A Dream Within a Dream

It was the writhing, the whimpers that awoke him. At some point in the night, she had moved away from him, her thrashing figure illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. He rose, immediately understanding that she was having a nightmare, that there was no tangible foe for him to face to ease her suffering. He stalked forward, gaze intent on her face, in panic there. It caused his hackles to rise, his lips to pull up in displeasure. Caedes crouched beside Mariah, his expression souring with each pained whimper that escaped her lips. The sight of her trembling and the tears soaking her fur tore at him. His usually firm emerald gaze softened as he took in the full extent of her distress, and he desired nothing more than to take her pain away. He gently placed his paw on her shoulder, feeling the cold sweat matting her fur.

“Mariah.” The dire brute whispered, his voice a gentle rumble to not scare her, but imbued with a warmth and tenderness he reserved only for her. He brushed his muzzle against her cheek, his breath warm and steady, trying to anchor her in the present. To reality. “Mariah, wake up. It is a dream, you are safe.”

His muscled form was a blend of tension and protectiveness, taut as if ready to battle whatever demons haunted her dreams. Yet, his touch remained gentle, caressing her fur in slow, soothing motions.