The War.

Chapter 12: Safe.

"You're back! And you're safe!" Mia exclaimed, her voice filled with pure happiness as she held Ella close.

"Yep!" Ella replied, her smile wide as relief washed over her. She was just happy to have escaped and be home.

They moved to the couch and sat down together, the warmth of the moment replacing the cold fear that had gripped them for the past two days. Charlotte joined them, still wiping away tears, as they began to talk, all three of them eager to hear how Ella had made it back.

"I used the tricks you taught me, Mia. I pretended to be interested in what the man wanted, then I poisoned him and ran away," Ella explained, pride shining in her eyes.

"You don't know how proud I am of you, Ella," Charlotte said, her voice thick with emotion.

"I am too," Mia added, her relief evident as she realized Ella was truly safe. "I'm so happy you listened to me during our training."

"Also... I used another power! I was able to channel it!" Ella continued, her excitement growing.

"Really?" Mia asked, surprised.

"Yeah! I used illusion to get them to stop following me!" Ella said proudly.

"Not even you could do that, Amelia!" Charlotte teased, a small smile breaking through the tension.

"If only you got a stronger power, Ella, you would've been unstoppable," Mia said, shaking her head with a hint of amusement.

"But now I can channel other powers!" Ella pointed out, her enthusiasm infectious.

"How about we read a bit more about that?" Mia suggested, her voice gentle.

"Sure!" Ella agreed, eager to learn more.

Mia knew the book inside and out by now, but she wanted to test Ella's understanding, to see how perceptive she was and if she could figure out the dangers of channeling other powers. As Ella read silently, her eyes widened, and she slowly put the book down.

"Side effects? Damage to physical and mental health? Damage to the person whose power you used?" she mumbled, her voice trembling.

Mia leaned in, her voice calm but curious, "Have you felt any side effects, darling?"

Ella shook her head, uncertainty clouding her expression. "No... not yet. But what about Carly? What if I hurt her?" Her voice cracked with worry.

Mia reached out, gently squeezing Ella's hand. "We'll see tomorrow. You clearly need some rest, but first, maybe Char should clean you up," she suggested, her tone lightening as she cast a warm, playful glance at Charlotte.

Charlotte smiled softly, extending her hand to Ella. "Come on, princess," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Ella hesitated for a moment before taking her mother's hand, finding comfort in the familiar touch.

Mia went to bed, exhaustion finally catching up with her. The moment her head hit the pillow, she drifted to sleep, feeling a sense of relief that had eluded her for days. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt truly comforted. Knowing Ella was safe and realizing just how strong and capable she had become gave Mia a peace she hadn't expected to find. As sleep took over, she knew everything would be okay.

Mia had always been a light sleeper, so when Charlotte walked into the room, looking scared and stressed, it immediately roused her. "Everything okay, sweetheart?" Mia mumbled, still half-asleep.

Charlotte took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she said, "Ella was covered in cuts and bruises. What did those men do to my precious girl?" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry.