I don't know the order in which the deans came to the school. So for the purpose of this story Lesso came first.

Enjoy~

Days like today were Clarissa Dovey's favorite. The sun hung high in the sky covering the entirety of the school with its bright light. The warm autumn breeze rustled the trees ever so slightly, carrying the approaching smell of fall with it.

Making the mental note to move her Good Deeds class outside for the day, she continued her walk through the garden. Taking a right turn, she took note of a group of her Evers. Beatrix, Millicent, Reena, and Kiko sat around one of the white metal tables.

"Did you hear what happened?" Reena asked as she lifted a teapot, filling the four cups.

"No?"

It wasn't polite to eavesdrop and had it been one of her students she would have scolded them instantly. However, she couldn't help herself. Maybe if she was lucky, she'd hear something interesting enough to share with Emma over their tea plans later tonight.

Moving closer to the hedge, she positioned herself close enough so she could still hear the gossiping, but also stay out of sight. She proudly smiled to herself as the girls continued to chatter on, completely unaware of her presence.

Leonora would be proud.

"Lady Lesso and Prince Jerrick fought."

The Godmother resisted the urge to gasp. Truly, she thought her idea of keeping them separate would have worked. After all, Rumi promised to keep Jerrick a safe distance away. Her redheaded friend loved to cause chaos wherever she could. But she knew how much it meant to Clarissa for her boys to learn Cromsworth techniques and wouldn't have just sought out a fight.

"Oh! I bet it was a sight to see. All his muscles."

"I heard he lost."

Now that really piqued her interest. It wasn't as if she hadn't witnessed Lesso's fighting ability before. In fact, she'd lost count of how many times she'd watched the woman's early morning training sessions.

The first time she stumbled across the witch training was an honest accident. She wasn't what anyone might consider an early riser. Sure, she awoke well before the students, but never before sunrise. Yet, that particular morning the first rays of sunlight hadn't even peeked up over the trees. She found herself rather restless and decided to take a walk around the grounds. With a quick snap of her fingers, her pajamas were switched out for a comfortable (and less ornate) yellow dress.

She walked along the gravel path, taking in the peaceful atmosphere around her. Everything was far quieter without her students running around. Being the appointed Dean to the School of Good wasn't something she'd ever really considered for herself. Yet, when the headmaster approached her about the job, she didn't hesitate to accept it.

A streak of red caught pulled her from her musings.

Lady Lesso stood atop a grassy hill. Her eyes closed as she held a large onyx blade in front of her. She was still for only a moment. Green eyes snapped open as she swung the sword, slicing through the air with ruthless precision.

The rational voice in the back of her mind warned her that she should mind her own and put as much distance between them before she was noticed. But something about the Dean of Evil shed of her coat with her white sleeves rolled up just made her brain short circuit.

Eventually, after the third or fourth time Lesso caught her in the act. Instead of being angry (like Clarissa expected) she was met with a raised eyebrow and a smug smirk. She strode over to her saying something about how 'If she wasn't careful, someone might get the impression she was stalking her'. Clarissa scoffed, rolled her eyes, and vehemently insisted that the idea was ridiculous. She was Good, and Good didn't stalk. Lesso only hummed, keeping the infuriatingly smug grin on her face as Clarissa huffed and walked away.

A high-pitched gasp brought Clarissa back to the present. "She nearly killed him."

"I was told she cheated."

"That makes sense. That's the only way he'd lose, right?"

"He lost because Lady Lesso is better." Beatrix's voice scoffed.

That was new.

Out of all her Evers, Beatrix's attitude towards the Dean of Evil surprised her. Unlike the other Good students, Beatrix didn't shy away from Lesso. Actually, now that she thought about it, Beatrix was the only princess-in-training that she ever witnessed seek out Leonora.

"What?"

"How do you know?"

"I was there." Beatrix shrugged as she picked up her teacup. "He came over, interrupted our class, and challenged her to a fight. And she won. He really should have assessed his opponent better."

Before anything else could be said the familiar sound of the bell tolled throughout the school, signaling the start of lunch. Once the girls gathered their things and left, Dovey stepped out from her hiding spot tryinga to decide her next move.

She could either go to lunch or find Prince Jerrick.

Rationally, she knew that the prince was more than likely very upset about the outcome of his foolish challenge. Which meant that she needed to at least try to smooth things over. Because her evil counterpart certainly wasn't going to make an attempt. Truthfully, though, the last thing she wanted to do was spend any more time with him.

The small rumble in her stomach easily settled her decision.

