“I don’t think I can do this,” I whispered through the cloth veil that obscured most of my face. My curls were held back with a cord and hidden under my scarf and hood, and my body was covered in a multitude of layers. I clutched Cornelius’s hand, shaking with every fiber of my being.

“I will be right there with you,” he gently said. “You don’t have to say a thing. We won’t stay for long if you’re uncomfortable.”

“I-I haven’t been around people in years,” I breathed, flinching at another howl of laughter that came from the nearby common area. “O-oh, moons, I can’t do this.” I felt my lungs fighting against my ribs.

“Hey, hey, look at me,” Cornelius softly said, tilting my head up. “You’ll be okay. I just want you to try this, okay? We won’t stay for long.”

I forced myself to swallow the thick emotion in my throat, and nodded. I gripped his hand as tight as I could as he led me into the common area.

The walls of the mineshaft had been taken out to form a large room supported with pillars of dark wood. Rickety wooden tables and patchwork chairs and lounges were scattered across the room, illuminated with various amber lanterns. The room was full of people. Young women, mostly, with a few girls and boys. When they caught sight of me, practically hiding behind Cornelius, the chatter died down.

“Everyone, this is Augustus,” he gently said. “He’s really shy and not very talkative, and it’s important that you don’t see his face.”

“Uh, most of us already have,” chuckled a scantily-clad woman with brown skin and short golden hair who was sitting on one of the rafters. A magma child, by the looks of her, one who didn’t care who saw her body. “We were all there when he fell through the ceiling, remember? Why’s he gotta hide his face?”

“Personal reasons,” Cornelius shot her a glare.

My feet were beginning to hurt. I clung to Cornelius.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Yes it does, Belle, leave him alone,” a young man with grey hair and harsh eyes snapped. “He can wear whatever he damn well pleases.”

“I don’t wanna be here,” I whimpered, voice cracking. It was hard to breathe.

“Okay, okay, we can go,” Cornelius assured me.

“Aww, leaving so soon?” A pale woman with white hair cooed.

“Do not speak to him like that!” Cornelius snapped, almost scaring me if it weren’t for the way he was protecting me. He seemed to also startle most everyone else in the room, and some people even made faces that clearly said ‘you’ve done it now’. “Let me make one thing clear: speak to him like that again and I’ll chain you outside, I don’t give a shit what Stefan says. We do not speak to him or about him like that, we do not make comments on his appearance. Understood?”

“Ugh, you’re not Stefan.”

“Stefan would agree and you know it,” Cornelius firmly replied. “You’re already on thin ice with that shit you pull on Elkan, do you really want another black mark on your record? Augustus is a guest here, and a victim of the Empire, like many of us; we are to treat him with respect. You best remember that, Serenity.” He took my arms and guided me away, “Alright, all done, we can go.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me back down the hall.

Once we were far enough away, I became aware of the tightness in my chest and my shaking hands. I felt as though I was being smothered, and my legs trembled with the weight of my fear.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, I got you,” Cornelius whispered. “You’re okay, Augustus, let’s just get you back to your room.”

“I-I can’t breathe,” I gasped, fumbling for the veil. My heart pounded madly. I was shaking. I couldn’t even stand. I slid down against the wall, coming to curl up on the floor, holding my head and gasping.

“Hey, Augustus, c’mon, talk to me,” his concern was overwhelming. “Oh, moons, you’re heart is racing, is this‒”

“He’s having a panic attack,” a familiar voice said as footsteps quickly approached us. “Hey, Augustus, I’m going to take your hands, okay?” He wiggled his hands into my grasp. “Okay, I’m going to gently squeeze, and I want you to breathe in as I squeeze, and breathe out as I release, okay? Doesn’t have to be perfect, just try your best.”

I shakily nodded, whimpering, eyes glistening.

I felt him squeeze my hands, slowly and gently. I tried hard to breathe in as he did so. I held my breath when he stopped. I exhaled as his grip loosened.

“There you go,” he softly praised. “Again?” The grip tightened once more.

I felt my heart slowly beginning to calm. Cornelius kept his hand on my back, rubbing soothing streaks.

After a few tense minutes, I got ahold of myself. The newcomer released my hands, and I turned into Cornelius’s chest, gripping his shirt and sniffling.

“You feeling better?” He softly asked.

“...Enough,” I muttered.

“Augustus?” I glanced up to find the grey-haired man from earlier. “That was called a panic attack. I have them too. Doing breathing exercises help, along with recognizing what causes them. I know they can be really scary sometimes, but, really, focusing on your breathing helps. And then maybe drink some water and take a nap.”

“Thank you, Diego,” Cornelius sighed. “Would you, maybe, mind taking him some food when Stefan, Elkan, and I go off in a few days?”

My gaze shot to him in surprise.

“I’d be honored,” Diego nodded. He gently touched my shoulder, “Go lay down, get some rest.” He glanced at Cornelius, “And maybe explain why you’re leaving.”

Cornelius nodded. The pair helped me to my feet, and Diego left us to keep moving back to the room.

When we got there, I ripped off the veil, curls flying. “You’re leaving?!”

“It’ll just be for a day or two,” Cornelius quickly assured me. “Waylon and Diego will bring you food, and you have books to keep you company,” he gestured to the small shelf, which was half-filled with worn books. “I have a job to do with Stefan and Elkan, but we won’t be gone longer than a day and night.”

I sharply inhaled, focusing on my breath just like Diego said. I sat on the bed, fresh tears coming to my eyes. He slowly sat beside me, gently taking my hand. I leaned on him, sniffling.

“I won’t be gone long,” he whispered. “You can see me off, and I will come right here the second I get back.” He wrapped his arm around me, hugging me tight. “And you won’t be alone. Diego and Waylon will bring you food, and you know the way to the common area now. You’ll be okay.”

I had no choice but to believe him.