CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGTH: Honor and Remembrance

My dreams dance on the edges of my consciousness, a haze of warmth and comfort wrapping around me like a cocoon. But as something soft caresses my face, gentle and soothing, I stir from my slumber, blinking against the intrusion of light. My vision adjusts slowly, revealing the silhouette of a figure bathed in sunlight, a familiar scent and soft chuckles drifting towards me.

"Hugh?" I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. "You're awake now?"

"I am," comes the gentle reply, accompanied by the sound of movement. "Sorry I've woken you up."

My heart skips a beat as I jolt into a sitting position, my eyes wide with disbelief as I take in the sight before me. There, bathed in the soft glow of dawn, is Hugh, his form tangible and real, a living, breathing presence that banishes the shadows of doubt that has haunted my dreams. Though bandaged and bruised, he’s awake, his eyes meeting mine with relief and gratitude.

Tears well in my eyes as I throw myself into his arms, my embrace fierce with t