Hey guys! So here is Chapter 30. Sorry for the late update. We are getting close to the end of the story :( Hopefully I will have the next chapter up in a few days. Thanks for all the reviews:) It's much appreciated. For all the guesses as to who the mystery person is, you have all made very good guesses but their not correct. Have to say I can't wait to reveal who it is :) Enjoy the chapter and I'll see you at the bottom :)
My grip on Edward's hand tightens as I took in my surrounds. There was a small clearing. Thick evergreen trees lined the edge of the clearing. It was like a solid, tall wall of trees guarding the small clearing. The clearing was covered in snow and appeared pure and innocent. The sky was clear of clouds. The stars and moon shined vibrantly. The full moon was casting a beautiful glow on the clearing. I could hear the flow of a stream close by. It was so cold that I could see my breath hanging in the air. I looked to my side to Edward, who had a scowl on his face. His eyebrows knitted together in concentration and his lips were pressed into a thin line. I took a few calming breaths and rubbed my arms up and down to get some heat into me. It was bloody freezing in the Unknown.
This must be the way the mystery person is getting in and out of the Unknown and into the university, but I don't think this is how the Banshees got in. The Banshees attacked was with them coming through the windows in the assembly hall. If they were brought through the tunnel and then up to the assembly hall, then surely someone would have noticed. There must be another way in which this person managed to get the Banshees and the soul eater past the portal. It was starting to feel like I had all the pieces of a puzzle, but they are placed upside down. I can't seem to assemble the pieces to make a picture and even if I did put it together I was afraid that I would not see the picture until it is too late.
"Edward, are you alright?" I asked concerned as Edward has not made a sound.
"Yeah, I am just trying really hard to make sense of all of this," Edward said softly.
"I know what you mean. I'm going round in circles in my head. It just doesn't make sense. Do you think this is how the mystery person is getting in and out of the Unknown and into the university?" I asked as I took a step closer to Edward. I was freezing and in dire need of some body heat. Edward let out a big sigh and rubbed his hand over his face, He looked confused and irritated at the same time.
"Yes, I do. I think this person uses the tunnel to get in and out undetected, but the tunnel would still be protected by the spell that created the portal. So there has to be another way that they are getting the creatures into the university and past the portal. I don't think they are bringing them through the tunnel as it is way to small for the Banshees to have come through." Edward explained in an exhausted voice.
"That was what I was thinking. There is no way the Banshees came through the tunnel since they attacked us by coming through the windows of the assembly hall. Whoever is orchestrating this is very clever with the timing." I said as I thought of all the pieces of information I had.
"I agree. They are clearly planning this time specific. The Banshee attack was with a lot of student's around and the soul eater attack near the club that was filled with students as well. It is like they are planning these events when it would hit the most people. What doesn't make sense is that not many get hurt though. My dad and Liam got hurt badly with the banshee attack and Colton died and only one girl got hurt badly with the soul eater attack. What is the point behind these attacks? Who has a motive for doing all these things?" Edward mused. I wish I knew the answer to these questions. I can't figure out the reason behind the attacks either. At first I thought it was Amelia's coven of witches trying to scare me or send me a warning that they are coming for me. After my dream, that idea shot out the window. Yes, I know it is crazy to believe what Amelia told me in my dream. I can't explain it though, I just believed what she was saying. I was fearful to tell Edward about what Amelia told me in my dream as I didn't know if he would believe me. I also didn't know how he would react to the fact that she told me one of his family members are not being completely honest if I can put it that way. How is a person suppose to tell their boyfriend that there is a possibility that one of his family members are responsible for the despicable things that have happened?
"I'm not sure what the motive behind the attacks is either, but I don't it is Amelia's coven coming after me," I said as I started nervously fumbling with my hands.
"What?" Edward asked in shock with his eyes wide and unbelieving. I knew this was going to be hard, but he needed to know. I promised Edward that I wouldn't hide anything from him and that I would always be honest. Well, now is the time to be honest and open with him but perhaps hashing things out in the freezing cold Unknown isn't the best idea.
"Edward I promise I will explain everything to you but can we do this back in your room. I am freezing over here." I pleaded with him.
"Yes, of course we can go. It really is bloody freezing here. We can walk and you can talk." Edward said as he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I slipped my arm around his waist and cuddled into him as we walked. Edward gave me a few minutes to sort through my thoughts. I took a deep breath, unsure of how to starts this.
"I don't really know where to start my explanation." I quietly admitted as we walked back through the tunnel.
