Even though Serafina was back at home, the cold that had crept into her bones was not much relieved by the warmth of the Barduff Castle. The shadows in the corners of her chamber appeared to grow longer every night as she lay under the silky sheets of her bed, murmuring echoes of her imprisonment.
Even though Alpha Jacob, her father, had taken every precaution to keep her safe, the fear she had experienced could not be erased by a stronghold, a guard, or comforting words. The rogues' rough hands continued to feel like ghostly touches on her flesh, and their laughter continued to echo in her ears. She felt as though she was still in that gloomy, oppressive camp, even in the security of her chamber.
"Are you okay, Serafina?" She was startled out of her reverie by Leah's soft voice.
She looked back to see her Luna standing by the door, her kind features furrowed with worry. Leah wasn't duped by Serafina's hesitation before nodding.
"The nightmares?" Leah entered the room, sat on the edge of the bed, and asked.
Gazing down at her blanket's beautiful embroidery, Serafina gulped hard. Whispering, "I keep seeing them," she said. "I'm back there when I close my eyes. It feels so genuine, even when I struggle to wake up.
Leah stretched for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You're safe now, Serafina. Nobody is going to harm you again.
"Then why do I still feel like I'm there?" She became so frustrated that her voice broke. "Why can't I just be normal again?"
For her, Leah's heart ached. She had witnessed trauma before, but when it involved a loved one, it was different. Whispering, "Healing takes time," she said. "No one should ever have to go through what you have. However, you are not alone and you are powerful.
Serafina's eyes filled with tears. "What if I'm never the same again?"
Leah put a soft hand around her. "You won't be. However, that's alright. We'll assist you in returning to yourself now that you've survived. Serafina, you're not alone. You won't be.
For the first time since coming back, the small girl allowed her tears fall freely and held to Leah. She then started to think that perhaps, just possibly, she would return to the light.