Lesso sat at her desk, scanning over yet another pathetic excuse for an essay. The door on Clarissa's side of the office swung open, announcing her arrival.

Unlike the door in the center of the room that led to the bridge, the two doors on either side of the office were different. The black wooden door was enchanted to be a connection between her own side of the office and the school of Evil. Just as the white door on Dovey's side was linked to Good's castle. This not only gave the students and faculty easier access to their shared office, but it also saved time travelling between the schools.

A soft thud caught her attention. Finally lifting her eyes from the paperwork, she glanced in front of her. Instead of taking her place at her desk, Clarissa moved to the small sitting area in the center of the room. Two wooden bowls sat on the table beside her.

Sitting up straight, she met Dovey's gaze as she raised a brow in question. "What is that?"

"That, Leonora darling, is lunch." Before she could offer a sarcastic response, the blonde continued as she sat on the couch. "We've gone over this. There's nothing wrong with having lunch with a friend."

Lesso leaned her arm on the surface of the desk, resting her chin in her palm as she lazily smiled at the Godmother. "And what if I already ate, Princess?"

"You and I both know you haven't eaten since last night." Clarissa raised her own eyebrow, challenging the other woman to tell her she was wrong.

Shaking her head with a small smirk, the witch stalked over to the Godmother. Reaching out she swiped a bowl from the table as she took her seat on the opposite side of the couch. Pulling her legs under her, she rested her back against the armrest as she examined the contents within the bowl. Chunks of potatoes and carrots sat in the thick creamy mixture. She dipped the spoon into the soup before lifting it to her mouth.

Contrary to what most believed, Lesso didn't hate eating. Normally, she found herself too busy with her duties to eat more than once a day. Her time was filled with teaching, paperwork, grading, and dealing with her children. Early into her career she adapted the habit of eating after all the students returned to their dorms for the night. It was a habit she never really thought about altering. It'd worked for years and there was no point in changing something that wasn't broken.

"I overheard something interesting on my way here." Clarissa said casually after swallowing a spoonful of her own soup.

Sharing a meal with someone was still a relatively new concept to the Evil Dean. Eating in the dining hall meant eating with the other members of the faculty. Which led to small talk. And Lady Lesso loathed small talk. But here, in the privacy of their office, it felt different.

But then again, most things involving Clarissa did.

"Oh? Do tell."

"I heard you and Jerrick got into a fight."

"A duel actually." Green eyes met brown as Lesso corrected the blonde. Dovey, in response, leveled her with a flat expression. The redhead only rolled her eyes. She wasn't one of their students (contrary to what Dove might think). She refused to be scolded as such. "Don't look at me like that. He started it."

"And you finished it?"

"Naturally. I do so enjoy putting men like him in their place."

"I knew you could fight. But I didn't know you were skilled enough to beat a Cromsworth graduate."

That caught Leonora off guard. Honestly, she'd expected a lengthy lecture on how irresponsible and unbecoming it was. Instead, the Dean of Good almost sounded, impressed?

"Why Princess, you sound impressed."

Clarissa let out a chuckle. "I am. Cromsworth Academy is most prestigious. Beating one of their elites isn't something to scoff at. Let alone in five minutes. Where did you learn to do that?"

Leonora felt her heart flutter at the praise. "I taught myself."

"Was... was it something you learned before you arrived at the school?" Her tone was soft, yet curious. Lesso knew she was trying to approach the subject without upsetting her. A trait she'd picked up early into the rocky start of their friendship.

"No." Red curls bounced as she shook her head. "Evil's side wasn't always as comfortable as it is now, Princess. Before I took over, it was kill or be killed."

Her first years were brutal. Not only due to the typical treatment of Nevers, but also the ridiculously high expectations that had been placed upon her. Rafal wasted no time taking her under his wing. After all, he summoned her to be the greatest evil their world would ever know. He'd made it abundantly clear that if she didn't come out on top, she'd failed him. And failing him was something he absolutely wouldn't tolerate.

"They used to allow that?!"

Lesso nodded as she placed her empty bowl on the table. She kept her focus on her folded hands, unwilling to meet the blonde's eyes. "They did. The Dean at the time just let the students do whatever they wanted. It didn't matter to him if we killed each other or not. Because, in the end, if we couldn't survive school, how would we survive our stories?"

The Dean at the time – a horrible bastard of a man – didn't bother to stop fights. He thrived on watching the Nevers fight amongst themselves. At times he went as far as taking out his anger on the closest student. He reviled the fact that no one questioned his mistreatment. But then again, why should they? He was evil. They were Nevers. Any that actually questioned it were given the excuse that 'They're Nevers. It's how they are. It's what they like.'

