A Dream Within a Dream

Mariah swallowed past the knot in her throat, her silver eyes finally meeting Caedes' emerald ones. Her gaze was haunted, the terror of her nightmares still lingering like a chilling mist. But within those haunted depths, something else flickered: a spark of hope kindled by Caedes' words. She wanted to believe him- but could she? It was so difficult for her to do so. But rather than argue with him, she offered a pained grin- a sublte nod in acknowledgement as she nestled closer into his comforting form, her trembling slowly subsiding. She let out a shaky breath, a weak laugh escaping her lips as she muttered, "You make it sound so easy,” He did. To be strong. To stand against the ghost that haunted her. But to be fair, his presence alone was comforting, and for a moment, as she was nestled against his warm chest, the nightmarish visions of Moros seemed to recede into the shadows, their cruel taunts silenced by Caedes' soothing voice. His reassurances may not have magically banished the nightmares, but they had bolstered her resolve, reminding her of the strength that still simmered within her.

They grew still, the silence of the early spring night filling the space around them. The crack of the fire. She was exhausted, and she felt herself getting heavier with sleep. She gently shifted them, laying back on the pallet of soft furs, her head resting against Caedes' chest. His heartbeat was a soothing rhythm, a lullaby that sang of safety and solace. “I love you,” She said softly, before braving the attempt to let unconsciousness take her once more.

-end thread-
"Mariah Mendacium"