Pain and torment

Amir then turned, his piercing gaze settling on Dakota. "Go and prepare him," he commanded.

Dakota's body stiffened, her face showing a flicker of hesitation before she stepped forward. She knelt just outside the glowing white circle. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out, dragging her fingers through the white powder that marked its edge. 

Harith stood motionless, his eyes following his mother's every move.

After coating her fingers with the powder, Dakota moved closer and began to draw intricate patterns across his naked chest. The designs hugely resembled the patterns that Julian had seen at the walls of the cavern.

Harith sat still, his breathing shallow, as his mother's trembling hands shifted to his face.