"Let's start with your dream. It seemed to have made quite an impact on you and it did lead you back down to the room filled with mirrors and to the tunnel." Edward said helpfully. He gave my waist a reassuring squeeze. I let go of Edward's waist to allow him to pass through the tunnel as it was too small for us to walk side by side. This might be easier if I walked behind him and didn't have to look him in the eyes as I spoke and he didn't see how nervous I was. I took a deep breath to try and calm my nerves.
"Before I tell you the details about my dream, I need to ask you a question," I said. Maybe if Edward can shine some light on whether or not it is possible to trap a dead person in another person's dream. If that is impossible then what I dreamt about was in fact just a dream and meaningless. I'm not like Alice who has dreams that are premonitions.
"Ok, ask away," Edward said as he glanced back at me. I swallowed down the nervous lump that had formed in my throat and reminded myself that I was doing the right thing by telling Edward.
"Is it possible to trap a dead person's soul in a living person's dream?" I asked, biting my lip in anticipation of his answer. Edward abruptly stopped and turned around to face me. He held the flashlight down point to the ground so it was relatively dark and I couldn't discern his expression.
"Yes, it is possible. I have heard and read about it before, but it is incredibly rare unless you have a blood connection with the person who has passed away. People use to do it many years ago, but it was mostly a close relative calling a deceased relative into their dreams. There is only a hand full of cases where it was done by a third person." Edward explained and turned around and started walking again. A part of me hoped that he would tell me it is all just a myth and that I was crazy. I hoped that what Amelia had told me was just part of a nightmare that I could forget. Unfortunately for me, I have the world's most shit luck and everything that is bad happens to me.
"Amelia was in my dream. She told me someone trapped her there and that she had a message to deliver to me." I said softly, casting my eyes down to the ground. As I was looking down at the ground, I didn't see Edward had once again stopped dead in his tracks until it was too late.
I walked right into Edward's back and the force was so great that I stumbled backwards and then tripped over my own feet and fell smack on my ass. I stayed, shocked, on the ground not sure what to do. I kind of wanted to laugh at my clumsiness and I was thankful it was so dark in here so that Edward would be able to see my crimson blush of embarrassment.
"Shit! Bella, are you ok?" Edward asked frantically as he bent down in front of me. Before I could stop myself, I burst out laughing and it felt good. I cherish these ridiculous moments as of late. I have been so stressed and serious that it always feels good to take a break from things and just laugh. Edward started chuckling with me and I wish I could see his beautiful face free of worry as he laughed.
"God I'm so clumsy. I want a refund on my balance!" I joked.
"Yeah, if I was you then I'd ask for a refund as well. Are you alright though love?" Edward asked through a chuckle. How am I suppose to tell this wonderful man that cares so much for me that one of his family members is bat shit crazy? I took a moment to appreciate him and pushed all the drama to the back of my mind. I placed a hand on his cheek and stroke my thumb across his cheekbone as I stared into his eyes in the darkness. We were slightly illuminated by the flashlight that was resting on the floor next to Edward's feet. I slipped my hand into his glorious hair and pulled his face to mine. I tenderly pressed my lips against his. I pressed my lips to his one more time and then rested my forehead against his.
"Thank you for always being there for me," I whispered lovingly. Edward pushed his hands into my hair and pulled my lips back to his in a fierce kiss. Our lips moulded against each others like they were specifically made for each other. We broke away when we needed to breathe and return to our previous gentle position.
"Bella, love, I will be next to your side for as long as you will let me. I can't imagine a future that doesn't have you in it." Edward confessed caringly. I could feel a tear threatening to escape at his loving declaration. I knew I was falling in love with Edward and there was no way I could stop it. I wasn't ready to admit that to him just yet though. So instead of telling him how much I cared I decided to show. I pulled him back to my lips and put all of the emotions he has evoked in me into the kiss. It was all lips and tongue as we kissed passionately.
"Please remember that I feel the same way about you and that I would never do or say anything to intentionally hurt you or anyone you care about," I said softly as we broke away for air. I hoped he believed what I said as I knew it would be hard for him to listen to what I will have to tell him about my dream and his families possible involvement. I leaned away from Edward and looked down at my fumbling hands in my lap. I knew that I need to come clean and I was so nervous as to how Edward was going to take the news.
Edward placed his hand under my chin and made me look him in the eyes.
"Bella what's wrong?" he asked gently.
