"No!"
As the silent scream tore through her lips, Aliana's eyes snapped wide open, glowing a brilliant, unnatural red. She remained completely oblivious to the transformation, unable to see the alteration for herself.
Her chest rose and fell in uneven, rapid succession.
Sweat drenched her face and neck as she gasped. Her lips parted while she struggled to catch her breath. Just then, a heavy crack of thunder rumbled outside, bleeding into a burst of lightning that illuminated the room through the glass windows.
The flash of light was enough for Aliana to realise she was back in her own bedroom.
Her shaky hands reached out instinctively, fumbling along the bedside table until her fingers found the switch to the lamp. With a click, soft light flooded the space.
She scrambled backwards on the mattress, pressing her back firmly against the headboard.
Leaning over her knees, she buried her face in her palms, her body still trembling from the lingering horror of the dream.
