The man sneered at Helda. "Don't think I'm forgetting you. Just let this be a lesson. While your friend here is more resilient than I'd expect, no one is invincible. And any who defy me will pay a price."
The axe dropped.
This time, Tayen did not look at her. He felt weak, useless. He was limp as they tied him down, only momentarily screaming and going tense when he felt a particularly intense stab of pain.
The lord was with the guards as they dragged Tayen out of his cell a few hours later. It had grown dark. Tayen felt cuts reopen and broken bones twist. He tried to hold on this time, but found himself slipping away. It hurt so horribly...