53. Trauma

VICTOR....

She screams, she cries, she struggles; she's trying to hide from some monsters tormenting her. "Pl-lease don't kill me!" I want to hide, but I don’t let her go and hold her tightly.

"Bellatrix! It's me!" I said, trying to break through her nightmare. She struggles harder, but suddenly she freezes.

She trembles, and slowly her eyes flutter open. Tears smear her beautiful face; she is a mess—her hair is disheveled, her eyes red and puffy, full of unknown fear. "Victor." Her voice is barely a whisper. "I-is it really y-ou?" she asks, as if she is trying to make sure of my presence.

I am crouching in front of her; I cup her cheeks. "It's really me, little bird," I say gently.

She stares at me, still frightened but not struggling anymore. Suddenly, a loud thunder shudders her again, and she leaps into my arms, screaming again, "Pl-lease please d-don't leave me! Don't let them take me away!" She cries out, clutching me.

I hold her tight in my arms. "Shush, I'm here. No one