The evening sun cast a soft orange hue through the tall windows of the estate. Aria sat curled up in a large armchair in the library, flipping through a book she wasn't really reading. Her thoughts were scattered—still clinging to the faces she left behind, still unsure how to feel in a house full of strangers who called themselves family.
Her mother entered quietly, carrying a tray with tea and fruit.
> "You haven't eaten much today," she said gently, placing it on the table near Aria. "Try some. You need your strength."
Aria looked up, giving a small nod. "Thank you," she murmured.
There was a pause. The kind that hangs in the air when something important is about to be said.
Her mother sat across from her, fingers laced in her lap.
> "Aria… there's something I've been meaning to tell you since we brought you home. I didn't want to rush you, but… it's time."
Aria tilted her head slightly, curious.
> "Aria is a beautiful name. But it was the name given to you later… after we sent you away to be safe."
She took a deep breath, her voice soft.
> "Your real name is Althea Verena Callista. Althea… it means healing. Verena, truth. And Callista—means most beautiful."
Aria's lips parted slightly. She repeated it under her breath.
> "Althea…"
Her mother smiled. "That's what we called you when you were born. That's what your brother knew you as. And your father too, before he left."
> "I know it may feel unfamiliar now," she added, reaching for her daughter's hand, "but it belongs to you."
There was a pause.
> "You can still be Aria, if you like. Or Althea. Or both. You choose. But I wanted you to know."
Aria sat in silence, her heart stirring. A name was just a name, but somehow… it felt like a door had opened inside her, just a crack.
She nodded slowly.
> "I… like Althea," she said quietly.
Her mother's eyes glistened. "Then Althea it is."
After a long silence, she added warmly:
> "I want you to take a week. Adjust. Explore. Be comfortable in this home, in this world. After that, we'll get you admitted into your new school. It's a private academy, not far from here. Very selective, but you'll fit right in."
Aria blinked. "School…?"
Her mother smiled. "Yes. You deserve a normal life, Althea. Friends. Laughs. Even if it takes time."
She leaned closer and tucked a lock of hair behind her daughter's ear.
> "Enjoy this week. Be free. Be curious. This is your home now."
Aria gave a soft, thoughtful nod.
And as she sipped her tea and looked out at the glowing gardens, she whispered her real name again—
> "Althea…"
It didn't feel like her.
Not yet.
But maybe… it could.