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Chapter Text

After the union of both schools, the professors assembled and committed to creating different activities to unite both sides. For the end of the semester, close to summer break, the professor planned a week of camping in the safe parts of the woods. There would be fun activities, workshops, and lots of food. Each student could make a group with which they wanted to share a tent. It was going to be the first time trying this activity, and that meant that the deans of both schools were going to have to participate.

“Is that what you’re going to wear Red? Emma asked with a chuckle.

Leonora was standing on the bridge, giving a stare at the professor. She wore black pants, a white cropped shirt inside, and a long-sleeve dark green blouse on the outside, accompanied by her favorite black boots.

“I just think is gonna get a little bit hot at some point, especially with Dovey,” Emma said with a smirk.

Leonora rolled her eyes and ignored the comment, her eyes scanned the bridge. It was filled with students carrying their bags and tents. Everybody was excited about this, for their surprise many groups were formed of evers and nevers. Something Leonora thought wouldn’t happen. Then, as if the sun only laid its rays at her, Clarissa appeared.  She was wearing a beautiful long linen dress, with short puffy sleeves. Her curls in a big braid, leaving her usual crown and jewelry behind.

“Is it hot?” Emma said close to Leonora's ear

“Ye- What? Leonora said waking up from the trance.

Emma laughed at this, then almost ran to Clarissa when she saw Lessos finger glistening purple.

“Kids, kids! I know we are very excited about this, but we need to make sure we have everything we need. Place check with your friends your list, and don’t worry if you can’t bring a tent. We made sure to put extras in the wood.

A few more minutes went by, and then Dovey announced that they could start walking.

“This week you’re going to be looked at by Professor Anemone, Professor Lesso, and me. If any of you need anything you can come to us.” Dovey said kindly while trying to ignore Leonora’s yawning.

The professor started walking first leading the group of students. Emma was walking right beside Clarissa and Leonora who were silent.

“Oh I forgot to ask Lucia if she brought her medicines, I’ll be back,” Emma said, leaving Lesso and Clarissa up front, alone.  

Clarissa gave Lesso a quick look, and when Lesso looked back she turned her sight to a tree.

“Are you drunk? Leonora asked

“What??” Clarissa said disturbed

“I just thought maybe you were, you look like it,” Leonora said showing a tiny mischievous smile.

Clarissa could feel her cheeks burning “I’m not! And Im not even going to ask why you think that”

“Mmm okay,” Leonora said with indifference.

They kept walking in silence. Clarissa made another quick look, but this time at leonoras bad leg. She was walking with her cane but it worried Clarissa.

“If you get tired, we can make a stop,” she said while looking at anything but her.

Leonora gave her a look, “I don’t get tired” she answered dryly.

“Everybody gets tired Lesso” Dovey answered back rolling her eyes.

“Well, I'm not everybody”

“You sure are not,” Clarissa said in a normal tone, not noticing Leonora's cheek going red at the comment.

After a few more minutes the group finally made it to the woods and their camping area. There were a few more tents, wood ready for a campfire, picnic tables, and fairy lights decorating the place.

“Students please start to put your thing in their place, choose your tent, and let us know the groups,” Dovey said excitedly.

That hour they spent it helping the kids, and putting up tents, which was more a Leonoras job. She had almost put every single tent up. For her dislike Emma was right it was hot. She took her long-sleeved blouse and wrapped it around her waist, wearing now only her black top.

Clarissa was walking with wood in her arms, then stopped in her tracks when catching sight of Leonora. As if it was in slow motion, she watched her put a tent up. Her top revealed her marked stomach, which had numerous freckles. With each movement of her arms, Clarissa could see in detail her marked muscles.

“Are you going to stay with those?

At the sound of the voice, Clarissa jumped scared.

“God, Emma you scared me” Clarissa yelled, her face hot.

“I’m sorry dear, I thought somebody placed a spell on you or something, you were just standing here,” Emma said, her intentions being cleared in her head.

“Oh, I think is the heat, I'm going to take this to the kids,” Clarissa said nervously.

“You go now dear,” Emma said, watching Clarissa walk, passing beside Leonora who looked at her for a moment then continued to work.

“This is going to be a fun trip,” Emma said laughing.

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After everything was finally put, the professors reunited to watch the area. Lesso looked with a proud face her work. She had put her hair in a ponytail from all the sweating, and it was making Clarissa want to run away.

“Well kids, in about an hour were going to reunite her at the campfire to eat and relaxed, you can go and get ready in your tents.

“Mm, Clarissa dear?” Emma said touching her with a finger

“Yes?”

“Where is your tent”?

“My tent… oh” she said

“didn’t we bring extras? I think there’s more”

“I’m staying with one of my groups from beauty class, and every tent is filled… well except lessos” she said trying to hold a smile.

Clarissa went numb, she looked at lesso who was looking at her.

“I’m not sharing my tent”

“Oh, common Red, we need to help each other to survive this week. Just let her sleep with you”

At this comment, both went blank, their cheeks turning red.

“I’m going to rest for a little, you guys do whatever you want” Emma said, swinging her hand in the air as if she didn’t care.

“Great, I’m going to the lake” Leonora said annoyed leaving Clarissa alone.

“But-“ Clarissa tried to say

Clarissa made her way to the tent, it was all black, filled with a purple sleep bag and pillows. It smelled like lavender. She put her thing in a corner, not wanting to annoy Leonora. She started to get ready, fixing her makeup, and putting more perfume on her skin. An hour had passed, and she was starting to get anxious, Leonora wasn’t back. They were told that this part of the woods was safe but just to make sure Clarissa made her way to the lake.

It was like a hidden way, the trees cover it, so you couldn’t really find it from afar only if you knew the way. Clarissa moved branches, and at the sound of water she stood still. When she saw lesso floating in the water her hearth relaxed. She is fine.

