Bella's Arc

Chapter 6 of 13

Bella was still sitting on the carpet when Marella's heels clicked into the room. Marella stopped near the teal chair, phone pressed to her ear, one hand on her hip. Her voice was bright and busy. "Yes, the old wooden clock in the corner. It makes the funniest noises at night. I think I'll sell it this weekend." Bella's ears snapped up. Sell the clock. Sell the twins. Her tail lashed once, hard. If the clock left, the twins left, and Marella would never, ever see them. Bella's small chest filled with hot, stubborn purpose. She shot across the carpet and leapt. Paw, paw, scrabble — up the wooden side, onto the narrow top. She landed beside a soft cream cushion that had somehow drifted up there days ago. Bella planted herself on it, tail curled tight, blue eyes fixed on Marella. Marella turned and saw her. Her mouth fell open, then bent into a slow smile. "Hold on," she said into the phone. She crossed the carpet and looked up at the small brown kitten perched like a queen on her throne. "Oh, sweetheart. You love this spot?" Bella did not blink. She dug her claws lightly into the cushion. Mine. Marella laughed and lifted the phone again. "Actually, never mind. I'll keep it. Bella's claimed it." The call ended. The clock stayed. Below Bella's paws, deep inside the wood, two tiny voices giggled — closer now, and somehow worse. She had saved them. She had not meant to.