Lunette had just finished getting ready for the day. Her reflection in the mirror looked really distorted and blurry. A cold chill ran down her spine like a ghost just walked through her body.
The hallways were silent. Her footsteps echoed when she walked. ''So, Lunette, you're coming to class tomorrow. You haven't been to class in a week.'' Enid's voice called out, but it was weird. Lunette turned around to see Enid standing at the end of the hallway. Her face was darkly pale; she didn't have an expression on her face. ''Yeah, yeah, I know I can't miss too many days, or else I'll end up getting kicked out or detained. I really don't care,'' Lunette replied.
But it was like the words were being forced, like she didn't say it ''. Well, you should, or else you'll miss the Poe Cup. Enid's voice was too deep and loud; she never sounded like that.
''What the hell is a Poe cup?'' Lunette replied while walking down the hallway, but it seemed to stretch longer as she kept walking.
''It's a competition of four teams. The first ones to make it to the other side of the lake, get their pole, and make it back across get bragging rights for a whole year, and you win. And yet Bianca Barclay wins every year, but there's only one rule. Don't kill anyone," Enid explains, but her eyes have turned black, and her smile is twisted.
''Oh, that sounds fun,'' Lunette said as her voice bounced between the hallways. ''I'll probably check it out tomorrow.
As she spoke and counted as she walked down the hallway, she came to a stop as Wednesday appeared in front of her. The black nails were on the typewriter, and the sound of her nails clicking against them echoed throughout the hallway.
The walls began closing in as Wednesday's nail typist, the typewriter, She didn't look up or talk to Lona. ''You can't keep running; you have run for too long,'' a dark voice whispered from behind her ear.
Lunette spun around, looking only to see that no one was behind her. ''Boo!'' a dark, raspy voice hissed from behind her ear. Lunette jumped, only to turn back to Wednesday with just her back facing her. The hallway began to twist and stretch. ''Accept it; you'll die before the year is over.
''Accept me before it's too late; you'll die like all the others,'' the voice got louder as the lunette ran. Her breath became louder. She tried to keep running, but it's like her feet are glued to the floor. ''What do you want?'' she yelled out, but her voice was being swallowed by the darkness.
''You know what I want; accept me, and every pain you feel will leave me ill enough to kill anyone.''
''Suddenly, the floor beneath her gave way. She fell into the dark, screaming, but no one could hear her. The air swallowed her voice.
Waking up in a cold sweat, she quickly sat up on her bed. The nightmare hung over her head like a veil. The room was dark, and the only light shining through was the moonlight. She took deep breaths, thinking it would calm her down, but she was uncomfortable in her own body.
With her mind on a race, she hid her face in her knees, wondering what the nightmare meant, but she knew it was only a matter of time before a rustle from the other side of the room broke her thoughts. She lifted her head up, seeing the dark eyes that were looking at her. Wednesday had woken up even with little light; her gaze was always alert and sharp.
"What's wrong?" With a flat, emotionless voice, Wednesday questioned
Although Lunette didn't respond right away, she still tried to process her nightmare; her voice was shaky. "Just a nightmare, nothing to worry about."
Wednesday sat up against her headboard. "You look like you saw something." "I did, and it wasn't pleasant," Lunette admitted. Wednesday didn't want to press Lunette for more.
Instead, she simply watched her through the dark, noticing the tiredness on her face. "Get sleep. You need it." "I'm good," Lunette said, looking at her nails. "It wasn't a request; it's an order. You need sleep now."
"Fine, but I'm doing it for me, not you," Lunette replied.
"Thanks, Wednesday," Lunette murmured, appreciating the gesture even if Wednesday's words were blunt.
With that, Wednesday lay back down, turning away and closing her eyes. Lunette sat there a bit longer, staring at the door, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. Eventually, she lay back down, hoping sleep would come without the haunting dreams.
"So, how's Lunette?" Enid asked, glancing over at Wednesday as they walked down the school hallway together.
