Playlist:
Twenty One Pilots - Heathens
The Chainsmokers; Halsey - Closer
WONDERLAND - Neoni
Loren Gray - Queen
Lorde - Royals
Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me
Selena Gomez - Stars Dance
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words. Stephanie Meyer owns the Twilight series, and the songs belong to their respective people.
Heathens
Alice blinked at her surroundings, her natural sense of balance and placement struggling to adjust to the sudden change of location. A warm breeze filled with desert air hit her nose, and the scent of a foreign landscape further disoriented her. Empty warehouses lined the dark street, the sounds of city-life at night hitting her ears from somewhere far away. Alice reeled as her senses assaulted her. By the time she had re-oriented herself to the new scene enough to focus, Bella was already walking away from them, headed across the street towards the entrance to one of the warehouses that looked no different from the rest.
Jasper's hand was tight on hers as he too struggled to take in the sudden changes. Alice knew he was in full soldier-mode, Major Whitlock's instincts driving him to assess and protect in a way she had not seen in decades. She tugged him to follow Bella, and in the half-second pause of his resistance she read more than he intended her to. Major Whitlock distrusted their human sister. Too much had been revealed in the past 12 hours, there was too much he didn't understand. Jasper had never been close to Bella, though he respected and liked her. Bloodlust enforced the distance between her husband and her best friend.
Alice knew where he was coming from. Her mind reeled under this new knowledge of her sister and what she was capable of. However, Alice had the gift of Sight, and even if Bella's future was incomprehensible at the moment, Alice knew her sister's character. She had seen a thousand futures for Bella, and from them had hungrily gleaned knowledge of who Bella was in every circumstance.
Bella was one of the most exceptional people Alice had ever met. Her selflessness and trust surpassed everyone else on the planet. Her stubbornness to make sure those she loved were cared for properly drove her. It dictated when she fought for her opinions, and when she gave in. She fought gently, with words, actions, and persistent persuasion. It said a great deal for Bella's personality that she could capture and hold the interest of seven immortal beings, surprising them regularly. Alice was honored to be one of the people Bella cared for. Alice didn't know who those men were, only that they had wanted to hurt her family, and that Bella had stopped them.
She had saved all their lives.
So, without thinking too deeply about it, Alice tugged Major Whitlock to follow Bella wherever she may lead. She knew who Bella was, even if it was becoming apparent that Alice didn't know what she was. Bella had the right of it.
Two by two, the Cullens slowly followed Bella across the gently illuminated street where Edward already waited with his lover. As they neared Bella, who was lingering in a narrow alley out of reach of the streetlight, Alice took in Bella's altered appearance with gleeful shock.
Gone was the ragged, bleeding Bella of just a moment ago. Her injuries were gone, her breathing restored. Her fashion-challenged friend was dressed in a slinky black dress that hugged her soft curves, sheer sleeves showing shadows of her skin before solidifying into a sweetheart neckline outlined in lace. Silk fell thinly across Bella's chest and hips before flaring out to stop gently at mid-thigh. Long legs ended in studded black boots with a chunky heel, adding a little rock-and-roll to the ensemble. Dark makeup emphasized her eyes and slick red was on her lips. A high, polished ponytail completed the look.
"What the hell Bella! When did you get stylish? Can't I get a cool wardrobe change too?" Her family blinked at her, Edward rolling his eyes, but Esme half-nodded before she caught herself.
Bella laughed. "Only you, Alice."
She flicked a finger at Alice's figure, and Alice took a second to admire her new maroon dress. She glanced up to see her whole family dressed in a slick nightclub style, made of fitted suits and stylish dresses.
"Oh, hell yeah. You are so teaching me how to do this."
Bella giggled with a little hysteria in her voice before growing suddenly serious. "We are about to enter one of the most dangerous places in my world. It's a bridge, of sorts, between here and there. I need your trust for a little while longer, but before the night is out, you'll know what's going on enough to make your own decisions about whether to stay." Her expression grew sad and angry as she spoke, hinting again at things they did not understand. "I just... I need you to be safe. Then you can do what you will."
With that cryptic statement, Bella turned away from them, pulling at her dress and walking with new sway in her hips towards a heavy steel door at the back of the alley. She knocked twice and the door snapped open, spilling neon light in their direction. Bella entered first, and with a collective nervousness, the Cullens followed once more.
Club music filled the Cullen's hearing. Behind the door, a smoky dance club gleamed in modern hedonism. Rough-and-tumble characters danced with girls in fancy dress, ignoring the newcomers steadfastly as they pursued individual passions.
On sleek modern couches, lines of cocaine disappeared eagerly. A clear platform in the center of the room held a girl wearing very little clothing and dancing provocatively. On a huge stage in the back of the room, a rock band pounded out a bass-heavy beat. The main bar was separated from the rest of the club by a decadent beaded curtain; purples and reds filled the space, making it sultry and luxurious in the pulsing light.
Bella relaxed, her nervous tension fading as she strode confidently into the room with the Cullens trailing behind. When the door closed behind them, Emmett turned to see a crowded wall, the door gone like it was never there. Bella motioned them towards booths directly across from the separated bar-area, and her family sat stiffly on the sleek furniture, sticking out like a sore thumb.
