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chest intensified.
    "Good girl." He squeezed both of her hands, which were engulfed in his. "Now take another one. Focus on me and know I am here and will not leave you."
    She took another deep breath as Briar came rushing back to the bathroom with water in hand. Malachi took the glass and gently placed it to Elbi's lips.
    "Take a small sip," he said as he tilted the glass.
    She once again followed his command and took a drink, coughing slightly when the water made its way to her tight throat. She took one more sip and felt her chest loosen up a bit. The ringing stopped, and her vision cleared somewhat.
    He kissed the top of her hand. "Good girl. Calm down. I am here." He released her hand and returned the glass to Briar. "I will take it from here, Briar. Please go and inform everyone that Elbi is fine, and I will be attending to her this evening. Then get some help and bring back a few buckets of hot water, and leave them by the door."
    Briar nodded silently, gave her friend a soft smile, and turned to do as Malachi asked.
    Elbi covered her face with her hands, continuing to shake a little. She shook her head and let her sweaty locks spill everywhere. She had never been so embarrassed, so ashamed.
    He let out a soft sigh. "Elbi, everything is going to be all right. You had a rough day and were pushed too far. You had a panic attack, and you will feel much better once we calm you down."
    She peeked out from behind her hands to look at him. "I am so afraid. I'm not strong enough. I'm so sorry!" She began to cry even harder.
    "Look at me. Take another deep breath and look at me."
    Elbi carefully lowered her hands from her face, trying to take deep, calming breaths.
    "That's it," Malachi said softly, extending a hand. "It is okay, Elbi. There is nothing to be ashamed of." The thick accent of his voice helped soothe her nerves. The way her name rolled off his tongue sounded like a soft lullaby. The pain in her chest continued to lessen.
    Elbi's hand shook when he lifted it up and placed it in his palm. Her hand was sticky, sweaty with anxiety. He pulled her against his chest and just held her. Held her tightly against his body, allowing her to cling to his strength. They remained like that for quite some time, until they heard the sound of buckets being placed outside the door.
    "Since we are here, let us get you a bath, shall we? We will get you cleaned up."
    Elbi froze when Malachi grabbed the buckets of water for the bath and began to cry again.
    "It is going to be all right. You need to calm down," he softly ordered.
    She tucked her legs up to her chest and rested her forehead against her knees, her body continuing to tremble. Malachi sat down on the edge of the tub and carefully rested a hand on her back.
    "You can have trust in me, Elbi," he whispered. "You are not in danger anymore. I promise you that I will not let you feel this afraid again." He turned to tend to the bath and said over his shoulder, "I will give you some privacy to bathe, but I will be on the other side of the door, waiting."
    She took a breath and raised her head, only for tears to start rolling down her cheeks in streams. "Please don't leave me."
    "I will only be on the other side of the door," he lightly encouraged.
    "Please stay with me," Elbi pleaded, letting a sob shake her body. She had just experienced the edge of insanity, and Malachi was the only thing keeping her from falling over the edge.
    He stood up and wrung his hands together. "Very well. Let me help you undress and get into the bath."
    Elbi's sobs stopped, and she glanced up at him. "Thank you," she whispered.
    Silently, he stood her up and untied her soiled silk. She hadn't realized how filthy she truly was until that moment. She should have been embarrassed at her state of condition, but all she could feel was a sense of security.
    Malachi removed her clothing, baring her completely. He pulled her gently and assisted her balance as she stepped into the steaming water. His hands gently