Sophia Violet and the Fiery Orb

By Evangeline Greene

Just when fourteen-year-old Sophia Violet thinks her life can’t get any weirder, it does. In a big way! In just weeks, she must go from being an awkward teenager to leading the battle to save both the Earth and a mysterious planet called Chiralis from destruction by the evil Esmeray and Rayson.

As Sophia journeys along her hero’s quest, you will encounter a host of wonders, such as Luna, Sophia’s secret best friend, who appears and disappears at will; shape-shifting critters of all kinds, from wolves to wombats; a forest made out of mathematics; and a powerful orb that holds the key to Sophia’s true identity.

Sophia must learn that she is not who she thinks she is. She’s so much more! But will she overcome her fears in time to defeat the evil threatening her two intertwined planets? If female empowerment is important to you and your children, whether they be girls or boys, Sophia Violet is your girl.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evangeline Greene
• Release date: Nov 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463716854

Evangeline Greene

Evangeline Greene lives in a treehouse with an ancient pug and a bossy bulldog where she can often ruminate over a single sentence for hours.

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Panther in the Car Park

Her eyes were the first thing Byrun noticed about the newborn daughter he was about to abandon. Two violet jewels set against pale skin, even in the dim light of the windowless room, they were transparent and round, the hue of a moonlit sky in summer. Yet, he refused to meet their gaze. It would be too much of a betrayal. They were desperate to connect with the reassuring faces that would guide them through this new world, to sacrifice everything for their survival, but they weren’t there. Those faces were down the hall in another room.

The baby’s right hand was the second thing that caught his attention, her third and fourth fingers fused by a thin web. Nothing to worry about, the doctor assured him. It's a common anomaly, easily corrected with surgery. He grabbed the suitcase thick with cash. It won’t affect the deal.

He thrust an envelope into Byrun’s hand and scurried off down one of the corridors. A storm of indignation gathered in his daughter’s eyes as she began to wail. He flinched as the sound echoed off the steel walls of the morgue. There was no time for mourning. Not yet. Deep in the bowels of the hospital, the thick walls and dimly lit hallways offered only temporary protection. They had to keep moving forward with the plan. It was well past midnight, the night staff already filtering through the building. If they were caught now, he would lose everything.

Byrun's wife, Sarah, still exhausted from the birth, sobbed quietly in her makeshift bed, her head resting against the sleek metal slab. He scanned the room again for a pillow, but it was a luxury for which the bed's previous occupants had little use. He tucked his sweater under her neck instead, then gently squeezed her hand. It’s time, he whispered.

Tears spilled from her dark eyes. He held her close, his face cradled in her chestnut hair, then gently eased her to her feet.

We have to hurry, he said, guiding her by the elbow. It’s not safe here. She moved obediently, clutching the baby in her arms as they picked their way down the corridor. Byrun scanned the shadows for intruders while the baby howled louder. Overhead, a fluorescent bulb flickered, the gold necklace around her tiny neck glinting in the harsh light.

Sarah gasped, clutching Byrun’s arm.

What is it? he asked. Are you all right?

She waved him off. Give me a second, she said, catching her breath again. It’s passing.

You shouldn’t be walking, Byrun said. We’ve got to get you to the safe house and back to bed. Still bawling, the baby’s eyes were now the color of angry bruises. Byrun focused on the light coming from the waiting room at the end of the hall instead.

I hear her crying! a voice inside the room exclaimed as the baby erupted in renewed waves of fury. Sarah squeezed her tighter, murmuring vague assurances into her tiny ear. Byrun’s heart crumbled under the weight of his wife's sorrow, the pain picking at the edges of his resolve.

He suddenly stopped, blocking his wife's way. You wait here, he commanded. I’ll take her to them. There’s no need to torture yourself this way.

Sarah squeezed her daughter harder and stepped around him, her eyes fixed with purpose. No. I have to do it.

He followed her into the doorway where a short, round woman waited. She gasped when she saw the angry little face peering out from the blanket. The woman was older than Sarah, but her expression kind, soft wisps of hair floating around her head like a halo. Unfazed by the crying, she reached her dimpled hands out to Sarah and nodded encouragingly.

Sarah hesitated, then lowered her face to the baby’s head. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, inhaling the dewy smell of newborn skin. Byrun looked away, his gaze falling to a man in a wheelchair. His expression was sympathetic, but it changed to pure joy when his focus shifted to the baby.

