Soothing her terrors

Song recommendation: Dandelions by Ruth B

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Ophelia leaped out of the bed, crashing her forehead against Nikolai's, but she was unaffected by the impact because the anguish from the fire had already enveloped her body.

Her eyes were full with tears that would not shed, and her breath was ragged. And because of the times it had stopped, her heart was pumping wildly and shoving blood into her veins with great force.

She became aware of her body trembling as if she were outside in a brisk winter. How close was she to passing away? How?! How in the world did Nikolai awaken her? She was actually being punished by a god! "I.." She attempted to speak, but instead she let out a violent cough.

Nikolai grabbed her hand just as she was going to slam her chest. "Darling." He murmured in a soft voice.

Ophelia shuddered with terror. She raised her eyes to his face, attempting valiantly to hide the dread that was tearing at her watery eyes.