13. Lyra
Chapter 1 3
Lyra
Colton woke early this morning, bustling with tasks he wanted to accomplish today. He offered for me to join him, but I was more content with the idea of sleeping in and having the day to myself. Besides, I doubted his conversation with Nyx would go smoothly with me there. The thought of seeing Nyx again so soon still twists my heart. I hope he finds happiness…without me.
Eventually, Chepi’s persistent yips coax me out of bed, clearly eager for breakfast. I throw on some tights and a shirt then head downstairs to feed him and grab a slice of toast with jam for myself. While Colton didn’t ask about my plans for the day, I’m sure he trusts that I can handle myself. The freedom to do what I want, when I want, without having to answer to anyone, still feels strange—unfamiliar but thrilling.
Now that I’m engaged, there’s only one person in all of Nighthold who I think will genuinely be happy for me. After finishing my breakfast, I slip on a pair of boots and scoop up Chepi. “Come on, boy. Let’s go find Flora,” I say, eager to see my friend.
It’s been too long since our last meeting, which had ended awkwardly at Colton’s parents’ house when I had asked her to lie to Nyx about running into me.
I channel us to Bim’s house, knowing Flora often stays there, but when no one answers my knocks, I let us inside and send Chepi to scout upstairs. “No one’s here?” I query as Chepi returns alone, jumping into my arms with a lick on my cheek.
The only other place I can think to look is Colton’s parents’ library in the Elders’ Palace. I certainly don’t want to venture into Nyx’s castle, and I’m not keen on running into Elspeth or Granger either, especially after the council meeting. But I believe I’m now powerful enough to channel directly into the library without being noticed.
Once there, I spot Emmalina, the librarian, on the top floor of the library and immediately channel us down to the next level. I’d rather avoid alerting Colton’s parents of my presence here and am not sure if Emmalina would tell them, but better safe than sorry.
“Is Flora here, boy?” I ask as I let Chepi down, and he darts off. I hurry after him, weaving through rows of towering bookshelves, the rich smell of old parchment filling the air. We descend two more levels before I spot her—Flora’s unmistakable dark-red wings and curly red hair visible from behind. Chepi reaches her first, and she turns around, her face lighting up with excitement.
“Chepi!” she exclaims, lifting him into her arms to lavish him with affection as he licks her face happily. “Oh gosh, you have horns now,” she muses, petting his head carefully around his new additions. When her chocolate eyes meet mine, they soften, and she pulls me into a warm, tight hug.
Flora pulls me over to a cozy corner scattered with plush, oversized pillows in a secluded reading nook. We sink into the softness as I begin to unpack the recent whirlwind of events in my life. She listens intently, nodding along without much surprise—likely Nyx had already briefed her. After I finish, she leans forward, concerned.
“How are you really handling all this?” she probes gently.
I pause, weighing the tumult of emotions that have become my constant companions—stress and anxiety from the looming threats and the political unrest and malevolent attacks, yet a deep-seated contentment from my decision to marry Colton.
“I think I’m managing okay,” I respond, feeling more reassuring than I expect.
Flora purses her lips, her gaze piercing as if she’s trying to read the deeper currents of my turmoil, but she doesn’t press further. Instead, she shifts the topic to something that makes my heart skip a beat.
“And you’re certain about Colton? You truly believe he’s the light of the prophecy?”
My smile widens as I think of Colton, of us together, united not only by fate but by choice. “Yes, I believe he is. But even if he weren’t, I know in my heart, in every bone in my body, that choosing him is right.”
The memory of our intimate moments last night warms me.
Flora’s face lights up with a mischievous gleam. “Well, I must do what any good friend would do,” she declares, pulling me to my feet with a surprising strength.
“What’s that?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
“Dress shopping,” she announces with a flourish. “We must find you something spectacular for the ceremony day. Given Colton’s status and his parents’ prominence, your wedding will be a major event. Everyone who’s anyone will be there.”
Her excitement is infectious, but a flutter of nervousness tickles my stomach at the thought of the intense scrutiny such a high-profile ceremony will invite. Nevertheless, the prospect of celebrating our commitment with an exquisite dress sends a thrill through me, and I can’t help but return her smile, swept up in the joy of the moment.
Flora tugs me into a village shop in Onyxland.
“You need something original, something befitting a queen. I know just the person to make the most fitting dress for you,” she exclaims.
The shop is nestled on the bustling coastline, it’s architecture is beautiful appearing to be made entirely of driftwood. The air carries a light scent of salt mingled with exotic perfumes. Sunlight streams through teal-colored stained glass windows, casting colorful patters that resemble the sea across the wooden floor. This place is filled with some of the most glamorous dresses I’ve ever seen. Nothing like this would ever be worn back in Cloudrum. But then again, the Fae have always had unique taste, far from the traditional styles of the Sorcerer Realm. Everywhere I look there’s something sparkly or sheer or fur-lined.
“I’ve never seen so many fancy dresses in my life,” I muse as Chepi and I follow Flora to the back of the shop. She pushes on the back wall, revealing a hidden door that opens up, leading us down a small staircase. We reach the hidden room below, which is adorned with even more extravagant fabrics and jewelry, clearly a workshop where the dresses are crafted.
“Flora!” A young woman looks up from where she’s sewing something with magic and comes around to give Flora a hug. She’s unmistakably Fae, with a short white bob haircut and bright silver and white wings neatly tucked behind her back.
