The War.

Chapter 13: Turmoil.

Mia's pen paused mid-sentence as a loud groan followed by a thud echoed from the staircase. "Did Carly fall?" she thought, rushing toward the noise. The others quickly followed, their faces etched with concern

Carly looked frail, her usually vibrant demeanor replaced by an overwhelming weakness. Reece quickly knelt beside her, his face etched with concern. "Carly? Are you okay?" he asked gently. Carly, barely able to speak, managed to whisper, "I feel so weak... and so tired."

Reece carefully lifted her, carrying her to the living room couch. As he gently laid her down, the others gathered around, worry evident on their faces.

Mia's eyes widened as a realization struck her. "Carly, when did this start?" she asked urgently.

Carly whispered weakly, "Yesterday."

Mia turned to Ella, her expression tense. "And when did you channel the power of illusion?"

Ella's breathing grew rapid, and she looked down, guilt washing over her. "Yesterday," she admitted softly.

Mia sighed deeply, her face reflecting concern and a touch of guilt. "It's connected," she murmured, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the connection between Carly's sudden weakness and Ella's use of illusion.

Ella's eyes welled up with tears as she saw Carly's weakened state. Her heart ached with the realization that Carly's pain was linked to her own use of illusion. Blaming herself, she began to tremble, her voice breaking as she said, "I'm so sorry, Carly. I didn't mean for this to happen. It's my fault you're in pain." She wiped her tears, feeling overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow.

"It isn't your fault, darling," Mia murmured softly. "You did what you had to do to survive. We just need to figure out how to fix this." She placed a comforting hand on Ella's shoulder, her gaze steady and reassuring.

Mia rushed over to the book, her hands trembling as she flipped through the pages. She scanned the familiar text, hoping she might have overlooked something in her previous readings. Her desperation grew with each turn of the page, but despite her frantic search, there was nothing. The book held no answers.

"Nothing," Mia whispered.

"Nothing?" Reece asked, concern in his voice.

"Nothing," Mia confirmed.

Charlotte jolted awake when she saw Carly lying weakly on the couch. "Carly?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"She's weak and poorly," Mia said.

"Why?" Charlotte asked, looking at Mia.

Mia moved closer to Charlotte and whispered, "It's because Ella used her power the other day." She hoped Ella didn't overhear. Charlotte went to Carly's side.

Marjorie then spoke up, her tone commanding. "Charlotte, you have to heal her."

"No, no, absolutely not," Mia said firmly.

"Who's asking you, Mia?" Marjorie retorted.

"That's going to harm Charlotte," Mia replied. "Her power is so draining it takes a toll on her own health."

"Mia, look at Carly," Marjorie snapped, her voice sharp.

"We can find another way, Marjorie," Mia replied, trying to stay calm.

"This is the quickest way, Mia," Marjorie retorted, her tone insistent.

"It's not the best solution," Mia said, refusing to back down.

Charlotte grew tired of their fighting and interrupted, "I'll do it," she said, sitting down next to Carly.

"Sweetheart, that's going to hurt you," Mia reminded her.