Chapter 96: Common Ground

The fist caught him across the jaw. His head snapped sideways, teeth cutting the inside of his cheek, blood flooding his mouth with copper warmth. Another blow landed before he could recover – knuckles driving into his ribs with force that compressed his lungs, drove air from his body in a sharp gasp. His father’s face loomed above him, features twisted with disgust that went deeper than anger could ever be.

“Worthless.” The word came flat. “The Moon Goddess’s mark. Of all the humiliations you could have brought on this house.”

Cel tried to speak. Tried to explain, apologize, say anything that might stop this. But all he managed were choking and pathetic sounds that had no meaning.

The beating continued. Methodical. Thorough. Fists raining down without pattern or pause, as if