74

The air between Alaric and Layla was awkward, and she bit her bottom lip. It seemed all the words she had installed to say had disappeared the moment she walked into the office.

“So, why do you want to see me?” Alaric asked, clearing his throat.

“I… um…” She stuttered, fiddling with her fingers. “I was… um… wondering why you cancelled the class today? Is anything wrong? Are you ill?”

‘Are you avoiding me? I can’t ask that I’ll seem desperate.’ She thought.

“I’m fine; thanks for your concern. I apologise for cancelling it on short notice.” He replied, running his hand through his black hair, tousling it a bit. “And I heard about what happened yesterday. Are you ok?”

“You did? How?” She questioned, sitting up straight.

“The headmaster told me. He was pissed that you would dare make Zayne confront him, and he told me to warm you. As if you did anything wrong.” He scoffed, crinkling his face.

“Those students deserved to be punished; they’re a disgrace to this school, but Brenton can’t se