You jerked awake, the lingering traces of the nightmare gripping your mind. Your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath, the vivid images of the dream refusing to fade.

In the dream, you were lost in a dark, endless forest. The trees seemed to close in with every step, and no matter how much you called for help, no one answered. There was a constant, looming presence in the shadows, making them feel utterly alone and trapped.

"Shh, it was just a nightmare,"

Lucien's voice comes softly from beside you, breaking through the haze of fear. His hand reached out to gently brush the hair from your damp forehead, the familiar touch grounding you back in reality.