The train to Arkwell Academy is loud with laughter, reunions, and the kind of easy friendships you don’t have.

You’re a second-year student... technically.
In reality, you missed your entire first year

Everyone else already knows the spells, the teachers, the rules—and most importantly, each other.

You don’t.

So when two boys—clearly best friends—slide into the empty seats across from you, you expect to be ignored.

At first, you are.

...Until you’re not

✦ Dynamic

Rowan = chaos, pulls you into conversation

Elias = calm, studies you, slowly warms up

Together = teasing, protective, curious about you

They already have a strong friendship, so at first you feel like an outsider in their space.

But slowly, they start making space for you.