She looked so relaxed; Clarissa had never watched her be so at peace. Leonora opened her eyes, as if remembering the time, and started to get out of the water. Her hands put her hair back, as she started walking to the shore. Clarissas eyes opened like plates, when seeing leonora. She panicked and tried to get out, but for her luck her hair got stuck in a branch. She tried to take it out quietly.

“Curse this” she whispered.

“Do you need help?

Clarissa jumped when she felt Leonora’s voice behind her.   

She was standing with a towel around her body, drops of water falling from her body. Her faces were so close that if Clarissa moved, she would get wet too.

“No, I mean, Yes, I’m sorry I was just looking for you I didn’t mean to intrude” Clarissa said fast and ashamed.

Leonora was just looking at her, she took a step closer. Her eyes never leaving Clarissa. Clarissa could feel Leonora’s breathing, what’s happening?

With a soft push, she took Clarissa’s curl out of the branch.

“Next time try not to spy on people with your hair down” Leonora said with a raspy voice looking into Clarissa’s eyes.

“I- I wasn’t spying” Clarissa mumbled

Leonora gave her one last look and with a smirk turned away to grab her clothes. Clarissa couldn’t move, she was too shocked about what had just happened.

“Are you going to watch me get dressed too?” Leonora asked jokingly

“Oh god, sorry” Clarissa let out and turned around to go back to the camp.

Leonora watched her almost fall, while trying to get out and let out a soft chuckle. She started to get dressed and for a moment she caught her reflection on the water. Her smile faded.

Chapter Text

Clarissa made it, out of breath, back to the camp. She didn’t even want to go back to Leonoras’ tent, so she went to Emmas. It wasn’t very far away from her, so with a fast pace she made her way and called her.

“Come in dearr” Emma sang

Clarissa opened the zipper, and an instant smell of cucumbers and soap hit her. Emma was lying back with two more ever girls having a spa afternoon. There was cucumber in their eyes, and a mask on their faces that looked like it was made of oatmeal.

“Would you like to join us?” Emma asked, lifting one cucumber off her eye to see Clarissa.

“No, thanks. I just, I’m going to stay here” Clarissa said nervously then sat.

“Oh no, has Red done something already?”

“No! She’s been okay, I just wanted to be here” Clarissa said touching the fabric of her dress.

“Mmm okay” Emma said lying back

A few good minutes had pass and all the students were now around the campfire. The smell of marshmallows and chocolate hanged on the air. Lesoo was in one of the tree trunks, keeping the fire alive while Anemone and Clarissa were handling the food. The students were starting to gather to do what they most loved, tell scary stories. In this, the nevers were the best. So as everybody was seated and talking, Lesso was hearing the “scary story of one of her students. When the kid finished, she let out a chuckle, clarissa gave her a stare.

“Lesso!”

“What? You know what, let me tell you kids an actual good scary story” she said with a Cheshire smile, which made Dovey want to melt.

“Years ago, before the castle was divided, there was a teacher—an Ever, actually. She was beloved by all her students, kind to a fault. But she had a secret. Every night, she heard scratching at her door. Faint at first, like nails on wood. She assumed it was just a student playing pranks. Until the night it started whispering. ‘Let me in,’ it said. ‘I’m so cold.’ She tried to ignore it, but the whispers turned to screams. Horrible, desperate screams that sounded like her students crying for help. Finally, she flung the door open, determined to catch whoever was tormenting her. But the hallway was empty. Or so she thought. Just as she turned to go back inside, she felt something brush against her arm. Ice-cold. And when she looked down...” Lesso paused dramatically, her gaze locking with Dovey’s.

“She realized it wasn’t her shadow she was stepping on. It was someone else’s. And the shadow? It didn’t belong to anything human.” Lesso’s lips curled into a sly grin as she watched Dovey stiffen.

“Sometimes,” Lesso added softly, “shadows linger longer than their owners. Makes you wonder... who’s watching you right now?”

The students went silent, Leonora looked at every single one of the faces, smiling.

“Well, I think I’m going for a walk” she said, getting up and leaving.

“I swear to god we shouldn’t let her talk” Anemone said looking at Dovey who was clearly distressed.

Bedtime was now arriving. The students were one by one entering their tents, the sounds of yawns and blankets setting up the atmosphere. Dovey and Anemone were making sure each student was inside their tent, and that they didn’t need anything. Lesso still hadn’t come back from her walk, and Clarissa told herself not to look for her this time.

“Well love, I’m off to bed. Good luck with Red” Emma said, smirking at Clarissa.

Clarissa rolled her eyes “Go to sleep”.

After this, Clarissa made her way to the tent. She changed to her silk pajama dress quickly. She didn’t want Leonora to enter just when she was changing. She did her normal routine, washed her face, put her creams on and held her hair in a loose braid.

Where could she be? Don’t Clarissa! Just go to sleep, she will be back.

Turning the fire lamp off, she laid on her side of the mattress. She went on a deep sleep quite quickly.

 Scrrrtch... scrrrtch...

Clarissa’s eye opened slowly, she stayed still for a second, then she heard it again.

Leonoras story now very present in her head. The sound stopped, but she could feel a presence nearby. With her finger she made a glowing light appear, something was close. The fabric of the tent started to move and without thinking Clarissa grabbed the closest thing beside her and just when the zipper opened, she threw it.

“Fuck!” Leonora screamed.

Clarissa had just throwed her very thick hairbrush right to Leonora’s eye.

“Oh God! Leonora you scared the shit out of me!” Clarisa said screaming at her.

“Why the hell did you throw that at me? She said holding her eye with her hand.

“I- I don’t know, it was the closest thing. Be thankful that I didn’t use my magic” Clarissa said annoyed.

Leonora sat beside Clarissa, she smell like pines.

“God” Leonora complained

‘Let me see” Clarissa said holding Leonora’s hand and moving it away from her eye.

“Oh my! I’m so sorry dear” Clarissa exclaimed when she saw Leonora’s red eye.

Clarissa moved her finger and a bag full of ice appeared in her hand.

