𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑱𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒆

Chapter 8: Ember of hope

Theo stumbled through the dense undergrowth of the forest, his heart heavy with guilt and despair. The events of the day weighed heavily on his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had let everyone down.

As he walked, Theo became aware of a strange sensation—a warmth emanating from his surroundings, a flickering light dancing at the edge of his vision. He stopped in his tracks and looked around, his breath catching in his throat as he realized what he was seeing.

A circle of flames surrounded him, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding trees. Theo's heart pounded in his chest as he realized the full extent of his powers—he had summoned the fire without even meaning to, the flames responding to his every emotion.

Panic surged through him as he struggled to control the blaze, but it seemed to have a mind of its own, dancing and flickering with an otherworldly intensity. Theo felt like he was teetering on the edge of a precipice, one wrong move away from disaster.

Just as he began to lose hope, a voice cut through the darkness—a voice filled with strength and determination. "Theo? Is that you?"

Theo turned to see Rosalie Hale emerging from the shadows, her golden eyes wide with shock as she took in the scene before her. But instead of fear or revulsion, there was something else in her gaze—something that Theo couldn't quite place.

"What's happening?" Rosalie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Theo took a deep breath and explained everything to her—the accident with the fire, his struggles with his powers, the rift it had caused within his family. He bared his soul to her, laying bare his fears and insecurities in a way he had never done with anyone else.

To his surprise, Rosalie listened intently, her expression softening with empathy as she took in his words. And when he finished speaking, she reached out and took his hand in hers, her touch a comforting presence in the midst of chaos.

"You're not alone, Theo," Rosalie said, her voice filled with conviction. "I promise you, I'll protect you, no matter what."

With those words, something shifted within Theo—a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him. He looked into Rosalie's eyes and saw a kindred spirit, someone who understood him in a way no one else ever had.

As they stood together in the fading light of the flames, Theo felt a sense of peace wash over him. For in Rosalie, he had found not only a protector, but a friend—a beacon of light in the darkest of times.