"Order some beers or something and stay out of trouble." Bella spoke softly, taking advantage of vampiric super-hearing as she turned towards the curtain.
Out of nowhere, a worn older man grabbed Bella's arm, sneering. "Them kind aren't welcome here, lassie. You and your bloodsucking buddies need to leave."
Before he was even finished speaking Bella wrenched her arm from his grip, striking out with a low side-kick that swept the man to the floor and leaning over him with a snarl twisting her lips. The partygoers in the room studiously ignored the pair, blind-eyes and backs turning. Edward and Emmett stood hastily, but a newcomer was already beside Bella, holding up a hand authoritatively in the older man's direction. "I say who is welcome here, Dennis. Piss off."
Carlisle took in the man: his long hair and clear green eyes. He was strong and wiry with a scar splitting one eyebrow, and Carlisle knew he could handle himself in a fight. He was tan in a way that meant he had spent a great deal of time outside, and he had a commanding presence that morphed into a mischievous grin as he looked at Bella. He was in his early twenties, maybe- it was hard to tell with his build and manner. He was also, to all appearances, just as human as everyone else in the bar.
"Long time no see, Izzy. Walk with me. Your vampire friends can make themselves comfortable here."
"Hey Marcos. Still bullying the locals, I see."
Closer
Marcos swept aside the curtain and hopped behind the bar, out of the range of human hearing but not vampire ears. There was the clatter of glasses as he made Bella a cocktail and set it down in front of her with a flourish.
"Welcome back, Izz. It's great to see you, but if you're here we have things to discuss. Who are the stiffs?"
"They're precious. Marcos, I need a place to hide. I need to find allies, build my defenses. He's coming for me, I've been exposed."
"That might be easier than you think. Your world has changed while you've been running, your majesty."
"Tell me."
"War rages. Kaedra and I set out to prepare for your return and provided safe harbor where we can. Things are bad and getting worse."
"How did you know I'd be back?"
Marcos shot Bella an inscrutable look, one that spoke of long history. The stranger placed his callused hand over hers.
"I knew."
Edward didn't know what to make of the affection that softened Bella's eyes. She nodded at Marcos seriously, some key decision made though the two had only spoken briefly.
"Tell your friends they have my gratitude for bringing you here, but I hope I never see them again."
"Marcos, the Cullens are coming with me."
The man stopped in his tracks. "What?"
"I told you, they're precious. I won't leave them in this world, it isn't safe. And their safety is a prerequisite of my return. They deserve to know the truth, if they want it."
Marcos nodded stiffly, incomprehension on his face as he looked over the Cullen family. He shrugged and pulled a key out of his pocket, turning towards the rusted door at the back of the club.
"You're the boss."
When Bella motioned to them, the Cullens stood as one, following Marcos towards the steel door and entering a pitch-black room single file. As Bella passed Marcos, he bowed slightly and dropped a kiss on her hand. When Edward, bringing up the rear of the group, passed by the man, a smirk painted Marcos' face. Edward bit back a growl as he took in the teasing, impish grin.
WONDERLAND
Once inside the room, the family was immersed in darkness, even sharp vampire eyes finding nothing but empty space, nothing to focus on. Unnatural stillness permeated the space, and the Cullens' ears rang with the lack of sound after the noisy club. If they had transported again, shouldn't they be somewhere new?
Esme felt fear rise in her brain. What if something had gone wrong? Was she alone in this pitch-black? Carlisle took her hand gently, and the sound of Bella's heartbeat thudded in her ears. Relaxing, Esme almost missed the soft light that grew from nowhere in the blank space, beaming through the darkness and illuminating Bella's form as her back straightened and her head rose. Glittering golden fog encased Bella's form slowly as she squared her shoulders, turning to face the growing outline of a doorway in the void.
She winked back at them, suddenly smiling. "Catch me if you can!"
Bella disappeared, engulfed by the rising light in the room and gone in an instant, though her voice still rang in the space. Edward raced to the light with no hesitation, not even looking back at the others as he disappeared too.
Alice and Jasper followed, Alice wearing a grin and Jasper close to panic. Carlisle and Esme looked back at Rosalie and Emmett, nodding to them before they too entered the light, followed closely by the last of the Cullen clan.
They were somewhere new, alright. Esme had never seen anything like it. Bright medieval architecture filled the narrow hallway that stretched to massive doors. From behind the doors, voices echoed - thousands strong. Bella ran to the door with childlike grace and exuberance, all traces of strain gone from her expression and replaced with proud joy.
Her backless, modern-style, sequined gown showed off the scars that had remained hidden from the Cullens for so long. The burn on her shoulder was vivid and red, lacerations laced with ugly scar tissue displayed, with pride, for the world to see.
Esme looked around at her family, at each face painted with wonder, and felt something unsettling overwhelm her. She felt like she was home. Bella threw open the massive doors at the end of the hall, stepping out onto a path leading to a floating platform as the Cullens flashed beside her, motionless shock forgotten as they took in the wondrous world beyond the golden hall.