"Amelia said some things to me in my dream and I'm not sure as to how you will take it," I confessed nervously.
"Is that why you asked about a dead person being trapped in someone's dream?" Edward asked softly.
"Yes. I wanted to make sure that there was a real possibility that she was able to be trapped in my dream. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't just a nightmare." I admitted and looked back down to my hands.
"Bella, look at me," Edward said. I reluctantly looked back up at him. His eyes were filled with unspoken concern and curiosity.
"Tell me what she said to you." Edward encouraged.
I took a deep breath and then proceeded to tell Edward everything about my dream. I told him about my conversation with Amelia and what she had said about looking beyond the mirror and that a royal family member could be hiding something. I told him about the figure wearing the dark cloak how the mystery person started killing all of my friends. We sat in a cold dark tunnel as I went over every detail of my dream. It felt absolutely horrible having to go over it again, it felt like I was reliving it. Edward just sat there with an unreadable expression listening to me. He said nothing, not a single word as I recalled my dream to him. The nervous lump in my throat grew and my stomach twisted uncomfortably as the silence grew between us. I knew this would be a lot to take in for Edward but I really need him to say something, anything at this stage would suffice.
"Edward, are you ok? Please say something." I pleaded softly.
"I'm just thinking and trying to sort through things," Edward said dazedly.
"I understand. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too." I said softly.
"Do you believe her?" Edward asked as he looked back at my eyes.
"I don't want to believe her but I do," I confessed feeling guilty that I would believe the things the crazy evil bitch said about Edward's family.
"Why do you believe her?" Edward question further. He didn't seem angry at all. It was more like he was trying to understand.
"I don't know how to explain it Edward. It was just the way she said it and the way she explained everything that makes me believe her. I think there is a lot worse things coming for us and whatever this mystery person is about to throw at us is nothing compared to what is still to come." I tried to explain. Maybe I was crazy for believing Amelia, but my gut instinct was telling me that there was truth behind her words.
"Well, if what she said was true then we have a short list of suspects. The only problem is who in my family could be behind it. I can't think of a person in my family who could possibly be behind it." Edward said frustratedly.
"Do you believe what she said is true?" I asked. I was struggling with the same problem that Edward was. Who in his family could have possibly been behind this? For the mystery person to be a member of the royal family just didn't make sense.
"I believe in you and your instincts. So if you believe that she was telling the truth then so do I." Edward said sincerely.
"Maybe you shouldn't put so much faith in my instincts Edward. The things Amelia said is basically accusing one of your family members of doing all these awful thing." I warned. I didn't want Edward to just blindly trust my instincts, especially if they're wrong.
"Bella I trust you with my life and what Amelia said does make some sense. In all fairness, the royal family has had some members do some horrific things in the past. It's not like my family are all saints. I just can't think of a current living member of my family that would be behind this." Edward explained. He did have a point there. Amelia was a member of the royal family and look at what she had done.
"Fair enough. I get what you mean. I always thought my family was good and look what my mother ended up doing." I said understandingly.
"Maybe we should go back to my room and talk about this. I don't know about you, but my ass is frozen." Edward joked, trying to lighten the mood. I have to admit that he is taking all of this in stride and very gracefully. Think it must be a royal thing to be able to take crappy news in such a dignified manner.
"Yeah, lets go back. I'm freezing and so bloody tired. How much time do we have until our first lecture?" I asked exhausted. Edward grabbed his phone out of his pocket to check the time.
"It's five in the morning already. So we only have four hours left to go before our first lecture. We also need to pack tonight. I think it would be best if we left early in the morning for Forks." Edward said and then covered his mouth as he yawned.
"Crap. I'll be falling asleep during my lectures. I'm actually kind of excited to go to Forks. " I said with a smile. I really was looking forward to going home, I just wished it was under better circumstances.
"I was thinking that we can spend Friday night in Forks and then head to Seattle for the rest of the weekend. My parent's has an apartment in Seattle so we can stay there. I was thinking that you could go visit your grandmother and then I can take you out on a proper date while we are there." Edward said softly with a hint of a blush. I wonder if he would ever get less shy when suggesting us going out on a date. I have to admit I liked that he still got slightly shy and embarrassed when asking me out. Plus he looked really cute with that hint of a blush. I was taken aback by the thoughtfulness of his plan. I didn't realise he was aware that my grandmother was in Seattle and not Forks. He was such a good person that I can't help feel the pang of insecurities hitting me. I'm not sure I will ever be able to figure out what he sees in me or what I did to deserve someone so wonderful as him.
