Sylus regarded her with a commanding gaze, his countenance both stern and deeply concerned as he appraised the cuts upon her arms. The gravity of the situation hung palpably in the softly-lit room, the flickering candlelight casting elongated shadows across his furrowed brow. His voice, resonant and authoritative, brooked no dissent as he addressed her.

"Strip."

He intoned firmly, his command leaving no room for disobedience.