Shadow Song
Chapter 5. Past The Point Of No Return
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"If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me.”
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Music, that never ending flow of notes tumbling through time unending was her drug of choice now. Nightmares couldn't plague her when such beautiful sounds existed in her room, in her ears and her mind. Others she turned to other escapes when life dealt them a bitter hand. Awakening to a new day Isabella Swan hummed a melody forever ingrained in her soul the light notes that seemed to dance across her soul. Part of it was Edward's Lullaby and then as she showered the melody began to shift flowing into something dark and passionate tinged with a world of pain that tugged at the edges of each note as the drops of water began to fall over her skin.
Closing her eyes Bella pressed her head gently to the wall, there truly was no place better for tears, for who would ever know the difference here, with a multitude of its silvery fellows tracing paths to the drain? So many memories of a time gone by, of the immortal she would have easily followed without question had he asked her. Yet, now the door was closed, the last painful word had been said and Isabella could at last breath the free air again. Edward had no longer any place in her heart.
It was true now and again a low tidal wave of old hurts regrets and sorrows lapped at her feet and haunted her dreams but they were growing dimmer with the time spent here. Perhaps it was the endless sunshine, the change at a fresh start. Offered by the very last being she expected. As the shampoo was washed away and Bella stepped from the shower her thoughts turned to him for a moment almost without her permission.
His gentle touch their first meeting, the haunted expression in his crimson eyes. There was something dangerous about him without doubt, yet something more relatable too Bella realized much as he tried to hide it the man within him still overruled the monster and Caius had made no apology for it when protecting her that day. Acting as he wished but with such a gentle hand she could not at all have believed the tales the Cullen’s had whispered to her so long ago. She respected his position, his power even but a traitorous piece of her broken heart had longed for the moment to linger.
She was so lost in thought as she attempted to reconcile man and myth that she nearly walked headlong into Jane who stood right outside her bathroom door,
"Oh Jane, I'm sorry how thoughtless of me, Good morning"
Apparently unused to such an affectionate greeting the immortal blinked for a moment before seeming to shake off her unease and proceed to business.
"Miss Swan, you have a letter"
Bella frowned gently in confusion who on earth would be writing to her in Italy? With the exception of local law enforcement with a directive to get her backside to the nearest transportation stateside so her father could read her the riot acts. Charlie, her heart contracted a hair thinking about how she'd left, uttering the most cruel and heartless words to the most affectionate of fathers. She knew she could hide in this private garden forever sooner or later she had to return to Washington and face him. Praying one day he'd forgive her. Jane said nothing waiting patiently until her fog of self-loathing had eased before gently placing the heavy stationary in her hands and departing.
Left with nothing else to do Bella slid onto her vanity seat and opened the envelope. Curiosity rearing its head as she opened the letter, elegant penmanship meeting her gaze as she read the following.
My Dearest Isabelle,
I cannot in good conscious ignore the duress I have visited upon you in leaving so abruptly from rehearsal mere hours ago. Please accept my most sincere apology, with it I make an offer. Should you accept the invitation upon the conclusion of this letter, and your breakfast. Felix is waiting just outside your door to lead you to my personal music room. Kindly allow me to repay the debt of honor that I now lay at your feet trivial though it may seem. To you Mon ange de musique.
Yours in Regret,
Caius
Bella sat in silence for a few minutes holding the parchment so carefully it might have been made of glass as she folded the thick stationary with trembling fingers. A lump forming in her throat she swallowed down. Such elegance and grace with words should not exist. In company with the most contrite heart she had ever heard on paper. Any time she'd erred had not Edward always placed the blame on her shoulders? And if the occasion did arise there was a ring of condescension in his tone. But here was a letter worthy of place in the pantheon of memory. Written by both king and warrior. What he asked was no favor on her part but a joy! With a start she realized she was still sitting wrapped only in a towel and shook her head at the picture she made as she rushed about getting ready.
