Bella's Point of View
The night dragged on, as it usually did. My personal assistant, Mabel had just finished helping me remove my corset. The gown laid in a pile at my feet. I kicked it to the side in disgust as I pulled my night clothes on. A simple silk gown, white in color. Mabel put a long robe over my shoulders. I didn't see the point in dressing for bed, when I didn't sleep. But it was something I've read in many books. When night came, you would dress in more comfortable clothing. Anything other than those stuffy dresses were a blessing.
Mabel was the three hundredth assistant I've ever had. All my assistants were human, they lived out their entire lives, tending to my basic needs. Being around humans was fascinating to me. Although the ones employed by my father were different. They were mindless puppets. Brainwashed into thinking they would someday be granted the privilege of being turned into a vampire. I felt bad for each and every one of them. I'd give anything to set them free. Just like those humans I watched on the streets. There was a lively spirit in their eyes. But not Mabel. Not anymore. When we first met, she was just sixteen. But today she celebrated her fiftieth birthday.
"Is there anything else I can get for you princess?" Mabel smiled at me.
"No, I'm fine, I'm sure you're tired from your long day. Get some rest." I said carefully, reaching out and squeezing her shoulder. I had to remember that I couldn't use much strength with humans. I learned the hard way that humans were fragile. My first few assistants hadn't been so lucky. I've hurt many of them, not on purpose, but a light elbow to the side of one of them cracked a rib. Or hugging one of them too tightly could break the bones of their spines.
Mabel's smile widened. "Are you sure?"
I nodded. "It's your birthday, go ahead and enjoy yourself."
"Thank you so much, I think lord Caius wanted to see me before I finished for the day. I'm hoping… this means… He has considered turning me." Hope was dancing in her blue eyes.
I sighed, slowly plopping down on the edge of my bed. That wasn't a good sign. Surely Caius didn't plan on ending her contract already. He wouldn't take her life on her birthday, would he? She was still so young. The others had lived to be well into their eighties.
"Dear Mabel, why would you want to be a vampire in the first place?"
"Who wants to grow old? To turn ugly and suffer until the end of their days?" She replied, bowing her head respectfully.
"Who wants to live forever, watching everyone else grow old around you and die. This is a lonely existence Mabel." I admitted quietly. "If it were possible, I'd become human."
"You do possess the ability to do something like that, don't you?" She raised a single brow.
"I haven't figured out how to do that yet. But believe me, I've been trying for a very long time. Eventually I'll figure it out. And when I do, I'll escape from this prison and start fresh. Have a nice short human life, have some babies. A husband. Get a job. Drive a car. Doesn't that sound wonderful?" The thought brought a smile to my face.
Mabel shook her head with a chuckle. "Maybe so, but my health is quite poor. I'm afraid I don't have many more years left. Sickness has been burdening me for a long time. That's why I'm hopeful Caius has come to his decision."
I moved off the bed and approached her again, wrapping my arms gently around her. Mabel was used to my clingy nature. It had made her uncomfortable in the past, but as she got older, she has come to accept it. She pulled me closer, hugging me tightly.
"Goodbye Mabel, it's been really nice, watching you grow and getting to know you." I whispered quietly.
Mabel sniffed, stroking the back of my head. "It has, thank you Bella, I've had a great life. Hopefully we will meet again, one day."
Her words were full of sorrow. I could see the anguish and fear on her face. Part of her realized that this might be the day she dies. She knew that no other human has ever been turned, once they have become my assistant. What would make this situation any different? Strangely, it felt like I was watching my daughter leave. She had been so young when we met. It never felt like she was taking care of me. It just felt like I was spending time with my child. Even now, when she was fifty, she looked much older. Her skin was beginning to wrinkle, and her raven black hair was beginning to gray. It felt like she was still that young girl I met years ago.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she took a few steps back from me. I watched her, pained. But unlike her, I couldn't cry. But it felt like my heart was breaking. I wanted her to stay. I didn't want Caius to take her from me. Although I wasn't sure if I could stop this from happening. If I was to interfere, my father would be furious.
