Shadowed Hearts (Wenclair)

1. Dark Beginnings

The halls of Nevermore Academy were a labyrinth of secrets, each corner holding whispers of the past and promises of the unknown. As I walked through the dimly lit corridors, my mind was a fortress of cold logic and unyielding determination. Yet, beneath the icy exterior, an unfamiliar warmth flickered, one that I had been trying to ignore since Enid Sinclair came into my life.

Enid was everything I was not—bright, bubbly, and full of life. Her ability to wolf out made her a formidable force, but it was her unyielding optimism that unnerved me the most. Despite our differences, or perhaps because of them, a connection had formed between us. It was a bond I didn't fully understand, and one I was reluctant to explore. For someone like me, emotions were a distraction, a weakness.

But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I found myself drawn to her. It was an unspoken pull, a magnetic force that I couldn't resist. And it terrified me.

Tonight, I had decided to confront these feelings head-on. I made my way to Enid's dorm room, my footsteps echoing in the silence. As I approached, I could hear the soft hum of music coming from inside. I hesitated for a moment before knocking lightly.

The door swung open, and there she stood, her smile as radiant as ever. "Wednesday! What brings you here?"

"I need to talk to you," I said, my voice betraying none of the turmoil within.

She stepped aside, allowing me to enter. The room was a stark contrast to mine—brightly decorated, full of color and warmth. It was a reflection of her, and it made me feel out of place. Yet, there was something comforting about it, something that made me feel... safe.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, sitting on the edge of her bed.

I remained standing, my hands clasped behind my back. "Enid, there's something I need to say. Something I've been avoiding."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with concern. "What is it?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I have feelings for you, Enid. Strong feelings. And it's... complicated."

Her eyes widened, surprise and confusion mingling in their depths. "Feelings? For me?"

"Yes," I said, my voice unwavering. "I don't fully understand them, but they're there. And I need to know if you feel the same."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, she stood up and walked over to me, her eyes searching mine. "Wednesday, I... I've felt something too. But I didn't know if you felt the same way."

I looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "I don't know what to do with these feelings, Enid. They're foreign to me. But I can't ignore them anymore."

She reached out, gently taking my hand in hers. "We'll figure it out together. We don't have to rush. We can take it one step at a time."

I nodded, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "I just don't want this to affect our friendship. Or your safety."

She squeezed my hand, her smile reassuring. "We'll face whatever comes our way. Together."

As she spoke, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn't alone. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.