Evie

"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Evie

### Age

13 (Season 1 and Season 2)
14 (Season 3-onwards)

### Family

Opal (mother)
Anderson (father)
Mya (girlfriend)

### Sexuality

Lesbian

"*I was." [...] "I was* really *blind to it, though I'm an* expert *at perceiving emotions... it's* crazy *how things change so quickly and you've yet to see what your destiny can be like...*"
—Evie to Mya, *Winter Storm Arising*

**Evie Ophelia Ly** is one of the five main protagonists of *The Adventures of Evie and Mya*. She is is the girlfriend of Mya and openly identifies as a lesbian.

## Appearance

Evie is medium-size and has a strong, muscular frame with well-defined muscle in her arms. Her skin is a pale shade of cream, broken up on her cheeks by a set of darker freckles, and her hair is jet-black and shoulder-length. Her eyes are a deep, dark holly-green.

Evie's original outfit was a dark gray sweater with darker gray stripes around the collar, sleeves, and bottom, dark blue jeans, and black boots. In Season 2, this changes to a red letterman with a striped red-and-white collar, white trimming on the bottom, and white sleeves. Her jeans are now a paler blue and have rips in the middle, and her shoes are a pair of red Converses that match her letterman. For Season 3, Evie wears a yellow t-shirt with black polka dots, the ripped jeans from Season 2, and the black boots from Season 1. As of *Warbringer*, the left sleeve of the shirt is torn in several places and has jagged edges.

## History

### Season 1

#### *Prologue*

"*But something different happened with [Mya]. She wasn't blocking her or seeking out a way to harm her. Instead, she had floated peacefully over to her, connected to her, and bonded to her in a way that made Evie glow.*"
—Evie wanting to be friends with Mya

Evie Ly is a ten-year-old-girl who has an intelligent, honest, and introverted personality, watched closely by her strict mother; aside from her mother's strictness, she lives a relatively normal life. However, her day at Pinelake Park reading her book is interrupted when she hears a girl scream, and finding a young girl in peril at the hands of three other kids, she intervenes. Evie successfully scares the bullies off and comes to greet the girl, and they part on friendly terms. Despite this, the girl accidentally kicks her ball into the side of Evie's head, and fearing she upset her, she chastises herself. Evie, softening, opens up to the girl, who in turn encourages her to have a bigger social life. They become fast friends, and the other girl introduces herself as Mya. Quickly, Evie grows fond of her. Three years later, both Evie and Mya are best friends for life, each now thirteen, and they have a relaxed, snuggly day at Pinelake Park.

#### *Meeting Winter*

"*Because life is never fair." [...] "Life is harsh. Life doesn't give us the opportunity to catch our breath. As humans, we find the strength to go on. Rise up. Be stronger. It's a cycle that has been going for years. We may not get what we always want, but hey... it'll work out in the end if we just give it a try.*"
—Evie to the strange girl on life

Not long after their snuggly day at Pinelake Park, Evie and Mya play a very high-stakes game of *Candy Land*, with Mya ending up being the victor. On suggestion from Mya's mother, Nita, they head out to Pinelake Park and get enveloped in conversation. As Evie begins to tell Mya of something that happened recently, however, she notices Mya's eyes upon a strange girl at the park; Mya insists that she looks gloomy and needs cheering up. Her friend is concerned that this will backfire, but goes along with her plan anyway, wanting to back her friend. In the end, Evie proves to be correct, as the girl gives them a death glare and snaps at them to stay away from her. While she believes everything is said and done, Mya discovers the photo the girl was holding and desires to learn more about her to help her. Unable to say no despite her reservations about borderline stalking the stranger, Evie agrees with Mya, heading into the Piney Woods with her. They stumble upon the girl's cabin, stunning Evie, but she becomes worried when Mya meanders inside. She dissuades her from touching the stranger's things, but before both girls can escape, the stranger returns and furiously confronts them.

