Lenora jolted awake from a nightmare.
But instead of the familiar torment that felt like hell, she was met with the warmth of a young man's embrace.
Julian's long fingers brushed gently across her dazed eyes before tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Lenora, don't be afraid. I'm here."
Dusk faded into dawn. Morning sunlight pierced through the mist over the mountains, and the bright halo of light made her eyes ache.
"…Julian?"
She called his name softly, hardly daring to believe it, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the illusion before her.
The moment her fingers truly touched his face, all the pain and grievance she had endured for so long surged out like a flood.
Her tears soaked through his clothes.
Lenora buried her face against his chest, crying so hard her wh
