Saeles's eyes locked onto Bada immediately. Rage coiled in her chest, sharp and unyielding.
"You're here again?" Saeles growled. "Didn't I tell you to stay away? Didn't I tell you to never come back?"
Before Bada could react, Saeles grabbed her by the shirt, yanking her inside with brutal force. Bada stumbled, hitting the wooden floor hard. Pain exploded in her ribs and arms.
"You don't belong here! You don't belong anywhere near me!" Saeles hissed. Fists flew, striking Bada's stomach, sides, and shoulders.
Bada curled into herself, tears streaming. "I… I just… care about you!" she sobbed. "I… I just want to see if you're okay!"
Saeles's hands were merciless. She slammed Bada against the wall, fists raining down blows, her knuckles cutting into Bada's skin. Bada cried out, trying to shield herself, trying to escape, but it was useless.
"I… I'll come back… I… I'll never leave…" Bada whispered, broken, bleeding, and trembling, her voice barely audible.
Saeles finally stepped back, chest heaving, eyes cold and empty. Bada's sobs echoed through the room, but Saeles didn't notice—or maybe she didn't care.