Emmalee Time feels suspended as if the world itself has stopped spinning. The stinging sensation of his slap doesn't leave my cheek. I keep my hand over it, almost like I'm stopping it from spreading deeper into my face, or even my soul. My fingers tremble slightly, betraying my true feelings to him. All the while, Soren eyes me coldly, showing not an ounce of remorse for what he's done. I don't know how to approach this matter. My pride has been bruised, and this is no easy thing. My thoughts are loud now, and there's even a part of me that's compelling me to hit him back and attack with all my might. I'm his wife and Luna, and he has no right to degrade me in such a way. But the guilt I've carried inside of me for the better part of fifteen years stops me from lifting a finger