“No, don’t touch me” Leonora said trying to avoid Clarissa’s hands with quick movements.

“Stay still! I won’t hurt you, I promise”

Leonora gave her a look and with a sigh she stayed still. Clarissa got closer to her; they were sitting right in front of another. She gently laid the bag of ice on Leonora’s face.

“This is your fault you know” Clarissa said still concentrated on her eye.

“How is this even my fault? Leonora exclaimed

“You told that scary story! I heard some weird noises and got paranoid”

Lessos lip curved in a tiny smile “You were afraid that the shadow was coming for you?

Clarissa rolled her eyes and put pressure on the eye

“Fuck!”

“Stop talking then” Clarissa said softly.

For a moment Leonora stayed silent, she was really trying to process everything that was happening. Even in the dim light of the lamp, Clarissa’s skin was so shiny. Leonoras eyes studied her collarbone, then her lips. She was so close to them. Then, their eyes locked. All they could hear was their breathing.

“Does it hurt less? Clarissa asked softly

“I think” Leonora answered her eyes going from Dovey's eyes to her lips.

Seeing this, Dovey put the bag of ice down. “I think it’s going to be fine, let's just go to sleep”

She handed the bag of ice to Leonora, who was still lost in her thoughts. Clarissa went back to her side and covered herself with the blanket.

“As you wish, princes” Leonora said leaving the bag of ice aside and taking her shirt off.

“What are you doing!” Clarissa said nervously looking at another side.

“I sleep only in my pants, be grateful that I’m using a bra” Leonora said with a chuckled knowing Clarissa wanted to kill her.

“Just, turned the light off, please”

Leonora turned the lamp off and went under the blanket. She could feel the warmth of Dovey’s back on hers. A few minutes passed; Leonora was now laying upright. Her eyes opened looking at the top of the tent, it had started to rain, and the drops could be seen by the light of the moon.

A thunder struck, making Dovey give a jump. Leonora knew she was awake.

“Are you afraid of them?” Leonora whispered

“No” Clarissa answered without moving.

“Mhm”

Just at that moment another one struck, so strong that even Leonora flinched. Clarissa turned her body to face Leonora.

“Okay just a little” Dovey confessed ashamed.

Leonora gave her a smile.

“You could hold my arm when you get sacred, like when their getting a dagger out of your body and your holding onto something”

Clarissa gave her a concerned look.

“Okay not the best example but you understand” she whispered with a smile

Clarissa’s hand made her way to Leonora’s wrist, holding it softly. They made eye contact, and Leonora waited until Dovey closed her eyes to close hers.

Thump!

Clarissa squeezed Leonora’s wrist but jumped right to her chest. Leonoras eyes opened, on her chin she could feel Clarissa’s curls. A minute passed, and Clarissa was still holding her wrist, but her grip had relaxed. Leonora inhaled Dovey's perfume, and she would say it was the tiredness in her, but she laid her face on Clarissa's hair and interwind their legs.

Chapter Text

The sounds of the birds singing made Leonora’s eyes slowly open. It was still early; the sun's rays were just showing up. In front of her face was Clarissas, who was in a deep sleep. Leonora felt the warmth of their legs intertwined and panicked a bit at the thought of it. She tried to move them slowly, but Clarissa moved as if she didn’t like it and hurried herself on Leonora’s neck. What the fuck am I doing?

Very deep inside of her, she didn’t want to move an inch. She had never felt warmth like this before, the type that feels right like home. Their bodies fit perfectly like they were made for each other. No, this is wrong .

Leonora moved her legs away from Doveys, making her open her eyes. Leonora separated herself and was later there for a moment. Clarissa was now conscious, her body missing the touch of Leonora’s.

“I’m sorry did I take your space? Clarissa said mumbling

Leonora sat up straight, the blanket dropping off her body revealing her black bra and pale skin.

“Just a bit,” she said looking at Dovey

“Oh my god Leonora!” Clarissa let out

Leonora gave her a confused look. Clarissa sat and touched Leonora’s eye, her skin below was purple. By the touch Leonora felt a slight pain, making her grab Clarissa’s wrist.

“I’m so sorry” Clarissa whispered looking into the dean’s green eyes

“For beating the shit out of me?” Leonora said with a smirk

“What are the students going to think? That you were attacked?” Clarissa asked nervously, putting her hand down.

“ I’d they asked I’ll just answer with the truth, the dean of good beat me for taking half of the blanket,” Leonora said smiling.

“Leonora!” Clarissa said laughing and giving her a push

As they laughed, the world didn’t seem to exist to them. It was just them in the tent. Then Leonora noticed how Clarissa was looking at her and her anxiety won.

“I’m going to start the fire for breakfast,” Leonora said quickly standing up, leaving Dovey behind in the tent.

Did I do something wrong dovey thought

The students started to wake up, each making their way to grab their breakfast plate. Today they were going to go bird-watching and then to the lake. So, everybody was getting ready for the walk.

“I told Clarissa to defend herself, but I didn’t think she was going to beat you up,” Emma said standing next to Leonora laughing.

Leonora rolled her eyes, “let’s say she has a strong arm, and aim”

Emma gave her a flirtatious look, and Leonora threw a piece of bread on her face.

“You little-“Emma said but was cut off by a student passing by

Leonora smiled at this.

After every belly was full, they started to grab their backpacks and water.

“Students! Let’s all pay attention to Professor Anemone now; she will be our tour guide and explain all the birds we will look at”. Clarissa said with a smile.

Today she was wearing a long summer skirt, with a puffy short-sleeved top.

Emma stood up front and with a movement of her hand the group started to follow her into the woods.

The nature was beautiful, as they walked they encountered bunnies hopping, diverse flowers, and birds.

“Don’t make much noise or he will fly away” Emma said to the group as they watched a black and red bird. As she explained his origin Clarissa was distracted by a sudden movement of Leonora .

She was swinging her hand, a butterfly flying close to her face.

