𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚢 | Isabela x Reader

When Scars Become Art

Julieta watches as you interact with Isabela, noticing how the two of you seemed like you were absorbed in a world of your own, not acknowledging anyone else's presence as more family members entered the room. She found herself amused at how Isabela acted, clearly fidgety whilst in your presence.

She was glad that her daughter was able to express herself more than before, despite still finding hardship in it due to her growing up in independence. The woman clears her throat, grabbing both of your attention with a smile.

"You must be y/n. I'm Julieta, mother of Luisa, Isabela, and Mirabel." She says, gesturing towards the youngest of the three girls before handing a plate full of arepas. "This should heal you, go on and eat corazón."

Your heart warms at the endearment she used. You never knew the feeling of having a mother since your own passed away after giving birth to you. Thus why your father couldn't have a son, refusing to love another woman.

And despite your father being present, you could never feel the love of a home from him. He lived to serve himself, only pushing his lifestyle further when it was just the two of you left.

You grab an arepa and take a bite, your mouth immediately watering from how good it was. You hadn't gotten a decent meal since the past two weeks, people making sure you were slim enough to fit the wedding dress you were supposed to wear.

And if you weren't aware of them having gifts, you probably would've shit your pants as you feel the pain on your body go away almost instantly. "Does everyone in this town have gifts?" You ask after you swallow your food, making sure to keep your manners.

"Just our family. Our abuela and abuelo had saved everyone, so we were given a miracle." A kid with curly hair explains. You smile as you look down at him, petting his hair gently. "You're really pretty."

You find Isabela nodding in agreement at the corner of your eyes, boosting your ego for as much as you'd let it. "Why thank you. You're a handsome little man too."

"I'm Antonio! This is Dolores and Camilo, my older siblings." He says as he pulls them closer to him. It must've been nice to be in such a big family, especially one that was filled with affection and love.

"I think you just made two Madrigals fall in love in a day." Camilo says before shapeshifting into you, making your eyes widen and sparkle in amazement, not noticing how he winked at Isabela.

You let out a laugh as Camilo teases, feeling yourself start to settle down completely in everyone's presence. This was the kind of place you'd always hoped to live in, one that didn't leave you worrying every second in fear for your life. "How flattering, but alas, my heart is currently owned by another." You say as you act heart-stricken.

"Alright, enough joking around for now. We should get these bandages off of you and check if anything else needs attention." Mirabel says as she shoos the two boys out of the room. "Will that be alright?"

You nod. "I'm sorry y/n, but I must really get going. There are more arepas in the kitchen if you need them. I'll be going, everyone take care." Julieta says as she places kisses on the heads of her familia, surprising you as she places one on the top of your head as well.

"Thank you señora." You call out as she waves with a smile when she exits the room.

You get off of the covers, currently wearing a shirt and loose pants. A blush starts to form on your face as you grow embarrassed, realizing that they had changed your clothes while you were knocked out.

"I'm sorry for all the trouble." You say as you remove your shirt, revealing your lean muscles from all the training you've been through.

"It's our job to help, you don't have to worry about it." Luisa says as she examines your skin, checking if anything else needed to be healed while Isabela and Mirabel unwrapped your bandages.

You feel a shiver go down your spine as delicate fingers slide down your back gently. "So many..." You hear Isabela whisper as she sees the scars on your back, tracing them like it was art and your body was the canvas.

It had come from all the punishments you've gotten from your father, and from breaking the rules in the village. They were never one to hold back in teaching people a lesson.

At the time you never thought much of it, always taking the blame when you and Elena got caught sneaking around at night or setting your responsibilities aside to prioritize spending time with one another. The people couldn't bring themselves to inflict pain on the daughter of the most powerful man in the village, so you carried the weight of both of your sins on your back.

Isabela had hoped you didn't hear her since she didn't want to seem like she was prying into your life. The two of you had just met, but seeing how deep the scars were ignited concern for you. It was quite like she could feel the pain you've been through just from looking at it.

"Those were from a long time ago. It doesn't matter now." You whisper as she places her hands on your back, not tearing her eyes away from it for even a second.

Even though you weren't facing her, you could feel the tenderness that radiated from her simple touch. It gave you a sense of comfort that not even your ex-lover could give you. Not once did that woman try to care for you or defend you when you were wounded. Just remembering her left a bitter taste in your mouth, somehow still quite sweet as you think of the good times with her.

"It will always matter, you were badly hurt... seemingly repeatedly even." Isabela says when she goes around to take the bandage from around your chest while Mirabel focused on the ones on your arms and shoulders. Thankfully you were still wearing undergarments beneath the bandages.

You wear a small smile as you look down at her, the woman not even daring to look into your eyes as she felt embarrassed from speaking so seriously despite your efforts to lighten the experience you had.

She validated your feelings and pain from the past that you still continually suffered and bled from. The same ones that haunted you repeatedly for simply wanting to live a free life, a life with no shackles or chains tying you down.

Isabela had acknowledged that, and you couldn't stop your heart from swelling in happiness. "Thank you, Isabela. You don't know how much your kind words just helped me."

Finally looking up, her eyes shined as she smiled brightly at you. You couldn't stop your heart from thumping against your chest rapidly, not even trying to look away as you let yourself get blinded by her beauty.

You couldn't help but wonder whether she would have been your lover instead, had you met her first. Would she have swept you off of your feet more than Elena ever could?

Somehow you could imagine that being so. Perhaps she would have even agreed to run away with you, had she been your secret lover from the village.

But it was wrong of you to project her image upon your ex-lover. It was unhealthy to be comparing them to one another, especially knowing that Isabela was nowhere near her in terms of personality.

"For the record, I think you're just as beautiful with or without your scars." She says as she brushes a lock of your hair behind your ear, heat spreading across your face when she finally turns away.

Her words struck a chord in you as you remembered all the women looking down at you for all the wounds you'd get from training. And as much as Elena tried to hide it, you could tell she thought the same.

You gulp as you try to calm yourself, hoping you weren't looking as flustered as you were feeling. But the look Dolores gave you told you that wasn't exactly the case.

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A/N: Hello! It is me again! Thank you for reading! Go ahead and check out my other books while you're at it!! <3

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