The morning sun streamed through the nursery windows, catching the soft curls of Ariya's hair and the bright colors of the decorations still scattered from her hundredth day celebration.
For once, the room was quiet, save for the soft shuffle of Lilian's slippers and the occasional giggle of Nolan.
"Alright, Ariya," Lilian said gently, placing a small set of colorful wooden blocks in front of her. "Today, we'll start some little lessons. Nothing too hard—just for fun."
I blinked and wiggled my fingers, eager. Even though my body was that of a newborn, my mind raced with plans. I want to learn everything. I want to know everything.
Nolan watched curiously from his chair. "Can I help?" he asked, eyes wide. "I want to teach her too!"
"Of course, Young Master," Lilian said kindly. "But remember to be gentle."
I picked up one block with my tiny hand. Slowly, I stacked it atop another. Then another. My hands trembled slightly, but I didn't let go.
Click.
The stack wobbled—almost fell—but I steadied it.
Nolan clapped enthusiastically. "Wow! She's careful! Good job, Ariya!"
Lilian smiled, watching closely. "Very precise for her age," she murmured. "She's… different."
I tilted my head, thinking. Different? How?
I couldn't speak yet, but my mind worked faster than my body. I want to move faster. I want to do more.
Next, Lilian placed a small, illustrated book in front of me. Even though I couldn't read aloud, my eyes scanned the pictures, absorbing patterns, colors, and shapes. I could almost feel the stories in my mind.
Interesting, I thought. I can remember these… maybe I can even…
I shifted slightly, tugging at the book, trying to bring it closer. My fingers brushed over the illustrations repeatedly. Shapes, colors, and images—they felt familiar, almost like pieces of a puzzle I had solved before in another life.
Nolan leaned closer, whispering with excitement, "She looks… different. Like she understands more than she should!"
Lilian's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of wonder crossing her face. "Yes… there's something extraordinary about her."
From the hallway, the Duke observed silently, as he often did. His pale hair gleamed faintly, blue streaks catching the light. Even now, watching her tiny hands work carefully with the blocks and the book, he felt a rare thought creep into his mind:
She's not just clever… she's dangerous in her own way.
The Duke allowed himself a very small smile. If she grows like this, she will not only survive—but she might surpass them all.
Meanwhile, Ariya wiggled her fingers over the book and the blocks, stacking, sorting, observing. She didn't yet know the limits of her body—but she knew, deep down, that nothing could stop her mind.
And for the first time, in this quiet, sunlit room, she felt… powerful.