Astrid's voice pierced the air, her words laced with pain.
"It hurts... Julian..." She thrashed around on the bed, trapped in a nightmare.
Julian swiftly moved to her side, trying to rouse her from the nightmare.
As he gently shook her, Astrid's hands shot up, encircling his neck with a desperate grip.
Julian's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't flinch.
Instead, he whispered softly, trying to calm her down. "Hey... it's a nightmare... wake up, Astrid." His voice was soothing.
Astrid's fingers tightened around Julian's neck, her nails digging into his skin.
Her eyes remained closed, her face contorted in a mixture of fear and pain.
Julian's hands carefully pried at her fingers, trying to loosen her grip without startling her further.