Ricard sat beside Lyra, trying to reassure her with the gentlest and calmest voice he could manage. However, Lyra's panic was becoming increasingly obvious. Her eyes were still red, and her swollen lips trembled slightly whenever she tried to say something. Fear and tension were written clearly across her face, making Ricard unable to stop worrying.
"Lyra, it's all right. You don't need to worry about performing," Ricard said, trying to keep his voice gentle, though deep down he already understood that Lyra could not perform in this condition.
Lyra shook her head, trying to speak, but her voice caught in her throat.
"I... I can't... I'm sorry, Ricard... I really can't perform..." she nearly choked out, her panic causing her to lose control completely.
Ricard sighed softly, then placed a hand on Lyra's shoulder, his eyes full of sympathy.
