Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters. Except Leon. Lol.

Bella POV

I had been here for three days. Locked in this prison cell, deprived of food and sleep and company and him. No matter how scared I was my thoughts never strayed far from Edward. Clinging desperately to some vain hope that they'd come back for me. Save me from this hellhole.

"Get up"

The words didn't register properly in my brain, hazy with exhaustion and hunger. A hand as hard as rock hit me, knocking me across the room. I felt my lip split, warm blood trickled down my chin, my head pounding.

" I said get up"

This time I got up without hesitation, quickly dabbing at the blood with my sleeve, aware of the vampires around me. My clothes were now stiff with dried blood from similar beatings. The guard pushed me ahead roughly and I stumbled slightly.

" Here she is my Lord"

"Thank you Leon"

The head vampire surveyed my appearance and a look of anger crossed his face.

"You should not of layed a finger on her"

" I'm sorry, Aro, but she was being… uncooperative"

" Leave. Now."

He left the room straight away, fists clenched.

"Don't worry Bella. I assure you, he will be punished. I'm sorry you have been treated this way" He paused. Unsure of what to do, I nodded my head slightly. He smiled.

"Now to get to the point, I have been told about you and your involvement with the Cullens" He waited. I didn't speak. I couldn't. Just the mention of them sent a wave of sadness through me.

"So you know about vampires"

It was more of a fact than a question. I nodded.

"Mmm. I like you Bella. But the Cullens have put me in a very difficult position. You see, I can't let you leave with the extensive knowledge of our kind that you seem to have"

He took my hand in his cold one and his eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"You're special. I don't want to kill you, so I'm going to keep you here with me- human for the time being. You'll have your own room, warm bed, new clothes" He looked at my swollen lip.

" A new guard" I nodded, taking it all in. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"The Cullens are here sir"

"Aha. Bring them in."

I froze. I heard their soft footsteps but I couldn't bring myself to turn around. After several long seconds, Aro who was still holding my hand, pulled me around to face them. I heard their sharp intakes of breath as they saw me. I was skinnier and paler than the last time they saw me, not to mention covered in blood. My split lip was throbbing painfully and the various bruises covering my body were stinging. I wrapped my arms around my waist, protecting myself from their gaze. I took a deep breath and raised my head. I looked at their beautiful faces one by one, finally letting my eyes linger on Edward. His perfect face was better than I had remembered it. His topaz eyes were fixed on mine. They were full of pain, regret and guilt. Slowly he ran his eyes up and down my body. I saw a flash of anger in his expression. I wanted to run to him. But I couldn't, not yet.

"Nice of you to join us"

I jumped at the sound of Aro's haunting voice.

AN: Reviews are much appreciated!