Gods, she’s wearing a spectacular dress too, as if she’s headed to a palace party, and I can’t imagine dressing like that every day. She’s even wearing the most uncomfortable-looking high, strappy shoes. “What brings you in today?” she asks, releasing Flora and looking over at me and Chepi with a sweet smile on her face.
“This is Lyra,” Flora introduces me with a wide grin, gesturing grandly in my direction. “She’s about to have the most-talked-about bonding ceremony in all of Nighthold, and we need something that truly stands out.”
The young woman’s eyes light up as she looks me over, her gaze sharp and assessing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lyra. I’m Seraphina, and I’d be honored to design your ceremony attire,” she says, her voice melodious, matching her ethereal appearance. She extends a hand, which I take, feeling a slight tingle of magic at her touch—her energy vibrant and lively.
Seraphina leads us deeper into her hidden studio, where rolls of fabric in hues I’ve never seen before line the walls—colors that shimmer and change as you look at them, some seeming to glow softly from within.
“We’ll need something unique, something that encapsulates your strength and beauty, perhaps with elements that reflect your dark magic in a subtle, enchanting way,” she muses aloud, pulling down swatches of fabric that catch the light and seem to dance with color.
How does she know I have dark magic? I wonder, and Flora turns back to me, sensing my train of thought.
“It’s one of her gifts. She can get a good feel for people and design things especially for them. It’s why she took your hand.”
I run my fingers over a piece of deep-black fabric that shifts to a translucent white and back again as I move it. “I love this,” I confess, watching the colors change.
“Perfect.” Seraphina claps her hands, clearly pleased. “If it’s the color change you like, I can use that as the base and perhaps add accents of silver to represent the moonlight. Maybe even a hint of shadow magic could be woven into the train, delicate thread that only reveals its patterns under the right conditions.”
Her ideas flow like a wellspring, each one more enchanting than the last. Flora watches, her eyes twinkling with approval and excitement. “And don’t forget some dramatic elements, perhaps a cascading cape or a subtle glow from within the gown itself that lights up with your emotions.”
Seraphina nods enthusiastically. “I can integrate tiny enchanted crystals throughout the bodice and along the cape, which will softly illuminate based on your heartbeat—subtle but effective, especially for the evening ceremony.”
The thought of such a dress, one that not only embodies my essence but also reacts to my feelings, sends a thrill through me. “That sounds incredible,” I breathe, my heart already enamored with the concept.
“Leave everything to me,” Seraphina assures us, sketching rapidly as ideas crystallize. “This will be a dress worthy of your love story and the magic it represents.”
Flora squeezes my hand, giving me an encouraging smile. “See, I told you she was the best for the job.” As we discuss more details, the excitement builds within me—for the dress and my future with Colton. By the time we leave the shop, I’m confident I will absolutely love whatever Seraphina creates for me. I can’t quite imagine what the final look will be with all of her extravagant ideas, but I’m excited.
We settle into a quaint café, and they serve us a delightful tray adorned with neatly cut sandwiches and fresh fruit. We each pour a glass of sweet white wine, and I start nibbling on a cucumber and soft cheese sandwich.
Between bites, I express my gratitude, “Thank you for bringing me out today, Flora. I can’t imagine what I would have ended up wearing without your guidance. ”
“You’re welcome, darling. I can’t wait to see what she creates for you. It’s going to be spectacular. Colton will be breathless when he sees you,” Flora replies, her eyes sparkling as she sips her wine. “So have you two set a date yet? Where will it be?”
I pause, my food halfway to my mouth, “Oh, we haven’t really discussed the details yet.”
Flora’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane. “You know, Colton’s parents own a property on the coast of Onyxland. It’s not as grand as the Elders’ Palace, but it’s absolutely beautiful and overlooks the water. The terrace there would be a perfect spot for your ceremony.”
I hesitate, unsure how Colton’s parents will receive the news of our engagement, given everything that’s happened. Opting not to dwell on potential complications, I steer the conversation back to more pleasant topics. “That does sound amazing,” I say, smiling genuinely.
Flora beams at me, her joy infectious. I grab a tomato sandwich and offer it to Chepi, who’s perched on the window ledge next to our table, watching the people pass by.
We continue our meal in silence for a few minutes, allowing me to gather my thoughts. I’ve been wanting to ask about Nyx, so I finally break the silence. “How is Nyx doing? Have you seen him since he got back?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
Flora’s brown eyes study me carefully, as if deciding how much to tell me. “He’s alright, his usual broody self. Don’t let him ruin your happiness, Lyra. He will be okay,” she reassures me, but I sense she’s holding back. I nod, accepting her vague response for now.
“Yeah, I hope so.”
We finish our meal and the bottle of wine, and by the time we stand to leave, I feel a slight buzz. “I have to get back to the library to finish some work, but I’d love to do this again. Maybe I’ll come visit you at Colton’s sometime,” Flora suggests as we prepare to part ways.
“That would be great. Come anytime. We’d love to have you,” I respond warmly, appreciating her company today.
Flora gives Chepi and me one more hug before disappearing in a cloud of red mist as she channels away. I decide to take a leisurely walk with Chepi through the village, enjoying the simple pleasure of being among people and feeling somewhat normal. As we stroll, I soak in the sights, allowing the vibrant life of the village to wash over me.