Chapter 248
The forest seemed to close in around them, its once-familiar paths now labyrinthine and foreboding. Elyra and Dain moved cautiously, their senses on high alert. Matthew’s condition had stabilized, but his unconscious form weighed heavily on them both—physically and emotionally.
As they crossed a narrow stream, a rustle in the underbrush made Elyra freeze. Dain was beside her in an instant, his hand gripping her arm. “We’re not alone,” he whispered.
Jason emerged from the shadows, his once-boyish face now sharpened and menacing. His red-tinged eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, and a predatory smirk curled his lips.
“You can’t run forever, Elyra,” he said, his voice a chilling mix of familiarity and malice. “You belong with me.”
“Jason,” Elyra began, stepping forward despite Dain’s protective grip. “You don’t have to do this. Whatever she’s done to you, you can fight it.”
Jason laughed bitterly, the sound sending shivers down her spine. “Do you think I care about her? I did this for you. All of it.”
Dain moved between them, his voice low and dangerous. “She doesn’t belong to anyone. Stay away from her.”
The confrontation escalated in an instant. Jason lunged, his speed inhuman, and Dain barely had time to block his attack. The two clashed violently, their movements a blur of raw strength and fury.
Elyra watched in horror, unable to intervene as Jason pinned Dain to the ground, his claws grazing Dain’s neck. “You think you can protect her?” Jason hissed. “She deserves someone stronger.”
Summoning her courage, Elyra grabbed a fallen branch and struck Jason across the back. He snarled, turning his attention to her. “You should’ve stayed out of this,” he growled, advancing on her.
“Elyra, run!” Dain shouted, breaking free just in time to tackle Jason.
The scuffle ended when Dain slammed Jason into a tree with enough force to crack the bark. Jason slumped to the ground, dazed but not defeated. “This isn’t over,” he spat, his gaze locking on Elyra one last time before disappearing into the shadows.
Elyra collapsed against Dain, her breath ragged. “He’s… he’s not the same Jason we knew.”
“No,” Dain agreed, his jaw clenched. “He’s worse.”
As they gathered their strength and prepared to move on, Elyra couldn’t shake the image of Jason’s red eyes—or the chilling realization that his obsession had turned into something monstrous.
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