Evie and Mya both fear they will be murdered by the girl, who is armed with the pocket knife and has a poisonous temper. Despite the odds, Mya breaks into the girl's outer layer by being respectful of her privacy as well as granting her photo back, buying her and Evie time. They continue to convince the girl that they aren't enemies and that everything is merely a misunderstanding. With Evie's help, Mya diffuses the ticking time bomb in the girl, and both lend her comfort when she breaks down over her lack of parents. After more confrontation, the stranger backs down and locks the girls in, agreeing to repay their shocking kindness by telling them about who she is. She introduces herself as Winter, telling them of her background, and although they annoy her here and there, Evie and Mya are both remarkably supportive and commend Winter for her survivor instinct and personality traits. She decides to let the girls into her life, and upon learning they are students of Pineshadow Middle School, she agrees to walk to school with them on Monday. However, the walk descends into horror when school bully Daniela shows up, harassing all three girls; Evie and Mya are concerned by how Daniela becomes far more antagonistic towards Winter than them. When Rex arrives and halts the fight, Winter has already left, leaving Evie and Mya in confusion. Meanwhile, Winter longs to tell the girls of her secrets one day.

#### *Daze Runners*

"*Definitely. I... I can't thank you enough for holding onto me, the way you did... you're so... so... beautiful, to me.*"
—Evie telling Mya that she's beautiful

In math class on an early morning, Evie and Mya finish up their work and quietly read a book before the end of class. After leaving, they run into Rex, who reveals that they're on Office Aide duty early, as their shifts were moved up because of a circumstance the principal does not disclose. They engage in their duties, secretly irking Daniela, who wants to get revenge on them for supposedly stealing her position. Things go by as planned for Evie and Mya until Daniela interrupts early on, but thanks to Evie swiftly blocking Daniela from attacking Mya, both girls escape unscathed. Daniela is pissed, swearing more revenge on the two. The day progresses, and Evie and Mya work hard on additional tasks, soon being down to their last task, obtaining items for art teacher Mr. Alann in the supply closet. Daniela takes advantage of being the principal's daughter and tricks Rex into believing she's turned over a new leaf, grabbing the closet key and locking both girls inside. Infuriated, Evie vows to give everything to break them out, and noticing she's on the cusp of a mental breakdown, Mya grows worried.

Eventually, she stops a worn Evie from trying to physically break the door down, and in tears, Evie confesses that she fears her mother's wrath if Daniela tarnishes her and Mya's reputation. Mya soothes her, promising that no such thing will happen. Soon, both girls are rescued by Henry, a student Daniela had tormented earlier, and he gives them the leeway needed to foil Daniela's plot. Despite their testimony, Rex takes Daniela's side and strips the girls of their position. Neither of the girls refuse to surrender, nearly succeeding in exposing her deceptiveness, but she flees in a panic. Henry stops her, plucking the key from Daniela's back pocket - effectively proving Evie and Mya never lied in the first place - and Rex immediately reinstates their positions. The school day ends, and Evie and Mya joyfully embrace each other outside before heading their separate ways.

#### *Stalker*

"*Make [Aiden]* know *who you* are*! Show him that you're* fearless*! You're* intrepid*! Take a leap of* faith*!*"
—Evie urging Winter to tell Aiden the truth about herself

Evie meets up with Mya on a frosty school morning, and they walk in, happily greeting Winter (who has switched her periods to be with them) in the gym. Their conversation with her is interrupted by the arrival of Aiden, a shy, but kindhearted male student who takes a liking to Winter, much to her discomfort. Later, Evie and Mya share a pleasant talk with each other and amongst their tablemates, twins Evelin and Sarah. When class ends, they meet an irritated Winter, who expresses her disgust that Aiden followed her to class and pestered her. Both don't really see a problem, but advise her to be gentle and considerate. However, Winter's point about Aiden rapidly becomes emphasized in math, when he is revealed to have switched his periods as well; Evie and Mya jointly believe things are still fine until Aiden's obsessive, nonstop mooning over Winter gets out of hand, and Evie orders him to stop. Nonetheless, this doesn't deter Aiden from pushing Winter to her very limits, and Evie and Mya begin to realize that the new boy is a major problem. Upon seeing him unintentionally harassing a fed-up Winter, they drive him away, allowing Winter to go home and catch a break. Out of earshot, the two admit that Aiden has a crush on their friend.

