"No, no, no. Leave the panic."

His whisper was like honey that poured over the ears. It was a heavy, oppressive burden that gave no rest to anyone. Maxim laid his fingers on her cheeks, stroking the lines of her cheekbones with his thumbs.

"As long as I'm breathing, there's nothing to be afraid of. Will you just look at this? Such opportunities are ahead. Just don't be afraid of anything..."

He tried to convince her that there was no danger, but he did not fully believe it himself.