Page 210 of The Gods Veiling
I’m sorry for what I’m about to do.
As the third lash lands straight down the center of my back, crossing the two throbbing with agonizing pain, I grip my soul. I pull it toward me in hopes that I don’t make them fall to their knees but find me.
Please come for me.
The fourth lash slices across my lower back and my hips thrust forward as though they can run from it. It hurts to scream. My throat is raw and the tang of blood, sweat, and tears makes the burning sensation intensify to the point I don’t know if I’ll talk right after this.
Black spots dance across my eyes, but the sound of a familiar voice has me attempting to blink them away.
“What the fuck is going on?”
Creed’s voice thunders around me. It takes so much strength to lift my head, but when I do, my eyes collide with him where he’s standing at the arch entering the Court.
“You made it just in time. Your Binder’s learning a very valuable lesson.” The elation in Gladian’s tone is sickening and Creed’s eyes narrow dangerously on him as he takes calculated strides forward.
“What in the name of the Valories made you think you could teach her a lesson?”
“The fact that she came in here, powers blazing, and used them on my Binder. Then on me. She crossed the line.”
“And what pushed her to that point?”
He stops for just a moment at the post as he looks down at me.
My croak is pitiful. “Creed.”
He walks away. He turns his gaze and walks away from me. I swear what little piece of soul I have left withers.
“It doesn’t matter—”
“It does. Which Valtrue struck first?”
“She did. She came in here and attacked Mara.”
“Why?”
Silence hangs heavy in the air. I flinch as a voice calls out, then I cry when the movement causes my back to rip a little more.
“Mara hurt Thayla’s Attendant, Yemi. Mara claimed Yemi hit her first when she approached her.”
I force my head to rotate against my bicep as I follow the female’s voice. I close my eyes softly when I find her.
Why would you do that?
Why would she, as an Attendant, insert herself right now?
“It doesn’t matter,” Gladian shouts, silencing any murmurs and whispers. “I’m doing what you should have been, and that’s teaching your Binder her place. You should’ve been punishing her harder and you’ll finish it now. Then you’ll make sure she remembers.”
Everything inside of me goes cold. His command tethers to my soul and my lungs beg me to breathe.
I can’t.
The chains rattle when I force my shaking limbs to hold me up as I peer over my shoulder.
Creed’s dark eyes meet the begging in mine.
Nothingness stares back at me.
“How many lashes has she had?”
