She struggled, but in vain; he was easily the stronger, and with her axe clattering to the ground, she had nothing but fists and fingernails. Either were laughable, considering how easily he'd brushed aside an axe wound.

"Please," she begged, voice catching on a sob. "Please, I beg of you, sir. Please."

She closed her eyes, trembling against him. She prayed for God to be merciful.