Damien woke up screaming.
Emma jolted awake beside him, heart pounding. For a moment, she didn't understand what was happening. Then she saw his face twisted in terror, eyes still trapped somewhere else.
"Damien," she said, grabbing his shoulders. "Damien, wake up."
He gasped like he'd been drowning. His whole body was shaking. Sweat soaked through his shirt.
"It's okay," Emma whispered. "You're okay. You're here."
He didn't speak for a long time. Just sat there breathing hard, staring at nothing.
Finally, he said, "I need to tell you about that night. About my mother. About the necklace."
Emma didn't ask questions. She just waited.
Damien got out of bed and walked to the window. He stood there for a moment, then started talking.
"I was twelve years old. My mother was beautiful li