Without giving the Cullens a moment to adjust to the magnificence before them, Bella raced down the path to a massive multi-level arena floating below the main city. The space was already crowded with wild-looking people in bright dress, the style and color of each costume clashing energetically.
She disappeared for a short second, re-appearing further away from them. Her feet slammed into the center of the main platform—the only platform that had been left empty. Bella let out a wild noise, like a panther's war scream. It echoed around the cavern in a sudden silence.
In response, the expectant stillness was broken by joyous noise. All around them, people hooted and hollered their welcome, rushing on to the surrounding platforms as a thousand heartbeats accelerated across the exceptional city that stretched before the Cullen's vision.
The arena before them was floating dead in the center of a huge cavern, lined with platforms that connected to the cavern walls with great arched bridges. It was reminiscent of a sports stadium; at least, it would have been without the insane size and grandeur of the space.
Stretching around and behind the impossible arena, the city was no less amazing. The ornate cliff dwellings defied gravity to cling to the cavern walls. Some residences had been built to hang over the cliff edges, while others carved their ornate buildings into the walls themselves. Every inch of the huge natural shelf positioned halfway up the wall of the cave was utilized. There were gardens growing in harmony with towers and great bridges that arched like spiderwebs, filled with sandstone houses. Upside down on a thick shelf higher up the wall of the cavern, open-air markets crowded the walking pathways that served as streets. The whole city was lit by multicolored lights that gave the impression of a cave filled with fireflies.
Above them, the roof of the cave narrowed into what must have been the rounded peak of the mountain. It had been inlaid with stained glass in a spiraling pattern that made Carlisle dizzy. The fading light streamed through the glass, painting huge swaths of soft color on the clouds below them. Barely visible through the clouds that hovered just below the Arena, lush greenness carpeted the distant cavern floor.
To the east, the colossal opening of the cavern showed a magnificent skyscape, stars gleaming unencumbered at the high altitude as the sunset faded away. The red and orange walls of the cavern were imprinted with layers left behind by ancient floods, brushing the sandstone walls with fire.
"Notre Dame has nothing on this." Emmett whispered quietly. Carlisle's eyes gleamed as he took in the surroundings, sure that he had found the root of the stories about fairies and their strange world.
A man approached the Cullens from a narrow pathway that led from the gardens, laughing as he heard Emmett's comment. "Well, you haven't even seen the best part yet. Turn around!" The older man motioned above the Cullens heads, indicating they should turn their backs while shooting them a friendly smile.
Towering up behind them, glowing with multicolored light from every open-air window, was the most beautiful castle Carlisle had ever laid eyes on. Carved entirely out of the sandstone that made up the walls of the cavern, the castle was huge. Gardens sprawled lazily from the massive towers, carpeting detailed archways with wilderness. The structure was about three stories tall; where it connected to the roof of the cavern Carlisle could make out an attic space and a basement peeked from the curved root of the building. There was only one central path to the Castle entrance, and it led right to where he and his family stood.
On an elevated platform that floated impossibly just above the castle was an open-faced shard of marble surrounded by pillars. It orbited the castle in an elegant arc, moving from one side of the main tower to another. Three thrones were situated on one side of it, and six large pillars sat catty-corner to them, jutting into the sky. A thin waterfall crashed from the edge of the platform, streaming past the city and arena to crash on the cavern floor far below. The gilded chairs cast long shadows over the castle and the city, glinting decadently even in the faint light.
Carlisle heard his wife gasp, her hand tightening in his as she took in the wild beauty of the architecture.
"Nice, isn't it?" Bella had blinked into existence behind them.
"Welcome home, young one!" The man cried excitedly, clutching Bella in a tight hug.
"Hi Jo! It's good to be back, sort of. Josephat, I'd like you to meet the Cullens. Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, and that's Edward." Bella pointed them out as she spoke, and Josephat's calm, cool-blue eyes assessed the vampires momentarily, before the composed man laughed boisterously.
"Only you would return from the mortal world with seven vampires in your pocket. Welcome! Any friend of Isabella's is a friend of mine."
"Anyone is a friend of yours, Jo." Marcos sneered, as he too approached the balcony with a cigarette hanging from his fingers. "But I'll ignore it because it is so good to have Izzy back with us." He smiled genuinely this time, his playful affection brightening his face and making him look younger. He shoved at Bella's arm playfully, and she laughed, punching his arm before turning back to them. Josephat held out a slim book as Bella clapped her hands together in anticipation.
"Welcome to Havana, my friends. Home of the Fae."
Carlisle took the book from Josephat, who nodded at him with serious eyes. Flipping to a random page, Carlisle read aloud.
MAGICK (ELEMENTAL AFFINITIES):
Magick is the name for the Fae ability to convert (energy of intention) to (elemental matter) through spells.
There are FIVE elements which Fae have the ability to manipulate.
WATER (healing abilities, manipulation of all forms of water; the ability to manifest water from moisture in the air)
(ADVANCED: manipulate the boundaries between planes of existence, between death and life)
FIRE (manipulation of all forms of fire, creation of fire, manipulation of light and shadow)
(ADVANCED: manipulate emotions and influence thought, immortality, control over astral space)
EARTH (manipulation of earth and stone, manipulation and transformation of animals, the ability to make things grow, create earthquakes, and expose magma)
(ADVANCED: shielding; strength and speed, the ability to manifest gem and stone)
AIR (flying ability, teleportation, tornadoes, "shifting", or teleportation over long distances)
(ADVANCED: weather, telekinesis, the creation and guarding of portals between worlds.)
