A terrified cry disturbed the night. Lados, eyes wide open, was desperately trying to catch his breath, after he jerked from his sleeping position. Lavender and bayberry aroma crawled in his nostrils and up his brain, informing him that he was home, on his fresh hay mattress. He felt Nerissa's tender touch on his back, it always made him relax in times of great stress. Little by little, his heart eased its racing. Slowly, his throbbing heartbeat returned to normal, followed by his breathing.
