Cecilia's control finally failed in the next strike of her ribs. What escaped her was initially only a strangled cry, but it quickly became a scream. It didn't last long, she simply didn't have the breath to keep it up, but it was pain unlike anything she had ever known. She continued to fight her restraints, but more out of a need to find some relief than in actual hope of breaking free.
It was a long time before she could speak, or do anything but gasp and sob, but his nudge to her injured ribs helped bring her rage back to the surface. "I know exactly what I'm dealing with," she spat at him. "You might kill me, but you won't outlive me by long. That'll be enough."