**Gabrielle's POV**
I was placed on the bed while Penny and the other maids started tending to my back.
"ARGH!" A gasp escaped my mouth. Penny froze mid-motion, her face pale as she stared at the glowing marks on my skin. It was clear she had never seen anything like this before; her lips hung open, trembling in shock.
My thoughts drifted to Lucien. He must have gone to confront my mother. He had to. If I guessed correctly, he needed to be very fast because I didn't think I could hold out much longer.
"My lady, how are you feeling now?" Penny asked softly as she pressed a damp cloth against the burning spot. I shivered violently, and that alone was enough of an answer.