“Be careful” Clarissa said calmly, getting close to Leonora.

Leonora stopped her movements, and the monarch butterfly landed on her nose. It opened her wings and Clarissa let out a chuckle.

“I think they like it there”

“Please get this out of my face,” Leonor said rigidly as if the butterfly would hurt her.

“Okay,” Clarissa said holding her smile

She then carefully, with one finger, took the butterfly. She then watched it, amazed.

Leonora let out a breath and watched how beautiful Dovey looked with the butterfly on her finger. Clarissa held her close to her face, her nose touching the insect. Then it flew away. Her eyes returned to Leonora who was in a trance.

“You're safe now,” she said with a smirk and started walking with the group.

Leonora could feel her blood rushing to her cheeks. Did Clarissa just mock her and leave? An ever girl passed Leonora, who was standing still, and gave her a weird look. Seeing this, Leonora growled at her. The girl jumped and ran to her group. Leonora rolled her eyes, and fixed her hair, trying to get her composure back.

After an hour of watching nature’s creatures, the group made it to the lake. It was beautiful , the water was the color of the sky . The sun making it glisten.

“You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax , don’t splash water on me, or ill make sure you stay wet for your entire life . ” Leonora said to the group.

Emma rolled her eyes, and taking her picnic blanket, she laid down on one of the big plain rocks. On the other side, the students started to jump from a small waterfall, making sure the water didn’t get to their angry dean. Leonora sat beside Emma and started to read one of her books . Trying to ignore Clarissas existence, who was talking to some ever girls from the shore.

“What's on your mind Red?”

“MMh?” leonora said, looking at Emma

“The book is in your hands, but your eyes are somewhere else ,” Emma said with a smile.

“It's just hard to concentrate with these demons , I have to keep an eye on them” Leonora answered annoyed.

A wet ever boy ran to leonora and Emma “Professors were going to show Professor Dovey the waterfall , it has some flowers at the top! Would you like to come with us?”

Leonora lowered her book, her eyes scanning the boy.

“No” she answered dryly.

“Oh, dear I’m far too old to make that type of walk,” Emma said sweetly

The boy nodded with a smile and went along with the group.

“Could you at least try to cheer up a bit?” Emma asked, closing her eyes.

“No”

“You know, it would all be easier if you were just honest” Emma suggested

“What do you even mean?”

“Ugh, be honest with yourself, with your feelings”

Leonora gave Emma an annoyed look “I think the makeup is getting to your brain-“

A big splash was heard. Leonora was about to ignore it when suddenly and ever girl started to scream.

“She’s not coming up!”

Leonora and Emma looked at the waterfall, there was the group, but where was Dovey?

“Lesso!” Emma screamed, pointing to the figure in the water who was moving her arms

Leonora stood up and jumped into the lake. Taking a deep breath, she went underwater. She watched dovey , her skirt had got stuck on a huge rock and it was not budging. Leonora grabbed the fabric and started to pull it. Dovey movements were slower now, and Leonora needed air. She went up the surface inhaled and went back down. Taking a dagger from her boot she cut Clarissa's skirt. In a quick move, she grabbed her by the waist and pulled her up. When feeling the air back in her lungs Leonora let out a desperate breath. She swam to the shore holding dovey.

“Oh god!” Emma cried out

Leonora laid down clarissa , she was unconscious. She put her ear to her chest, she wasn’t hearing her heart, so she started to do CPR. As she was doing the chest compressions the only thing, she could think about was the warmth of their bodies. Leonora put her lips on doveys giving her mouth to mouth.

“Come on Dove” Leonora whispered, as everyone surrounded them.

Cough cough

Clarissa started coughing the water, taking deep desperate breaths. Everything was dizy around her, there were a lot of figures around. A hand was holding her as she coughed , exhausted , she threw herself back. Leonora caught her just in time, pushing her close to her chest.

“Clarissa! Thank the storian you responded” Emma cried out, giving her kisses on the forehead.

Some students had been crying, others were too stunned to do anything, but for sure, everyone felt relieved when they heard the first cough.

“Pass me the blanket,” Leonora said

Quickly Emma handed her her picnic blanket. Leonora wrapped it around Doveys shaking body, never pushing her away from her chest.

“We need to take her to the camp,” Emma said worried

“Yes, stay here with the group I’ll take her,” Leonora said, using all her force to carry Dovey bride style.

Before she started walking back, she looked at the group “She will be alright, don’t worry”.

Emma was surprised by this gesture, and the students were too. They nodded at Leonora and watched her go back, carrying Dovey.

As they made it to the camp, Leonora sat dovey close to the bonfire. With her finger she started the fire, making all the warmth go straight to doveys wet body. She then sat beside her, and with a glow of her finger doveys clothes were dried. She saw a tiny smile form on Clarissas lip, but she hadn’t said a word. Leonora just sat beside her, every now and then looking at her , to see if she needed anything.

A few minutes had passed, leonoras curls were now drying as so as Clarissa's.

“Thank you”

Leonora shifted her face to clarissa who was looking at the fire.

“You don’t have to thank me” leonora answered looking at the fire too.

“You saved my life”

Leonora stayed silent.

“How did you fell ?” Leonora asked

“We were watching the flowers; I tried to give some space to some students that were arriving and as I took a step back, I stumbled on the edge”

“God, Clarissa” Leonora let out almost in a sigh.

“As I was falling the first thing that came to my mind was that… I was going to die” Clarissa whispered now looking into Leonora’s eyes.

Seeing her face, the only thing Leonora wanted to do was hold her.

“I was not going to let that happen,” Leonora said confidently.

Clarissa gave her a sad smile “But when I saw you in the water, I felt calm for a moment”

Leonora looked at her confused.

“If I was going to die at least I was going to die in your arms and nobody else’s” Clarissa said.

Leonora was too stunned to speak, then, Clarissa laid her head on leonoras shoulder, the blanket still wrapped around her body. Leonora's body tense at the touch, for a few minutes she didn’t make a single movement. She then noticed Clarissa had drifted off, she was asleep. Slowly, Leonora started to move.

