"So this is the famous Nevermore Academy," Drake murmured, stopping just outside the wrought-iron gates.
The academy loomed before him like a Gothic mansion dragged straight out of a ghost story—sharp spires, dark stone, and windows that seemed to watch him back.
He let out a low whistle. "Yeah… this place definitely has a creepy vibe."
"Master Ethan, should I help you with your luggage?" Mark asked, lowering the trunk and lifting two of the heavier bags with practiced care.
Ethan took them with one hand, barely feeling the weight. "No need, Uncle Mark. I've got it."
Mark hesitated, still gripping the last duffel bag. "At least let me—"
"Really," Ethan said with a small smile. "I can handle the rest."
Reluctantly, Mark surrendered the final bag. He lingered a moment, looking like he had more to say, so Ethan made it easier for him.
"And don't forget," Ethan added quietly, "bring my bike tomorrow morning."
That did it.
Mark blinked. "Your bike? Master Ethan… I'm not sure the school will allow something like that."
His tone wasn't defiant—just worried. The Corvin estate paid him far better than any job he'd ever imagined, and Ethan treated him like family. If Ethan asked for something, Mark made it happen—even when it meant bending rules until they cracked.
Ethan shrugged, utterly unbothered. "Who said we're asking for permission?"
Mark stared at him.
"Just drop it off somewhere near the school grounds and text me the location," Ethan continued casually. "I'll take care of the rest."
A long, defeated sigh escaped the driver. "As you wish, Master Ethan."
He bowed, slipped back into the car, and pulled away from the gates, leaving Ethan alone with his luggage and the towering silhouette of Nevermore Academy rising like a castle behind him.
Ethan grabbed his bags, dragged the trolley behind him, and stepped into the courtyard.
And froze.
Someone unexpected stood just inside the archway.
A girl with braided black hair. Pale as moonlight. Wrapped in her iconic monochrome wardrobe, as if even color bowed out of her presence.
Holding a box against her chest.
No way…
Wednesday Addams.
Up close, she looked exactly like she did in the show—razor-sharp eyes colder than January, posture stiff with disdain, aura radiating "Approach me and die."
She looked like a black-and-white drawing dropped into a world of color, refusing to blend in.
As if sensing the thought—or more likely the stare—her eyes shifted toward him with slow, surgical precision.
Their gazes met.
Wednesday spoke in the same flat, emotionless tone he remembered.
"I dissect things that stare at me without permission."
She didn't wait for a reaction.
She simply adjusted the box, stepped past him, and walked away like she hadn't just casually threatened his life.
Ethan blinked.
"…Yeah. Definitely Wednesday. No one else could say something that insane with a perfectly straight face."
Not exactly the first meeting he'd expected on day one.
If Wednesday Addams had already appeared… then the plot had officially started.
Shaking off the moment, Ethan continued deeper into the academy. Stone corridors stretched endlessly around him—arched ceilings, twisting staircases, and not a single sign pointing to the principal's office.
"Great," he muttered. "I have no idea where I'm supposed to go."
Students filled the hall, chatting in lively clusters. After a moment, he spotted three girls gathered near a bulletin board. Good enough.
He walked over and tapped one gently on the shoulder.
Instant silence.
The two girls facing her froze mid-sentence. Their eyes widened. Hands flew to cover their mouths as if they'd just seen a divine being descend from the heavens.
"Uh… excuse me," Ethan tried. "Do you know where the principal's office is?"
The girl he tapped turned around.
And Ethan blinked.
Enid.
Of all people.
Bright-eyed, energetic, radiating color like she was allergic to anything gloomy. Her jaw dropped in surprise.
And maybe… something else.
Her gaze traveled across his face, widening by the second.
Yep. The vampiric charm is definitely working.
"Um… hi," he said again. "Principal's office?"
"I'll show him!" Enid burst out instantly.
"No, I will!" one of the girls snapped.
"Why should you? I saw him first!"
"I saw him first!"
Within seconds, the two were arguing, inching closer like an actual brawl was seconds away.
Ethan stared.
'Well… this is unexpected. I guess girls going through puberty aren't exactly resistant to a handsome face.'
"Girls, behave," Enid said sharply, stepping between them before claws came out.
Both fell silent.
Then she turned back to Ethan with a sunny—if slightly flustered—smile. "I'll take you to the principal's office."
Without waiting for him to answer, she began walking, leaving the other two girls frozen in what looked like heartbreak, as if they'd just lost the jackpot prize.
Ethan sighed inwardly and dragged his suitcase along.
First Wednesday. Now Enid.
This world wasn't wasting any time, huh?
*****
A/N: If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to add it to your library and follow for more chapters!