Author's Note: Welcome back my dear readers. I'm sorry if this was a wait. Had some personal things to attend to, but here's your required does of Lumity. This chapter will be a bit fluffy (not overly so nerds) and include some character building for our protagonist. If you're waiting for more suspense and angst, then tune in next chapter. We're only getting started! Love you humans. Enjoy!
Echoes from the Heart
The morning sun cast a golden glow upon the isolated trails leading to the enigmatic Owl House, as if nature itself had conspired to set the stage for a momentous occasion. The vibrant hues of wildflowers blooming along the path mirrored Amity inner hopes, her steps lightened by the delicate petals that brushed against her boots. The air, crisp and invigorating, carried the weight of untold futures and yesterday's uncertainties.
But amid the seemingly upbeat atmosphere, a storm of thoughts raged within Amity's mind, threatening to drown out the joy that should have accompanied her journey. The azure sky, stretching limitlessly above her, echoed her own dreams of freedom, of breaking free from the suffocating expectations that loomed over her. She wondered if the uncharacteristically good weather was a sign, a blessing from the very heavens, or merely another cruel tease, amplifying her desires only to snatch them away.
Lost in the labyrinth of her mind, Amity's gaze drifted towards the horizon, where the distant mountains of the Knee stood tall and resolute, their jagged peaks piercing the sky. The mountains, like ancient sentinels, resonated with her own fears and uncertainties, their imposing presence a reflection of the obstacles that loomed ahead, daring her to challenge them. Each crag and crevice carved into the rocky facade seemed to taunt her, reminding her of the treacherous path she had embarked upon.
Her confession to Edric and Emira last night had been a vulnerable step towards embracing her true self, a leap of faith into the unknown. But doubt gnawed at her heart, threatening to unravel the delicate tapestry of her newfound courage. The memory of their surprised expressions, momentarily frozen in time, lingered in her thoughts. Would they truly accept her for who she was, or would their support crumble under the weight of their own antics?
In this moment, Amity couldn't escape the nagging whispers of uncertainty. The doubts and insecurities that had plagued her for so long now danced with renewed vigor in the recesses of her mind. The very foundation of her self-discovery trembled under the weight of questions: Would her father truly prioritize spending time with them, or would his promises melt away like snow on a warm spring day? Would her family ever understand the yearning for individuality or her desire to break free from the path set for her by her mother, or would she forever be trapped within the confines of tradition and expectation?
A gentle breeze whispered through the trees; the rustling leaves a symphony of uncertainty. It carried with it the echoes of her recent discussion with her mother, their words clashing like thunder. The memory of her mother's disapproving gaze, filled with disdain for anything that deviated from the path of the Emperor's Coven and upholding the Blight name, weighed heavily on the young witchling's shoulders. Would her upcoming demonstration be a triumph or a disaster, an act of rebellion or a foolish commitment to the entrapment she anticipated and would only bring further turmoil?
Yet, amid the tempest of her thoughts, a ray of solace shimmered. Today held the promise of something… extraordinary—a chance to spend more time with Luz, the radiant source of light that illuminated her path. The crunch of twigs beneath her feet echoed the steps they had taken together, forging a connection that defied the boundaries of their worlds. The inviting warmth of the Owl House's walls beckoned to her, its silent promise of shared secrets and discoveries offering a refuge from the tumultuous journey she embarked upon.
As Amity neared the familiar residence of the, the ethereal melodies of birdsong and monstrous pleasantries so common amongst the Boiling Isles filled the air, their harmonies a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, beauty could be found. Stepping into the light, the young witchling paused her steps to gaze upon one of the last true respites she held within her life, the Owl House.
Breaking the delicate peace of the morning, Hooty, the ever-present door demon she possessed much disdain for, panicked at the very sight of the young witchling. The erratic owl tube frantically waved his neck err-body thing around desperately, looking for the nearest respite from his most dangerous foe, the young Blight girl who so viscous beat him not so long ago. The very sight of Amity nearly drove the door demon to remove himself from his abode and to forget his commitment to protect his home. Losing all confidence, the door demon quivered in fear, expecting his long life to come to a very abrupt end.
"NO! NO! Not again," Hooty wailed, his cries echoing the pains of a frightened child. "It's the stuff of nightmares! Lulu! Save me! HOOT!"