"That sounds wonderful Edward. I really miss my Nana and would love to see her. I would love to go on a date with you too." I said and gave him a tender kiss.
"Good. I have something special planned for our date. And before you ask, no I'm not telling you, it's a surprise." Edward said as he got up. I just smirked at him, not bothering to ask as I knew very well that when he is determined he won't spill a word. I placed my hands against each side of the walls of the tunnel to try and get up. The left wall of the tunnel felt rough, cold and damp. The right wall of the tunnel felt smooth, cold and kind of a marble countertop. That's very odd. When I was back on my feet I moved my hand across the right wall and found that it goes back to being rough, cold and wet. It was only a small segment of the wall that was smooth.
"Edward, feel this," I said as I took one of his hands and ran it across the right wall. Edward then moved his hand back and forth across the rough and smooth part of the wall. His eyebrows knitted together.
"What am I trying to feel Bella?" Edward asked confused. What? Does he not feel the difference? I looked up at him confused as to why he doesn't notice the difference.
"What do you mean? Can't you feel the difference in the texture of the wall? This part is all smooth and the rest is rough." I said as I pointed out the areas on the wall.
"Love, it all just feels rough and wet to me," Edward said slowly like he was talking to a child. I rolled my eyes at his tone of voice.
"No. This part is smooth and the rest is rough." I said as I once again pointed it out.
"Bella, love I can't feel a difference," Edward said slowly.
"Give me the flashlight," I said as I practically ripped the flashlight out of his hand. I pointed the flashlight at the wall and to my utter surprise it all looked rough. What the hell! I ran my hand across the wall once more and I could still feel the difference in texture. It didn't make any sense.
"Bella, let's go back to my room. We still have a bit of time for a nap. You're clearly very tired." Edward said as he took the flashlight out of my hand. I simply nodded and followed him back to his room. Perhaps I was just imagining it as I am so very tired. I have slept properly in a long time. We made it back to Edward's room and kicked off my shoes and climbed into his bed, not bothering to take off my clothes. I was asleep before Edward even managed to get into bed behind me.
Edward shook on my shoulder until I woke up. I was in the middle of a dreamless sleep that I didn't want to wake up from. The smell of fresh coffee was the only reason I dragged my tired body out of bed. I quickly gulped down the liquid heaven and then took a shower to try and wake up fully. Even after the cold shower I still felt like a zombie. That's how my day passed, in a trance not paying attention to my surroundings. My body felt heavy and ache from lack of sleep. I really did feel like a zombie walking through the hallways to my lectures. Edward and I didn't get time to talk about my dream anymore. I was both happy and disappointed by that. I was dying to figure out who was behind this. We needed to figure it out if we want to save Alice. On the other hand, I was truly to exhausted to talk about it any further. I was so tired that I didn't pay attention as to how fast the day went by. After my last lecture, I practically ran back to Edward's room. I stripped off all my clothes and crawled into the bed between the silk sheets and wrapped the sheets around me. I'm sure I looked like a human/silk burrito right now. I quickly fell into a dreamless sleep.
I didn't know for how long I slept, but the smell of food brought me out of my comatose state. I could smell a hint of basil, cream, bacon and pepper. It smelled like pasta, Italian Carbonara to be exact. It has always been my favourite pasta. I slowly untangled myself from the sheets and sat up straight. Edward had just walked into his room with a white bag from which the delicious smells were coming from. I looked at him with a goofy smile as my stomach started growling.
"What you got in the bag Edward?" I asked slyly.
"Italian love. I thought you might be hungry after your hibernation." Edward joked with a sexy smirk plastered on his handsome face.
"Very funny. You're a regular comedian. Now give me my food, please." I said as I stuck out my tongue like a five-year-old.
"Yes miss!" Edward said with a salute. He sat the bag in front of me and crawled into the bed next to me. I quickly started taking out containers and grabbed a fork and dug in. Holy crap it tasted amazing. The Indian food was good, but the Italian pasta was out of this world. I moaned around mouthfuls of pasta. Edward just laughed at me as he ate. After dinner, Edward cleaned up and I started packing for tomorrow. Edward already had a bag ready for out road trip tomorrow. After I was done packing I crawled back into bed. Edward joined me shortly before I fell asleep. My last thought before sleep claimed me was about my mother's grimoire. What hidden secrets will we uncover in them?
The next chapter will be about their road trip and Bella's mother's grimoire :) Till next time x