Iain's Story
BELLA'S POV
I was famished and at the same time could hardly eat a bite of the delicious meal the castle staff had prepared—all my favorites. Edward was ever present at my side with a concerned and worried look. The rest of those gathered ate with zeal, happy I was at the announcement that Edward and I were to wed. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something I was missing. I couldn't marry Edward until I had all my questions answered.
What exactly did Edward have to do with blood, life, and magic? And what did I have to do with the same? Could shunned family hold the answers?
I had been studying the family journals since I was ten, and I was positive blood, life, and magic wasn't mentioned in any of them. But a number of them, mostly from Maribella, were missing.
"When I moved to Forks, I had no idea that I would gain so many friends," I said, setting my fork down. "I was never one to give power to words, never one to trust what I did not write myself. But now I find I believe an ancient prophecy handed down from the time Maribella came to be a member and respected leader of the McCullough clan to today. I know from this moment on nothing will ever be the same." I placed my hand on top of Edward's and he flipped his over, taking hold of mine. "I'm doing exactly what she and her husband did, going against the wishes of those who turned them out. What more can I do?" I paused, looking around at everyone gathered. "I have a mission I don't know or can fathom the enormity of, but with each and everyone in this room, I will be able to carry out and complete what I am to do… what I am destined to do. It starts with this celebration of happiness and the reading of the full prophecy." Releasing Edward's hand, I reached for my goblet and lifted it. "May we gain insight into what the future will hold."
"Whoa, the full prophecy. Isabella, are you sure?" Grandfather asked as the others drank.
"The truth most be known, Grandfather. And it starts where love was denied."
Grandfather swallowed hard but nodded.
I began to read only to be interrupted by a voice that I had only heard a few times recently.
"Annabella McCullough is Isabella's maternal grandmother and this prophecy was handed down from the beginning, from Maribella McCullough—grandmother to granddaughter. It was Maribella's hope that one day a granddaughter would have immense power. A granddaughter who will lead the clan forward into a time where her destiny can bring about a great change. So the prophecy reads:
"Isabella Marie Swan was born of Renee McCullough and Charlie Swan on the September 13, 2214. Isabella is a very unique little girl and will be the key to bringing together three worlds. Those worlds will appear in this prophecy as Isabella grows and learns. As her grandmother, I can only hope that she will be receiving of all the gifts that are rightfully her.
"Isabella has gone through some trying times and will become confused when she moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father; she will question the clan and what they have arranged on her behalf three years after her birth. As her grandmother, I fought against this knowing the hidden secrets of this prophecy, as did the council but did not believe they would come to pass. She will in time learn the truth and will fight the clan council to reverse what they have done. She will have powerful proof to support her in the form of pictures.
"Isabella, I know that you are confused right now. Seek out this prophecy often and trust yourself. New and exciting abilities are about to be sent your way. Oh and don't let the council assign you a new temporary protector. I trust that Charlie has fought against this for a while. You will understand soon, I promise.
"Isabella, you have the right to question as you are a very special person. The clan council has the right to fear you. You have never questioned anyone before always doing what has been asked of you. That is your nature. But if you do not continue to question your arranged marriage, I fear all will be lost. You are just beginning to learn that you not only have the ability to discern who is a liar and to transport yourself by the snap of your fingers, but now you can tell who you can trust. You have very special gifts that come from three different worlds. Two are the world of magic. Your greatest grandmother came from the world of witches and warlocks. She was prosecuted by her family and people when she fell madly in love with a wand waving wizard, your greatest grandfather. Together they were accepted by the McCullough clan and soon became the Lord and Lady of the clan, titles they did not want. Despite their own feelings over the titles, they loved the clan and accepted what their fellow clan member wanted of them and adopted their name. You are very much like them in that respect. You know this history, my dear child, but what you didn't know was they each possessed magic. That is where you get your abilities from. Oh and what abilities they are. Do not think that you will never die, for you one day very will may, unless this prophecy is heeded. It is your choice now and if you so choose to stand up to the council again. If you do, you will have support and the proof you need. And what a glorious future is in store for you. If you chose to stay the course with the council's wishes, then the prophecy ends here. No more will be reveal at this time. Take time to consider what you want and it will come to pass. Consider only yourself and no one else in this decision as it will affect you and only you.
