Jay-Jay's POV
Keifer's nightmare shook us both awake, his body trembling against mine, breaths ragged like he'd run from real monsters. The clock glowed 3:17 AM — too early for dawn, but I held him anyway, fingers stroking his hair until his grip loosened.
"Tell me," I whispered when his shaking eased.
He exhaled shakily, face buried in my shoulder. "The tree. Fake text from Mom. Kaizer's men. They… beat me. Said she was dead all along. Took everything."
Tears pricked my eyes, but I kept my voice steady. "Just a dream. Serina's safe. We're safe."
He pulled back slightly, eyes red-rimmed in the dim light. "Felt real. Like losing her again. Losing you."
"You won't." I cupped his face, thumbs wiping damp cheeks. "We fought too hard. Kaizer's gone. Family's whole."
He nodded, but doubt lingered. I reached for his wrist, turning the bracelet so moonlight caught the beads. "Feel this. Real. She gave it to you. Tomorrow, we call her. Breakfast. Proof."
A small smile cracked through. "Bossy queen."
"Your queen," I teased softly, kissing his forehead. "Now sleep."
He settled back, head on my chest, arm heavy across my waist. My heartbeat became his lullaby.
Dawn crept in slow — pink light through curtains, coffee brewing auto-timer beeping. Keifer stirred first, eyes clearer. "Morning."
"Morning." I handed him his phone. Serina's text waited: "Coffee run? Boys say hi! 😘"
He exhaled, relief flooding. "Real."
"Always." We dressed slow, shared lechoen (my favourite ❤️ ), hands brushing constant.
School waited, but first — family. Proof nightmares lied.
Together, unbreakable.