Carlisle's POV
The castle was a masterpiece of ancient grandeur, its halls filled with shadows and whispers of centuries past. It was an unusual setting for the Cullens, accustomed as they were to living on the edges of society in secluded homes and quiet towns. But here they were, nestled in the heart of Volterra, housed in the wing belonging to Edward—a space he rarely used but had now offered to them with quiet determination.
Carlisle followed as Bella took the lead, her small frame radiating an almost regal confidence. Edward trailed closely behind her, his expression a mix of protectiveness and affection.
"This is your wing now," Bella announced proudly, her hands gesturing toward the corridors. "See? It's much nicer than Uncle Caius's or Uncle Marcus's!" She giggled, her laughter echoing softly in the stone halls.
Carlisle glanced at Esme, who gave him a small, warm smile. It was strange, this environment. Not at all what he envisioned when he thought of their family visiting Volterra. But Bella's energy and charm seemed to lighten even these cold, ancient walls.
The rooms were spacious, with arched windows letting in faint streams of light diffused by heavy drapes. The furniture was a blend of modern luxury and classic elegance, a touch of Aro's decadence mingled with Edward's personal simplicity.
"This will be perfect," Esme murmured, running her fingers along the edge of a finely carved wooden table. Carlisle nodded, quietly agreeing, though his attention was drawn to Bella, who lingered near the center of the room, watching them settle their things.
"What's this?" Bella asked curiously, poking at a neatly folded stack of clothing someone had just unpacked. Her nose crinkled as she eyed the neatly arranged garments with evident skepticism.
"Clothes for later," Alice chimed in with a knowing grin, sidestepping the playful disdain in Bella's tone. "We brought outfits we thought would work for all occasions."
Bella wrinkled her nose deeper, folding her arms in exaggerated protest. "I don't like itchy dresses though," she announced matter-of-factly, as though declaring war on fabric itself.
From across the room, Emmett laughed, the sound filling the space warmly. "Don't worry, kiddo. If Alice makes you wear something you don't like, I'll smuggle you some pajamas or something comfy. Promise."
Bella shifted her sharp gaze toward him, her small brows furrowing in mock suspicion. "You better, or you're on cat duty."
"Cat duty?" Emmett's brow rose, his expression somewhere between amusement and curiosity.
"Yes, cat duty!" Bella declared triumphantly before darting toward the door. A moment later, she returned, cradling a sleek gray cat in her small arms like it was royalty. "This is Luna. She lives here too. And you can't eat her, even if you drink animal blood."
The room erupted into laughter, Alice shaking her head as Rosalie let out a small chuckle despite herself.
"Eat her?" Emmett said dramatically, clutching his chest as if the accusation hurt his very soul. "I would never hurt a fellow hunter. Your Luna is safe with me, little one. Scout's honor."
Bella grinned mischievously, satisfied with Emmett's response. "Good," she said with a firm nod, stroking Luna's glossy fur. "Because Luna's family, and family isn't for eating."
Carlisle chuckled softly, watching the exchange. Bella's ability to connect with each of them was extraordinary, and none more so than with Rosalie.
He turned his gaze toward his daughter, who sat in quiet amusement, a smile tugging at the edges of her lips. Carlisle had noticed the subtle shift in Rosalie when Bella had reached out to her earlier. Where there had once been distance and tension—Rosalie's typical armor—there was now something warmer, softer. Watching Rosalie guide Bella with tenderness when she nearly tripped, or hearing the playful tone in her voice during Bella's endless questions, made Carlisle's heart ache with an odd mixture of joy and sorrow.
As the evening wore on, Carlisle quietly observed Bella flitting from one family member to the next, capturing everyone's attention with her energy and curiosity. Emmett, ever the playmate, joked around with her, teasing her about Luna while his boisterous laughter filled the room. Meanwhile, Alice—who was never without a bit of order—meticulously organized her bags, leaving a small trail of clothes and accessories behind, though Bella was too focused on her wonder-filled exploration to pay Alice much mind.
She danced from Emmett to Jasper, who spoke with her in soft, measured tones, careful not to overwhelm her with his intensity. Rosalie, from across the room, offered a rare, almost reluctant smile at Bella's boundless enthusiasm, her watchful gaze never quite leaving the child.
Edward had stepped in and out of the room, and Carlisle couldn't help but notice his unreadable expression each time he returned. There was a quiet weight to Edward's demeanor that spoke to something deeper, but Carlisle refrained from questioning him for now. Bella—unaware of any tension—had captivated their attention fully.
The once boundless energy in Bella began to fade, and she finally plopped down onto the thick carpet in the center of the room. Her wide eyes, though tired, still glinted with fascination as she took in the Cullens with a curiosity that seemed endless. Carlisle smiled, moved by how her innocence contrasted with the world they had long inhabited. It was as if the pure, untainted part of the world they had lost was alive again, right here with them. For just a moment, it made the castle, with all its history and shadows, feel warmer.
