Final Brushstrokes of a Tragic Romance || BxB | MLM

XX Flames of Fear

As I stood at the threshold of Theo's room, the world outside seemed serene. The morning sun streamed through the open windows, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The white window screens fluttered gently in the breeze, creating an almost ethereal dance. Birds chirped cheerfully outside, their melodies a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

Theo stood by the window, his silhouette bathed in sunlight. He wore a silk robe, the fabric clinging to his form, accentuating every graceful line of his body. His golden locks were damp, droplets of water catching the light like tiny diamonds. His blue eyes, always striking, seemed especially vivid today, like the clearest summer sky, deep and mesmerizing.

He turned to face me, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. His face was sculpted, a masterpiece of nature, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His skin was pale, yet the sunlight gave it a radiant glow, making him appear almost otherworldly. An aura surrounded him, shimmering and vibrant, as if he were a celestial being descended to earth.

I took a step forward, captivated by his beauty, when suddenly, the serene scene shattered. The air grew heavy, and the white window screen caught fire, flames licking at the delicate fabric. Theo's robe ignited, the silk turning into a blaze that enveloped him. The tranquility of the morning was replaced by chaos.

"Theo!" I screamed, rushing toward him. My heart pounded in my chest, a desperate rhythm of fear and urgency. I reached out, trying to pull him from the flames, but it was as if an invisible force held me back. "Get out of the robe!" I shouted, but Theo seemed unaware, his eyes wide with shock.

In a heartbeat, he collapsed, his body crumpling to the floor. Panic surged through me as I frantically searched for water, anything to extinguish the fire. There was nothing. My eyes landed on a blanket draped over the bed. I grabbed it, wrapping it around Theo and rolling him over, smothering the flames. The fire went out, but the damage was done.

I threw open the windows, desperate for fresh air, for hope. "Theo!" I called, shaking him gently. There was no response. My hands trembled as I felt for his heartbeat. At first, there was warmth, a faint pulse of life. But then, nothing. His skin grew cold, lifeless.

"No, no, no," I muttered, my voice barely a whisper. The room around me began to spin, a blur of colors and sounds. Voices echoed in my mind, accusing and relentless. "You could have saved him. You are nothing."

I shook my head, trying to dispel the voices, the fear. I cradled Theo's body, calling his name again and again. "Theo, please wake up. Please."

But there was no response. The light in the room dimmed, shadows creeping in as if to swallow us both. The walls seemed to close in, the once spacious room now suffocating. I was lost in a vortex of despair, my thoughts a whirlwind of guilt and helplessness.

And then, a voice cut through the darkness. "Ian! Ian, wake up!"

I jolted awake, gasping for breath. Willow's concerned face hovered above me, her hands gently shaking my shoulders. "Ian, what happened? Are you okay?"

I blinked, the nightmare slowly receding but leaving a lingering sense of dread. My heart still raced, the vivid images of Theo's lifeless body etched into my mind. "It was a dream," I whispered, more to myself than to Willow. "Just a dream."

She helped me sit up, her eyes filled with worry. "You were shouting. Are you sure you're okay?"

I nodded, though the terror of the dream still clung to me like a shroud. "It was so real," I said, my voice trembling. "Theo... he was on fire. I couldn't save him."

Willow hugged me tightly, her presence a balm to my frayed nerves. "It was just a nightmare, Ian. Theo is fine. You're safe."

A/N : SUPRISE UPDATE!