Bella shook her head weakly, still trembling. Her tears soaked into Leo's shirt, but Leo didn't care.
She felt fragile in his arms, like she might break if he loosened his hold even a little. The memory of seeing her in that room, confused and scared and unable to even find the door, replayed again and again in his mind. His jaw clenched so hard it hurt.
"Just breathe with me…" he murmured, guiding her gently. "In… then out… slow…"
Bella tried to follow him, taking shaky breaths, her body still tight with fear.
Leo tucked her closer, one hand supporting her head, the other rubbing her back with slow, steady pressure, trying to help her relax even a little. His voice dropped to a soft whisper, warm against her ear.
"I'm right here, bunny. I won't leave you. Not for a second."
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