A small flame of relief warmed Byrun’s chest, renewing his courage. He was doing the right thing for all of them, especially his daughter. He watched Sarah kiss the angry lines in the baby’s forehead and nuzzled her cheek. Then, in one determined move, she straightened and handed the baby over to her new mother.

A strangled sob escaped her throat. Her name is Sophia Violet, she said. I know I don’t have any right to name her, but …

Tears filled the other woman’s eyes. It’s a lovely name, she said, tucking the baby against the folds of her ample chest. I can never thank you enough for trusting us with her. We plan on being honest about the adoption. Is there anything you want her to know? Maybe one day you might even be in a better position to—

No! Byrun cried, his voice hard. There was no room for compromise. We can’t have any contact. Ever. He handed the woman the birth certificate that the doctor had given him. We want to remain unknown. Do you understand? Tell her whatever you like, but keep us out of it.

We’ll honor your request, the man in the wheelchair finally spoke. You have our word. But if you ever change your mind—

Sarah turned her back on them. Please take good care of her, she said, her voice strangled as she clutched Byrun’s arm. Then, without even a backward glance, they walked away, their daughter’s howls rolling after them.

Byrun guided Sarah into the parking garage where their car was waiting. She rested while he rearranged some pillows for her in the passenger seat. His stomach lurched when he realized she was sweating profusely and clutching at her waist again. He'd been stupid to think he could move her so soon after giving birth. He needed to get her home. The doctor had arranged for a nurse to care for her there. One, he assured him, that Byrun could trust. He helped her climb inside the car and buckled her in. She started to sob again.

Well, well, a deep voice echoed across the empty garage. Byrun jumped at the sound, his hair standing on end.

So, it's true, the voice said. Imagine that. A baby. He drew out the word in mock delight.

Byrun spun around, closing the car door behind him, hoping Sarah hadn't heard the intruder. Her pain had subsided again, and she was calm, though overcome with grief.

What do you want, Rayson? Byrun shouted into the air.

Cushioned feet whispered across the floor, but there was no answer.

Is that the way you're going to play it? Byrun taunted, positioning himself in front of the car window to shield Sarah. You're many things, Rayson, but I've never known you to be a coward. At least show yourself.

An enormous panther slunk from shadows with its yellow eyes fixed on Sarah, now frozen in terror. We've been waiting nine months for this moment, it said, speaking inside Byrun's head. Did you honestly believe we wouldn't find out? It stretched and flicked its tail.

How did you find me? Byrun asked.

A side door to the garage opened, and two uniformed men appeared, their faces stern and expressionless. The panther yawned. Byrun, how dull you are. You know what I want, yet you refuse to hand it over. As for how I found you, it was the Genetitracer, of course, a true marvel of Tenebrae ingenuity. He raised his eyebrows. Now, for old time's sake, I'm asking you nicely one last time. Give me the Orb.

Never, Byrun said, his eyes as cold as Rayson’s tone.

Rayson closed his eyes and sighed. Foiled again, he said drily and, looking bored, circled behind Byrun to focus on Sarah. Sarah, isn't it? he purred, peering inside the car window. Still clutching her stomach, Sarah's eye widened as she sunk further into her seat.

The panther licked its lips. This pregnancy is a fortunate turn of events, indeed. Mother will be pleased.

Esmeray is not my mother, Byrun spat. And you're not my brother. Even the term stepbrother is too good for you.

Tomato, Tomahto, Rayson mocked him. He paced back and forth beside the car, keeping his eyes on Sarah, who doubled over in pain again. But enough of this chatter, he said. It appears I've arrived just in time.

Leave her alone, Rayson, Byrun said. She needs to rest. Sarah cried out again as Byrun reached into the car to comfort her.

She’ll be fine once the baby comes, the panther said.

He didn't know the baby had already been born! Byrun struggled to hide his relief at the sudden realization. I told you to leave my family alone. Surely you know I'll report this to Council. You won't get away with it.

Don't be silly, Byrrrrun, the panther purred. As I said, we're family. It's heartening to see you're good for something, after all. Mother has been so anxious for a successor to the Orb Master line. His mouth hardened. One that won't betray the cause. His whiskers twitched. Of course, I don't know why you had to bring a Human into it. It undoubtedly complicates things.

