The swirling vortex of the portal loomed before Elyra and Dain, a mesmerizing maelstrom of light and shadow. The energy pulsed rhythmically, filling the air with a low hum that vibrated in their chests. Elyra stepped closer, her pendant glowing in response to the portal's pull. "This is it," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination.
Behind them, the ruins of the forest trembled, as if sensing the impending transition. The portal's energy surged, its pull growing stronger with each passing second.
But just as they were about to move forward, a ragged growl erupted from the shadows. Jason staggered into view, his twisted body battered but far from broken. His red eyes burned with hatred and obsession, his movements feral as he lunged toward them. "You're not leaving me behind!" Jason roared, his claws outstretched.
Dain stepped in front of Elyra, his orange eyes blazing as he met Jason head-on. The two collided with a thunderous impact, their fight a flurry of claws and fists. Elyra watched, her heart pounding as the portal's pull grew stronger, its energy whipping around them like a storm.
Jason broke free of Dain's grip, his gaze locking onto Elyra. "You're mine," he snarled, lunging toward her.
Before Dain could intervene, the portal's energy erupted, a powerful surge pulling Jason into its embrace. His scream echoed as his body was consumed by the swirling light, his form disappearing into the void.noveldrama
Elyra stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as the dust settled. Jason was gone, and the forest around them grew eerily silent.
Dain placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice steady despite the chaos they'd just faced. "Are you okay?"
Elyra nodded, though her trembling hands betrayed her unease. She turned back to the portal, its light reflecting in her golden eyes. "What if this isn't the way home? What if it's a trap?"
Dain took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "Then we face it together. No matter what's on the other side."
Elyra looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and something deeper, something she didn't yet have the courage to name. With a deep breath, she nodded, and they stepped toward the portal, its energy engulfing them in a blinding light.