Grateful

She looked at him for a moment, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception or malice. But all she saw was concern and determination. She slowly reached up to the ties of her dress, her fingers trembling slightly. She knew she had no choice but to trust him, to let him see her bruised and battered body. Slowly, she started to loosen the ties, her dress falling open, exposing her bruised flesh.

Alexander tried to remain calm as he looked at her bruised and battered body. He could feel the anger building inside him, but he didn't want to scare her. He carefully examined her back, his hands gentle but firm. The bruising was severe, covering her skin in black and purple marks. He knew it must have hurt her immensely, and he felt a pang of anger and empathy. He couldn't imagine what she had endured to be left with such horrific injuries.