Something died within me. I am like a moth that flew too close to the torch. For the first time, hope sparked within me. The illusion that I could be treated simply like a human being.
Looking at it with cold eyes, I see how deeply mistaken I was.
That beautiful dream could have remained just that. Reality, however, is merciless. It brutally strips me of my dignity once again.
Yet not all is lost. I remembered that humanity still smolders within me. That I can fight this system that seeks to enslave my soul. For that, I am grateful. For the reminder that I can experience the joy of being myself.
I will not give this back to anyone. No one will take this from me ever again.
Quirinus's sharp voice snaps me out of these thoughts.
"Hold her tight. It is time for the promised reward for disobedience."
Two guards grab Malvira's arms and brutally force her to her knees. Quirinus pulls a leather whip from his coat and prepares to administer a lesson in obedience.
Before I have time to think, my body reacts on its own.
"Overseer... Please."
A hoarse whisper escapes my dry throat. I am as surprised as Quirinus himself. I have never spoken of my own free will before. This only confirms my new convictions. Evidently, Quirinus's curiosity won out.
"What do you want?"
"Punish me instead of her."
I can barely believe my own words.
Why?
Chaos shrouds my mind, but after a moment, the answer appears on its own.
Even if it was only my imagination, one thing is certain: it was the best thing that has happened to me in years. Something inside me snapped. It changed.
"Agreed."
As soon as those words fall, a savage satisfaction washes over me. A thousand thoughts gallop through my skull, but they all boil down to one.
Maybe now I will be a little more human in her eyes?
It brings me unexpected relief.
Quirinus winds up. The leather strap falls onto my back with a crack. It hurts like hell. But this time, I accept it like my own victory.
Something troubles me, however. His blows become lighter. He strikes almost offhandedly.
"Did you see that, Malvira? How do you feel knowing he took your punishment upon himself?"
Deafening silence answers him.
"As you probably know by now... Physical wounds mean nothing to him."
The guards drag Malvira right in front of my post. Pure terror reflects in her eyes.
I do not understand...
But only until the first strike.
Quirinus takes a massive swing. The strap cuts the air with a dry crack and falls onto her back. The scream that rings out a fraction of a second later curdles my blood.
This was not how it was supposed to go!
Quirinus does not stop for a moment. He lashes her mercilessly, time after time. He laughs a guttural laugh, never taking his eyes off mine. He watches my every movement, every tensed muscle. Every slightest sign of defiance. The feeling of absolute power brings him unimaginable satisfaction.
Shackled in chains, I stare at him with helpless disgust and hatred.
You will pay for this. I swear it.
With every strike of the whip and every subsequent scream from Malvira, a fury I have never known before grows within me.