In a world where silence can be louder than words, fourteen-year-old Azaria "Sora" Duskbane walks through life hidden behind wigs, makeup, and a name she isn't sure belongs to her. Haunted by the ghosts of bullying, self-doubt, and loneliness, Sora keeps her heart behind locked doors-until two new students arrive like a breath of frost and fire: Lani, the bold and brilliant girl who refuses to let Sora disappear, and Kieran, her quiet twin, who understands the weight of invisible pain. Told in shifting points of view, this deeply emotional coming-of-age story follows the fragile beauty of found family, the weight of mental health struggles, and the silent battles fought behind forced smiles. As the trio navigate the harsh realities of high school, scars of the past, and the ache of identity, their bond becomes both a sanctuary and a spark for healing. But healing is not linear-and kindness hurts when you don't feel you deserve it. "The Quiet Between Us" is a tender, soul-stirring exploration of what it means to be seen, to be loved, and to choose to keep going-even when the light inside feels dim.

The Costume Book One of Azaria's Story Born into the silence of her new world, Azaria Soleia Duskbane lives hidden beneath layers, not just of clothing and makeup, but of fear, shame, and secrets too heavy for a child to carry. Marked by glowing patterns that wind like roots across her skin and eyes that don't quite belong, she survives behind a careful disguise, loved and yet unseen. Her mother loves her from a distance, terrified of what the world might see. Her father calls her his little flower, loving her fiercely while blaming himself for the mystery she was born into. Azaria doesn't yet understand what she is, a Veyr, a being both extraordinary and feared, only that she must learn to disappear to survive. But as she grows, the costume she wears becomes more than fabric and paint; it becomes a shield. And beneath it all, a quiet hope flickers, that maybe, just maybe, she can bloom despite the darkness. The Costume is a tender, haunting story of identity, love, and the courage to be seen, even when you're not sure who you are.