Chapter 103. Part 2: Episode 5

Zaylien’s lips curled in disgust. “And you still haven’t learned manners.”

For a moment, their eyes locked, old rivalry sparking between them like fire waiting for air.

Derek’s smirk widened. “Manners? Coming from someone who doesn’t even have a proper family?” His voice dripped with mockery. “Tell me, Zaylien, how does it feel? No mother. Just two fathers. You must feel… different.”

Zaylien’s jaw tightened. His hand clenched into a fist by his side. He stood slowly, his chair scraping against the floor. “Say that again,” he warned, his voice low and sharp.

Derek leaned closer, unafraid. “I said—”

But before he could finish, a voice cut through the tension.

“What is going on here?”

Both boys turned sharply. A teacher stood at the doorway, arms crossed. It wasn’t their own teacher, but one passing by, attracted by the noise.

“You two,” the teacher barked. “Why are you still here? Everyone else is at the cafeteria. Do you think the rules