AD

ng that only became harsher with each lash. I had to stop counting somewhere along the way, unable to focus on

my cheeks, more water welled in my eyes, and it wouldn't stop pouring.

of my skin that the whip lashed. Despite my tears, the only satisfact

anguish that threatened to spill out of me. My body flamed in

s. Still, I clamped my lips shut, refusing to let out the cries of horror that rumbled through my chest. My knees quaked a

mind so that it could numb my body from this pain. Another failed attempt to pull my mind away from this moment

ho owned my body. In the early years, when she started hitting me, I would cry, become hysterical, and plead for her to stop, but over time, I became used to the

time she hit me, cut me or hurt me, I would feel myself leave my body as I let go and

Aunt Diwa. It was a future where I had succeeded and escaped her abuse, and that made welcoming the pain easier. Becaus

f a life without pain; only then could I dream of a life where I was treated better and someone else cherished

e this was my better life. Being back in this pack was my better place; being mated to Hunter and experiencing his love for two years was the better life I had alw

uested, pushing thro

his will pass soon.' I replied,

y if you end up collapsing from the pain. Let me take over; I can handle the pai

lesser the risk of getting infected.' Levana added, and I gave up the argument as I let her take over. A sigh of relief

right, and she winced. If the elder noticed that my wolf was now present from the change in my eye colour, he didn

the fireplace made out of a stack of river rocks. He picked up a branding rod with a flat surface made of silver,

er began moving, and he continued up the step

hought of tainting their mate bond; know that you will meet the s

to me, and I almost fought Levana for control. 'Don't panic. I've got this; just pretend like this isn't happening. I

I tuned most of it out as I tried to fight back the fear that enveloped my entire soul. The heat from the

etween my shoulder and my neck, and he pressed it harshly into my skin. "This is the evidence of your sins, a reminder

rning through my flesh. Levana bit my lower lip as the rod slid deeper into my skin, causing my entire body to

" The elder instructed with a grating voice as he

st of the pain, I still felt an enormous amount of it, and it was mind-breaking. The gu

a murmured with wobbly lips before the guards