Esmeray will never touch my child, Byrun spat. How had this happened? He'd been so careful. They'd planned the birth for months.

Did you truly think you'd succeed with this charade? Rayson said dryly. The same thing goes for the Orb. We'll find it. With or without you. As for reporting us to Council, you know Mother has no regard for that gang of fools.

Why are you doing this? Byrun cried. You know as well as I do that Esmeray doesn't care about Chiralis. Her true intentions are evil and purely selfish.

Rayson flicked his tail. You know what they say; blood is thicker than water. Besides, if you're honest about it, you know she's right. He gazed around the garage. This planet and the vermin that live here have no value other than their service to Chiralis. Your problem is that you sacrifice practicality for your pathetic principles. It clouds your reasoning.

Byrun’s thoughts raced. Had his daughter and her new parents left the hospital? Were they out of harm's way? He had to stall Rayson as long as he could to give them as much time as possible. But he also had to get Sarah to safety.

I need to lie down, Sarah groaned.

Don't worry, my dear, Rayson purred. The pain is perfectly normal. It means it's almost time. We best get on get on with it, he said, tipping his head toward the shadows. Three women in stiff nurse's uniforms appeared and approached the car. Byrun blocked their way.

Don't worry, we'll make sure they have the best care possible, Rayson promised him. Mother doesn't want anything happening to either of them. He pounced and landed nose to nose with Byrun. You aren't going to give me any trouble, are you?

Without a word, Byrun shapeshifted into a jaguar, his eyes blazing. What do you think?

Rayson snorted. There was a time you might have presented a challenge for me, but now that the new Orb Master is almost here, you forget that your power is already fading. He ran his tongue over his lip. Your time is almost up. My skill, on the other hand, continues to grow.

Rayson swiped at Byrun's head, slicing the air with his deadly claws. Byrun ducked as Rayson sprang forward, poised to try again, but Byrun was faster. He lunged, seizing Rayson by the neck. They wrested, a roiling mass of claws and teeth.

Finally, Byrun flipped Rayson over and pinned him to the ground. As his nail caught in Rayson's fur, a simple gold chain snapped off the panther's neck and a purple crystal rolled across the floor. Rayson's eyes widened. Byrun pounced on it, snatching the stone into his mouth and flinging it against the wall. Hard. It slammed off the cement and across the floor. As it came to rest at Rayson's feet, a large crack spread across its surface.

Rayson yowled. The Genetitracer, he cried. You fool! As the only one in existence, it's irreplaceable. He charged Byrun again, knocking his feet out from under him.

Good, Byrun panted. Now Esmeray can't use it against us. That thing has no place in either world.

The two wrestled again as Rayson pinned Byrun against the wall. They slashed wildly at each other; their coats streaked with red. When Rayson paused to take a breath, Byrun slipped out from beneath him and slashed Rayson in the throat. Rayson howled in pain and charged Byrun again, pitching him backward. His head slammed against the cement wall. Rayson towered over him as he lay crumpled on the floor.

Give me the Orb now, Rayson demanded. Or we'll take your child from you. Fourteen years is a mere blink of an eye in the ancient history of Chiralis. Then he'll be old enough to do our bidding.

Never, Byrun spat. You'll never get your hands on that Orb or my child. His vision swam. I know what you and Esmeray have planned. It will never happen. Not as long as I'm Orb Master.

Rayson chuckled and licked a paw. Fine. It’s your funeral.

Suddenly, the sound of squealing tires split the air. Byrun and Rayson turned in surprise to see Byrun's car accelerating toward the garage exit. Sarah, having squeezed over into the driver's seat, was attempting to flee. The car careened around the corner and crashed into a wall.

Byrun's heart stopped. Sarah! he shouted, the room spinning as he struggled to stand.

The nurses rushed to the car, where Sarah lay unconscious, her body draped over the steering wheel. Byrun clumsily pushed them aside. Rayson watched, wide-eyed, as Byrun tried to revive her. You monster! he cried. Look what you've done! He launched himself at Rayson again, but, still reeling from the blow to his head, his legs collapsed beneath him. He shook his head in an attempt to steady his thoughts, but the world spun and went dark.

***

When he awoke, Byrun lay stretched out on the cold cement floor. He rubbed the base of his neck and, checking his hand for blood, was relieved to find none. His head ached. Both his car and the parking garage were empty and he was back in his human form. He tried to stand but found his ankles shackled together. Oh, no! Shiftblockers. Not again! He was doomed.

