Bella
Once again, I found myself enveloped in the opulent embrace of a grand ballroom, a vision that seemed to beckon me with its soft glow of golden light cascading from chandeliers above. The hauntingly familiar melody of the music stirred something deep within me, leaving me in a state of bewilderment. How had I come to be here, in this place of elegance and mystery?
Just moments before, I had been consumed with the mundane task of preparing Edward's breakfast, grappling with his insufferable demands, and silently praying for my safety. The sudden surge of concern for my well-being was a puzzling revelation, as my existence before meeting The Beast had been devoid of purpose. Yet, the life I now led as its servant offered little solace until recent events began to unfold.
Could these dreams of a different Edward be a manifestation of his silent plea for liberation? Perhaps he, too, harbored a deep-seated resentment for the monstrous role he was forced to embody. As I pondered these thoughts, a heavy sigh escaped my lips, recalling the unsettling encounter at breakfast.
As his teeth sank into my skin, a sharp sting drew a gasp from my lips. But what followed was unexpected. The pain transformed into a searing heat that spread through my body in pulsating waves. A moan escaped me, betraying the tingling euphoria that washed over me. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and I found myself craving more. I despised how much I longed for it not to end.
In that moment, I belonged to him, and the uncertainty of my feelings consumed me. I feared the Beast within him, the darkness that threatened to consume him as it had done before my arrival. Yet, in his dark eyes, I glimpsed a faint glimmer of light that intrigued me. The dark Fae version of Edward was intimidating, yes, but in recent months, I had noticed a subtle shift in him. That glimmer of light sparked my curiosity, urging me to uncover the man who resided within The Beast.
I surrendered to the dream's embrace, finding myself in the heart of the grand ballroom. Yet, it was as if I were not myself. The fluttering in my chest, the intense warmth that consumed me, it was love. Love for him. But was it solely for this version of Edward, or something deeper?
The ethereal version of Edward's hand delicately rested on my waist as we swayed to the music, his movements graceful, his gaze locked on mine. I should have felt suffocated, but instead, I felt liberated.
How could I love him? The question gnawed at my thoughts, but the overwhelming emotions swirling within me drowned it out. My feet moved effortlessly in sync with his, the music enveloping us in its embrace. His grip on my waist tightened, drawing me closer. His touch held a promise - dark, alluring, and impossible to resist. In that moment, I felt cherished and wanted, sensations foreign to me until now.
The moment shattered like glass, leaving me reeling. I was violently yanked and thrown to the ground by hands that were not Edward's. My body collided with the cold floor, a sharp cry escaping my lips. My vision blurred as I struggled to comprehend the sudden attack. Memories of King Liam's cruel treatment in a dream flooded my mind. If he truly loved his son, why would he destroy his happiness?
As I blinked, the ballroom vanished, and I shot upright in bed, gasping for air. The unfamiliar surroundings disoriented me, the heavy curtains casting eerie shadows. My heart raced as I realized I was not alone. Strong arms encircled my waist possessively, Edward's scent enveloping me. His lips brushed my ear, a low growl sending shivers down my spine. "Where do you think you're going, sweetheart?" he whispered, his voice dripping with a dangerous edge.
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? But then, he chuckled, his voice a dangerous purr that sent shivers down my spine. "I know why I was too harsh with you, and I will remedy that," he said, his words dripping with promise and mystery.
Before I could even 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, drawing me in like a moth to a flame, leaving me helpless to resist.
In that moment, I knew that I was in for a wild ride, one that would test my limits and push me to the edge of reason. But I was willing to take that risk, to dive headfirst into the unknown, because with him, I felt alive in a way I had never experienced before. And as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against mine, I knew that this was only the beginning of a thrilling and dangerous journey that would change my life forever.
His smirk exuded an infuriatingly confident aura, akin to a predator toying with its prey. "Running away already?" he taunted, his voice velvety soft yet tinged with a hint of menace. "I told you before that you are not going anywhere." Pinned beneath him, I felt ensnared. However, it was not fear that gripped me, but something far more perilous - a treacherous blend of desire and defiance.
"I was not...I," I began, but my voice faltered under his intense gaze. I yearned to banter with him and turn the tables, but I found myself unable to.
"Oh?" He cocked his head, his smirk deepening. "Then why do you look so guilty?" My cheeks blazed with embarrassment, loathing how effortlessly he could unravel me with a mere glance, a single word. Edward's lips grazed my neck, his voice a whisper against my skin. "You belong to me now, Bella. Do not forget that." His words carried both a promise and a warning. I was torn between resisting him and surrendering to his hold. A strange, unfamiliar longing tugged at my very soul. Could I truly love a man who willingly embraced his inner monster?
Edward
After my failed attempt to convince Arnold that Bella belonged to me, I went to check on her. As I gazed upon her restless slumber, I reached out to comfort her. To my surprise, she calmed down, so I gently picked her up and carried her to my bed. Removing my blood-spattered shirt, I lay down beside her. Memories of my time with Ara flooded my mind, but this time, I refused to dwell on them. Instead, I focused all my attention on Bella. She held the power to free me from The Darkness, but I couldn't help but wonder - who would I become once it was gone? This haunting thought now consumes me, much like thoughts of revenge once did.