Chapter 103

Lucian stood over Jason's unconscious body, an ornate object in his hand. It shimmered faintly, casting an eerie light over Jason's face. Without hesitation, Lucian raised the object and brought it down with a sharp crack against Jason's temple.

Jason's eyes fluttered open, his familiar gray irises staring up at Lucian in confusion. "What the hell?" he groaned, clutching his head. "Lucian? What are you doing?"

Lucian's lips tightened into a grim line. "Not you."

Jason's face twisted in confusion. "What do you mean—"

Before he could finish, Lucian brought the object down again.

"Sorry, Jason," Lucian muttered as Jason slumped back into unconsciousness.

Lucian waited for a beat, then slapped Jason's face lightly, watching for any sign of change. Nothing. He slapped harder, and suddenly, Jason's eyes flew open, but this time they weren't gray—they were the sharp, unsettling blue I'd seen before.