Raine's POV

I trembled uncontrollably, with no idea what to expect next. 

General Raed crossed the room to me and then led me to a freestanding pole. It took every ounce of my control to let him raise my hands and clasped them tightly inside of the shackles bolted into the pole. I knew the aperture was there to support my weight, to keep me in position when the pain made it impossible for me to stand on my own.

I couldn't see Alaric now. He was behind me, no doubt gathering the necessary instrument to inflict my punishment. Quinn gave him a stern warning, "I will know if you...