As if they all enjoyed living in fear every single day of their life.

With a single shake of her head, she cleared the thoughts from her mind. Feeling the need to redirect this conversation before something too personal was said. Summoning her mask of indifference, she shrugged. "So, to survive I learned to fight."

"That's horrible! How could anyone just sit back and let that happen?! Our job is to teach the students! Not let them kill each other!"

"Yeah, well. He was an old bastard anyway."

"It sounds like it." Leonora snorted. That was probably the closest she would ever get to hearing Dovey talk badly about another person. Once again, she felt the flutter in her heart as Clarissa smiled softly. "I'm really glad you're the Dean now."

"Why Princess, do you mean you wouldn't want to be sharing a tower with the old man?" The witch snarked.

"I don't think that the unity we've built would have been nearly as effective if it was anyone else here with me."

"I'm sure you'd do just fine without me, Princess."

"I don't think so." Clarissa shook her head as she scooted closer, holding her gaze as she spoke her next words with the utmost certainty. "I know you don't like compliments. But I'm serious, Leonora. I can't think of a single person, Good or Evil, who I'd want here with me."

Lesso was painfully aware of just how close the blonde had gotten. Sitting completely still, she reminded herself to breathe. As the Godmother leaned closer the rose smelling perfume filled the air around her.

Brown eyes flickered down, towards her lips.

Was she going to kiss her?

No. She couldn't be. They were friends. That's all. In no way would Clarissa Dovey ever feel something like attraction to her.

And yet, the blonde continued – oh so slowly – to move closer to her.

Just as she felt soft lips brush against her own, the door to Evil was thrown open, shattering the moment.

Instantly, Clarissa pulled back as a wolf guard came barreling through the door. "Lady Lesso, we have a situation! A group of students hexed themselves and we can't undo it!"

"And? Let them figure it out."

"They're violently throwing up slugs, ma'am. Have been for the last twenty minutes. Don't show any signs of stopping either."

"Fine." Lesso sneered. The guard, who sensed her rising anger, retreated back out of the door leaving the two alone. Closing her eyes the redhead took a deep breath trying to compose herself. Risking a glance at the blonde, she awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck. "I - uh. I guess I should go take care of that."

She left before Dovey could respond.

Leonora sat at the edge of the pond, green eyes watching as the wish fish swam just under the surface of the dark water. She didn't recall exactly how long ago the sun sunk below the tree line, blanketing the school in darkness. But the thousands of stars that hung high in the inky black sky indicated that it was rather late.

After dealing with the hex crisis her students found themselves in, she'd finished her routine. Yet, once her classes ended and the students filed into their dorms for the night, her mind drifted back to earlier.

To how close she'd been to kissing Clarissa.

To how badly she wanted it to happen.

Furrowing her brows, she pulled her leg up, wrapping her arm around it as she settled her chin on her knee.

At what point had Clarissa Dovey managed to worm her way into her heart?

She'd always kept a distance. It was safer that way, not only for her, but everyone. Throughout her school years any attempts at even the basic of friendships were shut down. Rafal kept her isolated so he might mold her into the wicked evil he desired. Even at the end when she'd failed him by refusing his blood magic, Rafal never let her forget that she was his.

But things were different now. He was gone. No longer could he dictate how she felt, and who her affections went to.

Jumping to her feet, she began to pace.

It didn't make sense. Sure, the years they spent together were full of constant teasing and flirting, but that didn't mean anything. Nevers and Evers weren't meant to be together.

But if that were the case why did Clarissa try to kiss her?

She let her hands fall to her sides as she let out a defeated sigh. She was far too tired for this. She'd revisit these thoughts later. Ideally after a few hours of sleep.

Hopefully, everything would make more sense in the morning. She began her trek back to her rooms. Before she could step away from the lake, a flickering light caught her attention. One that moved back and forth in front of the entrance to Good's side of the Blue Forest.

"You have got to be kidding me." She growled to herself. Previous frustrations forgotten; she stalked over to the entrance of the Blue Forest.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice cut through the silence of the night, startling the Ever boy. Instantly, he jumped up to face her. Vaguely, she recognized him as one of Dovey's first years.

"L-Lady Lesso!" He squeaked out, refusing to meet her gaze. "I - um."

Lesso rolled her eyes. "Spit it out."

"Some of the boys went into the woods."

"What?"

"We were in our dorm talking with Prince Jerrick and he mentioned that he's never been in the woods before. And he asked us to take him inside. I- I didn't want to! So, they left me here and went in themselves."

