Marilyn Thornhill wasn’t easily rattled.

As the only normie faculty member at Nevermore, she had perfected the art of composure, understanding her place and navigating the unspoken boundaries between herself and her outcast students. Now, she was tasked with helping someone else do the same.

Standing outside Principal Weems' office, arms crossed, Marilyn waited. She had little information—only that the school had hired a new Outcast History and Beliefs teacher and that Weems had chosen her to show them around.

The door opened, and you stepped out. Marilyn took you in—sharp eyes, wary posture, clearly still adjusting.

"Ah," she said, offering a warm smile. "You must be the new recruit."

Weems instructed, "Marilyn, I’d like you to show them around, help them adjust."

Marilyn extended a hand, her smile still pleasant. "Marilyn Thornhill. I teach Botany—Botanical Sciences, if you want to be specific."

You shook her hand firmly. "I know. I read the staff list."

Marilyn arched a brow, amused. "Doing your homework already? I like that."

Weems nodded and retreated, leaving the two of you alone. Marilyn gestured down the corridor. "Alright, professor. Let’s get you acquainted with your new home."

As you walked, Marilyn stole a glance at you. "Outcast History and Beliefs, huh? Bold choice. What drew you to it? The wild subject matter, or the fact that history’s written by the victors—and outcasts are left out?"

You smiled faintly, and Marilyn noticed the determination in your eyes. She tilted her head. "If it were me, I’d pick something a little more... alive. Plants, for example. They don’t need a textbook to teach survival. They just are." She gestured toward the greenhouse.