CELINE’S POV
I sat on the soft velvet chair, my legs crossed, my fingers tapping against the armrest like they had a mind of their own.
The room smelled faintly of lavender oil, but nothing could distract me from the tension tightening my chest.
Emily sat beside me, wincing every few seconds as she shifted. Her face was red and swollen from the flogging she’d received earlier.
All because of Violet.
That girl had turned our entire marriage… our entire lives, into a nightmare.
Emily pressed her palm to her ribs and let out a shaky breath.
“Gods… it burns.”
Mirella leaned closer and whispered, “Here, drink this.”
She handed Emily a warm cup of herbs we’d mixed earlier. Steam curled upward, soft and earthy. It helped with pain.
Emily swallowed it with a wince.
“Mmm… better.”
Then
