[Imperial Palace—Dungeon—Lavinia's POV—Continuation]
SLASH!! SLASH!!
The sound of leather against flesh echoed harshly against the stone walls, mixing with Caelum's ragged screams. His back was a crimson canvas, each stripe of pain a testament to my resolve. My gloves were soaked, my hands stung and bled, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. Not until he gave me what I demanded.
Through the haze of torment and oil-slicked stone, I sensed the quick, heavy steps—the unmistakable authority of my father. My heart didn't skip; it beat harder, exhilarated. Papa had arrived.
But before he could reach us, Caelum's voice cracked, desperate and broken.
"I… I WILL… TELL!!! I… I WILL… CONFESS…"
I paused mid-strike, the thorns hovering an inch above his scorched flesh. Victory tasted bitter and sweet.
Papa burst into the dungeon, his expression a storm of fury and disbelief.
