29. Lyra

29

LYRA

" A re you ready, my little nexari?"

I nod, smiling at Sariel's name for me. I clutch the cloak over my shoulders, wanting to surprise my family with my wings. The news still hasn't reached them. In fact, my village is so distant from the main city centers that no one has received the news just yet.

I take a deep breath as we approach my parents' small, weathered house. The familiar sight of the crooked wooden planks and patched roof brings a rush of memories, both good and bad.

Sariel's eyes widen as he takes in the modest dwellings around us. "These homes are... quaint. I've never seen such humble living conditions."

I can't help but chuckle at his reaction. "Welcome to my home. This is how most humans live out here."

As we walk, I point out various landmarks. "See that big tree? I used to climb it all the time as a kid. And over there, that's where I'd help my mom hang laundry."

Sariel listens intently, his golden eyes scanning our surroundings. "It must have been challenging growing up here."

"It was," I admit. "We often went to bed hungry. Mom would make stews all the time for us and our neighbors because they would last longer, but they grew bland quickly with a lack of spices. And Dad would mend our clothes over and over because we couldn't afford new ones."

We pause in front of my parents' house. Sariel's hand finds the small of my back, a comforting warmth spreading from his touch.

"Lyra," he says softly, his voice filled with a tenderness that still surprises me. "You and your family will never have to struggle like that again. I promise you that."

I lean into him, grateful for his support. Taking another deep breath, I reach for the door, ready to show my parents how much our lives are about to change.

I step into the familiar, cramped living room, my heart racing. Mom and Dad are there, sipping tea from chipped cups. Their eyes widen as they see me, then nearly pop out of their heads when Sariel ducks through the doorway behind me.

"Lyra?" my mother gasps, setting down her cup with a clatter. "What are you doing here? And who is..."

Her voice trails off as she takes in Sariel's imposing figure. His head nearly brushes the ceiling, and his wings are partially folded to fit in the small space.

"Mom, Dad," I say, my voice shaking slightly. "This is Sariel. He's... well, he's a xaphan. And he's here with me because..."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for their reaction.

"I did it. I completed the wing trials. I won."

For a moment, there's only stunned silence. Then my dad speaks, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You... won? But that's impossible. No human has ever..."

I can't help but smile at their disbelief. "It's true. And there's more."

With trembling fingers, I reach for the clasp of my cloak. I let it fall away, revealing my wings in all their glory. The pearlescent feathers catch the dim light, seeming to glow from within.

My mother's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. My dad just stares, his mouth hanging open.

"Oh, Lyra," she finally manages to say. "They're... they're beautiful."

I can see the mix of emotions on their faces—awe, pride, and yes, even a flicker of jealousy. It's everything I'd hoped for.

Dad stands up slowly, his eyes never leaving my wings. "I can't believe it," he murmurs. "Our daughter, a... what are you now? Not quite xaphan, but..."

"She's earned her place among us," Sariel interjects, his deep voice filling the small room. "Lyra has proven herself worthy in ways few others ever have."

I watch as my parents take in Sariel's words, the full weight of what I've accomplished finally sinking in.

I hold my breath as my dad turns to Sariel, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And how exactly did you come to know our daughter?"

Sariel straightens, his wings rustling softly behind him. "I was an overseer for the wing trials," he explains, his voice steady and clear. "It was my duty to train and evaluate the candidates, including Lyra."

I watch nervously as my parents exchange a glance. But Sariel continues, his golden eyes softening as he looks at me.

"I've watched Lyra grow throughout the trials. Her determination, her resilience... they're truly remarkable. She faced challenges that would have broken most, yet she persevered."

My cheeks burn at his praise, and I duck my head, embarrassed but pleased.

"She's become an extraordinary person," Sariel says, his voice filled with unmistakable pride. "Her strength of character, her compassion for others even in the face of adversity... I've never seen anything like it."

My mother's eyes are glistening with tears again, and even my father looks moved. "We always knew Lyra was special," my mom says softly. "But to hear it from someone like you..."

