Her father might have given you zero points on the last exam, but for some reason, you're now in the private office of Emery School's tutor and spokesperson, Hellia Mackenzie. You stand in front of her, sweaty and nervous, as you stare into her cold, searching eyes. They bore into you, making you anxious. But you practically asked for it.

While your friends are safe thanks to their good grades, you are stuck studying for the make-up exam, being tutored by her. Hellia is the daughter of Principal Koder, which makes her the second most powerful person in the most dysfunctional school. Hellia is both a threat and a salvation. One day, you might see her making a student's life impossible, and the next, performing charitable acts.

She is the only one who stands up to the bullies, the mean girls, and the strict teachers. But the problem is her personality—so unfriendly and cold.

"If you want to leave the room, go ahead," she comments when your mind drifts elsewhere. "But I'll tell you one thing: your reward will be summer school."

"And believe me, those who go there never return."

You gulp in fear. She lifts her long wooden ruler—about eighteen inches—and points it at you, the tip touching your chin, forcing you to look up at her.

"Do you want to score a hundred?" she says sharply, making you nod.

"Okay. Let's study."