In the secret chamber of Nevermore Academy, where the Belladonna Club held its meetings, Alex was present. He observed an absurd sight: a group of teenagers had tied up Wednesday, pulling a black bag over her head in advance.

In his cat form, Alex sat atop a bookshelf and watched the teenagers in dark-purple robes and masks standing in a semicircle. Wednesday — fully true to herself — began analyzing the situation the very second she was grabbed, tied up, and seated on a chair.

Her first thought was the true culprit, but she dismissed it immediately — Alex would have acted already if there had been even the slightest suspicion.

When the bag was removed from her head, a bright light hit her face. Wednesday didn’t even blink — she simply scanned the room until she spotted Alex the cat sitting at the top of the shelf. He looked as if he felt embarrassed for what was happening, even though he had nothing to do with it.

Tearing her gaze away from Alex, Wednesday calmly shifted her focus to the people standing before her.

“Who trespassed into our sacred grounds?” a rough female voice demanded.

“You can take off the mask, Bianca. That act of yours might fool a child at best,” Wednesday said coldly, recognizing the voice instantly.

Disappointment rippled through the room — there was no point in hiding anymore. Bianca removed her mask, irritation written clearly on her face.

From above, Alex saw the reflection of Wednesday’s disappointment — she had been kidnapped not by serial killers, not by mysterious maniacs, but by… teenagers. He rolled his eyes, thinking that Wednesday would’ve been far more satisfied being captured by an actual serial killer than by this club of secret-meeting enthusiasts.

Shaking his head, Alex cast a “don’t notice me” spell on himself and shifted back into human form. He jumped down from the shelf — and no one except Wednesday paid him the slightest attention. She looked past Bianca’s shoulder: Alex walked directly behind Bianca, as if intentionally demonstrating his invisible presence.

While Wednesday explained how she found the passage, Alex lazily examined the room, glancing at portraits of former club members. His gaze lingered on the image of young Gomez and Morticia — Wednesday’s parents. But soon another photograph caught his attention: a group photo of the club from the time her parents were students.

And there — among everyone else — stood Freya Anderson and Mr. Door. Saga Anderson’s parents.

Alex couldn’t resist taking a discreet picture to send to Saga later.

Meanwhile, Wednesday watched Alex, whom no one else seemed to notice, as if he were a ghost. That only intensified her curiosity about his secrets. Her suspicion was fully confirmed when Bianca, Xavier, and the others turned their heads in Alex’s direction — and, despite him standing just a couple of steps away, none of them saw anything.

Even Wednesday was surprised.

“So, what do we do with her?” Bianca asked coldly. “Only club members are allowed here.”

Everyone exchanged glances — and none of them had any idea what to suggest.

Meanwhile, Alex closed a book, placed it back on the shelf, and casually walked past the teenagers, remaining unnoticed. He stopped in front of Wednesday, crouched down, and looked up at her with a mildly irritating, satisfied smile.

Still freeing her hands from the ropes, Wednesday shot him such a glare that she felt an urge to kick him right in that smug face of his.

“Let her take the oath… She’s not an outsider,” Xavier said, pointing at the photograph of Wednesday’s parents.

Alex cast a lazy glance at Xavier — this guy irritated him more and more. Wednesday also turned her empty stare at him, wondering why he assumed she would even want to join this club of losers.

To her, the Belladonna Club was a waste of time — and Wednesday preferred to use her time far more effectively. For example, to unravel more of Alex’s secrets. Especially now that she’d seen yet another one of his abilities: he wasn’t noticed even when standing right in front of someone.

While the others whispered among themselves after Xavier’s comment, and Bianca grew increasingly irritated at him for once again taking Wednesday’s side, Alex decided to amuse himself a little.

He scooped up a pinch of dust from the floor, approached Xavier, and blew — ever so slightly — right into his face. The boy immediately began coughing, inhaling the dust that flew into his nose.

The whispering stopped instantly: everyone stared at Xavier, who was coughing and trying to catch his breath.

Wednesday slowly turned her head toward Alex, giving him the same empty look she usually reserved for particularly foolish people. She immediately understood this was Alex’s doing. But why he behaved this way toward Xavier — that she still didn’t know.

“Allow me to spare you the trouble and pointless speculation. I’m not interested in your club,” Wednesday said coldly.

“Are you seriously refusing us?” Yoko asked in surprise.

“Is it really that hard to understand? Your club is not impressive enough for me to waste my precious time on it. I can use it far more effectively,” Wednesday replied in the same icy tone, without blinking.