"Isabella, I cannot express in words how happy I am that you have chosen to follow the prophecy not knowing exactly what the means and entails. Not much will be revealed at this time. But trust in yourself and those that you have put your trust in for it is well earned. And now the third world you live in is the world and time you live in. The human, for lack of a better word, world is full of turmoil and misery. A world that has forgotten there past and fight amongst themselves. There is nothing you can do about that as it is not there time to be healed. You are meant to heal the magical worlds you belong to by bringing them together. There are many people that will help you on this journey and when the time comes you will know what to do. Keep a close watch of those around you and use the pendant as your guide. Wear it always and don't be afraid to ask questions for I or it will answer. The pendant currently answers only yes or no questions but in time and with study it will tell you so much more.
"Isabella will have noticed by now that she has a command over languages. This will be useful in dealing with those she will encounter for not all will speak Gaelic or English. Be patient if her as she may not know the language of those who she will encounter in the future. She will pick up whatever language quickly and the rest will just fall into place. Many will fear her and her abilities, though they have no reason.
"Isabella will one day marry of her choosing. The man who will win her heart will be not of the worlds (magical and human) she belongs to but an altogether different world. He will have a secret but there is no need to fear him or his special qualities. He will ultimately become her permanent protector though the circumstances of how he will become her permanent protector are a cloud of mystery. There are signs that others will recognize and then other signs that only she will realize. These signs have been passed down from the ages from grandmother to granddaughter and from those that have helped me find my permanent protector, Malcolm Raleigh, though the McCullough name remains as prophecies of old forestall, though that is all to change with Isabella. Isabella will one day take upon her the McCullough rites of title, but in honor only, her last name will be that of her husband. She is destined for a great work and only by not taking up the McCullough name will she be able to accomplish the work that is ahead. She will immediately understand this but will not know what she is to do for a time. The day will come for this prophecy to fully reveal itself to her and her protectors. Yes, she will have more than one permanent protector.
"Congratulations, Isabella. You only, with support of those who love you, have done what no one has been able to do. You got the clan council to overthrow the arranged marriage. The marriage was never supposed to be. You will meet the man you are supposed to be with and he will help you heal as he helps you remember as no one else can. He is not far away; he is closer than you realize. Do not yet dissolve the council they realize now what they did was wrong and they are greatly sorry for it. Give them a chance to show you just how sorry they are. They will make it right.
"Ah, Isabella, you have found love and I could not be more than happy for you. He has been with you for some time and you met he some time ago, though you could not remember where or when.
"Visitors you will have soon that will reveal you to the Wiccan world. Three sisters with very special abilities much like your own. You must say nothing for they must accuse you of being a witch but have no fear as this is not a time of witch trials. They will accept you and you will learn that they know of this prophecy.
"You will also be visited by three young wizards. Again you must say nothing for the must accuse of being a wizard. They too will accept you and they will tell you what they know of this prophecy.
"Both the Wiccan and Wizarding Worlds will help you learn and grow. Listen and learn from them. They have a vital role in your life.
"Isabella, you have learned more than you know.
"You learned from the three sisters' of me:
"Maribella, the first of a long line of mysterious witches, secretly married a wizard much to the dismay and disgrace of her family. She was disowned and cast out of the Wiccan world when she refused to end her marriage. She soon gave birth to a daughter. Thirty years later she became a grandmother. When she died her granddaughter inherited all Maribella's powers.