"Good night princess," Mabel said, quickly wiping at her tears.
"Good night, Mabel."
She lifted her head and walked out the door, leaving me alone to my thoughts. I began to pace the room as I listened for Mabel's delicate footsteps. I could hear her heart beating in her chest. Much faster than it normally is. The tower was huge, the castle, even bigger. But no matter where she went, I would be able to detect her. I chewed my lip anxiously, waiting.
But a sharp pounding on my bedroom door got my attention.
"Enter," I muttered, barely above a whisper. I was in distress as I tried to listen for any sign of Mabel.
Two people entered my room, but I didn't look up until one of them cleared their throat.
To my surprise, it was my father and a man I've never seen before. He had eyes of gold and a warm smile. He had perfect, blonde hair, a real nice-looking man. Looking closer to my father's age in physical appearance.
"Darling, I'd like you to meet Carlisle Cullen, he and his family has traveled a long way here to meet with you." My father said with his usual dotting grin. He bowed his head in respect, the stranger next to him did the same.
This was a rare occurrence. I never have the pleasure of meeting anyone new. Especially another vampire, who wasn't part of the clan. Something must be going on. But I couldn't think of that now. Not with Mabel's life on the line.
"It's a pleasure I'm sure," I pulled my robe more securely around me. "Not to get off topic, but I'd like to know what business Caius has with my assistant."
Aro nodded slowly, already knowing what I was asking. "Oh, well Mabel is getting rather old now, isn't she? I thought it may be time for a new, younger assistant. Someone a bit livelier."
"Mabel is perfectly fine, I hope Caius doesn't plan on hurting her. She still has many human years left. I will not accept her being put down, like some kind of animal."
Carlisle was watching me closely but didn't comment. He remained patient and quiet.
"Bella, don't be difficult. You've had no issues in the past with getting rid of assistants."
"The others were elderly and about ready to die naturally. They accepted it. They were prepared for it. Mabel isn't ready. And I'm not either."
"She has cancer darling, she is sickly. Her life is of no use to us any longer." My father's patience was running thin. I could tell by the subtle arch of his brows. He wanted to keep appearances in front of Carlisle. But I wasn't letting this go.
"Then turn her. If it is to save her life. Please, turn her. It's what she wants. Even though I can't understand it myself." I sighed, folding my arms across my chest.
"Out of the question," He replied.
I growled quietly in his direction, before turning my back. "Mabel means something to me."
"That's an even bigger reason to dispose of her. I warned you not to get attached to humans. It will only lead to suffering." He continued a bit more gently.
It was impossible to talk with my father. He never listened. He could never seem to understand how I felt. But there had to be a way to convince him.
I looked to Carlisle now. "Is there something you came here to ask of me?"
"Yes, actually my daughter desperately would like for you to use your ability on her. She no longer wants to be a vampire." He spoke, again bowing his head.
"I assume you are getting something out of this arrangement?" I looked back to my father.
"Naturally," He agreed.
"And what do I get out of this arrangement?"
"What would you like?"
"Mabel,"
My father sighed heavily, his false mask slipping. A frown came to his face. "Such a stubborn child. She has proven to be quite a handful. Fine. Your request is granted. We will turn the woman. But she won't be permitted to return as your assistant. You do realize that don't you?"
I nodded stiffly. "I know the rules,"
I was never allowed a vampire assistant. Only humans. My father didn't trust that I would be safe. That a vampire may try to force me into using my powers on them. Or trick me into turning them human. I didn't know if his concern was about me, or of what might happen if he wasn't in control of each and every thing in my life.
I would miss Mabel dearly, but at least she would get what she desired. A long life, to be young and beautiful. Without another care in the world. Although that was just a fantasy. I'm sure she will learn to regret this choice. I guess it might be better than the alternative. Death by Caius' hands.
