Chapter 35 – Shooting the Moon

- What can he tell 'em now?

Sorry I let you down? Sorry it wasn't quite true?

But don't get hung up on it, just soldier on with it

and good luck with shooting the moon.


Bella stood still, mind racing, as she tried to play off the fact she was being eyed like a juicy bone in a room of starved dogs. Her keen eyesight took note of the scrutinizing scarlet eyes as they dilated and became dark with desire. She cursed the part of her that trilled with anticipation - the part that wanted free reign to indulge.

However, just as quickly as the tension in the room had escalated, it morphed and melted away. The reason became clear as Bella caught sight of Chelsea perched regally on the edge of Aro's throne chair – Corin smiling at her right hand.

Let the camaraderie and carousing commence – courtesy of the conniving party hostesses, Bella's snide internal voice remarked.

Ignoring the internal presence that was speaking all too loudly and way too frequently, Bella let Renata lead her through the room while she diverted her attention to planning how she could breakaway to speak to Edward in private.

The harshness of the turret room had been transformed. Oversized pillows in an array of autumn colors were scattered over the floor and the walls were draped with gossamer fabrics in similar shades. Fewer of the torches lining the walls were lit.

A brief scan of the room proved that Edward either avoided the festivities or was not invited. Bella allowed herself a moment to ponder which one.

"There is the woman of the day," Aro gushed as he appeared seemingly from nowhere to position himself between Bella and Renata. As Renata reluctantly released Bella's arm, Aro slid between them, his hands moving gradually from their shoulders to around their waists.

"Appetizers!" Heidi sang as she whirled in the room with a large tray of goblets, quickly capturing all the attention. Chelsea stole her sour gaze from Aro and the two women to concentrate on keeping the attendees cohesive while Heidi continued to dance around the room. Heidi's flirty dress flared out making her movements as graceful and entrancing as a prima ballerina – one who could manage such a feat in six-inch stilettos. The smell of blood leached stealthily through the room, filling every crevice with its irresistible aroma.

Still, the mood was light, behaviors civil. As a vampire, Bella instinctually knew this was all wrong. The atmosphere should be heavy with tension and aggressive posturing once the blood entered the room – instead, the scene before her appeared more like a sophisticated after-work cocktail party. Despite Jane and Alec's known tactical value, Bella began to wonder if Corin and Chelsea were truly the most valuable players; the glue that kept the guard compliant and able to function as a one unified, unstoppable force. The lynch pins of the Volturi machine.

"I propose a toast!" Aro called out above the drone of charged conversation now filling the room.

Silence fell as Heidi twirled over to Aro. He lifted two goblets from her tray, handing one over to Bella. Though she had recently drunk, the contents of the cup still roused her interest and greed. She took the cup Aro offered her, leaving Renata to retrieve a cup of her own.

He raised his cup high as everyone waited too patiently. "Raise your cup to our newest member, who today has more than proved her worth." Aro's eyes glistened with pride. "Isabella, may you enjoy a long, fulfilling career with us." He spread his arms wide, making it clear to all that by "us" he meant everyone assembled. The group reacted with polite affirmations and raised cups.

The solidarity and acceptance she felt lost some of its genuine glow as Chelsea nodded knowingly in Bella's direction. She was making it all too clear this moment was of her creation, nothing more. If vengeance was a vampire right, Bella noted it would be best to keep a watchful eye on Chelsea.

"Enjoy the evening," Aro whispered seductively in Bella's ear, the silky sleeve of his charcoal-gray suit slid across her skin sending a jolt of sensation through her and distracting her from Chelsea's pointed stare. As Aro floated way, Bella marveled at his ability to rally the crowd. Despite Chelsea's contribution, Aro did possess a well-polished ability to lead.

