Chapter 21

*Rowan*

I stood in the shadows of the backyard, hidden from the vibrant lights and laughter that illuminated Lyra's birthday party.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sound of upbeat music, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze.

Colourful fairy lights adorned the trees, casting a magical glow over the scene, but to me, it all seem