Lashing
The silver bit into my skin, pain radiating through my back like a thousand icy daggers. I bit my lip, swallowing the scream that rose in the back of my throat like bile. The second strike was worse, white, blinding light flashing behind my eyes. This time, I did scream as agony coursed through me.
People assumed silver didn’t affect me as badly as it did others, since I had never shifted, but it wasn’t true. It lit my skin on fire like the flames of hell.
“One more, Woodrow,” Norrix said loudly, as if it were some kind of comfort. I braced myself, sucking in a heaving breath as my nose began to run, tears spilling from the corners of my eyes. Goddess, I loathed myself for crying.
That was the worst part of the pack punishments. Not the pain. The fact that everyone who had gathered could see me in my most vulnerable state.
The last blow tore through my entire body as it licked across the other two lacerations. I went slack, sagging against the pole and sobbing silently, relieved that it was over.
“You did well, little wolf…” Viktor murmured as he moved to release the binds that held me in place.
“I’m not a wolf…” I croaked, my legs giving out beneath me.
“Of course you are. You’re a part of this pack,” he replied kindly, chucking me gently beneath the chin. It was a consolation, a small one, but enough to help lift my broken spirit.
“Hey…” Viktor disappeared through the crowd as Norrix approached me. “You took it like a champ.” I didn’t have the strength in me to reply. “Go home and soak some rags in calendula. Put them on your back. It will help.”
Then he was gone, and the observers began to dissipate. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me off the ground. I opened my mouth to say ‘thank you’ before recoiling.
“Don’t fucking touch me!” I snarled at Riley, “This is your fault!”
“I didn’t tell them to whip you,” he replied. “Come on, you can hate me later. You’re injured, and I want to see you home.” I snorted, but I didn’t protest. I was too weak to argue.
The entire walk home was silent as I leaned against Riley’s shoulder. At the door, he released my waist, rubbing his neck uncomfortably. “Feel better,” he stated, retreating as suddenly as he had appeared.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Asshole… I entered the house slowly, moving carefully to keep the material of my shirt away from the cuts on my back. Goddess, they fucking hurt, burning like acid on my skin.
“Hi, sweetheart! How was—” Nana froze in the doorway to the kitchen. “Oh, sweet Goddess!” she breathed, her eyes widening as she took in my weakened state. “What on earth happened to you?”
My eyes watered and my bottom lip quivered as I turned to show her my back. “Oh, my little love…” she whispered sadly as I broke, sinking to the floor. Nana drew me into her arms, encircling my shoulders with her warm hands, careful not to touch my back.
“You’re alright…” she whispered as she rocked me in her arms. “We’ll get you all fixed up: I promise…”
“Nana!” I sobbed softly, clinging to her, allowing all my walls to come crumbling down.
“Shh…” Nana hushed, kissing the crown of my head. “Come on, my darling. We’ll get you to bed so you can heal…” She helped me up, supporting my weight as we climbed the stairs. The moment we reached the familiar sanctity of my bedroom, I fell into my bed with a groan of pain. “You just rest, Tyr. I’ll get you something for the pain.”
“Calendula…”
“What, honey?”
“Norrix said to use calendula…” I mumbled against my pillow.
“I have a bag in the cupboard.” Nana replied with a nod. When she was gone, I sat up. My back was still on fire, every inch of my body feeling worn down. I yanked the ruined shirt off and tossed it on the floor, my sports bra following it. Then I collapsed against the sheets.
I don’t know how long I wallowed in pain, but eventually, I fell asleep, only waking to the sound of Nana’s voice. “I’ve got a salve and some wet cloths for you.” she murmured, sitting on the edge of my bed.
Her fingers, covered in the calendula ointment, stung like hot blades, but the pain eased when she spread the cold rag over it. By the time she was finished, I was breathing heavily, my body trembling.
“What did she do now?” my father groaned, leaning against the doorway, his eyes taking in the scene with disapproval.
“Broke an asshole’s nose after he threatened me,” I replied. I tried to sound amused, but the words came out with a weak whisper.
“I don’t see how that merits a lashing…”
“Said asshole denied threatening me. He told Norrix I punched him after he scolded me for fighting dirty.” I explained.
“I’ll talk to—”
“Don’t worry yourself,” I replied. “Alpha said he’ll speak to Riley, but he also said he’s tired of seeing me in his office. That’s why I was whipped.”
My father shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. “What am I going to do with you?” I didn’t reply; there was no reason to. I’d been a disappointment ever since I’d killed my mother. Nothing would ever change that…