Only Skeletons Remain

Chapter 40: Start Fresh With A New Year

January 2019

The New Year's party was in full swing. Music echoed off the stone walls of the hall, laughter filling the space as everyone celebrated. Lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow across the room. It was lively, the kind of night where people drank a little too much and danced with wild abandon, the way they did when the weight of their world was momentarily forgotten.

Harper stood at the edge of it all, watching from her quiet spot near the back. She leaned against a pillar, arms crossed loosely over her chest as her eyes swept over the room. People were spinning, drinks were flowing, and for a while, she felt like she was invisible—a shadow in a room full of life. She had never been good with these kinds of gatherings, always feeling a step out of sync, like she didn't belong.

She shifted uncomfortably, wondering if anyone even noticed she was there.

From across the room, Tyler spotted her, standing alone as always. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, a mix of warmth and concern. He made his way over, weaving through the crowd with the ease of someone who had seen enough parties to know how to navigate them. When he reached her, he didn't say anything right away, just stood beside her, arms crossed to mirror her stance.

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked after a moment, though he already knew the answer.

Harper shrugged, her gaze still fixed on the dance floor. "I don't really do parties."

Tyler chuckled softly, nodding in understanding. "Yeah, I noticed. But you don't have to just stand here and watch."

She glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow. "What else am I supposed to do?"

A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. "Dance with me," he said, holding out his hand.

Harper blinked, startled by the offer. "What?"

"Come on," Tyler coaxed, his voice gentle but insistent. "One dance. No pressure."

She hesitated, glancing at the couples twirling and spinning under the lights. Dancing had never been her thing. But there was something about the way Tyler offered, something unspoken in the way he looked at her. Not as a kid, not as someone who needed to be forced into the fun, but as an equal. Someone who could choose.

With a small sigh, she uncrossed her arms and placed her hand in his. Tyler grinned, pulling her gently toward the open space on the floor. The music shifted, slowing down into something softer, more melodic. People around them paired up, their movements slower and more intimate. Harper stiffened slightly, unsure of what to do.

"It's just a dance, Harper," Tyler said, his voice calm as he placed her hand on his shoulder. "Relax."

She nodded, taking a deep breath. As he guided her into a slow rhythm, Harper's awkwardness started to melt away, her body falling into sync with his. Tyler led effortlessly, his movements steady and patient, like a father showing his daughter the steps for the first time. It was something Harper hadn't experienced in almost two years.

The room seemed to fade around them, the noise becoming a soft hum in the background. It wasn't about the party anymore. It wasn't about the people, or the laughter, or the music. It was just the two of them, in this brief moment of quiet connection. She was slowly beginning to find the father she lost in him.

"You know," Tyler said softly after a while, his voice barely audible over the music, "you remind me of my daughter."

Harper glanced up at him, surprised. She didn't know much about Tyler's past, about who he'd been before he ended up here. But something in his tone made her think this was important to him.

"Yeah?" she asked, her voice quiet. She understood the grief in his voice, but she let him speak.

He nodded, his eyes distant for a moment. "She had that same look in her eyes. Always watching. Always a little outside of everything, like she wasn't sure where she fit in." He paused, then added, "She would've been your age now."

Harper didn't know what to say to that. She hadn't known Tyler had lost a daughter, hadn't known he carried that kind of weight with him. It made her see him differently—more than just the gruff, protective figure he'd become in her life.

"I miss her," Tyler said softly, his voice barely a whisper now. "But dancing with you... it helps."

"How did she..." Harper knew it was insensitive to ask. "You don't have to tell me, but--"

Tyler smiled sadly. "Health complications." He replied. "And my girlfriend went off to the military. Never got to say goodbye."

Harper swallowed, her chest tightening. She hadn't expected this—this moment, this connection. "I'm sorry, Tyler."

"It's okay. It'll pass." Tyler replied, though the break in his voice told Harper otherwise.

Slowly, Harper leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of belonging, a warmth she hadn't realized she was missing.

"Thanks," she murmured, her voice small but sincere. She closed her eyes, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Tyler rested his chin gently atop her head, the two of them swaying slowly to the rhythm of the music. "Anytime, kid," he said, his voice soft, a faint smile in his words. "Anytime."

After a few moments of silence, Tyler spoke up. "So, you and Lyra, huh?"

"What?" Harper furrowed her brow. "What are you talking about?" She asked.

"I see the way you two look at each other. Why don't you go for it?" Tyler hummed.

"Oh, no, I couldn't." Harper shook her head. "I'm training to become a bishop, and she's going to be a Lorekeeper. It'll never work."

"You never know if you don't try." Tyler replied. "But that's just me." He ruffled Harper's hair, his eyes flicking up to see Lyra staring at them. "Go and talk to her, Chiquita." He told her.

Harper swallowed a bit, her eyes finding Lyra as well. "What if she doesn't like me?" She asked softly.

"Then she's a fool." Tyler hummed before he gently nudged her.

Harper turned and walked towards Lyra, weaving through the crowd towards her. She walked over to Lyra. "How are you enjoying the party?" She asked Lyra.

"I'd rather be in the library." Lyra replied with a soft chuckle. "I'm glad you and Tyler are getting closer. You need someone like that."

"Especially after my father..." Harper trailed off, remembering when Liam found their father in the rubble. She went blank for a few moments before Lyra gently nudged her.

"What's on your mind?" Lyra asked. She always knew when something was wrong with her.

"I have feelings for you." Harper blurted out, her eyes widening.

Lyra smiled softly. "I do too." She gave Harper a hug, and Harper closed her eyes, clutching onto Lyra's shirt. Maybe things would be okay here after all.