Forbidden

~Chapter Fourteen~

Quick A/N: Please don't kill me...the park meeting is NOT is this chapter. You're going to have to wait until the next one! Sorry! *winces and ducks from people throwing projectiles*

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~Chapter Fourteen~

Arabella sat in her desk chair, her spine tense and rigid with anticipation. Every small creak from the otherwise silent house made her jump. Her frazzled nerves were getting the better of her.

            Griffin’s promise to arrive at Bill and Marcia’s house that night resounded uneasily through her thoughts. His voice repeated itself again and again, like a broken record. See you tonight. See you tonight. See you tonight. She was in no mood to fight with her sadistic mate. She had much more critical issues on her mind.

            He had been attacked today. Arabella had run through the terrifying scene millions of times, but could only detect a few definite facts. Firstly, two of the illumination points were clearly marked with the signature of Them, as they were dubbed in hostile circles. Secondly, the third illumination point could not be identified: Arabella and the three other messengers had thoroughly searched the scene, trying to track the hateful being, but to no avail. The third attacker refused to be found. Lastly, all three were in fairly close proximity to the victim when the attack occurred; within a mile radius, the messengers had concluded.

            Arabella felt tears tug at her eyes. She was hurting River just by being near him. Her heart broke as she considered the amount of danger she had placed him in…the danger that all of them had contributed to. She let her head fall into her hands as silent, hopeless sobs overtook her pretty face.

            However, Bella, we need to be near them. If they are not on our side—both of them—we cannot win, a gentle voice reminded her.

            I know, Nathaniel, Arabella groaned. But I…I can’t bring myself to accept that I’m going to have to hurt him to help him. You’re the only one who…who knows how much I…how much I…

            Nathaniel’s cringe rang bitterly through her head. Bella, I know that you think that you’re in love with him, but—

            I am! Arabella interrupted, frustrated. I don’t feel that pull towards Griffin anymore. I feel strongly and passionately about River, and—

            It’s simply a ridiculous human infatuation, Nathaniel plainly stated. As soon as we return home, you will belong with Griffin once again. You love him; I know you do.

            I love River, Arabella repeated defiantly. Stop saying that I don’t. I thought you were supportive of me, Nathaniel, but I see that I was wrong. I will be ignoring your conversations now. Good-bye.

            No, wait, I didn’t mean—

            Arabella tuned out his pleading, flustered, peaceful, and despondent simultaneously.

            “Psst, Bella. C’mon, Angel, let’s go,” a voice urged from behind her.

            Slowly, Arabella stood and turned to face Griffin. His eyes danced with enthusiasm for the evening. His broad smile immediately sent suspicious alarm to Arabella’s mind.

            “Where are we going?” she asked anxiously, nervously twirling a strand of her hair.

            “To a place where the moon shines brightly and the water is clear and beautiful,” Griffin responded, smirking at his vague riddle. “Come on!”