Truth Be Known: Second Time Around

ALICE'S POV

My vision blurred.

Blood, life, and magic are the key.

How is that the key?

What in the world does that mean?

Bella has to have the answer.

I turned my head when Bella, Edward, Charlie, and Malcolm entered the council chambers.

"Bella, are you all right?" Carlisle asked, stepping into doctor mood with ease.

"Yes, I was well watched," Bella replied with a smile looking over at her grandfather. "There is much to tell."

"You must be hungry," Esme said. "Come. Let's get you something to eat."

"There will be time later for that, Esme. The truth must be known without delay."

"First things first, Isabella," Malcolm said. "What made you collapse?"

The question was on everyone's mind.

"Too many unanswered questions and many more coming to light," Bella answered with downcast eyes.

She was avoiding all the questions we asked or gave a cryptic answer.

BELLA'S POV

I hated not answering their questions. There were questions I had and they needed answered first. Those answers would help answer theirs.

What were blood, life, and magic to mean?

Everyone knew somewhat of the prophecy, and I had a feeling the answer was masked in what was written in it.

With a deep breath, I turned to Charlie. "How did you know you had to leave Renee?" I asked.

"I didn't know the reason until I returned, Isabella. Three days before I was scheduled to leave and the day before I was to marry your mother, Annabella met me at the base and told me I was not meant marry her. The only explanation I receive was I had to survive for the future to come to pass." He paused and rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't understand, but she told me that one day I would be needed and understanding would come."

"Blood and life," a voice whispered to me.

"How did Grandmother know I would encounter tragedy?"

"How did she know anything of importance?" Grandfather countered with a laugh. "She studied the records of the women before her. She looked for the signs only she could read."

"Blood and magic," the same voice told me.

"Why Danielle and Matthew?" My voice broke.

"Who better to teach you how to live?" Charlie replied. "You blossomed so much in the time you lived with them."

"Magic."

The answers seemed so simple.

But why Edward?

The reason came to me as fast as any revelation I have ever had.

He ties it all together.

Blood, life, and magic were the answer to how to protect all those I loved. My decision to marry Edward was not something to be feared but celebrated.

"Blood, life, and magic," Alice said. "What does it mean?"

"It is the way to protect all those I love. It also means my decision was correct. Celebration not fear. Fear has ruled my life for far too long, I need a big celebration," I said as I spoke directly to Edward.

"Charlie, Malcolm," Edward started, "I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met Bella. She mesmerized me then and still does. She is my whole life and there is nothing I wouldn't do to protect her. Can I have your blessing?"

"You have had it since you saved her life at the Embassy," Grandfather replied.

"You don't even have to ask twice," Charlie responded. "I have known for some time you would ask. I made up my mind not to stand in the way."

"Blood, life, and magic coming together in a nice little package," I said.

Esme, Alice, and Rose quickly embraced me.

"There is so much to plan," Alice said. "I know just the dress. No, Edward, you can't see."

"The dress has already been made," Ian said, coming in the council chambers. "And might I say it would look wonderful on Isabella. Just the right touches. All the dresses are made. Final fittings are required."

Alice pouted. "How did I not see any of this coming?"

I shrugged. "All I know is it was prophesied." Eyes were on me the minute prophesied came out of my mouth. I had some explaining to do but my stomach chose that moment to growl.

"Time to eat," Edward said scooping me up into his arms and taking off at a run.