Sarah! he cried, a wave of defeat washing over him. He had already lost so much. He had to get to her. Rayson, let me go, he cried, the sound echoing through the empty garage.

He struggled against his restraints without any luck. Concentrating, he propelled his head forward in an attempt to shapeshift. His temples throbbed. Slowly, the shape of a snake emerged from the top of his head. Inch by inch, his body transformed, black scales working their way down his skin like falling dominoes. They were sleek and slick, like leather. When they reached his ankles, they stopped as if they’d hit an impenetrable wall and buckled into a pile. Then they reversed direction and paved a trail of skin back up his spine. No! Byrun cried, his heart sinking as he felt the skin covering his tendons again. Cursed Shiftblockers! He knew from experience that there was no point in struggling further. Escape was impossible. Rayson had won.

Suddenly, staccato footsteps echoed across the garage. Four black boots appeared in front of his eyes. Byrun looked up to find the armed guards standing over him.

Let me go, Byrun demanded, wriggling away from them. You don't understand. I have to stop Esmeray and Rayson from destroying everything. Without a word, the two men pulled him to his feet, and each taking one of his legs, flipped him into a tight somersault. A split second later, all three were gone.

Chapter 2: Wolves on the Fire Escape

She heard them before she saw them—the hush of padded feet on rain-soaked iron, the broken, ragged breathing. Wolves, sitting outside her bedroom window, yet again. Watching them through the glass, fourteen-year-old Sophia Meriweather, Bean to her family, counted three of them. The little one was missing. She still might come. She was always reluctant to leave the open expanse of the street to join the rest of the pack on the metal stairway. Sophia didn’t blame her. A wolf on a city fire escape seemed about as natural as she felt in her new school. And tonight it was pouring, so the metal was surely slick. Nevertheless, raining or not, they’d been coming for five months now, invading her dreams with their anxious growls and yelps, pacing her fire escape in restless circles.

She knew them all, carving them out from the shadows by the size of their heads or the angles of their ears. Each one was beautiful, sleek, primal. The wall of glass seemed at once a safe barrier and a ridiculous thing to stake her life on. Should she be frightened? She couldn’t say, not even after five months.

Every night when her clock flickered to 12:55, they stepped out of the shadows and into the light. They appeared to be standing guard. Sifting the air through their nostrils, they scanned the street. If they were there to hurt her, wouldn’t they have done it by now? She hoped so. She was kind of counting on it.

She tapped the window, as she often did, trying to get their attention. But like the actors in the off-Broadway plays her parents dragged her to see, they never broke character. On occasion, they gazed in her direction, but without acknowledgment. They were nervous about something. But what? And what did she have to do with it?

Tonight would be different. She would try what she’d craved to try from that very first night. It was time, right? She opened the window. The wolves didn’t move.

Did she dare? No. Yes. She breathed in their wildness. Her legs trembled with the familiar impulse to join them as she lifted her slender frame over the windowsill.

Suddenly, an electric wire popped overhead. A blue halo of light blinded her. Spooked, she slipped back into her room and jammed on a pair of dark glasses from the nightstand.

There, that did it.

The glasses were ugly and just plain weird, but at least they allowed her to see the world like everyone else.

Heady from the fresh air, Sophia ventured closer to the window ledge. Images of moonlit skies and open fields far beyond her bedroom flooded her thoughts. If only she could shed her body. She was suddenly desperate to run. The raw sensation felt more like a memory than her imagination. Her spine tingled with excitement. She raised her head and howled with joy, daring the beast inside her to express itself in flesh and bone.

The sound startled her, immediately bringing her back to her body. She’d been so close. Blinking back tears of disappointment, she stepped back from the now-empty fire escape. The wolves had left without her again.

She sighed and rested a hand on the cold glass. Despite her growing restlessness, she knew that, for now, staying put was the only practical, if disappointing, response. Like the wolves, she had no choice but to wait and see what happened.