Wednesday remained unfazed, her hands stuffed into her pockets. "She had a nightmare. Same as usual."
Enid frowned. "She looked a little off today. Is she okay?"
"She's fine," Wednesday replied, her tone indifferent but her gaze briefly flicking toward where Lunette stood by the lockers, absentmindedly flipping through a book. "Nightmares don't kill people."
"Yeah, but..." Enid's voice trailed off, still concerned. "Maybe you should check on her later, just to be sure."
Wednesday didn't respond immediately, her dark eyes following Lunette for a moment longer before she turned away. "We'll see."
Lunette trailed behind Wednesday, her senses flooded by the earthy scent of Miss Thornhill's classroom. Rows of plants lined the windows, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the desks. The room, once a place of comfort, now felt a bit off. The lingering of her nightmare clung to her.
As they found their seats, Lunette let out a heavy sigh. Her mind was still tangled in the dark images of her dream, unable to fully bring herself into the present. She stared blankly at her notebook, Miss Thornhill's cheerful voice a distant hum.
"You're zoning out again," Wednesday said quietly, her voice low enough that only Lunette could hear. Lunette glanced at her, trying to pull herself together. "I'm fine. Just tired."
"You're lying," Wednesday replied, her deadpan expression Her dark eyes flicked to Lunette's trembling hand that was gripping her pen too tightly. "Nightmares don't just disappear."
Lunette was about to brush it off when she felt something—a subtle touch. Wednesday's hand, cool and steady, slid closer to Lunette's leg, her fingers lightly grazing her thigh. The touch was so unexpected, so out of character for Wednesday, that Lunette's breath caught in her throat.
Her face flushed immediately, a wave of warmth creeping up her neck and settling in her cheeks. She tried to focus on Miss Thornhill's lecture, but the gentle pressure of Wednesday's hand kept pulling her attention away. It wasn't forceful, but the gesture—so small yet so intimate—calmed Lunette's racing mind in a way nothing else had all morning.
"Relax," Wednesday whispered, her voice softer than usual, though still firm. "It's just a dream. It can't hurt you."
Lunette's pulse quickened, and she swallowed hard, feeling her skin grow hotter by the second. She shifted slightly in her seat, hoping Wednesday wouldn't notice the way her entire body had tensed up. But of course, Wednesday noticed everything.
"You're turning red," Wednesday said in her usual blunt tone, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. Lunette quickly looked away, embarrassed. "It's... nothing." But it was something—something she couldn't quite explain, and the fact that it was Wednesday who had done it only made her more flustered. Miss Thornhill's voice droned on in the background about carnivorous plants, but Lunette barely heard a word of it.
As the class continued, Wednesday didn't pull her hand away. She didn't say anything more either; she just kept her steady, grounding presence next to Lunette, as if silently telling her that she wasn't alone. By the time the bell rang, Lunette still hadn't shaken the flush from her face. She quickly gathered her things, her mind spinning with confusion and something else she couldn't name.
"Come on," Wednesday said, standing up and pulling on her bag. "You need food. It'll keep you from overthinking."
Lunette nodded, too flustered to argue. She followed Wednesday out of the classroom, her thoughts still tangled in both the nightmare and the way Wednesday had somehow managed to calm her with a single touch.
The cafeteria buzzed with its usual conversations, laughter, and clattering trays. Lunette and Wednesday walked through the entrance, scanning the room. Enid waved them over from a table near the windows where she sat with Bianca. Lunette hesitated for a moment, but Wednesday nudged her forward. "Stop overthinking. It's just lunch." They made their way to the table, and as they sat down, Enid immediately perked up. "Hey guys! What's up?" Wednesday set her tray down, glancing at Enid with her typical indifferent expression.
"Lunette didn't get enough sleep." Lunette shifted uncomfortably, giving Wednesday a side-eye before muttering, "I'm fine. Really." Enid tilted her head, concern flashing across her face. "You sure, Lunette? You do look kind of out of it." Lunette waved her off, attempting a weak smile. "Yeah, just tired." Bianca, sitting across from them, didn't say much but observed the exchange quietly, her sharp eyes catching the faint flush still on Lunette's cheeks. She raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "Anyway," Enid said, her tone brightening as she quickly changed the subject.
