.
"I am pleased with you," Laurent finally spoke. "You are strong and fast. But you have led an unusual life since we parted company many years ago. It seems you are just as open to the love of those around you now, as you were back then." Laurent pointed to me.
Vampires, by nature, were selfish creatures. They did not care easily, not even for their own kind. It was true they mated, but they could not be trusted. Their initial thought was always their thirst. But Edward had belied all Vampiric tales when he met me, for he had controlled his urges and defiled himself to remain hungry. It was naïve of me to think he wasn't the only Vampire capable of compassion.
When Edward's human heart had stopped beating, it seemed all the core qualities that had made him a beautiful boy, had carried forth into his new existence and made him unique. He had humanity, and more importantly, love in his heart, but I feared Laurent may try to use this weakness against him.
"You are foolish to fall for a human, Edward. She is nothing more than food to you."
"I request that you refrain from addressing her at all," Edward hissed. "If you want to preserve your life!"
Laurent laughed. "You are quite an impressive figure and if I'm to believe my sources, you have an additional capability too, hmm?"
Edward lowered his head and breathed deeply, his shoulders rising and falling with the motion. He was trying to keep a reign on his emotions, but it was proving difficult. This was not the way he must've wanted this reunion to go. Surely Edward still had questions. Maybe he'd also imagined joining Laurent if he'd found him of his own free will. But Laurent had now befriended James, and if he could not be trusted, then neither could Laurent.
Whatever reason James had used to get Laurent to come here, I was sure that Laurent had an ulterior motive which he had yet to show us.
Edward's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward on one foot, his body angled to the side; his stance turning defensive. Laurent smiled and tilting his head he opened his mouth to speak but said nothing.
"You are not my father!" Edward hissed.
I looked between them again, not fully understanding the exchange. "So it is true then!" Laurent smirked. "You do read minds, excellent." Then nonchalantly he studied his fingernails. "To answer you, Edward, I think I am."
"A father gives life. You took mine!"
"I gave you a better one."
"You left me alone."
"You sound sad about that, Edward." Laurent spoke with an accent. He sounded enthralling and his attitude reeked of patience and wisdom. He had all the time in the world for this exchange, his speech unhurried and amused. I could imagine him easily luring his prey with the dulcet tones of his mysterious voice.
"I'm not sad!" Edward spat. "I was a child when you turned me. I knew nothing of our kind. I didn't know what I was, what I was feeling, I knew nothing!" Edward's tone grew louder as he shouted accusations at Laurent. Despite his denial, he did indeed sound like a child angry with his parent.
I stepped closer to Edward, and reaching out I touched his clenched hand. I tried to relax him with my presence. I could feel him tremble under my caress and I wanted to drag him away from this confrontation. There were too many witnesses for this rather personal exchange.
"Edward," I whispered, wanting to calm him down. Laurent's exterior was unfazed; it seemed unfair that only Edward was affected by his arrival.
"Isabella." James' voice was low but forceful. I jumped slightly at his tone and dropped my hand from Edward's. I looked up at James as he lifted his finger and beckoned for me to come forth from behind Edward's back.
I stepped forward but Edward's head snapped round and sticking out his hand, he stopped me from walking any further.
"Don't," he hissed.
"Isabella!" James called again. "Come here."
"Stop including her in your games," Edward shouted at him, keeping his arm in front of me.
"Don't presume to tell me what to do with my fiancé."
"You treat her like a pawn!"
"She's not a pawn, but she is mine!"
"Like hell she is!" Edward roared, and moving so fast, he lunged at James and gripped his throat, lifting him from the ground.
"Edward!" I screamed as the guards ran at him, the points of their bayonets thrust at his back and chest, but unable to penetrate. The sound of metal hitting stone vibrated round the courtyard, mingling with the amused laughter of Laurent.
With a roar of anger and without releasing his hold on James, Edward swept out his other arm and flung three guards at his left to the floor. I jumped aside and watched in horror as the other guards changed tactics, turning their weapons around to swing at him with the handle of their guns. The blows were harder but still Edward was immobile.
