The small, warm body pressed against her. With each steady rise and fall of its chest, it miraculously began to smooth away the violent trembling that had wracked the girl's frame.
Under the warm yellow lamplight, San Geng's soft fur was haloed in a soft glow. It was like a small heart-guard, silently protecting her peace.
This non-aggressive comfort, brought by the small animal, was like a basin of icy snowmelt, completely extinguishing the last embers of primal heat stirred by instinct in Shen Yuan's heart.
All that remained was a profound ache in his heart and a heavy sense of apology that threatened to drown him.
The stagnant air still seemed to carry the residual warmth of her terror.
Shen Yuan's gaze shifted from San Geng's peacefully resting little body to Li Zhi.
He drew a silent breath, practically holding it as he moved.
The soft mattress dipped as he carefully shifted closer to Li Zhi.
The young man finally stopped, barely half an arm's length away from her.
