Alaric's POV
The leather whip's sharp whistle cut through the air before fire exploded across my back. I clenched my eyes shut, steeling myself as the white-hot torture climbed my spine like molten metal. The agony always hit seconds after that sound, and when it struck, a strangled noise ripped from my throat.
Behind me, cruel laughter rang out.
"Faster, you mutt!" The brutal voice snarled over my shoulder. "I don't have all day to wait for your pathetic speed!"
I ground my teeth until my jaw throbbed. Forcing myself to crouch down, I grabbed another heavy case from the elaborate carriage, feeling hot blood stream down my back and soak into my threadbare pants. I shoved the burning pain down and lifted the last bag.
After hauling everything onto the cart, I started the long walk to the castle's massive entrance. The whip-bearer prowled behind me like a hunter following bleeding prey.
The moment we stepped into the grand foyer, my tormentor let out an irritated snort.