"You learned of my husband from these wizards:
"The wizard Maribella married was named Ewan. He was an orphan with no family. Maribella was the first not to treat him like an outcast and it was only natural that they should fall in love and marry. His only journal tells the wizarding world, at least those who take the time to read it, that Maribella had a dream one night about a power so great coming that would one day heal the rift their marriage created bring with it something new. Three years after their marriage, Maribella and Ewan came upon the McCullough clan who welcomed them in and gave them a place to stay for however long they would need it. Maribella in a short time became their healer and Ewan a records keeper. The loved their quiet life and there came a day in which the clan was attacked and the clan leadership did not survive; though with the magical help of both Maribella and Ewan, the clan fought off the attackers. The surviving tenants said nothing nor questioned how they had won the day but instead named Maribella and Ewan the Lord and Lady of the clan. These were titles they both did not want but the nay would not be heard. Reluctantly they accepted, two months later after the birth of their only daughter, Rose, my greatest grandmother had another dream of the great power. It is written in the dream Maribella came to the realization that the only way the power would come to be was only through leading the McCullough clan and taking that mantle upon all future generations. Not much is written about each granddaughter who gained one or the other magic abilities. Over time more dream like prophecy were had but none revealing much more than what Maribella had written that is until my grandmother, Annabella.
"You, Isabella, are what my family feared. A witch with wizard powers; so powerful that you do not comprehend how powerful you are. What the did not realize then is that you are exactly what is needed because of what you will be able to bring about with help one who could not be foreseen even by their great mages. But I side track, the prophecy continues.
"But the most important person, a young man, that will come into your life have already come into it. A vampire and his family and you will fall in love with him.
"Isabella, you may find this surprising, but I find congratulations are in order. I hope you will be happy with Edward. The prophecy can now whom you are to marry. You are to marry a man be the name of Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. He was born in June 20, 1901. By now you know that he is a vampire who died in 1918 at the age of 17. He was born of Elizabeth and Edward Masen, Sr. He joined with Carlisle Cullen after his change. He is your soul mate. It is time for you to tell him and his family what you are. Share as much of this prophecy as you wish. He and his family are a very important part of your life and this prophecy; they will help you to understand what you do not. They have much experience and when the time comes you will need their experiences and those both magical worlds to do what you must.
"The prophecy and I can now reveal to you that your mother always loved your father and that is why she gave you his last name and made him your godfather. He was meant to survive to help you through this time. He and your mother knew this and that is the reason Charlie left your mother. He allowed your mother to marry Phil. Phil loved you like you were his own and allowed Charlie to be a part of your life.
"Isabella, I added this personal message to this prophecy to let you know that what happened to your mother and Phil was a senseless act of violence. There was no why for anyone to know this would happen. The same is true about you guardians Danielle and Matthew Graham. They were in no way apart of this prophecy and not taken into account. I and your grandfather kept close watch on you and I can say that we are both proud of you and what you learned by living with Danielle and Matthew. They did know of this prophecy and what you are and what your mission is. The time has not yet come for you to know of your mission but the time for you to know is drawing near.
"Unfortunately this is where the prophecy ends. Listen to your heart and you will know what to do.
"This is not where the prophecy is to end. There is more that was even hidden from your Grandmother, Annabella, even from me. The great mages of my family are the only ones who will be able to stop you. Don't let them. The time is coming for a greater celebration. A celebration and union made out of love. You will know when the time is right. Trust in this simple true. Blood, life, and magic will combine on a dark night where neither mage nor those who are ignorant will be able to see. Watch and listen; be not afraid to use your powers to protect and defend.
"One more thing, Isabella, your questions holds the answers you seek."
EDWARD'S POV
My gaze drifted to Bella and the rest of the protectors. A mix of expressions met me. Charlie hands were buried in his hair and he appeared to be examining the grains of the table. Malcolm and Nickodemus were rubbing their beards while staring into the distance. The sisters and students… I wasn't sure what to make of their expressions. My family looked downright confused, like I was.
This prophecy couldn't be real, I thought. "Mages and the ignorant will not be able to see. The answers are in the questions." It all sounds so confusing. Why all the mystery?
"Hmmm, interesting," Jasper stated. "I have never felt so much confusion nor felt it myself."
"More questions than answers," Moira commented. "How do we even answer the questions?"
"The answers are in my questions," Bella said after a moment before getting very animated. "Grandfather, are there any writings that were not considered magical in nature, perhaps from the family that shunned Maribella?"
