Allison's POV
I was trapped in a nightmare that felt too real.
Dark seaweed wrapped around my ankles, climbing higher with unnatural purpose.
The slick tendrils snaked up my legs, coiling around my waist, then my arms, finally reaching for my throat.
Water filled my lungs as I struggled, my chest burning for air.
With one desperate kick, I managed to free myself from the deadly embrace, only to be jolted awake.
Gasping for breath, I realized the suffocating sensation wasn't just in my dream.
Lucian had me wrapped tightly in his arms, his powerful body curved around mine like a protective shell.
Or a prison. I shoved against his chest with all my strength, breaking free from his hold.
Lucian's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding his stormy gray-blue gaze.
