But suddenly, something happened in the church basement that left Michael and Lily utterly stunned. The softness and concern that had once lived in Father's eyes transformed in an instant into a terrifying frenzy. Without a single warning, he raised his ancient sword into the air and lunged at Lily with all his strength.
"No! Father, what are you doing?" Michael shouted, but Father moved with the speed of lightning.
Startled and overcome with fear, Lily threw herself into a desperate dive and ducked behind an old desk. The blade tore through the wood with a violent slash. Lily's breath came in ragged gasps; she could not comprehend how the very man who had been helping them moments ago had suddenly become a harbinger of death. Michael rushed forward, trying to seize Father's arm. "Father, stop! What are you doing? Come to your senses! You're hurting my friend!"
