Silver Elite

The codenames “Daisy” and “Wolf,” chosen by Wren and Cross respectively during their childhood telepathic link, serve not only as pseudonyms but as symbols of their innermost selves. As explained by Wren: “I chose Daisy because it was my favorite flower. He chose Wolf because he liked wolves” (21). At first glance, these names might appear arbitrary or childishly sentimental, but Francis imbues them with resonance that reflects the characters’ psychological cores.

A daisy may seem delicate, yet it endures—blooming even in harsh conditions. This mirrors Wren’s character, especially in the early parts of the novel where she survives the barren terrain of the Blacklands, “Just Jim and me, living in a place with only five hours of sunshine and a lot of scary shit trying to kill us” (21). It continues to define her character as she braves new obstacles and perseveres throughout the novel.

Cross’s choice of “Wolf” is equally telling. Wolves are known for both loyalty and ferocity. The name hints at his protective instincts and underlying wildness. Roe points out this penchant for wildness when Cross spars with Xavier in the pit, telling Wren, to “watch how little [that friendship] means to him” (200). Wolves are social animals whose survival typically depends on belonging to a pack, but the