48

“Kneel and apologize. Now!” Zayne barked, and they dropped on their knees.

“What’s happening? Please get up—” Layla gasped, jumping to her feet to help them.

“No!” He scowled, startling her, and she turned to him.

“What’s going on, Zayne? Why are you treating them like this? Just because they’re working here doesn’t mean you should treat them like slaves.” She insisted. What was wrong with him? Why was he suddenly mad at random people and punishing them in front of her? Was it to show her that he could do whatever he wanted?

“Trust me, Layla, I’m being really nice. They deserve to be locked up for their stupidity.” He snarled at them, and they flinched. Their eyes were red and glassy, ready to let down buckets of tears.

“What did they do that could be so bad?” Layla frowned.

‘Did they steal something from the school? If they did, why was he punishing them? Shouldn’t he have taken them to Headmaster Brenton? Why did he bring them to me?’

“They’re the mastermind behind the rubbish you’