"Alright, now that you're satisfied, I'd like for you to follow us to the ceremony room. I'll have Sulpicia bring you something to wear and send your guard up for tonight to escort you down when you're ready." My father said with a wide smile.
I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'll be down."
The two of them bowed their heads and made a quiet exit from my quarters. I barely had a moment to gather my thoughts, before Sulpicia entered my room with a simple evening gown. It was a more casual outfit. Something similar to what the other ladies of this tower would be permitted to wear on the rare occasions they got to leave the tower. A red dress that reached my ankles. And a black robe with gold embroidering.
She didn't have much to say, other than the usual fussing over my behavior. She had heard the whole exchange about Mabel of course and wanted to throw her opinions in about it. She also was given human assistants, but when they got too old, she would just drink their blood. Until there was nothing left. I found it disturbing. But she claims it to be merciful.
Like my father, she didn't understand my feelings. And didn't try to understand them. What I thought didn't matter. It never did.
Sulpicia did my hair. Curling it and pulling it up into an elegant up-do, pinned in place by the family crest. I stared at myself in the mirror for a while. Unsure of myself. I didn't resemble my father, as much as my mother. My hair was a perfect mixture of his dark locks and my mother's soft ginger curls. I saw my mother when I smiled. I had the same lips and facial structure. While my eyes matched my father's. Not only when we became vampires, but before. Our eyes had been a light gray. He had a darker, smokier look than me.
It was little details like that, that made me hold onto hope. We had been so happy at one point. When my mother was alive. When we were humans. But time and greed has changed my father completely. I'm afraid my mother wouldn't even recognize him.
When Sulpicia left, Felix was already waiting at the bottom of the stairs to escort me. He offered me a bright smile as I approached him. "You look… beautiful,"
I snorted, linking my arm around his. "Careful, the last man to compliment me, suffered a de-heading, at the hands of a very envious gentleman."
Felix scoffed as he slowly led me through the castle. "I was hardly envious. I just didn't appreciate his tone."
I wasn't sure what drove Felix's emotions. I suspected my father arranged for Corin to alter Felix's connection to me. He wanted me to mate with a strong and loyal ally. It would make sense that he would choose someone like Felix. Or even Demetri or Alec. His closest guard. But I wouldn't give my father that satisfaction. If it were up to me, I'd never marry. What would be the point? What's the point in any of this?
It only took us a couple seconds to make it into the ceremony room. It was just a large hall in the castle, where we would hold feeding banquets from time to time. It hasn't actually been used in nearly one hundred years. Most other covens were too afraid to enter this castle. I didn't blame them.
As I entered, Felix walked me right over to where Marcus, Caius and my father stood. A range of emotions clouded their faces as I took my place at my father's side. Marcus watched me with uneasiness. He feared my abilities at times. He made sure to never come into physical contact with me. But he held no ill wishes against me. We just didn't have that much of a relationship. Caius on the other hand, was like an overbearing older brother. He watched over me with an intense stare. His mouth is in a hard line. I could faintly smell blood coming from me.
"Mabel better still be alive," I muttered quietly to him.
"She is in transition. Begging for death now, as we speak." He didn't sound pleased. It's been a very long time since Caius turned someone. He found the act of doing so disgusting. But I was glad, at the very least, he did as my father asked. Mabel would get to experience eternity. Hopefully it was everything she wanted and more. She just had to survive the transition.
I set my shoulders and turned my attention to the others in the room. All kneeling down on one knee. I couldn't see their faces.
"Who is here, for my abilities?" I directed the question to the group.
A single woman stood, beautiful blonde hair, in fact everything about her was gorgeous. She lifted her head, revealing another pair of golden eyes. Excitement danced around in my stomach as she approached me. There was a look of heartbreak and desperation on her face.
I stepped forward as well, unable to hide my smile.
"I'm Bella, what's your name?" I held my hand out to her.
Everyone in the room seemed to tense. But the woman only smiled. "Rosalie," She took my hand to shake it. Her grip was loose and delicate. She would have made a better princess than me. This was probably the kind of girl my father wishes that he had as a daughter. That thought left me a little bitter. I wasn't sure if I was jealous of this woman, or angry with my father.
