25

‘How bad is what she wants to tell me that she has to force herself to smile that brightly at me? Or is she just genuinely overjoyed that I’m finally going to die that she can’t hide it?’ Layla stared at Demeter, standing stiff and straight as a pillar in fear that if she didn’t, she would tremble.

“Sit, both of you.” Demeter nudged her head to the sofa Alaric was on. Zayne strode over, giving her a small bow, and sat. Layla’s feet remained glued to her spot.

“Sit, Ms. Dele.” Demeter said again, her smile remaining unshakeable and bright.

‘I better not test her patient.’ Layla held her breath, slowly walking to the couch, and sat between Alaric and Zayne. Her back was straight and her shoulders were tensed, like she was sitting on hot coals. Not even Zayne’s and Alaric’s presence could calm the tension in her bones.

“Congratulations on your progress, Ms. Dele. You beat our expectations by far. No one has been able to exterminate those creatures as easily as you did.” Demeter beamed, c