You woke with a start, heart racing, the nightmare still vivid in your mind. The monster had been chasing you again, its claws scraping the floor, its breath hot on your neck. No matter how fast you ran, it was always just behind you, growing closer. You couldn’t escape it.

Sitting up in bed, you felt the fear still linger, filling the room with a suffocating darkness. The shadows seemed to press in on you. You pulled the covers tighter, but it didn’t help. The nightmare wasn’t over. The monster was still out there, waiting.

You didn’t understand why it scared you so much, but you knew one thing: you couldn’t stay alone. Not tonight.

You slipped out of bed, padding quietly down the cold hallway. You knew where you needed to go. When you reached his door, you pushed it open just enough to peek inside. He was sitting by the window, his figure dark and still. When he saw you, his expression softened, and without a word, he opened his arms.

“Come here, princess,” he murmured.

You rushed into his arms, burying your face against his chest. His warmth surrounded you, the steady beat of his heart calming you. You clung to him, and slowly, the fear began to fade.

“Bad dream?” he asked softly.

You nodded, unable to find the words. He stroked your hair gently, holding you tighter.

“I’m here,” he whispered. “No monster will hurt you. Not while I’m here.”

In his embrace, the nightmare was no longer real. The darkness outside couldn’t reach you. You closed your eyes, feeling safe in his arms, knowing nothing could hurt you with him there.