Chapter 16
ZIRAEL
I studied her carefully, as I took notice of the way she held herself – protective, defensive, but not too submissive. Even terrified, she maintained self respect and dignity that wasn't normally found in someone so young.
"You're injured," I said, observing her wounds as I kept my voice neutral.
She looked down at her arms, where bruises were already beginning to form as she hid it behind her back.
"It's nothing," she said quickly. "I'm used to it."
The words hit me like a physical blow as I felt my breath hitch hearing her words.
Used to it. This child was used to being hurt, used to being treated as less than human and she didn't see it as a big deal, and probably saw it as one of her daily activities. And suddenly, I understood why Lucerion had been so angry.