When Edward finally returned again, Carlisle watched as he entered the room with an unreadable expression, his seriousness still palpable, though he hadn't uttered a word. Just as Carlisle prepared to ask what was on his mind, Bella, her excitement finally giving way to exhaustion, settled down onto the carpet, her small body curling into the soft, plush rug. She gazed up at them all with sleepy, wide eyes, still full of wonder.
"Bella," Carlisle said, kneeling down slightly to catch her attention, his tone soft, "I'd like to do a check-up on you tomorrow, just to make sure you're well. What do you think?"
Her face lit up immediately, excitement overtaking her exhaustion. "Can I really? That sounds fun!" she squealed, clapping her hands together with unrestrained joy.
Carlisle chuckled, charmed by her innocence. "Of course. You're very special, Bella, and I'd like to learn more about you."
With a satisfied nod, Bella lay back on the carpet, curling up beside Rosalie. The golden-haired vampire looked down at the child with surprising tenderness, and Bella, trusting in her presence, rested her small head against Rosalie's knee. It wasn't long before sleep claimed her, the excitement of the evening finally giving way to the rest her tiny body craved.
As the family looked on in peaceful silence, Carlisle felt a deep sense of contentment settle over him. Bella had entered their lives like a bright spark.
Minutes later, the door opened. The soft rustle of fabric announced Sulpicia's arrival, her graceful steps hardly making a sound as she entered the chambers. Gianna followed behind her, carrying a poised, though weary, demeanor that seemed unfazed by her human frailty among vampires.
Sulpicia's elegant smile lit up the room as her crimson eyes took in the scene. Bella, now sprawled across the carpet. What was more surprising, however, was Rosalie beside her, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Bella's face as she slept soundly in her lap. The two were tangled together like a natural pair, Bella's small hand clutching Rosalie's sleeve even in sleep.
"Carlisle, Esme," Sulpicia said softly, her voice a melody of refined grace. "Thank you again for coming here. Your presence is deeply appreciated, more than words can convey."
Carlisle rose to meet her, inclining his head respectfully. "The feeling is mutual, Sulpicia. You've welcomed us with kindness—it is we who are grateful."
Esme offered Sulpicia a warm smile, her hands clasped gently in front of her. "It's wonderful to finally see Volterra in person and to spend time as guests in your home. We're truly honored to be here."
Sulpicia stepped closer, her gaze drifting briefly to Bella before returning to Carlisle and Esme. "Bella seems completely smitten with all of you," she noted, her tone laced with subtle affection. "And I see that my daughter is not the only one. You have… a warmth about your family that's unmistakable. It's rare to witness in our kind."
Carlisle exchanged a knowing glance with Esme. "Family has a way of giving us hope," Carlisle said. "Even in a world such as ours."
Sulpicia's smile deepened, though her eyes briefly carried a weight of emotion. "Indeed. I see that Edward's choice to bring you into her life—and ours—was the right one."
Her gaze lingered for a moment longer on Bella, who now was yawning softly in Rosalie's lap, before Sulpicia turned to address Carlisle again. "She's brought joy into this castle—something Marcus, Caius, and even I had forgotten could exist. I'm indebted to all of you for embracing her so readily."
Carlisle nodded solemnly. "It's impossible not to. Bella has a way of bringing out the best in everyone. Even in Rosalie," he added with a touch of humor, his gaze flickering toward Rosalie, whose expression softened at his words.
Sulpicia let out a light laugh. "She does, doesn't she? That child has a gift for weaving her way into people's hearts."
A quiet moment passed before Gianna, with a slight hesitation, stepped forward to whisper something to Sulpicia. The vampire matron nodded, her expression shifting as she stepped toward the sleeping Bella.
"Carlisle, Esme," Sulpicia said, her tone still warm, "if you'll excuse me, I think it's time to take this little one back to her own bed."
Esme smiled gently, watching as Sulpicia carefully gathered Bella into her arms. The child stirred briefly before settling, instinctively tucking her head against Sulpicia's shoulder.
"Thank you again," Sulpicia murmured before exiting the room, her quiet footsteps fading into the hall.
The group exchanged a few quiet goodnights as Sulpicia carried the child away. Carlisle lingered for a moment, his thoughts occupied. The child was unique, not just in her gift but in how effortlessly she brought people together.
He glanced at Edward, who was standing by the door, his face still contemplative. Whatever concerns his son carried would undoubtedly be shared in time. For now, though, Carlisle allowed himself a small moment of peace, watching his family settle into this strange but hopeful chapter of their existence.
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