"Music!" Caius called out, relieving his mate of her empty goblet and taking her petite hand. With a rare smile he led her to the center of the room. Like magic, the room filled with classical music played by a string quartet. After a polite bow and curtsy, the regal duo assumed a closed dance position before demonstrating perfect poise, turning and gliding center stage. Athenodora's dress, made of an eclectic collection of shiny metallic-colored silk pieces tied to a band on her waist, swished around her as she floated under Caius's precise lead. Soon, those with mates joined them on the "dance floor."

"Come," Renata tugged on Bella's cup-less hand. "Let's dance."

"Um ... I ..."

"Don't be shy," Renata cooed, easing Bella closer to where the dancers had congregated. She took the empty goblet from Bella's hand and placed it on a waiting tray. "Let's get closer to Felix. He often snags two humans at a time and is willing to share for … personal favors." Her eyes twinkled with sexually-charged excitement.

"Where's Marcus?" Bella asked putting on the brakes. Her inner monster pouted. Killjoy.

Renata shrugged, not at all interested in discussing the sullen leader. "Who knows? He rarely attends feasting celebrations. He really should. Maybe if he did … and got a little… he'd be less, well you know, less Marcus."

Bella forced a giggle. "Yeah. I know what you mean."

A smile returned to Renata's face as she appraised Bella, her hand moving to tuck a stray lock of Bella's hair behind her ear. The slight physical contact sent a ripple of electricity over Bella's skin.

Think, Bella! "My throat still – ugh! – burns. I'll see if I can negotiate another goblet or two from Heidi."

Before Renata could refute that possibility, Bella flashed away – only to be halted steps away from the door by Alec, who was without a partner.

"Where are you of to?" he asked pointedly.

"I have been summoned by Lord Marcus," she lied smoothly.

"Nonsense. The main course is about to be served. Nothing like dancing and a little feasting to lower inhibitions. Stay."

Bella arched an elegant eyebrow. "Do you wish to explain to my sire and your lord why I did not respond to his order?" Why doesn't this room have more than one exit?

Alec regarded her from foot to head, slowing over her attire (or lack thereof) and settled on the steel-cold look in her eyes. "No, I do not wish to confront Master Marcus." Still, Alec didn't step aside. In strange silence, they glared at each other. Finally, Alec's lips curved into a lopsided grin as he bared his teeth. "They're here. Can't you smell them?"

Don't, her shrinking rational side screamed as it clung by it's fingernails to the edge of the slippery slope. Don't breathe. Go!

Heidi broke away from her dance partners, Demetri and Santiago, to bolt past Alec and Bella to the door. "Dinner is served!" She opened the door. Bella squeezed her eyes shut and took not a single breath. At first, she could hear the guests gasp. Certainly they believed they had been led into some kind of magical theatrical production with colorful costumes and beautiful actors. However, their "oohs" and "ahs" of delight were short lived as the horror of their reality took hold. The peaceful lilt of the music playing in the background existed in direct opposition to the sounds of carnage.

This was it! The distraction she needed to slip out unnoticed. Bella turned her back on the scene to face the door, her intended target. Yet something kept her feet firmly planted. In her head the rational plan warred with the sharp, commanding desire to stay.

No one can serve two masters.

Was it vampire instinct that kept the hysterical cries of the dying from being heard by her heart? Certainly, she had not lost her ability to empathize or to despise the idea of innocents being murdered …?

If so, then why weren't her feet carrying her as far and as fast as possible from the blood-letting occurring behind her? The newborn part of her answered in Rosalie's voice: Think there's nothing you're ever gonna want more than Edward? You're wrong. There's one thing you'll want more. One thing you'll kill for ... blood.

They were words she preferred to deny – then as well as now. Bella lowered her head and streaked from the room. She bypassed the elevator, choosing to use her momentum to scramble down the stairs.

Would Edward still be in her old cell? Her senses said yes as she again came to a slow walk down the familiar corridor, but though there was so much to say to Edward, there was someone else she needed to address first.

"Dominic?" she whispered outside his cell.