“Let’s get you to the tent,” Leonora said to dovey who was half awake.

She held her by the waist, leading her to the tent. When they entered, Clarissa lay on her side. Leonora grabbed their blanket and covered her up. The voices of the students started to appear.

“Off to change then eat!” Emma sang

“Red” Emma whispered from outside.

Leonora opened the tent, letting Emma in.

“Oh, poor soul,” Emma said caressing Dovey's cheek.

“Would you sit here with her while I go with the group?”

“Of course, dear, let me know if you need help with anything,” Emma said

Leonora nodded and went out to prepare the students for dinner. Some were playing games; others were around the bonfire. The afternoon went along, the students were making their sausages on the fire, Leonora sitting between them roasting one too.

“Professor” an ever girl whispered to Leonora

“Yes?” Leonora said dryly

“Thank you, for saving Professor Dovey from drowning,” she said looking bravely into Leonora’s eyes.

Then a group of voices nodded along, all of them tanking her. Leonora looked at all of them, her face starting to feel hot. She had never been thanked by students, not like this.

“Uhgm, well it was that or getting fired,” Leonora said trying to brush off the attention.

“I’m sure that you love her just as much as we do,” the girl said, taking her sausage out of the fire and standing up to look for a plate.

Leonora stayed watching the flames move. You love her as much as we do… you love her.

Chapter Text

The sounds of the night animals echoed in the camp. The students were cleaning the place after dinner; some were already in their tents. Leonora’s leg was aching from pain. She used a lot of force to carry Dovey to the camp, but she didn’t regret it. She was exhausted, so she made her way to the tent. When she entered, Dovey was sitting alone.

“Where’s anemone?” Leonora asked confused

“I told her she could leave; she was tired and there was no need to stay,” Clarissa said fidgeting with her dress.

Leonora rolled her eyes and started to look for some clothes. Then she noticed Dovey standing up to go outside.

“Where the hell are you going?”

Dovey looked at her surprised. “Well, there’s no reason why I have to explain myself to you, but if you need to know, I want to go for a walk.”

“Alone? In the woods? Near the lake, you almost drowned a few hours ago?” Leonora said clearly mad.

“It was an accident! I can take care of myself you know?”  Clarissa said back, leaving the tent

“I’m going to need a break after this week,” Leonora said throwing her clothes to the side and following Clarissa out.

Leonora followed her steps, leaving a few inches apart, she was just going to keep an eye out.

“I can hear you behind me,” Clarissa said as she kept walking.

“Well, we cannot leave you alone clearly,” Leonora said sarcastically.

Dovey found this annoying, so with a smirk, she saw the first bush and purposely stumbled herself with it.

Leonora’s eyes opened and she ran to Dovey. She tried to catch her by her waist but her hand slipped. Dovey fell to the ground with her eyes closed. Leonora kneeled and lifted doveys head up.

“Dove? Dove? Leonora said anxiously

Leonora was just about to call for help when Clarissa grabbed her by the arms and threw her to the ground.

“I told you I can take care of myself,” Clarissa said holding Leonora’s body to the ground.

“Did you just fake that?” Leonora asked, amused as well as annoyed.

“Yes, I guess I have some evil in me after all,” Clarissa said with a smile, her face close to Leonora’s.

Leonora stayed silent for a moment. One of Clarissa’s curls caressed her cheek and without thinking she grabbed her face and kissed her. Clarissa’s eyes opened in surprise, but she quickly returned the kiss, opening her lips and inviting Leonora in. Leonora's hand made it to Clarissa’s waist, turning her over so she could be on top now. Her hands trailed Clarissa's leg, up to her waist again. Clarissa parted, trying to catch her breath. Leonora was breathing heavily, and by Clarissa’s chest movements, she was too.

“I-” Clarissa mumbled; her cheeks red

“Don’t say anything” Leonora said seriously, backing away from doveys body

“Wait” Clarissa let out missing Leonora’s warmth

“This was a mistake,” Leonora said standing up and fixing her hair

“What?” Clarissa said, looking at Leonora from the ground.

“I will not repeat myself,” Leonora said looking down, then walking away from Clarissa.

She was left there, in the darkness of the woods, sitting on the cold ground. Clarissa’s eyes started watering, but she was far too mad to let Leonora’s indecisions confuse her. So, she got up, brushed her skirt, and walked back to the camp.

That night Clarissa grabbed her things and went to Emma's tent, they made a deal with the girls to join other groups, and they agreed.

“Do you want to talk about what happened, dear? Emma said, looking at Dovey who was putting her hair in a braid.

“Nothing, I just don’t want to be near here for now,” Clarissa said peacefully.

“Love, you can’t just repress your emotions and act like everything is fine,” Emma said putting her hand on Clarissa’s shoulder.

“I promise you, I’m not. I’m going to sleep now” Clarissa answered, kissing Emma's hand and grabbing her blanket.

Emma gave her a worried smile. On the other side of the camp, Leonora was staring at the tent's ceiling. Her hands were resting on her stomach with her finger interwind. Everything that happened was running on her mind. The memory of Clarissa’s lips against hers made her squint her eyes as if she were in pain.

You can’t be. You would never work out, an Ever and a Never. She deserves castles, kings, and beauty in life. And, and I’m not capable of giving her that. I fucked it up, we could’ve still been the same, deans, who like each other’s company. Those who share tea in the afternoons, who steal glances at each other at the faculty meetings, who argue about every single thing related to the students but always end up reaching a middle point. But I lost everything. I’m a disgrace even to myself how could I end up like this? I was supposed to be the evilest of them all, to hate the Evers till my last breath. And I ended up falling for one.

