The sound of soft, joyful laughter echoed through the hallways of Volterra. Gianna followed it, carrying a small basket filled with toys and snacks for Isabella. At two years old, the child was easily the most enchanting creature Gianna had ever encountered. Her curls, a deep chestnut with hints of bronze in the light, bounced as she skipped around the room, her little feet pattering against the stone floor.
"Gi!" Isabella's excited voice called out as she spotted Gianna. The child ran towards her with open arms, her smile bright enough to illuminate the entire palace.
"Hello, my little princess," Gianna said warmly, kneeling to scoop Isabella into her arms. She pressed a quick kiss to the toddler's cheek, delighting in the way the child giggled.
Gianna had always thought she wanted immortality above all else. A year ago, Aro had offered her the opportunity to be turned, but she had surprised herself—and everyone else—by asking to delay it. She knew that once she became a newborn vampire, she wouldn't be able to be near Isabella, at least not for some time. The thought of missing even a single moment of this child's life was unbearable.
Sulpicia trusted her implicitly, something Gianna cherished deeply. As the only human in the castle, Gianna was uniquely positioned to care for Isabella in ways the vampires could not. She was the one to tuck her in at night, to comfort her with a lullaby when she woke from a bad dream. Gianna had become the glorified babysitter of the Volturi's treasured child, and she loved every moment of it.
Isabella was not just adored by Gianna and her parents but by everyone in the palace. The once cold and silent halls of Volterra now felt almost…alive. Celebrations were planned around the child—birthdays, human holidays, even random festivities that Aro deemed necessary so Isabella wouldn't feel she was missing out on anything.
Gianna smiled as she thought of how the palace had transformed. The stoic and fearsome Felix had been spotted playing hide-and-seek with Isabella just the other day. Demetri often brought her trinkets from his missions, and even the twins, Jane and Alec, were unusually attached to the child.
Jane, who had always terrified Gianna, now sat cross-legged on the floor, letting Isabella braid her hair. Alec had taken to teaching her little tricks, like balancing objects on her head or stacking blocks to impossible heights. Isabella's laughter was infectious, and for reasons Gianna couldn't fully understand, even Jane and Alec seemed to soften in her presence.
"Jaaane!" Isabella called out suddenly, her words not yet clear but unmistakable. She wriggled out of Gianna's arms and toddled toward the petite blonde vampire, who appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, little one?" Jane's voice was softer than Gianna had ever heard it.
Isabella held up a doll, a proud smile on her face. "Pretty," she declared, handing it to Jane.
Jane took the doll, her lips twitching into a small smile. "Yes, she's very pretty. Just like you."
The bond between Isabella and Aro was perhaps the most remarkable of all. Aro, who had always seemed untouchable and calculating, was utterly smitten with his daughter. Isabella's small hand often found its way into his, and he seemed to revel in every interaction with her.
"Papa!" Isabella called out as Aro entered the room.
"Ah, my darling," Aro said, his voice unusually warm. He knelt down, letting Isabella climb into his lap. She pressed her palm to his cheek, her unique gift showing him flashes of her recent memories—playing with Gianna, laughing with Jane, sitting in her mother's lap while Sulpicia read to her.
Aro's smile was radiant as he cradled her close. "You've been busy, my little treasure."
"She's a daddy's girl through and through," Gianna teased lightly.
Aro chuckled, clearly delighted. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Sulpicia had taken a leading role in teaching Isabella about her identity. She explained the differences between humans and vampires, the importance of secrecy, and the legacy Isabella was destined to inherit.
"Isabella," Sulpicia said gently one evening as the child sat on her lap, "do you know why your heartbeat is so special?"
Isabella tilted her head, her large brown eyes curious. "Why?"
"Because it's a part of you," Sulpicia replied, brushing a curl away from Isabella's face. "You're not like other children. You're extraordinary. A little bit human, a little bit vampire. You're unique, my love."
Gianna watched from the doorway, her heart swelling with affection for the child. Isabella listened intently, her small hand resting on Sulpicia's. For all her childish playfulness, she was remarkably perceptive, a trait that made her even more endearing.