Her breakfast consisted of a lovely casserole of egg cheese and bacon all accompanied with that wonderful brew known as coffee! Eagerly she dug in and closed her eyes in gratitude to whatever hand had crafted it. The cheese alone was worthy of note, a mix of all her favorites and what meal didn't bacon make better? Quickly polishing off the remains with a cup or two of coffee she went to brush her teeth mindful of the fact while not immortal and beauty she could at least make an effort. Glancing in the mirror she was surprised with her own appearance, there stood a graceful creature garbed in a gown of royal blue that fell in a single sheath around her to pool at her feet. Accenting her pale skin and pink lips she almost couldn't believe it was her own reflection.
Edward had taken the spark from her eyes. The woman looking back at her was a picture of grief hope and survival. A fighter yet a victim of a game she couldn't win. The lone mortal left behind with too much knowledge to fit in with the muted colors of her world and yet not enough to fully join in another. Where had Bella Swan gone? The question baffled her for a moment as she shook off such dark thoughts remembering that music awaited her. If she didn't let go of the past soon Bella knew she could have no possible future. How much more would she allow Edward Cullen to steal? Reaching the door she closed her eyes. Drawing an imaginary line in the sand.
Today she would begin, not another night of sleep would she lose over him. Instead she would focus only on the show, its beautiful costumes, wonderful sets and haunting melodies. It was with a brief sense of finally getting something right she opened the door to find, true to his word the same vampire who had attacked her waiting, knelt onto one knee. Neck bent to her in near submission as he spoke. Rising gracefully to his feet once more.
“Miss Swan if you would be so kind as to follow me”
The tone of quiet respect was entirely lost on her as she in equal silence followed glad for the escort as two hallways from her door she had lost track of where they stood much to her own amusement. Imagine needing a map to find something in a house, the idea was an interesting one and she made a mental note to ask for one should it exist as they passed the grand hall and ascended the stairs to a wing she had never seen before. Judging by the abundance of guards milling about she was amazed to find herself standing in the royal wing. Two hallways each held a single door while the third held two. Felix halted upon reaching it.
“The Master is expecting you”
Nodding in silence Bella pushed open the door and closed her eyes, the rich tones of a piano greeted her ears. Finally tuned and of the best qualities the instrument beckoned to her like a Siren's call. Passing through the other musical fellows she stopped upon reaching a doorway. Seated at ebony piano sat Caius, golden hair gleaming in the torchlight even at this time of day for no window was to be found anywhere here. Music and art had first reign and time no meaning as his ivory fingers brought the very melody she had hummed that morning into existence.
“Welcome my dear”
His voice was soft, his fingers pausing only long enough to click a small button at the bottom of the instrument as the same melody began again this time recorded as he rose to greet her reaching her in mere moment. He knelt for a moment and Bella was so lost in the rising cords she barely registered the feel of his cool lips ghosting over her left hand as he raised it her eyes for her eyes were closed
“That melody is beautiful, does it have words?”
His tone held a hint of amusement as he responded.
“No Cara Mia. Just an endless tune that runs about my mind, one of many I’ve never bothered to write down”
She opened her eyes as it began once more and looked down in surprise to see him still knelt before her. Golden hair spilling over his shoulders in waves as he spoke still retaining her hand in his as he tilted his head to meet her eyes and she was struck speechless at the softness she found there buried in those pools of endless crimson.
“Now, Miss Swan I must as a man of honor ask most sincerely for your forgiveness for my behavior, departing in the middle of an Aria was beyond the claims of good breeding and I am rightly ashamed of having acted so, Please accept my most humble apologies”
There is an odd feeling to be had when what one had witnessed penned on parchment is even better when played out before one's very eyes. Bella could only nod for a moment marveling at this being of power grace and nobility kneeling to her as if her next words were the only he wished to hear that day and her pardon a priceless gift he longed for.
“Of Course I forgive you, whatever came up I'm sure was pressing and needed your attention so there is nothing to pardon”
He exhaled deeply, a rush of air from lungs she was sure drew it from the sheer habit of years but it was gratifying to know that she'd caused him to do it. The rush of relief over those timeless features a direct cause of her own words. Slowly he rose, releasing her hand as he did so leaving her feeling strangely bereft.
“Now, I have to ask you a favor my dear, as my costar in this production would you be as kind as to help me dawn the trademark wing?”
Her expression must clearly had shown her emotions at such an offer as he picked up an ebony brush and placed it gently into her hands before resuming his seat on the piano bench and closing his crimson eyes.