The all too familiar and incessant cries from the owl demon startled Amity, breaking the symphony of nature's whispers, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the creature's antics. This had become an all-to-familiar occurrence since the young Blight had increased the frequency of her visits to the Owl House. Mostly in an effort to spend more time with her crush, she often opted to skirt the normal path to Eda's house in order to avoid the petulant door demon and his wailings. Sighing to herself, she opted to confront this matter and hopefully ease her new worst nightmare's fears of her.
But in that seemingly chaotic welcome, there was a familiar comfort, a reminder that within the eccentricities of the Owl House, Amity had found a haven where her true self could flourish.
Amity, eager to ease the tension, approached the Owl House, her steps hesitating as she heard Hooty's panicked cries piercing the air. She sighed, shaking her head, and called out to him, "Hooty, it's just me, Amity. There's no need to be scared."
Hooty's nerves intensified as the young witchling approached, the volume of his voice wavering, "I know who you are, hoot! You're the stuff of nightmares! A bully with no remorse! Whatever diabolical plans you have, make them quick witch! Hoot!"
Amity, thoroughly annoyed with the routine display of panic, furrowed her brow in frustration. Taking a breath, the young witchling opted to ease her way closer to the owl tube, hoping her plan to resolve the conflict would work. If not, then maybe she might at least sneak past him and use the back door before Hooty awoke half of Boneborough.
"Hooty. It's OK. I'm just here to see Luz. You can calm down. I'm not going to hurt." Amity reassured, attempting to soothe the panicked demon. 'Unless you give me a reason,' she thought.
Hooty's voice wavered as he replied, his fear palpable, "Oh, woe is me! The terror! The horror! Leave me be!"
Amity couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Hooty's melodrama. She approached the entrance to the Owl House, her eyes filled with empathy, and spoke gently, her voice a mix of compassion and frustration at Hooty's antics, "Hooty, I promise I'm not going to hurt you again. It was one time. And that was only because you invaded a private conversation between me and Luz. I'm not here to "terrify" you. In fact, I've brought something that might help ease your nerves."
With a flourish, Amity produced a small container filled with crunchy insects. The colorful display of arachnids and winged creatures swarming in her hands, eager to escape the confinements of the container. She extended it towards Hooty, saying rather overdramatically, "Fear not Hooty, for I bring you sustenance in the form of delectable insects. Partake in these delectable morsels, and perhaps they shall alleviate your unwarranted terrors! Granting you courage beyond courage and strength beyond strength."
Hooty's eyes widened at the sight of the bugs, his beak agape with a mixture of terror and curiosity. He took a hesitant reach forward, his voice trembling as he responded equally as dramatic, "Alas, my deepest nightmare, the allure of these culinary delights is undeniable. Though my heart trembles in trepidation, I shall succumb to the temptation of these morsels, for my hunger knows no bounds."
Amity carefully placed a few bugs in Hooty's open beak, his feathers quivering as he nibbled on them. She continued to offer the snacks, playing along with Hooty's dramatic nature, as she maintained a calm and reassuring demeanor. "There, dear Hooty, allow the sustenance to soothe your nerves and banish the shadows of fear that linger within your feathery soul."
Hooty gulped down the bugs, his trembling gradually subsiding as he began to relax in Amity's presence. He cleared his throat dramatically before admitting, "Verily, fair Amity, your attempts at appeasing my fears have proven somewhat successful. Though I cannot deny the fluttering of trepidation that remains, I am open to the possibility of a truce."
Amity couldn't help but stifle a giggle at Hooty's theatrics. "A truce it is, dear Hooty. Let us forge a path of harmony and understanding within the walls of the Owl House, where your fearsome encounters with me shall be naught but a distant memory."
Hooty struck a dramatic pose, his feathers fluffed with a newfound sense of bravery. "Very well, fair Amity. From this day forth, I shall endeavor to quell my frightful outbursts and embrace the camaraderie that lies within our shared dwelling. Onward, to a future free from trembling feathers!"
After taming the door demon, Amity once again reiterated her request to see her human friend, a chuckle escaping her lips as she considered the recent theatres. Hooty, feeling obliged, or perhaps just himself, nodded intensely at the young Blight and unceremoniously sought the young human girl. Breaking several windows in his attempts at finding her (and receiving a lamp to face from an overly annoyed Eda), the owl demon peered his head into Luz room, earning a loud, if not annoyed, admonishment from the Latina.
"Hooty!" shouted Luz, the sound of annoyance permeating her voice. "What have a told you about personal space?"
