breathing was heavy, starkly audible in the stillness of the room!Seeing her leaning against the washbasin, she was safe. A wave of relief washed over him and the pallor on his face vanished. He stro...and looked at her helplessly. "It must hurt a bit, just bear with it!"The tone unconsciously softened, making it sound like someone was coaxing a child when they listened.She uttered a soft "hm," bit...