As she lingered at the window, Sophia’s breath gathered on the glass in a silver cloud. She wiped it away, catching a glimpse of her reflection. Despite how weird things had been lately, she was relieved to see she still appeared ordinary. Her features were delicate, in pleasant proportion to her slender frame. She pulled her shoulder-length light brown hair off her face, highlighting the rose flush of her cheeks and the sprinkling of freckles peppering her nose. The rest of her skin was smooth and pale, a blank canvas that she had only recently begun to accentuate with simple makeup. She paused when she came to her eyes. Her eyes, the hue of violets in full bloom and ringed with dark lashes, were by far her most arresting feature. But hidden behind those dumb glasses her mother made her wear, people rarely noticed them.

Lightning flashed followed by the crash of thunder. Sophia jumped. Something moved down on the street again. Sophia squinted into the darkness, trying to see through the rain. Were the wolves back? No. It was two cloaked figures. They were bent over, their faces hidden. They appeared to be looking for something on the ground. Who could be out there at this time of night? In this weather? She strained to hear what they were saying.

It has to be here somewhere, one of them snapped from beneath a dripping hood. It was a woman’s voice, sharp with irritation.

I did warn you, Mother, not to bring the Genetitracer with us, a deep voice countered. The Grid’s energy is too low to trust the Telesponder to transport it. Not that it’s any great loss. It hasn’t worked properly for years.

It’s better than nothing, she insisted. Even if the information is outdated by the time we get it, I still believe it’s correct. We’re close on his heels. She scanned the street. It has to be here somewhere. I had it in my hand until we landed. Maybe if you stopped talking and focused, you’d be able to find it.

As you wish. He trudged into the soggy ditch, kicking at the grass. "Luna!" Sophia whispered into the air, waiting for her friend to answer. Nothing. Great. She was hoping she’d be able to tell her something about these people. They were definitely not New Yorkers.

The woman studied the street, her face pinched. What could he possibly be doing in this vulgar place? She shivered as she peered into a window where a man sat huddled on the couch, watching television. It's crawling with Humans.

Precisely, the man said. Further evidence that the Genetitracer isn’t working. He isn’t here. Probably never was. I suggest we abandon our search and return home before we catch our death out here.

May I remind you that the solstice is near and the Orb remains missing, she hissed. Your comfort is the least of my concerns.

As always, he said. But there’s nothing more we can do here right now. Wouldn’t our time be better spent searching for the Orb?

Since you’re no help to me, I suppose there’s little choice, the woman snapped and then, to Sophia’s surprise, did a backward somersault into the air and disappeared. Shaking his head, her son followed. The street was empty again.

Taking off her glasses, Sophia pulled a sweatshirt over her pajamas, keeping her eyes glued to the sidewalk. When she was sure they were gone, she pushed the window open and slowly crawled out onto the fire escape. She climbed down the iron ladder, the rain pelting her face and the wind whipping her hair. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she began beating the bushes with her hands and feet. What was it they had been looking for? She was about to give up, when a lavender haze caught her eye. She parted a patch of tall grass and found a small, round stone. It was clear, like crystal, and pulsed with a purple glow. A jagged crack ran down its center. She tucked it in her pocket and made her way back up the ladder, checking over her shoulder several times to make sure no one was there.

She climbed back into her room and closed the window, placing the crystal on her nightstand where it cast a purple shadow on the walls. Fearing the glow might be seen from the street, she tucked it under her pillow. Removing her wet sweatshirt, she crawled back into bed and pulled the covers up under her chin, her thoughts racing. Who were those people? Judging by the way they had just disappeared into thin air they were definitely not Human. Why couldn’t Luna just show up for once when she was called? There was no use trying again. Luna came and went on her own schedule.

She slept fitfully the rest of the night. Absorbed by her fragmented dreams, she wasn’t consciously aware of the dark presence that slid slowly into her room until it was too late. She was startled awake to find she couldn’t move. A thick black rope bound her head to the bed. No, not a rope. A snake! She struggled to sit up, but it weighed her down like a stone. A muffled cry caught in her throat. The last thing she needed was to wake her parents. SSSophia, it gently hissed in her ear, tongue flicking against her cheek. It’s time to get up.

Instinctively, Sophia recoiled and swatted at the snake, hitting herself in the face instead. Instantly wide-awake, she sat up in bed, the snake gone. Another one of her dreams? These days, it was almost impossible to tell what was real or imagined.

She looked out the window. In the light of morning, the bright sun and bustling New York City street below made the thought of the wolves on the fire escape seem ridiculous. Gardeners now dug among the bushes where they had stood. Joggers ran by. Moms strolled by with their babies.

