Forbidden Flame

Chapter 17: A New Dawn

The first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across Beacon Hills. The town was quiet, the chaos of the previous night finally giving way to a semblance of peace. For the pack, it was a moment to breathe, to regroup, and to begin the process of healing—both physically and emotionally.

Nora sat by Theo's bedside in Deaton's clinic, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but refusing to close. She hadn't left his side since the battle, her hand clasped around his, as if her touch alone could keep him anchored to the world. Theo had been stable for hours now, his breathing steady, but he hadn't yet woken. The injuries he'd sustained were severe, and the toll the battle had taken on his body was evident in the pale pallor of his skin and the deep, bruised circles under his eyes.

Deaton had assured her that Theo would recover, but it would take time. Time that Nora was more than willing to give, as long as it meant he would be okay. She traced the lines of his hand with her thumb, lost in thought. The fight against the creature had been their greatest challenge yet, and it had forced them all to confront the depth of their fears and the strength of their bonds. But it had also left scars, both seen and unseen.

The door to the room creaked open, and Scott stepped inside, his expression one of quiet concern. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Nora at Theo's side, before he spoke.

"How's he doing?" Scott asked softly, his voice breaking the stillness.

Nora looked up, her eyes meeting Scott's. "He's stable," she replied, her voice hoarse from lack of sleep. "But he hasn't woken up yet."

Scott nodded, his gaze drifting to Theo's still form. "He'll pull through," he said with a quiet conviction. "Theo's tough. He's been through worse."

Nora managed a small, weary smile. "I know. But I still can't help worrying."

Scott moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You've done everything you can, Nora. You've been incredible through all of this."

Nora's eyes filled with emotion as she looked at Scott. "I just don't want to lose him," she admitted, her voice trembling. "Not after everything we've been through."

Scott's expression softened, and he squeezed her shoulder gently. "You're not going to lose him," he said firmly. "Theo's a fighter, and he's got something to fight for. You."

Nora blinked back tears, nodding as she looked back at Theo. "Thank you, Scott," she whispered. "For everything."

Scott gave her a warm smile before turning to leave. "We're all here for you, Nora. The pack's got your back, no matter what."

As Scott left the room, Nora let out a shaky breath, her heart swelling with gratitude. The pack had been through so much together, and despite the tensions and the conflicts, they were still a family. And like any family, they would face their challenges together.

Hours passed, and the soft light of dawn gradually brightened the room. Nora remained by Theo's side, her exhaustion slowly catching up with her. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body finally giving in to the need for rest, when she felt a faint pressure against her hand.

Her eyes snapped open, and she looked down to see Theo's fingers twitching in hers. A surge of hope and relief flooded through her as she leaned closer, watching as his eyelids began to flutter.

"Theo?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Theo's eyes slowly opened, his gaze unfocused at first, but then gradually sharpening as he took in his surroundings. His gaze finally settled on Nora, and a weak, but genuine, smile tugged at the corners of his lips.