Bella
I found myself once again in a ballroom. The soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the space in golden light. The music was hauntingly familiar, a melody that tugged at something deep within me. My head swirled with confusion. How had I ended up here? Just moments ago, I had been rushing to prepare Edward's breakfast, juggling my irritation with his impossible demands and praying that he wouldn't kill me. Why I suddenly cared about my life was a mystery to me because when I first met The Beast I had little regard for it. My life before was meaningless and the one here turned out to not be much better until recently. These dreams of a different Edward might be his silent cries for help. Perhaps he hates being The Beast as much as I hate being its servant.
I sighed as I remembered what happened at breakfast. He, without warning, grabbed me and pulled me onto his lap. I could still feel the phantom sensation of his hands, firm yet oddly tender, as they guided me down. My pulse had quickened, my heart hammering in my chest. Before I could protest, he had tilted my head back, exposing the curve of my neck. My breath caught as his lips brushed my skin, a cold shiver racing down my spine.
Then he bit me. The initial sting was sharp, enough to draw a gasp from my lips. The pain melted into something entirely unexpected. Heat radiated from the point of contact, spreading in waves through my body. A moan escaped me, unbidden, as the sensation turned into a tingling euphoria. It was intoxicating and overwhelming. I hated how much I did not want it to stop. In that moment I was his and I am still unsure how I feel about that. I fear The Beast consuming him as it had done before my arrival. Yes, the dark Fae version of Edward is an intimidating asshole but over the last few months, I have seen a slight light in his dark eyes. That light makes me curious to learn about the man who resides in The Beast.
I allowed the dream to carry me. Now I stood in the center of the ballroom, but it was not me. Or at least, it did not feel like me. The fluttering in my chest, the unmistakable, aching warmth was love. Love for him but was it solely for this version of Edward or something more? The light Fae version of Edward's hand rested lightly on my waist as we danced, his movements graceful, his eyes never leaving mine. I should have felt trapped, but instead, I felt…free.
How could I love him? The thought clawed at my mind, but the emotions bubbling within me drowned it out. My feet moved effortlessly in time with his, the music swelling around us. His fingers tightened slightly on my waist, pulling me closer. His touch felt like a promise. It was dark, dangerous, and impossible to resist. In this moment I felt loved and desired, feelings that I had never felt before.
The moment shattered without warning. I was yanked violently, and thrown to the ground by a pair of strong hands that were not any version of Edward's. My body hit the cold floor with a thud, and I cried out. My vision swam as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Then I remembered how King James treated me in another dream. If he loved his son and his son was as in love as I just felt, why did he kill his happiness?
I blinked, and the ballroom dissolved. I jolted upright in bed, my chest heaving. My surroundings were unfamiliar, and disorienting. Heavy curtains block out most of the light, casting the room in shadows. My breaths came fast and shallow, my heart racing as I realized I was not alone. A pair of strong arms tightened possessively around my waist. My breath hitched as Edward's familiar scent washed over me, rich and heady. His lips brushed my ear, and I shivered at the low growl that followed. "Where do you think you are going, sweetheart?"
Sweetheart? He has only ever called me Bella. Am I still dreaming? My eyes darted around as I realized I was in his bed. How did I get here and why? He chuckled, "I know why I was too harsh with you and I will remedy that," his voice was a dangerous purr, sending shivers down my spine. Before I could respond, he rolled over, his weight pressing me firmly into the bed. My hands instinctively went to his chest, but they froze as I felt the defined lines of his muscled physique beneath my fingers. His heated gaze bore into mine, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that made my heart flutter. The light in the darkness of his eyes flickered like a flame in the night. Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn in, helpless to resist.
His smirk was maddeningly confident, a predator toying with its prey. "Running away already?" he teased, his voice velvet-soft yet laced with a hint of menace. "I told you before that you are not going anywhere." Pinned beneath him, I felt trapped. However, it was not fear that coursed through me, it was something far more dangerous, a treacherous blend of desire and defiance.
"I was not...I." I started, but my voice faltered under his piercing gaze. I wanted to tease him back and make him as nervous as he was making me, but I just couldn't.
"Oh?" He tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "Then why do you look so guilty?" My cheeks burned, and I hated how easily he could unravel me with just a look, a word. Edward's lips brushed against my neck, his voice a whisper against my skin. "You belong to me now, Bella. Do not forget that." His words were a promise, a warning. I was not sure if I wanted to fight him or fall deeper into his grasp. This unfamiliar urge tugged at my very soul. Could I love a man who chose to become a monster?
Edward
After I attempted to convince Arnold that Bella was mine, I went to check on her. When I saw her in fitful slumber, I reached for her. She quieted so I scooped her up and brought her to my bed. I removed my blood-spattered shirt and crawled into bed with her. Flashbacks of my time with Ara flooded my mind, but unlike the times before I didn't dwell on them. Instead, I focused my attention on Bella. She could rid me of The Darkness, but who would I be once it was gone?