Chapter Text
A week had passed. On Monday morning, Morrigan awoke to the soft, golden light filtering through her sheer curtains. She had barely slept, her mind churning with thoughts of home and the uncertainties of her new life. As she reluctantly got out of bed, she noticed that the room was bathed in a serene stillness, a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside.
The day ahead was filled with the need to adapt and integrate. Morrigan dressed in a simple black top, jeans, and a cream cardigan, and made her way to the dining hall. The echoes of her footsteps on the polished wooden floors seemed louder than usual, emphasizing her isolation.
In the dining hall, she found a seat at the edge of the small table where the other students were already seated. Nan and Queenie were engaged in a lively conversation, while Maddison’s gaze fell on Morrigan with a scrutinizing look.
“Look who’s gracing us with her presence,” Maddison said with a hint of sarcasm. “Did you have trouble finding the dining hall, or were you just late?”
Morrigan stayed silent, looking down at her palms resting in her lap.
Maddison raised an eyebrow. “Try not to be too overwhelmed, new girl; we don’t bite—much.”
Morrigan nodded, though she felt a pang of discomfort at Maddison’s snide tone. Queenie and Nan gave her encouraging smiles, softening the atmosphere. “Don’t mind Maddison,” Queenie said gently. “She’s just… well, being a bitch as usual.”
As breakfast was served, Morrigan ate quietly, observing the dynamics around her. The girls chatted animatedly, creating a rhythm of normalcy that Morrigan struggled to find her place in. Despite the pleasant atmosphere, Maddison's occasional jabs and sarcastic comments made Morrigan feel even more out of place.
After breakfast, Cordelia met Morrigan in the foyer. “Good morning. Today, we’ll begin with our morning circle.”
Morrigan followed Cordelia through the open-plan academy, as Cordelia spoke about transitioning to this new part of her life. They passed a library brimming with ancient books and a greenhouse lush with exotic plants.
Cordelia’s gentle demeanor made Morrigan feel a bit more at ease, though the weight of her situation still hung heavily on her shoulders.
“Morrigan,” Cordelia said with a reassuring smile, “I understand that this is a lot to take in. Remember, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to support you.”
With that, Cordelia guided Morrigan to the main room where the other girls were already seated, discussing each of their powers and how they had manifested. The experiences the girls had with their powers were more chaotic and story-worthy than Morrigan’s own.
Morrigan tried to absorb the stories of these girls she was now living with, but her mind kept drifting back to her aunt and the life she had left behind.
Later in the day, as Morrigan wandered through the academy’s halls, Maddison and the other girls cornered her with mischievous grins. “Hey, new girl. We have someone joining us today, and we’re going to scare them. Wanna join in?”
Morrigan froze, unsure of how to respond. “I… I don’t think so…”
Maddison huffed, crossing her arms. “Well, enjoy your alone time, bitch.”
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The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Miss Robichaux’s Academy as Morrigan wandered the corridors endlessly. The occasional murmur of distant conversations and the rustle of the breeze through the open windows filled the air.
Approaching the common area, Morrigan heard a cacophony of voices and laughter. Curiosity piqued, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was occupied by the academy’s other students—Maddison, Nan, and Queenie—gathered around a central spot with an air of dark excitement.
In the middle of the room, Zoe Benson stood with a look of pure terror on her face. Maddison, with an unsettling grin, held an ornate dagger in her hand. The room was dimly lit by flickering candles that cast eerie shadows on the walls. Nan and Queenie stood by, their expressions a mix of nervous anticipation and reluctant complicity.
Morrigan’s eyes widened as she took in the scene. It was clear they were staging a disturbing ritual. Maddison’s laughter echoed eerily as she pretended to brandish the dagger above Zoe, who was visibly trembling. The candles flickered, casting strange and unsettling patterns on the walls.
“Welcome to the academy, Zoe,” Maddison said with a twisted grin. “Let’s see how you handle a little initiation.”
Zoe’s eyes darted around the room, her fear palpable. “Please, stop this!” she pleaded, her voice quivering.
Morrigan’s heart raced. She had barely adjusted to her new surroundings and was now witnessing a horrifying prank. Unable to stand by any longer, she stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. “Stop this! It’s not funny.”
The room fell silent as Morrigan’s presence was noticed. Maddison’s eyes flicked to her, the amusement momentarily replaced by annoyance. “Oh, look who’s here,” she said with a dismissive wave of the hand. “Morrigan, join us in welcoming Zoe.”
Morrigan’s gaze remained fixed on Zoe, who looked on the verge of breaking down. She crossed the room quickly, placing herself between Zoe and the intimidating display. “This isn’t a joke,” Morrigan said, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. “It’s cruel.”
Maddison’s smirk faltered, her grip on the dagger loosening. “It’s just a prank,” she said, though the edges of her smile betrayed her irritation. “We were just trying to test her.”
Zoe, still shaking, managed to find her voice. “This isn’t a test. It’s terrifying.”
The intensity of the moment hung in the air, and Morrigan felt a surge of empathy for Zoe. She looked around at the other girls, who were shifting uncomfortably but remained silent. Nan and Queenie exchanged glances, their earlier enthusiasm dampened by the confrontation.
Morrigan’s gaze softened as she turned to Zoe. “You’re okay,” she said gently. “Let’s get you out of here.”
With a nod, Zoe began to move away from the candles and the dark ambiance of the room. Morrigan stayed by her side, offering silent support. The other girls began to disperse, their earlier bravado replaced by a heavy silence.
As they left the room, Morrigan stayed close to Zoe, her heart heavy with the weight of the unsettling initiation she had witnessed.
Zoe offered a tentative smile as they reached a quieter part of the academy. “Thanks for stepping in,” she said softly.
Morrigan nodded. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch.”
Zoe’s smile widened slightly, her tension easing. “Still, thank you.”