The War.

Chapter 11: A Way Out.

Ella began to think of possible solutions, but each one seemed impossible. Her hands were bound, and the room had no visible escape routes.

-

Why do I keep thinking of solutions I can't use? Powers like pyrokinesis, illusions, or destruction. Ugh! These ideas make no sense because I can't actually do them. Why am I stuck on things that are completely out of reach?

Could I try to communicate with them using my telepathy? But I don't even know where I am—what good would that do? I don't have much time. I'll die if I don't get out of here quickly. Just then, an idea sparked in my head.

I remembered one day during training with Mia when she told me that if I could channel my energy properly and with enough focus, I might be able to access another ability. But no one from our group had been able to do it yet..

Illusion would be useful, but I need my fingers for that. Maybe I can convince this man to untie my hands. If I can get them free, I might be able to use my powers to escape.

First, I need to channel it. I tried hard but couldn't remember how to do it. I felt defeated until I recalled that focusing and staying calm were key. I tried again and again, and finally, I felt a shift in energy—jackpot!

Now, how do I get myself untied? I remembered what Mia had told me: "No matter how embarrassing it is, play their game. Seem interested, act like you don't want to go back, and flirt with them if you have to."

Just then, the boss walked in. "Hey love, you know I don't want to kill you, but I need to get this message across to Amelia," he said playfully.

"It's fine," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I never liked my family anyway. They're not gonna come looking for me."

"Oh really?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah," I replied, hoping to convince him. "If you want, I can cook and clean for you and your... gang. I'm a great cook."

"And what if you escape?" he retorted.

"I won't," I said quickly. "You can even put protective gloves on me so I can't use my power."

"Just know I have stronger powers," he threatened. "If you try anything, you're dead."

"Of course," I said, trying to sound agreeable. "I don't mind. I'm not going to try anything."

I went into the kitchen and began preparing something, carefully considering the ingredients. I knew from my studies that mixing milk, lemon, and baking soda could create a temporary poison. As I worked, I thought about how to distract the men.

"Do you want cake or bread, sir?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful.

"Cake," he replied, seeming amused by the idea.

"Very well!" I said, starting to bake. I noted with satisfaction that this man had probably never cooked a day in his life. "Oh, you don't have any baking soda, sir. It's crucial for my favorite recipe. Could you go get some if that's okay?"

"Jack, go get some baking soda," he ordered.

As Jack left, I continued with the cake, carefully mixing the ingredients. I started preparing the poison as the finishing touch, hoping they would fall for it.

"Sir, I'm so sorry, but you don't have any menuflourite either," I said, trying to sound concerned.

"What's menuflourite?" John asked, clearly confused.

"Go get it!" the boss shouted.

John hurried out, and I suppressed a giggle. Hopefully, this would give me a chance to slip away or at least make things more manageable.

An hour had passed, and neither Jack nor John had returned. "It's okay, sir. I'll just use a substitute for both ingredients," I said, trying to sound reassuring.

I mixed powdered sugar with a touch of vinegar, knowing it would have a similar effect as the milk and lemon. The mixture began to bubble.

"Is it supposed to do that?" he asked, eyeing the bubbling concoction with suspicion.

"Yes!" I replied, trying to sound confident. "It's part of the process."

"How many slices will you need?" I asked, trying to gauge how many members there were.

"Five," he replied coldly.

So, there are only two more members besides Jack, John, and him. That means I might have a chance to escape.

I set out the five slices, and as the boss and the other two members started eating, they were immediately knocked out by the temporary poison. This was my chance. I ran up the stairs, found an unbarred window, and kicked it hard, shattering it. I jumped out immediately. As I landed, I heard the boss yell, "That bitch. Run after her!"

I began running as fast as I could, focusing on the route home. The forest was where Mia, Lila, Mum, and I often went, and I remembered the way. I had to find it quickly. The men were closing in, their shouts growing louder. I rolled into a bush to hide, quickly creating an illusion of me running in the opposite direction. It seemed to work—at least, they didn't notice me. I continued running, the snow and rain stinging my face, the wind biting through my clothes. It was freezing, but I pushed on, determined to get home.

-

It had been two days since Ella's disappearance, and the group had almost given up hope. Mia and Charlotte sat in the living room, both sobbing quietly as the night wore on. It was well past midnight when they heard a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Charlotte said, her voice shaky. She opened the door slowly, and Ella burst in, running straight into her mother's arms.

"Ella!" Charlotte exclaimed, her voice breaking with relief.

"Mum!" Ella shouted, her voice filled with both joy and exhaustion.

Mia, who had been in shock, rushed over as well. When Charlotte finally let go, Ella ran into Mia's embrace. Mia picked her up effortlessly, holding her tightly.

Ella whispered in Mia's ear, "I wouldn't have been able to escape without you and the tricks you taught me."