Chapter

269

The forest air grew heavy as dusk settled, the shadows stretching unnaturally long. Elyra and Dain tread carefully, their instincts sharp, when a sickening growl pierced the silence.noveldrama

Jason emerged from the shadows, and Elyra's breath caught in her throat. He was no longer the boy who had taunted her at school. His once-human form had become twisted-his limbs elongated, his fingers ending in claws, and his red eyes gleaming with unholy light. His skin was marred with dark veins that pulsed as if alive.

"You thought you could escape me?" Jason snarled, his voice guttural, almost inhuman. "You belong to me, Elyra."

Dain stepped protectively in front of Elyra, his orange eyes blazing. "Stay back."

Jason smirked, his jagged teeth glinting. "You think you can stop me? I'm stronger than ever now."

Without warning, Jason lunged at Dain with terrifying speed. Dain blocked the attack, their movements a blur of strikes and counters. Jason fought with feral strength, his claws tearing through the fabric of Dain's jacket and grazing his skin.

"Dain!" Elyra cried, her pendant flaring with light. She raised her hand, summoning energy that crackled like silver lightning. The burst struck Jason, sending him hurtling into a tree with a sickening thud.

Jason staggered to his feet, his red eyes burning with rage. "This isn't over," he hissed. "You can't run forever, Elyra. I'll find you."

As he disappeared into the shadows, Elyra rushed to Dain's side. Blood seeped from a gash on his shoulder, but he waved her off. "I'm fine," he said, his voice strained.

Elyra ignored him, pressing her hands to his wound. Her pendant glowed again, and the bleeding slowed. "You keep saying you're fine, but you can't keep doing this," she said, her voice trembling.

Dain cupped her face with his hand, his touch rough but gentle. "I'll keep doing it until he's gone. You're what matters."

The moment hung between them, heavy with emotions neither dared to name.