You're Worthy

                                    

                                          
The wailing of Fenrir shocks you abruptly out of your sleep. You're no longer restrained, but the agonising experience has left your body frail and bloody.
Every part of you ached, but the concern you felt for Fenrir made you push aside the pain. As your gaze falls upon him, you catch sight of Grayah's vile smirk and see a poker made of iron, its tip glowing orange, securely gripped in her hand.
Your mouth dropped open in horror as you saw her plunge the hot point into his flesh, his yelps piercing your soul.
"Stop!!" You cry out.
She slowly turned her head, her grin getting wider, "Oh, you're awake. Finally. I was beginning to get bored of tormenting your puppy."
She walked over to the fire pit and reinserted the poker into the glowing coals, keeping the metal constantly set ablaze.
Turning to look at you, she scans your body and smirks, "How do you feel? In a lot of pain I imagine. I don't even have a need to restrain you, your pitiful body is in a terribly state." She continued to gaze at you smugly, confident that you were far to weak to do much but crawl or hobble. 
"Please just leave Fenrir alone!" You plead weakly.
"Ummm" she mused mockingly, "no, I don't think I will. I know how much pain it causes you to see your new friend being tortured, so I'll continue."
She carefully removed the poker from the fire, and lifted it up to inspect the tip closely. Her face felt the warmth at first, but she had to remove it fast when it started to burn.
"Wow, that is as hot as Hellheim." She chuckles darkly, "poor pooch, it must hurt." She taunted with a mock frown. 
"Don't you dare touch him!" You yell protectively. But your outburst geared her attention to you, and now fresh anxieties arise as she casually saunters towards you. 
She smiled devilishly as she hovered the amber tip near your cheek. As you flinch away from the scalding heat, she cackles evilly, enjoying the control she has over you. Hearing her laughter, however, sparked courage within you, causing you to no longer cower but instead sit up in a bold display of defiance.
Not pleased with your sudden bravery, she quickly strutted back to Fenrir whilst wielding the poker outwards. He shrieked in pain, instinctively cowering when she began jabbing him again and again. Her menacing laugh mixed with the torturous cries of Fenrir rang in your ears, and it ignited a sudden surge of adrenaline that masked your pain. 
Your natural instinct to protect caused you to rush at her full speed, catching her off guard and resulting in a successful tackle. You see the iron rod roll out of her hand and you immediately bolt for it. You manage to grab it before her and run to Fenrir, where you assume a defensive position in front of him while brandishing it.
With a shaky voice you warn, "Stay back bitch! Or I'll swing for your head!"
"You think you can stop me?" Grayah said with a roaring chuckle. "You, a mere mortal. Even when you aren't close to death, my strength is greater than yours."
"Maybe so, but my will to protect what I love keeps me strong. I'm not afraid to die while taking you down."
She looked at you in disgust, "You love a mutt? Oh, you simple creature. Midguardians truly are soft to the core. Don't you know, here in the realms, love is like a bold target that is painted on your chest. It is an advertisement for hurt. And those who see a heart in love will attempt to destroy it. It makes you vulnerable to pain; the more you feel it, the more fragile you become."
"No, you're wrong. Despite the fact that love leaves you wide open to hurt, it is also your greatest source of strength. It's impossible to be strong when you hate. And love always prevails."