The wind whispers against my skin, and the fading warmth of the sun's last rays marks my freedom. As the darkness stretches across the sky, it feels like the world is holding its breath
" Bella!"
I turn at my name, finding Grandpa making his way toward me, his steps slow but determined."Yes, Grandpa?"
He adjusts his tie, and I see the familiar hint of frustration on his face. The signs of age are starting to show more these days. It's unlike him. Could it be because of the people we're about to meet? The ones that changed everything?
" Are you ready?" His voice is steady, but I can see the flicker of unease in his eyes.
I step forward, gently taking over the task of adjusting his tie. "Let me do it," I say softly. Grandpa's hands tremble slightly as I work, and it's hard not to notice. He's getting clumsy. It worries me more than I care to admit.
" Do we have to go?"I ask, the weight of the situation pulling at me. The looming unknown always makes me uneasy.
Grandpa looks at me, his eyes soft but firm, his hands resting on my shoulders as he holds my chin. "We've talked about this, Bella. It's time you meet these people. The time has come. All nine families have been summoned for a mandatory meeting. After 30 years of silence, I need to know why."
I bite back a sigh, nodding in reluctant agreement. "I understand."
"Good. Your brother is heading directly to the venue," Grandpa adds, a faint sense of reassurance in his voice.
"Good. Let's go then," I reply, taking his hand as we head toward the car. Before we enter, my eyes find Devil, the head of my personal security. His movements are quick, almost mechanical, as he checks the perimeter, his gaze scanning the surroundings with practiced precision. We made plans last night—plans that I hope we won't need, but preparations have always been my mantra.
"Let's go," Once inside the car, I let out a breath, trying to settle my nerves.
" Wait" Grandpa's voice halts me before I can close the door.
" What is it, Grandpa?" My patience is thin, the feeling of something ominous hanging in the air.
He hands the driver a small scrap of paper. "Last night, the venue was changed. Here's the new address."
I glance at the paper, then back at him. "Why wasn't I told? And why the change?" I'm immediately on edge. This isn't just a change in location—it means we're now at the mercy of whoever controls this new place.
"For security reasons," Grandpa responds calmly, a practiced reassurance in his tone. "These meetings are always changed last minute. But don't worry, Bella. There are no threats at the new location."
"If there are no threats, then why have you avoided these meetings for 30 years? Why keep me hidden away while my brother got to make connections?" My voice trembles slightly, the question too important to swallow.
Grandpa chuckles lightly, but there's something guarded in his eyes. "Aren't you the least bit excited? I remember you always wanting to make friends with the children of those families."
That was once true, but time has changed me. I look out the window, my thoughts wandering. "Not anymore."
" Really?"Grandpa's voice softens with amusement, but I don't reply. I need silence now.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
I blink as the rhythmic sound of rain fills the car. The storm has arrived. I turn my gaze to the window, watching as the droplets race each other down the glass. But then—something catches my eye. A boy, running in a red jacket, his hair drenched by the downpour. The familiar sight jolts me, and a cold shiver runs through my spine. I remember another boy—once the definition of pain to me.
The car takes a sharp turn, pulling me away from the fleeting memory, and into the looming estate ahead. The mansion is vast, almost too perfect—like something out of a dream. My heart skips. I can already feel eyes on me. The weight of being watched is suffocating.
I turn to Devil. "Coordinate with my brother's security once we're inside. Make sure there's a safe exit plan if things go south."
"Understood, Miss."
"Let's go," I say, a finality in my voice. I don't like being in unfamiliar spaces, especially when danger feels like it's lurking around every corner.
But Grandpa stops me before I can move. "Bella, keep your powers in check. Nobody knows about them, and I intend to keep it that way."
I nod stiffly, but inside, I bristle. My powers are far too dangerous for anyone to know about. Keeping them hidden has always been part of my survival, but it's harder than it seems.
" Hy little sister"
I turn to look at my brother's charming smile, one that I can never get used to. I take his hand and get down.
" You look stunning, my dear; once we are inside, tell me which one you like, and I shall make him your groom."
I roll my eyes at him, "You make it sound like this is some kind of a matchmaking venue, brother, and I am pretty sure that every one of them is rotten, so no, thank you."
" Wait." He stops and then runs to greet our grandpa.
"Let's go" I push them towards the door. The feeling of being watched is already bugging me.
I held my brother's arm as our grandpa led us into the Mansion.
The moment we enter the mansion, an unnatural hush falls over the room. Every whisper and every gaze focuses on me, and I can practically feel the weight of their scrutiny.
Victor, my older brother, leans in, his voice soft but tinged with mischief. "See? You're the center of attention now. I know you hate it, but trust me, they'll warm up to you. I've already told all my friends about you."
"I hate your friends," I mutter, still walking towards the center of the hall.
My brother looks at me with a frown and then shakes his head, " You are hopeless, dear sister."
"Did you know why they asked for a mandatory Emergency meeting with all the young generation of the families?" Bella asks
" I think it is about the mysterious attacks happening around us but then I heard some rumors."
" Rumors? About what?" I narrow my eyes, a prickling unease crawling up my spine.
" About you. Watch out Incoming" he says, his tone darkening just as a familiar voice calls out.
" Finally, you made it, Old Man." The voice is warm, yet sharp as it rings through the hall. An older man with a warm smile steps forward, his eyes fixed on me.
" Smile sister"
" I am smiling brother"
" You call that smile?" Taking a deep breath he whispers.
Victor nudges me, his voice a whisper. "That's Mr. Salvatore, head of the Colony. Be careful with him. Don't tick him off."
The old Salvatore smiled, still keeping his eyes on me, " Tell me, Jack Adkins, who is the young lady with the Young Master Victor Adkins?"
Victor nudges me; I slowly walk towards Grandpa and stand beside him.
" This is my granddaughter Bella Adkins"
I force a smile, though it feels like a mask. "Nice to meet you," I say, bowing my head in greeting.
Salvatore's eyes linger on me a moment too long, his grin widening. "Good, good. I see the rumors about you were true. A beauty, hidden away all this time. No wonder you kept her from us, Adkins."
Grandpa laughs alongside him, but there's something tight in his chuckles. "It's nothing like that. She had health issues and needed treatment abroad."
Mr. Salvatore nods knowingly, his smile never wavering. "Health is everything. Let's chat over there. Victor, show your sister around. Introduce her to the rest of the youngsters. We'll start the meeting once the elders arrive."
Victor gives me a knowing look, but I keep my gaze steady as we begin to move deeper into the mansion. The whispers follow us like a shadow, and my nerves only tighten. The game is about to begin, and I have no idea what role I'll play in it.