Chapter 34

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Grace thrashed in bed, once more haunted by a terrifying nightmare. The grip of fear held her tight, wrenching her from sleep. With a sharp cry, she bolted upright, drenched in sweat, her breath ragged.

A warm hand enveloped her trembling form. "Grace, calm down," Noah's gentle yet urgent voice cut through the chaos of her mind. He tried to soothe her.

But Grace, her eyes still clouded with the remnants of her nightmare, pushed him away. She was in a panic state, with an urge to flee. Grace stumbled towards the door, desperate for escape. Yet Noah, swift as a guardian angel, stood in her path, blocking her from the door.

Thankfully, he had locked the door, when he came in, leaving Mrs. Hail and James outside. Noah gazed at Grace, her face filled with terror. "Snap out of it, Grace," his voice, a mix of frustration and concern, piercing through the haze of her panic. "Get a hold of yourself," he repeated.

Grace lifted her head, her eyes still clouded with the remnants of her night