Immediately, his dark eyes appeared through the bars of the cell door. "Bella." His brow furrowed though Bella could see his russet cheeks flush slightly. "Um, you look ..."

"Yeah," Bella tugged in vain at the hem of her dress. "Dominic, I can't allow Caius to carry out his plans for you or Gianna. Somehow – I'll figure this out, okay?"

Dominic heard the fear and plea for trust in her voice. "Caius. Lord Sourpuss, right?" He tried to smile at his own joke, but couldn't manage it convincingly. "It's bad, isn't it?"

"Not only for you and her, but for others too." Bella purposely leaked as little of the details as possible to not add to his distress.

"You and Edward?" he asked vaguely.

"Complicated."

Dominic nodded. "We'll be ready for whatever you decide. Good luck – to both of us."

Bella nodded in return and inhaled deeply as she stepped away from Dominic's door. The breath was meant to calm her mind, but instead it filled her with a heavy dose of emotions caused by Edward's beckoning scent, Dominic's wolf smell that triggered unresolved feelings toward Jacob, and the bitter realization that the sweet blood Alonzo had delivered to her room before the celebration was Gianna's.

Choking back a flood of venom, Bella focused on Edward's scent. Peering into the next room, she found him sitting on the bed, his knees pulled up to his chest. He rocked slightly back and forth.

He knew she was there and their eyes locked immediately. Bella was unsettled by the fathomless darkness in his eyes.

"Your eyes," she spoke barely above a whisper.

"Too much …," his voice cracked. "The craving, lust, gluttony ... it's overwhelming."

Bella's lips parted in silent sympathy. Oh, what was happening just floors above him! And he had to endure all their pleasure-seeking thoughts.

Edward winced and closed his onyx eyes. "I'm glad you're not part of it," he said softly. His eyes reopened, the longing and pain in them was evident. "You look stunning. But I can't say I approve, Mrs. Cullen."

His possessive, disapproving words only slightly distracted her from her list of questions. First things first. "What – I came to ask, what did you see?" Bella murmured.

"See?" Edward questioned, purposely not moving an inch for fear she'd bolt as she had the last time they spoke. Instead he tried to observe her, understand what was going on behind her sparkling, changed eyes. Carlisle had spoken about the Volturi way – how new recruits were "read" by Aro so their indoctrination could be customized, using a recruit's own private fears, insecurities, and aspirations to mold them into perfect guardians. Between the carefully planned messages and Chelsea's influence, the Volturi rarely experienced defection. Of course, defection also typically meant destruction.

But Bella was immune to Aro's mind reading and most likely Chelsea's powers as well. Edward hoped that meant he could persuade her to leave, but first, he needed to figure out how the Volturi had won her allegiance. Undo the damage they had done. Undoubtedly, she had been fed human blood – the blood in the containers he knew he would have to give in to eventually, but it was more than just blood. It was as if she wasn't his Bella anymore. He hoped to learn from her words and gain an understanding of how he could find her again.

"During Cane's hallucination. What did you see?" Bella clarified.

A deep frown creased Edward's face. Typically, he would say something to distract her, avoid what was painful for him while protecting her from unnecessary concern. But now, based on her previous words that discounted their love as legitimate, maybe this was something she needed to hear. "I saw you being torn apart. Even though you were vampire, the blood you had consumed spilled from your severed body parts. You cried out for mercy, none was given. I was helpless. Unable to come to your rescue, unable to look away. I watched you get destroyed beyond repair. I watched you die." Edward paused to breathe in her scent; it reassured him it had only been a hoax of Cane's making. "It was the worst pain I had ever experienced, and in that moment, I died too. You know what made all that even worse? Seeing everyone's worst fears. Alec and Jane both witnessed the other burning at the stake ... I guess even the hardest hearts fear something."

Bella's lips curved downward the slightest bit and Edward saw a glimmer of her heart softening. The need to touch her, to confirm – though she was vampire – she was still alive and still his, overcame his control. He flew to her.