“Fine, untie her, let her go,” Bianca said irritably.

“I’ve been untied for five minutes already,” Wednesday replied and showed them the rope that had been used to bind her hands.

She rose from the chair with a cold expression, walked up to Xavier, and took her backpack from him. But she wasn’t allowed to reach the staircase — a merman boy stepped in her way. The same one Alex had shocked with a burst of positive electricity during the Poe Cup, leaving him with a slight nervous tic ever since.

Wednesday met his eyes with such a chilling stare that he almost stepped back — for a moment he thought she might hit him.

But Alex acted first. He picked up another pinch of dust and blew it — right into the merman’s face. The boy immediately doubled over, coughing violently.

Wednesday slowly turned her head toward Alex again. He stood beside her, grinning like a satisfied child who had caused trouble and gotten away with it.

She didn’t have time to say a word before Alex took her by the hand and confidently led her up the stairs — under the confused and bewildered stares of the Belladonna Club members.

“And a word of advice: clean the dust in here. Some of you have already started coughing because of how much there is,” Wednesday’s cold voice drifted down from the top of the staircase.

And right after her words, Alex’s laughter rang out — short, spiteful, clearly showing that he had seen and heard absolutely everything. The club members exchanged baffled glances.

After leaving the secret room, Alex and Wednesday stepped into Nevermore’s central courtyard. Alex did not let go of her hand and continued pulling her along all the way to the girls’ dormitory — the place Wednesday usually climbed down from using the drainpipe.

She watched calmly as he led her across the school grounds, stopping whenever a teacher came into view.

“And how long do you intend to hold my hand?” Wednesday asked when they finally reached the dormitory.

“My answer remains the same: as long as you allow it. You could’ve stopped me from the very beginning instead of waiting until I walked you all the way to the dormitory,” Alex replied, not loosening his grip.

“Are you not afraid I’ll cut your hand off?” she asked coldly, looking him straight in the eyes.

“You can try, my dear Wednesday. Anything for you… boop,” Alex said with a faint smile and lightly tapped her nose.

Wednesday swatted his finger away as if it were a fly.

“Do that again — and I’ll break your finger. Now explain: how did they not notice you when you were walking right in front of them?”

Alex leaned slightly closer to her, still holding her hand.

“No-no, my dear Wednesday. Have you ever heard of equivalent exchange? To gain something — you must offer something of equal value. Last time, I answered your question because that was my gift to you — for your victory and for stepping out of your comfort zone. You want to know who I am and what I can do that badly? Then offer a worthy price — and I’ll tell you,” Alex said, once again invading her personal space.

Wednesday frowned slightly. Alex had invaded her personal space again — and this wasn’t the first time. She realized that he crossed boundaries constantly, and he did it so naturally that she barely had time to notice.

Continuing to look into his eyes, she still felt the warmth radiating from his hand — a warmth that slowly spread through her cold body. They stood so close that they ceased to notice everything around them.

But they did have an observer.

Thing sat on the balcony railing, leaning on his fingers, attentively watching the scene. Even he found it surprising to see Wednesday allow someone to get that close. He even wondered how the Addams family would react when they found out.

“And what do you want in exchange for answers?” Wednesday asked quietly, not averting her gaze.

“Whatever you consider a worthy payment,” Alex replied, smiling so playfully that their noses nearly touched. “And when you feel the price matches the question, I’ll answer. No secrets.”

He leaned in a little closer.

“And to make it more interesting… a little bonus. A trial version, so to speak. I’ll answer your old question.”

“Which one?” Wednesday asked, feeling Alex’s warm, slightly intoxicating breath on her face.

“About Alan Wake. You asked about him. He’s alive. He was just trapped in a prison he built himself,” Alex said, narrowing his eyes slightly. “I could tell you the whole story… but I understand you too well. You think free cheese only exists in a mousetrap.”

“You’re right. Nothing comes for free. Everything has a price,” Wednesday said calmly.

Alex only smiled and gently stepped back, leaving her personal space. He let go of her hand, winked — and disappeared into the shadows as easily as if he had never been there.

Wednesday watched him go. He simply left, not even saying a word in parting. She lowered her gaze to her hand, the very hand Alex had held, and didn’t know what to think.

As a girl who hated any physical contact, she should have felt disgust. But instead, she felt a strange, warm aftertaste — and that scared her far more than any touch ever could.

Moreover, the more she tried to uncover Alex’s secrets, the more she realized that each time he revealed something new. Something strange. Something she couldn’t explain.

