While she let the idea of the magic being âgarlic powderâ stew in her mind, Lyra looked around at the decorations. They were similar to years previous, but each celebration always had something different and new about it while remaining traditional, which was something she loved about the townâs parties. To her, every aspect was magical, especially the garlic powder, because it worked wonders on her taste buds. âOf course it is!â
By the time her steak was gone, her lipstick was as well, so she wiped off the remnants with her napkin and ordered another glass of wine from the server that passed by their table. It was almost time to dig into her dessert plate, a thought that made her smile with pure joy. âI hope we see Toni soon. I stayed home all day getting ready. I didnât get to see her dress.â
Once her wine came, she immediately took a bite of chocolate cake and had to place a hand on Trisâs wrist and give him a light squeeze to prevent herself from making ridiculous noises. It was so good. Better than what was normally served at the diner. She could hardly believe there was no magic involved in something like this. âTris, youâve got to try this. But get your own, please. This is mine.â
Tris ate his steak happily, glad theyâd made it early enough that heâd been able to get a fantastic cut of meat. âIâm sure Toni will be along soon enough,â he said with a chuckle, quickly polishing off his plate of food before pulling over his own small dessert plate.
He knew Lyraâs best friend was currently very upset with him, and he couldnât exactly blame her for that. While he and Toni werenât exactly close, he knew it was important for them to get along for Lyraâs sake. If Toni continued to be critical and aggressive, it would no doubt drive a wedge in Lyraâs relationship with one or both of them, and he didnât want that for either himself or Toni.
âIâm happy with my plate of desserts, sweetheart. If I get the chance Iâll grab a slice of the cake, though,â he told her, slowly eating from his own plate of sweets. For the most part he had picked items that Lyra had skipped, knowing there was a good chance sheâd steal from his plate if she decided she regretted picking any of the items.









