The Mask We Wear [A 10 Chapter Story]

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Sleepover & The New Alter

As laughter and conversations filled the dinner table, Stella's gaze drifted off, her fork frozen in mid-air.

The warmth of her friends and the aroma of adobo around her faded as she slipped into a shadowy space in her mind.

Inside her headspace, a new presence appeared—darker, stronger, and uncontrolled. Aria and Grace stood protectively in front of a trembling Elle, but their strength was starting to falter.

This new alter felt different from any they’d faced before. Her energy was intense, her gaze unbreakable, like a powerful storm impossible to avoid.

Aria stepped forward, standing tall. “You don’t need to be here. Stella’s safe with us. Stand down.”

The new alter just smirked, crossing her arms with a bold look in her eyes.

“You think you can keep me away?” she asked in a low, steady voice, full of controlled intensity.

Grace, usually calm and nurturing, looked shaken. She held Elle close, who whimpered and hid her face against Grace’s shoulder.

The new alter took a slow, challenging step forward, and Grace tightened her grip on Elle.

But then, deep inside, Stella’s presence started to shine, though she hadn’t realized she’d entered the headspace. Her presence was like a small light in the growing dark.

Slowly, she stepped between Aria and the new alter, her calmness spreading like a barrier. The new alter stopped, meeting Stella’s gaze, and for a moment, the tension softened.

There was a flicker of something in her gaze—maybe respect, or some silent understanding. Somehow, it seemed that Stella was the only one who could make her listen.

“Please… don’t hurt them,” Stella whispered, her voice steady but pleading. She didn’t know why she was saying this, just that she needed to.

The new alter paused, her fierce gaze softening a little. Stella was surprised; it looked like she was actually listening, almost… respectful.

“Please... I know you want to help, but not like this.” Her voice was gentle yet firm, pleading for kindness. The new alter’s shoulders relaxed, and her gaze softened a bit more.

“As you wish.” With a small nod, she stepped back, her intense expression easing, if only slightly.

Aria and Grace exchanged relieved looks, while Elle slowly lifted her head, watching Stella with a mix of awe and new trust.

For the first time, the whole system saw the quiet strength Stella had over her alters—an authority they hadn’t expected.

Elle sniffled from the corner, her voice shaky, “Thank you, Stella.”

Stella felt herself returning to the present, her mind clearing as the laughter around her became clear again, her friends’ concerned faces coming into focus.

“Stella?” Dianne asked gently, “Are you okay?”

She blinked, realizing she had been gripping her fork so tightly her knuckles had gone white. She managed a small smile. “Yeah,” she said softly, “I think I’m okay now.”

As the night wound down, Stella and her friends shared their last laughs and stories, finishing up snacks and tidying the living room.

The room felt cozy, filled with friendship, and everyone seemed content, despite the earlier tension.

Dianne stretched and yawned. “That was some meal,” she chuckled, patting her stomach. “The adobo was amazing, wasn’t it?”

Delilah laughed. “Yeah, I think I ate half the pot myself.” She grinned at her friends, who were also relaxing happily.