Just as quickly, Bella reacted. Edward turned to find they had exchanged positions. She stood across the room, hand clutching one of the posts of the bed, the wood fissuring under her grip and her expression wary.

"Don't. Please. I just need answers right now," she begged.

"I need them as well. Please, just let me touch you. I am your husband and I need to know with all my senses that my wife is alive!"

"Alive? Dead? There are no clear lines anymore! I'm me, but I'm not. Everything has changed," Bella lamented not knowing where to begin, but trying with all her might to control her wayward newborn emotions.

"No matter how they manipulate me, I'll never forget what they did to you. What they have taken from me," Edward hissed.

"What they did? They did what you wouldn't do! What I needed you to do, what you promised to do! Instead the Volturi did what I had been told I would have from you, from Alice, even Carlisle. The ones who claimed they loved and wanted to protect me. In a way, I am freer and safer here than I ever was in Forks."

"I think what you are experiencing is Stockholm Syndrome," Edward reasoned.

"What!? Don't psychoanalyze me! For once I have been told the whole truth!" Bella countered.

"You were taken from me. I thought you were dead. Were you told that 'truth'?"

"You traded me for the safety of your family."

"No."

Bella's eyes narrowed. Someone was obviously lying. The additional presence within her nodded vigorously, and for the first time, it and her rational mind was on the same team. "I understand why you did it, Edward. Though it would hurt me deeply, I would also sacrifice for the safety of my family. I just hurt to see what we had was a sham ... even if what it wasn't really love."

Edward dropped to his knees. "I would never relinquished you to the Volturi!" His face contorted in desperation.

Bella's body began to ache with the pain of her next words. "When you continually postponed my change – what else was there for me to conclude except it was my blood you were protecting? Besides you told Aro as much in front of witnesses. You admitted you had no intentions of changing me. You lied to me – you all lied to me." Bella wrapped her arms around herself while vaguely remembering the night the Cullens, with the exception of Rosalie, "voted" her to be vampire replayed in her mind. Another deception. And then there was the day he – well, all of them – left her while she wondered lost in the woods. "You were a coward; afraid you wouldn't want me once my blood was gone. Then you'd be responsible for a newborn you couldn't stand to be around because it would remind you of what you lost!" There, she had put it on the table in no uncertain terms. It hurt and humiliated her to say it, but now the Band-Aid had at last been ripped off. And the truth shall set you free...

"I admitted only to what Aro had said in his thoughts. I admitted to being a coward when it came to changing you. Yes, I made a mistake. But I only did it to protect you! After all that we have been through, how could you doubt our love? What do I have to do to convince you my love for you is real?"

"Actions, Edward. Actions speak louder than words. Your words said you loved me, but your actions revealed the truth. You thought you loved me because I was your singer."

Bella looked away from Edward pleading on his knees. It was too little, too late.

He persisted, as long as she stayed, he wouldn't stop fighting. "Actions? Don't you see? I am here! I came here for you as soon as I could to bring you home. I love you. Yes, I admit, it was your blood and your silent mind that caught my attention, but then as I got to know you as a person, to see you as something other than just blood that called to me, I knew you were made to be my savior, not sent to be my demise. I couldn't resist falling in love with you. All of you."

Bella shook her head. "I was a challenge for you, Edward. The ultimate challenge. You couldn't hear my thoughts, which made me interesting, and refraining from my blood made you think you had finally overcome your demons. That's what you couldn't resist."

Was there truth to her words? No. He still felt the need to be with her just as intensely as before. Knowing her mind or not. It didn't matter. The pull was still there, and he would never leave this place without her. "My family has chosen a different path. One that meant sacrifice, but it was rewarded with the ability to love. You're everything to me, Bella. You are still my reason to exist. You are my wife."

"Your possession. I was always … less in your eyes. That's the way you wanted it. You were afraid of my potential power."

