Shadow Song
Chapter 6 The Vampires Ball
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This is indeed an *unparalleled* delight. I had rather hoped that you would come. And now, my wish comes true, you have truly made my night
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Despite the circumstances Isabella could not remember ever being happier. True she was still bound to the castle grounds and building, also true was the notion however frightening that the immortals that so closely guarded their existence from her kind could end her life with a single flick of their wrist. When one also added the threat of her ex locked up in the dungeon mere feet beneath her sleeping quarters it only grew worse. Yet, Bella was happy. Music was her constant guide and companion. Beginning after breakfast with a few scales and vocal pointers from Caius she then would be whisked off to a fitting for the Vampire's Ball.
The idea of being one of the only mortals in a ballroom filled with possible hungry vampires was not in the least appealing to her but; oddly enough it was Caius who allayed her fears one rainy day between rehearsals as she had stared quietly out the window sipping gratefully at the cup of tea Jane had brought her. Edward had done nothing but glare and mutter things probably quite unpleasant in her direction under his breath all following the last song, only adding to her unease. How the immortal managed to make, Little Lotte, the light childhood remembrance into something more suited to an angry drunken sailor was a mystery, but he had.
"Isabella, what troubles you?"
Even lost in her thoughts the silken baritone of the vampire king sent a shiver down her spine. It might have been the cold chill of the stone walls or the fashion in which his extraordinary voice seemed to wrap itself around every syllable of her name and caress it lovingly. Prompting her to answer and promising something she couldn't yet even fathom, indeed so far gone in her worries was she that Bella nearly jumped out of her skin as the familiar warmth of a blanket was gently placed about her shoulders.
"The ball, I cannot help but feel that despite my role in the proceedings entertainment I may end as someone meal before the night ends”
A sudden bout of rich laughter met her ears and she turned in amazement to see yes, indeed it was Caius laughing! The effect was startling, softening his ivory features and for a moment giving her a hint as to what a man he might have been. His brothers even froze mid conversation to stare as a sudden, low feral growl escaped Edward's lips caused her to flinch, having been running from that sound in her dreams for far longer than she cared to name. Its effect however should be noted, The blond sobered instantly placing a hand around her shoulder guiding her closer to the protection of his chest on impulse as her pulse suddenly jumped his crimson eyes flicking over her shoulder faster than any mortal could fathom, locking with Edward's golden stare before returning to her the soft hiss the escaped his lips in response. Oh it made her heart skip a beat as his voice murmured soothing into her ear.
"All is well Isabella, he cannot harm you”
Unable it seemed to process what just occurred Bella stood nearly numb with shock, her senses drowning in his scent, the warmth of his voice. Instead of the panic roaring in her ears she would have expected at this turn of events a wave of comfort washed over her as her cheekbone was gently pressed into the fabric of his suit. How long they stood thus she couldn't have said, it might have been moments or hours. All Bella was conscious of was the undeniable fact, for the first time in nearly a year since the Cullen’s left she felt safe! Eventually her racing heart calmed under the influence of a gentle melody he was humming into her ear before releasing her slowly lingering for only a moment with his pale fingers resting on her pulse point before he departed into a conference with Marcus.
"Your heartbeat is beautiful Isabella, my brother was just listening to it sing through your veins, it’s a music of its own right in his eyes I suppose"
She jumped again as the soft voice of Aro sounded behind her. His comment made her consider the possibility. Caius, mighty powerful king found something beautiful about, that? Thankfully then the rehearsal was concluded for the evening and Isabella followed Jane from the hall surprised to find the warm scent of stew on the air was making her mouth water. Time had a habit of slipping away here like water over the bed of a stream. An excellent dinner and a shower and Bella was grateful to slip into bed. Nearly asleep before her head touched the pillow.
Despite being held in his arms Bella's dreams where dark and menacing. The setting was the ever familiar meadow, birds chirped merrily a light breeze played about her skin and the soft inviting voice of her beloved Edward whispered from just beyond the hill.
