Alpha Logan's expression turned grim, his eyes filled with shame and concern for his son.
Vladimir Kaelin gaze, however, remained impassive, his eyes fixed on Evelyn all this while, unmoving.
Evelyn watched without emotions as the whip lit up with flames, emitting a strong aura that made everyone shiver and scared.
Barak swung the whip and let it fall heavily on Markkus's back. Markkus's eyes flew wide as the tearing sound of his shirt and skin filled the air.
He didn't expect the beta's strength to be so overwhelming! Perhaps, it was because of the effect of the rejection. His strength wasn't in its full capacity, he concluded.
The second lash came right after, digging deep into his skin. Markkus gasped, his body arching in agony. Fresh blood gushed down his back, soaking his trousers and shirt, and dying the floor red.
Some ladies were already crying for him, and many others shut their eyes, shivering. Miranda, however, bit her lip and clenched her fist. Her mind racing with thoughts of her own.
Evelyn's brows creased a little. She felt nothing but rage for Markkus, but seeing him in so much pain made her uncomfortable.
The third strike, Markkus coughed out blood, and dropped to his knees. The bone on his back was visible. He could feel burning pain all over him. His healing powers couldn't catch up with the deep injury he's sustained.
The whip wasn't hurting his skin alone. His internal organs felt every lash, and Markkus could swear that he was internally injured too.
His clouded eyes landed on Evelyn, who was staring at him with a slight crease on her brows. Markkus gritted his teeth and held on, feeling embarrassed that Evelyn was seeing him in his weakest state.
Miranda saw him staring at Evelyn and clenched her fist. She didn't know why Markkus was thinking, but she had to do something to save him. If he died, her plans would fail. And if she's able to save him, he would owe her a favor.
With this in mind, she knelt down and begged Vlad, but the man didn't even spare her a glance. His eyes were on Evelyn.
Barak snorted. Did they think he was whipping Markkus because of what Alpha Sinner reported? No. He was teaching him a lesson, on behalf of Vlad for making Evelyn suffer.
After the fourth whip, a snapping sound was heard, followed by Markkus's loud roar that almost make people bleed through their ears.
The forth whip broke his spine, and he collapsed, growling and moaning in pain. His life was just hanging in a thin thread that could snap at any moment.
Everyone, including Alpha Sinner, was starting to feel sorry for Markkus. His mother and Aunt were crying miserably, but they didn't dare to speak up or step forward. Alpha Logan's elongated nails dug deep into his palm, but he didn't dare to speak.
The fifth whip would undoubtedly kill him, unless he transformed into his wolf, but if he dared, it would be misinterpreted as Markkus challenging Lord Vlad. And he'd be killed immediately.
Just as the fifth Whip was about to land, Evelyn jerked forward but fell on all fours. The slight commotion made Barak look her way, and his hand hung in the air, waiting to see what she was up to.
The warrior who held her up before, was emotional and forgot about her for a moment, but after she fell, he tried to grab her, but seeing she was crawling towards Markkus, he stopped.
If she could take a few strikes for Markkus and die, her sins might be forgiven, he thought.
Vlad's brows moved a little as he watched Evelyn crawl towards her ex-mate. Barak didn't dare to let his hand drop, fearing he'd accidentally hit Evelyn.
Everyone focused on Evelyn, wondering what she was about to do. Markkus was also surprised. Seek her coming towards him, he frantically shook his head, not wanting her near him… she can't even take a strike!
"D– don't!" his hoarse voice shook.
However, to their astonishment, she crawled past him and went straight to Vlad, kneeling before the daise. Every move she made, her body ached. She also didn't know what she was doing, and why she wanted to save Markkus, even though he'd hurt her more than anyone else. She didn't even know why she thought Vlad would listen to her.
Finally realizing where Evelyn was going, no one tried to stop her. They felt she would be killed with one strike, but they waited and waited, the whip didn't drop on her battered body. Instead, Barak retracted his whip and strode to her side with hurried steps.
He knelt on one knee before her, shocking everyone into stupor.
"Miss, what do you want?" He asked, but his voice was very calm and respectful.
Evelyn tried to speak, but her swollen lips wouldn't move. She felt frustration build inside her. Then, she saw Markkus's blood pooling beside her.
She dug her finger into the pool of blood and wrote on the floor, "Please, don't kill him."
Barak stared at her, feeling she was too kind. After what he did to her, she still wanted to save him...
He stood up and looked back at Vlad. He had the final say.
Suddenly, Vlad uncrossed his legs and stood up, then walked down the daise to Evelyn. He lowered his height and made her stand. As the two stood, facing each other, everyone finally realized what they've missed…
The two were wearing the exact same cloak!
Thick black cloak with brown faux fur collar. Although Evelyn's collar was stained with blood, it was unmistakable!
Collective gasps filled the hall. Even before anything was said, the truth had already presented itself.
Everyone could tell that the cloak Evelyn was wearing belonged to Vlad, but Alpha Logan was terrified. Not only because of this truth, but the fact that the lycan had already met the primordial beast, which only meant one thing…
The Lycan's curse has been lifted!!
He screamed in his mind, cold sweat forming on his forehead. He was done for! His plans are over!
Just then, a thought crossed his mind… Could it be that Evelyn still liked his son? Considering that she begged for his life, and also hasn't accepted the rejection.
"Descendant of Blackwood," Vlad slowly called, his eyes still locked on Evelyn's battered face. His hands rested on her shoulders, making her stare up at him.
Alpha Logan felt a chill when the Lord called him out. Vlad had never referred to him by his name. He's always called him by his great grandfather's name.
"My Lord," he bowed slightly.
"Why is my chosen mate battered?"