Inside the forest, Mirian pulled what remained of her tattered clothes around her to cover her privates, tears streaming down her red and swollen eyes.
Xavier, fastening his trousers, glanced at her, looking irritated. "What's this about? It's not like it's your first time, so cut the bullshit," he huffed.
Mirian's eyes flashed with anger and hurt, her retort heavy on the tip of her tongue, but she bit it back at the last minute, afraid of what he'd do if she went against him. She looked away, her gaze falling on the forest floor as she struggled to compose herself.
Xavier rolled his eyes, his expression disdainful. Once he'd finished dressing, he retrieved a small pouch from his clothing and tossed it at Mirian's feet. "That should cover your runt family's expenses for the month," he said curtly, his tone dripping with dismissiveness.