SPIRIT (the ability to SEE into the future or the past, see auras, telepathy, the ability to cast echoes)
(ADVANCED: UNKNOWN)
Typical Fae possess 1-2 affinities, and only through constant training and enlightenment can an individual learn magicks outside of their natural-born affinities and/or learn how to use their affinity so well that they can achieve the advanced blessings. Spells are classified as "Light Magick" or "Dark Magick" and power is obtained through the strengthening of certain traits. Each individual Fae possesses a blend of light and dark magicks based on their character and choices.
WATER
Light- Peace, Compassion, Healing, Joy
Dark- Envy, Gluttony
FIRE
Light- Passion, Protection, Intuition, Love
Dark- Lust, Wrath
EARTH
Light- Wisdom, Determination, Kindness, Loyalty
Dark- Arrogance, Brutality
AIR
Light- Knowledge, Renewal, Change, Patience
Dark- Sloth, Betrayal
SPIRIT
Light- Honesty, Choosing, Destiny, Righteousness
Dark- Greed, Covetousness
Those individuals with the most power become the natural leaders among their bloodline, and gain more social, political or military power as they grow stronger.
Carlisle blinked as he finished reading the dry, clinical text, and Alice burst out in triumph. "I knew it! Bella's a witch!"
His not-so-human daughter blanched, flinching suddenly. "I'm not a witch any more than you are Dracula, Alice. Fae are still human, we're just...different." Bella walked backwards off the balcony as she spoke, headed along a narrow arch that led towards the otherworldly castle. Her gait was confident and sure, even moving backwards, and Edward silently mourned the loss of his clumsy girlfriend. Had everything about Bella been a lie?
Bella continued to explain, meeting Edward's eyes imploringly as the group started up the path. As they passed other Fae, the people would bow low, some throwing flower petals in their path and others waving with gleeful faces. Children raced further up the path in front of them, parting the crowd, and Marcos glared sternly at anyone who lingered too long.
"There were originally twelve Fae bloodlines," Bella was saying, paying no attention at all to the crowds' rambunctiousness. "But during the wars of ancient times, the bloodlines fought fiercely. By the time the first Fae queen rose to power, sometime around 2686BC with the Old Dynasties of Egypt, the wars had gotten so bad only six bloodlines remained. And then, of course, came the-"
Bella stopped suddenly, choking on her words with fresh blood scenting the atmosphere.
Carlisle and Josephat flashed to Bella's side, and Carlisle stood uselessly as the healer tilted Bella's head towards him. Bella made a face, spitting blood on the ground at Jo's feet and grimacing. "Sorry, - I was so excited, I forgot." The healer tutted as he examined Bella's mouth, a helpful young man from the crowd bringing him a cup of water that Bella greedily drank.
"That happened before, at the house. What is it?" Carlisle's concern showed in his voice.
They walked on, Edward relaxing a little as the enticing scent of Bella's blood faded with distance. After a quiet moment Bella nodded at Marcos, who sighed and turned to Carlisle. "There are different kinds of magick here, and one of the darkest is the Silence. Bella cannot speak of certain things without consequences. Someone has tied her tongue and we don't know who, so the spell cannot be broken. We'll try to fill in the blanks for you, but Bella must be careful of what she says."
Bella addressed Marcos hastily. "I want no restrictions on the information that the Cullens have access to. They'll need to visit the library, and we'll need to schedule a tour of Castle HQ."
Marcos inclined his head, accepting Bella's statement before turning to Carlisle again. "The six remaining bloodlines after Shannara's rise to power are the only ones left today. Salem, Spellman, Ipswitch, Shaman, Smith, and Swan. Those last two—Smith and Swan, they're recessive bloodlines. Fae only pop up every now and then in those families, but in the other four bloodlines the Fae gene is always dominant. Every Fae can perform magick, but affinities and power-levels are affected by skill. Salem, they're usually the royal line, and they have a lot of power. Seers typically come from the Shaman bloodline, and Spellman is by far the biggest. Ipswitch used to be, but only a few Ipswitch survived the Purge. All bloodlines are welcome in Havana, and our adult citizens travel freely to and from the mortal world."
Chaos followed Marcos' last statement. Edward was the quietest, interjecting with a soft and horrified gasp.
"Bella gets hurt every time she breaks some super-secret code? That's insane!"
Alice and Rosalie spoke over each other desperately; "Royalty?" "Wait- seers?"
Esme inquired politely, "What's the Purge?".
Carlisle pinched his nose as his family talked over one another. He waved a hand at them; they took his cue to quiet down. Surprisingly, Emmett chimed in with the most pertinent question at that moment. "What's with the crowd? They're treating you like a savior or something." Bella closed her eyes on a deep sigh, shrugging her shoulders wearily.
