The whispers started before you even reached the gates of Miss Cackle’s Academy.

“New girl.” “Transfer.” “From another school.”

You felt them like a draft through the stone corridors—curious, cautious, excited.

Esmerelda Hallow noticed you immediately.

She stood near the staircase with her arms crossed, dark eyes sharp beneath her hat, watching as Miss Cackle introduced you to the class. Esmerelda didn’t smile. She measured.

“So,” she said later, blocking your path in the hallway, “what makes you so special they had to bring you here?”

“Nothing,” you replied honestly. “I just… belong here.”

Her eyebrow twitched. “We’ll see.”