Other writings? Could there be further information in something that neither Maribella nor none after her thought to consult?
Malcolm was silent. "There are none that I know of. Charlie, do you have a way of getting into the McGregor library undetected?"
Iain? Where was he? He had been in the council chamber.
"What about Iain?" I asked. "Isn't he a McGregor descendant?"
"Really, Edward," Rosalie said. "Iain. I'm sure he's not a descendant."
"Who is Iain?" Zachary asked.
"Don't you know anything," Justine comments. "He's only the top and greatest Italy designer of the day. He lives in Milan and has no connection to any Scottish clan or at least that's what he claims. Everything that I have read about him doesn't point him ever having been born in Scotland."
Bella started laughing. "He wasn't born in Italy, that's just a story he tells people. He was born in Scotland, and he most certainly has a connection to a Scottish clan, the McCullough's. He has been designing dresses and such for me going on eighteen years. Before me, it was my mother and Grandmother, yet he is only two or three years older than me." Her eyes went wide. "How strange?"
"Strange indeed, Bella," Carlisle said.
"A trip to Milan is called for, I believe," Esme remarked. "Of course, not all of us can go."
BELLA'S POV
How could I have been so blind? Didn't Iain tell me years ago he had something to tell me but the time wasn't right for me to know? I had to go and see him.
He had been here, but I didn't sense his presence anymore.
"If you would excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back." I got up and Edward started to stand. "Please stay, Edward, I won't be long."
I had to get the truth from Iain, but I had to confront him alone. I couldn't tell Edward as he would insist on going with me, especially with what happened. In this one thing, he couldn't protect me. I wasn't the one in danger. Iain was. I was angry, and I could barely contain my fury.
Once I was outside the great hall, I grabbed the nearest cloak. It just happened to be my Grandmother's. I focused my mind on finding Iain and when I located him, I snapped my fingers. In a flash I was traveling through time and space. When I reappeared, I was confronted not with Iain but wedding festivities. I dashed behind a pillar and ducked.
"Maribella McGregor, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" someone asked.
Maribella looked pale and faint.
"Of course she does, don't you my child," a male voice answered.
Her mind was screaming a loud and resounding "No," but she said "I Do" with hate venomous in her voice.
"Iain McGregor, do you take Maribella to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This wasn't happening. Maribella turned toward me, seeing me though I was hidden from sight.
"Help me," she cried. "Please, Isabella, help me. Stop this wedding, end my torment, my suffering. My parents promised me I could marry the man of my choosing. Iain knows of my love for Ewan. We are under a spell of compulsion. Help me. Help us."
ALICE'S POV
My gaze fell to the floor as I saw Bella's decision to visit Iain, and then her future vanished.
"Alice, where is she going?" Edward asked.
"To see Iain," I replied, not looking up.
Edward ran after her. Less than three seconds later he was back.
"She's gone, and so is Annabella's cloak. I can't believe she went alone. She shouldn't be alone."
"Not to worry you more, Edward, but Bella has no future," I said, sharing a looking with Maidie.
Edward swung around.
"What do you mean, Alice?" he demanded.
I wasn't about to tell him.
"Call Iain," Malcolm shouted to the guard. "See if Isabella made it safely to his villa."
It was ten minutes later, when the guard returned phone in hand.
"My laird, Iain says her ladyship has not arrived nor does he expect her."
Edward grabbed the phone from his hand, "Iain, its Edward. Are you sure Bella is not there?"
EDWARD'S POV
I leaned against the table, waiting for his answer.
"Absolutely, she can't enter the villa without setting off alarms," Iain replied.
I threw the phone across the room.
Alice warned Emmett, and he jumped out of the way a moment before it smashed into the far wall.
Alice can't see Bella's future but can see mine. Great, just flipping great, I thought running my hands through my already tousled hair. "Where else would she have gone?"
"The library? Though, she barely had enough energy to open the door she went out of," Maisie said.
"That much was evident," Charlie said angrily.
Maisie's POV
Maidie had been awfully quiet and for too long. She was known for wanting to help any way she could, but she had never been so still.
