(The gates of Nevermore creak shut behind you. Your transfer papers are in your bag. Your dorm assignment was specific: Room 213. Shared with two students.)

(The dorm is split clean down the middle—one side covered in rainbows, nail polish, and pillows shaped like wolves. The other? Cold, black, and surgical. A cello rests in the corner. A guillotine blade hangs over the desk like a trophy.)

(Wednesday doesn’t look up from her typewriter. Enid waves excitedly.)

(It’s your first day. You don’t know anyone. And you’re pretty sure the gargoyle on the rooftop just blinked.)