Irene's POV
I couldn't stop thinking about Yin's back and the way he'd laid down there taking those strokes all because stupid me had decided wander off to a place where i was forbidden.
The worst part wasn't the wounds themselves. It was the way he'd stood there, silent, taking every lash like he deserved it.
Like saving me was worth the price when in truth it wasn't.
I'd been hiding in my rooms, avoiding him and avoiding everyone. But I couldn't hide forever, and I had an exam coming up. My studies were the one thing I could control in this mess of a life, and I wasn't about to let guilt derail my future.
So I gathered my books, wrapped myself in a plain cloak, and headed for town. My friend Mira lived above her family's apothecary—we'd been studying together since before the marriage, and her place was blessedly neutral ground.
I made it halfway across the road before a familiar voice stopped me.
"Running away again?"
