131 Lashing

They led him onto the stage for his punishment before her eyes, and June could do nothing about it but watch.

"Kneel!" ordered the punisher with a metal lash in his arm. 

"I'd much prefer to stand," Warden said, not giving the punisher a gaze. 

"It seems you do not know how it happens," the punisher continued, lashing the metal whip on the ground with its terrible swishing sound. "You're not here to—" 

"Let him stand," Elder Vess said. 

The punisher still didn't look convinced. Only gazing at Elder Pavlov and his serene face did he continue with the proceeding. 

"You'll be on the floor anyway after two whips," he muttered and ordered again, "Take off your tunic." 

Warden gave him a look, his eyes exceptionally serene as it followed the metal whip. He nodded and removed his tunic; it would be ruined anyway if he kept it on. Warden was already running low on them.