Clarissa had been still for about an hour now; Emma was asleep on her side, a book in her hands. She couldn’t stop thinking about how Leonora looked at her, how she just got up and left. She felt as if her heart had broken, the pain was horrible. She sat up on the mattress and putting her hands on her eyes she started crying quietly. She couldn’t hold it in anymore, the moment she had been dreaming and yearning for years had finally come, and it slipped from her hands in seconds. Suddenly she felt the touch of Emma’s hands on her shoulder, Clarissa looked at her and that was all she needed to start sobbing,

“Oh, love,” Emma said, guiding her to her chest and holding her as she cried.

Chapter Text

Clarissa had spent the night crying in Emma’s arms. She had told her all that had happened since the beginning, how she thought they could finally happen this time, how they’re body’s fitted perfectly. Emma consoled her until she fell asleep. On the other hand, Leonora didn’t close an eye all night. How could she? She was regretting even the day she was born. Today were the camp competitions, an activity full of energy, something neither dean had.

At breakfast, they ignored each other. Clarissa focused on the students and Leonora didn’t even eat. Emma organized the camp; with her magic, she placed all the games that were going to be played. The last game being “Survive the route into the woods” which basically was where the students divided into groups, and whichever made it to the other side of the woods near the schools won. Oh, but the woods changed every 10 minutes, making it harder to make it to the end. Leonora loved this game, when she was a student, she would always sign up for it.

“The games will start soon, prepare your teams and choose your colors!” Dovey said applauding excitedly. She had turned very good at disguising her true feelings.

Leonora stared at her, and when doveys eyes met hers, she studied her. She knew when she was faking, God, she knew her like the palm of her hand. Dovey returned Leonora’s nostalgic look with a serious one and walked away.

She is never going to forgive me for this, was all Leonora thought about.

A few minutes passed and the groups were ready. There was the black group (most of them nevers), the yellow group (most of them evers), and the green group (a combination of both). The students were pumped, and when Emma's horn sounded the fun began. They played archery, Elemental Dodgeball, and Enchanted Capture the Flag. In each game, the deans keep their distance, now and then stealing glances. Getting close to the afternoon, the green group was in the lead by 5 points from the other groups. The only thing that was left to see who was going to be crowned the winner was “Survive the route into the woods”.

“You know the rules, never leave your group behind, and no magic aloud. If your group gives up use your handkerchief to return.” Leonora screamed at all the groups as they were standing in front of the dark wood.

“Good luck and may the best team win,” Clarissa said.

Emma’s horn sounded, and the groups ran into the woods.  

“Who do you think will win?” Emma asked, trying to calm the tension in the air.

Leonora stayed silent and walked to the bonfire; Emma followed her sitting in one of the trunks. Clarissa doubted it for a minute but, putting her ego aside, she sat next to Emma.

“I think the green group will win, the Evers and Nevers working together is a great sign,” Ema said with a proud smile.

“Let’s see how long they last” Leonora added.

“You don’t think they can work together? Clarissa said, looking into leonoras eyes.

“I don’t think they could last long; our history has shown us how different we are. You guys have always had the privileges, once the Nevers understand that they will not let it pass” Leonora said with a stoned face.

“We are changing that history Lesso! Why do you think we are doing this type of activity? To give the same opportunities to every single student.” Clarissa said, with an irritated tone.

“I think-“Emma tried to step in but was cut off.

“And how long do you think that will last uh? The second this generation of evers sees the evilness inside of us, history will repeat itself. The opportunities will start to fade, the tension will grow, enemies will develop and… and relationships sooner or later will come to an end. Our worlds are different, you can't pretend this can work!” Leonora said back, with a harsh tone.

She notices she was now standing in front of Dovey who with an infuriated face steps up to be face-to face.

“Theres good and bad in everybody Leonora. Not everything has to be black and white. Our mistakes can be redeemed, we have the opportunity now, and you are just throwing it away like everything else in your life!” Clarissa let out.

AHHH

The sound of a scream echoed in the woods, making the dean's face shift.

“What was that” Emma whispered

“The students!” Leonora said taking her dagger out of her boot and running into the dark.

“Leonora!” Clarissa screamed

“There's something wrong Dove, there's something in there with the students,” Emma said standing up and holding to Dovey's arm.

“I cannot let her go alone” Clarissa whispered looking into the woods.

“What?” Emma said, and with a blink, Dovey disappeared.

Chapter Text

The sound of Leonora’s feet running was all that could be heard among the trees. She was gripping her dagger, as Anemone had said, there was something there. Leonora stopped for a second to take a breath, the woods changed. Leonora was now standing near a mountain of rocks; a sound came from there. Carefully she got close to the back, holding her dagger high she was about to attack, and then she met scared eyes. The group of Evers were staring back at Leonora shaking by fear.

“God, it’s you!” Leonora said in relief

“Are any of you hurt? What happened?” Leonora asked, crouching down and checking the girls first.

“Thank the storian you’re here Professor Lesso, we are okay, but we saw it. All the groups were together at the beginning and then it appeared” An ever girl whispered to Leonora.

“What appeared?” Leonora asked

“The Shadowfang” the girl whispered

Leonora's eyes opened in shock. It couldn’t be. The Shadowfang had gone extinct since the last battle of the sides. Did one survive?

“I need you kids to grab your handkerchief and drop it so you can get back,” Leonora instructed the children.

“But the game-“ a boy whispered

“You are now in the beast game!” Leonora whispered a little louder, deep down understanding the boy.

The students didn’t think twice and started dropping their handkerchiefs. An ever girl looked frenetically for hers, she gave Leonora a despaired look. She had lost it. Leonora pushed her hand down her pocket and gave her the last one she had. The girl stared at it for one moment, she couldn’t believe the Dean of Evil was trying to save her. Leonora was about to scream at the girl to hurry when she was surprised by a strong hug. Leonora's body was tense, her arms on her sides as she felt the girl hugging her.

“Thank you for your bravery, Professor Lesso,” the girl said.

