Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress
Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Chapter 86

"So, what are you working on?" Jason asked, crossing his arms over his chest. His sharp blue eyes locked onto mine, and something about them sent a shiver down my spine.

I shrugged, not wanting to admit how utterly lost I was. "The door," I muttered, gesturing vaguely toward the massive, ornate structure that had been mocking me for hours. "It won’t budge."

Jason smirked, stepping closer. His movements were fluid, almost predatory. "The door of Nyx."

I frowned, "Huh?"

"Research. And from research, It’s not that hard, Kiara. You’re just overthinking it."

I shot him a glare. "Oh, really? And what magical expertise do you have that I don’t?"

He ignored my sarcasm and stepped even closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek. "It’s all about focus," he said, his voice low and steady. "Breathe. Stop fighting it."

My heart skipped a beat as he reached out, taking my hand in his. His grip was firm but not rough, and he gently guided my palm to rest against the cold surface of the door.

"Jason—"

"Just breathe," he interrupted, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Close your eyes if it helps."

Reluctantly, I did as he said, inhaling slowly as his hand remained over mine. His presence was unnervingly steady, and for a moment, I let myself be guided by it.

"Now," he murmured, his lips near my ear. "Think of something. Something that matters to you. Something that drives you."

I frowned. "That’s vague."

Jason chuckled softly, his breath brushing against my skin. "Stop talking, Kiara. Just do it."

I bit my lip, annoyed by his tone but willing to try. My thoughts drifted to the memories that always lingered at the edge of my mind: my mother’s smile, the sound of her laugh, the warmth of her hands as she tucked me into bed. I held onto that image, letting it fill the space in my mind.

Suddenly, the door glowed faintly beneath my palm, and with a soft creak, it swung open.

My eyes snapped open in surprise. "That’s it?"

Jason smirked, stepping back. "Told you it was easy. Nyx loves children and darkness, what did you think of?"

"My mother."

He hummed.

I ignored his smugness, turning my attention to the room beyond the door. It was breathtaking. The walls were lined with glowing stones, casting a warm golden light over the space. A delicate chandelier of intricate crystals hung from the ceiling, refracting the light in a kaleidoscope of colors.

"It’s beautiful," I whispered, stepping inside.

Jason followed, his steps slow and deliberate. "This," he said, his voice reverent, "is the heart of the house. Lucian’s treasure."

I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Treasure?"

He shrugged, leaning against the doorway. "Not in the way you think. It’s where the answers are."

"Answers to what?"

"To everything."

I frowned, crossing my arms. "You’re being cryptic again. Did Lucian possess your body?."

Jason’s smirk returned, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "It’s not my story to tell, Kiara. Lucian brought you here for a reason. Figure it out."

I rolled my eyes, stepping further into the room. "You’re a lot of help, you know that?"

Jason chuckled, watching as I moved through the space. "You managed to open the door, didn’t you? Give yourself some credit."

I turned to him, narrowing my eyes. "You think you’re so clever."

His smirk widened. "I know I am."

Shaking my head, I focused on the room again. There was a table in the center, carved from what looked like obsidian, with intricate designs etched into its surface. As I approached, the designs began to glow faintly, pulsing with an almost hypnotic rhythm.

Jason watched me intently. "Don’t touch it."

I froze, my fingers hovering just above the surface. "Why not?"

He stepped closer, his expression serious. "Because you don’t know what it’ll do."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you do?"

"Enough to know that it’s dangerous," he replied, his voice firm. "Lucian would’ve warned you if he wanted you to use it."

I pulled my hand back, taking a step away from the table. "Fine. What now, then?"

Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We wait. Lucian will tell us what to do next."

I frowned, frustration bubbling up inside me. "I’m so sick of waiting. He tells me to research, but he doesn’t tell me what I’m looking for. He brings me here, but he doesn’t explain why. It’s like I’m just supposed to figure everything out on my own."

Jason’s gaze softened slightly, and he stepped closer. "Welcome to my world," he said quietly.

I looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "Doesn’t it bother you? Not knowing?"

"All the time," he admitted. "But I’ve learned to deal with it. You will too."

I sighed, leaning against the table. "I just wish he’d give me a little more to go on."

Jason chuckled, leaning against the table beside me. "You’ll get used to it. Lucian’s not exactly the straightforward type."

I glanced at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. "No kidding."

For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of the situation hanging between us. Despite my frustration, I couldn’t deny that having Jason here made it a little easier to bear.

"What do you think is in here?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Jason shrugged, his gaze distant. "Answers. Secrets. Things we’re probably not supposed to know as humans."

I frowned. "You’re not very reassuring."

He smirked. "Wasn’t trying to be."

I rolled my eyes, stepping away from the table. "Well, if Lucian expects me to figure this out on my own, I’d better get started. Don’t worry I won’t touch the crazy intende thing that would blow my head off."

Jason watched me for a moment before nodding. "Just... be careful, Kiara."

I paused, turning to look at him. There was something in his tone that caught me off guard, something almost... vulnerable.

"Thanks," I said softly.

He nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before turning back to the door. "I’ll be outside if you need me."