EMMA
"This is going to sting," was the only warning I got before Lita pressed a pungent cloth against the wound on my arm.
A sharp gasp tore from my lips as pain shot through me like a jolt of electricity. My body jerked involuntarily, and Lita muttered a quick apology.
"It's to keep the wound from getting infected," she said softly, dabbing with focused care. She rinsed the cloth in a bowl of clean water, wrung it out, and hesitated, her concerned gaze meeting mine. "Are you sure you're all right, Mistress?"
Her eyes brimmed with genuine worry, and for her sake, I forced a weak smile.
"I'm fine," I lied.
But I wasn't. Not when I had no idea what cruel web of lies Vera was spinning right now. By nightfall, she'd likely have woven another tale to turn the pack further against me. And if Xander, who I had foolishly dared to believe might be different believed her... who wouldn't?
