The Mask We Wear [A 10 Chapter Story]

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Saving Stella

Inside the dim cell, Aria paced back and forth, her eyes full of determination. Grace sat quietly, looking sad but steady. Elle stayed close to Grace, trying to hold back her tears. Eve leaned against the cold wall, arms crossed, looking resigned.

Aria stopped and spoke sharply, breaking the silence. "We can’t just give up on her, Eve. She needs us. This… this isn’t who she really is."

Eve narrowed her eyes, her tone dismissive. "And what makes you think she’ll listen? She chose him, Aria. She believes him, no matter what we say."

Aria clenched her fists. "That’s because he’s twisted her mind, filled it with lies. We have to remind her who she really is."

Eve scoffed. "And risk what? Getting thrown back here every time she decides Finn’s ‘truth’ is better? I’m done fighting for someone who doesn’t even want our help."

Aria’s frustration rose, and she stepped closer to Eve, her voice shaking. "How can you say that? We’re a part of her. She needs us now more than ever, and I won’t stand by while she drowns in his lies."

Before Eve could answer, a slow, mocking laugh echoed from outside the cell. Finn’s voice drifted through the bars, cold and taunting.

"Touching, really," he sneered. "You’re all so desperate, clinging to the idea that she needs you. But face it—Stella has made her choice."

He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "She’s finally seen the world for what it is. She doesn’t want your ‘support’ or your ‘guidance’ anymore. She knows the truth, and now… she’s mine."

Grace’s face tightened, her usual calm slipping as she spoke with unusual strength. "You’re only feeding off her pain, Finn. This isn’t love, and it’s definitely not the truth."

Finn laughed louder. "Oh, Grace, you think you’re so wise. But Stella sees through your illusions now. I’m the one giving her clarity, showing her that life is worthless and empty. You’re just leftovers from a lie she no longer needs."

Aria’s eyes filled with fierce determination. "This isn’t over, Finn. We’ll reach her, no matter what it takes. You may think you’ve won, but you underestimate her strength—and ours."

Finn raised an eyebrow, amused. "I welcome the challenge. Let’s see how far your so-called ‘strength’ gets you… locked in a cell."

With that, he turned away, his laughter echoing down the dark hall as he disappeared into Stella’s troubled mind.

After his footsteps faded, silence filled the cell. Aria looked at the others, her face set with new resolve. "We’ll find a way out," she said quietly. "And we’ll bring Stella back, no matter what Finn thinks he has over her."

In the quiet after Finn left, a heavy silence hung in the cell, filled with tension and anticipation. Aria leaned against the wall, deep in thought, while Eve stood apart, arms crossed tightly, looking defiant and doubtful.

Then, Grace reached into her pocket, her fingers wrapping around something hidden. Slowly, she pulled out a small, rusty key and held it up for the others to see. Elle’s eyes widened, and even Aria looked surprised.

"You… had that the whole time?" Aria asked, a hint of hope in her voice.

Grace nodded, her voice calm but firm. "I kept it for a moment like this. Finn doesn’t know, and he doesn’t have to. But this means we only have one chance to get it right."

She looked at each of them, her gaze steady. "We have to bring Stella back, together."

Elle stepped forward quickly, her voice filled with determination. "Let me go to her first. I can remind her of the simpler times, of who she really is. Maybe… maybe she’ll listen to me."