Judgment (21 page)

Before he was done, my body felt bathed in the fires of hell. I was weak and drained, and though the cane had only thrashed my bottom and thighs, I ached in every part of me.

I felt whipped to my soul.

My Master did not untie me right away, but removed the gag and gently helped me raise my head to drink from the cup he held to my lips. The cool water soothed my scratched throat, and I drank greedily.

The pain seemed to swell, flowing through me in crashing waves. My stomach rebelled, and I vomited everything he gave me into the pan that he now held just under my mouth.

188

Judgment

by Denise Hall

He pressed a cup of cool water to my lips so I could again drink. This time it all stayed down.

He took me tied as I was to the tripod, showing me even less mercy than he had during my caning. Absolution did not come until much later when, spent and sobbing, I was carried to the bed and tucked gently into it.

Tane stretched out beside me, enfolding me in his arms so we both could sleep.

I was now forgiven.

I tucked my cheek against my Master's chest, breathed deeply of his comforting scent, and smiled.

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