𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑱𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒆

Chapter 13: Reckoning

Theo stood in the aftermath of the chaos, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked around at the stunned faces of the Cullen family. The air was heavy with tension, and Theo knew that things would never be the same again.

As he met Rosalie's gaze, he saw a mixture of concern and understanding in her eyes. She squeezed his hand reassuringly, silently promising to stand by his side no matter what.

But as the shock began to wear off, anger flared in Bella's eyes. "How could you do this to us, Theo?" she spat, her voice laced with venom. "We trusted you, and you betrayed us."

Theo felt a surge of frustration rise within him at Bella's words. He had never asked for any of this—he had only ever wanted to live a normal life, free from the burdens of his past. But now, his secrets were laid bare for all to see, and he knew that there would be no going back.

"I didn't betray anyone, Bella," Theo said, his voice calm but firm. "You were the one who lied and manipulated everyone. You tried to turn them against me, and it backfired."

Bella recoiled as if struck, her eyes wide with disbelief. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, Rosalie stepped forward, her gaze icy.

Enough, Bella," Rosalie said, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "You brought this upon yourself with your deceit and manipulation. Theo may have his flaws, but he's not the one to blame here."

Theo felt a swell of gratitude towards Rosalie for her unwavering support. Despite everything that had happened, she had stood by him without hesitation, and he knew that he owed her a debt of gratitude that could never be repaid.

As the dust began to settle, Theo knew that there would be challenges ahead. He had made enemies within the Cullen family, and he couldn't shake the feeling that his troubles were far from over.

As the tension in the room lingered, Rosalie stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she addressed the stunned group before her.

"We need to talk," Rosalie said, her voice steady yet filled with urgency. "But not here."

Without waiting for a response, Rosalie took Theo's hand in hers and led him out of the house and into the cool night air. They walked in silence for a while, the weight of the events of the evening hanging heavy between them.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded spot in the forest, where the moon cast a soft glow over the surrounding trees. Rosalie turned to Theo, her eyes searching his for any sign of understanding.

"Theo, I know that was... intense," Rosalie began, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "But you need to understand that what you did was out of self-defense. Edward and Bella were planning to hurt you, and you did what you had to do to protect yourself."

Theo nodded, grateful for Rosalie's reassurance. He knew that he had acted out of desperation, but hearing her words helped to ease the burden of guilt that weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Thank you, Rosalie," Theo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Rosalie smiled, a rare expression of warmth on her usually stoic face. "You're family, Theo. And family sticks together, no matter what."

With those words, Theo felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he knew that he had someone like Rosalie by his side, ready to support him through thick and thin.

As they made their way back to the Cullen house, Theo couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. He didn't know what the future held, but with Rosalie's guidance, he felt like he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.