Edward's words rushed from his mouth, urgently needing her to know the truth. "No. It wasn't until Eleazar came to help that we learned about your power. I didn't know, Bella. Believe me. I have never suffered more than when I thought you were gone forever. You are not a possession; you are the part of me that makes me want to be more. Without you … I have no words to describe the pain."

"Did Tanya help you ease the pain?" Bella's voice was biting.

Edward flinched. Sadness, just like every other emotion, was felt so acutely for vampires – it makes physical pain almost laughable. Bella was still too "new" to know that and to understand the depth of pain he experienced. "Tanya saved me from the place I had retreated to after I thought you died. I withdrew into my own mind, created a world where you and I could live happily ever after. It was the only place where I truly existed. And Tanya wasn't the only one with me. Jasper, Alice, Carlisle, Eleazar ... we all came to bring you home."

Bella released the bedpost and paced. "Where are they then?"

"Sent home. When we couldn't negotiate your release, I agreed to stay. I'd rather be here with you than anywhere without you," Edward spoke slowly feeling the restraints placed upon him by Chelsea's bond. It felt like a gag order.

"Why didn't you change me, Edward? It just doesn't add up. If you loved me for me, and you truly wanted to protect me, changing me would have been the logical thing to do. You knew the Volturi's unconditional order. You knew the extent of their power. Wasn't I worthy? Or did you think I was too weak to control my blood thirst?"

Edward's heart swelled as he saw the vulnerability behind the red-eyed anger of his wife. She never saw herself as the incredible person she was. Had he inadvertently added to that belief? The realization rocked him to his core. All energy left him and his confession poured out. "I didn't want you to have to live the dichotomy that my family and I live with everyday."

He moved from his knees to sit cross-legged on the floor and cradled his head in his hands. "No matter how benign I tried to be, the voice inside was always there, telling me it was all a charade. Now matter what, there was always the threat of becoming the creature I really am. I justified it for a while, and you see Jasper still fighting it valiantly. Some, like Carlisle, carry the burden more subtly, but it's always there." He looked up at her, so beautiful and now … so deadly. "Does it talk to you, Bella? The monster inside…?" A shadow crossed her perfect face, but she remained silent. "It's like a ball and chain … and to think our souls were traded for this hell on earth. Bella, it's not what I ever wanted for you. I couldn't stay away from you, but I only allowed myself to give in if I made it a priority to protect you. I hoped it would be enough. I'd hoped you'd come to see it, too."

He pleaded with his dark eyes for her to understand his true trepidation to change her. "I can never rest, let my guard down, and truly fit in this world of humans. And unless we choose to drink human blood, we'll never fit in the vampire world either. It's exhausting. And lonely. But you, you were my chance at redemption – my chance to find happiness." He huffed. She had been right and Aro as well. He had been a coward and his motives had been self-serving. "I was afraid to see what I see in your eyes now – hatred, disappointment, and coldness directed at me. So yes, I was a coward, Bella. Just not in the way you have been lead to think."

Bella lowered her eyes. He knew about her inner voice? She wondered if it was her or it that looked at Edward with such coldness to cause the devastation on his face? She shook her head not wanting to be distracted - he still wasn't getting the point she was trying to convey. "It was my life, my decision. You took that right away from me. But I'm stronger than you think. Did you see what I did today? I protected everyone!"

Edward bowed his head. Bella wasn't listening to the meaning behind his words. "It's not about strength, it's about endurance. And maybe Cane was right. Maybe there needs to be change."

"That lunatic? You think he should rule our kind? I have seen nothing that makes me believe the Volturi are not fit to rule. They are going to teach me languages, give me access to information in ancient texts, and let me prove myself. They don't lie to me."

At her statement, Edward stared wide-eyed. Bella they are manipulating you! he wanted to insist, but the bond tightened like a noose around his neck keeping the words from escaping. "I was led to believe you were killed in a car crash! They..." Edward choked on the hostile words he wanted to voice against the Volturi but couldn't. How long before he'd lose the ability to even think thoughts against them?

