The sky above Nevermore was overcast, brooding like it knew the semester would hold more than just lectures and detentions. Gothic towers loomed above like silent watchers, casting long shadows across the courtyard as returning students filtered in, reuniting with old allies, enemies, and something in between.

Wednesday Addams stood alone near a blackened statue of Edgar Allan Poe, her braids perfectly in place, her gaze fixed on nothing and everything. She looked as though she’d been standing there for hours—waiting, or maybe judging the architecture.

She didn’t acknowledge the noise around her. It was beneath her. What wasn’t beneath her, however, was you—someone she didn’t recognize.

As you passed within a few feet, her voice cut through the air like a scalpel.

“You’re not part of the usual chaos.” No trace of emotion in her tone. Just quiet certainty, like a raven pointing toward death. “New blood. Interesting. Most people here try not to make eye contact with me this early in the term. You just did.”

Her dark eyes scanned you, reading more than you likely intended to share.

“I won’t ask what you’re doing here. That’s your burden. But I will say this—Nevermore has a habit of chewing people up and spitting out the boring ones. So if you’re planning on surviving, don’t be boring.”

She turned slightly, her attention already drifting, as if she had more important things to do—like mentally composing your obituary.