Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress
Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Lucian adjusted his silver pocket watch, its faint ticking the only sound in the silence of the room.

His gaze flitted between Jason and me, finally settling on Jason with a pointed look.

"There are tasks to be done," Lucian began, his tone clipped. "Tasks essential to unlocking the full potential of your mark and, ultimately, to fix the chaos between the living and the dead."

Jason scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I got that. You think I forgot about the last time? You know, the time you sent me on your little scavenger hunt and I got stabbed?"

My head whipped toward Jason. "Whoa, that’s what you did that left you almost for the dead?"

Jason gave a nonchalant shrug, but I didn’t miss the tightness in his jaw. "He has a habit of downplaying the risks."

Lucian smirked, completely unbothered by the accusation. "And yet, you survived. A testament to your resourcefulness, wouldn’t you say?"

Jason narrowed his eyes. "I’d say it’s a testament to my tolerance for your nonsense."

I raised a hand, trying to interrupt their brewing argument. "Hold on—what exactly are these tasks? What’s the point of all this?"

Lucian turned to me, his dark eyes softening ever so slightly. "Each task aligns with a specific part of your past and future. Completing them strengthens your connection to the mark and helps restore balance. Think of it as untying a knot, you can’t undo the mess all at once. Each task is a thread to pull."

"That’s... vague," I said, crossing my arms.

Jason smirked. "Get used to it. He likes to hear himself talk, but when it comes to answers? Nothing concrete."

Lucian growled low in his throat, his eyes glowing faintly red. "I’ve had enough of your snide remarks, Jason."

Jason leaned back against the wall, entirely unbothered. "Aw, is the big bad Lucian losing his patience?"

"Stop it, both of you," I snapped, glaring at them. "Seriously, this isn’t helping. What’s my task?"

Lucian’s gaze flicked back to me, his voice calming as he said, "Your task is simple. Research. Use your skills to uncover everything you can about Jessica and Gabriel. Then also research on Joselle, Henry, Miles. Their connections, their movements, find the thread that ties them to this chaos."

"That’s it?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For now, yes," Lucian said. "Your skills in uncovering secrets will be vital."

I couldn’t help but glance at Jason, who was staring at Lucian like he wanted to punch him. "And what about him?"

Lucian’s smile widened, almost predatory. "Jason will be handling something more... physical."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Of course. And let me guess, you’re not going to tell me what it is until the last second, are you?"

"Precisely," Lucian said smoothly.

"That’s harsh," I muttered, frowning. "Why such a difference in tasks?"

Lucian turned his full attention to me, his expression grave. "Because each task is tailored to the individual. You’re better suited to uncovering information without drawing attention. Jason, on the other hand..." He trailed off, his gaze flicking to Jason.

"I’m better at getting stabbed, apparently," Jason finished sarcastically.

Lucian ignored him, his tone softening as he addressed me again. "This isn’t about favoritism or punishment. It’s about what needs to be done. And what you’re both capable of."

I hesitated, mulling over his words. "But what’s the purpose of all this? These tasks, I know you said it means unlocking our full potential. Saving the world and all that but is it possible to elaborate a bit more. What are we really working toward?"

Lucian’s eyes darkened, his voice dropping. "The marks represent life and death, the delicate balance that has been thrown into chaos. Each task brings us closer to restoring that balance. But more importantly, it brings us closer to justice—for you, for Jason, and for others like you."

Jason snorted. "Justice. Sure. That’s what this is about and not your selfish reason for going home.."

Lucian’s gaze hardened, his voice a quiet growl. "Mock it all you want, Jason, but you know as well as I do that this world is breaking. The past and present are colliding in ways they shouldn’t. If we don’t fix it, there won’t be a future to mock."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for once, Jason didn’t have a snarky comeback.

I swallowed, my mind racing. "So, what happens if we fail?"

Lucian’s gaze lingered on me, his voice barely above a whisper. "Failure isn’t an option, Kiara. Not if you want to live."

A chill ran down my spine, and I nodded slowly. "Okay. Research. I can do that."

Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Tell me where I’m going and what I’m doing, so I can get this over with."

Lucian smiled faintly. "You’ll know when the time comes."

Jason muttered something under his breath, but he didn’t argue further.

I glanced between the two men, still trying to process everything. "So... we’re just supposed to trust you?"

Lucian’s smile turned sly. "Trust is earned, not given. But if it helps, remember this: I want this chaos resolved as much as you do."

Jason scoffed. "Yeah, because it benefits you."

"Exactly," Lucian said, unbothered.

I shook my head, already feeling the headache forming. "This is insane."

"Welcome to my life," Jason muttered, shooting me a wry smile.

I sighed, glancing back at Lucian. "Fine. I’ll do the research. But don’t think for a second I’m doing it for you."

Lucian chuckled, his gaze steady. "I wouldn’t expect anything less."

As we left, Jason leaned close, his voice low. "For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re in this with me."

I glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "Me too."

"Come," Lucian said, his voice smooth, cutting through the moment. "Let me introduce you to someone who would be of assistance to you." His gaze flicked to Jason, sharp but unreadable. "Jason... wait for me at the roof. I am sure you know where that is."

Jason arched a brow, his jaw tightening slightly. "Oh, I know. Your favorite little perch. Of course."

Lucian didn’t respond, simply tilting his head toward the hallway.

Jason huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked off. "Try not to get too dazzled," he muttered under his breath, his tone barely audible.

I rolled my eyes. "You’re not as subtle as you think, Jason."

Lucian waited for Jason to disappear before turning back to me. "Follow me."