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She repeated it so many times, her voice went hoarse from her screams.

Rakkley only laughed. Dark shadows restrained her arms and locked around her torso. She kicked and screamed, but the grip around her only tightened.

“Winters,” a voice said.

“Make it stop. Please.”

“Winters, I’m here. You’re safe.”

She opened her eyes. The room with Rakkley was gone. She was in the guest bedroom of Dawson’s home in Triphea.

“You’re having a nightmare,” he said calmly. “You’re safe now.”

With a shuddering breath, she looked down at herself. Her trembling hands were covered in blood. The inside of her arm had her familiar old scar. There were no seeping wounds. No black liquid. The only new wounds were self-inflicted. Deep scratches marred her skin where she had ripped at it.

“Winters, talk to me.”

Dawson’s pale arms remained locked around her, refusing to move. He was covered in scratches and blood, although she wasn’t sure if it was his or hers.

“Tell me you hear me.” Dawson’s voice was soft.

Rakkley had only been a nightmare, but what he had said was true. Some kind of Dark Magic had spread in her arm. Attached itself to her and made her relive the same moment over and over.

“I’m just so tired,” she whispered as tears streamed down her face.

Her body seized with sadness and anger. Burned with it. All the memories. All that death. All the goodbyes. Her life forever changed. It was all marked on her skin. Never letting her forget.

Dawson’s arms around her tightened as she collapsed against him.

“Breathe.” His voice sounded soft but firm next to her ear.

Only then did she realize she wasn’t. Couldn’t.

“Winters, you’re having a panic attack. I need you to breathe.”

All she could do was heave with violent cries. Her lungs burned.

Even in the depthless darkness, his arms didn’t let her go. “I’ve got you. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Just breathe.”

Holding her in his arms, he sank with her to the floor, hugging her tightly against his chest.

Rakkley was right: Mira had become a burden to everyone in her life.

“It’s over. You’re safe now,” he said as he brushed her hair to the side, never letting her go from his tight embrace. “Breathe. Please.”

As if coming up from deep underwater, she gasped for air.

“That’s it. Exhale slowly.” He mimicked a deep exhale. “And deep inhale. Just follow my voice.”

She focused on his chest rising and sinking next to her. It’s over. You’re safe now.

“Inhale for five. And exhale.”

She followed his instructions, feeling the tightness in her chest slowly ease.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe now,” his voice continued soothingly.

Her body relaxed against his as she focused on the warmth of his skin and the familiar smell of spearmint.