The sun shone brightly that afternoon, illuminating every corner of Greenhouse Academy. Max Miller adjusted his Ravens uniform jacket as he walked toward the main courtyard, where the initiation ceremony for the new students would take place. He wasn't in the best mood, having just had another argument with Jackie, as usual. Still, he put on his best smile, since today was about welcoming the new members.
The Ravens were gathered under the shade of the enormous trees that lined the campus, whispering among themselves, sizing up the newcomers. Max had never been one to critically analyze others. He was more the type who tried to make people feel welcome, especially since he knew how tough it could be to adjust to a new place.
"Max!" shouted Leo, the captain of his team, waving his arms from the crowd. Max waved back and headed toward him, already feeling the familiar energy of his surroundings.
"Nervous about the new recruits?" Max asked, giving Leo a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Not me, but you should be. I think you've been assigned someone," Leo replied, raising his eyebrows.
Max frowned, not quite understanding what Leo meant. But he didn't have time to ask, because at that moment, Louis took the microphone to begin the ceremony.
"Welcome to Greenhouse!" he announced in his usual clear and authoritative voice. "Today is a special day, not only because we're welcoming new students, but because we're beginning a new chapter filled with challenges, learning, and... alliances."
As the director continued his speech, Max glanced around, observing the new faces. That's when he saw her. A few meters away, a girl with black, slightly wavy hair, and an expression that was a mix of curiosity and nervousness, stood apart from the rest. Her Ravens uniform was immaculate, but she seemed out of place, like she was searching for a reference point.
For some reason, Max felt the need to approach her. Maybe it was the familiar feeling of seeing someone who needed a helping hand—something he understood well. Or maybe there was just something about her that caught his attention. Before he could move, the director called the mentors for each group of new students.
"Max Miller, you will be the mentor for Charlotte Smith."
The name echoed in his ears just as the girl looked up and met his gaze. Her dark eyes locked with his for a brief moment, enough for Max to feel like the ceremony around him had faded away.
"Charlotte Smith," he thought. So she was the new girl.
He smiled, trying to seem relaxed, and walked toward her as the crowd began to disperse for the practical part of the initiation.
"Hi, I'm Max," he said when he reached her side. "Looks like I'm your mentor."
Charlotte gave him a shy but sincere smile.
"Hi, Max. I think I'm going to need a mentor."
There was a brief silence between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Max noticed Charlotte looking around, as if trying to memorize every detail of the place, while he observed her, wondering what story she carried with her.
"So..." Max said, breaking the silence. "Ready to see what Greenhouse is really about?"
Charlotte laughed softly, relaxing her posture a little.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Max nodded and gestured for her to follow him as they joined the group of students heading toward the field where the real test of the initiation ceremony would begin. As they walked together, Max couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting, this new alliance, would change much more than either of them could imagine.
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