Marcos' voice rang out over the small group, a wide grin splitting his face. "Oh- didn't I mention? The recessive bloodlines are the most powerful and supersede the Salem's power. When the Smith and Swan bloodlines express magick, that individual becomes everyone's leader. Isabella Swan is the rightful queen of the Fae. "
Shock rang through Edward and the Cullens alike.
Queen
"What?" Surprise and shock rang in Edward's voice, along with no small portion of betrayal.
"It doesn't change who I am," Bella responded. "Please, Edward, I never wanted to lie to you." She stopped, reaching for her betrayed lover. "Edward, I can't- I wanted to tell you. You don't know how much. Every second, the words were on my tongue, but there is still so much you don't understand, don't know."
"I don't know because you didn't tell me!" Edward yelled in a frustrated outburst, running his hands through his hair hard. The crowd around them bristled, suddenly becoming dangerous. Carlisle turned to his foolhardy son. "Edward."
Josephat chimed in suddenly, laying a hand on Bella's arm. "I assure you; Bella is not dishonest or manipulative in any way. Silences are adaptive. The spell would physically prevent her from speaking the truth. Until you were exposed to Havana's atmosphere, it would have been quite impossible for Bella to tell you anything of the Fae, unless you already knew. "
Jasper sent a calming wave towards his brother, and Josephat turned to him, surprise etched on his strong face. "You did that. You calmed him down. Vampires cannot do magick."
A mirthful laugh escaped Bella's throat. "How do you know? The manuscripts about vampires were all burned at Alexandria. Fae don't know anything about vampires, except that they exist. Hell, we weren't even sure that was still true. I'm pretty sure that no Fae has interacted with a vampire since before Havana was formed."
Josephat's eyes went wide, and Bella relented. "Vampires cannot do magick, Jo, but they do have gifts-and the Cullens are no ordinary vampires. Edward can read minds. Alice Sees pathways, and Jasper is the most talented empath I have ever met. Carlisle will surpass even you in healing one day."
"You have Seen this?" Josephat inquired, his interest peaked.
Bella shrugged. "I know it. If Carlisle is interested, you should let him train with you."
Josephat looked at Carlisle with new eyes, then bowed low to Isabella. "I shall pursue this, milady. Lizzie will be along shortly to escort you through the castle." He hurried off ahead of them distractedly, looking back with curious glances.
"Where's he going?" Emmett asked, once more surprising his family with his common sense.
"Josephat will arrange your freedom to visit the Library and see to your accommodations. I too, must share the good news of Isabella's return to Havana with the soldiers. Please, take your leisure. You will come to no harm within this cavern. You, Izzy, I will see first thing in the morning. Get some sleep before your eyelids fall off." He snapped a salute at Bella, who stopped him with an outstretched hand.
"Marcos, you should know that the Cullens differ from typical vampires. They only drink the blood of animals, mostly carnivores. Please see what our hunters can do." Marcos' eyes gleamed as he accepted the challenge, and with a hearty laugh at the vegetarian vampire's expense, he too took off.
Royals
The castle loomed, suddenly intimidating now that they knew of Bella's role in this strange world. "This isn't all of Havana, you know." Bella mused at them, her eyes far away. "Fae always express their magic by at least eight years old. The Akira...er, the temple Fae... watch for those few who don't reside in Havana and try to catch them right as they manifest their affinity. After testing for multiple affinities, young Fae are taken to School, where they board for the semester. Most Fae choose to live in Havana, but children are encouraged to travel to the mortal world during the summer, especially recessives like me. As Marcos said, adult Fae travel freely, under the watchful eyes of the portal guards."
"There's more beyond this cave?" Rosalie asked.
"Much more. The School is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It makes Castle HQ look like a pitiful shack." Bella looked around with pride. "This is Camp, made of those Fae which resist the Master's call."
"The Master?" Jasper's eyes were clouded with suspicion as he took in the emotions roiling inside of Bella. Fear, weariness, and hatred rolled off her in waves as she uttered the strange title. Bella shook her head silently. Her eyes filled with a sheen of black tears before she cleared her head with a shake, turning and facing away from her vampire family as she swiped at her eyes.
"There have been some speed bumps in my regime change." Bella responded vaguely, entering the open-air foyer of the castle. A blonde girl with her hair secured in a tight ponytail intercepted Bella as she strode towards the main door.
"Hello, your majesty." The girl bowed low, reaching to scrape her fingertips along the dirt path and dropping a handful of petals on the ground at Bella's feet.
Bella smiled softly. "You must be Elizabeth. And it's Bella, please. All that formality gets tiresome after a while."
Elizabeth blinked up at Bella, shocked at her casual address. "Oh, I don't know if I could call you by your name, ma'am. I mean, I'm just a steward in your house."
Bella eyed the young lady critically, reaching out to push at Elizabeth's shoulders until she stood tall.
"You aren't just anything, Lizzie. In fact, I'll make a deal with you. I need someone to serve as head-of-house while I'm here, someone to co-ordinate the house and arrange my schedule. You seem quite capable, and Jo trusts you. I'll give you the job immediately, provided you never call me 'your majesty' or 'ma'am' again."
