CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO THE EXCRUCIATING PAIN

DAPHNE'S POV “Stop! Stop this!” Luca’s voice rang out, filled with rage. His hands were bound, and he struggled futilely against his restraints. “He doesn’t deserve this!” Enzo, too, was beside himself with fury, his eyes wide and filled with helpless anger. “You’re a monster, Xander! This is inhumane!” Xander’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes cold as he watched the scene with detached interest. “This is his punishment for defying me,” he said dismissively. “And for your part in it, you will witness every stroke.” Javion’s grunts of pain were agonizing to hear. Each lash seemed to carry the weight of all the mistakes he had made, and I felt each one as if it were inflicted upon me. I could see the sweat pouring down his face, his muscles tensing with every blow. With every crack of the whip, I felt a jolt of agony course through me. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to force myself to stay strong, but it was a losing battle. I wanted to scream, to run to him and beg f