Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 208

Elyra sat in the art room, away from the chaos of the lunchroom. She wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting there, sketching aimless patterns on a piece of paper, when someone slid into the seat next to her. "Hi," the girl said, her voice soft but warm.

Elyra glanced up, startled. The girl had dark, wavy hair and kind eyes that sparkled with curiosity.

"I'm Mia," she said. "You're Elyra, right?"

Elyra hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."

Mia smiled. "That was pretty intense in the cafeteria earlier. Are you okay?"

Elyra's cheeks flushed. "It's fine," she mumbled. "People don't like me."

don't think that's true," Mia said, her tone thoughtful. "I think they're just scared of what they

"What

That's not bad. People like to act tough when they're afraid. But I think being different is kind of

crossed Elyra's face. She liked Mia's voice-calm, steady, and without

and walking with her between classes. She was an artist, Elyra learned, always carrying a sketchbook filled with intricate drawings of fantastical creatures and dreamlike landscapes. Dain, however,

is she hanging around?" he asked one evening as

replied, her voice

eyes at Mia. "We don't need

stopped walking, crossing her arms. "What's your problem with

know her," Dain snapped.

standing her ground.

it. She's nice to me, Dain.