"You'll never guess what happened this morning." Lunette glanced at her curiously while picking at her food. "What?" "Ajax asked me if I wanted to hang out tonight!" Enid beamed, her eyes practically glowing with excitement. "Like a proper hangout. Just the two of us." Wednesday didn't even look up from her lunch. "Congratulations. How thrilling." Enid pouted, playfully shoving Wednesday's shoulder.
"Ugh, come on, Weds. Don't act like you're not interested. This is huge!" "Only in your world, Enid," Wednesday replied flatly, stabbing her fork into her salad. "In mine, spending time with another person is a form of punishment," Bianca smirked. "Let me guess, you plan to
spend the evening sharpening knives or reading up on poisons, right?" Wednesday gave her a sideways glance. "Both, if I'm feeling particularly generous." Lunette couldn't help but chuckle softly at the banter, the tension from the morning slowly fading as she relaxed into the familiar rhythm of their interactions. "Well," Enid continued, undeterred, "I'm excited. Ajax is so sweet, and I think tonight could be really fun. Maybe we'll go to that new arcade downtown!" "An arcade?" Bianca asked, amused.
"How very... middle school of you." Enid grinned. "Hey, don't knock it! It's nostalgic and cute. Plus, Ajax loves that retro stuff." Lunette smiled at Enid's enthusiasm, though she sank back into quiet contemplation. Wednesday's hand brushing her thigh earlier kept replaying in her mind, and she couldn't quite shake the feeling it left behind. "What about you two?" Bianca asked, eyeing Wednesday and Lunette.
"Any big plans for tonight?" Wednesday didn't miss a beat. "I plan on ignoring the entire world and sleeping in peace, assuming Lunette doesn't wake me with her nightmares again." Lunette's face turned crimson, and she quickly tried to recover. "It won't happen again." "Good," Wednesday said nonchalantly, taking a bite of her food. "I prefer my nights uninterrupted." Bianca shook her head, amused. "You two are impossible." Enid, still caught up in her own excitement, barely seemed to register the exchange.
"Well, whatever you do tonight, I'm going to make sure Ajax and I have the best time ever!" "Be sure to tell us all about it tomorrow," Wednesday muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure I'll be dying to hear every detail." Enid stuck her tongue out at her. "Oh, you will. I'm telling you everything." Lunette smiled softly, grateful for the distraction. As the four of them sat in the half-empty lunchroom, Lunette frowned as she checked her phone.
''Didn't the bell ring?''
Enid looked around the room confused. '' I don't think so.
''Wednesday didn't even bother to look up from her book.'' I have sharp ears. I didn't hear anything.'
Bianca glanced at her phone. ''Holy shit, we're late as hell,'' she shot up from her seat.
There was a moment of silence before everyone stood up from their seats and grabbed their things and ran off.
''Catch you guys later.'' Enid called off as she ran off in the other direction. Lunette looked at Wednesday, walking off before looking ahead.
Lunette and Bianca had the same math class together, hurrying down the hall to their class as the power walked to their class. Bianca gave Lunette a side glance before asking, Sooo... What happened in Miss Thornhill's class earlier?
Lunettes eyebrow rose. ''Wow, so no, hi, how are we just going straight to integration, huh? What makes you think anything happened in class?" her voice dripped with sarcasm.
''Well, number one, when you and Wednesday walked in, you were blushing hard. Number two, you kept your head down, and you kept your sentences short, and number three, Wednesday kept answering all of the questions that were for you.
''So in conclusion,, somethinghappened,d, and you have tea, so spill it.''
Lunette rolled her eyes, and she adjusted her bag over her shoulder. I was having a heat stroke. Ever think about that?'
''Right,'' Bianca said in a playful tone, because I've most definitely seen someone turn completely red and have that kind of reaction around Wednesday.''
