by G. Bailey
“I don’t need to see anymore,” the man’s voice says quietly. “This is the twelfth marking on your neck. I’ve never seen anyone wear this mark. I believe what you say is true.”
I release a breath I didn’t realise I’d been holding. At least, he isn’t going to make me strip in front of most of my classmates on the first day. Now, that would have been embarrassing.
“Continue into the school, Miss Crowe. We will speak with you once the ceremony is over.” He says it softly, so the words don’t carry.
I nod my head and slip past him, eager to get away from all the eyes watching me. I reach the large door and push; it opens far more easily than I’d expected. I walk through and allow the door to close behind me, cutting off the stares. Just as the door is about to close, I hear them call Kelly’s name.