She parted from Leonora and dropped the handkerchief. Lonora stood still for a moment, had an Ever just thanked her? Her train of thought didn’t last long because when she noticed the woods had changed again. The ground was now mostly dirt, Leonora started jogging trying to see if there were other groups left.

Crack

The sound of something breaking echoed, and leonoras griped tighten. Something was there, she could feel it. There were an insane amount of big bushes, and she knew, it was hiding there. With soft steps, she got closer, ready for whatever was waiting for her. Then, a yellow ray blasted her to the other side.

“owhw, Fuck” Leonora complained, touching the back of her head

“Oh! Oh, Lesso! I’m so sorry we thought you were the beast” Clarissa said getting out of the bushes, the nevers group behind her.

“Dman, you just blasted our dean,” a never boy said in shocked

“Remind me of that comment when we're back in the semester Jack,” Leonora said giving him a side-eye.

Clarissa helped Leonora up.

“Clarissa, what the hell are you even doing here? You were supposed to stay in the camp!” Leonora said annoyed

“I was not going to let you alone! Even though you deserve it right now” Clarissa answered crossing her arms.

Leonora rolled her eyes, “Drop your handkerchief and get out of here” she commanded. The students followed her orders and one by one diapered.

“I need to find the green group,” Leonora said, starting to walk

“You mean we” Clarissa clarified going along

“Nooo, you are going to get back to camp and make sure the students are okay,” Leonora said harshly turning back to face Dovey.

“Emma is there with them they’ll be fine,” Clarissa said in a defiant tone.

Leonora squinted her eyes in frustration “Dove, you can get hurt. I know you can take care of yourself, believe me. But, if something happens to you… I could never forgive myself” Leonora let out looking straight into Dovey's eyes.

Just when Dovey was about to say something, the woods changed. The movement made Dovey's body stumble into Leonoras who quickly held her. They were now almost at the end of the woods; they could tell by the signs the guards put for the students who trespassed.

“They could be here” Leonora whispered still holding Dovey close.

“Professor” was heard in a soft whisper.

Dovey heard it and when she lifted her head up, she saw them. The students had climbed the trees, hiding from the beast.

“That’s actually very clever,” Leonora said proudly

They quickly helped them get down, and one by one they started to drop their handkerchiefs. Then Leonora felt a shiver run down her body. She looked back at the trees, it was silent.

Rhaghhh

The beast jumped from behind some bushes straight to Leonora who blasted him with her magic. Dovey let out a scream as well as the rest of the students.

“Get them out!” Leonora screamed to dovey

Leonora watched how the beast shook its head and got up. Its body was sleek and muscular, covered in midnight-black fur that seemed to absorb light. Its eyes glow with a piercing yellow light, capable of seeing through the thick darkness. It growled to Leonora, showing her, it fangs. Leonora took her dagger out of her pocket. The beast threw herself at her, Leonora moved quickly making a cut on its paws. The shadowfang was furious now, and it made Leonora smile.

“Leonora! Let's go” Dovey screamed from the other side, a handkerchief in her hand.

The beast turned its face to Dovey, who opened her eyes terrified. Fear entered Leonora's body. The beast started to run directly to Dovey, who was ready to defend herself but, for her luck, Leonora blasted her magic so hard on the animal that he flew to the other side.

“And camp was supposed to be relaxing, huh? Leonora said out of breath smiling at Dovey.

“I'll ask for extended vacations” Clarissa joked.

Leonora's leg hurt; she started to walk to Dovey when the beast pushed her down to the floor.

“Leonora!” Dovey screamed horrified.

The animal dug its claws into leonoras stomach, her eyes opened like plates. Just when the animal opened her mouth to attack her Dovey threw a huge fireball. The animal howled in pain; its body was burning alive. He started to run frenetically but collapsed.

Clarissa ran to Leonora, kneeling beside her. Her hand was holding her stomach, Clarissa moved it and gasped. There was so much blood coming out that Clarissa felt dizzy.

“Leonora, can you hear me, you are going to be fine!” She said holding the injury with her hand.

Leonora's eyes moved to watch doveys face, she was crying trying to get her handkerchief out of her pocket. She held Leonora close to her and dropped it.

Chapter Text

They appeared back at the camp, Dovey fell to the floor with Leonora in her arms. A scream was heard.

“Oh my storian!! What happened Clarissa?” Emma screamed and ran to their side.

Gasps were heard around them, and the students gathered around. Dovey's hands were filled with leonoras blood.

“The beast attacked her, help me! We need to do the healing spell now” Clarissa said in despair to Emma.

“Dear, are you strong enough right now for it?” Emma said worried sick, Dovey looked pale and weak.

Dovey gave her a worried look, she knew she wasn’t strong enough for such a spell, but they needed at least two persons for it to work.

“I Have to try” She whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Emma gave in, and holding their hands and leonoras they closed their eyes and started the spell. A white glitter started to appear covering leonoras deep scar but Dovey was sweating, the spell was draining her. She squinted her eyes in pain, she couldn’t let go. Then she felt a hand grabbing hers. She opened her eyes and saw every student who thanked Leonora for helping them with the spell. Quickly all the Evers students gathered around holding each other’s hand. The Nevers stayed back, watching how the rival side was using their powers to save their dean. Clarissa let out a happy cry, and the white glitter finally covered all of leonoras unconscious body. It grew into a big light and exploded.

Clarissa was sent flying a few inches away, her body was aching, but she crawled back to Leonora's body. She held her head putting it on her lap. The students were silent, it felt as if the world was silent. Gently Clarissa brushed one of leonoras curls away from her face, and then her eyes slowly opened.

Clarissa let out a relief gasp and hugged Leonora tightly. Leonora was confused, everything was blurry in her mind, but she recognized this warmth, it was doveys. She gave back the hug, it felt as if they were the only ones in the world.

Emma let out a relief breath and stayed in awe with the students. Clarissa separates herself from Leonora, just an inch.

“I thought I was going to lose you” she whispered as a tear escaped her eyes.

