The sharp sting of antiseptic made Lily wince as Talia cleaned the fresh wound across her back. Lucky for Lily, the wound did not cut deep.
“You’re tougher than you look,” Talia remarked, dabbing the wound gently. “Most people would’ve screamed in pain when that whip hit. Yet you stood your ground in front of everyone.”
Lily’s fingers curled into the sheets beneath her. She lay on her stomach, her torn dress cut away to expose her injured back. Despite Talia’s gentle touch, each dab sent fresh waves of pain through her body.
From the corner of the room, Zayn watched in silence. His face remained unreadable, but his eyes never left Lily’s back. His clenched jaw betrayed his calm exterior.
“The wound isn’t too deep,” Talia continued, reaching for fresh bandages. “But with your slower healing, we need to ensure it doesn’t get infected.”