Lizzie's face lit up and her hands flew to her mouth. "Head-of-house? But your maj-"Lizzie stopped herself as Bella glared. "Of course, Bella, I would be so honored."
She led them across the courtyard with new eagerness, and when the Cullens finally entered the castle, she began to point out the different functions of the building. "This is the first floor, which contains Camp access, the kitchens, the dining room, and the ballrooms for official Court functions. There is a communal meal three times a day, but you guys don't eat, right? If you want to go to the bazaar, you should probably take a guard with you. Vampires are an unseen sight in Havana, and with ya'll being new here and all, wouldn't want you to get mobbed. The only places I'll discourage you from going are the basement and the throne room, I wouldn't access those places without explicit permission."
They were approaching a grand staircase in the center of the hall, lit dramatically with candelabras that shined with glowing light. "The second floor is where Bella and the Council have their offices, and the medical wing is on that floor too, though you guys are invincible, right? The third floor is the Council chamber and of course the Library, which you all have full access to under Bella's order."
The Cullens followed Bella and Lizzie as they stepped onto the staircase. They startled, clutching at one another as the stone steps suddenly began to spiral upward of their own accord, fast enough that a breeze blew refreshingly in their faces, carrying the scent of the gardens and crackling candles.
"We're headed to the Attic now, if you please, Bella."
Bella shifted excitedly. "Have the changes I requested already been made?"
Lizzie nodded. "They've aired out everything and set up the beds. It'll be cozy, but you should all have your own space. It's a good thing it was already large enough for three. It's a wonderfully designed space, your-" Lizzie halted herself once more, looking mortified and guilty as Bella's face went pale.
But Bella waved Lizzie off the staircase quickly, taking a centering breath and looking back at the Cullens. "I thought you might all want to stay together, so I had the attic redecorated to accommodate all of us. Like Elizabeth said, it will be cozy, but each couple will have their own bedroom if Edward and I stay in the main area. You are welcome to other living arrangements; this was just an idea."
The Cullens noticed Bella's apprehension, and Esme spoke reassuringly. "I'm sure it will be fine, Bella. If it is anything like the rest of this place, I'm sure we will be stunned by its lavishness."
Bella smiled as the steps stopped at another ornate hallway.
The House that Built Me
Lizzie handed Bella an old-fashioned key and stopped herself from bowing. "I'll let you explore the attic on your own. I'm sure you've had a long day. If you need anything, just say my name: Elizabeth Shaman. I'll come right away. If it pleases you, Bella." Lizzie inclined her head an inch, and the staircase's steps started downward.
Bella called after her in a subdued voice, "Lizzie, could you make sure we are not disturbed until sunrise? I know it's a lot to ask, but I could really use some rest." Beaming, Lizzie nodded her head, bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement at her new promotion until she spiraled out of sight.
Bella's footsteps were soft and slow as she approached the gilded red door. Behind the door, a short staircase ascended through a plain, wide hallway. Bella motioned the Cullens through and held the door for them as they entered at a mortal pace. There was something in her face—not sadness, per se. Just a reflective and quiet melancholy.
Esme held her breath as she climbed the stairs, towing Carlisle behind her and eager to see Bella's home. Alice was hot on her heels; followed by Emmett and Rosalie, who clung to one another tightly, their faces painted in wonder. Jasper brought up the rear of the group, while Edward had stopped next to Bella and was leaning over his love's form. Out of the corner of her eye, Esme saw Edward drop a quick kiss on Bella's cheek before he motioned his love through the entrance and up the stairs with a long-suffering sigh, holding the door for her and giving her a stern look when she protested.
To the left of the staircase was a small kitchen with a long picnic table separating it from the open plan of the rest of the room. The table was strong caramel-cream oak, polished to a gleaming shine and easily large enough to fit eight or more. White flowers in clay pots decorated the table, and the space had an airy, light feel. There was a small stove, plenty of room to prepare meals, and a happy, turquoise-colored fridge that had already been stocked.
To the right of the stairs, the room extended long and narrower than the kitchen, with a pitched roof supported by dark oak beams. At the end of the long room, French doors hung with floor-length white curtains, which fluttered in the breeze from the balcony beyond. A rug in rich silver and blues marked the confines of the living space. Embedded in the roof were tall bookshelves, forming honeycombs on which ancient books defied gravity by clinging to their shelves. The space was well-lit even though it was nearing the dead of night, a soft white glow emanating from the seams of the room gently. One of the long blue futons had been fully extended into a fluffy looking full bed. Vivid silk-adorned orange pillows were set at the head of the bed, closest to the balcony. The other futon was still a couch, and it left enough space for a walking pathway through the living room to the balcony beyond.
Off the kitchen was a modern bathroom with a glass shower and a clean white bedroom with black-and-white photos adorning the wall over the large desk. There were pictures of Bella as a child with a butterfly in her hand; and of Bella, older now, with her arms wrapped around two other preteens. In a large window, balls of light hung on a string, illuminating the room with a soft blue glow. Wrapped around the single beam that connected one side of the pitched roof to the other, a swing-chair hung at the foot of the bold silver bed, inviting someone to curl up in it. The soft room was cozy, but airy, and a soft looking gold rug covered the floor.
