'Then take your punishment like the pathetic creature that you are.' Hissed Cardan's older brother, his voice laced with a heavy air of disappointment and even disgust. His hand rests on the back of Cardan's neck, almost looking affectionate, if one didn't notice the way Cardan stained against the touch, or the way Cardan was being pressed further down on the ground than he already was.

And so, Cardan sat, flinching at each hit of the leather belt that made a reverberating sound through the room which you were hidden. Even now, you had little choice. You could close your eyes, but nothing could block out such a terrible sound, the sounds of red and even bleeding marks being made... And the dull look in those previously devouring eyes that Cardan always had.

You felt sympathy.

And you felt realization.

Realization that Cardan was only cruel because that's how he was raised, and it's still being raised. Maybe it didn't make you like him more, but perhaps it would help you understand and perhaps even forgive him. Even worse, you realized..

You know how he is now, and now you're afraid of what he may become.