Hello, everyone! I decided to publish this earlier since I was inspired to write this chapter out. I had a lot of fun plotting the scenes in here and the first ever performance from Adam which is only the start of many more to come.
I couldn't decide between the song I chose for this chapter or something else, but I ultimately ended up choosing this one due to the lyrics and execution. I honestly think I did it splendidly and I hope you all would share my sentiments.
However, there have been many concerns from both my readers and offline interceptions. Such as what the roles of some characters are, will they play a bigger part than others? Or will they simply simulate back into the background as other nonsensical characters?
Don't worry, I'm planning to give some significant roles for the new characters I've introduced as well as any other future characters that will soon be making their appearances. Also, I'd like to point how OOC many characters are being in this story of mine. Such as Raven having a lower self-esteem and depreciation to Maddie being crazier and wackier than ever.
I wanted to flesh out these characters that both the books and webisodes failed to interpret. I wanted them to be more personalized, and be their own selves and not become overtly one-dimensional inclusions. Which is why you'll feel slightly pertrubed or uncomfortable from how differently some characters are acting compared to their books, and television series' counterparts.
Please, don't fret. All questions will have their answers in due time. And as an additional bonus, as one reader had already done, you all can suggest songs that Adam can sing in the various settings that I may chose to include in this story's plotting. However, I will not allow any songs that can heavily influence the flow of the story or interaction between characters. Which means no to heavily out of place songs, such as an abundant use of auto-tune, techno, abstract, and specified themes that is not fitting in the context of Ever After High.
One more thing, if you're reading this on FFN, then I highly suggest you go to other platforms such as AO3, or Wattpad if you're still into that, for a better reading experience.
Don't forget to check out my other stories, and I hope you enjoy this early update!
"So, let me get this straight — you had to chase after a hut with legs through a muddy pig field, just to get your schedule from someone named… Baby Yoga?" Adam's voice was laced with disbelief, his brow furrowing in concern as he tried to wrap his mind around the bizarre chain of events Raven had just described.
"Baba Yaga, actually," Raven corrected, her tone light with amusement. "And yes, I had to scrape off what felt like a mountain of mud from my shoes afterward. I think there's still some stuck on them, actually." She glanced down at her boots with a playful smirk, but Adam's concerned expression only deepened.
"And then what happened?" He asked, half-expecting the story to get even stranger.
"Well, after I finally caught the hut and got my schedule back — before it could blow away in the wind, of course — I met with the Headmaster. He called me into his office right after." Raven's voice grew a little quieter, more thoughtful.
"Milton Grimm?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "That's… interesting, I guess. What did he want to talk to you about?"
Raven sighed, the humor slipping from her face. "The usual. Something about following in my mother's footsteps and embracing my 'destiny,'" she explained, her lips twisting into a bitter frown. "You know, they're always telling me that I shouldn't 'waste my potential to be evil.' The Headmaster, my advisor — everyone expects me to follow my mother's path."
Adam's expression softened, the concern in his eyes deepening. "Raven, didn't we already talk about this? You can choose who you want to be. Just because they want you to be evil doesn't mean you should feel obligated to go down that path. Look, I get it — some people are happy to follow their destiny because it works out for them, but for others… it's nothing but misfortune and tragedy."
Raven glanced at Adam, seeing the sincerity in his gaze. His words were full of understanding, of belief in her. "But that doesn't mean we're powerless," he continued. "We can't rewrite the past, but we all have the ability to change our futures. We may be born into certain roles, but that doesn't mean we can't defy them. We're the ones writing our stories now. And, I promise you, Raven, you can live a life that you want — not one that's been prewritten for you."
Raven's heart clenched at his words. She had heard variations of this before, but something about the way Adam said it, the way he looked at her with that unwavering belief, made it feel… possible. Still, her doubts clung to her like shadows. "It sounds so simple when you say it, Adam. But it's not. This whole 'destiny' thing has been ingrained in Ever After for centuries. I can't just snap my fingers and change everyone's mind overnight."
"I know," Adam said gently. "It's not going to be easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. But you don't have to change the world all at once. Start with yourself. Start with the choices you can make today. Maybe the road ahead is difficult — filled with challenges and strife — but the first step is deciding who you want to be. Even if it seems impossible now, the world will catch up. And when it feels like the world turns its back on you, what do you do?"
Raven's lips parted, unsure of what to say. "Face it head-on?" she ventured, her voice small, hesitant.
Adam shook his head with a knowing smile. "No, Rae. You turn your back on the world. You refuse to let it tell you who you have to be. You carve out your own path. Grab life by the horns and wrestle it into submission!"
His words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Raven felt them resonate deep within her. It all sounded so simple — too simple — but maybe that was what made it so powerful. For so long, she had been weighed down by expectations, by what others wanted her to be. The idea of defying it all… it both terrified and thrilled her.
"It's still so hard, Adam," she admitted softly. "Even if I change, even if I fight against this destiny, how can I make anyone else see that it's possible? How do I make them believe that we don't have to be who we're told to be?"
Adam's gaze never wavered. "You lead by example. You show them it's possible. You make them believe, not through words, but through actions. The world may not understand right away, but if you keep moving forward, others will follow. You're stronger than you think, Raven. It's not about changing everything today, but about starting where you are and making each moment count."
Raven absorbed his words, her mind swirling with uncertainty, but also something she hadn't felt in a long time — hope. What if she really could change things? What if she could rewrite her own story, step by step, and turn the pages herself? The thought filled her with a mixture of fear and determination.
She was lost in thought when she felt a gentle hand stroke the top of her head. Startled, Raven glanced up to find Adam quietly petting her, his touch soft and reassuring. It was such a simple gesture, but it made her feel safe, anchored in a way she hadn't expected. A warmth bloomed in her chest, pushing back the shadows of doubt.
Leaning into his touch, Raven let herself relax, if only for a moment. The weight of her decisions still pressed down on her, but with Adam beside her, it didn't feel quite so overwhelming. Together, they began walking, their steps quiet but sure as they made their way to the Royal Common Room where the party awaited.
As they climbed the stairs, the muffled thrum of music grew louder. The beat vibrated through the walls, echoing down the corridors. Raven hesitated when they reached the double doors, richly carved from mahogany with gilded patterns tracing the edges. She could feel the energy of the room behind them — the laughter, the music, the sense of excitement — but she wasn't sure she belonged.
Her heart clenched with uncertainty, the thought of facing a room full of people who expected her to be someone she wasn't gnawing at her confidence. Adam seemed to sense her hesitation, giving her a soft smile as he placed a reassuring hand on her back. Raven met his gaze, her amethyst eyes locking with his steady golden ones.
