his gaze to
her
his gaze to hers. His brow rose slowly. "Is that so?" Bericus pursed his lips, then resumed his pacing. Without warning, he seized her arm from behind. Bericus twisted it savagely, nearly to breaking. Sibyl cried out, panting against the agony.
"They lied, Master," he hissed.
"They—lied—Master," she whimpered.
He twisted her arm an inch further, then released her. A sob escaped her as she cradled her throbbing arm.
"Very good," he purred. Bericus caressed her jawline with one fingertip. "Very good." He strolled to a small table and poured himself a goblet of wine. Sibyl noticed he did not water it, as custom dictated.
"You