The aftermath of the confrontation hung heavy in the air. As Sarah lay unconscious, Maya clung to her sister's hand, her grief a palpable presence. Ethan, still grappling with the revelation of Alex's true identity, paced the room, his brow furrowed in thought. Anya, despite the weight of Ava's ultimatum, exuded an unwavering resolve.
Suddenly, Mr. Lee/Alex spoke, his voice raspy from disuse. "You think you can win against the Puppeteer," he rasped, his gaze fixed on Anya. "But you haven't even begun to understand its reach, its influence."
Ethan whirled around, his anger rising. "You… you helped them capture Maya, put Sarah in this state! Don't try to lecture us now!"
Alex held up a hand, silencing him. "I did what I had to do," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "To survive. To get close enough to strike."
Anya, intrigued by the cryptic undertone, stepped forward. "Strike at what? Who are you working for?"
