CONTENT WARNING:
This chapter contains graphic descriptions of physical torture and violence that may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
With a deliberate, chilling detachment, Olivia emptied the contents of the burlap sack onto the wooden board. The heavy iron head of a hammer struck the timber with a hollow thud, followed by the sharp, rhythmic clatter of long steel nails.
"Mmm... mmm..." The maid's muffled whimpers vibrated behind the gag. Isabella's eyes grew wide, her lips pulling tight against her teeth as she instinctively recoiled, turning her face away.
Yet, there was no escaping the sound that followed—a high, jagged shriek that seemed to tear through the very stone of the walls.
Olivia seized the girl's left hand and positioned a nail over the center of the palm. Without a flicker of hesitation, she brought the hammer down.
