Nora's POV
James's strong hand grips my shoulder, pulling me from the depths of terror. "Nora, wake up. You're having a nightmare."
My eyes snap open and I bolt upright, clutching at my chest. The phantom taste of smoke still burns my throat, making me cough violently. I'm gasping, desperate for clean air as I reach out blindly, needing to feel James there beside me. When we returned from the bar earlier, exhaustion had claimed me the moment my head hit his pillow.
The bedroom is completely dark. I can't make out anything around me, can't be certain those shadowy figures aren't still lurking nearby, waiting to drag me back to that blazing pyre.
