Natalie's POV

"Ahh—please! Don't hit me!" I cried, arms covering my face as the blows landed. The duster’s handle hit my shoulder, the sting burning through my thin dress.

Madam Black shouted sharply, "How dare you eat before Asher? You brat! You even touched his textbooks! Do you think you deserve to study?"

Each word hurt worse than the last.

"I'm sorry, mom!" I sobbed, stumbling back, hands shaking. "Please, I won’t do it again!"

"Don't call me 'mom!'" she screamed. "It's Madam ...