"I don't remember Luz. I thought you said humans could survive in space." Amity overheard; she released a slight giggle at the door demon's ignorance. "My worst nightma…I uh mean Amity is waiting for you downstairs." Hooty clarified.
A sound of rapid shuffling could be heard from her crush's room. That coupled with Hooty's rapid retreat into his door body thing indicated Luz's approach. The human's footsteps echoed as she hastily made her way down the stairs and to the front door. Amity's aura of confidence rapidly faded as she quickly realized her situation. She only prayed to the great Titan this wouldn't turn into yet another awkward fest where she haphazardly spoke and bore shades of red yet unknown to witchkind across her face. Vain as it might be.
As Amity stood at the entrance of the Owl House, her heart raced in anticipation. She quickly stroked her hair to clean her appearance. The sound of Luz's hurried footsteps grew closer, and before she could fully prepare herself, the front door swung open, revealing a beaming Luz.
"Amity!" Luz exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy. "I've been so excited for our first Azura Book Club meeting! I was up all-night thinking about it! Are you ready to dive into the world of epic adventures and magical realms!?" The human girl radiated with energy; her excitement evident by the colorful expression painted across her features.
Despite always considering herself an early riser, the young witchling was not ready this early in the morning for her crush's often ecstatic energy. Amity's feeble attempt to hide her blush and maintain her composed demeanor fell apart at the sight of Luz's infectious enthusiasm. Amity quickly brushed her hair back, trying to calm her nerves. She stumbled over her words, trying to regain her composure, but Luz's unwavering excitement was a force she couldn't resist.
"H-hi Luz" Amity stammered, her voice betraying her flustered state. "I… uh… was really looking forward to this too." The minty haired witchling trailed. Trying to find something other than the human to look at given her hastily deteriorating mental state, she eyed the ground as if it were the most interesting thing in the Isles. "I... I can't wait to start out book club m-meeting. I f-finally finished rereading book five again. I was really hoping to discuss the Hecate and Azura redemption arc."
Luz's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer, her voice filled with playful intrigue. "Oh, Amity, I can always tell when you're hiding something. Your cute blush gives it away every time. Or are you just that excited to dive into Azura again?" The human teen elbowed the flustered witchling coyly, attempting to hide the rising temperatures in her own face.
Amity's cheeks flushed even deeper, a mixture of embarrassment and fondness filling her heart. Luz had a way of unraveling her defenses, effortlessly breaking through her barriers. With a shy smile, she managed to utter, "Well… you are the only other person in the Isles that loves this book as much as I." The young Blight hoped her lame excuse wouldn't give any further indications of her current state.
Luz grinned; her excitement seemingly contagious as she grabbed Amity's hand. The gesture caused Amity to flush an even deeper shade of crimson. "Hey now, don't go soft on me Blight. Can't have you falling apart just because you're just as much a nerd as me. Now come on! Let's get going before Hooty realizes those leaves aren't bugs." The young human pointed at the preoccupied door demon. He looked in deep thought about whether the flora was another meal or a threat.
Amity looked to the goofy owl tube. Shaking her head as he eyed the leaves suspiciously. Quickly nodding at the human, the two quietly made their way away from the Owl House.
As they began their walk, Amity's worries and self-consciousness melted away in the warmth of Luz's presence. The sun cast a golden glow upon them, painting the path ahead with promises of adventure and camaraderie. Hand in hand, they embarked on their journey, leaving the eccentricities of the Owl House behind, their hearts entwined in the magic of their friendship and the anticipation of their first Azura Book Club meeting.
An aura of tranquility permeated the atmosphere around the teens. Neither desiring to break the well-earned silence, likely due to the awkward moments both were sure would follow, they enjoyed the walk to the Bonesborough library in relative quiet. For her part, Amity enjoyed the comfort of her crush's gentle grip, relishing the fact they were walking hand-in-hand. They very thought nearly made her heart leap from her chest with excitement and her face burst into yet undiscovered shades of crimson.
However, try as she might, a particular thought kept gnawing at Amity's conscience. Hooty's antics made her realize that Luz had been…concealing something from her lately. It bothered the young Blight teen the more she thought about it. Her desire to respect her friends privacy was outweighed by the curiosity gnawing at her heart. In that moment, the lingering questions began to manifest in her mind, leaving Amity feeling more aloof whilst disregarding the nature of her relationship with Luz.
