Elara’s POV
The floor was freezing against my skin, but the heat of the bruises forming on my ribs felt even worse. I stayed curled in a ball, my breath is now coming in shallow, jagged hitches, and my mouth started to taste like copper and dust. I didn't dare move. Every time I tried to shift, its the like the whole world was not on my side.
My dress is now completely shredded, it's now looking like an expensive rag clinging to my sweat-slicked body.
As I heard the heavy, rhythmic thud of Julian’s boots in the hall and the entire hall being so silent I could clearly hear the crackle of the torches. I waited for the final blow. I waited for him to finish what the guards had started.
Instead, I heard a high-pitched, melodic cry sound. “Julian! Oh, thank the Goddess you’re back!"
I squ