Later, Winter calls for an emergency meeting between her, Evie, and Mya, and the latter two become sick when they hear that Aiden stalked Winter all the way to her cabin and gave her a tell-all card. Reluctantly, both inform her that he's crushing on her, mortifying her, as she is a lesbian and can't feel physical attraction to men. She refuses to come out to him and tell him off, fearing he'll spill her secret to the entire school and ruin her entire life, but despite Evie and Mya's insistence that no such thing will happen, Winter is adamant and angrily snaps that she is always living in a nightmare. It is here that they give up on trying to persuade her, instead reassuring her that she will be alright, and she sleeps soundly that night. The next day, Evie and Mya share worry over Winter's erratic behavior in science, and after she is pulled against a wall by Aiden, they are sickened and fear for the worst. The worst ends up happening; Aiden asks Winter out publicly, in the process humiliating her. She cracks and runs off, leaving Evie and Mya behind, and they resolve to help her. When the school day ends, they pay her a visit at her cabin, letting her vent about what happened. Once again, the girls urge her to come out to him, but Winter remains adamant that she shouldn't because of her own personal safety. Seeing that she's on the verge of breaking down again, Evie and Mya relent and treat her with a snow day to calm her down.

While this works at first, Aiden arrives and throws Evie and Mya off in a fit of rage, wanting Winter to love him and love him only. Mya, concerned for Winter's safety, attempts to intervene, but Evie makes a tactical decision and tells her to stand pat - this is a lesson Winter must learn without their intervention. Things come to a head when Winter is close to backing into an uncovered sewer hole, putting her life in danger; observing that Aiden does not intend on giving up, Evie and Mya strongly encourage Winter to take a leap of faith and tell Aiden about who she is, though she is hesitant. It is only when they make her realize he doesn't have the same motive as Daniela that Winter speaks out, and Aiden, regretful, saves her from falling. He apologizes to her, Evie, and Mya, explaining how he recently moved to Pineshadow and his struggle to make acquaintances. The girls link him to people who he ends up befriending, and Winter thinks of her friendship with Evie and Mya as something real.

#### *Ex-Girlfriend*

"*Mya and I aren't angry with you, or upset, and we most certainly don't want to* abandon *you. We* don't *do that kind of malarkey. And even then, you're* not *Daniela! You don't lust for* evil *and plot to bully others in the cover of night! Winter, you're a* wonderful*,* beautiful*, fluid person, and what Daniela did - or you being romantic with her in the past - will* **never change** *our friendship with you.*"
—Evie assuring Winter that she and Mya won't abandon her for loving Daniela in the past

Evie and Mya are excitedly discussing their English assignment when they notice Winter running late. She soon arrives, but is very tired, and her demeanor is made worse when Daniela embarrasses her to the whole class. Worried, Evie and Mya discuss her behavior at lunch, figuring out that something is wrong. Winter continues behaving erratically throughout the day, and when it ends, they try to speak to her outside. Instead, Winter snaps at her friends, but quickly apologizes, lying that she'll talk about what's going on later. Evie and Mya do not pursue her and let her go home, unaware that Winter is hiding a secret from them: her ex-girlfriend is Daniela. Later, Evie is working on a Vietnamese language practice for her mother, but becomes sidetracked with ongoing concern for Winter. Winter then texts her, wanting to hang out, and Evie meets her at an intersection. She senses something amiss, but doesn't pry, and the two pick up Mya at her house. Mya, akin to Evie, senses something wrong, and when Winter accidentally experiences a nightmare trying to escape from her rising panic, they prompt her on what's going on.

In fear, Winter runs away from them in tears, vowing to never tell them, or else, they'll disown her. Evie and Mya aren't that deterred, however, and each promise infinite support and love for Winter no matter what. Realizing that they are genuine, Winter stops running and decides to come clean, inviting them to her cabin and finally giving the girls access to the contents of her sacred box: ten vital memories. She describes each and every one in detail to Evie and Mya, who share the same awe and melancholy as her; although Winter is scared to share the tenth photo to the girls, they urge her to do so. Through it, they learn her villainous ex is Daniela, but in sharp contrast to her fears, they proudly accept her and distinguish her from the vile person Daniela is. They promise to always be by her side, and relieved, Winter declares them her best friends and warmly hugs them.