"Leave him alone!" I cried, rushing at the guards from behind, pounding their backs with my fists.
James gargled. His face was turning redder by the second, as Edward's fingers tightened. I didn't care if he died. I wanted to see the life slip out of him. We could find the caves and other prisoners without him. Enough was enough; we would deal with the aftermath later.
But I was concerned about Edward. There were so many men and only him. I knew he was strong but I had never witnessed him fight before and I couldn't help but worry about him, despite his exceptional qualities.
My strength was nothing compared to Edward's or even the guards. They were trained to serve and protect their King and Captain. They had fighting skills and upper body strength that I just didn't possess.
Laurent watched on in amusement.
In my uncoordinated flay of fists and kicks, I finally connected with a midriff. The recipient huffed as my less than impressive punch winded him slightly and turning, he instinctively pushed me away. I stumbled and fell, crying out as the wind was knocked from my lungs.
Edward heard me, and still holding him by his throat, he swung James round, using his hanging body to knock the other guards away.
Facing me, Edward threw James to the side. The impact of his body hitting the floor sounded dull. The crunch of a bone breaking caused James to finally find his voice in his oxygen starved chest, and clutching at his injured arm, he cried out.
I heard a low chuckle and glanced at Laurent as he stood with his arms folded across his torso. He appeared entertained by the fight taking place before him, but made no move to intervene. I felt relief as I wasn't sure if his loyalty would be with his creation or with his new found friend who had brought him here for reasons unknown to us.
Edward crouched slightly, then jumping into the air, he landed at my feet. Bending, he pulled me into his arms, holding me against his chest.
"I'm sorry," he whispered as he stood, lifting me and turning to run. I had no doubt Edward's escape plan was for my benefit alone, I hindered him. My weaker form would always interrupt his thoughts and his concern for me would be paramount. If he was alone, I was sure he could handle this situation unaided.
The guards scrambled to their feet and made to attack again, just as Edward readied himself to leap the city walls.
"Stop!" Laurent shouted and Edward paused as the guards ground to a halt only several feet away, surrounding us.
Stepping forward, Laurent walked to where we stood, the guards opening for him like a human door, then closing the gap again once he was inside the circle. He stopped in front of Edward and held up his hand as if in truce.
"I am tired of these games." His eyes flickered towards James still lying on the ground, holding his broken arm. "Let us continue this exchange as gentlemen, besides, I am hungry and James has promised me a banquet. Come."
I gripped Edward's shirt with horror. Exactly who would be on Laurent's menu?
Laurent moved aside and gestured with his arm. The guards opened the circle around us again and I felt Edward's hesitation as he tried to listen to Laurent's thoughts, trying to fathom what the next move should be.
Laurent's face remained impassive. He never broke Edward's eye contact and his posture was relaxed, as if no fight had ensued at all.
Edward's hesitation lasted minutes, and in that time, no one moved nor spoke. Finally, his fingers squeezed me as if in comfort, and he nodded at Laurent before moving through the wall of guards towards the prison, where Laurent indicated.
"Why in there?" I asked, fear gripping my chest. The last place I wanted to be was in a cell with Vampires, James and residual anger. I preferred being outside where there was a chance of escape. "Edward?" I asked him again as he carried me. His eyes darted over to mine. I stared into his orbs, the golden hue which had graced them only days before were now fading, and the black depths I had first seen and loved were returning, dulling the amber colour.
They were still as breathtaking as always.
I guessed it had been some time since Edward had quenched his thirst and this only fuelled my concern.
Laurent indicated to a guard to help James to his feet and then to my surprise, he dismissed the rest of the men. Edward, still carrying me, walked the corridor towards the cells. We were then followed by James and Laurent, who closed the door and turned the lock.
I didn't want to imagine why he was locking us in.
The captain was obviously feeling brave with his new ally by his side but I also considered him foolish for feeling confident enough to be alone with two hungry Vampires, especially when one harboured a grudge against him.
