I flinch as the ruler comes down on my hand for what must have been the thousandth time. I take a deep breath and will myself to endure the sting as yet another blow lands, this time on my cheek. Tears stream down my face as I wonder, not for the first time, what I had done to deserve this life.
I start to wonder how much time has passed since I had first entered the room. There is no clock on the wall and I will only be punished further, if I pull my phone out in front of my punisher. I start to measure the passage of time by the rhythm of the strikes against my skin.
Finally, I hear the final bell ring and relief floods my system as the wolf tasked with my punishment sets down the ruler. I take a step toward the door, but it opens before I can reach it. I flinch as I see Vedant standin
