The familiar warmth of Alex's embrace was a stark contrast to the lingering chill of the nightmare. My heart still hammered against my ribs, echoing the terror of the hooded creature and the piercing screams. It was always the same dream, vivid and horrifying, leaving me breathless and drenched in sweat.

"Eva... Eva..." Alex's soothing voice broke through the remnants of my fear, his hand gently rubbing my back. It took a conscious effort to loosen my grip on the sheets, to pull myself back from the precipice of sleep-induced horror.

He handed me a glass of water, his eyes filled with concern. "Was it the same nightmare?" he asked, his voice soft. My lips felt dry, and I could only nod, trying to shake the lingering images from my mind. He pulled me closer, holding me tight, repeating, "It's okay honey. It was just a dream. Everything is alright."

Melting into his arms, I found solace, as I always did. He knew exactly how to make me feel safe, to chase away the shadows. "Why don't you sleep again? It's only 2:00 am," he murmured, but I shook my head. "I don’t want to sleep. What if that devil comes to haunt me again?" I shuddered slightly, the memory too fresh.

"No problem. We can talk to each other all night, but first lie down," he said, patting his thigh with a wide smile. I knew his trick, but I couldn't resist. As I laid my head in his lap, he began to massage my temples, a familiar comfort that always lulled me into a deep, peaceful slumber. This was my heaven, a sanctuary from the creeping dread that only seemed to intensify with each passing night.