Lucinda is a 17-year-old girl recently sent to the Sword & Cross reform school following a traumatic incident involving a fire and the loss of a peer. She is haunted by mysterious, dark shadows that only she can see, a phenomenon she has experienced since childhood. At her new school, she quickly becomes entangled in a confusing web of new friendships, rivalries, and an inexplicable, magnetic attraction to a standoffish classmate.

A mysterious, strikingly handsome student at Sword & Cross with deep golden hair and a standoffish demeanor. He initially treats Lucinda with hostility and active avoidance, yet he is frequently found sketching or studying ancient mythology. Despite his cold exterior, he demonstrates a subtle protective instinct regarding Lucinda's safety.

A charismatic, brooding troublemaker who is returning to Sword & Cross. With shaggy black hair and intense green eyes, he quickly sets his sights on Lucinda, offering her gifts, attention, and a sense of safety in the bleak reform school. However, his relentless pursuit and occasional flashes of aggression hint at a darker, more complex nature.

A resourceful, well-connected student at Sword & Cross who dresses in multiple layers of sweaters. Unlike the other students, she is not a troublemaker; she attends the school to remain close to her deceased father, the former groundskeeper, who is buried in the campus cemetery. She proves to be an invaluable ally to Lucinda.

An energetic, quirky girl at Sword & Cross who wears a shock-administering wristband due to her behavior record. She has a visible burn on her neck and immediately bonds with Lucinda, asking for an impromptu haircut. She serves as a lively, fiercely defensive friend in the dreary school environment.

A preppy, blonde student who stands out in the bleak Sword & Cross environment with her pink clothing and manicured nails. Despite her pristine appearance, she is surprisingly forceful and physically capable. She often operates in the background, carefully watching the dynamics between the other students.

The knowledgeable librarian and religion teacher at Sword & Cross. She guides the students through complex studies of biblical history and ancient mythology. She serves as a mentor figure, helping the students search the school's vast, disorganized archives for their personal research projects.

A hostile, aggressive student at Sword & Cross who immediately targets Lucinda. She seems to possess unexplained knowledge about Lucinda's past and actively tries to intimidate her, serving as a constant source of friction within the student body.

An easygoing student who is well-known around the reform school for his ability to procure banned items. He maintains a friendly demeanor and seems to easily float between the various clashing social circles at Sword & Cross.

A quiet, freckled boy who arrives at the reform school as part of the new intake. He keeps a low profile but becomes caught up in the dangerous events occurring around the campus, particularly when a terrifying fire breaks out in the library.

A boy from Lucinda's life before attending Sword & Cross. The two were romantically interested in each other until a tragic fire broke out, an event that deeply traumatized Lucinda and led to her placement in the reform school.

A gruff, no-nonsense attendant at the reform school. She enforces the strict rules of the campus, manages the student trackers, and regularly breaks up fights, showing little patience for the students' dramatic outbursts.

Lucinda's best friend from her normal high school life before the fire. She serves as Lucinda's primary tether to the outside world, offering a sense of normalcy and comfort through letters and brief phone conversations.