"Don't, don't," Edmund said, unconsciously echoing his own orders from earlier, to not move so, to keep calm. He couldn't see her face for her hand, but he cupped her cheek despite it. The tears felt damp under his palm, giving him a pained expression, but he tried to calm and steady her.

"I didn't mean to get you this upset, Claire. I'm sorry," he said, his voice all gentleness and concern now. He didn't regret a single word, but perhaps he should have waited to say them. Too late to take it back now; he could only stay by Claire through the aftermath. "Just breath. Don't talk. It's alright."