So who is this Katthryn everyone is talking about? I mean, even Romulus seems moonstruck and that doesn't happen often."

Clawdeen questioned as she took a seat across from Frankie and Cleo at the coffin bean.

"Toralei's sister. Nefera used to be friends with her before she left to study in Boo York at some fancy academy for were creatures. No idea why Romulus is excited for her to be here, I mean it's obvious that Catrina is training her up to be the next Wereleader."

Clawdeen arched a brow at that, although she didn't understand enough about the whole situation with the were packs she knew enough to know it was supposed to be an elected position.

"Okay the more I hear about this Catrina person the shadier it gets. No wonder Toralei is such a pain." Clawdeen retorted, earning a scoff from Cleo.

"Understatement of the year but there was a reason Katthryn was so popular. She wasn't like Toralei. She was more regal…and nicer. She used to spenda lotof time at my house."

Cleo stated " When did they say she was coming?"

"No idea but evidently Meowlody and Purrsephone can't stop talking about it." Clawdeen stated before adding "Oh speaking of talking, did Draculaura tell you about that thing she's working on yet?"


"Ryn! A human? Really? That's like stupid dangerous!"

Nefera groaned on the phone screen, earning a sigh.

" Not Rachel. Look, I know that humans can be fanging stupid and judgemental but so can monsters. I mean, look at Selena!She married a human! Not all humans are horrible just because some are." Katthryn retorted, sitting on the steps as she waited for the cab her mother was sending for her.

"Yeah but that's one in a million!" Nefera stated "besides what would your mom think? I mean, she's as closed minded as they come!"

" Mymothercan hack up a furball. I'm not changing who I am just to fit into her nest little boxes. Romulus canhavethe title of Were-leader for all I care." Katthryn retorted before changing the subject "What's Monster High like?"

"Besides the risk of stepping in ectoplasm and the fact your sister terrorizes her grade? It's pretty chill. Like the headmistress can be a bit strict but she tries to be fair. Alotof students talk to her about their problems instead of the counselors." Nefera stated" I remember you talking about how strictLa Mōnais. It's nothing like that. "

"At least there my mother won't have her controlling paws in the cookie jar in order to control what I do." Katthryn retorted, earning a snort.

"Ghoul, if they tried that Bloodgood would shut them right down. Monster High is a place that prides itself for fostering individuality."

Katthryn let that sink in. At her current school there was an emphasis on being the best sort of werecat a clowder could hope for. It meant humiliation and harsh rules. Hell, she was lucky no one had outted her to the headmaster because then it would have been reported to her mother who would have been furious.

Monster High seemed like Elysian compared to that!

"So say it got out I had a Ghoul-friend?"

She questioned, earning a look

"Cleo has a special someone and no one bats an eye! I mean… I was shocked because you know, my little sister is dating someone but it wasn't because Frankie is nonbinary."

This caught Katthryn's attention fully.

" Hold up, you're saying Cleo's boofriend is nonbinary and out to the whole school?"

"Monster High is a far cry from the school you're used to. Why do you think its grade point rating is so high? You let people be themselves and in return they give the school a good reputation."

Katthryn wanted to ask about a lot more, however the cab pulled up before she could.

" Gotta pounce. Talk to you later?"

Katthryn thought about that whole situation on the way to the airport. She knew how much could change during the summer. She knew how much had seemed to change over the course of two summers. Her sister had started high school this year, hadn't she? She wondered how that was working out for her, if she had made any friends as she and Nefera's sister hadn't actually gotten along during graveschool.

Sighing she closed her eyes and tried to focus on anything else other than the past and family. Monster High may have been closer to home than Boo York but it would also be a fully fresh start. One where her mother wouldn't be a direct influence. One where she could actually be free.

Putting her earphones in she turned her Icoffin to a random playlist, getting lost in the music.

Toralei is lucky Mum doesn't even notice her. Better ignored than stuck like bug under a microscope.