16

“I’m Nyssa Wilde, an elite student in year one just like you.” Nyssa introduced herself, stretching out her hand.

‘She is talking to me. Why?’ Layla’s gaze flickered from the girl’s outstretched hand to her face, searching for anything like disgust or fear lurking on it. There was none. Her lips were curled into a smile, and her eyes glowed with optimism.

“Um, it’s nice to meet you.” Layla replied, slowly putting her hand in hers as if it were the jaws of a shark.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Nyssa beamed, and she bristled.

‘She’s being way too optimistic. Something was fishy.’ She thought, pulling her hand away like she was touching a hot iron. Why would Nyssa want to talk to her? Everyone in the school was ignoring her, so why would she approach her? Why her?

Layla knew Nyssa, though not face-to-face, but she knew she was in her class and an elite student. In fact, she was the only other elite student in their year apart from Layla. And just like her, Nyssa stood out from the rest o