"Hey, relax," Adam said softly. "Nothing bad's going to happen. I'm right here with you. We'll go in together."
The sincerity in his voice, the quiet strength of his support, melted some of the tension Raven was holding. She nodded, a small but genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Okay…"
"Well then, shall we?" Adam gave a reassuring smile before motioning for them to proceed.
Raven chuckled lightheartedly before mimicking his resolve, "We shall."
With Adam by her side, Raven took a deep breath. Together, they placed their hands on the door, and with a gentle push, they opened it.
A few minutes earlier, the Royal Common Room had been buzzing with excitement. The students were reveling in the celebration, eager to dance away the final remnants of summer and embrace the new school year. The dance floor was packed with jubilant faces, and a medley of descendants, from the famous to the obscure, twirled and leapt with abandon. Children of fairy tales, nursery rhymes, poems, and legends — all mingled in the sprawling, opulent chamber, ready to shed their carefree summer skin for the responsibilities that lay ahead.
The music pulsed through the room, a rhythmic heartbeat that reverberated beneath the students' feet. The energy was contagious, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath the stomps and taps of eager dancers. Laughter filled the air, blending with the high-energy melodies that echoed from the towering walls.
At the edge of the room, a grand buffet table was piled high with an assortment of treats that rivaled any royal feast. A few students lingered there, savoring sweets and chattering between bites, while others sampled enchanted beverages that sparkled with vibrant hues.
The Royal Common Room was massive, designed to hold all the sophomore students — and then some. Its grandeur reflected the status of those who walked its floors: marble tiles gleamed beneath chandeliers dripping with gold, and the walls were lined with intricate tapestries that told tales of their ancestors' glory. Golden wirings criss-crossed above, forming radiant streaks that caught the light, while songbirds perched high up in the rafters added their melodies to the rhythmic thrum of the party.
Among the crowd, some faces stood out more than others. The children of royal heritage, princes and princesses alike, mingled freely with commoners in a rare display of camaraderie and equality. Unlike their parents' generation, who were once divided by status, this new class had forged a more open path. It didn't matter who you were descended from tonight — everyone was simply a student, celebrating the start of a new chapter.
Yet despite the mixing of lineages, some still shone brighter than the rest. Near the door, Briar Beauty, the daughter of Sleeping Beauty herself, was working tirelessly to ensure the party was nothing short of enchanting. Dressed in a sleek silk top paired with a tight pink skirt and edgy black nylons adorned with briar patterns, she hurried back and forth, keeping the energy alive and the tables stocked. Super-high heels clicked on the floor as she chatted with her friends and greeted new arrivals. Her smile never faltered, and her eyes sparkled with the determination of someone who was determined to throw the best party Ever After had ever seen.
Her friends flanked her, helping where they could. Madeline Hatter was especially noticeable — if not for her energetic personality, then certainly for her peculiar outfit. She had somehow managed to put her dress on backward, with the skirt covering her upper body and the bodice wrapped awkwardly around her legs. It made maneuvering a challenge, but that didn't stop Maddie from gleefully waddling through the room, as whimsical and carefree as ever.
Briar approached her with a grin. "Maddie, I love the look. Honestly, I might try it myself. You know, for fun."
"I doubt any of my dresses would fit me upside down," Apple White, daughter of Snow White, remarked as she approached the group. In the dimly lit room, her fairness practically glowed, radiating an effortless elegance and grace that made her presence hard to ignore.
Madeline's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Hmm, instead of your dress being upside down, maybe you should be upside down while the dress stays right-side up!" she suggested, the absurdity of her idea causing her to giggle.
"Um… okay," Apple replied blankly, her bright blue eyes blinking, clearly confused by Madeline's logic. But instead of trying to figure it out, she simply accepted it with a smile, the conversation slipping away from her.
Madeline, unfazed by Apple's bewilderment, waddled off in her eccentric outfit, marveling at the grandiosity of the opulent chamber. "I've never been in the Royal Common room before! The Commoner Common Room looks like a shoemaker's workshop compared to this." Her gaze swept over the marbled floors and golden accents, as a small pig snuffled past her feet, searching the ground for crumbs.
"Snoof Piddle-dee-do, don't wander too far!" Madeline called after the pig, her voice bright as always. "I need you for the picnic tomorrow!" Snoof gave a little squeal in response before trotting off, oblivious to the attention he was attracting.
Briar, the host and daughter of Sleeping Beauty, chuckled, watching the pig weave through the crowd. "I still can't believe you brought a live pig to the party, Maddie. I thought you were bringing snacks!"
Madeline grinned, her laugh bubbling up again. "Oh, Briar, I never said the pig would be the snack. Not tonight, anyway!" Her playful reply earned chuckles from the nearby girls, Briar included.
As the group dissolved back into chatter, Madeline's eye caught the sight of her friend, Lizzie Hearts, standing off to the side, her shoulders hunched, her eyes distant. Something was clearly wrong. Without a second thought, Maddie flipped into a handstand — her signature move, this time with shoes on her hands and gloves on her feet — and approached Lizzie.
"Lizzie?" Madeline's voice was softer now, concerned, as she carefully walked on her hands toward her friend. Lizzie barely looked up, but the brief glance was enough for Madeline to see the pain in her eyes. "You didn't have to come tonight, you know. I can tell you're still upset about what happened earlier… and I get it."
Lizzie's face tightened, her expression resolute. "Nothing happened, Maddie. You heard him," she replied, her voice sharp and final. She wrapped her arms around herself, as though warding off a chill. The music and laughter of the room seemed to pass her by, doing nothing to lift the weight that clearly pressed down on her.
Lizzie turned toward the buffet, seeking distraction, but her movements were stiff. "It's best for everyone if we just turn the page and leave the past behind us," she said firmly, though the tremor in her voice hinted at the emotion she was holding back.
Still upside down, Madeline watched her friend retreat, a pang of sadness twisting in her chest. She was used to feeling chaotic, wild — her natural state of being was madness. But this? This was different. Watching her friend hurt and not being able to fix it left her feeling… helpless. It was an unfamiliar, uncomfortable feeling that weighed heavy on her usually light heart.
"Maddie, are you okay?" Apple's soft voice brought her back to the present. The blonde princess stood beside her, her concern evident as she watched Maddie with careful eyes.
Maddie sighed, flipping back onto her feet and shaking her head. "Absolutitudely not, Apple," she admitted, her usual spark dimmed. "It's Lizzie. Something happened earlier… and it was bad."
Apple's brow furrowed. "Is this about the man that was chasing you earlier?"
