Chapter 148: Like Father like Son

The serenity of dawn was shattered by Elara's heart-wrenching scream. "CADEN!"

Caden bolted upright, his heart racing. He quickly reached out, pulling Elara close to him, her body trembling in his embrace. "It's okay, Elara, it's okay," he whispered softly into her ear, trying to soothe her back to consciousness. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Elara's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him, the lingering fear in her eyes being replaced with relief. "I... I saw you... disappearing again," she murmured, her voice shaky.

Caden kissed her forehead tenderly. "It was just a nightmare. I promise, I'm here to stay."

She nestled her head into the crook of his neck, taking a moment to breathe in his scent, drawing comfort from his familiar presence. "I know," she replied softly. "It's just hard... after all these years."