“Come to me my Bella, come and set me free”
The words were soft and pleading, tearing at her heartstrings as she moved, frowning at the sluggish movements of her own body. Odd, it had never taken this much effort to cross the meadow before. Sunlight drenched her skin as she began to climb the hill following a flight of stairs kindly build into the hillside probably by one of the Cullen’s. Yet the closer she got the colder it seemed to become. Reaching the top of the hill she saw Edward, caught in a grove of snarled trees. His Piano melody floating on the breeze seemed wrong somehow darker, and dangerous. His beaming smile did not reach his eyes as he reached out pale arms to her.
“Come. My pale beauty, Come and set me free”
As her foot lifted to begin the descent down the hill another voice sounded. Low, sensuous and familiar as the sky suddenly grey dark and snarling dragon clouds rolled in.
“I am your Angel Of music.....come to me Angel of Music”
Her eyes closed, drinking in that deep rich tone and the request it made, slowly turning in its direction. There stood Caius, garbed in full Phantom attire the white mask lying on the grass at his feet, blonde tresses blowing in the wind, arms open waiting for her. His expression was so gentle, almost as if he welcomed her to somewhere, safe. This confused Bella, after all what safer place did she know then this meadow? Edward snarled from behind her causing her to turn back in his direction with wide frightened eyes.
“Bella listen to me, come to me, this creature is nothing but a monster, come to me dear one and set me free, love me as you once did”
Shaking her head Isabella glanced first his direction then looked into Caius's eyes, there was such compassion, such a powerful display of emotion that she couldn't name as he spoke.
“Come to me Isabella, this place holds nothing but pain for you now Angel”
Edward reached out for her again and a wave of feel struck Isabella broadside, a pained longing to be in Edward’s arms, dark and cloying she gasped turning on impulse and taking another step as suddenly a familiar voice sounded in her ear. Singing softly the words and melody that been taunting her since her arrival and suddenly she the words her soul had been longing for. The other half of the song that drew her here!
“The day starts, the day ends, time crawls by, night steals in pacing the floor, the moments crept yet I can't bear to sleep till I hear you sing”
She froze misstep turning for a second time and walking the few steps to Caius's side and the dark shackles loosened around her heart as he completed the song his arms closing around her like a warm blanket pulling her close.
“And weeks past and months pass seasons fly, still you don't walk through my door, and in a haze I count the silent days, till I hear you sing once more... and sometimes in darkness I dream you are here but wake holding nothing but the cold night air”
How long had it waited for her? Bella wondered as he drew a breath, Edward screams of rage had faded into silence as white mist shrouded him from view as Caius ran gentle hand through her hair.
“And Years come and years go, time runs dry, still I ache deep in my core, my broken soul can't be alive or whole till I hear you sing once more”
His emotions poured like an offering as he finally let them fly.
And music your music it teases at my ear! I turn and it fades away, and you’re not here, let hopes pass, let dreams pass, let them die, without you, what are they for? I'll always feel no more than halfway real, till I hear you sing once more”
Suddenly Bella woke with a start blinking in shock, cold damp air biting cruelly at her skin as she drank in her surroundings with shock; she stood at the top of a winding stair at the bottom of which was Edward’s cell. The immortal within gagged and bound by the other two kings. The full import of what had occurred striking Bella like a blow making her feel sick and used as she turned into the form that held her.
“Oh god, He...did that didn't he?”
“Yes Isabella he did, playing upon your emotions in a fashion I’ve never seen, cruelty of the darkest sort, brothers, hold him till we're well away”
Caius stood just as he had in dreams pale arms wrapped about her waist only the slight tremor in his voice betrayed the effort it had taken to reach her. Without a word she was swept into his arms and back within his personal chambers once against the cheerful crackling of the hearth a welcome greeting as she shivered deeply against his cool skin as he settled onto the warm rug with her gently cradled in his arms Safe at last. Only then did she weep, clinging to him as the warmth of the fire soaked into her skin. Caius allowed her to mourn such a betrayal by one once held so dear. Then as she to calm his finger gently wove through her hair as she began to drift off his melody still ringing in her ears.
