Belle returned to the room and grabbed the external ointment, urging Celeste, "Go take a shower first, and I'll apply the medicine after."

Celeste quickly took a fast, almost military-style shower and emerged in just ten minutes, wearing only her underwear as she sat on the bed. Her pale, jade-like skin was marred with dark bruises, each one more pronounced against her complexion. Belle’s heart trembled at the sight, her eyes once again growing wet.

Opening the ...