Cauterize

From the combat belt at his waist, D drew a caltrop. He brought one of the
points to his left hand.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“If the girl dies, you and I are through.”
“Shit. Are you threatening me?” But before the voice had finished speaking,
pale blue flames enveloped the tip of the caltrop.
The sharp point heated quickly and turned crimson. D brought his left hand
closer to Leila’s brow. Her sizable eyes opened.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Cauterizing the wound. I’ll do it so it doesn’t hurt.”
“How kind of you,” she shot back sarcastically. “Don’t expect me to thank
you.”
“Don’t talk.”

Leila jerked her face away from the approaching hand. “I don’t know what
kind of hocus-pocus you can pull, but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let you
play around with my body while I’m out. I’m gonna be awake to see this
from start to finish. Try anything funny, and believe me, you’ll pay.”

Undeterred, D set his left hand on her.
“Don’t—” Leila’s words became a scream. “Stop, I’m begging you. Do it
while I’m still awake. Please,” she pleaded.
Something glistening welled in her eyes as they gazed at D.
It spoke of horrific memories.

Silently taking his hand away, D tore the sleeve of his coat and put a strip of
cloth from it between Leila’s lips. They had no anesthesia. The cloth was to
keep her from biting her tongue. This time she cooperated quietly. The little
nod she made must’ve been an expression of gratitude.
D lowered the hot metal to her skin. Shortly thereafter, a pungent scent and
a series of low moans began to permeate the darkening bower.

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