Chapter — Epilogue: A Future to Build
Lyra's POV
The sun dips low on the horizon, painting the cruise deck in golden hues that glimmer across the water.
I lean against the railing, letting the breeze whip my hair across my face, and I can't stop the small smile tugging at my lips. Four years of chaos, laughter, heartbreak, growth, and adventure have led me here. And somehow, it feels like this moment — this quiet, beautiful, golden moment — is a promise of everything to come.
Evan appears at my side without a sound, sliding his hand into mine. "Thinking about the future again?" he asks softly, thumb brushing across my knuckles.
I glance at him, chest fluttering. "Maybe a little," I admit. "It feels… real now, all of it. College, work, dreams… life."
He squeezes my hand gently. "Yeah. It's kind of wild, isn't it? We survived senior year, graduation, the cruise… and now we're stepping into the rest of our lives."
I laugh softly. "You make it sound so easy. But it's exciting too. I… I think about architecture a lot. The buildings I want to design, the spaces that will make people feel something. My sketches, my ideas… they're finally going somewhere."
Evan smiles, warm and proud. "You're going to be incredible, Sol. You always have been. And I can't wait to see what you create. Just promise me one thing?"
I tilt my head. "Anything."
"Promise me you'll never lose your spark," he murmurs, voice low. "The one that lights up every room, every sketch, every moment."
I feel a soft blush, but I nod. "I promise."
The group is scattered around the deck, teasing, laughing, and soaking up the last golden rays of sun. Soraya and Saphira are huddled together, whispering excitedly about ideas for their future makeup brand. I can hear bits and pieces — bold colors, packaging concepts, social media campaigns. I grin. They're going to absolutely crush it.
Aveline is sitting next to Cassian, sketching notes in a notebook for their own company — some kind of tech startup he keeps bragging will "revolutionize something." They're clearly in sync, comfortable, and happy. It's nice to see them like this, calm but full of purpose.
Evan leans closer, whispering, "Do you ever think about what it'll be like when we all start really adulting?"
I shrug, resting my head lightly against his shoulder. "Sometimes. But I think… as long as we keep this — the group, the chaos, the love — I'm going to be okay. Whatever we do, we'll figure it out."
He grins softly. "Yeah. And I have some plans too. Taking over my dad's company, keeping the legacy alive… but I'm pretty sure the only thing I want to do more is keep you happy."
My chest flutters at the words. I glance up at him, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. "You've always made me happy, Evan. And… I think I'm ready for everything that comes next, as long as we do it together."
As the sun continues to set, the deck begins to glow with soft lights strung across the railing. Everyone is relaxing, sharing stories of the cruise, teasing each other about pool mishaps, and laughing about ridiculous group games. I tuck my sketchbook under my arm, thinking about all the sketches I've filled over this trip — waves, sunsets, faces, small moments of joy that I'll carry forever.
Evan brushes his fingers along the edge of my hand. "Lyra…" he murmurs, voice slightly nervous, something I rarely hear from him. I glance at him, curious, my heartbeat speeding up.
He takes a small step back and pulls a velvet box from his pocket. My chest tightens, a mixture of excitement, disbelief, and warmth rushing through me. He kneels on one knee right there on the deck, the wind tossing his hair just slightly, making him look like he stepped out of a dream.
"Lyra Evadne Solnne," he begins, voice steady but full of emotion. "From the moment I met you, you've been my light, my anchor, my Sol. You've seen me at my best and my worst, and you've never left. You've made me laugh, challenged me, inspired me… and I can't imagine walking into any future without you by my side."
I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, heart racing in a way it hasn't in years. My hands clutch the railing for balance, not believing this is really happening.
He opens the box, revealing a simple but elegant ring that glints in the sunset light. "Will you… be my partner in this life, my partner in everything? Will you marry me?"
The group erupts into whispers and cheers a few feet away, though Evan keeps his focus on me, eyes soft and unwavering. My chest feels like it's about to burst with love and happiness, the chaos of the past months, years, and adventures culminating in this one, perfect moment.
I take a shaky breath, voice trembling but certain. "Yes," I whisper.