It was deep into the night. Several hours had passed since Wednesday returned to her room. The room was steeped in darkness, with only the cold moonlight streaming through the window.

Somewhere to her right came the grating sound of teeth — Enid continued to grind hers in her sleep.

Wednesday ignored the noise. She sat on her bed, staring at her hand, illuminated by the moonlight.

Hours had passed since Alex left. Yet she still couldn’t sleep. She kept looking at her hand.

Normally, she wouldn’t have even thought about it — she would have been completely indifferent. But whenever she was alone with Alex, something always happened. Something changed. Inside her.

She couldn’t deny it: Alex’s touches were warm. Pleasant. So much so that she… liked it.

But as soon as that thought appeared, Wednesday immediately rejected it.

She wouldn’t become like her mother. She wouldn’t let her feelings blind her. Love — a burden. An obstacle. An unnecessary weakness.

She tried to convince herself that she only wanted to uncover Alex’s secrets — because he had become the most complex mystery in her life.

Nearby, Thing sat on the table. He watched as Wednesday had kept her gaze fixed on her hand for hours.

He snapped his fingers.

Wednesday slowly turned her head. Thing began gesturing actively.

“Just try telling someone what you saw. I’ll break every finger of yours so you won’t be able to show a single word,” Wednesday warned coldly.

Thing hurriedly gestured that he would remain silent… but then added that she shouldn’t clutter her mind with foolishness. That any Addams in such a situation would take matters into their own hands and get what they wanted.

Wednesday studied him carefully.

“And what do you suggest?” she asked.

Thing gestured again, showing that if Wednesday truly wanted to learn Alex’s secrets, she should do the same as her mother once did: win his heart. Then Alex would tell her everything on his own, and she wouldn’t have to rack her brain.

“No. That won’t happen,” Wednesday cut in with an icy tone. “Don’t even think of suggesting I act like her. I’d rather die than become anything like my mother.”

Thing flinched slightly at her words but resumed gesturing. This time, he indicated that if she continued to be so stubborn, one day it might already be too late.

Wednesday didn’t understand his implication and sat on the bed, staring intently at Thing. He waved his fingers animatedly, then pointed at sleeping Enid.

And Wednesday immediately understood what he meant.

It didn’t take a genius to notice that over the past few days, Enid had developed a clear fondness for Alex. And Alex, which especially irritated Wednesday, wasn’t resisting it at all. Enid grabbed his hand at every opportunity, behaving like a lovestruck puppy that wouldn’t leave his side for a step.

Thing decided to strike at her pride — and her pathological hatred of losing. He clearly gestured that if Wednesday didn’t act, she would lose to Enid. And the defeat would be crushing.

And losing was something Wednesday hated more than anything in the world.

She squinted, her gaze gliding over Enid.

“I don’t think that matters,” she said coldly. “I’m not going to take part in some ridiculous game for a boy’s attention. I don’t have time for that. I’d rather figure out why I appeared in that drawing against the backdrop of burning Nevermore. That’s far more useful.”

She clearly understood that Thing was trying to manipulate her.

But Thing didn’t give up. He waved even more insistently, almost urgently, explaining in his own way that Wednesday had far more advantages than Enid. She was investigating the case with Alex, spending more time with him, and could grow closer naturally — simply by staying near him.

Wednesday squinted irritably, not understanding what was happening or why Thing was pressing her so persistently. She didn’t know that Thing had developed a new hobby — observing teenage romantic dramas.

He had to hide and quietly observe those Wednesday indicated. He endlessly witnessed scenes of school flirtations, and Enid, during their manicure sessions, would tell him the latest gossip, fueling his interest.

And now, when Thing realized that Wednesday herself could become part of such a story, he was absolutely delighted.

“Why are you so persistent? What do you get out of this?” Wednesday asked coldly. “And don’t even think about lying to me. What did my parents bribe you with?”

“Wednesday, stop talking to Thing… It’s late… go to sleep,” Enid mumbled in her sleep, still clutching the Poe Cup tightly.

Wednesday glanced at her and then looked back at Thing — her gaze clearly saying: we’re not done yet.

When she lay down and closed her eyes, Thing made a gesture as if wiping sweat from himself. He could only hope that the rest would be handled by Alex — and that he would manage to get into Wednesday’s heart.

Morning came. Upon opening her eyes, Wednesday immediately got out of bed. She quickly changed into her school uniform and retrieved the book she had stolen from the Belladonna Club the day before. Sitting at her desk, she found the page from which Rowan had torn the drawing.

