𝓦𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝓘𝙩 𝓑𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗖

𝓒𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝓣𝙬𝙤

Holton Hook's POV

Opening the tenth letter he received, Holton sat cross-legged on the floor, his back against his locker. The letters were always slipped into his locker or bag without him knowing, which was an impressive feat. By who? Holton still had no idea. Secret admirer, perhaps, he thought. Well, that's a new one.

Dear Holton,

It's Legacy Day, tensions are high, aren't they? I mean, I guess it's more stressful because of the pressure that Headmaster Grimm puts us under and the fact dozens of Royals and Rebels are watching... Well, that's a later problem, I suppose. Maybe that's a good excuse that I don't write as much. In my defense, Professor Rumpelstiltskin is the unfairest of them all to assign exams on the first week of school without prior given material! Guess it's extra credit for me, wish my fingers luck after spinning all that gold...

I got your last letter, it was unexpectedly wholesome. I promise we'll meet up in real life soon, just give me some more time. Everything is chaotic and I just need to organize myself before everything happens. But, I guess, you're the kind of peace I need. I always feel more open when it's just us writing back to each other. The ink of my quill is wearing off, so I'll keep it short and sweet. I'll try to see you at the Legacy Plaza, but can't make any promises I'll actually come up to you.

Forever yours, Nessa.

Accompanied with a blue lipstick-stained kiss on the paper, Holton smirked slightly. Nessa. That name has been stuck in his head since forever, the same name this secret pen pal has been signing their letters for the past few weeks. And yet, no one in Ever After High has that name. Believe him, he has tried every spelling possible in the school's database that he may or may not have used without Headmaster Grimm's permission. Who even is Nessa?

"You're a sly one, aren't you?" he murmured, chuckling to himself.

"Who's sly?" Essie Greenings asked, suddenly next to him. Alarmed, he jumped back, only to scowl at Essie's little smirk on her dimpled face. "Whoa, is that a secret love letter?" Scowling, he tucked the letter away, standing up. "Awe, how adorable, you look rat-faced, Holton."

"Go away," he told her, crossing his arms. The reason why he was reading the letter in the hallway was because it was completely empty, everyone else was at the Legacy Plaza to sign the Book. Holton still didn't know if he was a Royal or Rebel, deciding to camp out in the hall to buy himself more time. "Shouldn't you be out there supporting your best friend ever after, Raven, or whatever?"

"At least I have friends," Essie muttered under her breath, "and I'm just coming inside because Grimm called my name. There's no way I'm signing the Shitbook of Legends. It's not Raven's turn yet, I got time."

Sure, Holton may hate Headmaster Milton Grimm, but Essie and Grimm had a pure hatred for each other. For whatever reason, he has yet to discover. "You sound seriously disturbed," Holton told her. "You look like it too."

"Shut up, daddy issues." Oh, okay, that was uncalled for. Essie put up in her hands in defense. "Don't worry, you aren't the only one with a bad dad." Bringing a pack of cigarettes and a black lighter, she started smoking.

"You know, smoking isn't very selfcare-like," Holton mocked her, gesturing to the ink tattoo on her ring finger. Esssie exhaled, a haze of smoke coming out of her mouth. She leaned against the lockers, holding the cigarette between two fingers.

"Yeah, I quit a while ago, but I smoke every once and then when life gets too real for a hot sec." She chewed the insides of her cheeks, staring at the floor. Isn't that the truth? Despite hating his destiny—the idea of being defeated haunted him—Holton did admire the dreamy freedom that Neverland had. Inhaling the smoke, she rubbed her eyes with her free hand. "I don't know, I should probably quit for real."