Episode7:The First Thread Pulls
788 Words
Jack Loosa never raised his voice.
That was how Aria knew she was losing ground.
Control didn’t come with shouting or threats. It came quietly. Patiently. Wrapped in care.
That morning, Jack knocked once before entering her room.
“You didn’t sleep,” he said.
It wasn’t a question.
Aria sat up slowly. “I’m fine.”
Jack smiled, the same calm smile he always wore. “You don’t need to pretend here.”
He placed a cup of tea on the table beside her bed. Chamomile. He remembered everything.
“I canceled your meeting today,” he continued casually.
Aria looked up. “What meeting?”
“The archivist office called. I told them you were unwell.”
Her stomach tightened. “You didn’t ask me.”
“I didn’t want to wake you,” Jack replied gently. “Stress isn’t good for someone being watched.”
The words settled heavily in her chest.
“Being watched by who?” she asked.
Jack met her eyes. “People connected to the Vale name.”
Sebastian.
The name stayed unspoken, but it lived between them.
“You’re safer if you stay invisible,” Jack said. “Just for now.”
Aria wrapped her arms around herself. “And if I don’t want to be invisible?”
Jack tilted his head. “Then you become a target.”
The truth of it scared her.
Later that afternoon, Jack drove her through the city. He pointed out buildings, streets, quiet corners. He spoke like a teacher. Like someone guiding her.
“Notice the black sedan,” he said calmly. “Third car behind us.”
Aria’s heart skipped. “Is it following us?”
“Has been for days.”
Fear rushed through her veins.
Jack’s voice remained steady. “This is why you need me.”
At the hospital, Sebastian sat beside Lena’s bed, exhausted.
He hadn’t slept properly since the fire.
Her fingers twitched.
He froze.
“Lena?” he whispered.
Her eyelids fluttered. Slowly. Weakly.
She opened her eyes.
Tears filled his instantly.
“You’re safe,” he said quickly. “You’re safe.”
Her lips moved. Dry. Trembling.
“Fire,” she whispered.
“I know,” Sebastian said. “You’re okay now.”
She swallowed with difficulty. Her eyes searched his face, then filled with fear.
“He’s back,” she whispered.
Sebastian’s blood ran cold. “Who?”
Lena’s grip tightened weakly around his fingers.
“Jack.”
The world narrowed.
“He didn’t stop,” she continued, her voice barely there. “He never stops.”
Sebastian leaned closer. “What did he do, Lena?”
Her breathing quickened. “He made her sign,” she said. “She cried. She begged.”
Sebastian felt sick.
“Marianne?” he asked.
Lena nodded.
“She knew too much,” Lena whispered. “And now… he wants the girl.”
Sebastian’s heart slammed against his ribs.
“The archivist?” he asked.
Lena squeezed his hand once.
“Yes.”
Across the city, Aria stood in Jack’s study again.
She hadn’t meant to go in.
But the door was open.
On the desk lay a single folder.
Her name was written on it.
ARIA MONROE
Her hands shook as she opened it.
Inside were photos.
Her apartment.
The hospital.
Sebastian standing beside Lena’s bed.
Dates. Times. Notes.
Jack’s voice came from behind her.
“I told you,” he said softly. “You’re not invisible anymore.”
She turned slowly.
“You’ve been watching me,” she whispered.
“I’ve been protecting you,” he corrected.
“No,” Aria said, her voice breaking. “You’ve been controlling me.”
Jack stepped closer, his expression calm but firm.
“Control is just protection people don’t like to admit they need.”
Her heart raced. “What do you want from me?”
Jack looked at her carefully, like she was something fragile and powerful all at once.
“I want you to stay,” he said. “And I want Sebastian to come to me.”
Her breath caught.
At that exact moment, Sebastian stood in the hospital hallway, gripping his phone.
Lena’s words echoed in his head.
He wants the girl.
Sebastian dialed a number he hadn’t called in years.
Jack Loosa’s.
The line rang once.
Jack answered, smiling.
“I was wondering when you’d call,” Jack said calmly.
Sebastian’s voice was low. Dangerous.
“Stay away from her.”
Jack glanced at Aria, standing frozen in the doorway.
“I’m afraid,” Jack replied softly, “known she’s already mine.”
The call ended.
And Sebastian finally understood
This was no longer about the past.
It was a war for Aria.
- Writer