As we reached the cells, the frightened stares of several prisoners whom I hadn't seen in weeks, met my own terrified eyes. Angela and her partner pressed themselves against the wall, trying desperately to remain hidden in shadows.
Michael was inside my old cell, standing at the locked door with his hands gripping the bars and his face pressed against them, trying to gain a better view of the new squad of visitors arriving.
Laurent's banquet perhaps? Bile rose in my throat and I swallowed it down, trying to ignore the thoughts of their impending death.
I grabbed Edward's shirt and started to shake as Laurent took the keys and unlocked Michael's cell. He indicated for Edward to take me inside.
He lowered my feet to the floor, and then satisfied I could stand unaided, he brushed my hair over my shoulders and thumbed my cheek tenderly.
"It'll be safer for you in here," he told me but I grabbed his hand as he made to move away from me.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm right here, Bella. I'm not going anywhere."
"Why are we even in here?" I glanced over his shoulder to see as James and Laurent stood watching us from outside the cell. I knew why, Laurent had said he wanted to feed but I couldn't believe Edward had willingly bought me in here to witness that. There was more to come, I was sure.
"It's safer for you in here," Edward simply said again.
"That's not it! What's going to happen?" I beseeched him to tell me. I needed to keep him near me for as long as possible because I just knew that whatever was about to happen was going to draw blood in some way. Edward stepped back and I felt despair. "No!" I cried out, holding his hands and refusing to let him leave me.
"How touching," James spat, his body hunched slightly. His voice sounded raw as he had yet to recover from Edward's assault. He shook a little as his good arm cradled his broken one. The pain was causing him to perspire. His skin looked clammy and pale and I felt some measure of pleasure at his discomfort. "You will pay, Vampire, you will pay for hurting me."
Edward blinked, then turned his head away from me and over towards James. He flinched a little under Edward's perusal.
"I'm not done with you yet!" Edward threatened, his tone low and menacing, and for only a second, James' eyes widened with fear before he found his composure.
Edward pried my hands from his and kissed my forehead.
"Look after her," he told Michael, who nodded but said nothing. I felt him come and stand behind me and place a hand on my shoulder. Edward stepped through the cell door, closing it behind him. He turned to face James and Laurent.
"You will never touch her again," James hissed under his breath. "You taint her with your toxic blood, Leech. Don't think I don't know the true reason why she feels and smells different to me."
Edward smiled at James' words. Anger flashed across his face at Edward's blatant display of nonchalance.
"You drank from her, like the blood sucker you are, and then you fed her your own! And you preach to me your humility?" He laughed once. "You're a parasite and always have been."
"I mark her to protect her," Edward replied. "You're nothing but pure evil. You took her maidenhead and blackmailed her into an engagement, yet you profess to love her? It is not I who is the monster, James. I have never lied to her and she gives herself to me willingly. Not like with you!"
"You have tricked her with your Vampire lures. Hypnotising her into believing you're a creature with the ability to feel."
"I do feel."
"You feel nothing!" James shouted.
"I feel more for Bella than you will ever understand because you're incapable of love."
"I have loved greater than you will ever know," James spat, "but understand this, Leech, when you're finally cold in your grave, where you belong, she will lie whimpering in my arms as my body possesses her."
A growl so low it was almost unheard, rumbled through Edward's chest as he witnessed the decrepit images flying through James' mind. I could only envision those images were of an intimate nature. He repulsed me.
I watched as James nodded at Laurent, and the older Vampire launched himself at Edward. Not fully understanding Edward's mind reading capabilities, Laurent missed as Edward dove aside and moved behind James, all before Laurent had even finished making his decision about attacking.
Throwing his arm around James neck, Edward pulled him against his chest and tugged his head to the side, exposing James' jugular to his salivating mouth.
Laurent spun around and froze. He hissed as he watched James' sudden fear overtake his body as Edward poised, ready to bite.
