Final Brushstrokes of a Tragic Romance || BxB | MLM

XXXII We're friends

I stepped out of the room, my mind racing. I had to find the head chief and Heath. Willow was taking care of Theo, and I needed to focus on what was ahead.

"Willow," I called out. She looked up.
"Take care of Theo," I told her. "I'll be back soon."

She nodded. "Got it, Ian."

I turned to the hallway, walking briskly towards the chief’s chambers. As I rounded the corner, I saw Heath talking to a guard.

"Heath," I called.

He turned, surprised. "You wanted me here, Ian? What for?"

"Theo’s disturbed," I said, glancing at the guard behind me. "He doesn’t know any of us. I need you to talk to him."

Heath raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Training location, you can leave. I have family... I need to see them."

"I know, Heath. Just handle the job first. My guards are already securing the village, and everything is under control," I replied, trying to steady my tone.

A guard approached at that exact moment. "The village is safe, my lord. All stations are secure."

I gave a sharp nod. "Good. Please, go ahead, Heath. Do what you need to do. I’ll show you to Theo."

We began walking down the corridor. My mind was a whirl of thoughts—who was Heath really? And what did he mean to Theo?

I couldn't hold it in anymore. "Who are you to Theo?"

Heath glanced at me, his expression shifting briefly before returning to normal. "What do you mean?"

"Theo’s been saying he’s lived alone all this time, but suddenly you’re his best friend. What’s going on?" I asked, my voice tightening.

Heath's face hardened for a moment before he relaxed again. "We’re friends, I guess. Been for a long time. But you should really ask Theo about that. It’s not my place to say."

I looked at him. He was tall, slender, built—but not in a way that seemed fragile. He had a majestic aura, brown skin, dark hair, and sharp, striking eyes. Everything about him screamed perfection, from the way he carried himself to the quiet confidence in his steps. I couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was, and it left me with a feeling of discomfort, like something was slipping just out of reach.

We reached the entrance to my chambers. Theo was inside, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw him.

"Well," I said, stepping inside. "Here we are."

Willow was already there, and her eyes widened when she saw Heath. She smirked, looking him up and down. "Oh, it's you..." she said, raising an eyebrow. "Well, aren't you just a little piece of trouble," she added with a teasing grin, handing something over to Theo.

I rolled my eyes. "Willow, shut up. You don’t want to scare him off."

Heath chuckled, the sound smooth and ringing in the quiet room. It almost sounded… perfect. I couldn't shake this feeling .

Willow leaned in slightly, glancing at me with a wink. "You know, Ian," she teased, "if you ever need tips on how to charm someone like him, I’m always available." She turned back to Heath with a playful glint in her eye. "Right, Heath?"

Heath's lips curled into a smile, but he didn't respond, clearly not bothered by her flirtation.

"Willow, stop," I muttered, already feeling a little embarrassed.

She laughed softly, stepping back. "Well, whatever. I'm off. I’m meeting Athena. See you, Ian."

She walked out, leaving me alone with Theo and Heath.

I hesitated. "I’ll leave you two alone," I said, stepping back, but the moment I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse through the curtains.

Heath was cupping Theo’s face gently, and Theo… Theo was crying.

I froze.

The sight hit me like a physical blow, something sharp and painful tightening in my chest. I wanted to go to him, to comfort him the way Heath was, but I couldn’t. I barely knew him like that. This wasn’t my place. But still, the urge was there, unbidden.

They hugged, and I looked away, even though I didn’t want to. I felt a pang of jealousy, not because of the closeness, but because of the way Heath seemed to be able to give Theo something I didn’t know how to give.

I leaned against the wall, just outside their view, watching the scene unfold. I should leave. I should step away. But I stayed, frozen in place.

Then, after what seemed like an eternity, they broke the hug. Theo wiped his eyes, sniffed, and laughed softly.

“I’m alright now,” he said, his voice shaky but trying to sound like his usual self.

Heath smiled warmly at him. "You always are."

Theo grinned back, his usual playful expression returning.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and left the corridor.