Chapter 52: Her Pain Is His Pain

The smell of burning flesh wafted in the air as Cassandra's whole body trembled from the excruciating pain that tumbled through her. If Siroos's strong arms hadn't been holding her, she would have succumbed to the ground from the effects of the burn that had been etched on her upper arm. 

She dug her teeth so forcefully into her lower lip to restrain herself from crying out that they drew blood. She didn't wish to appear weak in front of them by screaming her anguish. 

Siroos kept her steady with his strong arms but his own heart was in shambles. His breath had dislodged in his throat for he didn't wish to inhale the burning smell of her flesh or even see the ugly red mark that was left there. 

Snatching the branding iron, he tossed it so far away it flew through the air and landed on the other side of the oasis.