36

Camille

I bolt upright, fleeing from the terror of another nightmare.

My heart is pounding hard and I'm breathing like I've just finished swimming in the all state championships.

Feeling disorientated, I frantically look around, checking to see where I am.

Satin-covered cream walls, long embroidered curtains hanging at the window, and that masculine scent of power clinging to the air gives me the answer I seek.

I'm in Alessio's room, sitting on his bed.

I'm not in the nightmare anymore and shadow monsters haven't slashed my throat. No one is trying to kill me.

It's morning and it's just me in here. Once again caught in the aftermath of another intense nightmare.

Damn it.

I don't know how much longer I can go through this.

Seeing the crest and not having any further information to work with has rattled my brain and put me in a stupor of confusion.

That thing has plagued my mind for years, smoldering like a volcano waiting to erupt. And worse of all, my little expedition the other night