"Esme, Carlisle, that should probably be your room. It's more separated from the rest, and you'll have plenty of space."
Bella led their group through the main living space to where two other rooms branched off on opposite sides. "Edward and I will take the futon; Alice and Jazz can take this room, and Rose and Emmett the one opposite." Peeking into each room, Esme noticed the very different personalities in each space.
Alice and Jasper's room hung with strings of lights as well, illuminating the space in a happy gold. There was a large nook at the end of the room where the roof was made of glass - the stars shined into the room. Soft armchairs were lined up against one wall, in vivid silver that harmonized with the deep navy of the huge bed. The floor was bare, and the room was darker than the rest, though that was offset slightly when Bella waved her hand and the old-fashioned fireplace that took up one wall flared to life: a hundred dusty candles half-melted into the grate. Behind Esme on the wall with the bedroom door, a table was cluttered with papers and books.
The opposite room, which had been assigned to Rosalie and Emmett, had a huge, slanted window that dominated the space: the beautiful landscape of Camp glowed from far below and cast light into the room. This room was modern and masculine, with a duvet in a lush golden color stretched out on the bed, centered opposite the window. The chandelier that hung in the room was made of antlers, and a modern print dominated the wall behind the bed, a jackson-pollock-esque painting signed with three handprints in alternating colors. A small wood-burning stove was stuffed into the corner opposite the door, plenty of wood piled next to it. A utilitarian desk on the short wall was offset by a sleek looking silver chair that was the only feminine touch in the space.
When Esme turned to complement Bella on her home, she found her exceptional daughter was nowhere to be found.
Esme glanced around. Her family had separated into its base couples, each pair retreating to their respective rooms. Carlisle met her eyes from the kitchen, where he was pouring a glass of water and selecting a plateful of fruit.
Edward was the only Cullen separated from his mate, sitting alone on the extended futon-bed with his head in his hands, gripping his hair tightly with his eyes closed and confusion painted on his face. Though Esme's heart bled for her son, she knew Carlisle would be a better sounding-board for him.
Following a hint of Bella's scent, Esme found the young woman she considered her human daughter on the Attic's balcony, her soft auburn hair falling from her sleek updo and caressing her face as tears streaked down her cheeks quietly. Esme hardly even noticed the verdant beauty of the peaceful space as she focused on her daughter. Bella was leaning forward, exhausted, in one of the chairs that surrounded a round table. A fire pit burned merrily away in the middle of the tabletop, casting shadows that danced off the greenery and Bella's features. A half-poured glass of white wine was in Bella's hand, dangling precariously from her fingertips as her head drooped and her back slumped.
Esme snatched the glass from Bella's hand before she could drop it. "You're too young to drink." she teased quietly. Bella looked up at her with a tear-streaked face. For a long moment, there was only the soft sound of the waterfall crashing down from the throne room.
"I'm really, really not." Bella stated in a monotone, levitating the glass from Esme's hand and downing it in one go.
"Cheater." Esme snarked, still not quite used to Bella's magickal abilities. She sat down in the chair closest to Bella.
"Edward will come around you know. Forever is a long time to stay angry."
"Some of us don't have the luxury of forever." Bella quipped, life finally entering her voice in the form of sarcastic anger.
Bella stretched languidly before placing her crossed feet on the low table and leaning back in her chair. "Sorry- It's just been a really, really long day." Bella's fancy dress melted into ratty shorts and a worn looking long t-shirt as Esme watched, noticing how natural Bella was with her magick. Bella grabbed a ponytail holder from around her wrist and began to braid her hair before Esme was suddenly behind her, plaiting her locks gently as she batted Bella's hands away. Bella covered her face with her hands, leaning her head back so that Esme could gather her baby-hairs into the braid.
"You don't have to apologize. I'm sure we could all use some rest, and Edward and Carlisle will be busy pouring over that textbook your friend gave them all night. Well, what's left of the night." Outside the massive cavern entrance, the moon was high in the sky, stars already fading one by one. Esme tied off the braid in Bella's mahogany hair. "Come on, you can't sleep out here, Carlisle wants you to eat something before you sleep. You're too skinny since our return."
"Esme, I owe you and your family explanations. We have privacy now, and I can try to be clear through the silencing spell." Bella was flabbergasted, raising her hands from her face and turning to meet Esme's eyes. "Why are you so worried about me? Aren't you mad? People have died."
"First off Isabella Swan, queen or no queen, Fae or no Fae, you are important to this family, and to me. It's my job to worry about you, so get over it. Explanations have waited this long; they'll hold till sunrise. And secondly, it doesn't seem like those men gave you much choice. There is a story behind their deaths, and I'm quite certain it isn't an easy story to tell."
Bella snorted, a derisive sound that turned into a short, sad laugh. "Oh Esme, I don't do bedtime stories. If you're hoping for a happy ending somewhere, you're wrong." Bella motioned one handed towards her own back.
"Well, I believe you are doing the right thing, whether I know what it is or not. Bella, we will never leave you alone again. We never should have left in the first place. I promise you, as mother of my family, that we aren't going anywhere. Not even if you can't tell us the truth. I want to know your story, but not at the cost of your well-being."
