Adrian's empathy deepened as he witnessed Aurora's suffering. Though her words carried a tone of anger, he recognized that her agony overshadowed any hostility she might hold.
"I know," he spoke softly, this time not in his usual sarcastic or teasing tone, but rather out of fear. Not for his sake, but for hers—one he hadn't felt in seventeen years since Thanatos left. "I can see that, but getting angry won't make it go away." His hand moved from her chin to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You need to try and calm down."
He looked into her eyes. "Take slow breaths. Inhale... And exhale. I will count to ten. Close your eyes," he whispered.
With no other solution, Aurora did as she was told. Closing her eyes, her body trembling, she took in a deep breath. "One... Focus on your breath," she heard him say, and she exhaled, taking in another breath.