Taking out the drawing she had taken from him, she placed it back — and finally saw the complete picture.

Before her stood a man in a Pilgrim’s costume. Behind him — a burning school.

Wednesday stared at the image, unable to understand: how was this Pilgrim connected to her? And why was she the reason Nevermore would burn?

No matter how much she thought, the answers didn’t come. But she knew one thing: perhaps only one person could provide guidance. Someone who knew too much. And that was Alex, who could help answer all these questions.

Putting the book in her backpack, Wednesday left the room. Today, Nevermore had an important event — Volunteer Day.

She stepped into the inner courtyard, where students had already gathered. Larrisa Weems stood before them, ready to begin the briefing.

“Students will begin volunteer work promptly at ten o’clock. Lunch will be organized at one p.m. And today will conclude with a special event: the unveiling of a new monument in the main square. And, of course, a concert featuring our Nevermore students.”

She smiled softly, yet sternly.

“As a representative of the academy, I hope you will not disgrace it.”

When Larrisa Weems finished her speech, the students of Nevermore buzzed with excitement: the upcoming celebration lifted the mood for almost everyone… except Wednesday. She cared only about answers — how she was connected to the Pilgrim in the drawing and why she was destined to be the cause of Nevermore’s destruction.

The teachers began handing out envelopes assigning students to volunteer work. Wednesday received hers as well, but not a hint of enthusiasm appeared on her face. She glanced indifferently at the envelope and thought she would rather continue her investigation than waste time on such activities.

“Hooray-hooray! I’m going to the Pilgrim World!” Enid exclaimed joyfully, bouncing over to Wednesday. “Well of course! I’m so outgoing and artistic — no wonder they sent me there. And you, where to?”

“To ‘Uriah Hipp.’ I don’t even know what kind of place that is,” Wednesday replied without the slightest emotion, opening the envelope.

“Ugh… It’s a gloomy antique shop. But I think you’ll like it.” Enid smiled dreamily, pressing her envelope to her chest. “I hope Alex comes to the Pilgrim World today. He said yesterday that he and his partner are still investigating the city’s history… I want to spend more time with him.”

Wednesday looked coldly at Enid, who was glowing with happiness — and noticed that her cheerfulness annoyed her far more than usual today. Why — she didn’t understand. It was simply a fact.

Enid, of course, didn’t notice any of this: to her, Wednesday’s gaze always remained equally cold. She ran off to her friends to find out where they had been assigned.

Once she was out of sight, Wednesday looked at the assignment letter once more. A plan of escape was already forming in her mind.

“Wednesday, about the cello. They’ll bring it straight to the main square,” Larrisa Weems’ voice came from behind.

“For what?” Wednesday asked, turning around and frowning.

“I heard you playing on the roof last night. I was impressed. So you’ll be joining the Jericho Middle School’s parade orchestra for the ceremony. I’m sure it won’t be difficult for you to play a life-affirming melody with them,” Weems said with a soft smile, looking down at her.

“Only if afterward they hang me for witchcraft,” Wednesday replied coldly, looking her straight in the eyes.

Larrisa Weems’ smile didn’t even twitch at her words — if anything, it became even more playful. Maintaining it, Weems turned to continue gathering the students and preparing them for the trip to Jericho.

Soon, everyone was seated on the buses, and the convoy rolled toward the city. The students eagerly anticipated the start of volunteer work, happy for the distraction from lessons.

Only Wednesday continued to frown, staring out the window at the passing trees while the chatter of over-enthusiastic teens filled the air.

Meanwhile, as the Nevermore students’ buses headed toward Jericho, Alex and Dean were at the hotel. The night before, returning late, Alex had told Dean that he and Wednesday had managed to find the book from her visions. But what exactly was in the book — unfortunately, he had only seen the drawing of the Pilgrim before Wednesday had taken it, not letting him look inside.

Now they were both changing into casual clothes, preparing to go outside. Alex even put on his favorite yellow Gloria jacket. Dean looked at him with genuine surprise — in this outfit, Alex looked like an ordinary teenager. But that wasn’t even what surprised him the most.

“So, you can wear something besides black. Good to know. Although I admit — the jacket does look pretty cool,” Dean said, critically eyeing Alex.

“I don’t always wear black. Sometimes it’s red or blue. And occasionally other colors,” Alex replied, adjusting his jacket.