"Now Bella darling, I know that you usually follow your own guidelines on using your powers. You like to screen a person, before allowing this process to take place. But I ask you, please allow this woman to be cured. Regardless of your silly guidelines," My father said ruefully. "What we will get in return for this little arrangement will only benefit all of us."
I ignored him. This was one thing he couldn't take from me. Only I would decide who becomes human. He can't force me to use my abilities.
"Rosalie, why do you want to become human?" I turned to her, keeping my expression blank. The room went quiet. My eyes scanned the others in front of me. They all were watching, empty of emotion as well. But the bronze haired boy in the back caught my attention for a moment. I felt a leap in my chest as I recognized him. I saw him out my window early today. This was a stroke of good luck. Now that I had a better look of him, I realized he was much better looking than I first thought. His golden eyes flickered to me, then away. A hint of a smile touched his lips. I wonder what he was thinking.
"I never wanted to be a vampire. I want to become a mother, live a short happy life, as a human. I had the chance to experience everything in life. More than enough." Rosalie replied with openness. She was being completely honest with me. I could see it in her eyes.
"How many people have you killed?" I asked quietly.
This question seemed to catch her off guard, along with the others behind her. They all exchanged looks with one another. My eyes swept over the group of them, again I looked at the bronze haired boy. He was watching me again, but this time, he didn't look away when our eyes met. I chewed my bottom lip, wishing more than anything to catch his name.
"I don't know the exact number. Less than ten, I'm sure." Rosalie responded.
If it wasn't for my father's demands, this would have been enough for me, not to grant her request. This was a sign of disregard for human life. They didn't matter enough to her, to even be remembered. She took their lives, without bothering to honor them. No respect. No decency. She wasn't worthy to become human. Even famous serial killers can recount their victims.
I sighed in disappointment, turning away from their eyes for a moment. "Then I suppose, you couldn't tell me, how many of them deserved it and how many of them, was an accident."
Rosalie's expression went a bit sour. "A few deserved it. But a few didn't."
"When I use my powers on you, it will erase all of your memories, everyone here that you traveled with will be strangers to you. And since humans aren't allowed to know about the existence of vampires, they will be lost to you forever. Is that alright with you?"
One of the men, the biggest of them, flinched at my words. His eyes filled with pain as he watched Rosalie. I could only guess that he was her mate. Rosalie hesitated, looking back to the man as well. They gave each other a nod. A silent acknowledgement.
"Yes, I'm willing to give everything up for this." She replied with a hard look. Her hands balled into fists at her sides. Her shoulders were tense. There was pain in her eyes as well.
This would have been another mark against her. For her to turn her back on her family and mate. Just for one selfish desire. It was cruel. She wasn't even thinking about how this would affect her mate. Could they really be true mates? If she was willing to sell him out like this? Shouldn't mates want to be together forever?
I didn't know anything about love, so maybe I was wrong. This question was only a bluff. She should still have her memories intact once I cure her. Although, if she asked for her memories to be erased, that would be a side effect, if I used my powers at full potency. There was still so much to my powers I haven't learned yet.
"Do you really wish for your memories to be taken away? Because I can keep them intact."
My father cleared his throat. "Now darling, that isn't the rule. You know humans can't know about us. If she was to keep her memories, we would have no choice, but to dispose of her immediately. That wouldn't be very kind, would it?"
Rosalie took a few deep breaths, before nodding. "Take the memories as well. I accept it. This will be a new life for me. Even though it breaks my heart."
Selfish. Very selfish.
"So be it," I grumbled, looking down at my feet. "Last question. What did you have to give up, for my father to allow this to happen?"
Again, the room went quiet. Everyone was looking at each other. They seemed unwilling to come out and answer me. I turned to look at my father and the others. But they kept their expressions somber. They weren't about to fill me in on this either. Time ticked on, I waited. There was no way I'd continue, until I heard what my father was getting out of this. It must be good. I haven't been permitted to use my abilities in nearly three hundred years. It seemed so strange that I was taking requests again.