Lunette scoffed and kept her tone light but sharp enough: "Look, I'm not being rude, but we barely know each other, and I'm not in a mood for a crush integration.
Bianca grinned with a huge smile on her face. ''Aha, so it's a crush. You see, Lunette, you may be a sarcastic, eye-rolling, nonchalant person, but I'm going to find out. Don't think I won't.
Bianca chuckled but did not push anymore,'But fair. Enough, I guess, but just saying whatever happened in that classroom is written all over your face.
Lunette shot her a sideways glance as they walked closer towards their classroom. ''Well, maybe my face is a little. more expressive.'
Bianca grinned. ''Mhm, and Wednesday has nothing to do with that face. ''
Lunettes's eye twitched, fighting back a huge smile. ''Trust me, she most definitely has nothing to do with it,'' she said dryly, the sarcasm thick in her voice.
Bianca opened the door, letting Lunette go first. Sure, whatever you say, I'm going to keep your secret for now.
''Good to know you're such a good detective,'' Lunette said as she slid into her seat.
Bianca sat beside her, giving her one last knowing glance before turning to look at the board. ''Don't worry, I'm going to figure you out.''
Lunette shrugged and rested her chin under her hand.'Have fun.''
The moment Lunette stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapped around her like a cloak. The campus was mostly empty as she made her way toward the forest. The shadows between the trees seemed to call her in, but she moved with purpose. She had something to do. She found a small clearing deep within the woods, the perfect spot for what she had in mind. Closing her eyes, Lunette let the energy of the earth rise around her, grounding herself. She raised her hands, palms open toward the sky, and began to recite the spell, her voice low and steady:
"*Aegis protegat me et eos qui hic habitant, hoc loco et animis nostris, mala omnia repellantur." (*May the shield protect me and those who dwell here, in this place, and our spirits; may all evil be repelled.*)
A faint ripple of energy coursed through her, a warm hum that settled in her bones. The forest around her seemed to sigh in response, as if acknowledging the magic. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders and the protection now surrounding both herself and the school. Satisfied, Lunette turned and made her way back to the dorms, the air feeling lighter somehow, as if her spell had already taken effect. As she approached her dorm, she heard the faint sound of music drifting through the air—melancholy, deep, and hauntingly beautiful.
Wednesday's dark eyes glared at the sheet music, her fingers commanding the cello with eerie precision. The somber melody drifted across the campus, haunting and heavy, as if the instrument itself mourned under her touch. Thing, perched on the edge of the stand, flipped the pages with a flourish whenever necessary.
As the final note lingered in the air, Wednesday exhaled sharply, setting the bow down with controlled annoyance. Thing tapped her wrist and began signing quickly.
"No, I don't feel better," she snapped, cutting him off. Her gaze swept over the sprawling school grounds below. "There's something wrong. And no, it's not just because it's a school."
The window creaked open behind her, and Enid's bright, chaotic energy spilled onto the balcony. She gawked at the massive instrument.
"How the hell did you get that oversized violin out here?"
"It's called a cello, Enid. Keep up," another voice chimed in dryly. Lunette clambered onto the balcony with considerably more grace, her sharp eyes flicking between Wednesday and the instrument.
Wednesday remained unbothered. "I had an extra hand." She gestured pointedly at Thing, who waved cheerfully at the pair.
"I knew you were into some weird shit," Lunette muttered, her lips twitching into a reluctant smirk.
"Wait—" Enid squinted, her expression turning from curiosity to mild horror. "Where's the rest of him?"
"No one knows," Wednesday said coolly as she closed the music book, setting it aside with deliberate precision. "It's one of the greatest Addams Family mysteries." She rose from her seated position, her dark silhouette framed by the pale moonlight.
Thing indignantly scuttled toward her, signing furiously.
Wednesday arched an eyebrow, a shadow of amusement crossing her face. "Thing says he's offended and demands an apology."