With every frantic beat of James's heart, his artery pulsed and swelled under his skin, almost like an invitation.
As a fellow Vampire, Laurent understood the energy emanating from Edward as he readied himself for the taste of human blood. He could finally drink his fill, without holding back like he did with me, always worrying he would drain me. When he fed from James he could empty the vessel without guilt or fear.
Edward's lips curled back to expose his teeth. It was the first time I had seen his fangs, and although I had felt the bite of Edward Cullen, he had always treated me and handled me with tenderness. The sight of them, razor sharp and slick with venom, was truly terrifying. I was about to witness something no other human had seen or lived to tell.
Unlike all the times he had held me, the Vampire holding on tightly to James was doing so without care or concern. This was who Edward was; what he had been driven to from years of neglect and then torture, as well as denial. Whilst I stifled my shock as his baser instincts took over, I tried to remind myself of his tenderness and the feelings I had for him.
I had no reason to fear him.
I loved him and I suddenly realised I actually wanted to see him bite James. I wanted him to feed, serving two purposes for us; one in sating his thirst and two in ridding us of his poisonous presence once and for all. We had succumbed to James over and over again, fear that others would be hurt if we disobeyed him, but in the right here and now, all that mattered was ourselves.
I couldn't think about anyone else.
"Kill him!" I cried out to Edward and James eyes darted over to mine. To my surprise, James looked pleased by my request.
Laurent watched with pride evident on his face and I wondered if this person really knew whose side he was on.
"Feed, my son," Laurent urged.
"I will drain him," Edward replied. "I will not change him!"
"If you do not, then I will," Laurent said.
"You're here to finish what I refused to start?" Edward asked. "You kept that hidden well, Laurent."
"You are weak for humans, Edward. This makes you foolish. Do what he asks. What difference will it really make to you?"
"He's a monster." Edward's grip tightened on James, who winced at the pressure.
"You are a monster," Laurent chuckled.
"No." Edward loosened his hold, but didn't let go. "I will not help him with his sick plans. I will not."
"Then I will!" Laurent said.
"Do it!" James screamed his words for Laurent.
As my concentration was centred on Edward and James as his captive, Laurent surprised me by bursting through the cell door. He moved faster than humanly possible. Flying across the room towards me, I felt his body impact with mine as he pinned me against the wall. It was hard but not enough to break me.
I screamed as his mouth descended and his teeth punctured my skin. Edward dropped James and rushed into the cell, grabbing Laurent's arms. I felt a gentle suck on my neck and then yanking his head aside, he spat the crimson fluid onto the floor before Edward ripped him off me and pinned him to the ground.
Laurent pressed his hands into the floor and pushing up; he flipped into the air, throwing Edward off his back.
Both Vampires landed on their feet and faced each other, knees bent and arms at the ready. Their growls echoed round the cells and I clutched at my seeping wound, trying desperately to stem the blood flow.
Michael tore my sheet from the bed and ran over, thrusting it over my throat. I clasped my hands over his, hoping the added pressure would help. I suddenly noticed my knife lying in amongst the straw on the exposed mattress, and knew I had to find an opportunity to retrieve it.
"Kill her!" James cried out, stumbling in the cell doorway.
"I cannot drink from her. She is truly his!" Laurent wiped the residue from his lips and glared at me.
"You look away from her!" Edward roared and flew at Laurent again.
They crashed into the wall beside me, the bricks shaking and dust scattered around us as the wall reverberated from their assault.
"Fucking kill him then!" James screamed before Michael attacked him from behind.
Michael was just a boy compared to the stature of James, but as his fists hit James' broken arm, James yelped and punched Michael square in the jaw.
I didn't know where to look. All around me men fought, and I knew this battle would be to the death. My blood was seeping through the blanket and over my hands. I watched on in desperation.
Laurent pushed at Edward again, and wrapping his hands around Edward's neck, he finally had control. Shoving Edward over, Laurent landed on top of him. Edward's hands gripped at Laurent's in a struggle to wrench them free.