Bella deflated visibly, finally leaning on Esme as she sagged under the sudden exhaustion that rose as her tension faded. Esme was on her side.
It meant a great deal.
Struggling with herself, Bella opened her mouth slowly, closing it several times before, with a swallow, she spoke haltingly. "It's a tragedy, my story. See, this apartment, this house…we called it the Attic. It was built for three."
Bella swallowed back bile and blood, looking at Esme hopelessly. She scratched at the brand on her shoulder absentmindedly until Esme smelled the blood welling up and staining the shirt that hid the scar from view. With a frown, Esme smacked Bella's hand away lightly.
"Maybe it's better that I can't tell it."
"You'll find your happy ending, dear child. Your story isn't finished."
"Happy endings are temporary, Esme." Bella's voice had turned cold and empty, heavy with her unknown pain. Her eyes were fixed on the platform where the thrones stood, floating in the air directly across from them. Esme felt a sense of foreboding creep up on her. It was built for three people. The picture of Bella with her arms around two other preteens flashed across her mind's eye. What grief had Bella known in this magnificent place?
"Oh, Bella. My Bella." Edward's voice was quiet as he stepped onto the balcony. Esme stood, brushing Bella's hair back from her forehead as she headed inside to her husband.
"Not too long, Edward. Humans need sleep."
Stars Dance
After Esme closed the balcony doors behind her, Edward stood for a long moment, just looking at Bella. She didn't hide from him, just looked back with a gentle acceptance. His lover was beyond tired, beyond exhausted. Bella looked defeated. Edward inhaled deeply just to have the scent of her coat his lungs.
He reached for her and she stepped into him, curling up against his chest so he could shelter her in the circle of his arms. Edward rested his chin on her head and looked out at the city in the cavern, clouds below and clear night sky. The floating throne room was just above them, close enough that Edward could make out details of the three thrones; it appeared like it had been cast into an ocean of stars, unreachable.
"Well. That's a different sort of skyline."
Bella huffed a wet laugh and curled closer.
"Do you still love me, Bella?"
Her voice was small, fearful. "Yes. Do you...do you still love me?"
"Always. I must admit, I did not see this coming. But you're still you. I'm still me. I just want to know you, Bella. I want to know everything, even the parts that you want to hide. But I won't force you. I can't even think about hurting you like that. I'm so angry that someone has. The whole time I've known you, it's been like you're in color while the rest of the world is in black and white. There's always been something different about you, something special just out of sight. Even all of this isn't enough to explain away how special you are. Why would anyone want to bring you harm?"
"Edward, magick isn't just the brutality you saw today. There is darkness here, yes, but there is light magick too. It's so beautiful, all of it. It's everywhere and everything. By the time I met you, I'd locked it away. I never thought I'd get to share it with you. I dreamed I would, but I didn't hope for it. And now, here you are."
"It comes with danger. Bella, I want to know you, all of you. And magick is apparently a part of you. But there is more going on here than magick. I don't want you hurt. You say you locked it away. Why?"
Bella pulled back to meet his eyes, opening her mouth before closing it again, unable to say what she wanted to. Then, she sighed and buried her head in his chest, hiding her face.
"Bad things happen, Edward. My trouble magnet is bigger than you think it is, and I'm a queen, so my trouble has pretty big consequences."
"You can't tell me, can you? I have to trust you."
Bella nodded.
It was silent for a long moment.
"There is something that I want to show you, Edward. A different kind of mark on me, just as obvious as my scars."
She pulled back and looked into Edward's eyes, letting him see hers blaze golden. Her whole eyes were slowly consumed, all trace of doe-brown gone as even the sclera blazed into decadent color. Edward felt skittish, nervous like the first time he had kissed her, looking into her doe-brown gaze in her bedroom in Forks.
"Kiss me."
Edward did.
The world around him vanished, lost in a sea of golden sparks. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw for the first time. He could see everything. Every person in the city: their auras shining to him like stars in the sky, singing to him with ethereal music. Bella blazed in the night; her aura was more beautiful than them all. All around him, the plants danced and swayed, glowing with energy. The fire blazed happily a few feet away, whispering sweet nothings to him. The world was alive. He was wrapped in a blanket of light and consumed by passion.
The feeling receded like waves on the shore.
He stumbled slightly back, breaking the kiss and ending the strange vision. He felt like yelling out, like dancing and throwing his arms wide to embrace the world. "What...what was that? That was amazing. Is that magick?"
Bella giggled, carefree and smiling cheekily at him. "Nope. Magick is bigger than even I could ever comprehend or possibly show you. That was just a piece of mymagic. It's a new piece, only there since I met you. That's how you've made me feel from day one, even when I was still suppressing. I still feel it, Edward. It never fades for me. I see the world differently since I've known you. You make everything come alive."
Edward couldn't stop his beaming smile as his doubts about this stranger with golden eyes faded. "I feel the same way about you, little witch. You light up my sky. Can you show me more?"
"Yes. Much more."
Edward took her in his arms. "Is kissing a prerequisite?"
Bella smiled, mischief in her golden eyes. "Yes."
Edward did not object.
