"Stop!" Grace's voice cut through the tension, trembling with anger and desperation.
But Aries didn't flinch. His hand stayed steady beneath Vivianne's heel, his fist clenching only slightly as his teeth pressed together. Slowly, his head gave the faintest shake. No, his motion said. Not a word. Not for me.
Grace's scream pierced the air, trembling with desperation. "Please stop it! I beg of you… He's bleeding! He's in pain… Have mercy!" Her voice cracked, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded with Vivianne.
Vivianne tilted her head, her heel still dug into Aries' hand, the sharp point pressing deeper into his flesh. She glanced down at the blood pooling beneath her stiletto, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. Slowly, she lifted her heel, the motion deliberate, as if savoring the moment.
"Aries," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "Lift your head."
Aries obeyed, his movements slow, his face pale but composed. Vivianne leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper meant only for him. "Why? Are you in pain? Do you need me to reduce your pain?" Her tone was laced with mock concern, her words dripping with malice.
"I heard somewhere that pain can be relieved by sharing… Should I help you?"
The implication hung heavy in the air, her gaze flicking briefly toward Grace. Aries' jaw tightened, his voice steady despite the agony etched into his features. "No, I'm fine. It's my duty, and I've failed my duty. I deserve punishment. I asked for this."
Grace's breath hitched, her eyes wide with disbelief. The weight of his words crushed her, leaving her stunned and speechless.
Vivianne straightened, her smirk widening as she turned to Grace. "See, Grace? It's not me—it's him. He wants this. What do I do?"
Grace stammered, her voice barely audible. "But he's—"
"GRACE!" Vivianne's voice cut through her protest like a blade. "What's wrong? Didn't you just the other day kneel before me and say you are my friend? So why do you keep trying to defame me? Do you think I, your friend, am heartless and cruel? Does your father know about how you treat your friends, Grace?"
The mention of her father sent a shiver down Grace's spine. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. Forgive me."
Vivianne's smile softened, though her eyes remained cold. "Why, of course, I'll forgive you… You support what I do, right? Then come here and punish him on my behalf."
Grace froze, her heart pounding so loudly she thought it might burst. Her eyes widened, her breath quickening as Vivianne grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward. "Go on," Vivianne urged, her tone deceptively sweet. "Step on his other hand."
Grace's heart slammed against her ribs. She wanted to scream, to break free, to run. But she couldn't. She knew the price of disobedience. Her body moved against her will, as though unseen strings had wrapped around her limbs, guiding her into position.
Her foot hovered above Aries' uninjured hand, shaking violently,her tears falling freely. Tears clouded her vision. Her mind shrieked at her to stop, to turn back, to fight—but she couldn't.her body moved as if controlled by strings she couldn't cut. She stepped onto Aries' hand, her heel pressing into his skin.
The moment her heel made contact, Aries did not flinch. Did not protest. His expression remained unchanged, his gaze steady. And in the smallest of movements, he smiled.
Not cruelly. Not mockingly. Just… gently.
His lips barely moved, but the words were clear.
It's fine.
A sob wracked Grace's body, but she obeyed. She stepped down. Harder.
"More strength," Vivianne commanded, her voice sharp.
Grace stepped again, her tears cascading like waterfalls, her sobs choking her.Every fiber of her being rebelled, but still, she obeyed. Each step felt like a dagger through her soul, carving wounds she knew would never heal.and yet she couldn't stop.
Aries remained silent, his face calm, his lips curving into a faint smile. His eyes met hers briefly, and in that moment, his expression said everything: It's fine. It's fine if it's you.