"Maidie, can you see anything?" Edward finally asked.
"No, my powers don't work that way. I can't take a look into anyone's life." She paused.
Moira and I looked at her, not believing what she was saying. It was true what she said, but for her to not have seen something was odd.
"You know something don't you," I said.
"Alice is right, Bella had no past, present, or future right now," she said. "'The great mages of my family are the only ones who will be able to stop her.' What do you think that means?"
"I think it means you finally lost your mind," Moira said.
"No think about it. Mages are powerful and power hungry. What do they have that Bella doesn't have?"
Everyone looked at Maidie like she six heads.
"They have the power to strike fear into anyone. Bella didn't want to be what she is, am I right, Charlie?"
"I wouldn't know. Malcolm?" Charlie asked.
"No, she embraced the gifts she was blessed with," Malcolm replied.
"Did she really? Are there any gifts that are rightfully hers she has yet to receive?" Maidie said.
That has us all thinking.
BELLA'S POV
I racked my brain for a spell, any spell that would help Maribella. Nothing came to me.
"I'm sorry, Maribella," I yelled. "I can't help you."
I felt myself falling or rather being pulled back through the portal I was transported through to this time and place.
"Seek out Iain," she shouted as Iain appeared in front of me. "Isabella, don't let me down."
I collapsed into his arms. Where in the world was I?
"Bella, are you all right?" Iain asked, leading me to the couch.
"Give me a moment."
Iain knelt in from of me. "Edward called frantic, rather the castle guard called. The call came two hours ago. Edward thought you came to see me."
"That was the plan," I said, holding my head. "Why is the room spinning?"
"Where and when were you?" he asked, handing me a cup of tea he conjured. "Drink this, it will help."
I took a sip. "I was at your wedding," I said, starting to feel better.
"So you know," Iain said rather than asked as he sat next to me. "I didn't love her, Isabella. I couldn't love her. I loved another. I was forced into marrying Maribella. The mages are not to be denied."
"What about Ewan?" I asked, angling my body so I could see his face.
"The compulsion spell hadn't been placed on me yet when I was forced to sign the marriage certificate, so I signed Ewan's name. The mages didn't know until after the ceremony was over. I wasn't her rightful husband, Ewan was—he and Maribella married in secret months before. The mages couldn't see it. But… in the eyes of the McGregor Clan, I was her husband. That is way the three of us left. Maribella was shunned by her father, the laird. Ewan and I were shunned by not only our parents but our clan."
"I don't understand. You were born eight years before me."
Iain took hold of my hands. "No, Isabella, I wasn't. I was born three hundred years ago. I'm your so many greats uncle."
I gasped, pulling my hands out of his grasp. That didn't stop him from going on.
"Ewan is your grandfather and one of your protectors."
No, no, no. What Iain was saying couldn't be true.
"How is that possible?" I asked.
Iain sighed.
"Iain?"
"After the birth of Rose Marie, Maribella got ill. She and Ewan had been laird and lady for three months. Magic did nothing to aid her and the nearest doctor was a month's ride away." He paused, running a hand over his face. "Maribella believed the only way to save her life was to go back in time. She never returned."
I shook my head, absorbing this new information. Disbelief coursed through me. But it had be Iain who kissed Maribella during the ceremony I witnessed in the past. He had tried to fight the compulsion. Then there were the strangely dressed men in the shadows. I hadn't noticed them while I was in the past, if I was truly in the past. Black clad and menacing. I shivered. They had to be the mages. One had raised his hand and Iain was pushing forward forcibly. With this add information, it all clicked. And I believed Iain.
"During the ceremony, she asked me for help and I couldn't help her. Iain what can I do?" I asked.
"I don't know. I have been asking that question every day. All I can do is provide you with dresses and whatever else you need. That is my curse for helping Maribella with her spell. Ewan's was to sit and wait for the time when he would see Maribella again."
"What is the cure for her illness?" I asked.
"I wish I knew."
I thought a moment. "Do you remember the symptoms?"
"Yes," he admitted sadly. "My brother should remember them too."
