Chapter 11: A Craving Impossible to Ignore

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The final school bell shattered the tense silence in the classroom. Daniel stood up as fast as he could, a glimpse of ink catching the light from the intricate tattoo peeking out from beneath his collar. He exchanged a panicked glance with Edward before bolting out the door, leaving their classmates bewildered. As soon as they were out of earshot, Daniel, his fingers unconsciously brushing against the silver rings adorning his hand, grabbed Edward's arm, his voice tight.

"What the bloody hell was that, Edward?"

Edward ran a hand through his hair, his face pale. "I can't stay in that class, Daniel. I need to change my schedule."

"Right, because switching classes will magically mask your bloodlust," Daniel scoffed. "You were this close to ripping that girl's throat out. What's going on with you?"

Desperation flickered in Edward's eyes. "I don't know, Daniel. I've never met a human whose blood called to me like that."

Daniel's breath hitched. "Wait. You mean... that was your singer?"

A heavy silence descended between them as they reached the school office. Edward straightened, a flicker of his usual charm returning to his voice. "Hi, I'd like to request a class schedule change. Could I move out of sixth-period Biology?"

The receptionist, a friendly-looking woman, offered a sympathetic smile. "Unfortunately, Mr. Cullen, all our classes are full at the moment."

Daniel stepped forward, mirroring Edward's charm offensive. "Surely there must be something we can do? Perhaps another elective slot that could be freed up?"

Just as the receptionist considered their request, the office door swung open. A familiar scent, potent and intoxicating, flooded the room. Edward's posture rigidified, his voice dropping to a low hiss.

"Never mind, then," he said, his usual velvet tones replaced with a steely resolve. "We seem to be out of options. Thank you for your time." he thanked as he left in a rush.

Daniel stormed out of the office, leaving his frustration lingering in the air. A single, withering glare in Bella Swan's direction served as his only farewell before he disappeared out the front doors.

He found Rosalie leaning against his car, a beacon of comfort amidst the chaos. Relief washed over him as he approached, his long strides quickly eating up the distance. With a tenderness that belied his earlier anger, he draped his arm around her shoulders, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

Rosalie, attuned to his moods, offered a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Her hand reached up to capture the one resting on her shoulder, their fingers intertwining like gears, a silent symbol of their unwavering connection.

"What's the matter, Dan?" she asked, her voice a soothing balm. "Your messages were very cryptic."

Daniel drew in a ragged breath. "Bella," he began, his voice tight. "She's Edward's..." He hesitated, the word catching in his throat.

"His what?" Rosalie's heart lurched, a knot of dread tightening in her stomach.

"His blood singer," Daniel finally blurted.

Rosalie's breath hitched. "Oh, shit," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air.

"We'll talk about it at home," Daniel continued, his tone resolute. "See what everyone else has to say." He moved with practiced ease to open the passenger door for her, a small act that spoke volumes despite the urgency in his eyes.

Their gazes met for a long moment, a silent conversation passing between them. Then, with a shared look of apprehension, they turned towards their siblings who stood there with varying degrees of concern.

The Edge of Insanity | Rosalie HaleWhere stories live. Discover now