"For being creepy?" Enid folded her arms, stepping back cautiously as Thing advanced. "Yeah, that's not happening."
Lunette crossed her arms, her tone drier than the desert. "Careful, Enid. He'll take your hand as compensation."
"Ugh, gross! Stop!" Enid shrieked, hopping back through the window. Thing gave an exaggerated bow before retreating smugly to his perch.
Wednesday tilted her head, the faintest hint of a smirk gracing her lips. "At least someone around here has a sense of humor."
''It's a full moon,'' Lunette said, breaking the silence that hung thick in the air. Her gaze shifted to Enid. ''Why aren't you wolfing out?''
''Because I can't,'' Enid replied quietly, her voice filled with sadness. She extended her hand, flexing her claws. ''This is all I've got.'' She looked up at the glowing moon, her shoulders slumping.'My mom says some wolves are just late bloomers, but I've seen some of the best lycanologists fly all the way to Milwaukee. Would you believe?''
''She hesitated, swallowing hard. 'Yeah,' she says, 'there's a chance I may never…. You know. Her voice trailed off, leaving her unspoken fears to linger in the air.
Lunette moved a step closer, her expression soft with concern.'What happens then?''
Enid sighed, her eyes fixed on the moon.'I'd become a lone wolf.
''Sounds perfect,'' Wednesday said from her stance at the window, her tone as dry as the desert.
''Really Wednesday'' Enid shot her a sharp look. "Are you kidding me? My life would officially be over. I'd be kicked out of my family's pack with no prospect of finding a mate."
Wednesday frowned slightly, her expression one of genuine confusion. "I'm failing to see the problem."
"I could die alone!" Enid cried, her voice cracking.
"We all die alone, Enid," Wednesday said matter-of-factly.
Enid groaned, throwing her hands up in frustration. "You really suck at this. Cheering people up." A few tears escaped, and she quickly wiped them away, as though annoyed at her own vulnerability.
Wednesday tilted her head, her sharp gaze focused on Enid. "Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice flat but with a faint undertone of curiosity.
"Because I'm upset!" Enid hissed, glaring at her.
Lunette stepped in, placing a gentle hand on Enid's shoulder. "You're not alone now," she said softly. "And you won't be, no matter what."
Enid offered a faint, watery smile, her voice a little steadier. "Thanks, Lunette." She turned her eyes back to the moon, her tone more reflective. "You know, sometimes I think... maybe being a lone wolf wouldn't be so bad. But then I remember what it's like to feel connected. To belong."
"Belonging is overrated," Wednesday muttered, though her voice carried an uncharacteristic flicker of something unspoken.
Lunette turned her head, her gaze steady as she looked at Wednesday. "Not for everyone."
Wednesday's eyes met hers, the moonlight casting sharp contrasts across her features. For a moment, the sharpness in her expression softened—just barely. She looked away, her voice quieter than before. "For some, belonging can be... suffocating."
Lunette didn't break her gaze, her tone careful yet warm. "Maybe that's because you've never found someone worth belonging to."
Wednesday turned back, her dark eyes locking onto Lunette's. Something unspoken passed between them—a silent challenge, a question, and maybe even a hint of vulnerability. The corner of her lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. "And you think you've solved that mystery?"
"Not yet," Lunette replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But I'm good with puzzles."
Enid shifted, breaking the moment as she looked between the two. "Okay, am I missing something here, or are you two just really bad at flirting?"
Wednesday arched an eyebrow, her voice returning to its usual deadpan. "Your imagination is astounding towards me, Enid."
Lunette smirked but didn't deny it. Instead, she leaned on the balcony rail, her eyes flicking back to the moon. "Maybe it's not about belonging to someone else," she said thoughtfully. "Maybe it's about letting someone belong to you."
Wednesday's gaze lingered on Lunette for just a moment longer before she turned away, retreating into the shadows of the room.
The three of them stood in silence again, but the tension between Wednesday and Lunette seemed to hum in the cool night air, as tangible as the moonlight that bathed Nevermore in silver.