Bella's Arc

Chapter 12 of 13

For one bright second, Marella saw. Her warm brown eyes locked on the tiny boy in her lap, and Bella's chest swelled with pride. Then the boy thrashed. His dark hair flew, his small arms swung wide, and he tore loose from Bella's paws in one wild kick. He hit the carpet running and bolted straight back toward the clock. Bella sprang after him, but he was already gone, vanishing through the small arched door. She skidded to a stop on the pale carpet, tail lashing. Behind the wood, she heard frantic whispers. The door cracked open again. This time the girl twin pushed her head out, long dark hair swinging. She shoved the sparkling crystal fairy forward with both small hands, sliding it across the carpet like a peace offering. Her cheeks were pink. Her smile was nervous and bright. Then something small flew through the gap and landed at Bella's paws. A thick piece of jerky, orange tuna paste glistening on top. A bribe. A truce. The door clicked shut. Bella stared at the treat, then back toward the bedroom, where Marella was already padding out, calling her name in a shaky voice. The twins had bought themselves time. But Marella had seen. The secret was cracked open, and nothing could close it again.