"Oh, you saw that?" Maddie asked, a little surprised.
"It was hard not to. You two kind of ran into my meeting with Her Majesty the White Queen," Apple said, adjusting the small, delicate crown perched on her golden tresses.
Maddie's hands twitched as she fiddled with the shoes covering them. "Yeah, well, let's just say… it wasn't pretty. Worse than facing a bandersnatch bare-handed."
Apple's eyes widened. "That bad?"
"Fairy bad," Maddie replied with a sigh, the weight of the situation pulling at her usually carefree spirit.
Before Apple could respond, a loud squeal filled the room. Snoof, Madeline's pig, was darting frantically through the crowd, chased by a cloaked figure who had growled at the poor creature. The piglet scrambled away, panicked, while the girl who had startled him quickly pulled her hood down, clearly trying to avoid drawing attention to herself.
"What's up with Cerise?" one of the princesses whispered, her eyes following the cloaked girl. "I don't think I've ever seen her without that hood."
Another girl, dressed in contrasting black and white and feathers of one kind, chimed in, "Do you think she's hiding something?"
Apple stepped in, her voice firm but kind. "Come on, girls, it's not our place to intrude once upon her business. Let's leave her alone."
Briar nodded in agreement. "Hexactly. It's royally uncool to pry into people's private lives."
Madeline, watching the scene with curiosity, tilted her head. "Someone probably already knows what's up with Cerise, but I doubt they're going to tell us — even if we ask nicely."
Before the group could continue, the doors to the ballroom suddenly flew open with a force that rattled the room. A blinding flash of light — half dark, half bright — split the space in two. One side of the room was cloaked in shadow, while the other glowed with a warm, ethereal light. The sudden gust of wind snuffed out half the candles, and the songbirds, perched above, fell silent on the shadowed side while the other half continued their chorus.
As the dramatic spectacle subsided, the room fell deathly quiet. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where two figures stood framed by the contrasting glow. Raven and Adam.
The music screeched to a halt, and an uneasy hush spread through the room. Raven held onto her side of the door, her posture tense and defiant, while Adam, with his usual nonchalance, let the door slam into the wall with a resounding thud.
"Whoops," they both muttered in varying degrees of carelessness.
A cold shiver rippled through half of the room, as some students instinctively rubbed their arms, trying to shake off the sudden chill that Raven's presence seemed to bring. The other half of the room, however, basked in the warmth that radiated from Adam, like a comforting blanket of light.
Adam was quick to break the tension, his voice cutting through the silence. "Did someone die or something?"
A few nervous chuckles bubbled up, but the tension lingered in the air. Adam, as easy-going as ever, seemed unaffected by the stares. He was used to it by now. But even he couldn't ignore the way some of the students were looking at Raven — fearful, uncertain. They weren't just curious, they were afraid.
Raven, feeling the weight of those stares, stood tall, but the tension in her jaw betrayed her unease. She had grown accustomed to people looking at her like she was a storm waiting to break, like she might unleash some darkness that she had no intention of summoning. It never got easier. It always felt like a battle just to be seen as herself and not the daughter of the Evil Queen.
Adam leaned in closer, his hand brushing against her back in a gesture so subtle that only she noticed. It was enough. His warmth, his presence, steadied her, reminding her she wasn't alone.
"Relax, Raven. Just call me when you need me," he whispered reassuringly, his voice low and full of quiet strength.
With a casual nod, Adam glanced at the buffet table and grinned. "I think I'm going to hit the buffet table, if you don't mind. You've got this." And with that, he sauntered off, trying to play it cool despite the palpable tension hanging in the room.
Father, I hope nothing goes wrong. I really need to unwind right now, Adam thought, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the room as he walked away.
Behind him, Raven remained by the door, watching as a few curious girls cautiously approached her. The music started back up again, filling the silence, but the atmosphere had undeniably shifted.
Some of the songbirds perched high above resumed their melodic chirping, but others remained silent, their beady eyes fixated on Adam as if his presence stirred something within them. He noticed how a few tilted their heads, curious and drawn, almost as if acknowledging him in some connected way.
"Well, hello there, handsome."
Adam's gaze snapped down from the birds to a girl standing confidently in front of him. Her skin was sun-kissed, her dress tight and perfectly tailored for the night's festivities. Her eyes sparkled with boldness, clearly unafraid to make the first move. She had a sultry smile on her lips, the kind that held unspoken promises.
Adam grinned, appreciating her audacity. "Hello yourself, doll."
The girl took a slow step closer, her eyes roaming over his figure without an ounce of subtlety. "What brings you here this fine evening?" she asked, her tone playful, as though she already knew the answer and just wanted to keep him talking.
"Just here to relax, maybe enjoy the party a bit. Heard about it from a friend and thought I'd check it out." His eyes swept over her briefly before locking back on hers. "How about you? What's a girl like you doing coming over to a guy like me?"
Her lips curved into a smirk, every bit as dangerous as it was inviting. She closed the space between them even more, her fingers lightly trailing down his chest in a way that made his pulse quicken despite himself. "Oh, I don't need a reason to come to my own party, now do I?" She winked, and Adam realized with a start that she was none other than Briar Beauty, the hostess of the night.
"It wasn't easy pulling all this together," she added with a satisfied gleam in her eye. "As for why I'm talking to you…" Her fingers danced lower, dangerously close to making him sweat. "Can you blame me? You're a little too tasty to resist. I thought I'd have a piece if you'd let me."
She bit her lip, eyes flashing with intent, and Adam felt a bead of nervous sweat trickle down his back. He cleared his throat, trying to play it cool even as his brain raced.
"I'm flattered, really," he began, forcing a grin despite the tension building in his chest, "but I'm not really looking to… play around right now." The words came out reluctantly. Turning down an insanely attractive girl like Briar felt like an act of madness, but something inside him hesitated, pulling him back from going too far. "Got too much on my plate to be getting tangled up with a vixen such as yourself."
He caught her chin gently, their faces now inches apart, and for a second, his pulse hammered in his ears, his instincts battling his better judgment. Her breath was warm against his skin, her eyes daring him to cross that line. But then, reality slapped him back into place. They were in a room full of people, eyes undoubtedly on them, and he pulled away, shaking off the heat of the moment.
Briar let out a soft laugh, unfazed by the rejection. "A shame, really," she purred, eyes glinting with amusement. "But if you ever change your mind and want a more private party, let me know." She leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear. "I'll be waiting."
Adam swallowed hard, a knot forming in his throat as she winked at him before turning to leave. Her hips swayed in a deliberate rhythm, ensuring he was watching as she moved across the room, and — of course — he was.
