Smoke hung in the air, the acrid scent of burnt wood clawing at my throat. Clenching my fists, I tried to steady my racing heart. Theo is out there somewhere. I could feel the weight of that thought pressing down on me.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, the crunch of ash and debris echoing beneath my feet. The first shroom house I entered was a shadow of its former self. Bright colors faded into dullness, and the interior was nothing but rubble. My heart sank as I scanned the desolation, desperate to find a sign of my friend.
I moved on to the second house, pushing the door open with a creak that sent a shiver down my spine. The same scene unfolded—a hollow space filled with remnants of lives disrupted. Anxiety coiled in my stomach. Where are you, Theo?
Determined not to give up, I approached the third house. As I stepped inside, my breath hitched. Art supplies littered the room, remnants of Theo’s passion scattered like lost dreams. Brushes, canvases, and half-finished paintings surrounded me. Hope ignited within me; this had to be Theo’s home.
I searched through the chaos, my fingers brushing over the familiar tools of his trade. The sight of them made my heart ache with nostalgia. I needed something—anything—that could point me toward Theo.
Then, something caught my eye. A small painting lay half-hidden beneath a fallen canvas. Kneeling down, I cradled the palm-sized piece in my hands. The image depicted a younger version of Theo, laughing, with another boy beside him. The boy had tan skin and warm brown eyes, set against the shimmering backdrop of the Shroom Forest.
I flipped the painting over, and my breath caught. There, carved into the back, was a message: “Theo and Heath: Friends Forever.” A flicker of realization sparked within me. Heath… he must know where Theo is.
My mind raced. I had to find this Heath. Maybe Theo had sought safety with him. Just as I was lost in thought, a rustling noise startled me. My heart raced, and I instinctively reached for the hilt of my sword, positioning myself protectively, every muscle in my body coiled and ready for anything.
“Who’s there?” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me.
“Ian?”
Relief washed over me as I recognized Willow’s voice. “Willow! It’s you!” I exclaimed, lowering my guard. “How did you come here?”
She stepped into the dim light of the house, concern etched across her features. “I heard you calling for Theo,” she said, her voice calm despite the chaos. “I live nearby, and when I heard the villagers panicking about the fire, I knew I had to come.”
Nodding, I took a moment to catch my breath. “I found this painting,” I said, showing it to her. “Do you know Heath?”
Willow studied the painting, her brow furrowing. “Yeah, I know him. We’re not close, but he’s an artist too. Quite popular in the village. Girls swoon over him,” she added, trying to lighten the mood.
“Do you think he might know where Theo is?” I pressed, anxiety tightening my chest.
Willow hesitated, glancing around the wreckage. “It’s possible. Let’s head to the village and ask around.”
With a sense of urgency, we hurried out of the house, adrenaline propelling us forward. My thoughts raced, each step heavy with dread. I was terrified of what I might find—or worse, what I might not find.
As we emerged from the forest, the village came into view, bustling with movement. Villagers had gathered, their murmurs of fear filling the air. My heart sank as I took in their expressions of concern and uncertainty.
“Does anyone know where Heath is?” I called out, my voice rising above the noise. The villagers turned, their eyes widening as they recognized me—the Prince of Wyden.
With each bow and show of respect directed at me, I felt a swell of annoyance. “Please, just tell me where Heath is!” I pleaded, running a hand through my hair in frustration.
The crowd parted slightly, and a figure stepped forward. Heath approached with a measured gait, his expression shifting from calm to alarm upon seeing me. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing slightly. “What brings you here?”
Before I could filter my emotions, they erupted. “Do you know where Theo is?” I burst out, my desperation palpable. “He’s gone missing!”
Heath’s face went pale, fear flashing across his features. “What happened? Where was he last seen?” His serious demeanor made my heart race even faster.
“I don’t know!” I exclaimed, my voice trembling with urgency. “We need to find him. Now!”
Heath nodded, determination settling into his features. “I know the forest well. Theo and I spent a lot of time there.” He glanced at Willow. “You should come too.”
Without a moment to waste, we plunged back into the Shroom Forest, urgency igniting every nerve in my body. Each step felt heavier as we retraced our path, dread mixing with determination.
“Theo!” I shouted again, my voice echoing in the silence. “Where are you?”
Willow and Heath joined in, calling for their friend, but the forest remained unresponsive, shadows swallowing our cries.
As we reached the area where I had found the painting, I slowed, scanning the surroundings. Heath’s eyes darted around, his brow furrowing in concentration. “There is a short cut to reach the village so Let’s check there,” he suggested.
We continued onward, weaving through the trees until we reached a clearing. My heart dropped as I spotted a figure lying on the ground, unmoving.
“It’s Theo!” I shouted, rushing forward, panic flooding my senses. I knelt beside him, my heart pounding as I assessed the scene.
Theo lay pale and still, a fire mask etched across his face. I could hardly breathe. “Theo!” I whispered, cupping his face gently. The warmth of his skin contrasted starkly with the chill that enveloped him.
As I cradled Theo’s head in my hands, a wave of emotion crashed over me. This was more than friendship; this was love, pure and fierce. The kind of love that made me want to protect Theo from everything, even from himself.
“Heath!” I called, my voice raw with urgency. “Help me!”
Heath moved forward, kneeling beside me. “Theo!” he cried, panic rising in his voice. He wrapped his arms around Theo, pulling him close. I watched, helpless as Heath’s face twisted with anguish, his eyes wide. “What happened?”
“He was calling for someone… ?” I said, confusion mingling with fear. “Theo! Please, wake up!” I shook Theo gently, desperation clawing at my chest.
Theo’s eyelids fluttered, and he murmured something inaudible. I leaned closer, heart racing. “Theo, please,” I begged, my voice thick with emotion.
And then, as if hearing my plea, Theo whispered "Ian" before his eyes rolled back, and he fainted in my arms.
“No!” I cried, panic surging through me. I shook him gently, feeling the warmth drain from his skin. “Theo! Please, don’t do this!”
Heath looked up, fear etched across his features. “We need to get him to safety, now!”
I nodded, determination replacing despair. “I won’t let him go. Not like this.” My mind raced with plans and fears. I was no longer just a prince; I was a protector, and I would do whatever it took to save the boy I love.
YOU ARE READING
Final Brushstrokes of a Tragic Romance || BxB | MLM
Fantasía"He is my everything I want to escape this life and live with him" "I love him so much but he shouldn't leave his kingdom for me" In a realm where history's threads are interwoven, Prince lan of Vidin faces the dual challenge of his father's dec...
