~ Isabella’s POV

I stood there, rooted to the ground, staring at Lucian's back as he walked away. A part of me desperately hoped he would look back, give me some sort of sign, but he didn’t. His shoulders were stiff, his steps deliberate. I could tell he was carrying something heavy, something I didn’t understand yet.

"Come on, Bella." Kate’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her standing next to me, her hand gently tugging on my arm. "Let’s go back to your room."

I ...