Chapter Twenty-One: Swim, Teasing, and Pajama Chaos
(Lyra's POV)
The knock on the door came early, but my stomach had been fluttering for hours.
"Lyra," Evan said through the door, smirking. "Ready?"
I swallowed, grabbing my bag. "I… think so."
He didn't wait for more. One smirk, one casual lean against the car, and suddenly we were outside. The air smelled faintly like autumn leaves and gasoline — the suburban magic of Saint Valley.
"You look… nervous," he said softly, leaning a little closer as I stepped into the passenger seat.
"Not nervous," I muttered, face burning. "Just… cautious."
He chuckled, golden hair glinting in the sun. "Sure… cautious. Sol."
I froze. Again. I still wasn't questioning it.
The ride was… awkwardly perfect. He teased me, we bickered, and somehow the conversation twisted into who would survive if trapped in a haunted house. He claimed he'd save me, I protested, and then he just smirked and said, "You're mine. I'm saving you whether you like it or not."
I groaned, trying to hide my blush. "Evan… impossible."
"Love me anyway," he whispered with a smirk that made my heart stop.
Arriving at Soraya's house, my jaw nearly dropped. Her home was huge, airy, and light filled every corner. The backyard had a pool shimmering like liquid sapphire in the afternoon sun, and flowering vines trailed along the fence.
"Wow…" I whispered, clutching my bag.
Saphira clapped her hands together. "I told you! Epic, right?"
Soraya threw open her arms. "Welcome! Come in, come in! You're gonna love this!"
Then… the swim happened.
I had chosen a modest, lavender swimsuit that matched my favorite flower, but standing by the pool, I felt every bit shy and self-conscious.
"Lyra," Evan said, leaning casually against the pool's edge, smirk dancing on his lips. "Don't be scared. You're… magical."
I blushed furiously. "I'm… fine…"
He smirked. "Yeah? Then… jump in."
I swallowed, hesitating, and suddenly — he grabbed my hands.
"Evan—" I started.
"Ready?" he asked, grin wicked.
Before I could protest, he gave a tiny tug — and SPLASH! — I was in the water.
Water everywhere, hair plastered to my face, heart hammering.
"You… you—" I sputtered, surfacing, dripping.
Evan laughed, extending a hand. "Come on, Sol. It's fun."
The next hour was chaos. Swimming, teasing, laughter, water splashes, Evan smirking every time I sputtered or tried to splash back. Soraya and Saphira laughed nonstop, but I slowly started to relax.
After what felt like forever, we finally changed into PJs. I had soft lavender pajamas, wings tucked carefully beside the bed, and a grin on my face despite my soaked, mussed hair.
The girls were sprawled across couches and beanbags, still giggling and chatting. Evan leaned close to me, whispering, "Mine," and I groaned, cheeks flaming.
"Okay," Saphira said, clapping her hands. "Sleepover tradition. Truth or Dare. First round is tonight."
I froze, eyes darting to Evan. He smirked, golden eyes gleaming. "You ready, Sol?"
I swallowed, unsure whether I wanted to laugh, cry, or hide under a blanket.
This was going to be… legendary.