Aria's POV
"No, no, no!"
My head thrashed from side to side on the pillow, the words tearing from my throat. Damien's laughter still echoed in my ears, that twisted, venomous sound that made my skin crawl. I could still feel the floor rushing up to meet me and still hear Vanessa's voice dripping with false tears.
"NO!"
"Aria? Aria!" Julian's voice cut through the nightmare, urgent and concerned. His hand touched my shoulder, warm and real. "Oh my God, are you alright?"
My eyes snapped open, and I jerked upright so fast the room spun. My hand flew to my forehead, the other pressed against my chest where my heart was hammering like it was trying to escape my ribcage. Each beat felt violent, painful, like my heart was slamming against bone.
I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. The nightm