Before she completely disappeared into the crowd, she picked up a crystal cup from the table, dipping a silver spoon into what seemed like… nothing. "Oh, and try this," she said, holding it out to him. "Whipped air. Totally invisible, royally sublime."
Her voice, like velvet, sent another shiver down his spine as he reluctantly accepted the cup. As she finally left to join her friends, Adam muttered under his breath, "These girls are going to be the death of me." He scooped a spoonful of the supposedly empty cup, hesitating for a second before tasting it. "Huh. Never knew air could taste this good." He downed the rest of the cup quickly, hoping it would somehow ground him.
But the taste of the air did nothing to calm the storm of thoughts brewing in his head. What was wrong with him? A girl like Briar was clearly into him, openly so, and yet he had turned her down. The old Adam would've jumped at the chance — heck, he would've already been planning how to sneak her back to his room by now. So why now? Why did it feel wrong?
As he mindlessly reached for a pastry from the table, he failed to notice another hand going for the same treat. His fingers brushed against someone else's — a much smaller, daintier hand.
He froze. The warmth of her skin felt like a shock through his system, and when he looked up to see who it was, his stomach twisted painfully. Lizzie.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and time seemed to slow. Adam's breath caught in his throat as memories of earlier events crashed into him like a tidal wave. The tension between them hung heavy in the air. He wasn't ready for this — not now, not so soon after the emotional chaos they had been through. And yet here they were, their hands unintentionally entwined over a pastry neither of them seemed to care about anymore.
"Uh, hey…" Adam started, his voice awkward and unsure, but he was cut off before he could even get another word out.
Lizzie's hand flew up, slapping his cheek with a sharp crack that echoed in the now-silent space between them. His face burned with the fresh imprint of her anger, but it was the sting of her words that left the deeper mark.
"Off with your head!" she snapped, her voice shaking with fury, but underneath it, Adam thought he heard something else. Pain. Hurt. Confusion. But before he could fully process it, she had stormed off, her back rigid as she marched away from him without a single glance back.
Adam groaned, rubbing his cheek with a mix of frustration and guilt. "I didn't even do anything… this time," he muttered to himself. Yet somehow, that only made things worse. He hadn't even had the chance to apologize properly, hadn't had the time to explain, to fix what had been broken between them. And now, it seemed, he had made things even more complicated.
"It's a long road ahead of me," he mused quietly, biting into the pastry he'd finally managed to grab — a warm, cinnamon-apple pie that somehow tasted bitter despite its sweetness. He chewed thoughtfully, his eyes trailing after Lizzie's retreating figure, his mind filled with everything he hadn't said.
He scanned the room again, his eyes naturally drifting toward Raven. Spotting her wasn't hard, given his height and the way she seemed to draw attention no matter where she was. She was deep in conversation with a girl whose golden curls shimmered in the dim lighting, a small, delicate crown resting atop her head. Raven appeared calm, composed — nothing out of the ordinary. For now, it didn't seem like he was needed.
With a sigh, Adam turned his attention back to the room, hoping to find something — anything — to distract him from the mess of emotions that threatened to consume him. But even as he tried to focus on the present, a knot of uncertainty twisted inside him, reminding him that some things couldn't be ignored for long.
"Yo, Adam!" a gruff voice boomed through the room. Adam turned to see Laurence, a familiar orc, lumbering toward him with a grin.
"Laurence! Good to see you at this party, big guy!" Adam greeted, bumping fists with the towering orc. The two quickly slung their arms over each other's shoulders in a brotherly embrace, laughing like old friends reunited.
"Oh man, don't think I didn't see Briar Beauty, the daughter of Sleeping Beauty, totally coming on to you," Laurence said, his deep voice filled with amusement. "She was all over you like a candy witch chasing children! Dude, she's got it bad for you!"
Adam winced playfully, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, enough of that. I'm trying to keep a low profile here, man," he said, giving Laurence a friendly shove. Though the orc didn't budge, he got the hint, grinning as he dropped the subject.
Laurence chuckled. "I get it. I wouldn't know how to act either if someone that fine took an interest in me."
"Aw, come on," Adam teased, nudging him. "There's gotta be a girl out there for you, Laurence. The world's big enough, and love shows up when you least expect it. Who knows, she might be right under your nose."
Laurence, ever literal, began to pick at his nose in confusion, searching for this mysterious girl.
"Not literally, man!" Adam groaned, pulling Laurence's hand away, trying to stifle his laughter. "I meant she could be closer than you think. You just have to know where to look."
Laurence grinned, unfazed. "I'll keep that in mind." His carefree attitude made Adam chuckle despite himself.
Before he could say more, another familiar voice called out, "Adam! There you are!"
He turned to see Jason and Julie, a pair of twins who practically radiated energy, hurrying over to him. "Jason, Julie! It's been a while, how're you two?" Adam said, giving them each a high-five.
"Yeah, we've been great! Thanks for asking," Julie chimed in with her usual pep.
"We figured we'd run into you eventually, but who knew it would be at a party?" Jason added, flashing a grin.
Adam shrugged. "Yeah, I've been lying low, you know? After meeting with the Headmaster, I've been mostly cooped up in my room. But it's good to see you two again. How's your mom and dad?"
"They're fine. Mom's been taking care of Dad — he had a rough tumble during his last climb up the hill, again," Julie explained with a smile.
"Yeah, it's pretty normal for our family by now," Jason added with a laugh.
Adam chuckled. "Well, just be careful, okay? Too much falling down and you might knock something loose."
Julie waved it off with a grin. "Don't worry, we're pros at falling. Instinct kicks in every time, and we always manage to protect our heads!"
"Sounds like a useful skill. Fast and safe," Adam replied, nodding in approval.
"Hexactly!" Julie said, her voice bright.
Jason's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "So, what's been going on with you, Adam? You look like you've been through a whole saga since the last time we talked."
Adam sighed, feeling the weight of their question. "Let me guess. You've heard the rumors?"
"Not just the rumors," Julie cut in, "but we also saw the broadcast. You're kind of hard to miss, you know?"
"Wait, there's a broadcast? Since when does this school have journalists?" Adam asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Jason nodded, helping himself to some snacks from the table. "Oh yeah. There's one — Blondie Lockes. She's got her own MirrorCast where she reports all the latest gossip."
Julie laughed. "She's always on the lookout for the next big scoop. It's practically her calling."
Adam shook his head, amused yet slightly annoyed. Even in a fairytale world, there were reporters. Just as he was about to dive deeper into his thoughts, another voice cut through the noise.
"Adam!"
