The War.

Chapter 10: Hope?

Mia started to eat, realizing it was the first time she'd had anything since the cake yesterday. But as soon as she took a bite, the panic surged back into her mind. She shot up from the table, anxiety gripping her. "I need to find Ella."

Autumn quickly stepped in, gently pushing her back into the chair. "Mia, sit down. Me, Marjorie, Reece, and Winter are going on a search. We'll find her, I promise."

Mia's breathing was ragged, but Autumn's words started to sink in, helping her to slowly calm down.

As they all left, Charlotte broke down into violent sobs. She had always tried to be strong, to hold it together for everyone else, but this was too much. Her heart shattered, and the weight of fear and despair overwhelmed her.

Mia, watching her crumble, felt her own guilt deepen. "I'm so sorry, Char," Mia whispered, her voice thick with regret, the blame once again falling on her shoulders.

"It... isn't your... fault, Mia..." Charlotte managed to say between her sobs, though her words felt fragile and uncertain, as if she was trying to convince herself as much as Mia.

-

Later, around 1 or 2 AM, Charlotte had finally managed to fall asleep, her head resting on Mia's lap. Mia gently stroked her hair, careful not to wake her. Each slow, deliberate motion was as much for Charlotte's comfort as it was for Mia's attempt to soothe her own racing thoughts. The quiet of the night surrounded them, and Mia tried to focus on the steady rhythm of Charlotte's breathing, willing herself to stay calm despite the turmoil churning inside.

-

Where am I? "Mom? Mia?" I called out, my voice shaky as I tried to make sense of the darkness around me. My wrists felt sore, and as I shifted, I realized I was handcuffed. Panic surged through me. Have I been kidnapped? This can't be happening. No, no, no! My mind raced. I didn't even get to say goodbye to Mom, to Lila, to Mia, to anyone! I can't believe this is real. I can't!

Just then, someone walked in and knelt before me, his face twisted with a sinister smile. "Ooh, your eyes are pretty, darling. What's your name?" he asked playfully, his tone sending a shiver down my spine. I hesitated, unsure if I should answer, but then his voice turned sharp. "Answer me!" he shouted, his sudden anger making me jump.

"My name's Ella..." I mumbled, my voice barely audible. I remembered all those lessons Mia had given me about situations like this—how to fight back, to escape, to find a way out—but right now, I couldn't think clearly. I'll just do what he says... for now, at least.

"And how old are you, love?" he asked, his use of the nickname making me feel even more frightened and uncomfortable.

"Ten..." I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest. As he stared at me, I began scanning the room, searching for any possible escape routes. But there was nothing—just the door he had come in through. No windows, no hidden exits. My hope dwindled as I realized how trapped I was.

Just then, another man walked in. "Hey, boss," he said.

"Jack," the guy in front of me greeted. I began repeating the name in my head—Jack, Jack, Jack.

"Who's this pretty one? Is she one of them?" Jack asked.

"Not sure yet. What's your father's name, princess?" the boss man asked.

"He's dead," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. He rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.

"And your mother? What's her name, love?" he pressed.

I hesitated. Should I tell the truth? What if he had telepathy or something and could tell if I lied? If I did lie, would he kill me? Finally, I answered, "Charlotte."

"Jackpot," the boss man said with a smirk. "Jack, go find out what power this pretty one has."

"Yes, sir," Jack responded before leaving the room.

I mustered up the courage to ask, "Why have you taken me?" My voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, love, it has nothing to do with you," he replied with a smirk. "But your stepmom and some others from your group have taken some things from us, so I'm just getting them back. An eye for an eye, if you will."

My heart pounded as I dared to ask, "Are you going to kill me?"

He leaned in closer, his smirk widening. "No, not yet, love."

Not yet? The words echoed in my mind, filling me with dread. I'm going to die. I'm actually going to die.

Jack walked back in. "She has super strength, boss."

No, I don't? I thought, but I decided to play along.

"Perfect," the boss replied with a smirk. "She can't use it if her hands aren't free."

Jack left the room, and the boss leaned in, kissing my cheek. Ew! I'm ten. Then he left too, leaving me in darkness.

"Please don't, I'm scared of the dark!" I pleaded, hearing his chuckle echo as the door closed behind him.

My breaths come faster and faster, a rush of panic overwhelming me. But as the pain intensifies, each breath slows, becoming shallower, almost as if the pain itself is squeezing the air out of me. My eyes dart around the room, desperately searching for anything—a crack in the wall, a loose board, something that could lead to freedom. There has to be an escape, something, anything! I can't let this be the end. I can't die here, not like this! The thought of never seeing my family again, of never getting back to them, fuels my desperation. I refuse to give up—I have to find a way out!

I hear them talking just outside the door, their voices muffled but tense. With nothing else to lose, I decide to try and use my power, hoping it might give me an edge. Focusing hard, I reach out with my mind, trying to tap into the boss's thoughts.

"They have until dusk tomorrow."

The words come through, clear but heavy with threat. Just as I grasp the thought, a sharp pain slices through my head, making me wince. Ow. The strain of it all sends waves of exhaustion crashing over me, but at least I know something now—time is running out.

Panic grips me, my heart racing as the realization sinks in. I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! The thought loops in my mind, relentless and terrifying. I can't die! I don't wanna die! I'm only 10! Tears blur my vision as the fear tightens its grip, and all I can think is how desperately I want to be anywhere but here.

I blink hard, trying to clear away the tears, but they keep coming. Suddenly, Mia's words flood through my mind. She always told me to be strong, to never give up no matter how scared I was.

Mia's words echoed in my head like a mantra.

There's always a way out, you just need to find it.
Be strong, be brave, don't be weak to the kidnappers.
You're stronger than you think, Ella.

there's always a way out,
there's always a way out,
there's always a way out.

I clung to them, desperately trying to calm the rising panic. I had to believe there was still hope, that I could survive this.

How do I get out of this?!