Suddenly the bronze haired boy stepped forward. "I believe your father described it as more pieces for the chess board." His voice was as smooth as velvet. It brought a shudder to roll down my shoulders. I could listen to him talk forever.
It wasn't a surprise; my father likes to collect vampires with unique abilities. And of course, this selfish woman was willing to throw her family away, just for a chance at a human life. I wanted to refuse her wishes. I would never have allowed this. This was going to cause the destruction of a family. I could see the defeat on their faces. My heart ached for them.
I turned my back and walked back towards my Caius, Marcus and my father.
"I really don't want to do this,"
"Princess, I know she isn't someone you would typically cure, but the benefits of this would drastically improve our coven. More people to protect you. And expand our reach." Caius said quietly. Marcus remained silent, shrugging his shoulders.
I glanced back over to Rosalie, she retreated to her mate's side. Appearing agonized. I'm not sure why. Because she could lose her family, or because I might not go through with this.
The bronze haired boy spoke up again, pulling my attention back. "She is worried that you will change your mind." He answered my thoughts.
My eyes widened in fascination. "Did you read my thoughts?"
He nodded slightly.
I turned and walked over to him, unable to help myself. No one stopped me, surprisingly. But I could feel Felix's hard glare. He didn't like when I approached any man. Or showed interest in anyone. Especially other men. But I ignored him.
What is your name? I tested his abilities with a silent question in my head.
"Edward Cullen," He replied with a crooked smile.
His powers are like my father's. But he doesn't have to be in physical contact. It was impressive. No doubt my father planned on collecting him as well. It's a shame. No one deserved to be caged away in this place. It was bad enough that I was stuck here. They shouldn't be throwing their lives away.
Edward shook his head slightly. "It's not a permanent agreement. We will join the coven, until Rosalie's health fails her. Once she has had her long happy, human life, we can return to our lives."
Do you believe my father will really let that happen?
"We can only hope." Edward replied as his eyes did a quick scan over my body. I caught just the faintest lingering on the delicate curves of my body.
I allowed myself to look over him as well. It was hard not to admire such a handsome man. Although I wasn't sure of his personality. I haven't gotten much information from him. Just Rosalie. Those answers that she had given were enough for me to make my own assumptions.
Felix casually strolled over, to hover over my shoulder. His sights were on Edward. His arms tensed. Ready to strike. I could sense his growing hostility.
Maybe I should back off, before someone got hurt here.
But Edward tilted his head up, not intimidated at all. They glared at each other in silence for a while. Until I felt Felix wrap his arm around my shoulders and guide me back to my father. The tension in the room was increasing. I wasn't the only one that noticed. Carlisle, the man that I had met earlier, went to Edward's side to whisper something to him.
"What is it Edward?" I heard the older man ask.
"Nothing to be overly concerned about," Edward replied just as quietly, but his eyes seemed to follow me. It was a bit unfair, that I couldn't read his mind as well. I'd give just about anything to find out what he was thinking about when he looked at me. Again, a small smile pulled at his lips. A cocky smile. As if taunting me. He had such a serious demeanor. Yet his facial reactions didn't match that serious tone.
"Bella, I'm sure the Cullens are eager to get on with their day. Let's not waste any more of their time." My father said with a few snaps of his finger.
The thought of breaking those fingers crossed my mind. I hated when he did that. Treating me like a dog, about to perform a trick. A growl bubbled in my throat, but I kept my jaw shut.
I sighed heavily and opened my hands out towards Rosalie. "Come,"
She obeyed my orders. Without hesitation. Her entire body trembled as she stood in front of me. She placed her hands in mine. The contact was gentle. But I gripped her hands with some force. Enough to cause her some discomfort. It's what she deserved. This last piece of pain would be a little reminder of her selfish wishes. I wouldn't let this experience be painless for her.