His neck was starting to ache from all the turning around. This time, he spotted Lilly making her way over, dressed more comfortably than the last time he'd seen her. Her bonnet was gone, and her hair flowed freely, giving her a more relaxed, carefree look.
"Looking good, Lilly," Adam complimented with a smile.
"Thanks," she giggled, her eyes scanning Adam's attire with interest. "I could say the same about you."
"Where's your sheep?" Adam asked, looking around as if expecting to see them.
"Oh, I left them in my dorm. I didn't want them running wild and getting lost in all this chaos," Lilly explained, her voice light but thoughtful.
"Good thinking," Adam replied, though internally he marveled at how coincidental it was to see all his old friends at the same time. It felt almost too convenient.
"So, how are you liking the party?" Lilly asked, leaning in slightly.
Adam shrugged, glancing around the room. "Eh, the food's great, but the party? Kind of a letdown. Everyone looks so stiff, like they're scared to actually have fun. Even the music's starting to sound stale."
"How so? I think it's pretty enchanting," Laurence chimed in between bites, his arms full of assorted snacks.
Adam rolled his eyes. "You guys seriously think this is a party? Come on, this feels like a high school dance."
Julie raised an eyebrow. "But… we are in high school, Adam."
Adam groaned, facepalming. "Right… forgot about that."
Jason smirked. "Sounds like you've been to crazier parties, man."
"Oh, trust me, I've been to parties that would blow your mind. Back in the day, I threw celebrations that you'd never forget. Wild, insane nights — parties that went beyond anything you've seen." Adam's eyes glazed over as he recalled the past, the memories of victorious celebrations with his army flooding his mind. The wild revelry, the drinking, the reckless joy. A part of him missed it.
"Really?" Lilly's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Maybe you should show us how it's done, then."
Adam smirked, shaking his head. "Nah, I'm not getting roped into that. I've got enough on my plate without causing a scene here. Besides, it'd be rude to upstage the hostess."
Jason draped an arm around Adam's shoulders, leaning in with a grin. "What's wrong, Adam? Chicken?"
The others snickered, egging him on with playful taunts.
Adam rolled his eyes but refused to bite. "Psh, nice try. You'll have to do better than that to get under my skin."
Lilly's smile turned sly. "Oh, come on. I guess Adam just isn't confident enough to show us what a real party looks like."
Julie joined in, feigning disappointment. "Yeah, maybe he's just embarrassed. I mean, we'll probably never know what a true party is."
Jason chimed in, mimicking her tone. "Oh, woe is us! Forever doomed to boring parties because Adam is too scared to help us out."
Laurence, surprisingly quick on the uptake, added dramatically, "Our shining knight refuses to save us from this awful fate!"
Adam's eye twitched. They were laying it on thick, and it was starting to work. He wasn't about to let himself get outdone by a bunch of kids. He was Adam — the First Man, the Progenitor of Mankind. He couldn't back down now.
Just as he was about to respond, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He caught a glimpse of Raven and another girl she was talking with. He saw how her brows furrowed, her fist clenched as an angered look was plastered on her face.
That wasn't a good sign, Adam figured.
Raven was about to explode in fury. He didn't know what the other girl said to his friend, but he knew that it wasn't pretty judging by how furious Raven was getting.
His friends surrounded him, he couldn't get to Raven on time to stop her outburst from happening. He needed to come up with a distraction and fast.
His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for something to aid him with his plight. He saw a bunch of guys standing off in one corner of the fun-sized ballroom, each equipped with a different kind of instrument on their backs while singing a little ditty amongst themselves.
Perfect, Adam thought before turning to his friends. "Alright, alright, alright, you guys want a real party?" They nodded, smirking at him, finally giving in to their demands.
"Then I'll give you a real party." He said before splitting off from the group and towards his identified objective.
"Wait, Adam, where're you going?" Lilly managed to speak up, but he didn't so much as spare them another glance.
"I'm gonna show you all how it's done!" He shouted back as he squeezed through the clustered crowd of awkward dancers and party goers.
In his haste, Adam nearly stepped on a small critter that squeaked in alarm. He skidded to a stop just in time, his boot hovering inches above a tiny hedgehog. "Whoa, sorry about that, little guy," he muttered, crouching down to scoop the hedgehog into his hands. Its soft spines bristled as it blinked up at him, clearly startled.
"Didn't see you there, bud. Where's your owner?" Adam asked, scanning the room briefly. Then, with a jolt of realization, he remembered his urgent task. "Ah, crap. I need to move." He gently tucked the hedgehog into his shirt pocket, making sure it was snug. "Stay put for now. I've got something to take care of first."
The hedgehog gave a quick, sharp roink! in response, as if approving his temporary shelter. Adam smiled faintly and took off, his mind racing with urgency.
As he made his way through the crowd, the muffled sound of off-key music assaulted his ears. He cringed as he approached the group of boys on one corner of the chamber, painfully butchering what was supposed to be a rock-and-roll song. The screech of the guitar strings and the offbeat drumming made Adam wince.
His eyes flickered to Raven, and his heart clenched. She stood at the edge of the room, her magic flickering around her in an ominous, dark purple aura. Her frustration and distress were palpable, and Adam knew he had to act now.
Without hesitation, Adam rushed up to the quartet and yanked the guitar right out of the hands of the guy wearing a feathered green felt cap. The boy's jaw dropped in shock, but Adam didn't stick around for an explanation. He bolted, guitar in hand, weaving through the crowd.
"Hey, that dude stole my guitar! Get him!" the boy shouted, and the rest of the band scrambled after Adam, their footsteps thudding behind him. But Adam was fast, and his long strides carried him quickly toward his target.
He reached the podium where a girl stood, busy working the turntables, her fingers expertly mixing spellbinding tunes. The music pulsing from her booth was a far cry from the chaotic noise the band had been producing. Without wasting a second, Adam climbed up, using the trellis behind the booth for support.
"Hey, babe, quick question," he called out, breathless but determined.
The girl paused, pulling off her headphones as she turned toward him, one brow raised in curiosity. She didn't look annoyed — if anything, she seemed intrigued.
"What's up?" she asked, eyeing the guitar he was holding.
"How good are you at laying down a killer beat?" Adam grinned, his eyes flashing with the urgency of the situation.
Her curiosity deepened, and a slow smile spread across her lips. "Depends. What did you have in mind?" She asked with intrigue, as Adam's grin widened.
