The air is crisp as you and Theo stroll through the castle grounds, leaves crunching softly beneath your feet. The golden glow of lanterns casts dancing shadows on the stone pathways, but your focus remains on him—on the boy with unruly dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to hold galaxies of unspoken words.

You pause under an archway, the cool breeze teasing your hair. Theo's hand brushes against yours, sending a small thrill through your veins. You’ve felt it for a while now, the depth of his emotions simmering just beneath the surface, but he’s held back, restrained by something you can’t quite name. Tonight, you need to know.

"You love me, real or not real?" you ask softly, your voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

His blue eyes meet yours, scanning your face as if he’s memorizing every detail. For a moment, you think he won’t answer. Then, quietly but firmly, he breathes, “Real.”

"Then why didn’t you say something?" you press, your breath visible in the chilly air.

A gust of wind cuts between you, causing you to shiver. Without hesitation, Theo shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders. It smells faintly of cedar and something uniquely him, a scent you’ve come to love. He steps closer, his gaze dropping to the ground.

“I don’t know, bella,” he admits. “Good things don’t last long for me, and I was afraid that—” He swallows hard, his words caught in his throat.

You step closer, gently cupping his cheek with one hand. His skin is cool beneath your touch, but your thumb brushes warmth into it. “I’m not going anywhere, Theo,” you promise, your voice steady and sure.

His eyes close briefly, as if letting your words sink into the cracks of his armor. When he opens them again, they’re filled with a hope so fragile it makes your heart ache. “You mean that?” he asks, his voice trembling.