HUNDRED TWELVE

CAMILLE'S POV

I jolted awake to the sound of Collins crying out in his sleep. His small body was shaking violently, tangled in the sheets as he fought against whatever nightmares were haunting him. My heart ached seeing him like this. I reached out and gently shook his shoulder.

“Collins, sweetheart, wake up. It’s okay. Mommy’s here.”

His eyes flew open, wide with fear. For a moment, he looked disoriented, then he threw himself into my arms, sobbing. I held him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“It’s okay, baby. You’re fine now. It was just a bad dream. You’re safe.”

He clung to me, his small body trembling. “Mommy, the bad men... they were coming for me,” he whimpered.

I kissed the top of his head, trying to keep my own tears at bay. “No one’s going to hurt you, Collins. You’re safe. We’re all safe.”

The door creaked open, and Dimitri stepped in, his eyes full of joy. I was reminded of the birthday celebration he wanted to throw, but seeing Collins in this state made