“Brutish hands lay upon you by whom?” Although she heard the question she was too frightened to answer.

“Injuries inflicted came from whose hands?” The mere sound of her voice caused her body to quiver more the others as well as Jaeil all took notice. Since entering the room she had refrained from making eye contact with anyone. For Sammaria, it tore her heart so to see her friend in such a frightened state.

“Force gaze upon me, “she says walking towards her then stopping a few inches in front of her. Desperately trying to control her erratic breathing she believed if she couldn’t get a grasp on the lack of air filling her lungs her heart would burst through her chest. Growing impatient she gives command again using a more forceful tone.

“Force gaze upon me or see it done for you.” Gathering what little strength she had she slowly raises her head to meet her gaze. In her eyes Jaeil saw pure fear. Tears flowed effortlessly down her cheeks, remnants of dried blood from where her bottom lip split in half quivered as if she suffered from a severe cold.

“Who laid hands upon you? Out of her peripheral she could see the cold glare from Selene.

“The woman stands mute.”

“Selene hold tongue, “she commanded, “The brutish markings upon body came from whose hands?”

“No—one, “she spoke in a low whisper.

“No one?”

“Yes no one, “she says returning to staring at the ground. Selenes plan succeeded her presence stilled her tongue. Silently while Selene enjoyed her small victory, Jaeil did not enjoy being lied to. Aside from fearing her, Jaeil wanted the truth and considered if they were left alone she would speak with more truthful tongue.

“Leave us.” While the others obeyed her command Selene resisted.

“Jaeil I should remain I—–.”

“Leave us! I will not ask again!” Reluctantly, she obeys and once she heard the front door close she returned her attention to woman standing in fear before her.

“Am I to believe injuries sustained bore from hidden spirit and not from mistreatment? Do you see me as a fool?”

“I do not, ”she says grimacing in pain as the wound on her lip re-opened causing small drops of blood to drip from her mouth.