The mention of her old mentor and Emperor's Coven Head Lilith was now staying at the Owl House had certainly been a shock to Amity. And with that it raised several serious questions. Did her old mentor finally make amends with Eda and if so why? That seemed unlikely given the Owl Lady's childish habit of putting her problems are far from herself as possible. Especially given that from what she had heard from Edric and Emira that Lilith was responsible for her nearly getting petrified.
The more the young witchling racked her brain, the more she realized that Luz had never really explained what had happened that day in the castle. Most of her superficial questions had been answered thanks to the ceaseless rumor mill of Hexside. But the fact that Luz now had wanted posters on nearly every street in the across the Abdomen raised a level of genuine concern in Amity. What had happened that day?
Luz, seeing her friend's growing concern, noticed the weight of unspoken questions weighing on Amity's shoulders. She gently squeezed Amity's hand, silently encouraging her to speak up.
"Hey, Amity," Luz began, her voice soft and understanding. "I can tell something's bothering you. Is everything alright?"
The question broke Amity from her thoughts. Realizing her lack of awareness had once again gotten the better of her, she halted their walk and turned to face the human girl. Amity took a deep breath, grateful for Luz's attentiveness. She looked into Luz's eyes, her own filled with curiosity and concern.
"Luz…I know this is kinda out of nowhere but… I can't help but wonder... why exactly is Lilith staying at the Owl House?" Amity asked, her voice laced with a mix of apprehension and genuine curiosity. "And what really happened the day Eda was supposed to be petrified
Luz's expression grew serious, and she paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. She could feel the weight of Amity's trust and knew that being honest about what had transpired was crucial, no matter how difficult it might be. The human teen took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. She knew that her next words would have a profound impact on their relationship given the Blight teens thoughts of Belos and the Emperor's Coven. She looked into Amity's eyes, seeing the mixture of curiosity, concern, and vulnerability reflected in them. She couldn't afford to hold back any longer.
Taken back by the suddenness of her questioned, the human teen audibly gulped as her thoughts got stuck in her throat. "W-Well you see, the thing is…uh," Luz trailed, finding it difficult to explain herself.
The minty haired witching lifted her unoccupied hand and placed it on her crush's shoulder, attempting to comfort her. With a soft smile, Amity soothed, "It's OK, Luz. Take your time."
Blushing slightly at the gesture, Luz felt her confidence renewed. She continued, "How do I put this lightly? I was kinda…searching for a cure for Eda's curse and well. T-To put a long story short. I kinda…fought Belos and convinced Lilith to help Eda by leaving the Emperor's Coven." The Latina offered an awkward smile as she finished speaking, hoping to downplay the seriousness of the words that just left her mouth.
The truth hit Amity like a ton bricks. Her eyes nearly burst out of her head with disbelief. "You WHAT?!"
After subsiding Amity's shock, Luz explained how Eda's curse had been getting progressively worse over the last few weeks and to cure it she went looking for the Healing Hat during their school field trip. She explained how Lilith had been the one to curse Eda all those years ago and that Emperor Belos had lied to her by promising a cure for the Owl Lady. Deciding to breeze over the details of her fight with Belos, she finished by explaining the only way to defeat him was to concede the door to the human realm.
Amity felt a wave of shock as Luz explained the events of Eda's almost petrification. For one, she couldn't belief that a human, a magicless human at that, had went again the most powerful witch in the land and had somehow lived to tell the tale. On the other hand, she now realized that her crush no longer had a way home. But that in of itself raised another very important question…what exactly did the Emperor want with the door and what in Titan's name did that mean for the human realm?
Amity's concern grew with each passing moment. She couldn't shake off the weight of Luz's confession about what had really happened that day. Part of her reveled in the fact her crush had been so brave as to challenge the most powerful which in the Boiling Isles and lived to tell the tale. The other made her question how Luz must be handling all of this. Had Luz actually taken the time to process what had really happened?
Taking a moment to choose her words, Amity sighed and spoke, "So…what are you going to do now? I mean…now that Emperor Belos has the door?"
"…."
An uncomfortable silence permeated the air around them for several long moments. Luz unable to respond. A defeated expression crossing her face, overtaking her normally vibrant attitude.
Amity, feeling that she had upset the human, attempted to withdraw her question. Hoping she had not hurt her crush's feelings by talking about something so serious. "L-Luz… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
Luz silenced the stammering witchling with a cheerful look, but Amity could tell she was still visibly upset by the remark as indicated by the tears welling in her eyes.
