⊹ 《THAT NIGHT》
"The sentence has been carried out. You may retrieve her."
Xorren entered the dark space cautiously, eyes immediately searching for Kiaravell. When he found her, she was on the ground. Unconscious. Bleeding. With her naked back to him, Xorren was able to see each mark the whip had made on her delicate skin. He ran to her.
"You didn't give her so much as a cloth." His voice sounded faraway as the Household member took off his cape and covered Kiaravell. As soon as the shock from having witnessed his Imperium in such a weakened state disappeared, rage took its place. "Filthy, power-abusing bastards, all of you!" He spat at the Elders, who had been there throughout Kiaravell's punishment.
"Hold your tongue, Ictrine." One of them hissed. "You may be a Household member of the Imperium, but the council will never recognise a former gladiator."
"Just as the council will never cease with its meaningless existence."
"QUIET!"
Xorren had lifted Kiaravell into his arms with care as the other Elders tried to calm down the one he'd just insulted. She was paler than ever. They left soon after. On their way out, Elder Daeryn of Asvor said, "She did well. She only collapsed after the final strike." At that, Xorren felt the fight drain out of him. He carried her back to the Imperium House, where the others waited. It was rare to see the twins look so grim.
"They can't just do this..." Said Arian. "Can they?"
Xorren turned to him.
"For now, they can."