She sank back into the pillow, disappointment flooding through her. Another night was gone, and the wolves remained a mystery. Now she had those people on the street to worry about too. They didn’t look like the kind to give up easily. Whoever they were after was in deep trouble. It made no sense, but she somehow felt that it involved her too. She reached under her pillow and squeezed the crystal, relieved to find it still there.

Her cheek still smarted where she’d hit herself. She rubbed it and turned over in bed to check the time. Suddenly, she was face-to-face with the snake again. It lay curled up on her spare pillow, its tongue tickling her forehead. It was no dream! She sprang up in fright, knocking a small collection of allergy medications off her nightstand.

Darn it! She’d fallen for one of Luna’s tricks again. "Leezards, Luna! she scolded, seeing the familiar face of her childhood friend. You have to stop doing that. I mean it. Try a door once in a while. She grabbed an inhaler from the floor and sprayed it into her throat. You scared the daylights out of me," she complained, straining to speak as she held the medication in her lungs.

Why? Luna asked. I’ve been popping in and out of here since we were little and I haven’t killed you yet. She sat up on the bed. Her plaid school uniform was complete with knee socks and loafers. She had a large wad of gum in her mouth. Messy buns of jet-black hair tied with silver ribbons poked out each side of her head. Even without makeup, she was striking. Unlike Sophia, who had recently started using blush to give color to her own pale face.

I bet there’s only so many shocks a heart can take in a lifetime, Sophia said. Next time will probably kill me.

"Oh, don't be griserable, Luna begged, snapping a bubble between her lips. She sounded apologetic, despite her faintly mischievous look. I was just trying to wake you up." She picked up Sophia’s cell phone and snapped a photo of Sophia taking a second puff of her inhaler.

I’m not grumpy or miserable, Sophia grumbled. Give me that. She took the phone from Luna and deleted the photo.

You’re late for school, is what you are, Luna said. Again.

Sophia checked the time. Crud, she cried. I forgot to set the alarm. She leaped out of bed, stepping on the assortment of allergy medications now spilled across the floor. The wolves came again, she said. I’m sure they’re not just a dream. She tapped the phone and tossed it on the bed. Music filled the room, providing cover for their conversation.

Ohh, Luna scooted to the edge of the bed. Did you open the window? They talked to you, didn’t they? I know they talked.

Sophia shot her a wolves don’t talk look.

Luna shrugged. According to you, wolves aren’t supposed to be roaming around downtown Manhattan either. What’s that got to do with anything? How do you know they don’t talk if you don’t at least try?

I just know, Sophia said. They’re shy.

Anyway, I like it when the wolves visit, Luna said. They’re more exciting than your dream about the alien.

It’s not an alien, Sophia said, hunting through one of her dresser drawers. It’s more like a ghost. She pulled a shirt from her drawer and disappeared into her bathroom. When she returned, dressed in a pair of jeans and a pink tank top, Luna remained stretched out on the bed. She tapped on Sophia’s cell phone.

We’re late, Sophia said. Who are you texting?

Luna kept her eyes on the phone, her fingers flying over the keyboard. No one. I don’t know anyone else with a cell phone. They don’t work where I live. I’m Googling something.

Addict, Sophia said, plucking the phone from Luna’s hands. You better be careful. By the way, do you know anything about something called a Genetitracer or a missing Orb?

Luna’s head snapped around. Where did you hear about those things?

So you do know something.

If I did, you know I can’t tell you.

Then I’m not telling you where I heard about them, Sophia sniffed. They’d had this argument many times. Sophia knew there was no use in pushing the issue. Luna took her secrets very seriously. Despite their deep friendship, Sophia knew very little about her. She had no idea where she came from or where she went every time she did a somersault in the air and disappeared. The only answer she ever gave was, if I tell you, you’ll never see me again.

The playfulness was gone from Luna’s face. Seriously, Sophia. Don’t stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong. It’s dangerous.

Don’t worry. It was just something I overheard. Sophia spun in a slow circle. Pass?

"Gorty, Luna beamed, using one of their secret words. You look great in anything. Leezards was another one of their favorites. It stood for leaping lizards," a phrase they’d picked up from Saturday morning cartoons.

Sophia frowned. Nope. Not gorgeous. Or pretty. The shoulders make me look too broad. She tried on a jean jacket instead but didn't like it any better. I can never decide. Let’s face it. I’m hopeless, she said.

