❝ 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ❞ ʲᵃˢᵖᵉʳ ʰᵃˡᵉ ( EN )

☇ 𝟮𝟴

Night had long fallen when Jasper took his turn to stand guard outside Theodora's house. The air was cool, and a slight breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. As usual, he positioned himself near her window, his vigilant gaze scanning the area, watching every shadow, every movement. His face, illuminated by the silver glow of the moon, seemed carved from stone, reflecting both determination and solitude.

Theodora, unable to sleep, got up from her bed, her heart pounding with anxiety. She approached the window, hesitating for a moment before opening it. "Jasper," she called out, her voice barely audible, her breath forming a faint cloud in the cool night air.

He turned his head toward her, his golden eyes glimmering softly in the darkness. Without a word, he smoothly leapt inside her room, his movement fluid and silent, like a feline poised to pounce. "Still not sleeping?" he asked in a calm voice, though a trace of concern flickered in his eyes.

"Not really," she replied, trying to hide the nervousness gnawing at her from within. She forced herself to take a deep breath, but her heart continued to race. "There's something I need to ask you."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, staying silent, as if he already guessed where her thoughts were heading but hoped she wouldn't go there.

"What does Maria look like?" The question left Theodora's lips before she could stop it, her gaze locked on his, pleading.

Jasper's face closed off immediately, his eyes hardening as if an invisible wall had sprung up between them. "It doesn't matter," he answered curtly, his jaw tightening. "I don't want to talk about her." His voice was cold, sharp, like an icy blade.

"But I need to know," Theodora insisted, her throat tight, her breathing growing more labored. "Please, Jasper, tell me." Her voice cracked, betraying the panic rising within her.

Jasper sighed deeply, running a nervous hand through his hair, visibly annoyed but mostly troubled by having to dredge up a past he had buried. "She's beautiful, captivating," he finally said reluctantly, looking away. "Her eyes are red, the color of blood. Her skin is olive-toned, her hair the same color. She has a gaze that pierces you, as if she can see right through you." His words carried a pain and fear he couldn't conceal.

Every word Jasper spoke resonated in Theodora's mind like a thunderclap. Her hands grew clammy, and she felt her legs weaken beneath her. "No," she murmured, tears welling up and blurring her vision. "No, no, no..." Her breathing became erratic, as if the air had suddenly been sucked from the room.

"What's wrong?" Jasper asked, stepping toward her with palpable urgency, his gaze softening at the terror distorting her features. She's panicking, he thought, his heart clenching.

"It was her," Theodora stammered, her breath quickening into short, ragged gasps. "I saw her... today, at school. She was watching me. She was there, Jasper." Her words broke as they left her lips, her hands shaking violently.

Jasper froze for a moment, his eyes widening in shock. His usually composed face contorted with pure rage. He clenched his fists so tightly that Theodora thought she heard his knuckles crack. "Get dressed, now," he ordered, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "We need to go to Carlisle's, now."

Theodora rushed to her closet, grabbing a jacket, her movements clumsy and hurried as panic consumed her. Her fingers slipped repeatedly on the zipper, and she felt tears streaming down her cheeks. Jasper took her arm with surprising gentleness despite the tension in his muscles, guiding her out of the room.

They rushed down the stairs, and Theodora barely noticed the objects they passed; everything seemed blurred, unreal. Jasper led her to his car parked discreetly, his expression set, his eyes dark with a fury she had never seen before. He opened the passenger door, and Theodora got in, her breathing still shallow, as if an invisible weight pressed on her chest.