She woke, trembling from the same dream she had experienced nearly every night lately–only this time it had a unique twist–this time she survived.

It should be getting easier; you would think so, at least. But no, how could Naomi erase the horrific images of when Nick had placed her in that dark, distant realm, trapped in the cold, dank earth?

In real life she had survived. Of course she had, she was lying here, snug and safe next to Bryce, who'd slept through this latest nightmare, blissfully unaware of the graphic images that floated so freely in her head. Images that may creep to the recesses of her thoughts at times, but would never truly leave her mind. Maybe the fact that she had lived in this version of the dream meant the nighttime visions would disappear–poof, gone–just like that. Naomi stifled a bitter laugh. If only.

Now, she needed to let go. Naomi had her life to get on with, and besides, all of the spirits from her past had been served their justice, received their peaceful endings. So then what was up with this incessant, smothering, recurring nightmare?

If only she could get her own blissful ending and remove the horrific memories of her past battle with the spirit of her ex boyfriend, Nick. After all, they had made peace with one another, so the consistent nagging of the dream should be long gone.

"Hey," Bryce mumbled, pulling Naomi closer. She shut her eyes, attempting to allow only clean, pure thoughts to enter. She focused on him–her senses basked in Bryce. Just Bryce. He pulled her closer still, gently reaching for her as she touched the rough stubble on his cheek. There. This seemed to be working.

Naomi got her reprieve as she drew Bryce's mouth toward hers.