When Lady Eleanor burst in, Cedric was meticulously bathing for the third time.
He scrubbed every part of himself repeatedly, from his lips to his chest, down to his lower body, as if possessed by a severe obsession with cleanliness, trying to erase every trace of contact with Selene.
His skin was raw, bleeding, bright crimson, but he seemed oblivious to the pain, scrubbing himself with a mix of hatred and desperation.
It was as if he were a filthy dog, fearing that if he didn't cleanse himself thoroughly, his master would cast him aside forever.
Lady Eleanor froze.
Her eyes fell on Selene, bound to the bed, gagged, and covered in blood. She recoiled several steps in fear.
Shivering with rage, she stammered at Cedric, pointing at him. In her fury, she slapped him across the face, her
