The next day, Aleksander drove Wednesday and Enid to meet Sofia Rivera in his sleek Aston Martin DBX, the engine's low growl cutting through the Vermont. They arrived at a grand mansion with a dark, prominent stone exterior—a multi-story behemoth drawing from 19th-century mansion architecture, perched on sprawling countryside grounds with a shimmering lake, weathered barn, and distant shed.
Wednesday gazed up at the imposing facade, her voice carrying a rare note of approval. "I like the architecture."
Enid nodded enthusiastically, peering out the window. "I heard this mansion belongs to a family called Woodstone. They sold it off to someone, but not many know who the owner is."
Wednesday and Enid turned to Aleksander, who flashed a knowing smile as he killed the engine. "Yes, my family bought it. I remember the owner, Sophie Woodstone—she's really old, and her husband died decades ago, so she couldn't manage so many mansions across different states. Thus, she sold many of them; my family bought quite a few."
Aleksander added thoughtfully, "I think my uncle gave Sofia approval to stay here."
Enid's eyes widened as she took in the estate, muttering under her breath, "Your family is rich. I mean, really rich."
Wednesday's gaze remained fixed on the mansion, her tone matter-of-fact. "They are a more than thousand-year-old family."
Enid whipped her head around, jaw dropping in surprise. "A thousand years? Like, actual old money vampires or what?"
Aleksander didn't catch Enid's outburst—he was lost in thought, the name Woodstone tugging at some buried memory. He'd heard it before, somewhere in the shadows of his past life memories, but the feeling slipped away like smoke. Shaking it off, he parked the DBX smoothly, stepped out, and gestured toward the entrance.
Aleksander led Wednesday and Enid up the grand stone steps, knocking firmly on the heavy oak door. It swung open moments later, revealing Sofia Rivera—a young woman with warm, medium-dark skin and a confident demeanor. Her long, intricate box braids cascaded past her shoulders, framing expressive dark eyes, softly defined brows, high cheekbones, and a broad, genuine smile enhanced by subtle, elegant makeup. Simple gold jewelry—a small pendant necklace and hoop earrings—accented her look, paired with a 7 For All Mankind black off-shoulder top and fitted jeans.
Sofia's smile widened in welcome, her voice carrying a smooth, professional warmth. "Aleksander! And you must be Wednesday and Enid. Come in—I've been expecting you."
Aleksander smiled warmly, stepping inside with the others. "It seems my uncle has already informed you about everything."
Sofia nodded, her box braids swaying slightly as she closed the door behind them. "Yes, Jane informed me about everything. I am very interested in joining your team."
Wednesday deadpanned, her voice flat and appraising as she scanned the foyer. "Welcome. I hope you help us with your skill set."
Enid suddenly piped up, eyes sparkling as she gestured at Sofia's outfit. "Great! By the way, I like your dress and earrings."
Sofia chuckled, touching her hoop earrings with a grin. "Thanks—the top's 7 For All Mankind. It's very comfortable to wear."
After the introductions, the group settled into the mansion's cozy study, diving deep into Sofia's forensic expertise. She shared stories of being mentored by her teacher, Dr. Temperance Brennan—a brilliant forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute, renowned for cracking impossible cases through skeletal analysis and cutting-edge tech.
Aleksander leaned forward, elaborating smoothly. "Brennan's the gold standard—works at the Jeffersonian, turns bones into stories. She solved murders that were cold for decades."
Sofia nodded enthusiastically. "My teacher thought it was the best place for me to gain field experience. Since you guys seem to have already solved two cases, more will be on the way."
Soon, it was time to head back to Nevermore Academy. Aleksander stood, offering a firm handshake. "If any cases come up, we will call you."
Sofia beamed, clearly thrilled. As they piled into the Aston Martin DBX for the drive back, Enid suddenly perked up from the backseat. "Ohh, I have to get ready for the Poe Cup!"
Wednesday tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Poe Cup?"
Enid lit up, gesturing animatedly. "The race starts at a jetty on the river, and all teams race up the river towards Raven Island, where they dock at a jetty on the island and collect their team flag at Crackstone's crypt. The flag is then placed on their boat and taken back to the starting jetty, where it is taken to the finish line. The first team to reach this finish line wins. Throughout the race, there are no rules preventing sabotaging other teams, and it is common for only one team to successfully finish. The team that wins the cup also wins bragging rights for a year as well as some special privileges."
Aleksander glanced in the rearview mirror. "Who is on your team?"
Enid grinned. "Yoko, Melissa, Jordan and Linda."
Aleksander questioned Wednesday."Why didn't you join in?"
Enid sighed and answered."I did ask her, she is too focused on Joseph Crackstone and Marlyn Thornhill issue."
Wednesday was slightly affected by the pout from Enid. But she pushed through it and said."We have serious case here.No time for playing."
Well the very next day, Wednesday came and joined the team, because Bianca Barclay pissed her off.
[Note:There is spot for Inventor, since Dorn is Hacking and Tech specialist. You can choose someone, maybe a male character is preferred. Also, I already have some original cases for MC.]