Chapter
229noveldrama
The locker room echoed with the sound of slamming doors and the murmur of boys changing after gym class. Jason waited by the row of lockers, his predatory grin widening when Dain appeared. "Hey, freak," Jason sneered, stepping into Dain's path. Dain ignored him, focused on grabbing his bag.
"I know you're not normal," Jason continued, his voice lowering as other students filtered out. "I've seen the way you fight. The way you move."
Dain froze, his fists tightening.
Jason leaned in, his tone dripping with false confidence. "I saw you in the woods one night. You took down something huge-bigger than any bear I've ever seen. You think nobody's watching, but I am."
Dain turned slowly, his fiery eyes locking onto Jason's. In one swift motion, he shoved Jason against the lockers with enough force to rattle them. The smirk on Jason's face faltered, replaced by a flicker of fear.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Dain growled, his voice low and threatening. "And if you come near Elyra again, I'll make sure you regret it."
Jason chuckled nervously, masking his unease. "Touchy, aren't we? You can't hide what you are forever, Dain. People will figure it out. Maybe I'll make sure they do."
Dain tightened his grip, his strength barely restrained. "Stay away from her." He released Jason with a shove, leaving him gasping for air as Dain stormed out of the locker room.
When Elyra heard about the confrontation later that day, she confronted Dain in the woods behind the cabin. "What were you thinking?" she demanded, her golden eyes flashing with worry.
"I'm not going to stand by while he treats you like that," Dain replied, his voice edged with frustration.
"But you're just making things worse!" Elyra insisted, stepping closer. "Please, Dain. I don't want you getting hurt or worse."
Dain's expression softened, but his resolve didn't waver. "You don't understand. I can't let him hurt you. I won't."
Their eyes met, a moment of unspoken tension passing between them. Elyra sighed, her anger melting into concern. "Just promise me you'll be careful," she said quietly.
Dain nodded, but the fire in his gaze remained. "I promise."