Sandy's POV
The first lash tore across my back like liquid fire. Every nerve in my body screamed as the wolfsbane-laced whip carved into my flesh, sending waves of agony through my entire being.
My knees buckled, but I forced myself to remain standing. The poison burned deeper than any physical wound could, seeping into my bloodstream and blocking my ability to heal. This wasn't just punishment. This was torture designed to break me completely.
I clenched my jaw until I tasted blood, swallowing the scream that clawed at my throat. They wanted me to beg. They wanted me broken and sobbing at their feet. But I wouldn't give them that satisfaction. Not when every face in this crowd wore the same expression of cold judgment.