Moments earlier, Raven had been chatting with her new roommate, Apple White, a girl whose very existence was a reflection of everything Raven wasn't — and everything she didn't want to be. Apple was the daughter of a queen so revered and flawless, embodying goodness, purity, and light. Raven, on the other hand, carried the shadow of her own heritage — a legacy steeped in wickedness and darkness. While Apple's lineage glittered with beauty, Raven's dripped with poison. It was as if they belonged to two different worlds: Apple, radiant like the morning sun, and Raven, the shadowed dusk creeping in at the edges.
Apple's appearance only magnified the contrast. Her skin was pale and perfect, a soft white like the snow in the fairytales she hailed from. Her lips were as red as the iconic apple, and her hair — golden and glossy — seemed to shine as if it had captured the very essence of daylight. But despite Apple's flawless exterior, there was a distance that Raven couldn't quite cross, a flaw invisible to others but glaring to her.
Being around Apple, who was considered the fairest of them all next to Snow White herself, left Raven feeling like a thorn among roses. She was constantly reminded of the role she was meant to play — a villain destined for fear and ridicule, not admiration. Her unease deepened with Adam having left her side, indulging at the snack bar, making her feel even more like a warty toad on display, hoping to survive the night without shattering the fragile peace.
"Raven, you look absolutely bewitching tonight!" Apple said, her voice so sweet and innocent it almost stung.
Raven fumbled for a response. "Uh, thanks?" she mumbled, the compliment feeling strange on her tongue. She wasn't used to hearing such things, especially from someone like Apple.
Apple's eyes lit up, her smile stretching impossibly wider. "You didn't tell me you were friends with the newest addition to Ever After High! That's just spelltacular!" Her enthusiasm sparkled with the same brightness as the rest of her.
"Yeah… real shocker," Raven muttered, trying to mask her discomfort. It was difficult enough navigating her complicated feelings around Adam without Apple diving in headfirst with questions she wasn't prepared to answer.
However, Apple was relentless in her curiosity. "Come on, you have to tell me all about him! How did you two meet? What's he like? Is he as charming as he is dashing?" Her questions flowed like an unstoppable river, one after another, leaving Raven overwhelmed.
"Whoa, whoa, easy there, Apple," Raven interrupted, holding up her hands as if to stem the tide. "One question at a time, okay?"
Apple flushed with a small laugh, clearly excited. "Oh, I'm sorry! It's just so hexciting to have a new character joining us on this adventure! Pray tell, from which story does he belong?" She asked, crystal blue eyes sparkled in wonder.
Raven hesitated, shrugging slightly. "Honestly? I have no idea. I never asked." It hadn't even crossed her mind to ask about Adam's story — being near him had been enough for her. She hadn't wanted to complicate it.
Apple's expression turned to one of shock, as if Raven had committed some cardinal sin. "Raven! You have to get to know each other better. It's not the fairest if you don't!"
Before Raven could respond, Briar suddenly sauntered up, grinning mischievously as she joined the group. "What's up, queens? Anything to decree while I was away?"
Apple asked, her concern evident as she leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing with worry. "Briar! Where were you? You just suddenly vanished on us like Houdini!"
Briar laughed, waving off Apple's concern. "Oh, don't get your crown in a twist, Apple. I was just getting acquainted with the new hunk of meat that just came in," she said with a sly grin.
Apple blinked, her face a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Hunk of meat?" she repeated.
"Where?!" Cerise Hood appeared out of nowhere, her hooded figure suddenly alert, her eyes scanning the crowd. Realizing how loud she had spoken, Cerise quickly mumbled an apology and slinked back into the shadows, her face burning with embarrassment.
Briar's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm talking about that eye candy who just sauntered over to the snack bar." She motioned with a subtle flick of her hand, her voice dripping with amusement.
"Candee?!" "Vhere?" The children of Hansel and Gretel appeared as if summoned, their eyes bright with excitement at the mention of sweets.
"Over there," Apple said quickly, gesturing toward the table to direct them away.
As the cousins dashed off, another voice chimed in, this time with an air of calm authority. "I'm going to assume you're talking about the boy who came in with Raven, correct?" A girl with glass slippers asked, her tone curious but cautious.
Briar chuckled, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Oh no, Ashlynn. That wasn't a boy. That was all man," she said, her voice low and suggestive, her hand resting on her hip.
"I'm not liking where this conversation is going." Raven's stomach twisted at Briar's words. It sounded wrong, and immensely misaligned to her own view of him, yet somewhat fitting in a sense that she chose not to admit.
"Same." The rest of the girls, apart from Briar, said collectively.
"That's just because you girls haven't seen him up close yet, but when you do, then trust me when I say that taking your eyes off him will be a challenge." Briar said, or rather, warned? It was hard to tell really.
Apple decided it was best to move the dialogue along and drag Raven away to meet one of her other friends. "Duchess, you know Raven, right?"
"Well, if it isn't the unfairest of them all. Surprised to see you here tonight, Raven." Duchess said, animosity leaving her words. "Planning to ruin this party like how your Mother almost ruined Ever After?"
Raven sighed, ignoring the jabs that Duchess threw at her for the most part. "Nice to see you too, Duchess." She looked back at Apple. "I really don't need to stick around, I just have something to tell Maddie then I'll be out of everybody's fair hair."
"Nonsense! You are welcomed to this party as much as everyone else is!" Apple said, trying to rectify the tense situation.
"How about we go and chat with someone else? You can tell me all you can about your new friend in the meantime." Apple looked for another princess to speak with as she saw Lizzie stomping towards them.
"Oh, Lizzie, would you be a dear and—" Apple never got to finish her sentence.
"Off with all of your heads!" Lizzie shouted, not letting the others speak as she quickly went past them, trying to get as far away from that man as possible. However, in her moment of hate, her pet hedgehog leapt off her shoulders before curling into a ball and rolled into the crowd of students on the dancefloor.
"Step not on my pet, or I shall call an army down on your heads!" She said aloud, before running after her animal companion.
"Well, she seemed more intense than usual." Raven mused, as Apple agreed.
"Tell me about it." Apple shook her head before returning to the matter at hand.
"At least she doesn't pretend to be a future villain." Duchess suddenly interjected, respecting how fierce and commanding the Princess of Hearts was tonight. "Her role is to be an Evil Queen, and she owns it. What about you, Raven? Still playing that goody-two-shoes act to try and fool us all?" She sneered, disdain dripping from her lips like venom as Raven glared at her.
"Duchess, be nice." Apple said, trying to defuse the growing conflict.
"Why don't you just step off, Duchess." Raven rebutted, narrowing her eyes at Duchess. "Your story isn't hexactly any better than mine."
"True, but at least I'm not destined to be an Evil Queen." Duchess refuted, her nose held high.
"At least my destiny isn't to fall in love with a prince only to have him get taken from me in The End." Raven countered.
