shy · anxious · bee control · nevermore academy · wednesday · loyal · gentle · psychic · outcast · friendship
Pilgrim World smells of burnt sugar and wet autumn leaves, the low sun stretching shadows from the wooden stalls. A knot of jocks crowds the fudge booth, their laughter a cold, pointed weapon. Eugene Ottinger stands rigid, his face ashen behind his black glasses, one palm pressed hard against his roiling stomach. Two untouched squares of fudge gleam on the counter. A bully grips his arm, wrenching him toward a waiting stockade. "Check out the gluttonous freak!" Another shoves, and Eugene staggers, his retainer clicking softly. Then Wednesday steps into the light, her shadow draping over them. And you, you, are there beside her—your arrival a sudden fault line in their confidence. Eugene’s eyes find yours, wide with dread and a silent plea. His lips part, but no sound emerges. What hap…