High school was a gauntlet Elyra and Dain faced every day, their striking appearances and reserved natures making them constant targets of curiosity and ridicule.noveldrama

Elyra's silver hair and golden eyes drew stares everywhere she went. Despite her attempts to blend in, she remained an outcast, her ethereal beauty and quiet demeanor setting her apart. She spent most of her time in the library or sketching under a tree in the courtyard, avoiding the jabs and whispers of her classmates.

Dain, on the other hand, didn't go unnoticed. His broad shoulders, sharp jawline, and smoldering orange eyes made him intimidating, but it was his temper that kept people at bay. Most students were too afraid to approach him, especially when they saw how fiercely protective he was of Elyra.

One afternoon during gym class, Elyra found herself cornered by a group of older students. They'd been whispering and snickering all week, and now they'd found their opportunity.

"Hey, Moon Girl," one of them sneered, blocking her path to the locker room. "Do those freaky eyes glow in the dark?"

Elyra clenched her fists, trying to step around them, but another boy moved to block her.

"Aw, don't be shy," another said. "We just wanna know if you're part alien or something. Or is it just bad genetics?"

The laughter stung, but Elyra kept her head down, willing herself not to react.

"Leave her alone."

The voice cut through the air like a blade, low and dangerous.

Dain stood at the entrance to the gym, his orange eyes blazing. His fists were clenched at his sides, and his broad frame seemed to fill the doorway. The group froze, their confidence wavering under his glare. "Back off," he growled, his voice a rumble of restrained fury.

The leader of the group Jason scoffed, trying to mask his fear. "What's your problem, Fire Eyes? We were just having some fun."

Dain stepped closer, his movements deliberate. "You call that fun? Want me to show you what fun looks like?"

Jason's bravado crumbled, and he muttered something under his breath before retreating. The others quickly followed, shooting wary glances at Dain as they disappeared down the hall.

Elyra exhaled, her shoulders sagging with relief. "You didn't have to do that," she said quietly.

"Yes, I did," Dain replied, his voice softer now.

Later that day, Matthew was called to the school. Sitting in the principal's office, he listened as the gym teacher recounted the incident.

"Your son-"

"He's not my son," Matthew corrected, though the words stung. "But go on."

"Dain's temper is... concerning," the principal said. "This isn't the first time he's scared other students."

"He didn't throw a punch," Matthew pointed out. "And I don't blame him for standing up for Elyra."

The principal sighed. "Just make sure it doesn't happen again."

Driving home, Matthew glanced at Dain through the rearview mirror. "You've gotta learn to keep that temper in check."

"They deserved it," Dain muttered.

"That's not the point," Matthew said firmly. "You're stronger than them-literally. One wrong move, and someone could get hurt."

Dain stayed quiet, staring out the window. Elyra reached over and squeezed his hand, her silent support easing his tension.

At home, as the three sat in the warmth of the cabin, Matthew leaned back in his chair. "You're both different. You know that. But you can't let it define you-not here, and not now."