ELIAS'S POV

The morning started with stares.

I knew it would happen. Ronan warned me. But knowing something and experiencing it are completely different things.

We walked through the main corridor toward our first class. Students lined the walls, clustered in groups, heading to their own sessions. The moment they saw us, conversations stopped.

Everyone turned. Everyone looked.

At us. At the bandage on my neck. At Ronan walking beside me, closer than usual.

The whispers started ...