How could he make her understand? "Alonzo was sent to you on purpose. Aro knew you couldn't refuse. Be careful of where you place your trust, Bella. Remember, Carlisle left this place for a reason."

"Don't you lecture me about trust," Bella spat back, although she knew it was in petty self-defense. It was clear he was discounting her judgment – yet again. Was Edward incapable of learning? Everything and yet nothing had changed. They'd been down this road numerous times. Besides, why would Aro sacrifice his staff? It didn't make rational sense. Edward just thought he'd come here, dazzle her with words of everlasting love, and they'd journey into the sunset? She bit back the urge to scream and remembered the words she'd spoken to Marcus: I must rely on myself.

"Can you read Aro's thoughts through my shield?" Bella asked, attempting a different approach.

Still deflated, Edward answered her questions sans emotion. "No. But I'm getting more familiar with his mind when he is separated from you. I can isolate his mind from the others and read him at greater distances. Bella, his mind – he's brilliant. Calculating. Be careful. He has killed for what he wants; even those closest to him are not exempt. It's a game. The ultimate game with us as the pieces."

"But don't you see? I can make a difference, Edward. For once, I have the ability to do that. I'll prove it to you."

"You don't need to prove your worth. To me you are priceless." Edward stood; he searched her eyes for understanding. Slowly reaching into his pocket, he produced a small, mangled piece of metal and a few tiny shards of black and white stone. Bella's brain reconstructed it and recognized it was once her Cullen crest ring. Her eyes darted to Edward's wrist; his band bearing the crest was gone.

"It was taken from me. I didn't destroy it." She felt it important he knew that. The crest was a sacred symbol of the special unity the Cullens shared. No matter what they had put her through, she could never defile it in such a cruel way.

Edward's gaze moved down her face to rest on the Volturi crest around her neck.

"Bella, do you love me?"

The straight forward question caught her off guard. She was expecting him to refute her capabilities, her ability to make a difference. He would never see her as anything more than the fragile human girl from Forks; he still questioned her judgment.

"I believed I loved you."

"'Loved.'" Edward voice quivered, his features becoming somehow more remote and immobile, if that was possible. "I see. Past tense."

Part of her splintered as he seemed to become somehow smaller. "Maybe it was just that vampire-dazzles-the-human and the human-with-the-singing-blood thing? A misunderstanding that has finally been clarified."

"Don't over think it. Stop listening to what has been put in your head and listen with your heart. Emotions rule us, Bella. If you want to know the truth, you just have to feel."

This part of his logic spoke to her. She did feel a familiar electricity between them, and no doubt, his scent tugged at her. But Marcus was clear: mating and love didn't necessarily go together. Mating was instinct; love was earned.

"If I only loved you for your blood, then why do I still want to touch you, be close to you with all my being? Please Bella, let me touch …" Edward suddenly had a glazed over look similar to Alice's when she was caught in a vision. "Caius is inebriated on blood, sex, and Corin. He has decided tonight is the night to end Gianna's life."

Panic rose up in Bella derailing her focus. "I can't let that happen!" Both parts of her agreed – although for completely different reasons. Still, she overruled the part of her motivated by bloodlust for the part of her that still seemed human. "Dominic's imprinted on her. His life is irrevocably connected to hers."

"Gianna and Dominic - they are the ones that stole you from me. They lied to you, tricked you. You owe them nothing."

"When I was told my change was inevitable, it was Dominic who stood by my side. The only reason he's here in Volterra is because of me – because I was not changed after the Volturi gave their ultimatum! You see, your choices impacted other innocent people. He was apologetic for what he did. He asked for my forgiveness and I gave it to him. I swore to protect him as he protected me when I needed someone."

Edward cringed as her last words stabbed him. "I didn't know they had taken you. I am here now, I canbe that someone, Bella. I haven't changed."