"Of course it was his idea." Lesso growled. She had half a mind to leave them inside the woods. Seeing how they were so eager to go, even though they were fully aware of the dangers inside. But they were still students. First years at that. The last thing she wanted to deal with was the paperwork of having one – or all – of them die. "How many of them went inside?"

"Four ma'am."

With a wave of her hand five red handkerchiefs appeared. Snatching them out of the air she tucked them into her pocket. Once inside, she wouldn't be able to summon any more. The stone walls that surrounded the forest were warded to prevent anyone from summoning items. It was something that Rafal – when he played the part of headmaster – believed kept the balance between Good and Evil during the Trial.

With another puff of smoke, her cane was once again replaced by the black sword.

Fixing the blonde boy with a glare she spoke. "Alright. You're going to go to The Tower and tell Dovey what's going on. No stops. No stargazing. Don't even breathe until you speak to her. Do you understand me?"

"Y-yes ma'am."

"Why are you still standing here?"

"Um. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going in after the morons."

She watched as the blonde boy took off in a sprint. Once he was out of sight, she readied herself.

As it turns out, finding the students didn't take nearly as long as she thought it might. Silently, she ran through the woods in an attempt to find any trace of the students. Slowing her pace, she listened carefully. Voices filtered through the underbrush to her right. Cautiously she made her way towards the voices.

As she reached a small clearing, she took in the sight before her. The three boys had armed themselves with large sticks, forming a sort of circle. The scent of blood filled the air. Jerrick knelt on the ground behind the boys, holding his side.

"Caspian, what do we do now?"

"Stick together."

"Prince Jerrick, can you move?"

"No."

"I-I don't want to die out here!"

"Ellis! Watch out!" The black-haired boy fell back narrowly avoiding the swipe of the reaper's scythe that crept up behind them. He scrambled backwards, trying to put space between him and the creature. His eyes widened as his back met the solid trunk of a tree effectively trapping himself. Raising the rusty scythe above its head the reaper prepared to strike.

The witch shot forwards, closing the distance in seconds. Effortlessly, she sliced her blade clean through the reaper's pumpkin head. Its body shuddered for a moment before it toppled to the ground.

"Lady Lesso?"

Green eyes glanced at their surroundings to ensure that nothing else had made their way to them. Content that they were safe, for now, she turned her anger onto the group. Whipping around she grit her teeth as she hissed at the Evers. "What part of the forest is dangerous at night didn't you idiots understand?"

"He- we thought it would be okay with the four of us."

"The rules are there for a reason."

"Don't lecture me, Never. Just get us out of here!" Jerrick sneered, holding his side tightly.

Frankly, if it were just the two of them, she would have left him to fend for his own. However, she still needed to get the students to safety. Reaching into her pocket she retrieved their way out. Raising her hand in the air, the five red handkerchiefs swayed.

"A handkerchief?" Jerrick scoffed. "What is that going to do?"

"They're the quickest way out. You're going to drop it and it'll teleport you-"

Before she could finish her explanation, Jerrick reached out and snatched two from her grasp before throwing them to the ground. Instantly, he disappeared from their sight.

"Damnit."

"Now what do we do?"

With a shake of her hand their eyes fell back on the three remaining fabrics.

"But there's only three of them."

She raised her eyebrow as she stared at the trio incredulously. "There's three of you."

"Wait, what about you?"

"What about me?"

"We can't just leave you."

Cold green eyes moved between the trio. Evers held this selfless notion; she'd seen it many times with Clarissa. One that gave them an obligation to help others. But these kids were way in over their head. The first semester hadn't even finished. They had barely scratched the surface of the knowledge they needed to survive these woods.

"Let's get one thing straight. I am not one of your little princesses. I do not need help from three stupid children who thought they could enter these woods without so much as a weapon."

"But-"

"Let us help!"

"I SAID LEAVE." Lesso roared as her temper finally reached its peak. The boys jumped at the sudden angry outburst. They looked between each other but finally they did as they were told. As soon as they were gone, she took a single deep calming breath. Reaching up she pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ease the growing headache. "Idiots."

It was clear that they wanted to stay and assist her. However, not one of them had a weapon. And she'd only brought her sword. Letting them stay would only divert her attention, which was something she couldn't afford to do in the forest.

To her right, a streak of gray caught her attention. Raising her sword, she readied herself. The walk back to the entrance wasn't horribly long. But her lapse of judgement to yell at the boys almost certainly alerted all the surrounding creatures. The snap of a branch echoed to her left.

It was going to be a long night.