Instead, she pushes back at the fear and unease, burying it deep within and resolving to face it alone should it ever find its way to the surface again, as if challenging the shadows in her dream to another duel in the confines of her mind.

She felt tired and even drowsy, but she wouldn't dare sleep. Not when the possibility of having another nightmare still loomed. After a few minutes, she stretched and tumbled out of bed. There was a lot to do.

★

A few minutes later, ...