Enough.

He lifted his hand once more, but before he could bring it down again, he had a change of heart. Instead, he laid it gently on the fiery hot cheeks.

"Enough," he said firmly.

"What? No!" Eldwyn replied, her voice shrill with indignation. "It's not enough! She needs to take her punishment!"

"She has," Lucas said. He gently helped Kythril to her feet, lowering her dress, taking care to ensure the fabric didn't chafe against the raw skin. She teetered, but managed to stay upright, if only barely, still sobbing quietly.

"No!" Eldwyn repeated, stepping closer with her hands balled into fists in front of her.

Lucas' hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, dragging her away from her sister.

"Go, Kythril. We're done here."

Kythril didn't need telling twice. She half-ran, half-staggered towards the door of his home, wrenched it open, and took off. Lucas heard her footsteps receding, although he didn't take his eyes off Eldwyn.

"Why'd you let her get away!?"

He tightened his grip and yanked hard, pulling her forwards so that her face was level with his.

"I let you get your ****," he said, his voice soft but steely. "But if I'd kept going, she might have needed medical attention. Your parents would find out, and if she told them what happened, we would both be in a lot of trouble."

"But—"

"No buts. She's your sister, but this is my home. Here, what I say goes. If you have a problem with that, you can get out, too."

He released her, and she staggered back. She stared up at him defiantly, but clearly hurt at his sudden aloofness.

Too bad.

"Fine," she hissed. She grabbed her bag and stomped out, slamming the front door shut behind her.

Lucas sank back into his chair. He hadn't intended to hurt her feelings, but it had had to be said. He rubbed absentmindedly at his trousers, pondering the wet spot where Kythril had lain. It was a good thing Eldwyn had been too distressed to notice it. He took a long, slow breath. Something told him his life was about to become even more complicated than it already was.