Ana's POV

The morning light streaming through the classroom windows was already too bright, the kind of sunshine that made me squint and wish for clouds. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, a hard plastic chair that somehow felt more uncomfortable than the dungeon-like atmosphere of Beacon Hills High. Around me, pastel-colored walls and sparkling decor practically screamed, "We're better than you."

I wasn’t buying it.

This wasn’t my place, and I didn’t belong here. Not because I was evil—I wasn’t—but because this entire setup was a bad joke. I mean, come on. Goodness classes? Really?

Fairy Godmother pranced into the room, her saccharine smile plastered on her face like she’d forgotten how to frown. Her voice was as cheerful as it was condescending.

“Alright, everyone! Let’s dive into today’s lesson. It’s all about making good choices!” she chirped.

I rolled my eyes. “Good choices,” as if anyone here needed a class on basic morality. I wasn’t some reformed villain or scheming mastermind. My dads didn’t raise me like that. Sure, Dad had a brush with the Nogitsune back in high school, but that wasn’t his fault. And Derek? He was too busy brooding and glaring at people to be evil.

The VKs settled into their seats like this was an old hat. Mal and Evie paired up on the right, Jay and Carlos on the left. I was alone, naturally, sitting in the back where I could observe without anyone bothering me. It was better that way. Less talking meant fewer chances of me saying something sarcastic that might get me into trouble.

Fairy Godmother held up a clipboard. “If someone hands you a crying baby, do you: A) Curse it, B) Lock it in a tower, C) Give it a bottle, or D) Carve out its heart?”

Seriously?

Evie’s hand shot up, her delicate fingers twirling a lock of her glossy blue hair.

“Evie!” Fairy Godmother called.

“What was the second one?” Evie asked with a grin that was both charming and infuriating.

I smirked, shaking my head. Evie was… a lot.

Fairy Godmother’s smile faltered for half a second before she recovered. “Oh, okay. Anyone else? Mal?”

Mal didn’t even look up from her notebook, where she was sketching something. Probably a wand, judging by the detail. “C. Give it a bottle,” she said lazily.

“You are on fire, girl!” Carlos exclaimed, grinning at her.

“Just pick the one that doesn’t sound like fun,” Mal muttered, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Carlos tilted his head, considering. “Oh.”

“That makes so much sense!” Evie said, her voice light with realization.

I rested my chin on my hand, watching the exchange with mild amusement. These kids were something else.

Before Fairy Godmother could launch into the next question, a nervous-looking girl shuffled into the room. She was pale, with short brown hair and a blue dress that screamed “plain Jane.” Her wide, fearful eyes darted around the room, and she clutched a clipboard like it was a shield.

“Hi. You need to sign off on early dismissal for the coronation,” the girl stammered, shoving the clipboard at Fairy Godmother without making eye contact with any of us.

Fairy Godmother beamed. “Everyone here remembers my daughter, Jane!”

I raised an eyebrow. How could we remember her? We’ve been here all of five minutes.

“Now that’s a stupid question,” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm. “We just got here yesterday afternoon. The only thing we’ve done is get a tour, unpack, and listen to you talk about ‘making good choices.’ None of us had time to mingle. And honestly, these kids don’t want us here. They definitely don’t want a hybrid like me.”

“Ana,” Fairy Godmother said sharply, her smile thinning.

“What? Look at your daughter. She’s shaking like a leaf, itching to bolt because she thinks we’re going to curse her or bite her in my case.”

Jane’s face turned even paler, which I hadn’t thought was possible.

“Nonsense!” Fairy Godmother chirped. “Jane, say hi!”

Jane looked horrified. “Mom, no!”

“It’s okay, dear. This is everyone!” Fairy Godmother said, gesturing grandly at us.

Jane’s terrified eyes met mine. I couldn’t resist. My golden eyes flashed briefly, a subtle reminder of what I was.

She squeaked and bolted, her footsteps echoing down the hall.

Fairy Godmother gave me a look of disapproval. The boys, however, thought it was hilarious. Jay snickered openly, and Carlos bit his lip to keep from laughing. Evie chuckled softly, and even Mal looked amused.

Fairy Godmother cleared her throat. “Let’s move on. You find a vial of poison. Do you: A) Put it in the king’s wine, B) Paint it on an apple, or C) Turn it over to the proper authorities?”

Jay and Carlos immediately started squabbling over who would answer. Jay shoved Carlos’s hand down and shot his own hand into the air.

“Jay!” Fairy Godmother called.

“C. Turn it over to the proper authorities,” Jay said smugly.

Carlos scowled. “I was gonna say that.”

“But I said it first.” Jay grinned. “Come on, admit it. Who said it first?”

“Stop! Ow!” Carlos yelped as Jay twisted his arm playfully.

“Boys!” Fairy Godmother snapped. “Save that energy for the tourney field!”

Carlos groaned. “Oh, no. That’s okay. Whatever that is, we’ll pass.”

Tourney? My ADHD brain perked up. Maybe it was like lacrosse. I’d have to check it out later.

As Fairy Godmother droned on, I let my mind wander. Goodness classes were ridiculous, but they were also revealing. Watching the VKs navigate this sugary world was like seeing wild animals in a zoo—out of their element, but still dangerous.

And me? I was just the hybrid girl in the back, waiting for my chance to figure out where I belonged in this pastel nightmare.

Hey guys I hope you like this chapter comment down below if you have ideas for that should happen next.