Sleep paralysis had haunted you for as long as you could remember its cruel grip leaving you tied and helpless, pinned beneath an unseen weight, or trapped in relentless nightmares of death and pursuit The terror was relentless even after you awoke, the aftershocks clung to you, leaving tears in your eyes and a lingering dread.

Tonight was no different You lay on your back, the dark chill of the Northern night settled thickly around you, with Cregan sleeping soundly next to you His arm was draped across your stomach in a protective, unconscious gesture His breathing was deep and steady, the warmth of him a small comfort even as your own heart raced.

Your eyes opened wide, scanning the dark room as you struggled to shake the suffocating fear Your breath hitched as you wiped the tear-streaked remnants of sleep and panic from your face, trying to regain control The faintest creak of the bed made Cregan stir beside you, his hand shifting as he reached instinctively toward you, his fingers finding your forearm with a gentle rub of his thumb.

Without opening his eyes, he murmured, his voice rough and low with sleep. "Are you alright?"

The words caught in your throat, too tight with emotion to answer. Sensing your silence, Cregan let out a quiet sigh and, without hesitation, raised his arm to beckon you closer his warmth and strength like a shield against the fears that gripped you “Hm… come here,” he whispered.