Elias spent the following weeks delicately balancing his normal life at Beacon Hills High with the mystery of his own existence. As the days passed, each interaction, each exchanged word, drew him closer to those who were becoming more than just classmates. In particular, Cora's presence had become an anchor for him—something familiar and safe that reminded him that, despite the weight of his lineage, he had the power to shape his own destiny.
One afternoon, in the school common area, Elias was waiting for Cora to study together when Scott appeared with Stiles, both laughing and talking about something that seemed very funny. Scott's ever-friendly gaze landed on him.
"Elias!" he greeted enthusiastically. "I didn't know you were into books. Whenever I see you, you're with Cora or just hanging out in the library."
Elias smiled, amused by the comment. His friendship with Scott was growing stronger, and he appreciated his straightforwardness.
"I like stories," Elias replied. "Though sometimes I prefer to learn about history... and the woods. They have their own magic."
Stiles, always perceptive and observant, squinted as if trying to decipher the mystery that was Elias.
"Did you know that Scott and I found a corpse in the woods?" Stiles said, mixing mystery with exaggeration. "It was quite the adventure night."
Scott rolled his eyes and gave Stiles a light nudge on the shoulder, though he didn't deny the story.
"It was terrifying, to be honest." Scott looked at him with a spark of unease in his eyes. "But you... seem pretty at peace with the woods. Aren't you scared being out there alone?"
Elias smiled again, recalling his training and his own experiences with the shadows of Beacon Hills.
"Not when you have the right guidance," he replied, in a somewhat enigmatic tone that left Stiles blinking in intrigue.
At that moment, Cora appeared, drawing the attention of the three boys. She approached Elias and shot him a smile, as if she perfectly understood what they were discussing.
"Elias has his secrets, guys," Cora said, with a teasing grin. "But if you keep getting to know him, maybe he'll reveal a few."
Stiles' eyes widened in excitement, intrigued by Cora's playful yet mysterious tone.
"Secrets? This is getting interesting," he commented, crossing his arms. "But tell me, Cora, do you have secrets too?"
"Enough," she replied, laughing. "But maybe another time. Right now, Elias and I need to study."
Scott and Stiles exchanged glances, and though Scott seemed to want to say something, he finally nodded.
"See you later then," Scott said, flashing a smile.
Once in the library, Cora sat next to Elias, pulling out her notebooks and glancing at him sideways.
"I think Scott and Stiles are really intrigued by you," she said, both amused and curious. "And I can't blame them. Since you arrived, Beacon Hills feels different."
Elias looked at Cora, noticing a special sparkle in her eyes. He had grown up with her, and while they shared a lot, each day was a new opportunity to discover more about their relationship.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm here to fulfill something," Elias whispered. "Something I don't quite understand yet, but it beats within me like a deep truth."
Cora nodded slowly, her expression turning serious.
"Elias…" she began, then paused. "I don't understand everything happening around us either, but I know Talia trusts you. She believes you can make a difference."
"Sometimes I fear I won't live up to it," he confessed softly. "There are nights when I feel the weight of my heritage, and I wonder if I'm ready for what's to come."
Cora took his hand in a gesture that surprised him. Feeling the warmth of his friend gave him a sense of security.
"You're not alone," she said, looking him in the eyes with sincerity. "I'll always be here, Elias. We're friends, and no matter what happens, we'll face things together."
The intensity of the moment was interrupted by a soft cough from the librarian, who gestured for them to be quiet. They both laughed, releasing some of the tension.
"What are we studying today?" Elias asked, trying to return to normalcy.
"History," she replied, though a spark of complicity still shone in her eyes.
They spent the next hour among books, whispering conversations, and shared glances. As the afternoon wore on, Scott and Stiles joined them at the table, bringing a stack of notes and jokes that kept the atmosphere light.
"Did you know Scott is a biology expert?" Stiles commented sarcastically, while Scott looked at him incredulously.
"Of course! Just because I got an answer wrong yesterday…" Scott shook his head, but couldn't help laughing along with them.
As they shared stories and jokes, Elias felt a strange sense of belonging. He knew Scott and Stiles didn't fully understand his world, but that didn't matter. In those moments, he was simply a young man sharing time with friends, a reality he appreciated more each day.
At the end of the day, the four of them left school together. Scott and Stiles said their goodbyes while Elias and Cora walked back to the Hale house.
"You know," Elias said, looking at the darkening sky, "I never thought I'd feel so... normal here."
Cora watched him, smiling.
"Normalcy is an illusion, Elias. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it while it lasts."
When they arrived home, Talia was waiting at the entrance, her expression mixing serenity and seriousness. She was a woman of few words, but her eyes always spoke much more than she said.
"Elias, Cora, come here," she said, gesturing for them to approach.
Both obeyed, and Talia looked at them intently.
"Today I want to talk to you about the importance of our pack," Talia began. "We're not like the others. Being a Hale means more than just carrying a name. It means protecting balance, understanding the responsibility of our lineage."
Elias and Cora listened attentively, their expressions serious. Talia continued, her voice filled with conviction.
"Elias, I know there's a special power in you. One that you don't fully understand yet, but it will grow with time. You're destined for something great, but that means you have to be strong—not just in body, but in heart and mind."
Elias nodded, feeling the weight of her words. He knew Talia was entrusting him with something important, and his respect for her grew deeper each day.
"I understand, Talia," he replied firmly. "I'll do everything I can to be worthy of the trust you've placed in me."
Talia nodded and then turned to Cora.
"And you, Cora. You're his friend and companion, but you're also part of this pack. Support him, and never let him forget what it means to be a Hale."
Cora smiled and nodded, glancing at Elias.
"I promise, Mom."
The night continued, and after dinner, Elias found himself in his room, reflecting on everything that had happened that day. He knew his destiny was tied to Beacon Hills, to his heritage, and to his friends. Each day, his life took a different turn, and although challenges seemed to loom ever closer, he didn't feel as alone as he had at first.
Before falling asleep, he thought about Scott, Stiles, and, above all, Cora. Perhaps, after all, he could find his place in this small town full of mysteries.