The stench of vomit was overpowering on Islinda's breath and her body odor was unpleasant, but Andre did not shy away from her. He squatted down, observing her struggle to regain control as her world fell apart.
A tear rolled down her cheek, and without realizing it, Andre reached out and wiped it away, causing her eyes to flutter open. Their gaze met and held, but neither of them made a move. His heart squeezed painfully at the sight of her pain.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice gravelly. "I didn't mean to hurt you like that. Besides, you shouldn't take it to heart. For all I know, you could be anything but Fae. Maybe you're a witch. They are kind of our neighbors." Andre awkwardly laughed, attempting to lighten the tense atmosphere.
