The moment finally came when I stopped feeling the blows on my back. I wonder if it’s over, or if the Quartermaster just needs to catch his breath. I’ve lost track of time. My thoughts begin to wander freely.

  I had forgotten what it’s like when minutes stretch into hours. When every breath is a struggle, and the body tenses in anticipation of pain, not knowing which direction it will come from.

  How do the others bear it?

  I’ve never seen how they punish the rest. Actually, I’ve rotted my whole life either in my cell or on the training sand. I always had a set time. When it ran out, they took me away punctually – sometimes submissively, more often by force. All in all, I have nothing to complain about. Others have it worse.

  They always yelled that I was broken. That my body was a joke. Normal gladiators could close their wounds in the blink of an eye – or at least that’s what I was told with every strike of the whip. I never understood how they do it. To me, they were the monsters.

  Ultimately, everyone in the arena just accepted that I have no control over this slow healing. It’s just a shame I had to endure all those taunts and insults.

  Only when they threw me into the arena with real opponents did I realize one thing. It doesn’t matter how great your regeneration is. When you crush someone’s larynx or chop off their head, that fucking magic finally stops working.

  A sudden touch on my back tears me from these thoughts.

  So he did take a break.

  But I feel something strange happening. This touch is… gentle. I flinch instinctively. I don’t remember ever feeling anything like this in my entire life.

  Besides, I smell a strange scent. Sweet, floral. Completely out of place with the stench of dirt and metallic blood. Alien.

  — I don't know if you can hear me, but I am Malvira. I came to wash you.

  I am in such deep shock that I forgot I am gagged. That wasn't a man's voice.

  A woman? How did she even get in here?

  Suddenly, I feel the blindfold being pulled from my head, and the rag I’m holding in my teeth is taken out.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  It’s her!

  I was left speechless. It’s the same woman I saw in the stands. Black hair reaching her shoulders. Green eyes looking straight at me.

  She is beautiful, but I must be delirious, because what would she be doing here?

  — Thank you…?

  I’m not sure if this is really happening. Maybe I took too hard of a beating.

  — I have to wash you.

  This definitely isn't happening for real.

  This is the first time I’m having such a vision. I am totally dazed. I let this strange vision continue.

  For the first time, I don’t want to wake up.

  I rest my head against the stake and exhale loudly.

  I need to calm down! My heart is pounding like crazy!

  But how am I supposed to calm down?

  No woman has ever even exchanged a word with me.

  I feel her wiping my back with a wet sponge, and then suddenly she stops. I feel her hand trembling.

  What's wrong with her? She’s wiping my back, so… Ah! She sees my wounds.

  — My wounds have already healed.

  — That’s impossible! I saw him torturing you! Blood was spurting everywhere!

  — And now you see only scars.

  — That… I… I don’t understand…

  Why is she so surprised?

  I completely don't understand her. This only makes me more certain.

  I'm having a very strange dream.

  I will try to prolong it as much as possible.

  I don't want this dream to end.

  — That's just how I am.

  I don't know what she's thinking now. She stopped talking.

  — This isn't my first time.

  I want to ask her something, but she goes back to work. I’ve heard that sometimes people dream of their desires. I didn’t expect this to happen to me too. Especially since I've only seen her once in my life. However, it doesn't change the fact that I am truly savoring this dream. Unfortunately, the end of my joy has come.

  She stood up suddenly and is gathering all her things. I hear her walking away, and as much as I can, I turn my head to see her one last time.

  She is gorgeous.

  She is slender and well-built, but above all, she is getting further and further away.

  — Thank you!

  That’s all I can manage to say. I don’t know if she heard me, because her figure is retreating faster and faster.

  This is the weirdest dream I’ve ever had.