Theo and Callum remained still, their bodies braced for the impact, heads bowed in silent acceptance. They didn't flinch. They didn't resist.
Victoria stood frozen, her gaze fixed on her two brothers who remained kneeling before Damien. Her heart pounded in her chest, the sound deafening in her ears. Why weren't they defending themselves? Why weren't they saying anything?
'Are they really going to get hit?' she thought in disbelief. 'Isn't this the moment when the mask is supposed to slip?'
She didn't have long time to think as the first lash of the whip tore through the air, its tip striking Theo's back with a sickening crack. His shirt split open, the fabric giving way to reveal angry red welts blooming instantly into blood.
Then came the second strike, this time aimed at Callum. Another rip, another red gash, staining his back.
Victoria's eyes widened in shock and utter disbelief.
