He held her tighter, rubbing slow circles on her back. "It was a nightmare," he murmured. "You're safe now. Nothing's happening."
Her voice trembled as she tried to explain. "I saw the ruins, Galen. I saw my people. There was blood everywhere, and the sky was dark. It felt real."
"I know," he said gently. "But it's over now. You're here with me. Nothing can hurt you."
She stayed there, pressed against him, crying quietly. It wasn't loud or dramatic, just quiet sobs from deep inside, which carried exhaustion more than fear. Galen didn't say anything else for a while. He just held her and let her cry.
When her breathing finally steadied, she drew back a little, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"Don't apologize," he replied immediately. "You don't have to apologize for a nightmare."
