Manuel pov

After we ate, Aurora went back to bed.

But the night didn’t end peacefully. Whatever nightmare haunted her in sleep continued, gripping her again and again until she grew terrified to close her eyes. She would rather stay awake, silent, staring into nothing until dawn.

Neither of us got enough sleep. By the time the clock struck seven, she finally drifted off without jerking awake from another nightmare. Her breathing evened, her face softened, and for once, she looked calm.

I ...