Chapter 53 : Secret Leave Plan
The candle on the table flickered nervously, as if it too was aware that what was about to be said could change everything.
Elias leaned forward, elbows on the wooden surface, hands knotted together like a priest before confession. Across from him, Rhea chewed her third honey biscuit like it was a stress ball. She didn't know what was going on yet, but his mood was setting her on edge.
She swallowed. "Why are you looking at me like I turned your bed into spiders again?"
"You didn't," he said automatically. "Did you?"
"No, but now I'm thinking about it," she replied with a mischievous smile that faded as she caught the seriousness in his expression. "Okay, seriously. What's wrong?"
Elias exhaled slowly. "We need to leave town."
Rhea blinked. "Like... for groceries?"
He shook his head. "Like... for good."
The room fell quiet. Even the candle seemed to pause.
Rhea's chair creaked as she leaned back, her brows furrowing. "But why? Things were going fine. Mostly. I only got suspended twice this month."
He gave her a tired smile. "Because the Church knows you're here now. That Inquisitor's arrival isn't a coincidence. He's not just here to sprinkle holy water and sniff out bad vibes."