"We must tell Carlisle. He'll be able to help. Return with me."
"First, you have to call Edward," he said, picking up a phone from the side table. "Then, while you are here, try on your wedding dress."
"Iain, I don't have the time to try on a wedding dress. Wait… how did you know?"
"Yes, you do, Isabella. And I knew about the prophecy. Now, call Edward. End his torment, end his suffering."
"Wait, Maribella told me that."
"End his torment, end his suffering," Iain said again as if he didn't hear me. He handed me the phone and left the room.
I looked at the phone. I couldn't bring myself to call Edward. "Forgive me, Edward, I need to talk to Alice."
ALICE'S POV
Two hours. It had been two hours since I had seen anything concerning Bella's future, and then as quickly as it disappeared, it reappeared. I saw Bella sitting alone in a room with a phone in her hands.
"I need a little fresh air," I said. "Rosalie, Esme, care to join me for a run?"
They nodded.
"We are going to check the perimeter again," Esme said, kissing Carlisle. "Don't let Edward do anything foolish."
Edward glared after us as we jumped out the window and took off to the far side of the grounds. As we ran, I pulled out my phone expecting Bella to call in a moment.
"Go on ahead," I called out as I slowed.
Esme peered over her shoulder at me. "Get Bella to come back," she called.
"Bella, where are you?" I said, answering before my phone could ring.
"Milan, currently. When I left, I went back in time to when Maribella was forced to marry. Ask my grandfather for the story. Alice, I won't be coming back tonight," she said.
"Edward's going to murder someone if you don't come back and soon."
Bella sighed. "I can't Alice. There's more I need to do."
Taking a page out of Edward's book, I ran a hand down my face. "Look, he's going to murder me when he learns you called me and not him."
"Have Jasper calm him down," she suggested.
"Jazz has been trying!" I shouted.
She groaned. "Alice, tell Edward I have to help Maribella. She's lost in time and I need find her."
A vision flashed in front of my eyes of Bella with the mages. There was a glowing crown in the hands of one. Two more held a struggling Bella between them while the one with the crown began to lower it.
What I was seeing became fuzzy, but it was clear from with little I saw, the mages might try to control Bella.
"Bella, don't go. You'll be in danger," I pleaded.
"I know, but I have to go. The sisters need to write a spell to find me. They may require the help of the wizards," she said.
"You have no future, Bella. Not to mention a past or present."
"Tell Edward I love him."
"Bella, don't—" the dial tone cut me off.
I slipped the phone back into my pocket as Esme and Rosalie rejoined me.
"Is Bella coming back?" Rosalie asked.
All I could do was shake my head.
"Oh, dear," Esme said. "What are you going to tell Edward?"
"I don't know," I admitted, taking off at a run toward the keep.
Edward was waiting outside for me.
"Edward, don't be mad," I started.
He took slow, measured steps toward me. His hands were clenched at his side.
Oh no, he knew what I saw.
"Bella called me."
His jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed to slits.
"Don't give me that look Edward I tried to talk her out of leaving. She would not listen."
Edward's eyes widened but he didn't stop his advance.
"Where did she go?" he asked.
"When I spoke to her she was in Milan."
"That's not what I asked, Alice. Where did she go?"
Edward was barely controlling his temper. My gaze moved passed him to the opened windows. Everyone was there, listening.
"Into time and space," I said.
A gasp sounded from the sisters.
"She needs someone to write a spell to find her," I said, stepping around Edward.
"There is no coming back from time, at least not unchanged," Moira said.
Edward spun me, and if I wasn't a vampire his grip on me would have left bruises.
"She loves you, Edward."
Closing his eyes, he released me and took a couple of steps back.
"Is there a way for you to send me to Bella?" he asked Maisie.
She consulted with her sisters, as we scaled the walls and entered the great hall again.
"No. There is no known spell and to write one without knowing the consequences is dangerous."
"There is another way," Nickodemus offered, pulling at the chain around his neck. "This is a time turner. You can go back and try to stop her yourself. You know where she is going to run off to before she does, Edward. You can meet her out in the hall. It will surprise her but," he waved his hand.
