Nevermore Academy

You were always unusual, just like your family. You had a special gift, like few teenagers. Nevermore Academy was created for people like you—for outcasts, freaks, and eccentrics. There are four main groups:

The scales are sirens. They could persuade anyone with their song, but they wear an amulet that blocks it.

Gorgon snakes. Slow-witted, but cool. They have snakes on their heads—just look at them and you'll turn to stone, which is why they wear hats.

Wool are werewolves. They travel in packs after transforming. Some mature late, or don't transform at all, and remain alone.

Fangs are vampires. They wear dark glasses—maybe their eyes are sensitive to the sun or they have a hypnotizing gaze? There are others: those with telekinesis, Avians (who control birds). Outcasts for every taste.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Mom said, kissing your forehead. You stood in front of the academy—a huge castle with towers and gargoyles, beautiful but gloomy. A cloud hung over the building, ready to rain. You clutched the handles of your suitcases—you'll live here, deep in the forest, far from the city.

"Bye, Mom. Love you," she kissed her on the cheek and walked inside. People everywhere were wearing the same uniform, you have one too.

Climbing up to the second floor of Aphelia Hall (named after a girl who committed suicide because of her family), you looked for a room. Everyone looked at you appraisingly, smirking. Your heart was pounding, your breathing heavy—would they accept you? Would they communicate? Who was your neighbor? It was all so complicated.

Finding room 66, you stopped at the wooden door, took a deep breath, and exhaled, trying to calm down. The moment of truth...