Estelle puts out her hands to the students. “Well done, all of you! Some quite unusual animals created.” Cupping her hands, she drops them to her thighs, offering that overexaggerated smile. “Now, go on to your rooms to practice equally important tasks.” Nodding, she puts out a hand to the door.
Students extinguish the remaining fire animals, all gathering themselves and their books, and head for the door.
As their masters leave their seats, the other slaves spill from their corner. Every last one of them pushes past Sarah, forcing her to brace against the wall. All she can do is wait for them to pass. The last one pushes her shoulder into her hard with a sneer and snigger. Sarah holds her eyes on the floor, letting off the wall, and takes in a deep breath. Standing tall, she smooths the
