Dark's POV

The mission had been more difficult than I originally anticipated. Over the past year since Link's death, loyalists to Princess Zelda formed a Hyrulean resistance group and they were growing bolder, their tactics more cunning. It had taken days to track down the ones responsible for the raid on our western supply line. By the time I eliminated the threat and returned to Hyrule Castle, I was exhausted and three hours late.

I push open the massive doors to the throne room, my body aching from the fight. I am ready to give my report and then retire to my room to wash away the horrors of today in a hot bath. The grand hall is eerily silent as I enter, the only people in the room besides Ganondorf and I were the two darknut guards stationed at the entrance. They close the doors behind me as I approach the throne, and as I get closer, I can tell that Ganondorf looks furious.

"Dark," he says, his voice a low, menacing growl. "You are late."

I drop to one knee before him, bowing my head. "My apologies, my lord. The resistance was more difficult to track down than I had expected."

His eyes narrow, and he rises from his throne, his imposing figure casting a shadow over me. "Excuses," he hisses. "You failed to complete your mission in a timely manner. Such incompetence will not be tolerated, there will be consequences." He motions the two guards forward before turning back to me. "Remove your armor and your tunic then kneel."

Dread coils in my stomach, but I obey. I unclasp my black scale pauldrons, the shoulder armor falling away with a clatter, and lift my tunic over my head. I don't know what's going to happen next, but the cold fury in Ganondorf's eyes is a clear warning.

The two guards step forward, seizing my arms, their grip ironclad. The cold air bites at my exposed skin, but it is nothing compared to the fear that grips my heart as I see Ganondorf approach with a menacing whip, dark magic swirling around it.

He raises the whip, and with a swift motion, brings it down across my back. The pain is excruciating, a fiery line of agony that cuts through my flesh. I clench my fists, refusing to cry out as the whip strikes me again, and then a third time. Each blow leaves behind a deep, burning scar stretching across my back.

Tears sting my eyes, but I bite them back, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break. The guards release me, and I collapse to the ground, gasping with pain. "Three lashes for each hour you were late to report. Let's hope this lesson will not need to be repeated," he says coldly.

I struggle to my feet, the simple movement sending waves of pain through my back. "Of course, my lord. I'm sorry," I manage to say, my voice hoarse and trembling.

Ganondorf looks at me with disdain. "Get out of my sight," he commands, turning back to his throne.

I stagger out of the throne room, each step a monumental effort. I should be thankful that Zelda and the other knights weren't there to witness my punishment, but that doesn't stop the humiliation and agony I feel searing into my soul. The corridors seem endless as I make my way to my quarters, my mind replaying the brutal scene over and over.

Finally, I reach my room and collapse onto the floor, unable to hold myself up any longer. The walls close in around me, and the pain becomes a dull roar in my ears. I collapse onto the bed, my body trembling with pain and exhaustion.

Hours passed, and the castle grew quiet. I forget about the hot bath since I can't even move from my bed without reopening the wounds and dripping blood everywhere. The pain is a constant, burning ache which also makes it impossible to sleep. I sit in silence accepting that this isn't just a punishment from Ganondorf, this is my punishment for all the lives I've taken. I sit with my head in my hands and try to remember Link's laugh. What did his laugh sound like? I think I can hear it in my head but I'm not sure. My thoughts are startled by a knock at my door.

"Dark?" a voice calls softly from the hallway.

"Go away," I mutter, not wanting anyone to see me in my current state.

The door creaked open anyways and to my surprise Princess Zelda stepped into the room. She's carrying a small wooden bowl filled with water and a cloth. Her eyes widened with concern as she sees the current state I am in

"My lady's maid said something had happened in the throne room. Ganondorf did this to you?" Her voice is heavy with concern and sorrow.

"Get out, I don't need your help." I say, my voice strained with pain

She ignores me, sets the bowl down on the bedside table, and moves to sit beside me on the bed. "You don't deserve this Dark. No one does"

I clench my jaw. "I told you that I don't need your help."

"You are in no shape to take care of yourself. Please let me help you."

At this point I don't have the energy to argue.

Hearing no more words of protest from me, she grabs the bowl and cloth and carefully goes to work cleaning my wounds. Zelda's touch is gentle and soothing, and as she works she tells me stories from her childhood.

Once the wounds are clean, she takes a vial of healing salve from her satchel. The salve has a faint, herbal scent, and she applies it with her fingertips, spreading it evenly over each lash mark. The coolness of the ointment is a welcome relief, dulling some of the burning agony. Finally, she reaches for the bandages, her hands steady as she wraps them around my torso. She works methodically, the linen strips snug but not too tight, securing the ointment in place and protecting the wounds from infection.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice choking with emotion.

She smiles softly, her eyes filled with compassion. "You don't need to thank me. Remember that you are stronger than you think, and you are not alone." With that she grabs her supplies and leaves, closing the door quietly behind her.

I close my eyes, the haunting image of Ganondorf's fury etched into my mind. I vow to myself that I will not let this break me. I will endure.