Fitting In

(Bella POV)

The pain of the lashes had been intense. 

I had never endured anything like this before.

One! The Lash master had counted, and I had felt the first sting on my bared back.

Two. 

I cried out, feeling the pain intensify.

Three.

I felt the sting on another part of my back now.

Four. Five.

I felt the world go dark around me.

Six. Seven.

A red haze was in front of my eyes. I gritted my teeth, I could do this. I could really do this. I wanted to atone for my errors, and the pain was one way through it. 

Eight. Nine.

I felt a deep acceptance of the punishment. I thought of Nanna and Raymus and those brave green creatures, the koors, who had been ready to defend us three strangers. I thought of Pete, his warm, open face always ready for helping someone. I had no right to cut them loose and not inform the camp about them.