"I am stronger!" Laurent hissed as he applied pressure to Edward's neck. I knew he couldn't throttle him, but a broken neck would temporarily disarm Edward, giving Laurent enough time to do God only knows what to us.
I felt the warm gush from my wound start to decrease, but my dress and entire right side was soaked with my blood. I wasn't concerned that my scent would tempt either vampire. Laurent had already discovered my taste was not to his liking and Edward was more in control around me now he had marked me. It had been an experience I'd enjoyed immensely, his teeth sinking into me, sealing me as his property. It had been so different to the bite of Laurent.
At the time, I'd had no idea how important Edward's gift would be. It didn't bother me that Edward had staked his claim because the gesture itself, at the time, had been thoroughly erotic and I had been willing. And now I was more than grateful, for I owed Edward my life. If he had not marked me, I would be a lifeless corpse by now, and Laurent's thirst would be satisfied.
I looked down at myself and saw I had lost an awful lot of blood. My head felt woozy and my knees trembled with the effort to stand. I stumbled towards my bed, falling as the room started to spin around me. I landed on my hands and winched as they stung from the collision with the hard ground, but I didn't have time to fall, I had to help. I cursed my clumsiness and shoved myself back up onto my feet. But my legs gave way beneath me again and I felt blackness descend briefly as this time it was my head that hit the floor.
I lay still for a moment, letting the cold concrete soothe my cheek, then hearing the growls and grunts behind me, I knew I had to try harder. Lifting my head, I could see the knife, glinting in the candle light like a beacon of hope.
I pushed up onto my hands and knees and moved forward on all fours, like a dog. If I couldn't stand, I would crawl to my salvation.
Feeling as though I would vomit or faint, I forced myself to think of Edward and all he was going through to try to save me. My knife would not wound Laurent, but it would certainly be capable of slitting James' throat wide open.
The taste for his blood spurred me on. But not to drink it as a Vampire desired; just to feel it flow over my hands, and out of his body. I wanted to watch every last drop seep from his disgusting flesh till his body lay wilted and white.
I finally reached the bed and stretched out my hand to grasp the handle. The metal felt cool and the weight of it so wonderful in my hand that I almost laughed with dizzy delight. I pushed myself to my feet and turned slowly.
In my agonisingly slow ascent to get to the knife, the situation behind me had changed.
James had a piece of solid wood in his good hand and was repeatedly smashing it against the side of Michael's head. I had no idea where he'd found it.
Edward had managed to regain control and had Laurent up against the wall again. Each time Laurent pushed away, Edward shoved him back, and the walls shuddered with each collision; the bricks shifting and becoming loose.
I staggered towards James, and lifting the knife, I plunged it into his back. It slid in easier than I could've believed possible. His flesh was pliant and only too willing to accept the blade.
James straightened and hissed, swinging his good hand behind him in a bid to free the object sticking out of his back.
He moved aside and I bent to help Michael to his feet.
"Isabella, look out!" Angela screamed from the cell next door, and I turned just in time to see James run at me with a bayonet which he thrust into my stomach. As I had turned to face him, the blade penetrated close to my hip, up into my waist.
Just like my small knife had entered James so easily, his sword ripped through my flesh like my being was nothing more than water. It sunk in too quickly and I felt every inch of the cold steel as it was driven deeper into my body. I looked down at my stomach, a sense of déjà vu washing over me and I realised, Sorceress or not, my curse had come true.
I stood in shock as I felt the object impaling me, and all I could consider was right at that moment, I felt no pain.
"Bella!" Edward roared and flung Laurent aside, his anger pushing him forth with a final surge of adrenaline, as he watched me clutch at the bayonet, helplessly trying to pull it free.
I looked up at him, wanting him to help me. I had been told I was immortal but I was also a novice. I had no idea what could kill a Witch and if I'd survive this.
