The Ultimate Reality

[Nox]

Nightmares were something Nox knew all about. He had his own, he didn't wish those sleepless nights on anyone. He spoke softly in her ear. "Elyse, wake up." He shook gently until her eyes slide open almost confused as she sat up. Her breathing was labored and her pulse was fast.

Nox pulled her close. "It's okay." Nox comforted her - rubbing her arms and holding her close. All he wanted to do was protect her. Keep her safe. His night with Kali fled to the recesses of his mind as he listened to Elyse tell him about her nightmares. The blue eyes, the strange man and the snakes.

He couldn't interpret dreams. Some people had prophetic ones - he almost wished he did - it would mean he'd not dream continually of the deaths of his family. Nox started humming a soft tune. One he only remembered upon waking with bad dreams as a kid. His mother used to hum it to him. It was comforting to him, he hoped it helped Elyse.

Nox laid down in the bed and pulled her close while she settled into calm thoughtful silence. Nox hummed and closed his eyes taking in the soft scent of Elyse's shampoo and smiled to himself.

The melody soon faded and Nox slipped into the recesses of his own mind. The darkness consumed him and the images began again as they always did - on repeat - over and over until Nox saw Aurora dead and grinning with soulless eyes and blood dripping from wounds she never received.

Nox's eyes shot open. His heart was racing, he was covered in sweat. But Elyse lay in his arms he was sure she was still awake. He knew what time it was - the same time he woke up every night. But he stayed in bed and held her close until the sun was peaking in their window.

They both got up in a shared silence. The scent of bacon wafted up into the hallway as they headed down stairs to join the Vega family.