The world was red.

And her hands were stained with blood.

But were they really her hands? And whose blood was...

Emma woke with a start, tearing at the blankets for a moment until strong, warm arms were around her.

"Emma, you're safe. It was a dream."

Oh. Yes. A dream- no, a nightmare. And possibly a memory.

Nefariel pulled her close as she closed her eyes.

"Just a dream."

Maybe if he kept saying that, it could be true.

"Nefariel, I-"

There was no changing what either of them had done. They just had to move forward.

"I don't want to go back to sleep yet," she said, leaning into Nefariel's heat and weight. "I don't want that dream again."

"Then we'll stay awake." Nefariel shifted, pulling her against him and kissing her neck.

"Yes..." Though moments like these still felt like dreams anyway. She was sure Nefariel felt the same.

These were the dreams they could have together, now.

She reached to touch him, to shift, to make sure he knew she wanted everything he wanted to give.

The nightmares would be banished for one night, and that was enough for the moment.

Soon, the world was white.