“I’ll pretend to believe you. Alright, what are we doing today? We haven’t found anything in the past few days. No trace of the monster, no sign of whoever might be controlling it. Not even Darkness — and even searching the forest blindly is hopeless. It’s huge, and even with the police we can’t cover it. And the list of possible creatures hasn’t shrunk either,” Dean said, pulling on his jacket.

“Enid wrote that the Nevermore students have volunteer day today. And that means…” Alex began, putting things into his pockets.

“That you can go on a date with your pale girlfriend or the pink werewolf,” Dean smirked.

“And that too. But not just that. We’re going somewhere we haven’t even thought of going: to the Pilgrim World,” Alex said, rolling his eyes at Dean’s smirk.

“And why there? You think we’ll find something useful?” Dean raised an eyebrow.

“In the book we found with Wednesday, there was a drawing of a Pilgrim. And the only place that even mentions Pilgrims is the Pilgrim World. I increasingly feel that it’s all connected to Joseph Crackstowne. He was a Pilgrim and the founder of Jericho,” Alex explained calmly.

“You’re saying the city’s founder returned as a ghost and now slashes tourists? That even sounds like nonsense. We’ve seen a lot of ghosts, but the first thing one like that would do isn’t hunt Nevermore students,” Dean snorted.

“Let me finish. Crackstowne lived during the witch hunts. What if he found some book and became a sorcerer himself? Performed a ritual, cursed the city — or even became a monster that was later sealed. Right now that doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s all connected. We have a monster we haven’t found, and there’s a drawing of a Pilgrim in the prophecy book. Those are all the clues we have so far,” Alex said, putting a candy in his mouth.

“Alright, got it. Enough nagging. You said this was like a vacation for us, and now we’re back to work. So who’s going to Pilgrim World? You or me?” Dean asked, extending his fist.

“Are you seriously going to decide that like this?” Alex looked at him tiredly.

“More than serious. Let’s go. I’m not staying in the room all day,” Dean said confidently, nodding.

Alex sighed and extended his fist, agreeing to settle everything with a game of rock-paper-scissors. They swung their hands in sync and both threw rock. On the second round, Alex chose paper, and Dean picked scissors.

Alex held up three fingers, hinting at two out of three. Dean just smirked — and a second later, Alex lost again. Realizing he was simply unlucky today, he shrugged. He didn’t argue, even if losing meant missing a chance to spend time with Wednesday in the Pilgrim World.

Seeing Dean’s satisfied expression, Alex briefly felt like punching him. But he quickly suppressed the urge. Either way, he’d find something to do, even if the Pilgrim World really held an obvious clue leading to the burned chapel, where Wednesday would face the Monster again. If Dean was nearby, everything would go differently. Maybe even better.

Leaving the hotel, they discussed along the way who would do what, unaware that Thing was hiding around the corner, carefully eavesdropping on their conversation.

First, Alex and Dean bought coffee, then headed toward the main square, where Nevermore students were already gathering. The police let them through without question, even though both were in casual clothes.

Walking along the sidewalk toward the center of the square, Alex slowly sipped his coffee, observing the crowd. He spotted Wednesday talking to Xavier — who was explaining to her who Joseph Crackstowne was. A little further, Alex saw Enid, surrounded by her friends. Without drawing attention, he and Dean passed by.

In the square, they noticed Sheriff Donovan, grim as always — but today especially so. Apparently, the arrival of Nevermore students had completely spoiled his mood. After greeting him and exchanging a few brief words about the investigation, Alex and Dean stayed nearby, watching the preparations for the monument unveiling.

“Sheriff, agents. Good morning,” came the familiar voice of Mayor Noble Walker, approaching.

“Good morning, Mayor Noble. I see it’s busy for you from early today,” Alex said with a smile.

“Indeed. Allow me to introduce my son, Lucas,” Noble said, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Of course. We’ve met a few times already. The first time at the Flueger café, and then again at the spring fair. Your son even offered to play baseball. But I didn’t have time then. Right, Lucas?” Alex said gently.

The smile made Lucas feel that unpleasant sting again — memories of the “discipline” session Alex had given him were still fresh.

“Y-yeah… I better get to work. My shift’s starting,” he mumbled and immediately ran off.

The sheriff and mayor watched him go in confusion. Alex, meanwhile, continued to smile calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened.

After saying goodbye to the sheriff and mayor, Alex and Dean stepped aside. Dean couldn’t resist asking what Alex had done to Lucas. Alex calmly explained how Lucas had decided to attack him under the influence of Darkness — and how he had knocked all the nonsense out of the group of teens by administering a complete “discipline” session.

