THE FATED HEIR

Liam's body began to ache, his skin burning with pain, but he refused to give in. He stood tall, his eyes closed, and his jaw clenched, determined to endure the punishment to the end.

The strokes continued to fall, each one a fresh wave of pain, but Liam stood firm, his resolve unbroken. His body began to tremble, his muscles screaming in agony, but he gritted his teeth and bore the pain. The official showed no signs of mercy, each stroke falling with the same precision and force as the last. Liam's skin was on fire, his body feeling like it was being torn apart, but he refused to yield. He stood tall, his eyes closed, and his jaw clenched, determined to endure the punishment to the very end.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the punishment came to an end. Liam's body was battered and bruised, his skin burning with pain, but he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had endured the punishment, and he had emerged stronger and more resilient as a result. The officials nodded in approval, their faces stern but respectful.

Liam turned and walked away, his steps slow and painful, but his head held high. He had faced his punishment with courage and determination, and he had emerged victorious. As he walked, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that the ordeal was finally over. He made his way back to his quarters, his body aching with pain, but his spirit unbroken.

Rex and Emma, cousins to Liam, came downstairs dressed and ready for school. As they entered the kitchen, they were greeted by the aroma of freshly cooked food, expertly prepared by the maids. They sat down at the table to enjoy a nutritious breakfast, fueling up for the day ahead. Just as they were about to finish, they remembered the message Liam had sent them earlier, informing them that he wouldn't be able to make it to school that day. Rex and Emma exchanged a curious glance but didn't pry, assuming Liam might have had his reasons for his absence. Without dwelling on the matter, they grabbed their bags, double-checked to ensure they had everything they needed, and headed towards the garage.

Rex and Emma chose a car, buckled up, and began their journey to school. The roads were calm, with a gentle breeze accompanying them along the way. As they drove, they chatted about their day ahead, discussing school assignments and upcoming events. However, the conversation was not as lively as usual, with Liam's absence weighing on their minds. They were both looking forward to learning and spending time with their friends, but their cousin's absence was felt. Before long, they arrived at school, finding their usual parking spot with ease.

Rex and Emma grabbed their bags and stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath as they prepared for the day ahead. They joined the stream of students walking towards the school entrance. As they entered their classrooms, they exchanged greetings with their friends and teachers. The day had begun, and Rex and Emma were ready to make the most of it, despite the initial somber mood.

They took their seats, ready to focus on their lessons. The teachers began their lectures, and the students settled in for another day of learning. Rex and Emma were determined to stay focused and make the most of their day. They hoped Liam would be okay and looked forward to catching up with him soon.

Alex pulled into the driveway nearly an hour after Rex and Emma had left for school. He stepped out of his car and headed straight to his room, his face noticeably calmer than it had been the previous night. The peaceful expression was a welcome change, and he seemed determined to maintain it.

Alex took his time to freshen up, drawing a warm bath to wash away any lingering tension. As he soaked in the bathtub, his mind began to clear, and he felt more centered. After his bath, he wrapped himself in a plush towel and made his way to his study. The room was dimly lit, with only a few slivers of sunlight peeking through the blinds. Alex settled into his favorite armchair, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. Just as he was starting to relax, one of his confidants slipped into the room, their footsteps quiet on the carpet. The confidant approached Alex, their eyes locked on his, and whispered something in his ear. Alex's face turned livid, his calm demeanor shattered in an instant. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched, but he quickly regained his composure. The change in his expression was fleeting, and he smoothed out his features, erasing any signs of anger.

The confidant seemed to sense the shift in Alex's mood and took a step back, their eyes never leaving his face. Alex's voice was low and even as he spoke, his words measured and calculated. The air in the room was thick with tension, but Alex calm exterior belied the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. For a moment, the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner, and then Alex spoke, his voice breaking the silence.