The Game of Atonement
Fearing they wouldn’t hit hard enough to satisfy Aria, the servants instantly rushed forward, scrambling over one another to take their turn.
By the time the ninety-nine slaps finally ended, I coughed up a mouthful of blood. I looked up at Aria, my eyes burning with pure hatred.
"Aria, you will regret this."
A flash of pity flickered through her eyes for a split second. She crouched down, her hand brushing against my swollen cheek.
"Conrad, don't feel wronged. You committed a crime, and you have to atone for it."
Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I laughed like a lunatic, even as tears streamed down my face.