“It’s alright Isabella, I give you free reign to touch my hair, you know there is no greater joy in life then having someone else toy with it. In this room the King of Volterra is quite forgotten and I am merely Caius, kindly retrain keep your hand from wandering below my shoulder and you can do as you wish for the next few minutes before we begin”
Floored by her own wonder Bella closed her eyes a moment to thank God for granting her this privilege as she approached him quietly reaching out with tentative slow fingers hesitating for a moment to long as she found her hand gently trapped by his own as he reached over his left shoulder and gently guided her trembling finger to rest upon the golden strands.
“There”
Just as soon as she found herself caught she was released, her fingers slow for a moment or two as they ran over and then through the silken strands of his hair, the brush followed her fingers, tracing paths’ through the golden waves that was both gentle and wondering at once as they gained confidence. He seemed to relish the contact humming along with the piano tune and simply enjoying the moment as she took a moment to brush a few wayward strands away from his face, her fingers just brushing his lower jaw in passing as she gathered his hair gently in a piece of crimson ribbon and she was shocked to find his head gently press against her palm, cool lips brushing against her fluttering pulse for only a moment, drinking in her scent before his eyes opened.
“Thank you Isabella”
What could she say, words seemed to have escaped her so she merely nodded setting the brush back onto the side table as he rose to pull the ebony combed short wig into place. The effect was startling in the extreme Black hair simply didn't suit Caius but she knew with the right makeup and mask it wouldn't be he standing before her as the curtain rose but Erik, the dark composer mentor and temptation of her soul.
“Now then we can begin, I thought it best to get you used to seeing me like this in stages lest it all happen on opening night and in your surprise you forget a cue”
Bella on thinking about it found this quite sensible and nodded her agreement, privately cheered if it meant she was allowed to touch his hair again. Gleaming like silk and with the sensation of it flowing through her fingers like cool water it was most tempting notion. His fingers had stilled the melody mid bar and had woven those cords into that of her second song in the shadow. Dark Passionate and quite daring for the supposed time period she eagerly drank in those first few notes reflecting that, in standing here alone with a vampire king she truly had gone past the point of no return.
Yet she didn't seem to mind.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Music, that never ending flow of notes tumbling through time unending was her drug of choice now. Nightmares couldn't plague her when such beautiful sounds existed in her room, in her ears and her mind. Others she turned to other escapes when life dealt them a bitter hand. Awakening to a new day Isabella Swan hummed a melody forever ingrained in her soul the light notes that seemed to dance across her soul. Part of it was Edward's Lullaby and then as she showered the melody began to shift flowing into something dark and passionate tinged with a world of pain that tugged at the edges of each note as the drops of water began to fall over her skin.
Closing her eyes Bella pressed her head gently to the wall, there truly was no place better for tears, for who would ever know the difference here, with a multitude of its silvery fellows tracing paths to the drain? So many memories of a time gone by, of the immortal she would have easily followed without question had he asked her. Yet, now the door was closed, the last painful word had been said and Isabella could at last breath the free air again. Edward had no longer any place in her heart.
It was true now and again a low tidal wave of old hurts regrets and sorrows lapped at her feet and haunted her dreams but they were growing dimmer with the time spent here. Perhaps it was the endless sunshine, the change at a fresh start. Offered by the very last being she expected. As the shampoo was washed away and Bella stepped from the shower her thoughts turned to him for a moment almost without her permission.
His gentle touch their first meeting, the haunted expression in his crimson eyes. There was something dangerous about him without doubt, yet something more relatable too Bella realized much as he tried to hide it the man within him still overruled the monster and Caius had made no apology for it when protecting her that day. Acting as he wished but with such a gentle hand she could not at all have believed the tales the Cullen’s had whispered to her so long ago. She respected his position, his power even but a traitorous piece of her broken heart had longed for the moment to linger.
She was so lost in thought as she attempted to reconcile man and myth that she nearly walked headlong into Jane who stood right outside her bathroom door,
"Oh Jane, I'm sorry how thoughtless of me, Good morning"
Apparently unused to such an affectionate greeting the immortal blinked for a moment before seeming to shake off her unease and proceed to business.