#### *Dancing in the Dark*

"*Stay* **away** *from Mya." [...] "You want the* truth*? It wasn't* my fault *Mya went in Cracklog. I followed her because* **I never wanted her to get herself injured***.* Killed*, even! You'd think I'd let my friend go alone? You'd think I'd let you* blame her *for something she very clearly understands was a* mistake*? You're wrong, mom. You should be* happy *we're* **alive***, not trying to* **humiliate** *my* best friend *in front of* her parents*.*"
—Evie admonishing her mother for attacking Mya

Evie is relaxing on the sofa with her cat, Holly, when it occurs to her that she is on dishes duty for the day. She completes them, accompanied by Holly, and is approached by her parents, who reveal that they're invited on a picnic with Mya and her family. Unable to refuse such an exciting offer, Evie expresses her excitement on going and is satisfied to see her mother being more lenient with her. At the picnic place, Geiger Heights, Evie has just settled when she is surprised by Mya, and when the picnic is set up, the girls grab their food and sit nearby. They tease each other lightly, and Mya encourages Evie to explore the local forest with her, unaware that she has her sights set on a distant manor. They receive permission to explore from all their parents, though Evie's mother, Opal, is very wary and reminds her daughter to not end up in trouble.

The girls set off, and while everything is elating and swimmingly at first, Evie feels her fun sinking when Mya leads her to the dilapidated Cracklog Manor; when her friend wishes to explore it, she outright refuses, as the place is a historical landmark and exploring it would be breaking and entering, specifically what her mother asked her not to do. Although she sees Evie's critical points, Mya remains insistent on exploring Cracklog Manor, and finally, her friend caves, but only out of fear of her dying. Inside Cracklog, the place is run down and continually triggers anxiety in Evie, including her intense anxiety around spiders. After Mya pushes her past her limit, she loses it and harshly scolds her for putting them in danger, being reckless, and potentionally getting them in trouble with her mother - who is bound to split them up for this.

Evie cares little for Mya's reaction, seeking a way out of Cracklog Manor, but finds the doors have locked. Distressed, she runs upstairs and encloses herself in a room, while Mya does the same in another room, hurt but realizing that her best friend was right. Evie feels guilt for going off on Mya, knowing it had to happen, but fearing she went too far, she resolves to reconcile with her. Despite the door being locked, hearing Mya's plain longing for her and shouts across the room hardens her resolve, and she breaks down and Mya's doors with ease. Mya is relieved to see her, but in her haste to greet Evie, she trips, causing both girls to fall and accidentally kiss. Evie brushes it off as nothing to a flustered Mya, heading down the stairs with her, but they run into the homeowner. Evie clarifies their actions, though to the dismay of the girls, they are personally escorted back to their parents. Each are scolded, and Evie is especially scolded by her mother, who is furious at her disobedience. She then sharply admonishes Mya for leading Evie astray, and horrified, the latter grows livid. Having had enough of Mya being tortured, she defies her mother and protects her, chastising Opal for being too unforgiving.

Opal relents in apology. Evie and Mya bid farewell to each other afterward, with each becoming sappy and affectionate and wishing each other well. Evie then departs, and Mya, her gaze lingering on her friend, slowly comes to realize that she didn't regret the kiss and has real, romantic feelings for Evie.

#### *There's Something About Mya*

"*From every strand of your auburn hair, to your smooth, dainty skin, to those hearts in your leaf-green eyes, to your neat chin and petite cheekbones, to your relaxed shoulders, and above all, your heart... you're beautiful, Mya. The most beautiful person I've ever met. Keep illuminating the blights on this earth the way you do, bring everyone joy and positivity, get back up, try again, and never stop doing what you do. You're dancing with the universe. As you're off kissing a boy or a girl... I will be with you as you are the sun in my life.*"
—Evie firmly accepting Mya being bisexual