It was his plea, the wish of his heart and the best gift he had to offer, he just hoped once the performance was finished it would be enough.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is indeed an *unparalleled* delight. I had rather hoped that you would come. And now, my wish comes true, you have truly made my night
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Despite the circumstances Isabella could not remember ever being happier. True she was still bound to the castle grounds and building, also true was the notion however frightening that the immortals that so closely guarded their existence from her kind could end her life with a single flick of their wrist. When one also added the threat of her ex locked up in the dungeon mere feet beneath her sleeping quarters it only grew worse. Yet, Bella was happy. Music was her constant guide and companion. Beginning after breakfast with a few scales and vocal pointers from Caius she then would be whisked off to a fitting for the Vampire's Ball.
The idea of being one of the only mortals in a ballroom filled with possible hungry vampires was not in the least appealing to her but; oddly enough it was Caius who allayed her fears one rainy day between rehearsals as she had stared quietly out the window sipping gratefully at the cup of tea Jane had brought her. Edward had done nothing but glare and mutter things probably quite unpleasant in her direction under his breath all following the last song, only adding to her unease. How the immortal managed to make, Little Lotte, the light childhood remembrance into something more suited to an angry drunken sailor was a mystery, but he had.
"Isabella, what troubles you?"
Even lost in her thoughts the silken baritone of the vampire king sent a shiver down her spine. It might have been the cold chill of the stone walls or the fashion in which his extraordinary voice seemed to wrap itself around every syllable of her name and caress it lovingly. Prompting her to answer and promising something she couldn't yet even fathom, indeed so far gone in her worries was she that Bella nearly jumped out of her skin as the familiar warmth of a blanket was gently placed about her shoulders.
"The ball, I cannot help but feel that despite my role in the proceedings entertainment I may end as someone meal before the night ends”
A sudden bout of rich laughter met her ears and she turned in amazement to see yes, indeed it was Caius laughing! The effect was startling, softening his ivory features and for a moment giving her a hint as to what a man he might have been. His brothers even froze mid conversation to stare as a sudden, low feral growl escaped Edward's lips caused her to flinch, having been running from that sound in her dreams for far longer than she cared to name. Its effect however should be noted, The blond sobered instantly placing a hand around her shoulder guiding her closer to the protection of his chest on impulse as her pulse suddenly jumped his crimson eyes flicking over her shoulder faster than any mortal could fathom, locking with Edward's golden stare before returning to her the soft hiss the escaped his lips in response. Oh it made her heart skip a beat as his voice murmured soothing into her ear.
"All is well Isabella, he cannot harm you”
Unable it seemed to process what just occurred Bella stood nearly numb with shock, her senses drowning in his scent, the warmth of his voice. Instead of the panic roaring in her ears she would have expected at this turn of events a wave of comfort washed over her as her cheekbone was gently pressed into the fabric of his suit. How long they stood thus she couldn't have said, it might have been moments or hours. All Bella was conscious of was the undeniable fact, for the first time in nearly a year since the Cullen’s left she felt safe! Eventually her racing heart calmed under the influence of a gentle melody he was humming into her ear before releasing her slowly lingering for only a moment with his pale fingers resting on her pulse point before he departed into a conference with Marcus.
"Your heartbeat is beautiful Isabella, my brother was just listening to it sing through your veins, it’s a music of its own right in his eyes I suppose"
She jumped again as the soft voice of Aro sounded behind her. His comment made her consider the possibility. Caius, mighty powerful king found something beautiful about, that? Thankfully then the rehearsal was concluded for the evening and Isabella followed Jane from the hall surprised to find the warm scent of stew on the air was making her mouth water. Time had a habit of slipping away here like water over the bed of a stream. An excellent dinner and a shower and Bella was grateful to slip into bed. Nearly asleep before her head touched the pillow.
Despite being held in his arms Bella's dreams where dark and menacing. The setting was the ever familiar meadow, birds chirped merrily a light breeze played about her skin and the soft inviting voice of her beloved Edward whispered from just beyond the hill.