"Miss Swan, you have a letter"
Bella frowned gently in confusion who on earth would be writing to her in Italy? With the exception of local law enforcement with a directive to get her backside to the nearest transportation stateside so her father could read her the riot acts. Charlie, her heart contracted a hair thinking about how she'd left, uttering the most cruel and heartless words to the most affectionate of fathers. She knew she could hide in this private garden forever sooner or later she had to return to Washington and face him. Praying one day he'd forgive her. Jane said nothing waiting patiently until her fog of self-loathing had eased before gently placing the heavy stationary in her hands and departing.
Left with nothing else to do Bella slid onto her vanity seat and opened the envelope. Curiosity rearing its head as she opened the letter, elegant penmanship meeting her gaze as she read the following.
My Dearest Isabelle,
I cannot in good conscious ignore the duress I have visited upon you in leaving so abruptly from rehearsal mere hours ago. Please accept my most sincere apology, with it I make an offer. Should you accept the invitation upon the conclusion of this letter, and your breakfast. Felix is waiting just outside your door to lead you to my personal music room. Kindly allow me to repay the debt of honor that I now lay at your feet trivial though it may seem. To you Mon ange de musique.
Yours in Regret,
Caius
Bella sat in silence for a few minutes holding the parchment so carefully it might have been made of glass as she folded the thick stationary with trembling fingers. A lump forming in her throat she swallowed down. Such elegance and grace with words should not exist. In company with the most contrite heart she had ever heard on paper. Any time she'd erred had not Edward always placed the blame on her shoulders? And if the occasion did arise there was a ring of condescension in his tone. But here was a letter worthy of place in the pantheon of memory. Written by both king and warrior. What he asked was no favor on her part but a joy! With a start she realized she was still sitting wrapped only in a towel and shook her head at the picture she made as she rushed about getting ready.
Her breakfast consisted of a lovely casserole of egg cheese and bacon all accompanied with that wonderful brew known as coffee! Eagerly she dug in and closed her eyes in gratitude to whatever hand had crafted it. The cheese alone was worthy of note, a mix of all her favorites and what meal didn't bacon make better? Quickly polishing off the remains with a cup or two of coffee she went to brush her teeth mindful of the fact while not immortal and beauty she could at least make an effort. Glancing in the mirror she was surprised with her own appearance, there stood a graceful creature garbed in a gown of royal blue that fell in a single sheath around her to pool at her feet. Accenting her pale skin and pink lips she almost couldn't believe it was her own reflection.
Edward had taken the spark from her eyes. The woman looking back at her was a picture of grief hope and survival. A fighter yet a victim of a game she couldn't win. The lone mortal left behind with too much knowledge to fit in with the muted colors of her world and yet not enough to fully join in another. Where had Bella Swan gone? The question baffled her for a moment as she shook off such dark thoughts remembering that music awaited her. If she didn't let go of the past soon Bella knew she could have no possible future. How much more would she allow Edward Cullen to steal? Reaching the door she closed her eyes. Drawing an imaginary line in the sand.
Today she would begin, not another night of sleep would she lose over him. Instead she would focus only on the show, its beautiful costumes, wonderful sets and haunting melodies. It was with a brief sense of finally getting something right she opened the door to find, true to his word the same vampire who had attacked her waiting, knelt onto one knee. Neck bent to her in near submission as he spoke. Rising gracefully to his feet once more.
“Miss Swan if you would be so kind as to follow me”
The tone of quiet respect was entirely lost on her as she in equal silence followed glad for the escort as two hallways from her door she had lost track of where they stood much to her own amusement. Imagine needing a map to find something in a house, the idea was an interesting one and she made a mental note to ask for one should it exist as they passed the grand hall and ascended the stairs to a wing she had never seen before. Judging by the abundance of guards milling about she was amazed to find herself standing in the royal wing. Two hallways each held a single door while the third held two. Felix halted upon reaching it.
“The Master is expecting you”
Nodding in silence Bella pushed open the door and closed her eyes, the rich tones of a piano greeted her ears. Finally tuned and of the best qualities the instrument beckoned to her like a Siren's call. Passing through the other musical fellows she stopped upon reaching a doorway. Seated at ebony piano sat Caius, golden hair gleaming in the torchlight even at this time of day for no window was to be found anywhere here. Music and art had first reign and time no meaning as his ivory fingers brought the very melody she had hummed that morning into existence.
