Just as Elian's words hung in the air, the door to the room burst open , and Father Alex stormed in, his eyes blazing with concern . "Lena, get away from him!" he shouted, his voice authoritative .
Elian's expression twisted in annoyance , but Father Alex didn't back down. "I've been tracking you, Elian," he said, his eyes locked on the other man . "Leave her alone."
Lena felt the weird energy binding her to the chair dissipate , and she stood up, her legs shaking a bit . "Father Alex, what's going on?" she asked, her voice trembling .
Elian sneered, but Father Alex's presence seemed to be holding him back . "This isn't over, Lena," Elian warned, before turning and disappearing into the shadows .
Father Alex's expression shifted to one of... guilt? , but it was so quick Lena almost missed it . He took a step forward, his eyes locked on hers, and his usual warm smile was back . "Lena, thank God I got here in time," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity .
But Lena's gut was telling her something was off . She took a step back, her eyes narrowing slightly . "Father Alex, what's going on?" she repeated, her voice firmer this time .
Father Alex's eyes flickered, and for a split second, Lena saw... something else . Something that made her skin crawl . Then, his warm smile was back, and he was moving towards her, arms open wide .
"Lena, let's get you out of here," he said, his voice soothing .
But Lena wasn't buying it.
Lena's instincts were screaming at her to get away from Father Alex . She took another step back, her eyes locked on his, trying to read him like a book . "Stay back, Father," she said, her voice firm but controlled .
Father Alex's expression changed, his eyes flashing with... was that anger? ... or was it something else? He stopped, his hands raised in a calming gesture , but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Lena, I assure you, I'm here to help," he said, his voice smooth like honey . "Elian is not what he seems. He's playing with forces beyond his control ."
Lena's mind was spinning . Who was telling the truth? She needed answers, but she wasn't gonna get them here .