Lana
My body swayed gently with Lucen's steps as he carried me in his arms. My breathing was labored, not fully conscious, but still enough to feel the sting of the cold night wind brushing against my wounded skin.
I didn't expect Lucen to be the one who saved me. But he really did keep his promise—he became my ally.
Each step he took, each tremor of his muscles, was careful—as if he was afraid his touch would hurt me more than I'd already endured. But the wounds... especially those on my back from the endless whipping last night, were beyond pain. They left burning trails deep inside, like I was being scorched from within.
Lucen knew. I could hear his heavy breathing. His jaw was clenched. His grip would tighten briefly, then loosen again, like he was holding back an explosion of anger.
I wanted to speak. But my tongue felt stiff.
