The Edge of Insanity | Rosalie Hale

Chapter 7: Tormented by the past

The time spent by the lake thawed the ice between them, prompting a hesitant exchange of stories. They began with trivialities: Daniel learned Rosalie's favorite color was blue, the kind that shimmered on a sunlit stream. He discovered her eyes used to be green back in her human life. In turn, she learned of his service with the Allies in 1914.

Curiosity piqued, Rosalie inquired about his tattoo, wondering if it held a deeper meaning. Daniel chuckled, a warm sound that surprised them both. "Of course not," he admitted. "Just the first thing that came to mind."

A gentle smile graced Rosalie's lips. "My actual name is Rosalie Hale, not Cullen" she offered, extending a hand.

He mirrored the gesture, his grip firm yet gentle. "Daniel Stratton " he replied, the last name rolling off his tongue with a newfound comfort.

The conversation flowed more freely then. He spoke of Dover, a small town where his family of farmers resided. He reminisced about his mother's legendary stew and childhood pranks with his twin brothers, their identical nature causing endless confusion. Rosalie, in turn, described her life in New York – a life of wealth devoid of warmth. A flicker of sadness crossed Rosalie's eyes as she spoke of her human life. Daniel, attuned to the shift in her mood, swiftly steered the conversation. "What about hobbies or interests?" he inquired, hoping to reignite her smile.

Her face brightened as she launched into a passionate explanation of her love for cars. "I know it's considered unladylike," she admitted with a wry smile, "but I always dreamed of studying them at Yale. Unfortunately, their archaic policies forbid women in engineering."

Daniel scoffed. "Preposterous! There's nothing inherently feminine or masculine about such a pursuit. Tell me more about these vehicles that captivate you."

And so, the hours melted away. Daniel swore he could listen to her voice, laced with infectious enthusiasm, for an eternity. As she spoke of her passion, her eyes sparkled, and a mirrored reflection of joy ignited in his own. Their conversation flowed effortlessly until the weight of reality settled in.

"We should probably head back," Rosalie sighed, a touch of regret tinging her voice. "You have a task to complete, after all."

A pang of disappointment echoed within Daniel, but he knew she was right.

They walked back to the house, a comfortable silence settling between them. The weight of his failure remained, but it felt lighter somehow, overshadowed by Rosalie. He stole a glance at her, knowing full well that, if he were human, he would have blushed just by the sight. This unexpected encounter had changed something within him. Perhaps, there was a chance for happiness, a future he hadn't dared to dream of.

Alice came skipping towards them, her golden eyes sparkling. "Finally!" she exclaimed, throwing her in the air. "Where have you two been? We were starting to think you got lost."

Daniel chuckled, the sound genuine and light. "Just enjoying a walk, pixie" he said, his gaze lingering on Rosalie for a moment longer before he turned to greet Alice.

-

"My apologies for the outburst," Daniel said, his voice tinged with regret. "Does anyone have any theories on our unwelcome guest's identity?"

Silence hung heavy in the air as everyone grappled with the problem. Then, a gasp erupted from Alice.

"I saw him again!" she exclaimed, eyes wide. "He'll attack again, but... this is strange. In every vision, he seeks out light. Every crime scene – a lamppost, a flickering streetlight... as if he fears the darkness."

Daniel snorted, a harsh, disbelieving laugh. "A vampire afraid of the dark? Now that's a new one, Alice. So, is there a way to use this to our advantage? Where will he strike next?"