Edema Rue

“My name is Aria.”

That was enough for the boy’s face to pale, his eyes to widen. Girls with pure white hair and dark eyes were Dollys. Dollys did not speak unless spoken to. They did not act without orders. They did not have names.

Teacher’s lip curled into a smile. “Nite,” he said. “I believe this man has threatened me, but I don’t want him dead.”

Nite moved, and an instant later the man was on his knees, Nite’s staff across his throat so that his face was forced towards Teacher. If Nite had been practicing the move on another boy, there would have been some resistance. But this man didn’t even move, and only now appeared to realize what had happened. “How…” he cut off as Nite added pressure with his staff. Nite didn’t speak, but the message was as clear as it was when he disciplined the other boys: wait for Teacher.