"Stop it, Travis!" I shouted, looking up at him, hoping to find a trace of the man I thought I knew. But his eyes were cold, unmoved by my suffering.
Solana stepped forward, her expression a mask of righteous indignation. She raised her hand, and I braced myself for the blow. When it came, it was sharp and stinging, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the betrayal I felt.
"Now you know how it feels," she said, her voice low and filled with satisfaction.
Travis's aura pressed harder, making it difficult to breathe. My vision blurred with tears, but I refused to cry out. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. I closed my eyes, trying to find a fragment of strength within me.
Travis glared down at me. "You owe Solana this. Apologize, and I'll let this slide."
I opened my eyes and looked at Solana, then back at Travis. "You wish! I will never apologize," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper but filled with defiance.
Solana's face twisted in anger, and she slapped me again, harder this time. The warrior's grip tightened, and I gasped for air.
Eventually, Travis gestured for the warrior to release me. I collapsed to the floor, my body trembling from the strain.