Chapter 259
The attack came without warning.
Elyra bolted upright as a crash shook the walls of the cabin. The acrid scent of smoke filled her nostrils as shadow-beasts swarmed the clearing outside, their howls tearing through the night.
Dain was already on his feet, his orange eyes blazing with fury. “They’ve found us.”
Jason’s voice echoed through the chaos, cruel and triumphant. “Come out, Elyra! There’s nowhere left to run!”
Matthew grabbed his axe, his movements swift despite his injuries. “Stay behind me,” he barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.
But Elyra and Dain weren’t about to hide. They surged outside, the chill air biting their skin as flames began to consume the cabin. Shadow-beasts lunged toward them, their grotesque forms glowing faintly in the firelight.
Dain fought like a force of nature, his strength unmatched as he threw himself at the attackers. Elyra channeled her newfound abilities, light radiating from her hands as she struck the creatures with precision.
“Jason!” Dain roared, his voice carrying over the chaos. “Face me, you coward!”
Jason emerged from the shadows, his red eyes gleaming with malice. “Still protecting her?” he sneered, his twisted grin infuriating. “She’s better off with me. She belongs to me!”
Dain launched himself at Jason, their clash brutal and unrelenting. They exchanged blows, their movements a blur of strength and fury. Jason, enhanced by the red-eyed woman’s magic, fought with unnatural speed, but Dain’s resolve was unshakable.
Inside the cabin, Matthew held off two shadow-beasts with grim determination, his axe biting deep into their flesh. “Get out of here!” he shouted at Elyra, his voice strained.
“We’re not leaving you!” Elyra yelled back, her light flaring as she pushed back another attacker.
But the flames were spreading, devouring the walls and ceiling. The heat grew unbearable, the air thick with smoke.
“Elyra, move!” Dain shouted, breaking from his fight with Jason to grab her arm.
Jason took advantage of the momentary distraction, landing a vicious blow to Dain’s side that sent him staggering. Elyra screamed, her light surging in response. The force of it knocked Jason back, but he recovered quickly, his red eyes narrowing in fury.
“You’ll regret that,” he growled, retreating into the shadows with the remaining beasts.
The fire roared, the cabin’s structure groaning ominously. Matthew stumbled out, coughing and covered in soot. “It’s gone,” he said hoarsely. “We have to go.”
Elyra stared at the cabin, her home, as it collapsed in a cascade of sparks and ash. She felt Dain’s hand on her shoulder, grounding her.
“There’s nothing left,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Dain turned her to face him, his expression resolute despite the blood streaking his jaw. “We still have each other,” he said, his voice steady. “And we’ll find a way out of this. I promise.”
Elyra nodded, clinging to him as the fire died down, leaving behind nothing but ruins and the echoes of Jason’s threats. Their new home was gone.
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