Imagines with Jenna Ortega

Stalkers at Nevermore 2

The dining hall buzzed with energy that evening, as it always did on the first night back. Students filled the long wooden tables, laughter and chatter echoing off the stone walls.

But when Y/N ducked through the arched doorway — all six feet of her towering presence — the noise shifted. Conversations hushed for a moment, replaced by curious stares and excited whispers.

"There she is."
"The one who fought Crackstone."
"Six-foot powerhouse. Saved Nevermore."

Y/N sighed, shoulders tensing. She hated the whispers, hated the eyes on her. But before she could retreat, Enid hooked her arm. "C'mon, big hero. You're sitting with us."

Celeste followed smoothly behind, her dark braid swaying as though she belonged in the center of attention. And in a way, she did — but only because she stayed near Y/N.

As they sat down, students leaned across tables, offering quick thanks and nods of respect. A few of the younger outcasts actually grinned at Y/N like she was some sort of celebrity.

"You'd think she'd slain a dragon," Wednesday muttered, stabbing her fork into a piece of roasted potato with unnecessary force.

Y/N gave her a side glance. "We didn't exactly have it easy last year."

Celeste, seated gracefully on Y/N's other side, smirked. "Legends never do. Don't downplay it — you've earned their awe."

Wednesday's jaw tightened, her fingers flexing against her fork. "Admiration is nothing more than weakness disguised as praise."

Enid, sensing the storm brewing, quickly piped up. "Sooo, Celeste! What's your power again? I mean, I know you control storms, but like... how much?"

Celeste's eyes glimmered as she leaned just slightly toward Y/N, speaking so both she and Enid could hear. "Enough to keep her safe if the world tries to hurt her again."

Y/N blinked, caught off guard. "That's... dramatic."

"Accurate," Celeste countered softly.

Wednesday's fork scraped against her plate with a shrill metallic screech. A few heads turned. She didn't look up, her expression carved from stone.

Enid gave Y/N a wide-eyed uh-oh look.

The rest of the meal passed with students occasionally drifting over to thank Y/N or ask about last year's battle. Celeste entertained their curiosity, almost acting as Y/N's unofficial spokesperson, praising her strength in ways Y/N never would herself.

And through it all, Wednesday sat still, eating in silence, her dark eyes flicking between Y/N and Celeste like stormclouds waiting to break.

When they finally rose to leave, Wednesday spoke for the first time in nearly fifteen minutes. Her voice was quiet but edged like a knife.

"Enjoy the attention while it lasts. Crowds are fickle. When they find a new idol, they'll forget you."

Y/N tilted her head, studying her. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

Wednesday didn't answer. She just turned sharply, her braids swaying as she walked out of the hall.

Celeste watched her go, her smirk faint but unmistakable. "She doesn't like me," she said almost cheerfully.

Enid groaned. "Oh, you noticed?"

Y/N just exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck, feeling the tension crackling between them all.

The night air outside Nevermore was crisp, cool against Y/N's skin as she jogged down the path to catch up with Wednesday. The smaller girl walked quickly, her boots clicking against the cobblestones, every step sharp and decisive.