"Don't you see that's part of the problem, Edward?"

His eyes hardened. "I can't help them."

"Can't or won't?" Bella challenged not knowing if Edward's refusal was Chelsea-induced or Edward showing the same childish, green-eyed behavior he had demonstrated with Jacob.

"It's too late now. Caius is coming."

"Bella!" Dominic couldn't hold back his panic any longer and let it be known he was listening. "Bella! For God's sake, stop this!" In the next cell she could hear Gianna's terrified sobs.

"Don't get caught in the game, Bella. Please." Edward could on hope she'd understand what his limited choice of words meant to convey.

"I won't be a pawn in anyone's game anymore, Edward," she said with conviction. There wasn't time to think, just act. Dashing past Edward to the door of Dominic's cell, she thrust her arms through the bars and grabbing his collar she pulled him flat against the door.

"What are you doing?" he asked, fearful to believe she would remove his collar.

Grasping the padlock, Bella twisted the base until the metal loop snapped. "Wait until the right time. Surprise is the only way you can defeat him, Dominic. Tell Gianna to stay back," she whispered directly into his ear.

Edward tried to close his ears and mind. He didn't want to comprehend what Bella was doing. This was going to end in at least one life lost – and if Aro knew Bella was in on this ambush of Caius, her life would end at his hands. But try as he might, Dominic's mind was too loud with fear-driven anxiety. Though despite the danger he was in, his concern revolved around Gianna and Bella's safety should he fail – and even more so – if he succeeded.

But now their conspiracy was no longer a secret. Aro need only touch Edward to learn it all! Though no fault of his own, Edward would be Bella's incriminator. He had to stop the sequence of events. Not only for Bella's sake, but by virtue of the bond that forced him to serve the Volturi coven. That only meant one thing: he had to distract Caius before he got there.

Exiting the cell, Edward made a sharp left turn, heading away from Bella and Dominic to the right of the cell.

"What the…?" Bella muttered as Edward nearly disappeared from view. "Edward!" she hissed at him, but he didn't slow. "Where are you going?" she called as she closed the distance his head start had given him.

"To stop Caius. This cannot happen," he responded without slowing.

"It has to happen," Bella spoke after him with a certainty she didn't completely understand as she pushed to run faster.

Overtaking him, Bella came to a halt in front of Edward, who barely had time to stop before crashing into her.

"Why? Because you value Dominic's imprint over your life? Over us?" he challenged.

"No, because I made a vow, and I don't go back on it. We can defend ourselves; they can't."

"I won't let you go down for this. I value you over all else," Edward insisted, still single-minded on intercepting Caius before he reached the dungeon.

Bella gritted her teeth, the grinding sound reminiscent of nails on a chalkboard. "This is not your choice this time."

"My choice has been taken from me, Bella. Everyone here is bound except for you!"

He was right. Through Marcus's tales, Bella knew Chelsea's gift was very potent. She had seen it. Chelsea controlled the free-will of others and now she was controlling Edward. Her upper lip curled into a snarl. "Mine," she hissed feeling the full force of her vampire nature.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall, and even Chelsea's influence had limits.

"Chelsea cannot over-power a true mating bond. The time has come to test your theory."

Bella lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Edward, constricting him with all her newborn strength and preventing him from moving. If they were truly mates … "I'm telling you I need you to help me with Dominic and Gianna. I need your allegiance right now, Edward."

( * ~ * )

Dominic tensed as Bella and Edward's scents faded. Why would they leave him now, just when he needed them most? Not that he expected much from Edward, they hadn't spoken a word to each other since Aro informed Edward of his and Gianna's role in Bella's capture. Although Aro had voiced his doubts that Edward would capitalize on his "right to vengeance," Dominic wasn't sure, so he kept to himself.

