( to his credit, perci is quiet. maybe he won't say anything. maybe it's too private, and he swipes his thumb across the last of lethe's burn to make sure it's fully healed. )

It was my former Master's favorite way to make me obey. He was a very gifted fire mage and healer, one of the strongest I've ever met... he would burn me until I was nearly dead and then heal me completely, and repeat the process until I would agree to be obedient.