They chose the name Ellis.
Elara Shadowbane-Silvanus became Ellis Shaw—a quiet girl from a quiet family who had moved to the Oregon coast for her father's health. The lies were small, carefully constructed. Her mother was a writer. Her father was a former carpenter recovering from an injury. They kept to themselves but were friendly enough.
The first day of school was terrifying.
Elara stood at the entrance to the small brick building, her backpack heavy on her shoulders. Human children streamed past her, laughing and shouting. They smelled different—not like wolf or vampire, but something else. Something she'd only encountered on rare trips to town with her parents.
A girl with red hair stopped beside her. "You're new."
"Yes."
"I'm Rowan. What's your name?"
"Ellis."
Rowan nodded. "Come on. I'll show you where our class is."
They walked together through the crowded hallway. Rowan talked the whole time—about teachers, about other students, about a boy named Leo who had fallen asleep in science class last week. Elara listened and tried to remember all the rules.
Don't talk about home. Don't mention the community. Don't let anyone see how fast you can run or how well you can see in the dark.
The classroom was bright and noisy. Elara sat at an empty desk near the window. Rowan took the seat beside her.
"You're quiet," Rowan said.
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be. Everyone here is boring. You're automatically interesting because you're new."
Elara smiled despite herself. "Thanks."
The teacher entered—a young woman with kind eyes. She introduced Elara as Ellis Shaw and asked the class to welcome her. A few students waved. Most didn't care.
But a boy in the back row—dark hair, serious expression—was watching her. Not with hostility. With curiosity.
Rowan followed her gaze. "That's Leo. The one who fell asleep in science. He's weird."
"Weird how?"
"He reads during recess. Actual books. Not even comics."
Elara looked at Leo again. He was still watching her. She looked away.
Weird, she thought. Maybe weird is what I need.