“Welcome my dear”
His voice was soft, his fingers pausing only long enough to click a small button at the bottom of the instrument as the same melody began again this time recorded as he rose to greet her reaching her in mere moment. He knelt for a moment and Bella was so lost in the rising cords she barely registered the feel of his cool lips ghosting over her left hand as he raised it her eyes for her eyes were closed
“That melody is beautiful, does it have words?”
His tone held a hint of amusement as he responded.
“No Cara Mia. Just an endless tune that runs about my mind, one of many I’ve never bothered to write down”
She opened her eyes as it began once more and looked down in surprise to see him still knelt before her. Golden hair spilling over his shoulders in waves as he spoke still retaining her hand in his as he tilted his head to meet her eyes and she was struck speechless at the softness she found there buried in those pools of endless crimson.
“Now, Miss Swan I must as a man of honor ask most sincerely for your forgiveness for my behavior, departing in the middle of an Aria was beyond the claims of good breeding and I am rightly ashamed of having acted so, Please accept my most humble apologies”
There is an odd feeling to be had when what one had witnessed penned on parchment is even better when played out before one's very eyes. Bella could only nod for a moment marveling at this being of power grace and nobility kneeling to her as if her next words were the only he wished to hear that day and her pardon a priceless gift he longed for.
“Of Course I forgive you, whatever came up I'm sure was pressing and needed your attention so there is nothing to pardon”
He exhaled deeply, a rush of air from lungs she was sure drew it from the sheer habit of years but it was gratifying to know that she'd caused him to do it. The rush of relief over those timeless features a direct cause of her own words. Slowly he rose, releasing her hand as he did so leaving her feeling strangely bereft.
“Now, I have to ask you a favor my dear, as my costar in this production would you be as kind as to help me dawn the trademark wing?”
Her expression must clearly had shown her emotions at such an offer as he picked up an ebony brush and placed it gently into her hands before resuming his seat on the piano bench and closing his crimson eyes.
“It’s alright Isabella, I give you free reign to touch my hair, you know there is no greater joy in life then having someone else toy with it. In this room the King of Volterra is quite forgotten and I am merely Caius, kindly retrain keep your hand from wandering below my shoulder and you can do as you wish for the next few minutes before we begin”
Floored by her own wonder Bella closed her eyes a moment to thank God for granting her this privilege as she approached him quietly reaching out with tentative slow fingers hesitating for a moment to long as she found her hand gently trapped by his own as he reached over his left shoulder and gently guided her trembling finger to rest upon the golden strands.
“There”
Just as soon as she found herself caught she was released, her fingers slow for a moment or two as they ran over and then through the silken strands of his hair, the brush followed her fingers, tracing paths’ through the golden waves that was both gentle and wondering at once as they gained confidence. He seemed to relish the contact humming along with the piano tune and simply enjoying the moment as she took a moment to brush a few wayward strands away from his face, her fingers just brushing his lower jaw in passing as she gathered his hair gently in a piece of crimson ribbon and she was shocked to find his head gently press against her palm, cool lips brushing against her fluttering pulse for only a moment, drinking in her scent before his eyes opened.
“Thank you Isabella”
What could she say, words seemed to have escaped her so she merely nodded setting the brush back onto the side table as he rose to pull the ebony combed short wig into place. The effect was startling in the extreme Black hair simply didn't suit Caius but she knew with the right makeup and mask it wouldn't be he standing before her as the curtain rose but Erik, the dark composer mentor and temptation of her soul.
“Now then we can begin, I thought it best to get you used to seeing me like this in stages lest it all happen on opening night and in your surprise you forget a cue”
Bella on thinking about it found this quite sensible and nodded her agreement, privately cheered if it meant she was allowed to touch his hair again. Gleaming like silk and with the sensation of it flowing through her fingers like cool water it was most tempting notion. His fingers had stilled the melody mid bar and had woven those cords into that of her second song in the shadow. Dark Passionate and quite daring for the supposed time period she eagerly drank in those first few notes reflecting that, in standing here alone with a vampire king she truly had gone past the point of no return.
Yet she didn't seem to mind.