Kaelen's POV
I bolted upright in bed, a scream lodged in my throat. My heart hammered against my ribs like a caged animal trying to escape. Sweat drenched my body, my sheets twisted around my legs in a suffocating grip.
The nightmare clung to me, refusing to fade.
Seraphina. On her knees. A gleaming silver blade arcing through the air toward her exposed neck. The look of absolute terror in her eyes as she silently mouthed my name.
"No," I gasped, running shaking hands through my sweat-soaked hair.
I fumbled for my phone on the nightstand, knocking over a glass of water in my haste. The digital clock read 3:17 AM.
My fingers moved instinctively, attempting to mind-link her.
*Sera? Sera, are you there?*
Nothing. Not even the sensation of hitting a wall. Just... emptiness.
I tried again, pushing harder this time, focusing all my energy on our bond.
*SERAPHINA! Answer me!*
Still nothing.
