Regina had never been under such intense scrutiny before. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like she could hardly breathe. If it weren't for Martin's warm hand gently holding hers, she might have already bolted from the spotlight.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here, alright?" Martin leaned in, his voice low and soothing, like a protective growl from a wolf keeping danger at bay. The mischievous curl of his lips carried a devil-may-care charm, but his words landed like a steady heartbeat against the growing tension in her chest. "To me… you're the most beautiful one here."