Using her free hand to brush her eyes, the Latina girl sighed before explaining, "It's Ok, Amity. It's not your fault. I-" She paused for a moment, thinking how to explain her predicament. "I'm not worried about Belos. He can't use the door anymore than we can. I made sure of that."
Furrowing her brow in confusion, the minty haired witchling cocked her head before questioning, "But I thought you said Belos had the door?"
Feeling a slight blush at Amity's penetrating gaze, Luz unconsciously rubbed the back of her neck. "Well yeah! Sure, Belos had the door. But I kinda still have the key." Amity's expression softened at this. Glad there was still some hope she might be able to help her crush one day see her own realm again. Even if meant Luz never wanted to step foot in the demon realm again. She felt obligated to help her best friend in the Isles return home. It was only right. But before she could comfort the vibrant Latina and reassure her that they would stop at nothing to get the door back, Luz bluntly continued.
"Thhhhaaaaaaaat and I kinda destroyed the door when I handed it to Belos," Luz admitted.
All color flushed from Amity's face. The true weight of her crush's situation almost made her knees give out. Her thoughts raced with a million questions. Why in all creation would Luz destroy the door? Did she have another way home? Did that mean Luz wanted to stay in the demon realm for good? As her mind flurried with thoughts, she managed to speak her peace.
"Hey, Luz," Amity began tentatively, her voice tinged with concern. "I-…wow. I can't imagine what that was like. Are you Ok? You know? I mean after… destroying the door to the human realm... that seems like a big decision. Are you… are you sure it was the right thing to do?"
Luz shrugged nonchalantly, trying to mask any underlying unease she might have felt. "Well, yeah, it was a big decision, but I had to do it. Belos would have used the door to do Titan knows what in the human realm. I couldn't let that happen. Especially if that meant protecting Eda, King, and my Mama."
Amity bit her lip, her eyes searching Luz's face for any signs of doubt. "But what if there was another way? What if you needed the door for something important in the future? Destroying it feels so…final."
Luz's expression softened, and she placed a comforting hand on Amity's shoulder. The human teen sighed, a clear look of frustration in her eyes. "I-I appreciate you worrying about me like that, Amity. But… in that moment, I had to prioritize the safety of both realms and protect the people I care about. It wasn't an easy, but… it's what had to be done."
Amity nodded, her worry not entirely dispelled. "I trust your judgment, Luz, but it's just... it feels like destroying that door means that you're…trapped here." Amity paused, the last words cutting like daggers through Luz. "What about your family and friends back home? How are you going to get back to them?"
Luz looked to the ground, somewhat defeated. "I don't know," she admitted.
Feeling uneasy about the situation, Amity's mind raced thinking about her crush's situation. She couldn't believe this girl. Thismagicless, human girl had done so much in her short time in the Isles. The fact she had always done everything with the most… genuine kindness she had ever seen didn't help the guilt that boiled within her heart. Sure, Amity hadn't had been the one destroy Luz's only way home, but somehow, she still felt partially responsible for her current circumstances. After all, Amity had been the one to lend her that book about ancient magic artifacts. The minty haired witchling sighed internally, unsure of how to comfort her best friend.
Pulling herself back to reality, Amity watched Luz's face carefully. Unlike the many times she had caught herself ogling at the beautiful Latina, this time Amity watched Luz's expression. Desperately trying to search for any glimmer of hope in her eyes. The human's normally bright complexation was replaced with one of defeat and hopelessness. Amity felt the human's grip on her hand weaken as if Luz was attempting to retreat.
This action prompted the young witchling to reaffirm her grip with the human. Feeling her resolve, Amity forced her crush to look her in the eyes, desperate to reignite the flame in her heart. "Luz. I don't know how we're going to get you home. B-but… you have my promise as a Blight that I will do everything as your friend to make sure you see the human realm again. That's a promise you can count on. Remember Blights always follow up on their end of the deal." Those words echoed the same certianties Amity often heard from her mother when discussing business. However, as the young Blight realized she had inadvertently gotten closer to her crush, the proximity of their bodies made her blush uncontrollably.
As Amity finished speaking, Luz's face lit up with a mix of excitement and determination. Her friend's words unveiled a sense of confidence in her she didn't know she had possessed. Feeling emboldened, she took a step closer to Amity, her eyes shining with a newfound confidence and appreciation for her best friend. Slowly erasing whatever distance was left between them, she gave the young Blight teen a gracious look.