I held out my hand to him, but just as he advanced, Laurent appeared at his side and pushed him into the crumbling wall once more. The building was old and the structure had been disturbed too many times now. Instead of merely vibrating, the wall finally collapsed; huge blocks of brick falling from the wall and smashing onto the courtyard below.
The rain blew in from the gaping hole and drenched the two Vampires standing on the precipice. Edward looked towards me and it was his undoing. Laurent saw his chance and elbowed Edward, causing him to lose his footing and I watched helplessly as he tumbled out of sight.
Laurent turned and surveyed the cell. Seeing me standing, weak and bloody, his gaze swept past and landed on Michael. His head wounds were substantial and the coppery scent of his clean, fresh blood tainted the air.
Grunting, Laurent raced over to him. Michael had seen his intent, clearly evident in his hungry eyes, and standing, he tried to run. Laurent got to Michael before he could reach the cell door and lifting him up, he flung him across the room. Before his limp body could hit the floor, Laurent was there, catching him.
"NO!" I screamed as Laurent opened his mouth, exposing his own fangs and piercing Michael's soft flesh. The gush of blood from the puncture wound spilt over and flowed down his neck before Laurent's lips closed around the area and swallowed down the warm liquid.
Michael's eyes filled with tears, then closing, he slumped in Laurent's hands as his life was emptied from his body.
I turned my head to see James stumble down the corridor towards freedom as the frenzied feed from Michael continued. Laurent was hungry and I was also human, and possibly his second course. He had said he couldn't drink from me but when the thirst dictated to them, it was almost impossible to resist. I didn't know if the mark Edward had left on me would continue to suffice in protecting me.
Unable to pull the bayonet out, I clutched at the bars and pulled myself through the door. Angela cried out as I made it through.
"Help us!" She ran at the cell doors and held her hand out in plea. "Please help us. I can take that out but you have to open the door for us." Tears soaked her face as she kept looking over at the Vampire in the cell next door.
"You have to hurry." She glanced over at the cell again and I stooped to pick up the keys which had been dropped during the fracas.
I had no idea which key unlocked her cell, so I started with the biggest. It didn't fit, so with shaking hands I moved onto the next.
"Hurry!" Angela begged me, but it only caused me to shake even more. I had lost so much blood and felt so incredibly weak, the sword still protruded from my stomach and I had no idea where Edward was.
Laurent finished his meal, and tearing his face away from Michael's throat, he gasped and let the euphoria flow over him as Michael's blood now pumped through his body instead. He took hold of Michael's head, and with one single movement he ripped it from his body, letting it roll onto the floor and under the bed.
He dropped the body and stood, Michael's blood staining his mouth and chin.
I dropped the set of keys as Laurent stepped out of the cell, his eyes so red they glowed like rubies in the light of the candles adorning the walls.
"I'm sorry," I whispered to Angela as I fell to my knees, my fragile body no longer able to hold myself up. "I'm so sorry."
The tears fell freely as I looked at the headless corpse of Michael. He had never hurt a fly and had tried to help me. His death was without dignity and filled with terror.
The sword bounced as my body shook with my cries.
"James," Laurent called out and I heard his shuffling footsteps cease along the corridor. "It is time, captain."
Laurent wiped at his mouth as James hobbled back to into the foyer, before the cells. Falling to his knees he tilted his head and closed his eyes, allowing Laurent full access to his throat.
"Do it," he said and Laurent bent his head, his lips meeting James' vein.
The door to the courtyard burst open, its wooden frame bouncing off the walls and landing halfway down the corridor. In a blur of wind and colour, Edward raced inside jumped onto Laurent's back just as Laurent's teeth ripped into James.
The impact of Edward hitting his back pushed Laurent off James but the damage was done. James screamed and clutched at his neck, his body convulsing on the floor as he experienced the raw toxic presence of venom infiltrating his blood stream.
Edward sunk his teeth into Laurent's shoulder and ripped a chunk of Vampire flesh free. Turning his head, he spat it to the floor and went at Laurent's other side.
