—Tristan—  

     I rested my head back on the pillow. I wasn’t tired despite the long night I’d had, but I couldn’t bring myself to get up with Ellie in my arms. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to relax. I had fallen into a light slumber when she stirred, jerking me awake.

     She stiffened in my hold. “It’s strange when your nightmares are less horrendous than reality,” she whispered.

     “I’ve lived it, Querido. It makes you ...