"Now, now, settle down you two. Let's not say anything we might regret." Apple was getting worried at how things were worsening by the second. Her sugary, and sweet words were left ignored by the two as neither Raven nor Duchess deigned to look at her.
"Oh, wait, perhaps I was mistaken. Maybe you do think you're nice." Duchess tilted her head with a smirk, her words dressed in a mocking fashion. "You poor, unfortunate soul. You're evil to the core. Did your Daddy perhaps make you think otherwise while you were but a wee little hatchling?"
Apple felt a heat radiating from Raven, hot and intense, burning like the sun as she reeled back after seeing how grim her roommate was becoming.
"Were you brainwashed into believing that you can be good? Did Daddy dearest tell you sweet things? Did he say that your heart is just as good as the next princess? Hoping to turn you into a ruler that's just as pathetic and dull as he is?" Duchess continued her assault, unaware of the storm brewing within Raven from hearing her father being openly mocked.
"Don't." Raven started, a fire burning in her amethyst eyes. "Ever." Her voice barely above a whisper. "Talk." It transitioned into a low hum. "About." The volume increased. "My Father." Her intensity grew. "Ever! After! Again!"
The heat in Raven's body grew unbearable, her magic swirling just beneath the surface, threatening to break free. Her hands began to glow with dark energy, and for a moment, the room seemed to dim as her power surged.
Just as she was about to explode, a sharp sound cut through the air — a guitar chord, loud and commanding.
Everyone turned to the podium, where Adam stood, guitar in hand, his presence disrupting the tension that had been ready to shatter.
A stunned silence swept over the entire room, all eyes drawn to Adam as if he were some celestial being illuminated by the spotlight, his form glowing with an almost ethereal aura.
He struck the guitar once more, sending an electrifying pulse through the crowd, the vibrations reverberating through the walls and into their very souls.
With fierce determination, Adam began strumming the guitar, his hands moving over the strings with both grace and intensity. His face, set in a look of steely focus, carried a fierceness that captivated every student in the room. It was as though the world around him faded away, leaving only him and the music — a perfect harmony of raw power and emotion.
The students could only watch in awe, utterly speechless, captivated by the sudden, mesmerizing performance. They had no words — just wide eyes, hearts pounding in sync with the music. Adam commanded their attention, his mastery of the guitar both powerful and effortless, like he was born with the instrument in his hands.
Even the DJ, who had been handling the music for the night, couldn't help but admire his skill. She added a deep, thumping bass, perfectly complementing his rhythm, elevating the performance to another level.
Then, Adam began to sing, his voice deep and raw, a perfect blend of roughness and melody, filling the room with its undeniable power.
"Your eyes staring in-to my eyes,"
"Who am I – but a guy with two eyes on the prize,"
"And the prize toni-ight is ten times—"
"The surprise in your eyes as I kiss you goodnight."
The moment the words left his lips, it was as if the entire world melted away. Every problem, every insecurity, dissolved into nothingness. His voice carried a warmth, like a balm to the soul, wrapping the audience in its embrace. It felt divine, almost unreal — like an angel descended from above to grace them with the perfect melody.
Adam's voice was the perfect blend of rough masculinity and delicate harmony, commanding yet soothing. He owned every second of it, his presence filling the room with something far greater than just music. It was a performance that transcended sound. It reached into hearts, stirred emotions, and created a memory that would be etched in their minds forever.
"Your smile is the fire that rocks my soul,"
"Gonna remember it until I grow old."
"'Cause life is too short – we gotta do things right,"
"So baby, let's just party toni-ight,"
"Baby, let's just party toni-ight!"
His fingers flew across the strings, delivering a fiery solo that had the room enraptured. Each note was a spark, igniting a wave of energy that spread through the crowd. His movements were quick, precise, like a shooting star cutting through the night sky. The guitar seemed to guide him back to a piece of himself he thought had been lost upon entering this strange world. In that moment, Adam wasn't just playing music — he was reclaiming his identity.
As his fingers danced across the strings, the students began to stir, feeling the pulse of the music in their veins. What started as silent awe transformed into an explosion of energy. Feet began thumping, bodies moving, as Adam's performance breathed new life into the party. A chorus of cheers erupted, echoing through the chamber. The students jumped and swayed, completely entranced by the fire Adam had sparked.
His friends stood at the front, already caught in the wave of excitement. Their cheers rose above the crowd, but Adam, focused and driven, played on, determined to give them a show they would never forget.
"We've come out on top, we're in front of the line,"
"We're here to rock out and have a good time!"
"'Cause the past is the past, and the future is bright."
In a brief, stolen glance, Adam looked over at Raven, catching her eye. His words seemed to be meant for her, carrying more weight than the lyrics alone. Her gasp was audible as if she understood the message hidden beneath the song. He gave her a quick nod before diving back into the chorus, his body moving with the beat as the crowd raised their hands in unison.
"So baby, let's just party toni-ight,"
"Baby, let's just party toni-ight!"
He repeated the first verse with more vigor, his body moving in sync with the pounding rhythm. The crowd surged with him, their cheers growing louder, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.
"Your eyes staring in-to my eyes,"
"Who am I – but a guy with two eyes on the prize,"
"And the prize toni-ight is ten times—"
"The surprise in your eyes as I kiss you goodnight."
Adam leaned toward the audience, his hair falling messily over his face as the first few buttons of his shirt popped open, revealing the sheen of sweat from the effort. His voice boomed, echoing off the walls, reverberating deep into the hearts of every person in the room. Even the small critter nestled in his shirt pocket poked its head out, bobbing along to the beat, its tiny paws throwing up the sign of the horns.
"Your smile is the fire that rocks my soul,"
"Gonna remember it until I grow old."
"'Cause life is too short – we gotta do things right,"
"So baby, let's just party toni-ight,"
"Baby, let's just party toni-ight!"
With one final surge of energy, Adam dropped to his knees, his fingers tearing into the last riff with raw power, each note infused with adrenaline and passion. His heart pounded in his chest, the music consuming him, taking him to the very edge of control.
"Baby, let's just party toni-ight~"
The last note hung in the air for a heartbeat before Adam slammed the guitar to the ground. The instrument shattered on impact, sending splinters and torn wires flying. The crowd exploded, erupting in deafening cheers and wild applause, the energy in the room now fully unleashed. Adam stood, panting heavily, his chest heaving from the effort. He raised his fist high, triumphant, his grin wide and unbreakable.
Still got it, he grinned to himself.
