Chapter 16

• Thane's expression was one of sadistic pleasure as he was handed the whipping rope, his eyes gleaming with a cruel light. As he stepped closer to Aria, he sneered, "I am going to whip you fifty strokes on your back." Aria's expression turned pale with fear, her eyes wide with terror as she realized the brutality that awaited her. "You need to get punished for defying my order, and lying against me, to get what you want," Thane said, his voice dripping with malice.
• Aria's expression turned defiant, and she spat, "You would pay for this," her voice laced with venom. "I promise you, you will regret this," she added, her eyes flashing with anger and determination. Just as Thane raised the whip to flog Aria, a voice shouted from afar, "Stop!" Dante commanded, his voice authoritative and menacing.
• Dante's expression was cold and furious as he walked closer to them. "If you as much as touch a hair on her head, I'll kill you," he spat, his eyes blazing with anger. "I respect you a lot, Thane, but don't touch what's mine," he said, his voice firm and possessive. Thane's expression turned stubborn, and he retorted, "She's my daughter, and I have every right to discipline her."