Xie Xun stared at her incredulously, but when she awkwardly masked her lapse, he could tell something was amiss. The sorrowful cries of the woman pierced the air; Fengyu clutched her cloak in agony, like a drowning person spiraling in helpless despair, her eyes reddened, indistinguishable between fear and hatred.
Xie Xun realized something and raised his hand to cover her ears. Fengyu thrashed like a trapped beast, but he forcefully pulled her into his arms, shielding her from the woman's screams with both hands. "Fengyu, don't be afraid!"
His hands were burning hot, broad and steady, unyielding as they blocked the chaos and anguish for her.
Gradually, Fengyu quieted down in his embrace. Xie Xun pondered—had Fengyu ever witnessed a woman giving birth? Even if she had, it shouldn't evoke such terror.
For the first time, Xie Xun saw genuine fear and vulnerability in Fengyu's eyes.