Dean laughed, slapping Alex on the shoulder.

Alex only reminded Dean that they should keep an eye on Lucas and his friends in the Pilgrim World — especially since there would also be Nevermore students there. Dean nodded confidently, showing that he could handle a bunch of troublemaking teens if they started causing problems.

Alex nodded approvingly and moved closer to the stands, where the mayor and Larissa Weems were preparing to give a speech about the wonderful day and cooperative work.

Leaning against a wooden beam of the stands, Alex discreetly glanced at Wednesday. She was standing next to Xavier. Feeling his gaze, she turned her head. Alex just smiled and immediately looked away.

Wednesday raised an eyebrow in surprise. She clearly hadn’t expected such a reaction — in recent days, Alex had approached her, joked, or done something unexpected. But now he simply smiled and looked away.

Squinting slightly, she continued watching him. Xavier noticed this, followed her gaze, saw Alex, and frowned disapprovingly.

When Principal Weems finished her speech, the students stood and began to disperse.

“All right. I’m off. I’ll find somewhere to kill time. Maybe I’ll get lucky,” Alex said, turning around.

“Then let’s meet back here at one. I hope I dig up something in the Pilgrim World,” Dean said, nodding confidently.

Without turning back, Alex waved, shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, and walked past the Nevermore students. Many of them turned to look after him — the bright yellow jacket drew attention. He already had a plan for the next few hours. First, he intended to visit psychologist Valerie Kinbott to discreetly retrieve Tyler’s session notes. Then — break into Sheriff Donovan’s house to check Tyler’s room, to see if he was keeping any items from his victims. And lastly, the Gates family home — the very one purchased by Marilyn Thornhill, aka Laurel Gates, hiding under the guise of a biology teacher.

Alex exhaled heavily, remembering that GIR, MIMI, and Stitch weren’t around. He particularly missed that noisy trio right now — they would have gladly barged in anywhere and stolen anything he asked… even if it caused even more chaos.

Pulling out a cigarette and headphones, Alex decided to start with the sheriff’s house. Slipping on the headphones and turning on music, he moved forward at a leisurely pace and soon disappeared around the corner — not even noticing Enid waving to him. Realizing he hadn’t seen her, she only sighed, but then smiled: they would meet today anyway, and perhaps Alex was just busy with work. But what she certainly hadn’t expected was that he could look so cool in different clothes.

“Enid, let’s switch,” Wednesday said, appearing behind her.

“What? No way! Uriah Hip is definitely not for me!” Enid shook her head immediately.

“It’s important. I need to get into the Pilgrim World,” Wednesday said in an insistent tone.

“But, Wednesday, it’s not fair! Why should I spend the whole day in a dull, dusty antique shop?” Enid continued to protest.

“Because Alex isn’t going to the Pilgrim World today. He’ll be walking around the city. Thing overheard the conversation. I can ask him to bring Alex to your shop. But since you don’t want that…” Wednesday said calmly, deliberately turning as if to leave.

“No, fine, I’ll do it! Just promise you’ll keep your word!” Enid blurted, practically snatching the envelope from her.

“I always keep my word,” Wednesday said evenly, taking back the envelope.

“Oh my God, you’re the best friend anyone could wish for!” Enid exclaimed, grabbing her by the shoulders before running off.

Wednesday watched her go with an irritated gaze. Still, the thought flashed briefly — annoyingly persistent. She, too, wanted to investigate alongside Alex. He quickly caught her logic, picked up on ideas, and sometimes it seemed as if he could read her mind. Wednesday even thought that being near him, she could learn even more of his secrets.

But she shook her head immediately. First — important matters. And feelings… feelings she wasn’t going to deal with. Not now.

She glanced one last time in the direction Alex had gone, wondering what exactly he was planning to do. Then she headed toward the Nevermore students being assigned volunteer work in the Pilgrim World.

Meanwhile, Alex had already reached Sheriff Donovan’s house. Approaching the wall, he didn’t even stop — he simply stepped forward and, becoming intangible, passed through the wall inside.

To be continued…

(While Alex spends time with the sweet werewolf Enid, Dean will be working in a group with Wednesday. I could have it be Alex, of course, but heh heh. Then Alex won’t be able to go on a date with Enid, and what about Wednesday, you ask? That’s a secret. But I’ll try to surprise you with what Alex does for Wednesday. But I think this option for advancing Alex and Wednesday’s relationship will be much better than a joint investigation.)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep