Doctor Cullen – Carlisle, as he insists I call him – explains what he’s about to do.

He talks of biting me, injecting his venom into my veins. Of burning for days.

Throughout it all, I stare at him in disbelief.

He wants to injure me further?

What would possess such a man as he to bring me to his home, and tell tall tales as I lie here dying?

Preposterous… Just leave me in peace.

I close my eyes, hoping he’ll take the hint and leave me be.

He whispers, “I’m so sorry, Rosalie.”

Then, searing pain.

I scream.