Elena's Pov;

They were hesitant at first but soon backed away and allowed the boldest to whip me. As soon as the lash hit my skin I gritted my teeth. It wasn't new to me, it was something I had to go through all through my life. The lash only reminded me of how numb I'd become towards whips. There was no reaction whatsoever given that it was what I'd known since I was a child. The lash came in steadily. Fifty-three lashes were nothing compared to the beatings I'd received from my father and uncle, for over twelve years.

This was nothing. I knew my back was already bloody...