𝓦𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝓘𝙩 𝓑𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗖

𝓒𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝓕𝙞𝙫𝙚

Raven Queen's POV

It felt like Legacy Day all over again, except all eyes were on Raven for another reason. They still feared her, there was somehow a new sense of respect and authority given by the Rebels. You're the ringleader they've been searching for, Melina's words from last night exploded in her mind. The question is—will you step up to that role?

Strolling down the hallway with Essie by her side, Raven soon realized that some Royals and Rebels were even waving or saying simple 'hellos.' "You're super famous now," Essie told her, her black high heels clacking on the floor as they walked. You might ask why was Essie Greenings wearing strappy six-inch heels on a regular Monday morning? I don't give enough fucks about Headmaster Grimm to follow the dresscode, Essie always said. "Just remember me when you rule the entire school."

Raven snorted. "As if, Grimm still runs this story."

"Nuh-uh. He's really pissed after last night's public show-down. He lost an argument against a teenage girl, that'd leave a nasty scar considering how bitter Grimm is. Trust me, Raven, you won't like him like he's angry."

"I don't think anyone likes him in general."

Essie rolled her eyes. "Other than Apple who kisses up to his ass."

Raven frowned. "Hey, don't bring Apple into this." It was royally awkward after Legacy Day ended and she headed back to her dorm. Apple was sobbing herself to sleep while Raven was just trying to exist without creating a crossfire. Arriving at their Environmental Magic class, Raven was surprised to see a new face instead of Professor Jack B. Nimble's.

There was a young woman at his desk, perhaps in her mid-twenties, with her dark brown hair in a messy bun held by a pen. "Welcome, I'm your new teacher, Professor Camille Red." Raven noticed that Professor Red had a teddy bear that had a Mona Lisa sort of smile on her desk.

"Cute bear," Essie said as they took to the front row. Students flocked to their assigned seats while Professor Red smiled.

"Awe, thank you, it's a gift from my partner." Professor Red started the roll call, checking names off the attendance. Apparently, Professor Nimble had too much on his plate and needed a teacher to take one of his classes. "Okay... That should be everyone." She leaned against her desk, smiling yet again. "As your new professor, I'll start by introducing myself. Uh, I'm the next Rose Red from Snow White and Rose Red. Don't get that fairytale confused with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I actually used to attend Ever After High, I graduated around seven years ago."

Essie elbowed Raven. "I just know one of the guys in our class will try to hit that."

"Ess, that's so inappropriate... and most likely true."

"Sorry, I'm late." Apple's voice echoed throughout the classroom, silencing every student. Her heels clicked against the floor as she walked, avoiding Raven's gaze. Oh my Grimm, this isn't going to end well, is it? "I was caught up with personal stuff. Professor Red, correct?"

"Erm, yes, sorry I must have missed your name. Apologies, Miss White." Professor Red made corrections to her attendance list as Apple sat next to Raven, still avoidant. "Moving forward to class, we'll be learning about..." Raven started to zone out as she bit her nails, eyeing Apple who hadn't made eye contact yet. Was this her way of expressing her anger? Giving her the silent treatment?"

"Apple?" After no response, Raven got more annoyed and repeated herself, "Apple."

"You should really focus on Professor Red's teachings instead, Raven."

"You can't possibly still be mad at me?"

"I'm not mad... Just a tad bit upset."

Yeah, okay. "Can't we be civil about this?" Raven lowered her voice. "Apple, I can't keep living like this. I-I saw what my future looked like in the Storybook of Legends." Suddenly, Raven was taken back to Legacy Day. Her heart was thumping against her chest as her head throbbed, her dark eyes glued to the pages of the Book. The Storybook often showed glimpses of what their destiny would look like in the future. There she was—a future Raven Queen—locked up and removed from society. Her hands were handcuffed and she was a prisoner. Forgotten, disgraced, afraid, and most of all, alone. She couldn't let herself sign the Book knowing that would be her fate forever.