The dream came as soon as I fell asleep. I was running, just running. I wasn't running to something or from someone, just running. But then I heard a familiar voice, just as taunting as I could remember. LeBlanc. It was LeBlanc. Her voice echoed through the background of the dream. “You can’t fight us forever. Your mother fell, and so will you,” her voice laughed. The floor fell out from under me, and I screamed. The sound was shrill and piercing. I bolted awake, breathing rapidly and unevenly. I was still shaking from my dream. It was morning, the sun shining through the boarded-up shelter windows. I felt a warm and dangerous presence settling in next to me. I knew it was Katarina, and I was grateful it was her. I needed comfort. Her voice was soft and gentle. “Hey, you ok? I heard you screaming in your sleep.” She asked, gently tilting my chin to look at her. I respond shakily. “I had a dream, I was running, then I heard LeBlanc’s voice. She was taunting me and my mother’s legacy and…” I couldn’t finish. I was sobbing now, clinging to Katarina like a lifeline. My head was buried in the crook of her neck, the smell of rusting metal and bl00d filling my nose. It was unmistakably her scent, and it brought a bit of comfort. My hug caught her by surprise, but she put her arms around me and held me tight. Her voice was soothing and comfortable. “It’s ok. You’re gonna be okay, hon. I’m here, she’s not. I won’t let her get any closer. The Black Rose will never claim you, hon, never, not as long as I’m here,” she cooed. Her voice was eerily soft as she rubbed soothing circles on my back. I lean deeply into her touch, soaking it up like a plant in the sun. I didn’t say anything back. I was still crying, and thankfully, she didn’t say anything back either. She wasn't trying to fill the silence with empty words. Eventually, I pulled away. I wiped my eyes and stood up. I silently and slowly gathered the things Katarina and I would need for the day.
Thanks to @EmberstarofMoonClan for editing my writing