Gianna now lived in the same wing as Aro and Sulpicia, a constant presence in Isabella's life. The child had grown stronger, her diet now including both human food and small amounts of blood. Isabella seemed healthy and happy, her weekly cravings for blood managed carefully.
Gianna had no regrets about delaying her transformation. For now, she was content to remain human, relishing the moments she got to spend with Isabella. The little girl had brought an unexpected warmth to Volterra, and Gianna wasn't ready to give that up just yet.
From her place by the window, Gianna watched as Isabella toddled over to Aro, her tiny hands outstretched. Aro's laugh, uncharacteristically open, echoed through the room as he lifted her into the air. Gianna smiled to herself. Somehow, Isabella had softened the edges of this ancient, imposing place, bringing light where once there had only been shadow.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps down the marble corridor. Athenodora entered the room with the grace of someone who had lived centuries, her silver gown catching the light with every step.
"Good morning, Isabella," she greeted, her voice warm and lilting.
"Auntie Dora!" Isabella's face lit up as she scrambled to her feet, wobbling slightly before running into Athenodora's open arms.
The ancient vampire knelt to meet her, gathering her close. "And how is my favorite little lady today?" she asked, brushing a stray curl from Isabella's face.
"I pwayed with Jane!" Isabella announced proudly, her words tumbling over one another in excitement. She pressed her small hands against Athenodora's cheeks, her gift revealing flashes of her morning—Jane helping her build a tower, Alec chasing her playfully, and Aro lifting her high above his head.
Athenodora's laugh was soft, almost private. "My, you've had quite the adventure! And look at that tower you built—it must be taller than Gianna."
Gianna chuckled, catching Isabella's eye. "She's quite the builder. I wouldn't be surprised if she's designing entire palaces soon."
Settling onto the floor beside Isabella, Athenodora smoothed her gown and began helping with the blocks. "You're growing so quickly, little one," she said with a smile. "I can barely keep up with you."
Isabella grinned, leaning against her. "Papa says I'm his sunshine."
Athenodora's gaze softened. "And he's absolutely right."
As Isabella focused on her tower, Athenodora glanced at Gianna. "You've become very attached to her," she said gently.
Gianna nodded without hesitation. "She's…special. She's brought something to this place I didn't think possible. Even Jane and Alec seem lighter when she's around."
Athenodora's lips curved into a faint smile. "She has that effect on people. Even Caius—though he'd never admit it—has a softer edge when she's nearby."
Gianna blinked, surprised. "Caius?"
"Oh, yes," Athenodora replied, amusement flickering in her golden eyes. "I've seen the way he watches her when she toddles up to him. She's won over even the hardest hearts."
Before Gianna could respond, Isabella climbed into Athenodora's lap, curling up with a contented sigh. "Auntie Dora, tell me a story?"
Athenodora smiled, smoothing a hand over her curls. "Of course, little one. How about a tale of a brave queen and her beautiful kingdom?"
As her melodic voice filled the room, Isabella's eyes grew heavy, her breathing slowing until she drifted to sleep.
"She trusts you completely," Gianna said softly, watching the serene expression on Isabella's face.
Athenodora nodded, her gaze resting tenderly on the child. "And I would never betray that trust. She's a light in the darkness, Gianna. A reminder of what's worth protecting."
Gianna felt a quiet resolve settle over her. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth Isabella brought into their lives, she knew she'd do anything to keep her safe.
The room fell quiet, the weight of centuries lifting in the presence of one small child who had managed to change them all.
Okay, so writing baby/child scenes is definitely outside my comfort zone, and I have no idea if this is cute or just toe-curlingly cringe. Like, is Isabella a sweet little cherub lighting up Volterra, or is she dangerously close to Disney Channel territory? Please tell me before I go full-on "talking unicorn in the nursery" in future scenes.
Also, who knew writing toddlers could be this stressful? They're supposed to be adorable, but they're basically chaotic little philosophers with sticky hands. If I nailed the vibe, great! If not, I'll just pretend I'm practicing for a Twilight sitcom spin-off no one asked for.
Your honest feedback (or a gentle roast) is very much appreciated!