Daughter of a Witch

New Beginnings

Y/n stood at the gates of Yale University, her breath catching in her throat as she stared up at the ivy-covered buildings. The weight of this moment-her first day of college-settled in her chest, mingling with excitement and nerves. She had chosen Yale for a fresh start, a chance to focus on her passion for forensic psychology and finally leave behind the drama of the Young Avengers. Peter and Isla were part of her past now, and while those memories still stung, Y/n was determined to carve out a new life for herself.

The campus buzzed with life, students carrying bags slung over their shoulders, laughing and chatting as they hurried between orientations and dorm check-ins. Y/n clutched her schedule in one hand, trying to decipher the maze of buildings, when she spotted the orientation group she was meant to join.

She approached cautiously, her dark brown hair catching the sunlight as she waved awkwardly to the group. Emily and James, a couple who seemed entirely at ease with each other, smiled at her warmly. Hannah and Mark, another pair, were locked in a playful argument about which campus café served the best coffee. Y/n smiled, grateful for the friendly faces, but it was the girl standing quietly off to the side who caught her eye.

Tall and effortlessly cool, Sidney looked like she'd walked straight out of a fashion magazine. Her dark, tailored button-down and fitted pants gave her an air of confidence that immediately drew Y/n's attention. Sidney's sharp features were softened by her calm demeanor and the quiet way she observed the group, which intrigued Y/n.

Sidney caught Y/n's gaze, her lips curling into a small smile.

"You look a little lost," Sidney said, her voice low and smooth, sending a flutter through Y/n's chest.

Y/n blinked, fumbling for words. "Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out where everything is. It's a lot bigger than I thought."

Sidney chuckled softly, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. If you ever need a guide, I'm around."

Y/n's heart skipped a beat. "Thanks," she managed to say, offering a shy smile. "I might take you up on that."

From that moment on, Y/n knew she had found more than just a friendly face at Yale. She had found someone who would become a central part of her life.

A year passed in a blur of lectures, late-night study sessions, and deepening friendships. Y/n had settled into Yale more comfortably than expected, and Sidney quickly became her closest companion. They spent hours together, whether walking through the quiet campus streets at night or huddled in the library, books spread out in front of them. Sidney had a steady, calming presence that Y/n craved more and more.

But underneath it all, Y/n couldn't deny the feelings growing within her. Every time Sidney laughed and offered Y/n a gentle smile, Y/n's heart skipped a beat. She knew it was more than friendship but didn't dare say anything. Sidney had always been so composed, so unreadable, and Y/n was terrified of ruining what they had.

Little did she know, Sidney had noticed.

It was late one evening after another long study session at the library. The campus was mostly deserted as they returned to Y/n's dorm. Sidney was unusually quiet, her hands tucked into her pockets as they walked side by side under the soft glow of the streetlights.

When they reached the door to Y/n's building, Sidney hesitated. She turned to face Y/n, her dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made Y/n's heart pound.

"Y/n," Sidney said, her voice low and severe, "there's something I need to tell you."

Y/n froze, her pulse quickening. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.