——
In the bedroom, Mu Zi Xuan's body twisted under the covers, sweat soaking through his pyjamas.
His brows furrowed deeply as small tears slipped down his temples into his hair.
"Don't… don't leave me… Ah Xin… don't… mother… please… please…"
His voice came out in small broken whispers, pained and pleading, each word cracking in the quiet night air.
Suddenly, a warm hand grasped his trembling fingers. Another hand caressed his damp forehead, brushing away the sticky hair strands. A soft, low voice whispered in his ear.
"Sshhh… I'm here… It's okay… I'm right here… no one will hurt you again…"
His breathing began to slow as his brother's warm touch anchored him back to the present. His body relaxed under Zi Xin's rhythmic tapping against his shoulders, grounding him away from the horrors of his dream.
"I will protect you… always… sleep now, brother… I'm right here."
