Hell traning

The next day at the university, chaos greeted us before we even stepped into the training yard.

Alicia and I walked toward the assembly area, whispering speculations about what fresh hell Leora had planned for us. But nothing could have prepared me for the sight that awaited us.

Maeve and Leora were standing at the front, wearing matching commandant uniforms. Matching.

Right down to the gold shoulder epaulets and absurdly oversized hats. It was so obviously Leora's idea that I could practically see Maeve's soul leaving her body as she tried to maintain a shred of dignity.

Behind them, the other teachers stood in a line. And, well… they looked like they'd been through some kind of war. Bags under their eyes, slumped shoulders, and a faint aura of defeat radiated from the lot of them.

"What happened to them?" Alicia whispered.

"My guess? Leora," I muttered. "She probably made them run laps while doing calculus or something."