"Aria, breathe. I am right here."
Marcus woke the second her scream cut through the dark. He cupped her face gently.
"Look at me, sweetheart. You are safe and with me."
Her breathing hitched, then slowed as her gaze finally locked onto his.
"Marcus." Her voice trembled. "I am sorry. I did not mean to wake you."
"You never have to apologize for that. Tell me what you saw."
She swallowed. "The same thing I always see. My family is dying. I watch it happen every time I close my eyes, and I cannot stop it. And tonight it was worse because you were there too. You were bleeding, and I could not save you either."
He leaned his forehead against hers, grounding her.
"I am right here. I am alive. I am holding you. Nothing is going to happen to me."
"It is not just a dream. It is a memory. A real one. And it feels like it could happen again." Her hands trembled as she pressed them against his chest. "Every night I hear the gunshots all over again."
He kissed her temple softly.