Mya, after returning home from Cracklog Manor, realizes in a panic that she is deeply in love with Evie and identifies as queer. This dilemma plagues her for the rest of the day, and just as she attempts to sleep everything off, Evie messages her, asking if she wants a day at the park tomorrow. Flustered and anxious, she struggles to respond and instead accidentally sends Evie a gibberish-filled message, much to her amusement. Nevertheless, Mya agrees, but by the next morning, she is still incredibly nervous and is in a constant uphill battle to restrain her feelings for Evie. The latter begins to suspect that something is off, but shrugs it off, and she and Mya go on their walk to the park. Throughout the walk, Mya cannot help herself and keeps mooning over her best friend, zoning out whilst thinking of the possibilities; Evie grows more suspicious, yet respects her friend's privacy. They race across the road to Pinelake Park, and caught up in a moment, Mya's impulses get the better of her. She tries to kiss Evie, only for Evie to snap her out of it, and with horror, she insists on being alone in order to get a hold of her thoughts. Evie accepts, and the two sit at a distance from each other.

Eventually, Mya settles down, admiring Evie from afar. Calming down, they sit together, and the day goes by as originally planned. Later, at dinner, Mya is overwhelmed when her parents begin discussing the girls' day out and Evie in general, making her well with panic until she snaps. She runs off, humiliated by her feelings for Evie and fear of coming out, and she decides to vent to Winter, who fully understands her and gives her relieving advice. With it, Mya recognizes her bisexuality and comes out to her parents, sharing her feelings for Evie. Both her mother and father support her, expressing their pride in her. A day later, Mya takes the day off from Evie to let her feelings recede, and she tells her former crush, Benji, of her crush on Evie - he is not shocked, having always expected the two to be an actual couple. After her call is finished with him, Mya is horrified to learn from her parents that Evie is coming over for dinner, believing it is far too soon to be around Evie. Reluctantly, she vows to not disappoint; when Evie arrives, Mya manages to keep her cool. However, things take a turn for the worse at dinner, as Mya's parents and Evie all talk about subjects pertaining to her. Slowly, Mya cracks until she snaps at everyone to stop, running away out of sheer embarassment and sobbing in her room.

Evie quickly joins her, worried she has driven her friend away and fearing for her, and Mya asserts that if she tells her the truth, she'll lose her. Through a rough, but gentle argument, Evie manages to soothe Mya, and the latter finally realizes that her friend will not turn her away for being queer. Gaining control over her feelings, Mya confides that she is bisexual, the notion stemming from their accidental kiss; she omits the fact that Evie is her crush. Evie is overjoyed, promising to always support Mya and calling her beautiful. The girls joyously snuggle together, and unbeknownst to herself, Evie begins to reciprocate Mya's feelings for her.

#### *She's Plotting Something*

"*Unlike* you*, I was* born *with dignity and* honor*. Unlike you, I didn't* taint my name *in* infamy*. Whatever I do, I will* **NOT LET YOU HURT MY FRIENDS***!*"
—Evie vowing to stop Daniela

Evie walks to school with Mya, eagerly hearing of her night out with Winter. Upon entering, they both notice Rex in distress in the office, becoming distressed themselves when they fail to see Winter in her typical spot on the bleachers. An unsuccessful inquiry involving Evelin and Sarah turns up nothing, and adding to the girls' woes, they discover that Daniela - usually a perfect student - is absent as well. No matter how many inquiries the girls launch, Winter and Daniela aren't found, nor are any of the two are located, and gunning for ideas, Evie proposes searching Winter's cabin. She and Mya head there, startled to find the door unlocked, and together, the two investigate to the interior. What they discover is startling - Winter is completely missing, her regular clothes left behind and her bed messily tossed aside - and there is seemingly a patch of her blood on the floor. Mya is confident Winter has been kidnapped, even suggesting that Daniela was the kidnapper, which Evie is sickened by, but she knows that Mya does have merit in her claim. After some deliberation, she agrees with Mya's proposition of speaking to Rex.

