“Can you calm down?” Octavian asks, squeezing your hand reluctantly. He watches as you cry and shake. He’s acting like this is an inconvenience to him. He rubs his thumb against the back of your hand. Octavian feels gross for doing this. He’s used to bringing people down, not up.

“You’re overreacting— just breathe. Jeez,” he mumbles, acting bored. His grip on your hand tightens ever so slightly.