My dad nods, clearing his throat gruffly. "It's... it's incredible what you've accomplished, Lyra. We had no idea..."

"Indeed," Sariel agrees. "Lyra's achievements are unprecedented. She's not only earned her wings but has opened doors for others to follow in her footsteps."

I'm blushing furiously now, overwhelmed by their collective praise. "I couldn't have done it without all of you," I mumble, fidgeting with the edge of my tunic.

My parents and Sariel share a look, united in their pride and admiration. It's surreal to see them bonding over me, of all things. My mom reaches out to squeeze my hand, while my dad claps me on the shoulder, careful to avoid my new wings.

"Our little girl," my mom says, her voice thick with emotion. "You really have wings now."

"Would you like to stay for dinner? We were cooking some vegetable stew," my dad says, gesturing towards the pot on the stove.

Sariel smirks, shaking his head. "No thank you. We have some more errands to attend to. But rest assured, Lyra's victory comes with benefits to you two. There should be a xaphan messenger who will come by soon to award the familial prize money. Perhaps you can use it to enjoy the more… luxurious things in life."

"Luxury?" My mother nearly shrinks away at the word. "We've never known that. Not in this village."

"Well, now you will," Sariel says, a touch of amusement in his words.

"Oh, honey, this is wonderful," my dad says, clutching her hands. "Think about it. I don't have to mend our clothes anymore—we'll be able to buy a new closet full of them! And the food! The spices, the cheeses, the drinks!"

"And we can repair the roof," my mother reminds softly.

My dad nods eagerly. "Yes, yes, that too!"

Sariel chuckles to himself as he ducks his head. The heat has never truly left my face. As we depart my childhood home, I'm reminded of both the good and the bad. The fond memories of my parents and I, but also the harsh fights and cruel words we threw at each other because of our frustration with our poverty.

None of that will happen again.

As we step outside, Sariel turns to me with a mischievous glint in his golden eyes. "Come fly with me, little nexari. I want to show you one of my favorite sights back in the city."

My heart skips a beat at the invitation. Flying with Sariel? The thought thrills me. "Are you sure? I'm still getting used to these wings."

He chuckles, the sound warm and reassuring. "Trust me, Lyra. I won't let you fall."

Taking a deep breath, I nod and unfurl my wings. The sensation is still new, but it feels incredibly empowering. As we prepare to take off, I notice a small crowd of my village neighbors gathering, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Sariel takes my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Ready?"

I give a quick wave to the onlookers before answering. "Of course I am."

With a powerful thrust of his wings, Sariel launches into the air, pulling me along with him. For a moment, panic grips me as my feet leave the ground. But then my own wings catch the wind, and suddenly we're soaring.

The rush of air against my face is exhilarating. Below us, the village grows smaller, my neighbors now tiny specks gazing up in wonder. Sariel's hand remains firmly in mine as he guides me through the sky, his movements graceful and sure.

As we fly towards the city, the landscape changes beneath us. Fields give way to buildings, growing taller and more ornate as we near the thrumming heart of New Solas. Sariel leads me to a high perch atop one of the grandest structures, a secluded spot with a breathtaking view of the city below.

We land softly, and I find myself slightly unsteady on my feet. Sariel steadies me, his hands on my waist. We're alone up here, the sounds of the city muffled by the height and the wind.

Before I can catch my breath, Sariel pulls me close. His lips meet mine in a passionate kiss that leaves me dizzy. When we finally part, his eyes are intense, filled with an emotion I've never seen before.

"Lyra," he says, his voice husky. His thumb trails along my chin until it brushes along my bottom lip. A shiver courses through my body as I'm struck with desire. "Will you be my mate?"

A small breath escapes me. I stare into his eyes, amazed that the xaphan who berated me so viciously when we first met could now look at me with such warmth, such care, in his gaze.

"Yes, Sariel," I whisper, nodding quickly. "I want to be your mate."

"Good," he replies softly. "I wouldn't have accepted any other answer."

"No?" I tease, perking a brow.

He shakes his head. "You're mine. And all of New Solas needs to know that."