Chapter
263
The narrow path wound through dense underbrush, the air heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth. Elyra led the way, her senses on high alert, while Dain stayed close behind, his injuries from the earlier ambush still slowing him. The sound of footsteps crunching leaves stopped her cold.
Jason stepped out from the shadows, his appearance more monstrous than human. His once familiar features were twisted, his skin marred by tendrils of darkness that seemed to pulse with their own life. His red eyes gleamed with cruel intent as his lips curved into a
sneer.
"You can't run forever, Elyra," he said, his voice gravelly and filled with malice. His gaze shifted to Dain, a bitter laugh escaping his throat. "And you'll never belong to him."
Dain stepped forward, his entire body taut with fury. "She doesn't belong to anyone."
Jason lunged, his movements unnaturally fast. The fight erupted with violent intensity, the narrow path becoming a battleground. Dain fought with everything he had, but Jason's transformation had given him unnatural strength. Each blow Jason landed sent shockwaves through the ground, and Dain struggled to match him, his injuries slowing him down.
Elyra's pendant began to glow as fear and anger surged within her. Her silver hair seemed to catch the light as she focused her energy, summoning a burst of power. With a shout, she sent a wave of light crashing into Jason, forcing him to stagger back. Jason snarled, his red eyes narrowing as he retreated into the shadows. "This isn't over," he spat before disappearing into the forest.
Elyra dropped to her knees beside Dain, her hands trembling as she pressed a cloth to the gash on his shoulder. Blood seeped through the fabric, and she bit her lip to hold back tears.
"You can't keep risking yourself for me," she said, her voice breaking.
Dain cupped her hand over the wound, his orange eyes locking onto hers. "I'll always protect you," he said, his voice firm despite the pain. "Even if it costs me everything."noveldrama
Elyra's chest ached at his words, a mix of gratitude and something deeper threatening to overwhelm her. But she swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to focus on tending to his injuries.