eclipse [j.grace 1]

vi. i'm not who i am to anyone

Later that night, as the camp settled into its usual quiet, Jason Grace found himself wrestling with a growing sense of unease. The image of Eira's troubled face from earlier that day haunted him.

He had witnessed the struggle in her eyes and felt a stirring of empathy, recognizing that she needed not just understanding but someone who was willing to stand by her through her trials.

Determined to be that support, Jason quietly made his way to Eira's cabin. The night air was crisp and cool, with the stars casting a gentle light over the camp, almost as if they were guiding him. He approached the cabin with the deliberate care of someone who knew the delicate nature of what he was about to do.

The door was locked, but Jason had been given a spare key by Lyra and Marcus—an arrangement made with the promise of discretion and respect. With practiced ease, he unlocked the door and slipped inside, ensuring he closed it softly to avoid any noise that might startle Eira.

Inside, the room was dimly lit by a solitary bedside lamp, its soft light casting long, wavering shadows that danced along the walls. Eira was already in bed, her figure partially hidden beneath the covers. Jason moved cautiously, his footsteps nearly silent as he approached.

"Eira?" he called out softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

She stirred, her eyes opening with a mix of confusion and alarm. Seeing Jason standing there, a flicker of fear crossed her face. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly.

Jason settled himself gently on the edge of her bed, his posture non-threatening and open. "I wanted to check on you. I know today was tough, and I thought you might appreciate some company. I promise, I'm not here to intrude—I just want to be a friend."

Eira's eyes, still wide with apprehension, shifted nervously as she sat up, pulling the covers tighter around herself. "You don't understand. I could hurt you. I don't want to be a danger to anyone."

Jason's gaze softened with understanding. "I know you're scared, and you have every right to be. But isolating yourself won't make things better. If you're worried about hurting someone, then let me be here with you. We can take things slowly, together."

Eira's hands clenched in her lap, her knuckles white as she fought against a storm of emotions. "What if I can't control it? What if I hurt you just by being close to you? I don't want to cause harm."

Jason reached out, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "I understand your fear. But you don't have to bear this burden alone. We're all here to support each other. If you need space, I'll give it to you. But if you need someone to talk to or just to be here with you, I'm more than willing."

Eira's eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she looked at him, her voice barely a whisper. "You really want to be friends with someone like me? Someone who's caused so much trouble?"

Jason nodded, his expression earnest and compassionate. "Yes. Because I see something in you that's worth believing in. I see someone who's more than just their mistakes. And I'm willing to stand by you, no matter how long it takes for you to feel at ease."

Eira's defenses, so carefully constructed, began to crumble under the weight of Jason's sincerity. She took a shaky breath, her fear blending with a hesitant sense of relief. "It's hard to believe that anyone would want to be around me after what happened."

Jason gave her a reassuring smile. "It's hard for me to see someone as kind and capable as you being pushed away. You're scared, but that's exactly why it's important to have someone who understands. Let me be that person for you."

Eira hesitated, her gaze dropping to the soft light of the lamp, its glow offering a small sanctuary from the darkness. "Okay. I... I appreciate it."

Jason's smile widened, hope flickering in his eyes. "Great. We'll take things one step at a time. And if you ever need space, just let me know. I won't take it personally. But remember, I'm here."