---

¬ HILN 

It was painful. It hurt, and I was drained. I waited for him to leave completely before I relaxed and fell to the floor, my legs giving out beneath my collapse. I winced and stared at my throbbing wrist. 

It was uncomfortable and I felt so tired that my mind instinctively went back to the numerous times he had grabbed my wrist. I trembled and then held my hand to my chest, letting the throbbing pain slowly heal.

I was stronger now. Far stronger, and I wasn't entirely sure if it was fear, but the memories were not pleasant and it had startled me. 

But what was worse was sensing the intense amount of regret he felt. It was even worse when he tried to hide it. Why couldn't he just let me hate him in peace?

I sighed, a little light-headed.