Tortured

Before I could react, the assassin stepped forward and, with the tip of the dagger, cut me across the chest from left to right.

The pain was sharp and burned like fire. I gasped in agony. Then I glanced down at the wound and saw that it was very shallow; only a faint line of small bright-red beads of blood showed where it was.

Before I could retreat, the Shaiksa cut me again, this time from right to left, making a diagonal cross. The pain I felt seemed out of all proportion to the wound, and I staggered backwards. However, I was determined not to show the agony I felt. I would not weep – though I couldn’t help letting out a groan and my eyes filled with tears.

The Shaiksa looked at me in satisfaction, readying the knife to cut me again. ‘The blade is specially treated with a poison that causes extreme agony. Already the tears are falling from your eyes. Soon you will scream and beg!’

Starblade Book 2 Chapter 14