Eleven.

Trigger warning: Talk of past sexual abuse and suicide

Aiden

I knew what to expect when she had nightmares, but nothing could prepare me for this. She had tried to kill my sister. But it was like she was in some kind of trance, trapped in a dream while she was awake.

Why the hell had they been in bed together?

If we hadn’t made it back when we did, Halle would likely be dead.

Leighton glares at me as I try to reassure Bella.

Bella keeps asking me what is wrong with her. It was obvious what it was, it was past trauma, but she wasn’t ready to hear that. Or ready to accept it.

“Take Halle downstairs, make sure she is alright.” I snap as Halle rubs her throat and Leighton continues to glare at me.

Bella starts pacing as I let go of her. She takes the same steps, back and forth along the carpet. Not quite making eye contact with me as she frowns.

“Bella, you need to talk to me!” I demand as I grab her shoulders.

She looks into my eyes. “I didn’t know.”

“Nightmares?”

She slowly bobs her he