I looked into her eyes. "Are you ready for a new life?"
She forced her eyes shut, wincing as I squeezed her hands tighter. "Yes,"
With some concentration I visualized myself opening the lid to a jar. Slowly, but the turbulent forces trapped inside burst forth. Running down my arms and into Rosalie. Her body went completely still as the energy passed through her. It's been such a long time; I had a bit of a struggle to taper off the amount to give her. The longer she experienced this energy, the shorter her human lifespan would be. Those I've used this on in the past describe it as if they are being frozen solid. It was a sharp, pricking pain. Just as bad as the transition itself. But instead of the flames and burning, it was frigid. Rosalie slid to her knees, screaming out in agony. Her hands rubbed at her arms. As if trying to warm herself. Her mate went to her side worriedly. But no matter what he did, he couldn't comfort her.
She curled herself in a ball on the floor, trembling in the cold.
As fast as I could manage, I imagined sucking the energy into my mouth. I breathed in deeply through pursed lips. The energy shot back into me, and I closed the jar. I could feel the power bouncing around against the jar. Trying to free itself. But I held onto it. Until the sensation completely faded away.
"How long will it take?" Carlisle asked, taking a step towards me.
Felix, who was still at my side, held his hand up. Giving Carlisle a warning to not come any closer. "She could still be trying to contain herself. If you get too close, her ability might start to affect you as well."
Carlisle nodded, taking a few steps back now.
"Six days. She will have to stay in complete isolation. The energy inside of her right now, can jump from her to someone else. So, it's best if she remained here, until the cure has taken full effect." I said, casting my eyes down. It was always a sad day, when I used my powers on someone. Especially someone that didn't deserve it. And won't truly provide any benefits to humankind. I've seen her type before. And I wasn't impressed by them.
Her mate looked at me, he appeared highly upset, on the verge of a breakdown. All hostility was directed to me. I couldn't blame him. Even though it was his mate that asked for this. I was the one to do it. I ended their relationship. And vampires tend to mate for life. He would be the one to truly suffer. I pitied him above anyone else.
"Six days? I can't be there to comfort her?" His voice was deeper than the others. Full of raw emotion.
"After the first two days, you should be able to be around her. The energy will have died down enough that it shouldn't transfer to you. But I'll warn you. She most likely has already forgotten who you are. You might scare her."
He hung his head, before turning his back, unleashing a hard punch into a marble statue. The rubble crashed loudly at his feet. He was hurting. Could anyone here even remotely understand his suffering? His lifetime of loneliness and pain was just beginning. I hoped that his family could support him.
Edward caught my attention again as he and two others stepped forward.
"We will join you, when Rose's transition ends. We want to make sure this works. Before agreeing to stay here." Edward spoke politely. But I detected the unwillingness in his golden eyes.
"That's fair, we will gladly set up lodging for you all nearby. Feel free to return in six days." My father smiled.
Caius made a bitter face. "Next time, use the side entrance. We don't want to gain any attention."
Carlisle bowed his head respectfully. "Of course, thank you for your time."
Edward and I exchanged glances once more, as the rest of his family walked towards the doors. Felix walked past me, nodding rigidly to Edward. "Get moving,"
Edward narrowed his eyes at him but obeyed. He turned his back on me, bringing a dull ache in my chest. Fear overcame me. Would this be the last time I ever see him again?
"I look forward to seeing you again," Edward replied over his shoulder, glancing back only for a moment to meet my gaze.
If my heart was functioning, I believe that remark would have sent it flying. I forced myself not to respond. I allowed my father to assume that comment was meant for him. But I knew he had been answering me.
"You as well Edward," My father replied with false enthusiasm.
My thoughts were jumbled as I tried to make sense of my emotions. Edward Cullen was interesting. I was looking forward to seeing him again as well. Although I'm not sure my father would allow it. But I didn't care. I would find a way to see him again.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit of a long one! Leave a review to show some support to this new storyline. I wasn't sure how well people would like this. But so far, so good!