Grounded

Liam's P.O.V.

The nightmares started that same night.

It wasn't just the witches anymore. It wasn't just the cold, dark place where their laughter echoed through my skull like a ghostly hymn. No, the fire nightmares were back. Roaring, twisting flames that swallowed me whole. And Jamie's voice—his sneer, his taunts. Then the pain. The unbearable, searing agony of flames licking my skin, crawling up my body like a living, breathing monster.

I woke up gasping.

The room was dark, save for the light of the moon slipping through the curtains. My chest heaved, my skin slick with sweat. For a moment, I didn't know where I was. My hands clutched the sheets, my fingers trembling. But then—

Soft arms wrapped around me.

Mai.