“Come to me my Bella, come and set me free”
The words were soft and pleading, tearing at her heartstrings as she moved, frowning at the sluggish movements of her own body. Odd, it had never taken this much effort to cross the meadow before. Sunlight drenched her skin as she began to climb the hill following a flight of stairs kindly build into the hillside probably by one of the Cullen’s. Yet the closer she got the colder it seemed to become. Reaching the top of the hill she saw Edward, caught in a grove of snarled trees. His Piano melody floating on the breeze seemed wrong somehow darker, and dangerous. His beaming smile did not reach his eyes as he reached out pale arms to her.
“Come. My pale beauty, Come and set me free”
As her foot lifted to begin the descent down the hill another voice sounded. Low, sensuous and familiar as the sky suddenly grey dark and snarling dragon clouds rolled in.
“I am your Angel Of music.....come to me Angel of Music”
Her eyes closed, drinking in that deep rich tone and the request it made, slowly turning in its direction. There stood Caius, garbed in full Phantom attire the white mask lying on the grass at his feet, blonde tresses blowing in the wind, arms open waiting for her. His expression was so gentle, almost as if he welcomed her to somewhere, safe. This confused Bella, after all what safer place did she know then this meadow? Edward snarled from behind her causing her to turn back in his direction with wide frightened eyes.
“Bella listen to me, come to me, this creature is nothing but a monster, come to me dear one and set me free, love me as you once did”
Shaking her head Isabella glanced first his direction then looked into Caius's eyes, there was such compassion, such a powerful display of emotion that she couldn't name as he spoke.
“Come to me Isabella, this place holds nothing but pain for you now Angel”
Edward reached out for her again and a wave of feel struck Isabella broadside, a pained longing to be in Edward’s arms, dark and cloying she gasped turning on impulse and taking another step as suddenly a familiar voice sounded in her ear. Singing softly the words and melody that been taunting her since her arrival and suddenly she the words her soul had been longing for. The other half of the song that drew her here!
“The day starts, the day ends, time crawls by, night steals in pacing the floor, the moments crept yet I can't bear to sleep till I hear you sing”
She froze misstep turning for a second time and walking the few steps to Caius's side and the dark shackles loosened around her heart as he completed the song his arms closing around her like a warm blanket pulling her close.
“And weeks past and months pass seasons fly, still you don't walk through my door, and in a haze I count the silent days, till I hear you sing once more... and sometimes in darkness I dream you are here but wake holding nothing but the cold night air”
How long had it waited for her? Bella wondered as he drew a breath, Edward screams of rage had faded into silence as white mist shrouded him from view as Caius ran gentle hand through her hair.
“And Years come and years go, time runs dry, still I ache deep in my core, my broken soul can't be alive or whole till I hear you sing once more”
His emotions poured like an offering as he finally let them fly.
And music your music it teases at my ear! I turn and it fades away, and you’re not here, let hopes pass, let dreams pass, let them die, without you, what are they for? I'll always feel no more than halfway real, till I hear you sing once more”
Suddenly Bella woke with a start blinking in shock, cold damp air biting cruelly at her skin as she drank in her surroundings with shock; she stood at the top of a winding stair at the bottom of which was Edward’s cell. The immortal within gagged and bound by the other two kings. The full import of what had occurred striking Bella like a blow making her feel sick and used as she turned into the form that held her.
“Oh god, He...did that didn't he?”
“Yes Isabella he did, playing upon your emotions in a fashion I’ve never seen, cruelty of the darkest sort, brothers, hold him till we're well away”
Caius stood just as he had in dreams pale arms wrapped about her waist only the slight tremor in his voice betrayed the effort it had taken to reach her. Without a word she was swept into his arms and back within his personal chambers once against the cheerful crackling of the hearth a welcome greeting as she shivered deeply against his cool skin as he settled onto the warm rug with her gently cradled in his arms Safe at last. Only then did she weep, clinging to him as the warmth of the fire soaked into her skin. Caius allowed her to mourn such a betrayal by one once held so dear. Then as she to calm his finger gently wove through her hair as she began to drift off his melody still ringing in her ears.
It was his plea, the wish of his heart and the best gift he had to offer, he just hoped once the performance was finished it would be enough.