Asti sat clutching the fine linens of the bed, her eyes fixed on the coldness in Tiel's gaze. His lips curled in restrained anger as he slowly rose to his full height, towering over her.
Her heart raced, her hands turning cold as haunting memories pressed against the edges of her mind. Isn't this how it always starts? Asti thought, looking away. Retaliation met with an even crueler punishment. A slap was replaced by a kick so hard it left her breathless.
She bit her bottom lip, squeezing her eyes shut as Tiel moved closer, his presence looming over her. She braced herself for a beating, but instead, she felt her wrist yanked sharply away from the bed.
Asti struggled, panic surging through her.
"What are you doing?!" she cried.
"I want you to leave!" Tiel exclaimed, yanking her even harder, pulling her towards the door.
