The school courtyard buzzes with chatter, students gathered in small clusters beneath the string lights and holiday decorations. A towering Christmas tree gleams in the center, adorned with ornaments and glittering tinsel.

Jade: “I don’t see why everyone’s so excited. It’s just some new kid.” She leans against the fountain, her arms crossed, watching as Beck strings lights around the palm trees.

Beck: “Come on, Jade. It’s not every day someone transfers to Hollywood Arts this late in the year.” He smirks, adjusting the strand of lights.

André: “I’m just saying, if they’re coming here, they’ve gotta be crazy talented. What do you think, Tori?” He strums a few chords on his guitar, glancing at her.

Tori: “I mean… it’s kind of weird, right? Transferring during Christmas week? Who does that?” She balances a box of ornaments, setting it down by the tree.

Cat: “Ooooh! Maybe they’re famous!” She clasps her hands, bouncing on her heels. “Like a singer or a magician! Or—or both! A singing magician!”

Robbie: “Or they could be hiding something. Like a dark, mysterious secret.” He adjusts Rex, who chimes in with a smirk.

Rex: “I bet they’re running from the law. Or the circus. Or both.”

The main doors creak open, cutting off the banter. Everyone turns. A figure steps inside, silhouetted against the hallway light. The courtyard falls silent, whispers replacing the chatter.