ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE.

I jolt awake, falling off the side of the bed, and scramble to the nearest corner of the room, tucking my legs up to my chest and under my chin.

Yanking on the roots of my damp hair, I squeeze my eyes shut, suppressing the wails of torment, agony, and suffering from escaping past my lips.

The suite is pitch black and silent. Not a sound can be heard, and that's what terrifies me most.

Where is everyone?

Where is Alessandro?

'It was a dream, just a stupid, stupid dream that felt all too real, raw, and fresh,' My inner goddess wails for me.

“Ivy. Ivy!”

The bedroom door crashes open, slamming against the wall with a resounding thud as Alessandro barges into the room.

My body trembles and I rock back and forth, slapping the sides of my head.

The images of my night terrors won't fade, the sound of Joel's voice is too loud, and the sensation of his touch intensely licks my skin.

A warm pair of hands reaches out, touching my wrists, trying to prevent me from hitting myself.

I flinch,