Caroline's pov
I thought the nightmare had finally ended when Cerene left the room the second time. My body was shaking uncontrollably, every inch of me aching from the whip marks, the hardened wax, and the pressure she had put on my stomach.
I lay there trying to steady my breathing, wrists raw and burning from the silk ties, when I heard the lock turn again.
The door creaked open.
Cerene stepped back inside, moving with that same quiet confidence that made my skin crawl. She had the whip in her right hand, letting the leather tail drag across the wooden floor as she approached the bed. This time, there was no rush in her movements. She took her time, savoring every second.
“You didn’t think I was finished, did you?” she asked, her voice low and mocking. She circled the bed slowly,
