For two nights in a row, Bella's sleep had been plagued by nightmares.
The first night, Leo had held her as she sobbed, her body trembling against his. He had whispered reassurances, stroked her hair, and waited until her breathing steadied and she drifted back to sleep. He had told himself it was just a bad dream, something that would pass.
But the second night was worse.
She woke up screaming.
Leo shot upright, his heart racing, his hand already reaching for her. Bella was sitting bolt upright, her fingers clutching the sheets, her eyes wide and unfocused. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
Leo grabbed her shoulders, his voice urgent. "Bella! Look at me. You're safe. You're home. It was just a dream."
She blinked, her gaze slowly finding his face. Her breathing began to slow but her hands were still trembling.
Bella whispered, her voice barely audible, fragile and broken. "Leo, I—I don't—"
