Lena's pulse pounded in her ears.

Elias took a slow step forward, blocking the only exit. His expression was calm - too calm.

"You weren't supposed to see this," he murmured.

Lena forced herself to stand tall, even though her legs felt weak. "What did you do to Mira?"

Elias sighed, tilting his head. "I warned you about her, didn't I? She was trying to take you away from me." His voice softened, as if he were explaining something simple. "I couldn't let that happen."

Lena's stomach twisted. Mira was dead because of him.

Her eyes darted around the room, searching for anything - anything - she could use. Her gaze landed on a heavy metal candleholder on a nearby shelf.

She had one chance.

Elias stepped closer, reaching for her.

"I love you, Lena," he whispered. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you."

She grabbed the candleholder and swung.

CRACK.

Elias stumbled back, clutching his head. Blood seeped between his fingers. His face twisted with something she had never seen before - pure rage.

Lena ran.

Down the hall. Through the kitchen. Straight to the front door.

Locked.

She spun around. Elias was already coming, his footsteps slow but deliberate.

"Lena," he called, voice low and dangerous. "You don't want to do this."

She did. She had to.

Her eyes darted to the window. She grabbed a chair and threw it.

CRASH!

Glass shattered, cold night air rushing in.

She didn't hesitate. She climbed through, ignoring the sting of glass slicing her skin, and ran.

She sprinted through the woods, barefoot, heart hammering. Behind her, she could hear Elias crashing through the branches.

"LENA!" His voice was furious now. "COME BACK!"

She didn't stop. Didn't look back.

She ran until she saw headlights in the distance. A road. Freedom.

She burst onto the pavement, waving frantically. A car skidded to a stop, the driver's eyes wide with shock.

"Please," Lena gasped. "Help me."

The driver didn't hesitate. He threw open the door.

Just as Lena climbed in, she saw Elias at the edge of the trees, his face twisted in fury.

"You can't run from me, Lena," he called out, voice dark and full of promise. "I'll always find you."

But as the car sped away, Lena knew one thing.

She had survived.

For now.

THE END??