Chapter 409 Nothing else mattered

Ray gasped as he opened his eyes, chest heaving. He was no longer on the cold stone floor, he was back in bed, wrapped in warm blankets, the soft smell of Lilith's perfume calming the storm inside him.

"Hey, hey… don't cry." Lilith's voice was low, gentle. She was so close, her forehead nearly touching his, her thumb brushing away the tears that clung to his lashes. "It was just a nightmare, Ray… you're safe. You're with me."

He wanted to speak but all he could do was cling to her wrist with trembling fingers, trying to ground himself in her warmth…

"It's just a nightmare…" Lilith whispered softly, brushing Ray's hair back from his forehead. He looked at her with those tired, watery eyes and gave her a small, trusting smile as she stroked his head until he fell asleep again like a child in her arms.

Lilith stayed awake for a few moments, frowning slightly.