XI. Let Me Down Slowly

Summary: She is in Seattle when she awakens as Bella Swan, a boarding pass to Port Angeles in hand. Nothing seems real and in the wake of her distress, she skips her awaiting flight and instead, purchases a one-way ticket to Volterra. [Part III]

Her words pulsated in my ears, cruel and merciless.

It was you.

My voice caught painfully in my throat. With substantial effort, I managed to say, "That's…impossible."

From my peripheral vision, I caught Isabella's contemplative eyes examining me. "I know it doesn't make sense to you," she said, more gently than I'd expected. "But I have another gift."

Somehow, the revelation that Isabella was dual-gifted did not come as a surprise.

"It's a gift of knowledge," she continued to say. "The things I knew as a human were widely mercurial, but I knew about you before I even boarded that plane to Port Angeles. So, I decided not to take my chances."

The stone of the parapet crumbled under my fingers. "You saw me…killing you."

It was inconceivable. I had not tasted human blood in over seventy years. My control was nowhere near as perfect as Carlisle's, but it was reputable. The idea that a mere human girl, even one as exceptional as Isabella, could destroy all that in a single moment rattled every bit of confidence accrued over the last several decades.

But for all that I wish it were a lie, I could not find an ounce of deceit in her wide, sympathetic gaze.

"Yes," she said. "There was a slim chance you would not. But I made the choice to not put either of us in that position."

"I see." I stared blindly at the fragmented stonework. "You have my sincerest apologies, Isabella."

"There's no need," she said, sounding a touch amused. "There was no future in which I made it out alive. If it had not been you, it would have been another."

I turned to her abruptly. "Another?"

She nodded with an air of resignation. "Did your family happen to encounter a vampire by the name of James?"

I stared at her. Though I could not corroborate any future in which I killed Isabella Swan, she could not possibly have known about James. She really was extraordinary.

"Yes," I finally said. "We killed him."

This time, it was her turn to be taken off guard. She gazed up at me, her mouth falling open in shock. "So, that did not change."

"No. Though I cannot imagine any version in which we allowed Alice's hunter to go free."

Isabella's expression darkened with unexpected ire. "Neither can I," she said. "I assume you discovered this when you read his mind?"

"Yes," I admitted grimly. "He did not immediately recognize her when he and his coven first approached us. But as soon as he did, every memory resurfaced." I lifted my hands, away from the parapet, curling them into fists before I could cause any further destruction. "It was utterly vile."

Isabella did not need to be convinced. "And what of Victoria?"

I glowered. "Dead. Both her and her wretched newborn vampire army."

"Truly, nothing changed," Isabella laughed humorlessly. "I could not have helped you as a human and I could not help you as a newborn vampire myself. But I am glad you and your family made it out unscathed."

The idea that she would wish to help us at all should not have been unexpected. But still, her kindness washed over me, effortlessly diffusing the distemper caused by the memory of James and Victoria.

"And Laurent? Did he remain in Denali?"

I smiled wryly, having the sense that growing accustomed to her omniscience would be no different than being privy to Alice mapping out every second of our day.

"Yes, he did," I said. "Irina is incredibly happy."

Isabella appeared a tad nonplussed, but before I could inquire after her hidden thoughts, we were approached by another of the guard.

"Edward, Isabella," he greeted us both once he joined us atop the battlements.

"Demetri." Isabella turned to him with an affectionate smile. "Is something the matter?"

The sudden jolt of vexation at the sight of Isabella's smile bestowed upon him left me stunned. Truly, would this girl never cease to cause such strange reactions in me?

Completely unaware of the abrupt change in my demeanor, Demetri launched a set of keys deftly caught by Isabella's hand.

"Master Aro thought you might appreciate having access to one of the cars," he said, eyes shining with mirth. "Now that your control is considered sufficient."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "My control is more than sufficient, Demetri. Don't be such an ass."

He raised his hands in surrender. "As long as you remember the rules―"

"Yes, I know," she cut him short. "No touring Volterra and no breaking vampire law. I remember just fine."

Demetri smirked. "And don't get caught out―"

"―after dawn," she cut in again. "Now get lost, you insufferable prick."

Demetri vanished with a laugh.

From what I could see of his thoughts, there was nothing but mere comradery between himself and Isabella. Still, even a glimpse of their friendship left me scrambling, as though I were missing something vital. Demetri had had the chance to know her for two years now, and both my envy and desire to be given the same opportunity was staggering. I had known her for less than a day and already I was far too gone.

"Anywhere in particular you'd like to visit?" Isabella asked, turning to me with expectant eyes.

I dragged a hand through my hair, unable to fully conceal my nerves. "Anywhere is fine with me."

"Hm."

I stilled, hand dropping back to my side as Isabella eyed me, her scrutiny serving to make me feel smaller than I was.

"We'll figure something out," she decided, whirling and marching off without further preamble. "This way."

I hurried to catch up. But, even walking at her side, it felt as though I could not keep up with her.

God help me.

A/N: This really could be a fic all its own, but I don't feel like doing all that at the moment, so I'll finally be cutting it short here.

I hope you guys liked what I have though! Thank you so much for reading and please be sure to review if you can! :3

In Reference to A Body of Water and Bones: Replacement for Chapter 1.