***MAY BE GRAPHIC FOR SOME READERS!  FEEL FREE TO SKIP TO NEXT CHAPTER!***

Morris raises his hand, belt tight in his grasp. He brings it down, a sickening snap filling the room as it connects with Dario's bare back. I scream, trying to get him to stop, but to no avail. All it does is erect a throaty laugh from Morris and a howl from Dario as the belt connects with his back again. 

Smeared blood.

All over his back.

Gashes, deep enough to leave permanent scars.

Something is holding me back, preventing me from saving him.

Dario stares up at me as he continues to receive each blow.

"Help me, Cataclysm! Don't just stand there! Stop him!"

I try to respond but nothing comes out but a garbled mess. Duct tape is covering my lips, preventing me from speaking to him.

Snap!

           Snap!

                      Snap!

Skin splits and peels away from Dario's back.

Snap!

           Snap!

                      Snap!

Is that bone?

My stomach turns.

Dario looks up at me, fear filling his eyes.

"Why have you betrayed me like this?"

Snap!

          Snap!

                     Snap!

Betrayal.

I have betrayed Dario.

Morris doesn't raise the belt again, instead, he kicks Dario down so his face is pressed to the filthy floor. His boot keeps Dario from raising his head. I can see as Morris puts more of his weight on his son's skull. I pull at whatever force is holding me back, sharp pains shooting up my arms. I look to my wrists, barbed wire holds them in place, only triggered when pulled. I try screaming but the tape muffles it. I pull at the restraints again, desperate to save Dario.

His pleading eyes connect with mine once more.

"Don't you love me?"

With an evil cackle, Morris lifts his boot, slamming it down with all his weight and force backing it.