Get Out Of The Way!

Draven's outfits were tattered and torn by the aftermath of the whip, and from the wounds it had created, blood was oozing out. His face had a little bit of a cut, which she could also tell was inflicted by the whip.

Avelina bit into her lower lip, and her hands, which were clutching onto her laps, tightened.

Was there something deep she needed to know about this family? Why do they all seem to hate Draven? Surely it's not because he killed his wife and son—that is if it's true.

They all seemed very irritated by him, and if possible, they would be willing to kill him—so it looked.

From the aggressive emotion in the old master's eyes alone, she could tell the level of hatred he bore for Draven.

Why? was her question.

Did Draven commit something unforgivable compared to killing his wife and son? A crime, an abomination? What could it be?

She subconsciously stood up from the chair and glanced at Ryan, who was smirking.

Why was he not being punished? It was his fault in the first place.

Without being told, she could tell that Draven's pasts were probably a sensitive topic for him—It is for everyone, yet Ryan provoked him over and over again till he lost his cool.

Why was Draven the only one being punished and not Ryan as well?

His body was bleeding, yet old Master Lenort was not stopping.

On the other hand, Draven stood composed and resolute, regardless of him being punished like an animal.

It was as if those lashes were not hurting him in the slightest, even though a few parts of his body were bleeding.

Avelina flinched as she watched the whip land continuously on his body. She fidgeted with her dress, suddenly thinking of what to do.

She could watch it happen and mind her business, right? But how could she? As much as she hates to admit it, this man was her husband. She can't possibly stand and watch.

She can also interfere, but wouldn't that land her in huge trouble? I mean, she knew very little of this family…

Not able to come to a decision, Avelina groaned in frustration. She bit her lip and tightened her fist at the sound of the whip hitting Draven yet again.

Unable to bear it any longer, her body moved before she could even think any further and she quickly approached the two of them. She stood in between them in front of Draven and spread her arms to her side, in the hope that the old master would stop whipping him.

"P-please, have mercy on him. His wounds are bleeding," she pleaded, sniveling, hoping it would be enough to convince him.

She had no idea why she was willing to help this man, but one thing was for sure: this man was her only way to freedom!

Draven, whom she stood in front of, lowered his eyes and glanced at her in a bit of surprise and confusion.

"Get out of the way!" Old Master Lenort scowled, displeased by her interference.

Avelina took deep breaths, unwilling to step out of the way.

What are you doing? Why are you interfering?… She inwardly questioned herself, but still didn't move an inch.

"Forgive me, old master, but I cannot do that," she replied, surprised by the words coming out of her mouth.

Where did she gain this sort of courage?

"Is that so?" Ryan chirped in with a disdainful smile on his face.

Avelina switched her intent to him and said, "Why should you talk? It is all your fault that he got provoked, but instead of getting punished along with him, you are standing there smirking like you aren't in the wrong."

Ryan went silent, his face engrossed in shock.

"Are you speaking to me? Why should I be punished alongside your mentally ill husband?" He chortled.

Avelina took a moment to process his words, and a deep frown spread across her face.

"He is not mentally ill! He is different does not make him any different from you. He thinks differently from the way you do, does not make you better than him. If you were better, brother-in-law, you wouldn't have provoked him with his pa—"

"It seems you haven't taught your wife the boundaries she shouldn't cross," Old Master Lenort interrupted, causing every voice to go silent.

The wives of the three brothers covered their mouths, pity flashing in their eyes for Avelina.

In their minds was instilled the fact that Avelina was nothing more than dead meat.

Draven looked at old master Lenort and immediately catching a glimpse of what was coming at a different level of sight, he quickly swiveled, grabbing Avelina and burying her in his embrace as a form of protection.

A series of harsh lashes that were intended for Avelina landed on his back, tearing his clothing and injuring him.

Avelina's heart skipped a beat at the sound of it, and she covered her mouth, tightly shutting her eyes as well.

"Make sure to teach your wretched wife some manners, because the next time she takes such an action, I won't be so magnanimous!" Old Master Lenort, who stood behind them, scoffed and turned around to leave.

"Father, are you pitying them?" Ryan queried, unsatisfied.

It had just gotten good, and he was looking forward to it.

Old master Lenort, without stopping or sparing him a glance, bellowed, "Shut up and move to your quarter! You are all dismissed!"

Ryan's face scrunched heavily in anger, and he glanced at Draven.

"Bâtard!" he disparaged him before leaving the room.

The rest followed along as well, except for Valentine, who stopped behind them.

"Désolé, brother," he sympathized and walked off, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tight black leather pants.