Chapter Sixteen: Sol and Secrets
(Lyra's POV)
I groaned as Soraya practically dragged me down the street.
"You promised!" she shouted over her shoulder. "And I know you'll love it!"
Saphira twirled beside me, practically vibrating with excitement. "Come on, Lyra. It's Halloween. Costume stores are basically magical."
I held my backpack close, sketchbook tucked safely inside. "Fine… but I'm not buying anything crazy."
Evan, strolling slightly ahead with his hands in his pockets, glanced back at me with a smirk. "Sol," he said casually.
"Excuse me?" I asked, frowning.
"Sol. Short. Cool. Fits your fairy-vibe. I'm starting it early," he said, already walking ahead as if the name belonged to me now.
I glanced at Soraya and Saphira, who were snickering uncontrollably. Okay… I didn't question it.
When we reached Pumpkin & Thorn, the costume store smelled like plastic, fake cobwebs, and sugary candy. Lights blinked in orange and purple, mannequins wore elaborate vampire and witch outfits, and the walls were stacked with masks, hats, and wings.
Soraya practically dragged me inside. "You're coming. And by coming, I mean buying something."
"Wait—there's a party?" I asked hesitantly.
"Oh, it's a big one," Evan said casually, brushing a golden strand of hair from his eyes. "And yes, we're taking you. No excuses."
I sighed. "You all are relentless."
Costumes were chaos. Soraya tried on a sparkling witch outfit with feathers, Saphira insisted on a dramatic black cat look with a tail that flicked whenever she laughed, and Evan… well, he was a magician no matter what he tried on.
"You have to try something wild, Sol," he said, tossing a glittery cape at me.
"I said something wild," he added, smirking when I tried to hide behind a hat.
Eventually, I found a costume that felt me: soft greens and purples, delicate wings, and little flower accents — a forest sprite vibe. My favorite flower, lavender, got a cameo in the crown, naturally.
After purchases, we settled at Clover's Café, mugs steaming in front of us.
Soraya leaned across the table. "So… tell us about yourself, Sol. I mean, really. You've been kind of… quiet lately."
I hesitated. Then, slowly, I shared a little. "Well… my dad… he… wasn't… safe. Abusive. My mom moved us here because… well, he…" My voice caught. "It's… over now. But I've got scars from it. And… yeah. That's part of why I'm a bit… guarded."
The group didn't flinch. Cassian reached over, resting a hand lightly on mine. "Thanks for trusting us."
Aveline added quietly, "We're not going anywhere."
Saphira and Soraya both grinned. "You're ours now, Sol," Soraya said softly.
Evan smirked, lifting his mug. "Yeah. And somehow… it suits you."
I blushed, hiding behind my cup.
They also shared things with me. Soraya and Saphira were both cheerleaders, each with their own quirks. Evan had lost his mom when he was little, which explained some of his quiet moments behind the teasing. Cassian… always steady, always studying. Aveline… sharp-edged, yes, but fiercely loyal.
By the time we left the café, my stomach ached from laughter, sugar, and stories.
When I got home, my mom peeked into my room, eyes soft.
"Lyra… you're really… making friends," she said quietly. "I'm proud of you. Really proud."
I smiled, holding my sketchbook. "I think… I finally am starting to feel like I belong."
She reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Good. Because you do."