Ethan's POV
I smiled wryly and was unsure of how to react. Yet, as I held her a peculiar emotion of protectiveness and tenderness stirred within me and this unexpected emotion took me by surprise.
I wrapped my arms around her and gently patted her back. I let her cry out all the pent-up pain she had been carrying for so long inside her but was not able to express or share it with anyone else.
"There, there, little Velcy," I murmured.
"Don't cry. From now on, I'll be here for you. I give you my word that you won't have to face those horrible things again."
My words seemed to soothe her and her sobs gradually subsided. Then, as if she suddenly realized how close we were, Velcy abruptly pulled herself away as her cheeks flushed a bright red.
She stepped back quickly with a startled expression as though she had been struck by lightning. I couldn't help but laugh softly at her reaction, finding it undeniably cute.
