Erina

　　I thought for sure that Nic would carry out his threats, that he'd push me into another round with him, but he didn't. He remained focused on bathing me, inch by inch. His hands gentle as they smoothed over my elbows and knees. "You can stop being scared now."

　　I should have known he'd feel it. "Sorry."

　　"Don't apologize, just understand you'll never be hurt again." He paused. "Beside the marking ritual." He brushed his thumb over his own mark, ...