“ How could I ever leave this world without looking into those brown eyes one last time? Leonora smirked

“You saved me” She added.

“No, I couldn’t have done it without them,” Clarissa said looking at her students.

Leonora turned her face, the Evers were smiling back at her, some were cheering. Leonora couldn’t believe that a group of Evers saved her life, maybe after all these generations were the true change.

“Thank you, for saving my life,” Leonora said with surprise.

“Oh Red! You scared the shit out of me” Emma let out throwing herself to Leonora and hugging her.

Dovey let out a chuckle, “Oh god, Emma I can’t breathe” Lesso said with a smile.

“Oh sorry”

Clarissa cheeked leonoras scar, it looked as if it never happened. There was only a white mark left, but Leonora said she didn’t feel any pain. Dovey let out a relieved and exhausted breath.

“ I need to lay down for a moment” she whispered but it wasn’t really heard by all the students talking to Loenora and Emma.

Clarissa made her way to the tent and lay down. Her body was in pain from all the amount of magic she had used. She didn’t know if she fainted or if she went quickly into a deep sleep because she promptly shut down.

The soft touch of a hand on her cheek woke Clarissa up. Her eyes opened slowly, and right beside her were leonoras green ones.

“Are you okay?” Leonora whispered

Clarissa looked at her confused, “I think so. Why aren’t you resting?” she asked worried, ignoring her own pain...

Leonora rolled her eyes in a loving way “Because I'm fine, you cured all of my pain…. Now I'm here to do the same for you.”

Clarissa looked at her for a moment, she grabbed leonoras hand who was still caressing her cheek, and closed her eyes giving in to her touch.

“I was so scared when I saw its claws going into your stomach. I had never felt so petrified in my life…” She whispered, crying.

Leonora gave her a worried look, “Come here Dove” she said as she helped her sit up and pulled her close to her chest.

“I’m okay, you and the kids saved me. You acted fast, if it weren’t for that I wouldn’t have survived. I hate to admit it but, an Ever saved me” she said trying to make Dovey laugh.

“I thought I had lost my chance,” Dovey said into leonoras chest.

Leonora gently pulled her away to see her face, “What do you mean?” she asked.

“To- to tell you that I love you. I have, for a long time now, and when we kissed that night I thought that that was it. I was going to open up to you, but you rejected me”. Clarissa said embarrassed.

Leonora couldn’t believe what she was hearing, she shook her head in confusion “No wait, Dove I didn’t mean to reject you I could never. I was scared, I still am. But this situation gave me hope, it showed me that Nevers and Evers can work together. I’m just scared to ruin this, that’s why I ran away from the kiss and you. I could never live with myself if I do something that drifts you apart from me” Leonora said holding Dovey's face, tears streaming down her face.

Dovey gave her a smile, Leonora couldn’t hold herself anymore so grabbing Dovey's face she kissed her. It felt as if their bodies blended into a single one. It was a kiss of confession, of years of yearning.

“I love you too” Leonora whispered in between the kiss, “I do, deeply” she added as they laid down on the mattress.

Clarissa ran her hands to Leonora's hair, making her sigh. That night, they explored each other’s bodies and souls. The years of pinning, waiting, and yearning had finally paid off.

Chapter Text

Leonora opened her eyes in panic, she had woken up from a nightmare. Her face was planted on her pillow, and with a grunt, she stretched herself. She stopped when her hand almost punched Dovey in the face. She was still sleeping peacefully, the blanket covering her naked body, her body close to leonoras back.

Leonora turned to the other side, and with a smile, she pushed Clarissa close to her. Leonora's strong arms wrapped her dove against her chest, letting out a relief breath. It hadn’t been another dream; this time was real. Leonora intertwined her legs with doveys, her skin was the softest thing Leonora had ever touched.

“I love how you are covered in freckles” Clarissa murmured half asleep.

Leonora made a slight flinch when she heard the voice, she thought Clarissa was in a deep sleep.

“I don’t, but you can count them whenever you want,” Leonora said teasingly.

Clarissa backed away from leonoras chest, she watched Leonora for a moment. The view was all she ever dreamed of, Leonora's curls were all messy, there was no makeup on her face so she could finally admire her tiny freckles, and she was fully naked with all trust.

“What? If I look like a wreck, it's your fault” Leonora said looking into doveys eyes.

“You are the most beautiful wreck I have ever got the chance to see. I cannot believe I finally have you” Clarissa said brushing her hand on leonoras collarbone up to her neck.

“You’ll have me for as long as you let me” Leonora said grabbing clarissas hand and kissing it.

“We have to get out, the kids will start to get out of their tents any minute now” Clarissa said touching leonoras hair.

“Ughh, let’s let them think someone kidnaped us” she complained.

At this, Clarissa let out a chuckle and Leonora felt as if her heart would explode.

She stayed silent admiring her while she laughed.

“What?” Dovey asked

“When we go back… while this still be the same? Leonora said almost in a whisper as if she was afraid of Doveys answering.

“Well make it work, things will change, everybody will start to know and there might be some challenges. But nothing will ever make me give up on you, my love for you will stay the same.” Clarissa said softly, caressing leonoras cheek.

Leonora gave Dovey a slight smile and kissed her softly.

The students were gathering their stuff, it was their last day at camp. Emma was driving everybody crazy.

“Please help me with my beauty creams. Don’t drop that bag! It cost more than your mother's crown” Emma screamed.

Leonora and Dovey gave the trophy to the green group, after all, they were the ones who got close to the end of the woods. Leonora scanned the camp, evers and nevers were laughing, trading friendship bracelets, and planning future outings. She smiled at the sight of this and then felt a warm arm touching her waist. Clarissa lay her head on leonoras shoulder, she wrapped her arm on doveys and they both watched how there was hope after all.

“You see that? I made that happen” Emma said proudly to an ever girl who was carrying her bags, pointing toward Leonora and Dovey.

New beginnings and uncertainty were coming, but the Deans knew that they could face anything, together.