The students couldn't stop cheering, their voices rising in a symphony of praise and admiration. He stepped off the podium, his eyes locking with the group of boys he'd taken the guitar from earlier. Their jaws hung open, still processing the jaw-dropping performance they had just witnessed.
Adam smirked, holding out the mangled remains of the guitar. "I believe this is yours," he said, offering the destroyed instrument back to its original owner.
The boy with the green felt cap could only stare in disbelief, speechless. But there was no anger in his eyes, only awe, the same awe shared by everyone in the room. Adam's electrifying performance had left them all spellbound, the lingering chords of his music echoing in their hearts long after the last note had faded.
The crowd swelled around Adam, an unstoppable wave of admiration and praise enveloping him. His heart raced, not from nerves but from the sheer exhilaration of the moment. The energy from his performance still hung in the air, electrifying the entire room, and Adam soaked it up like sunlight after a storm. Students he barely knew were fawning over him, their eyes wide with awe, their voices a chorus of admiration.
He knew these were the people he'd be spending his future with, and winning them over now would make things much easier down the line. His friends gathered closest to him, still processing the magic of his impromptu performance.
"Adam, that was hexcellent!" Julie's voice bubbled with pure joy, her eyes shimmering like stars.
"You seriously blew us away, man!" Jason added, his body buzzing with excitement, unable to stand still.
Lilly, her voice softer but no less sincere, touched Adam's arm as if to steady herself. "Your voice... It was like hearing an angel sing. It was so beautiful I almost couldn't breathe."
"And those moves, bro!" Laurence thudded a heavy hand against Adam's back. "You tore it up! Totally a page-ripper!"
Adam grinned, raising his hands in mock humility. "Alright, alright. I get it — I'm amazing, I know. But let's dial it down a notch, okay?" His playful response only made his friends shower him with more compliments, each one happier than the last.
More students pushed closer, wanting a piece of the spotlight that clung to Adam. It felt overwhelming, the heat from so many bodies pressing in, their eager hands reaching out for an autograph or even just a glimpse of the man who had captured the room's heart. Adam signed everything they handed him — from notebooks to odd little devices he had never seen before — all while trying to keep his cool.
But through the laughter and flashing smiles, he caught sight of Raven slipping out of the room, her face pale, her eyes shadowed with something dark and heavy. His heart tightened. Something was wrong. Without a second thought, Adam moved through the crowd, ignoring the calls from his friends and the curious stares from the other students. He had to follow her.
The halls of the dormitory were quiet compared to the chaotic energy of the party. The sound of Raven's heels clicking against the polished floor echoed faintly, guiding him as he quickened his pace. When he finally turned the corner, he saw her just about to enter her room.
"Raven!" His voice was a lifeline cutting through the silence, pulling her to a stop. She stood there, frozen in the doorway, her back still to him.
Adam approached carefully, not wanting to spook her, his tone soft but laced with concern. "I saw what happened back there, how close you were to losing control." Raven's shoulders tensed, a tremor running through her. "I don't know what that girl did or what nonsense she fed you, but I could see how much it hurt."
Raven flinched, as if the memory still stung. Adam sighed, stepping closer, his voice warmer, softer. "You don't need to say anything right now. Just… don't let her words get to you. You're stronger than you realize, Raven. Stronger than the lies others tell you. Don't let them drag you down to their level. Don't let this world keep pushing you around for being exactly who you are."
Raven didn't move for a moment, her breath hitching, and then, almost as if surrendering, her hand fell from the doorknob. Adam gently placed a hand on her shoulder, and to his surprise, she reached for it, grasping it like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Then she turned, swiftly and suddenly, burying herself against him, her delicate arms wrapping tightly around his waist.
Her tears soaked into his shirt, her body shaking with quiet sobs. Adam's heart clenched painfully at the sound, and without hesitation, he wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her into the safety of his embrace. He didn't care about the dampness staining his shirt, or the way the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them. All that mattered was holding her.
For long, silent minutes, they stood like that, Adam's presence the only anchor for Raven as she let out all the pain she had been holding back. When he finally began to loosen his hold, ready to let her go, Raven's grip only tightened.
"Please," she whispered, her voice muffled against him, "don't leave me alone."
Adam's chest tightened, and he knelt down so that he was eye-level with her. "I won't, Raven. I'm right here." He murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her tear-streaked face. "Take all the time you need." His voice was soft, reassuring, each word laced with the promise of unwavering support.
His hand found the back of her head, fingers brushing through her hair, offering comfort with every soft caress. Raven buried her face in the crook of his neck, her tears blending with the remnants of her makeup, leaving dark streaks along her pale cheeks. The sorrow that poured out of her now had the weight of years, a lifetime of heartache and loneliness.
Adam knew this scene all too well. He had been here before — held the broken pieces of others in his arms, knowing that he couldn't fix everything. He wasn't the perfect being he once was.
He had failed so many times in the past — failed as the First Father, the First Husband, failed as a leader and a protector. But not this time. He couldn't fail her, not now. Never again.
Eventually, Raven's sobs slowed to soft, shaky breaths. She had cried herself into exhaustion, her body limp against his. Adam, careful not to disturb her, scooped her up in his arms, cradling her like she was something precious, fragile.
Raven's dorm door was left ajar, and with one last glance down the empty hallway, Adam stepped across the threshold. She won't mind... just this once, he reassured himself as he entered her room.
The room was dark, the only light spilling in from the moonlit sky beyond the balcony. Adam moved toward her side of the dorm, the part cloaked in shadow, and gently laid her down on the bed. The mattress creaked softly under her weight, and for a moment, Adam stood there, watching her, making sure she was settled.
She's been through enough for one day, he thought, pulling the blanket over her, tucking it around her to keep her warm.
Before leaving, he stroked her hair one last time, his fingers brushing tenderly through the strands. "Everything will be okay, Raven. I promise." His voice was a whisper, soft as the night around them.
Just as he began to stand, his ears picked up the distinct sound of heels clicking in the hallway. Someone was coming. Panic flared inside him. He couldn't be caught here — not in the middle of the night, not in the girl's side of the dorms.
With no time to think, Adam's eyes darted around for an escape. The only option was the balcony. Without hesitating, he bolted across the room and leaped over the railing — only to realize too late that Raven's dorm was several stories high.
"Motherf—" The curse slipped from his lips as he scrambled to grab hold of the stone wall. His fingers dug into the cracks, his knuckles white as he clung on for dear life, dangling precariously.
He could hear the footsteps growing louder inside the room. Hanging there by the tips of his fingers, Adam's mind raced, trying to figure out how to get himself out of this very unfortunate situation.
This... definitely could've gone better, he muttered to himself, staring down at the dizzying drop below.
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