A/N: Okay, I have about 15 minutes to start this in homeroom, my yearbook period, and my English class to write this chapter today. I also have a 10 page paper to finish up and another story to work on. I'm super sorry that I suck so bad at updating for you guys.

Chapter 7 - To Save a Life

"Hush, little Bella, don't say a word. Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird." A soothing voice penetrated the darkness. The melody coaxed me to sleep, assuring me everything was all right. "And if that mockingbird won't sing, Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turn's brass, Momma's gonna buy you a looking glass.

"And if that looking glass gets broke, Momma's gonna make Edward choke." An evil cackle sounded through the silence.

Edward! I called out. What did she do? I struggled against the darkness, trying desperately to get free and help Edward.

I was drowning in the black abyss, unable to find the surface. Faintly, I heard growling and teeth gnashing.

Edward! Alice! Anybody! What's going on?!

Something furry nudged me, trying to wake me out the darkness. Smoke invaded my senses and I felt flames rise up around me. Still, I couldn't release the hold over me.

I started fading in and out of consciousness, buoyed to nothing but the smell of smoke floating around me.

Suddenly someone threw me over their shoulder. Then we were running, running far away from the smoke faster than humanly possible. But it was not my Edward, nor his family, that was holding me.

I panicked and screamed out in my mind. Help! I struggled against the invisible vice to no avail.

Roughly, I was thrown to the ground. Mud seeped into my clothes and rain hit my face.

"Oh, little Bella," Victoria sang in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Your poor little Edward is gone forever."

No, no, no! NO! I screamed and pushed with all my might, finally breaking through the restraint. My eyes flew open and my screams penetrated the forest silence.

Victoria stood above me, eyes gleaming with the pride of a job well done. "Bella, Bella, what am I going to do with you? Not even your strong Edward could break my hold on his mind. What made you so special?"

A knife twisted in my heart. "What did you do to him?!" I jumped to my feet and went for her throat.

She pushed me away just as my teeth closed on her throat. The force of the push brought her skin with me as I fell backwards.

"Bitch!"

For what seemed like an eternity, we raged in battle, body parts and insults flying all around the wooden clearing.

I didn't stop until all her parts were in a pile burning. As I watched the embers dance my former confidence shattered and my body heaved with sobs.

"Edward!" I called out. "Where are you? Answer me, Edward!" I sank to my knees in the deep mud and sobbed.

My ears pricked at the sound of leaves crunching. Feet to fast to be human flew over the forest floor towards me. I wanted it to be Edward, but I couldn't let myself hope for that much. Maybe it was Laurent returned from Denali to help his former friend finish me off.

"Bella…" Edward rushed to my side and cradled my small body. "Bella, what happened? Alice and I have been looking everywhere for you!"

"Oh god, Edward! Victoria… I thought she'd captured you. I…thought she killed you…" I trailed off, realizing the evil trick she had played on me. "I'm so stupid!" I screamed. "First James, then Victoria…"

Edward squeezed me tighter. "Where is she now?"

I pointed to the pile of ashes next to us. "Gone."

"Oh, Bella…" he cooed, smoothing down my hair. "Let's go home and rest, okay? You can tell me about it later. Right now, I'm just glad you're safe."

I nodded and walked with him back to the house. The darkness, streaked across with the horrible fire, haunted me every time I closed my eyes.

A/N: I have a few more chapters left. About 3, I'd say. I know Victoria's powers are different, and I know it's not like New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, yadda, yadda, yadda. But I started this before New Moon came out, so chill. :)

If you guys bombard me with PMs, IMs, and reviews, I will definitely remember to write the next chapter within a week. Super sorry it took so long!