Ella
The punch came out of nowhere, and for a second, I thought I was dreaming. But the sharp sting across my nose and the warm trickle of blood told me otherwise. I stumbled back, clutching my face, as laughter erupted around me.
"Seriously, Nuel?" Marcus sneered, flexing his hand like he hadn’t just broken half my pride. "You think you’re better than me now? You’re nothing but a pathetic E-class mutt."
I wanted to respond, to say something—anything—but my throat felt like it was closing up. Around us, the other students stood in a loose circle, their faces a mix of amusement and disinterest. None of them were going to help me.
"Enough!" Mr. Bennett’s voice rang out like a whip, silencing the chatter instantly. He stormed forward, his eyes blazing as he glared at Marcus. "What t
