The pain across Willow's back burned like fire, but she was overwhelmingly grateful that it was only one lash she had endured before her punishment was miraculously stopped.
She could hardly believe what had happened. The Alpha King himself had commanded Magnus to stop after just one strike.
It was unprecedented and completely unexpected, leaving her mind reeling even as her body struggled to cope with the pain.
Magnus's strong hands were gentle as he supported her weight, guiding her away from the punishment post and the prying eyes of the pack members who were still gathered in the courtyard.
She could hear them whispering among themselves, their voices a buzzing backdrop to the ringing in her ears.
Some sounded disappointed that the entertainment had ended so quickly while others seemed confused by their Alpha's unusual display of mercy.
