The Bound Between Us

Chapter 994

No matter how you looked at it-whether it was her looks or her family name— Patty always seemed to outshine Layna.

Layna was fiercely competitive. She had to be the best at everything, always needing to come out on top. In her mind, everything Patty had should have belonged to her.

Watching Layna, who looked noticeably thinner than when she first started at the academy, Juliana's heart ached. "You've only been at school for a few weeks, and look at you-skin and bones already. Honey, your aunt can barely stand to see you like this."

Layna had been at the academy for just over a month. The place was strict: up at 5:30 in the morning for exercise, then classes, meals in the dining hall, washing their own clothes, cleaning their own rooms-no shortcuts, no exceptions. Lights out at eleven, and you'd better not be caught out of your dorm after hours.

Most of the kids sent to this school came from privileged backgrounds and had a reputation for being rebellious. The adjustment was rough. Some fought the rules, some dreamed of running away, but it was pointless-the whole campus was surrounded by tall fences and security cameras, and parents were only allowed to visit once a month.

When Layna first arrived, she didn't rebel like the others. She was smart. She kept her head down, followed the rules, and put on her best behaved-girl act. To the teachers, she was a model student.

"Layna, don't worry. Your aunt is going to talk to your uncle and bring you home soon, I promise," Juliana said, giving Layna's cold hand a gentle squeeze.

Layna nodded, her voice soft and careful. "Aunt Juliana, please don't argue with Uncle Scott over me. I'm really fine here."

way she said it, anyone could

me—are the teachers treating you okay? Has

and shook her head. "... No,

pulled up Layna's sleeve and gasped. Dark bruises marked her arm. She checked the other

happened? Who did this to you?" Juliana's voice

answer. Tears welled up and

teachers, wasn't it? I'm going

aunt's hand, wide-eyed and desperate. "If you talk to them, it'll only get worse after you leave. Uncle Scott won't believe

She wiped Layna's tears. "When I get home, I'm talking to your uncle. I'm

that

knew Juliana would come. In the days leading up to the visit, she pinched her own arms, hard, leaving purple and blue marks at different stages of healing. Anyone looking would

don't tell Uncle Scott. You know how he is-he'll just get mad and won't believe me.

"Oh, Layna, you're such a good girl. Of course I'll come tomorrow night. I'll even bring your uncle so he can see how thoughtful you are. Everyone has