You’re lucky you don’t have to wear a uniform.

At least you don’t get judged for what you are or aren’t wearing. Sophia had been the new girl for a month now. Barely anyone had spoken to her. It was getting old, feeling like it would stay that way forever. She’d moved enough times to know the score. Fitting in is hard enough without bringing fashion into the picture. Every school has its own rules. Sophia began to put her hair into a ponytail. She changed her mind and put on a green hairband instead.

Easier isn’t always better, Luna said, laughing. There’s a lot to be said for being unique.

Says the girl who can turn into a snake or any other animal she chooses whenever and wherever she likes, Sophia replied. Not to mention, appear and disappear at will.

Luna didn’t take the bait. She never did. Your problem is that you don’t have any confidence in yourself, Luna said. "You don’t know how special you really are."

Is that so?

Yes, Luna said. Don’t give up. Before long, you’ll have more friends than you know what to do with.

They both knew that wasn’t true. Luna had witnessed her many social disasters. There was no reason why this school should be any different.

You never know, Luna said kindly. I have a good feeling about this city.

A no-nonsense knock on the bedroom door barely preceded its opening. Sophia’s mother rushed into the room. She was as tall as she was wide, but that didn't slow her down. Even at this early hour, she was already showered, dressed, and carefully accessorized. She carried a fresh pile of laundry in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Bean, it’s time to get up— She yelped, clutching her heart with a plump hand. Her eyes were on her daughter’s bed. The black snake was back on the bed where Luna had just been sitting.

Sophia Violet Meriweather, her mom scolded. So help me, you will be the death of me yet. If that thing won’t stay in its cage, it has to go.

Sophia snuck a peek to make sure her real snake's terrarium was still covered. Her mother couldn't see that he was still sleeping inside. She picked up the snake on her bed. Winding it around her arm, she cooed at it. Aw, my sweet widdle snakey. It flicked its tongue at her, clearly annoyed. Ha! She deserves it. Thanks to what they called the nowyouseeme rule, Luna’s protective instinct kicked in at super speed. Without thinking, when Humans appeared, she changed into an animal quicker than Sophia could blink. Sophia enjoyed using it against her. It was payback for all the silly pranks Luna liked to play on her.

I swear, between talking to your pets and that invisible friend of yours, her mother harrumphed.

Mom, I haven’t mentioned Luna in years, Sophia said. She wasn’t stupid. She’d figured it out long ago; since there was no way to explain Luna, it was best to keep her mouth shut.

Maybe, her mother said. But I swear I can still hear you in here talking to yourself sometimes. When you were four, it was cute. But now? It’s not healthy, honey.

Sophia groaned. She’d heard this a million times. Once, when she was seven, her mom had even offered to pay her twenty dollars to admit Luna wasn’t real. Sophia had refused, but she’d gotten the message. As far as her parents were concerned, Luna didn’t exist. I gotta go, Mom, she said. I’m late.

Exactly my point. Chop, chop, Bean. Her mother studied Sophia’s jean jacket and frowned, handing her a blue hoodie from the top of the pile of laundry instead. Sophia dutifully changed.

Do you need any refills for your meds? her mother asked, absently picking them up off the floor. Looks like we’re in for a heavy pollen season.

Maybe I should stay home from school this year, Sophia said.

Don’t be smart, her mother scowled. I finally got your father to settle down so you could finish high school in the same place. Don’t give him an excuse to change his mind.

Sophia put on her dark glasses and a gold pendant on a chain. It was in the shape of a bumblebee, with two polished amethysts for eyes. She pressed open its wings to reveal a small watch inside. It had never worked, stuck forever at 12:55, but it was still her favorite piece of jewelry. She’d been wearing it on the day she was adopted. Her birth parents were dead. No one knew how or where or whatever. The necklace was all she had left from them. She quickly checked to make sure her mother wasn’t looking and swept the crystal from under her pillow into her backpack.

A rumbling boom sounded somewhere in the distance, and the floor bounced beneath her. The bottles on her dresser tinkled gently. Whoa, Sophia cried. Another one?

Gas released in the subway, her mom said, That’s what your father says, anyway.

There’d been unexplained explosions earlier in the week too. No one knew what was causing them. Well, no one legit. It was all just everyone guessing. "My