Chapter 184: bad dream
Lila’s pale eyes flickered with lingering fear, her black curls damp against her forehead, her trembling body pressed tight against Kael, her arms locked around him.
Kael held her close, his warmth seeping into her, his hazel eyes soft, his t-shirt soft against her cheek, his scent—clean, faintly spicy—calming her racing heart.
"It’s just a bad dream, Lila," Kael murmured, his voice low, soothing, his hand stroking her back, her curls brushing his fingers, the Haven’s creaky quiet wrapping around them.
"You’re safe here, with me. Nothing’s gonna get you." His words were steady, but guilt gnawed at him, his mind flashing to Tila’s cockroach panic, his "training" likely bleeding through their psychic link to spark Lila’s nightmare.
He almost chuckled at the irony—villains so traumatized they see nightmares asleep, yet awake, they’re nightmares to others, their fears a twisted mirror.
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on Lila, her shivering easing, her grip loosening, her breaths steadying.
Lila pulled back slightly, her pale eyes meeting his, her voice small, apologetic, her gown twisted, her face flushed.
"I’m sorry, Kael... I messed up the mission. Freya and Rhea—they had to save me, and the Gales got away because of me." Her hands fidgeted, her collar humming faintly, the bed’s springs creaking as she shifted, her guilt palpable, the room’s stale air heavy.
Kael’s grin was gentle, his hand resting on her shoulder, his voice warm.
"It’s fine, Lila. We’ll get those wind freaks another day. I’m just glad you’re okay." He leaned closer, his hazel eyes steady, the lamp’s light catching his stubble. "You went through hell out there. That’s enough for now."
He tilted his head, his tone lightening, a spark of insistence in his voice.