He strained his ears to hear any sound that would alert him to Caius's approach. Dominic's eyes narrowed – was he really relying on information Edward had given? What if this was a set up? Again his fingers fumbled with the lock, reassuring himself again and again, the collar would break free when he transformed. Oh, hell, if he could transform. He hardly felt he had mastered his abilities … and now he had to fight at least one of the head vampires of Creepytown.

Gianna's quiet sobs reached his conscious mind. She was weeping in the corner. He knew she was scared. Scared for herself as well as scared for his safety. He absorbed her anguish hoping to use its energy when he needed it most. But he couldn't resist going to her.

"G. It's going to be alright. If I can kill him can you get us out of here? Can you navigate this labyrinth of tunnels?"

She nodded.

"Gianna, I need your help!"

His words were like a slap in the face telling her to pull it together. Again, she nodded, but this time she wiped her face with her sleeve and looked up at him. "You're right. I'm sorry." She stood straightening her posture as well as her haggard skirt. "What can I do?"

"How do I destroy them?"

"Rip him apart. You have to incapacitate him, and the best strategy is to decapitate. Then we have to burn him to ash. It's the only way to end them."

His eyes softened and he took both her limp, trembling hands in his. "Promise me if something happens to me, you'll still run. Run with all you got and get out of here." When she kept her eyes averted, Dominic squeezed her hands firmly. "Promise!"

Gianna looked into Dominic's concerned face; his image wobbled as tears filled, then fell, and refilled her eyes. "This is so unfair. I love you. And you are willing to risk your life for me. No one ever gave me such value. Why does it have to end like this?"

"Have faith. Do you have faith in me?"

Her posture sagged under the weight of what she knew to be true. "Dominic, you are my hero. You saved me from the road to hell I had chosen and made me believe for once I was put on this earth for a reason other that to be used and discarded. But …" and once again she looked away from his intense gaze. "But they cannot be defeated. If you survive this battle with Caius, you will be hunted down by Demetri. Tortured by Jane, and if lucky, given a quick death by Felix. The same fate would await me as well."

"What would you suggest I do? Endure watching you die at his chalky hands? How could you even consider asking me to do nothing? I know God brought me here to find you. And now that I have, I cannot even think of going on without you. We have to fight."

"Hello, dog. Might I thank you for sustaining my much anticipated delicacy? You see, we have been cultivating her blood for some time now. But her usefulness has run its course. Well, unless you consider her final contribution to sustaining my well-being."

Dominic's nose flared as Caius's foul scent fills his nostrils. Deliberately he pushed Gianna behind him. "Stay back, G."

Instead she gripped his tattered sleeve and Dominic responded by shoving her back. The force of his push left her stumbling backward until she tripped to the floor, her back coming painfully into contact with the unforgiving wall of the cell.

"Now, now. Don't get your fur in knots, boy. We have plans for you so don't go and do something foolish. I promise, I'll make it quick."

Pulling a key off the ring around his waist, Caius slid it into the metal lock. Dominic's heart quickened. He let rage fill him until he trembled. This was it.

"Brother, a word."

If Caius was shocked to hear Marcus behind him, he didn't show it.

"Can it wait? I was about to indulge in dessert."

"I'm afraid not. It has to do with your plans for the wolf. If you follow through, the … consequences may be … undesirable." Marcus's words flowed from his mouth as slowly as molasses on a January day in Forks.

"What are you doing here?" Caius questioned suddenly suspicious.

"He was about to escort me to the gallery." Bella sauntered up the hallway and slipped her hand into the crux of Marcus's elbow. Behind her, Edward slunk back into his cell, barely noticed. "Care to join us?"


A/N: *Shaking head at Bella and Edward* They are still teens in so many ways... Still, I see light and the end of the tunnel (and you're probably hoping it's not an on-coming train).

I chickened out of the big twist – I let sexy, SOB Caius survive – at least this time around...

Comments? Thoughts? Hypotheses? I'd love to hear them!

Thank you, RowanMoon, Ashling92, and RosaBella for accompanying me on this journey and offering wonderful insights to enrich this story.