Alayna: I-I cannot marry him. He’s just so manipulative and hard towards me and everyone else.
rolls eyes Seriously, Alayna? We're trying to save your brother, not win a popularity contest. Just get to the point already!
takes a deep breath, steadying herself Look, Alex, I need you to listen carefully. There's something dangerous going on, and your name is involved.
leans forward, intrigued Dangerous? Involved? Now you've got my full attention, Alayna. Spit it out!
speaks quickly and urgently Alex, I know you're probably shocked right now, but you have to trust me. Our father...
eyes widen Our father? What the hell did he do, Alayna?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Our father... he's involved with the mafia. He's been using us, manipulating us for his own gain.
laughs bitterly The mafia? Seriously, Alayna? This just keeps getting better and better. But listen, I'm not surprised. Our old man was always shady as hell. What's he want from us now?
voice trembling He wants me to marry the mafia boss... to form an alliance between our families. But I can't do it, Alex. I won't be a pawn in his game.
laughs sarcastically Marry the mafia boss? That's rich! Your father's really outdone himself this time, hasn't he? But listen, Alayna, you can't just say no to that offer. You know what he's capable of.
voice filled with determination I know, Alex. But I won't let him control my life anymore. I've made up my mind; I'm going to run away from this engagement.
leans back, smirking Run away? That's my girl! Show him what you're made of, Alayna! But remember, running won't be enough. We need a plan to keep you safe. Here's what we'll do...
listening intently Alright, Alex, I'm listening. What's the plan?
leans in closer, speaking rapidly Okay, Alayna, here's what we'll do. First, you need to disappear off the grid. No phones, no social media, nothing. We don't want your father tracing you. Lay low, blend in. I know a few people who can help you do that.
nods, taking mental notes Disappear off the grid, lay low, blend in... I'll do whatever it takes to stay hidden. But what about you, Alex?
smirks Me? I'll be your secret guardian angel, Alayna. I'll keep an eye on things from the shadows. Just focus on staying safe and hiding, and let me handle the rest.
exhales a sigh of relief Thank you, Alex. I knew I could count on you. I promise I'll follow your lead and do everything necessary to stay hidden.
smirks Good, Alayna. Now that we've got a plan, let's get started. I'll make the calls and arrange everything. You just need to be ready to move when the time comes.
voice filled with urgency Yes, Alex. I'll be ready. Just tell me what I need to do.
grins That's my girl! Stay sharp, Alayna. We're in this together. Now, let's figure out your new identity. Got any preferences?
pauses for a moment, thinking Um, well, I don't want to use my real name or any obvious variations. Maybe... maybe I could use an anagram of my initials?
leans back, smirking An anagram, huh? That's a unique choice, Alayna. Alright, let's see here... A-A-L-A-Y-N-A... Hmm, how about we switch up the Y and the N a bit? How does Alyna sound?
pauses for a moment, considering Alyna... I like it. It's unique and has a nice ring to it. Okay, Alyna it is then.
grins Perfect, Alayna. Alyna it is. Now, let's work on your new look. We need to make sure you're unrecognizable.
nervously fidgets with her hands O-okay, Alex. I trust you. Do whatever you think is necessary to change my appearance. Just... please be careful.
winks Don't worry, Alayna. I've got this under control. Your new look will be so drastic, your father won't even recognize you. Trust me, I've done this before.
stuttering nervously I-I trust you, Alex. J-just... be careful, okay? I c-can't lose you too...
chuckles Careful, huh? Don't worry, Alayna. I'll be your shadow, your guardian angel, your secret keeper. Nothing will happen to me, I promise. Now, let's get started with this new look of yours. Time to transform you into Alyna, the unknown.
takes a deep breath, steeling herself Alright, Alex. I'm ready to become Alyna, the unknown. Let's do this.
snaps fingers Alright, Alayna, time to unleash your inner chameleon! First, we'll change up your hair. How about we go for a bold pixie cut?
nods determinedly A bold pixie cut sounds perfect, Alex. Let's do it.
smiles Great! Let's head to the salon then. And remember, Alayna, embrace the change. Soon, you'll be unrecognizable and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.
with a sense of urgency Alex, before we leave, I need to warn you about something. There's a possibility that my father might send people after us.
chuckles Oh, Alayna, you underestimate your father's abilities. He's just a man, no matter how powerful he thinks he is. We'll be fine, as long as we stick to the plan. Now, let's get that pixie cut and show him what real power looks like.
quickly gathers her belongings Okay, Alex. We don't have time to waste. Let's go to the salon and get this done as soon as possible.
chuckles You got it, Alayna! Let's turn you into a human Highlight!
rushes towards the salon, determined Alex, I'm feeling a bit anxious about this whole situation. Can you stay with me and keep me distracted while we're at the salon?
laughs Of course, Alayna! I'll be right by your side, keeping those scissors at bay. Don't worry, we'll make you look fabulous while evading your father's goons. Let's hit the salon before they catch up!
grabs Alex's arm tightly Alex, I... I think I saw someone watching us. Could it be my father's men?