Nerva's throat went dry as she carefully ran her fingers through River's hair, doing her best to soothe her.

Demons.

River was speaking of demons.

She knew it, and yet she couldn't acknowledge it. Couldn't confirm it. Because to do so would be to break their tenuous fantasy, the denial of truth that they both fully understood. She would have to face the danger that River was in - that River put the rest of Skyhold in. And she would not do that.

So instead she shook her head. "No, River. They are dreams, only. Fever dreams. You are safe. I am here."