Laurent screamed and struggled to shake Edward free. He bucked and he stumbled, banging into the walls and finally falling onto all fours on the floor.
The sound of screams echoing down the hallway called forth the guards on patrol. They stopped short at the indiscernible sight of two Vampires in mid fight. They spotted James writhing on the floor and without pause, they lifted him and left.
"Edward," I tried to call out but my body heaved with pain and blood loss. I watched in despair as James was carried to freedom.
Edward grabbed Laurent's hair, and yanking his head back, went for the jugular. But rather than spurt out in a steady stream with the rhythm of his heart, Laurent's jugular merely leaked his precious blood, down over his lily white shirt front, staining the elegant lapels.
Releasing his hold on the older vampire, Edward stepped over him and held his hand out to Angela and her companion. They hesitated briefly before taking his hand and moving around the bleeding remains of Laurent.
"Can we help you with her?" Angela asked, holding her friends hand. He was looking eagerly at the door.
"Go to Carlisle, tell him we're coming."
Angela nodded and they both ran up the corridor and into the night.
"He's gone," I cried as Edward held me close to his chest. "He's going to change. It's all over for us. For all of us."
"That doesn't matter right now. But you do."
"But James –"
"I have to help you first." Edward reached out and took hold of the bayonet. "Look at me," he spoke softly. I looked up from his hands to his eyes, his beautiful eyes. "This may hurt, my Love and for that I am truly sorry."
Before he finished speaking and before I could nod in agreement, Edward pulled the blade free and I gasped as it re-sliced at my flesh as it exited my body.
"Edward," I sobbed as the pain throbbed in my side.
"Lie back," he instructed, and as I did, he ripped at my blood drenched dress and exposed the gash across my skin. Bending his head, Edward licked and sucked at the blood seeping free. The venom in his saliva was evident as I felt it scorch me with every sweep of his tongue.
I trembled as the pain from the sword intermingled with the burn, and I gripped Edward's mass of hair, holding his cold face against my searing hot belly.
Eventually, Edward lifted his head and kissed away my tears. "Your wound will heal, Bella but you're still far too weak."
I nodded, the burn felt more alive than the last time he had administered his healing venom.
Edward lifted his wrist to his mouth and bit himself, waiting to make sure the blood flowed freely before holding it to my lips. I had tasted Edward before and was not repulsed by his act. Without hesitation, I held his arm and gulped the blood greedily.
The burning pain subsided slightly and I felt exhausted as Edward eventually pulled his wrist away from my mouth and lifted me into his arms.
"Shush," Edward soothed me and walked outside into the rain. It poured over my face, and rather than shield myself, I let it fall on me, cleansing my skin of the ingrained horrors of this night.
Edward sat me down and went back inside. I heard him move around the cells and then a blaze of light lit up the corridor and glowed out into the night. Edward walked back out, and bending to pick me up again, he took me to Carlisle's. I glanced over his shoulder and saw the prison cells burning. The flames had caught on quickly, devouring the dry straw and bedding inside, licking up and along the walls as they sought their precious oxygen billowing in from outside.
I let my head fall back and watched the trees pass by overhead and the sky show off its glitter as Edward carried me towards Carlisle's home.
James had been bitten and now he was gone. I knew I should be worried but my body screamed for the oblivious bliss of sleep. Exhaustion finally took over and I fell into a fitful rest; where searing pain and red hot embers prickled over my flesh, licking me like the flames of the prison fire had licked the walls.
The haunting voice of James penetrated my thoughts and sliced into my dreams like the proverbial nightmare that he was.
The war had begun.
A/N's: I just know you guys will have comments and questions and I look forward to hearing them. Please remember that this fic is planned out so if there are things that don't make sense just yet, or you're still waiting for some answers, they will come. However, I still love hearing them because it truly gives me inspiration.
Thank you all for your amazing reviews and response. The Faithful Shipper Awards announce the category winners tomorrow and I'm so excited to see if Spellbound is one of them. A million thanks for all your support in getting my fic nominated, and through this far, you rock!