Ariane:
Kaelen’s grip never loosened.
His arms caged me like he feared I’d vanish again, his breath warm against my ear, chest rising and falling in a rhythm that tethered me to the now. And Varek—he knelt in front of me, one hand resting over my thigh, the other curled protectively around the back of my neck. His forehead pressed gently to mine as if he could use my powers to siphon the nightmares away by anchoring his skin to mine.
We sat like that for a long time. No words. Just breath, touch, presence.
But the truth had claws that dug too deep to breathe; they wouldn't let go of me.
“I need to tell you something,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, throat raw.
Varek stilled. Kaelen’s hand, curled protectively around my ribs, tightened just slightly.
“I… I wasn’t dreaming,” I said. “W
