Unreal

Chp 59 The Calm Before the Fire

Which was fine. I wasn't exactly in the mood to talk — not when my heart was trying to climb out of my chest and sprint back to bed.

I kept a few steps behind, eyes on the floor, trying not to trip over my own nerves.

Then—

A pat on the shoulder.

I turned, startled.

Cedric.

Of course he looked like he just stepped out of a catalog. Hair all perfectly tousled, that stupidly charming smile already in place.

"You look dreadful," he said, far too cheerfully for someone about to face a dragon.

I scoffed and nudged him. "Thanks. Just the confidence boost I needed."

He grinned. "Just saying—you've definitely looked better."

"Yeah? Well you look like you just stepped out of a Witch Weekly cover shoot."

He laughed — actually laughed — and somehow, that helped more than any pep talk.

"Are you alright, though?" he asked, voice a little softer now. "You know... considering."

I nodded, exhaling slowly. "Fine. Nervous. Trying not to vomit on anyone important."

"Good plan," he said, smirking. "Aim for the floor if you can. Less dramatic."

I snorted, and we kept walking — side by side now, down the stone corridor, toward whatever fresh nightmare the tent held.

And then—

A hand grabbed my wrist.

Not hard, but firm.

I turned, confused—
and froze.

Theo.

He looked good. He always did, somehow. But today—his eyes were tired. Shadowed. Like sleep had been optional for days.

My heart dropped somewhere near my knees.

"Theo?"

I blinked at him, trying to process what was happening.

He didn't say anything at first—just held my wrist like he wasn't quite ready to let go.

"I want to talk to you," he said finally, voice low. Careful.

I glanced down at his hand, then back at him. "You can say it now."

His jaw tensed slightly.

Then his eyes flicked sideways—to Cedric.

Still standing a few steps away.

I followed his gaze.

Cedric raised his brows, then looked between us like he'd just accidentally barged into a couple mid-argument.

"Right," Cedric said, clearing his throat. "I'll, uh... let you two talk."

He gave my shoulder a light, reassuring pat as he passed, then disappeared down the corridor with a look that said, Yikes. Good luck.

And just like that—I was alone with Theo.

Theo gently tugged my wrist again, guiding me a few steps to the side so we weren't standing in the middle of the corridor anymore.

I let him.

But my nerves were crawling now—my heart pounding from everything at once.

"What is it?" I asked, shifting on my feet. "Whatever you're gonna say, just say it. I'll be late."