Life in Volterra was never dull with Isabella in the mix. At five years old, she was a whirlwind of energy and curiosity, spending her days exploring not just the grand halls of the palace but also testing the limits of her unique existence.
Isabella had always known she was different. Her heartbeat set her apart, a steady thrum that fascinated those around her.
Mommy said it made me special. I didn't sparkle like my parents or have crimson eyes, but I didn't mind. I was me, and that was enough. Still, I wanted to understand what made me different—and maybe even what made me the same.
One sunny morning, I slipped away from the watchful eyes of the guards and ran into the courtyard. The warm stone tickled my bare feet as I stretched, ready to test just how fast I could go.
"Okay, Bella," I whispered to myself. (I'd decided I liked being called Bella now—more on that later.) "Let's see how fast you really are."
I crouched low, pretending I was one of the wolves from Daddy's stories, and then—zoom! The wind whooshed past my face as I sprinted across the open courtyard. Everything blurred around me, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Bella!" Felix's voice boomed from somewhere behind me. I skidded to a stop, nearly crashing into one of the stone fountains. He was there in seconds, towering over me like a giant.
"Too slow, Felix!" I teased, sticking out my tongue before darting off again.
Felix groaned, muttering something about me being impossible. I just laughed. Being fast was fun—and teasing the guards was even better.
I wasn't always Bella, though. I was Isabella—until one afternoon, when everything changed.
Daddy had taken me to the village outside the palace. I loved going there; it smelled like flowers, bread, and something warm and wonderful I couldn't name.
As we walked through the cobblestone streets, I saw a shiny cart filled with spinning toys. A little boy was tugging on his mother's arm, begging for one.
"Hello!" I called to him, waving.
He turned bright red and hid behind his mother.
"Why's he hiding?" I asked Daddy, tilting my head.
"Perhaps he's shy," Daddy said with a small smile.
Before I could ask more, a man carrying a basket of bread stopped in front of us. He smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the edges.
"What's your name, little one?" he asked.
"Isabella," I said proudly, puffing out my chest.
"Is-ah-bella?" he repeated, his voice thick with an accent. He said it funny, like the words didn't quite fit in his mouth. "Ah, Bella! What a lovely name."
Bella? That wasn't my name—but I liked the way it sounded. Short and sweet, like a secret nickname.
I turned to Daddy, tugging on his hand. "He called me Bella. Can I be Bella?"
Daddy knelt down, his dark eyes soft and thoughtful. "Of course, my little Bella," he said, brushing a curl from my face. "If that's what you want, then Bella it shall be."
"Bella," I repeated, testing it. It felt right—lighter, happier.
When we returned to the palace, I marched straight into Uncle Caius's study.
"I'm Bella now," I announced.
Caius looked up from his book, one pale eyebrow arching. "Bella? That's… common."
I crossed my arms and grinned. "I like it. And you have to call me that now, Uncle C!"
His lips twitched, and I thought he might actually smile. Instead, he groaned. "You're impossible," he muttered.
I just laughed.
Later that day, I decided it was time for some fun at Uncle Caius's expense. He was always so stern, his perpetual scowl intimidating to most—but not to me. I'd learned that he could be ruffled, and I found great joy in doing just that.
I enlisted Alec and Jane for my mischief, their identical smirks promising full cooperation. Together, we replaced the books in Caius's study with volumes of children's fairy tales. His prized quill was swapped for a bright pink one adorned with feathers.
When Caius entered the room, his sharp eyes scanned the space, immediately noticing the changes. "What is this?" he demanded, holding up The Little Mermaid with disdain.
From my hiding spot, I peeked out, barely suppressing a giggle. "Do you like it, Uncle Caius?" I called out sweetly, stepping into view.
His eyes narrowed. "You," he said accusingly.
"It's a better story than those boring histories," I said, hands on my hips. "You should read it!"
For a moment, Caius looked ready to argue, but then his expression softened just a fraction. "You're incorrigible," he muttered, though there was a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth—a near-smile, by Caius's standards.
By mid-afternoon, I'd worked up an appetite. I wandered into the kitchens, where Gianna was preparing lunch.
"What smells so good?" I asked, climbing onto a stool.
"Grilled cheese," Gianna replied with a smile.
"Grilled… cheese?" I echoed, wrinkling my nose. "That sounds weird."
"Try it," Gianna encouraged, sliding a perfectly golden sandwich onto a plate.
I took a cautious bite, and my eyes lit up. "It's amazing!" I exclaimed, my words muffled by the mouthful of food.
From that moment on, grilled cheese became my favorite, a human delicacy I demanded daily. The guards joked that they could smell my buttery lunches from across the palace, and Gianna indulged me with endless variations—adding tomatoes, bacon, or even a sprinkle of herbs.
One evening, while playing with Demetri in the training hall, I discovered another facet of my hybrid nature. I had always been stronger than other children, but that night, I accidentally sent a training dummy flying across the room with one punch.
"Whoa!" Demetri said, catching the dummy before it hit the wall. "Where did that come from?"
"I didn't mean to!" I said, wide-eyed. Then, after a beat, I grinned. "But that was awesome!"
Demetri laughed. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."
I puffed out my chest proudly. "Don't worry, Demi. I only punch dummies."
As the day wound down, I curled up on Mommy's lap, a book of bedtime stories open in front of us. My little body was warm against hers, my heartbeat a soothing rhythm in the quiet of the night.
"Mommy," I said, my voice sleepy but thoughtful. "Do you think Uncle Caius will ever read The Little Mermaid?"
Mommy chuckled softly, running her fingers through my curls. "Perhaps not, my love. But you certainly gave him something to think about."
I grinned, my eyelids drooping. My world was one of discovery and delight, where every day brought something new to learn or a way to make someone smile—whether through a kind word, a playful prank, or a well-placed children's book.
And as I drifted to sleep, surrounded by the love and protection of my family, I dreamed of my next great adventure.
Sneak peak of Bella's thoughts and many more to come! Please let me know what you think.