Daughter Nature

All Lies

⚠️TW: mention of panic attack⚠️

It was midway through the fall break, and a biting chill had settled over the castle. The forest below had transformed from a vibrant green into a breathtaking mixture of browns, oranges, and reds and an extra sweater had become necessary.

Leia had expected her holidays to be far more enjoyable; Kael was also spending his break at Silvarana, and Phoebe seemed to be glued to him, barely sitting with Leia during meals anymore. Instead, Leia found herself at her usual spot, but now it felt emptier without Phoebe. However, she and Elias had begun to talk more frequently, which had its perks. For instance, Elias informed her about an upcoming party for all students in the largest dorm, dorm 44. She had spent the break wandering around the castle, feeling both bored and lonely, so she was very excited to go to a party. Leia had even invited Phoebe to go with her, but she said she would be spending the evening with Kael. She couldn't help but feel hurt; of course, she was happy that her friend had found somebody they clicked with, but did it really have to be at the expense of their friendship? Their late-night talks about everything and nothing had been replaced by Phoebe telling Leia all about Kael and how amazing he was, and she couldn't get a word in edgewise. Of course, Phoebe had introduced Leia and Kael to each other but Leia didn't quite understand what she saw in him. Sure, he was nice, but there was something- off about him and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. When Leia was around, his attention wasn't fully on Phoebe, but he wanted to make it seem like it was.

For example, when she first met Kael, Phoebe was only focused on him and this was mutual, but Leia couldn't help but notice Kael continuously sneaking glances at her. Confused, Leia wondered why Kael felt the need to sneak glances at her. Was he interested in her, or was it just her imagination? The uncertainty gnawed at her. If he liked her, what would that mean for her friendship with Phoebe? Leia wasn't interested in him, especially since he was seeing her best friend. She felt a flutter of anxiety mixed with annoyance, her heart racing as she tried to shake off the thought. Did he really think he could play both sides?

She was hesitant to tell Phoebe her suspicions, not wanting to hurt her. The thought of bringing up Kael made her stomach twist with anxiety. What if she was wrong? What if she shattered the happiness Phoebe had found? The last thing she wanted was to come between her best friend and the boy who seemed to light up her world. But the uncertainty lingered, gnawing at her conscience, making her wonder if silence was the better choice. Leia forced these thoughts out of her head, focusing instead on getting ready for the party happening tonight. She walked over to her closet and pulled out a forest green dress that she always wore to parties back at her house. It was simple yet had a lively vibe, a stark contrast to the shadows of her childhood where she always felt invisible, standing in her brother's shadow.

As she held the dress up to her chest, memories flooded back- of family gatherings where achievements would go unnoticed, overshadowed by his. The soft fabric felt comforting, almost like a shield against the insecurities that had haunted her for years. Tonight, a knot of uncertainty twisted in her stomach, Would she finally be seen, or would she retreat back into the shadows, lost among the vibrant colors of the party? As she slipped into the dress, she hoped it would help her step out of the shadows, if only for a night. She adjusted her hair and took a deep breath, ready to embrace the night ahead. Tonight was her night. She would gather all the confidence she could muster and step into the light for the first time in her life. But as excitement mixed with anxiety, she wished more than anything that her best friend, Phoebe, could be by her side. With her support, she felt a little braver, a little more herself. Leia closed her eyes for a moment, picturing them together, sharing laughter and magic. With that thought, she opened her eyes, determined to make this night memorable, even if it meant stepping out alone.