"It just might work," I said.
"You just can't let yourself see you or you will think you're going crazy."
"Emmett, can you remember to restrain me?" Edward asked.
"Like I did when you started to go after her to begin with," Emmett said, flexing his muscles. "Sure, bro."
From the confused look on Edward's face, it was apparent he forgot about that.
Nickodemus handed Edward the device and explained how to work it. Five minutes later, Edward walked out of the room.
EDWARD'S POV
I hoped this works as I spun the dials back three hours. Two seconds before Bella would leave the great hall. She appeared right on cue.
"Bella, it's not worth it," I said, startling her.
"Edward, how?" she asked, looking at the closed door.
"Later. It's not worth going back in time not knowing if you can return."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, her forehead furrowing.
"Don't leave like this. There has to be another way to find Maribella without time travel."
"Maribella is lost in time," she asked, the furrow deepening.
"Yes. Malcolm told us after you stormed off she was to marry Iain," I lied, wishing she would believe me.
"Edward, you are crazy? Iain is only eight years older than me."
"Bella, I'm older than you and it doesn't matter. Age is just a number. He didn't love Maribella. He was forced into marrying her as she was him." I had to keep spewing half truths until she believed me.
"I don't believe you, Edward," she said, turning.
I took hold of her hand, making her looked at me. When she had, I kissed her before asking, "Do you love me, Bella? Truly love me?"
"Yes, but that's not the problem." She huffed, trying to break my hand hold. "I have to speak with Iain alone."
An electric shock had me releasing her hand, and she took half a step before I managed to grab it again.
"No. I'm going with you," I said.
I prayed what I was attempting worked. Maisie had only spoken on this during training sessions. I drew upon Bella's powers and snapped my fingers. She disappeared. I stayed.
How had she blocked me out?
A noise at the door had me diving into a side hall. I watched as I stormed out and a second later fade away. Time sped up. Servants flew by as if someone had hit fast-forward on a remote.
Bella had left me, again. I was even more distraught than the first time.
How could I have let this happening? I thought, banging the back of my head against the wall.
A minute later, I walked back into the great hall, my head hung.
"Bella left me," I announced.
"The time turner didn't work?" Lorena asked.
"No. I even tried drawing on Bella's powers so I could go with her."
I looked up and directly at Alice. She looked as if she wanted to cry.
"Oh, Edward," she said, running to my side as I collapsed to my knees pulling at my hair.
"She'll return," Maidie said. "Just give her a bit of time."
"That's just it. If she goes into time to look for Maribella, she won't return," Alice said.
"But she will," Malcolm said, kneeling in front of me and Alice. "Her love for you is too strong, Edward. I was the one to suggest Maribella slip into time until a cure was found."
I drew my eyebrows together. There was no way, even if he had magic, he could know Maribella.
"I am Ewan McGregor. Maribella and I fell in love but she was to marry Iain, my brother. Iain knew of my love for her and signed my name."
My eyes widened.
"Do you overhear what I told Bella?" I asked.
"No. What did you tell her?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter she didn't believe me," I said. "Go on."
"The three of us came up with a false story when the entered the McCullough lands. The patrol didn't believe us and took us to the laird, Maribella's uncle. Her uncle and aunt died in the attack on the clan, they had no children," he said.
I nodded and he continued.
"You already know what happened after their death. After the birth of our only daughter, Rose Marie, Maribella got sick. No healer had the knowledge on how to heal her, and they couldn't determine if the illness was caused by magic or a virus."
Malcolm shared a look with Carlisle and something passed between them. Their thoughts revealed nothing.
Was I missing something?
"Isabella will learn that she can heal the wounds of the past, but in order to learn that, she has to embrace her time traveling gift."
"You said she would return," Charlie said. "How can she if Maribella hasn't yet?"
Malcolm exhaled noisily. "She has to believe in herself and when she does, she can come back at any time."
"Call Iain," Alice said. "Tell him what happened. Maybe he can talk Bella out of going."
Malcolm did so and set the phone down a minute later. "She's already gone."