Nora's POV
A sharp mechanical sound jolts me from sleep, and I bolt upright with a gasp.
My pulse hammers against my ribs as my vision searches desperately through complete darkness. Nothing but inky blackness surrounds me.
I can't make out even the faintest outline.
"Nora."
James's deep voice cuts through the silence beside me. He shifts upright and wraps his strong arms around my trembling form, drawing me back down against the mattress. Back into his embrace.
"What was that sound?" I whisper, my voice hoarse.
"Metal blinds," he murmurs against my ear. "They descend automatically at four every morning. They're designed to block all light and they're reinforced with steel. The mechanism is rather loud."
Despite the impenetrable darkness surrounding us, I close my eyes tightly and release a shaky breath.
"Right. That makes perfect sense."
