"I'm sorry," I whisper, looking at him as the horrible feeling spreads through me more.
"You didn't do it," he says."And look, it's already stopped bleeding."
"But she hurt you," I whisper."And it's my fault."
"Evie, it's not your fault," he responds.
I shake my head."It is, it is.If I'd..."My breathing quickens, and I reach out for something, but I don't even know what.The world feels as if it's closing in on me, and it doesn't feel as if there's enough breath in my body.
Everything spins as the pressure inside my head feels like it's going to explode out of me.I press my hands against my forehead and let out a strangled noise, but it doesn't do anything to help.
"Evie," Nate says, his warm hands on my arms."You have to breathe slower.It'll pass.Breathe out, make a noise."
I try to do what he says, but it's difficult to focus on his words, even while he's right next to me.
He keeps repeating the instructions in a calm voice, though I can hear an edge of worry beneath them.It's a fair response, especially when I know that I'm a mess.
"Don't make me get Ember here to help," he says.
I let out a weird laugh, but it's enough to break through the stranglehold over me.It gives me a chance to breathe normally until I can tap on his arm."I'm all right," I whisper."I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be sorry, Evie," he says softly."Come on, you need to sit down."
"Where?"
"There's a bench in the courtyard," he says."Why don't you go sit there, and I'll bring you a drink?"
"I can't let you do that."I look up at him, fearing that I look a mess, but feeling better when I see the care in his deep brown eyes.
"I want to."He leans in and kisses my forehead."Please, Evie?"
I nod, knowing that it's probably for the best.My throat feels raw, and my eyes sting a little, so some air is probably a good thing.I make my way outside and sit down on the bench, trying to ignore the cold wind that ruffles through my dress.When I got ready to come down to the kitchen, I did it with the intention of baking, not sitting outside.
Nate appears a few minutes later with a couple of mugs and a blanket slung over his arm.He hands me one of the mugs, and I'm surprised to find drinking chocolate inside it.
"It'll help," he says as he unfolds the blanket and drapes it over my shoulders.
He sits beside me, but not before I notice a shiver go through him.
"Here."I open the blanket, and he takes the offer immediately, putting his arm around me and pulling me closer.
I rest my head against his shoulder and close my eyes, letting the peace of the courtyard chase away the rest of the tension.There's no one here at this time, especially when it's already dark and cold outside.
"What would we have done if it were raining?"I ask.
Nate chuckles."I'm sure we'd have figured it out.Are you all right?"
"Are you?Ember scratched you."
"I know, but it's fine.Look."He turns his face so I can see his cheek.The light coming from the kitchen is only dim here, but it's easy to see that he's right, and it's barely noticeable."So, what happened?I doubt that was about a dragon scratch."
"It's everything."I take a sip of my chocolate, enjoying the sweet and rich taste.He's right, it does help."Earlier was worse than I thought it was going to be."
"It was about on par with what I expected," he responds.
"I'm sorry," I blurt out.
Nate frowns."For what?"
