Brandon held Eira close, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady both his own breathing and hers.
His palm moved in small circles along her back, as if trying to absorb some of her fear.
Her sobs gradually weakened, but her body remained tense against his.
He lowered his head slightly and whispered, "It's alright… I'm here, Eira. You're safe now…"
He saw the dark finger marks across her pale skin in deep and bluish-purple against the soft curve of her jaw and neck.
His eyes trembled at the sight and his hand, which had been gently stroking her back, stiffened.
His fingers curled into fists against her shirt before he forced himself to breathe through the shock.
"Eira… Can… you breathe alright now? How are you feeling?"
Eira, though still trembling, nodded slightly, eyes swimming with tears but trying to pull herself together.
Her lips quivered as she tried to speak, but no sound came.
Seeing this, Brandon's heart broke further.