Just then, they hear footsteps and hide, horrified to see Daniela approach the cabin and effectively confirm that she has kidnapped Winter. Once she leaves, Evie and Mya emerge and get to safety. The next day, they consult Rex after school ends, and tearfully, she reveals her association with Winter and everything she has done to get her to where she is now. Evie and Mya are sympathetic, thanking her for the information, and with her tip of a potential hideout of Daniela's, the girls head to it. There, they find Winter, but not before they are knocked out and bound to support poles in the hideout by rope. Daniela quickly reveals herself to them, gradually explaining her motives to her hostages and taking much time to belittle them, especially Winter, whom she allows to speak after removing the gag in her mouth. Evie and Mya become mortified when Daniela declares her intention to kill Winter, as well as them, and scramble to find a way to escape after she leaves to let them say their goodbyes. Evie chooses not to waste her strength on the ropes, fearing Daniela's wrath, but luckily, she and Winter get a break when Mya loosens her restraints. She frees Winter, who in turn frees Evie, but before they can escape, Daniela returns. A vicious confrontation soon ensues, and Evie grows irate when Daniela winds Mya, but she is swiftly overpowered, leaving Winter defenseless.

Evie is unable to stand and fight due to the impact on her hipbones, but is able to text Rex and inform her of what's going on. Just as Winter believes she is going to be murdered, Mya, to Evie's terror, lunges in front of Daniela and deflects the killing blow with her shoulder. She rises back up, turning the tables on her bully and protecting Winter, which makes Evie heavily admire her. The heroism is in vain, however, as Daniela retakes control and prepares to end Winter's life a second time. Despite coming close, Rex arrives and drags her fuming daughter away from the girls. Evie embraces Mya, worriedly checking over her but relieved to see she is alright; she feels her feelings for her friend strengthen. She then encourages Winter to eat dinner at Mya's house for the night.

#### *The Party*

"*How could I have been so stupid to not see it before? I was in love with Mya. These feelings, this affection... it feels right.*"
—Evie realizing her feelings for Mya

Evie, Mya, and Winter attend the school's pep rally, where they are informed of a party meant to celebrate the end of winter. Each is excited to attend, including Winter, who finally feels like she can go out into the world and be happy again. Mya continually teases Evie over her lack of a fancy outfit, but she brushes it off, wanting to wear casual attire; she is excited at the idea of what her friend will wear. The next day, the girls greet Winter, and at lunch, learn they are on the party roster while Daniela is exempt because of her murder attempt and other atrocities. They celebrate, but for Evie and Mya, their triumph is short-lived. Upon school letting out for the day, they overhear Rex accosting a vindictive Daniela in the office, and they watch in horror as she successfully blackmails Rex into letting her into the party to keep her job and Winter's secrets protected. Both catch up to Winter and reluctantly break the news to her, but refusing to believe Rex - someone who has safeguarded her for so long - would give up and risk her safety to appease Daniela, she stalks off, leaving Evie and Mya at a dead end.

Later, the girls have failed to reach out to Winter. Evie sits on her porch, awaiting Mya and thinking about what her party outfit will be like. Mya then shows up, and Evie is taken aback by the beauty of her outfit, even more so when her friend admits that she purchased it knowing she would admire it. It is here that Evie is flooded with warmth and new feelings, one of which she recognizes as love, and she finally realizes that she is in love with Mya. The two embrace, dying to profess and seal the deal, but they put it off to get to the party and save Winter from Daniela. At the school, they probe their friends, but find no leads. Unfortunately, they are too late, and Winter screams from the bottom level of the cafeteria, captured by Daniela.

#### *Winter Storm Arising*

"*I love you, my flower crown goddess. I always will.*"
—Evie after she shares her first kiss with Mya

Evie, Mya, and their friends watch Winter be attacked and berated by Daniela, powerless to do anything; both will their friend to fight and find their strength, but Winter is in a complete emotional freefall and unable to meet her ex's challenges. After exposing all of Winter's lies and secrets and stabbing her in the shoulder with her own knife, Daniela orders her to run away and never come back. Despite Evie and Mya's silent pleas for her to stay and fight back, Winter runs, and the girls prepare to do everything in their power to retrieve their friend and put at end to Daniela's schemes. Evie decides to fight Daniela herself, knowing she will eventually lose but hoping she'll buy Mya enough time to rally Winter and return her. She and Mya have one last heartfelt embrace before she leaps onto a railing and goads Daniela into a confrontation, enabling Mya to escape and search for Winter.