"Luz?" Amity questioned, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden change in human's demeanor. The young witchling was unsure if her words had upset the girl any further.
With a mischievous grin, Luz suddenly wrapped her arms around Amity in an unexpected hug. Amity froze for a moment, her mind going blank as her heart raced in her chest. She could feel the warmth of Luz's embrace and the gentle rise and fall of their breaths. Her arms fell limply by her side as her brain failed to process what was happening.
"Amity," Luz whispered, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and excitement. "Thank you. I don't think anyone could ask for a better friend." The human teen tightened her grip, burying her face in Amity's shoulder. "Out of all the people I've met here in the Isles, you're the only one I can really call my best friend."
Amity's breath caught in her throat as she absorbed Luz's heartfelt words. She couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness mixed with a hint of disbelief. The significance of the moment wasn't lost on her, and she cherished the warmth of Luz's embrace, the genuine connection they shared. Overcoming her usual nervousness, she gently returned the hug, still not used to the uniquely human gesture.
Lost in the warmth of her embrace, Luz took note of the wonderful scent the Blight teen bore. It was honestly hard to describe. The closest thing she could describe it to would be a mix of spring lilac and fresh abomination magic. It was oddly comforting and almost seemed to beckon her closer to Amity. It almost felt like it was… right. Like she was meant to be there. It felt like…home.
For her part, Amity had managed not to lose herself in the moment. She reveled in the proximity with her crush. If it wasn't for the pounding of her heart, she could have sworn the Isles had silenced their usual melodies of madness to let her fully enjoy the fleeting moments. Taking notes of her own, the minty haired witchling could help but fluster as Luz's often crazy hair danced across her cheek. Admiring the soft brushes, she felt tempted to pet her crush's wild mane if it wouldn't ruin the moment.
After several long moments, both girls eventually realized their proximity had drawn on far beyond what should have been what either felt comfortable with. Amity's face flushed with an unnatural shade of crimson as she began to pull away, but not completely release her hold on her crush, not wanting to be separated from her.
Similarly, Luz noticed her own complexion felt uncharacteristically warmer; her hands forming a layer of sweat as she realized what she had done. Mimicking her clearly distraught friend, she eased herself away from Amity, but not letting go of her shoulders.
After Luz pulled back slightly, her hands were still resting gently on Amity's shoulders. She noticed Amity's clearly embarrassed expression and felt her cocky side take control. Her eyes sparkled with affection; her smile radiant. "Come on Amity. Don't tell me hugs still bother you? You going soft on me Blight."
Amity's cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and delight. Her heart swelled at Luz's words, and she couldn't help but reciprocate the affection in her own way. She reached up and gently grasped Luz's hands, her touch feather-light.
Cocking her head, Amity gave a small smirk. "In your dreams, Noceda." Her blush slowly fading from her face.
The two laughed. Enjoying the respite from the previous emotional moments.
Taking the initiative, Amity spoke first, "Come on Luz. We're never gonna get to the library if we keep standing here all day. Let's get going."
Luz beamed, excitement plastered across her face. "Heck yeah! We still need to figure out Hecate redemption arc! Plus, I still have to show you the new figurines that Eda had in the basement! And…"
Amity smiled as the two resumed their walk, feeling more confident in her standing with her crush. She had to admit, if the last few weeks had proven anything, it's that Luz always brought about the best in people just being around. Maybe she could fine the confidence she needed to confess how she truly felt.
Amity felt a sense of relief wash over her as the weight of her concerns began to dissipate. She looked at Luz, her heart filled with gratitude for their open and honest conversation. With a renewed sense of peace, they continued their walk hand-in-hand towards the Bonesborough library. A smile etched in either girls face.
A/N: Well, this certainly isn't what I had anticipated writing when I started this chapter. Originally it was going to be much shorter and more drawn out. But given how much work went into this moment between Amity and Luz, it didn't feel right to inject more drama in one chapter. Maybe once I finish the next chapter (or what had planned for this one at least) I'll combine the two so it still follows my intended 10 chapters. Don't fret, this won't take away from what I plan on writing later, but it still felt good to pump this out. I should have the rest up in the next couple of days. I hope you guys enjoy and please leave me some feedback if you want to see more moments like this. I have an incredible amount of flexibility in this arc and haven't put anything to paper beyond my outline. Love you humans and stay beautiful. Enjoy!