The darkness clung to the corners of the room like smoke, the only light a flicker from the streetlamp outside. You jolted upright in bed, chest heaving, the echo of gunfire and screams still ringing in your ears.

Another nightmare.

Your hand trembled as you wiped sweat from your brow. Before the memories could consume you again, a heavy arm slid around your waist, grounding you.

“Breathe,” Sevika murmured, her voice low and steady, the rasp of it pulling you back to the present. “You’re safe. It’s over.”

You leaned into her, burying your face into her shoulder. The scent of metal, smoke, and her—comforting now, not dangerous—wrapped around you like a shield.

“I saw it again,” you whispered. “The fire, the screams. I couldn’t stop it.”

Sevika shifted to face you, her warm palm cupping your cheek. “You survived it. That’s what matters.”

“But what if it comes back?”

“Then I’ll be here. Every damn time.”

She kissed your forehead, slow and certain, then tucked you against her chest, letting your breaths sync with hers. The nightmares didn’t vanish, but in her arms, they didn’t feel so strong.

You closed your eyes again, this time not afraid.