True to Evie's prediction, her exhaustion proves to be her downfall, and Daniela overpowers her, preparing to do away with her once and for all. However, just when Evie fears she will die a disappointment to her crush and mother, Mya appears with an outraged, stoic Winter, who vows to resonate and defeat Daniela. They get into a fight, which ends in Daniela's demise and subsequent arrest by police. Evie and Mya rejoice with Winter and meet up with their parents, and Evie is delighted that both of her parents, her mother included, are proud of her. She also congratulates Winter on being adopted by Mya's parents and celebrates her new hero status. Days later, the girls have become recognized local heroes. They chat with each other in the grasses of Pinelake Park, and sensing romantic tension between Evie and Mya, Winter turns herself in for the night. The two girls cilmb into their tree, discussing life and how they've grown, and finally professing their undying love for each other, Evie and Mya share their first kiss. They do so again, transitioning to making out under the moonlight, both feeling ready for whatever challenge lies ahead.

### Season 2

#### *The New Principal*

"*This so called principal is preventing those who are gay from being gay!" [...] "Her reason that it's a 'distraction' is just stupid! Since when has anyone had an issue?*"
—Evie on Shetani's rule

Evie and Mya sit in the branches of their favorite tree, and Evie comments that it is a perfect time to enjoy the sunshine. Mya brings up that they'll be meeting their new principal tomorrow, and both their minds drift off to the previous one, Rex. Evie recommends to wait and see, thinking that the new principal will be no different than Rex and will allow same-sex relationships. When Mya mentions Amira, she believes that the girl moved, and then tells her girlfriend that she has to leave. As Mya watches Evie head off, she shares a loving glance with her, noting that nothing will get in their way. The next day, Evie paces outside the school entrance, waiting for Mya and Winter to show up. She watches cars pass by in the sunshine, and suddenly, someone says boo behind her. Whipping around, Evie finds Mya and Winter, faking being annoyed that she was startled. Shortly after heading inside, the trio head into ELA class, where Mrs. Ikenna awkwardly reveals that they're on pep rally schedule. Evie questions why this is the case, and Mya thinks the new principal coming in must be very important.

Later, in Mr. Naecher's history class, Evie quietly complains about the Scottish overhead announcer. As the class walks down to the cafeteria, Winter whispers into Evie's ear, believing that the meeting will be boring, though she is skeptical. They sit down at a cafeteria table, and Evie holds Mya's hand as Vice Principal Bluelund begins her introductory speech. When she promises that the new principal will be excellent, the trio are eager to find out who she is. She makes her debut, introducing herself as Principal Shetani. She is happy to see the students in the cafeteria, and Evie happily exclaims that they got the good one, high-fiving Mya and Winter. When Shetani begins naming three new rules, Evie is not bothered by the first two, but then Shetani announces that no LGBTQ+ relationships will be allowed. Evie pauses, freezing, repeating "no relationships" internally, and attempts to reassure Mya that they'll be okay.

Upon the bell ringing, Evie, Mya, and Winter rush out of school as fast as they can. They hold an emergency meeting at Pinelake Park, and Evie furiously complains about the LGBTQ+ rule. Mya and Winter express their disappointment as well. Amira then joins them, and Winter, feeling slightly better, explains that their day hasn't entirely been the best. Amira shares her unlucky event, getting a scratch on her face, and Evie mentions that she got a better day than they did. After a few minutes, Mya says they should go home, and Evie agrees with her. She is concerned about them being accused of dating for simply holding hands, but they reassure each other that everything will be fine.

#### *Stacking the Rules*

"*Well, that's one thing we can't challenge right now. There's a limit for trouble and rebellion - and in this case, we shouldn't risk it, knowing what she can do to us. But what we got today is a victory.*"
—Evie to Winter on Shetani's rules

Evie and Mya are working in art class when they overhear two people arguing outside, and Evie notes that it doesn't sound good. When Mr. Alann reveals that it is Shetani and deaf student Cassandra, the two instantly worry, and Evie notes that Cassandra really shouldn't be pushed around. Much to her shock, she hears Shetani say that there will be new rules, and she instantly dreads going to her other classes. Later, Evie and Mya, along with Winter, take their seats in the lab section of Mr. Gill's science class, but before they can do anything, Shetani bans students from leaving the class at any point of the day. The trio think they can last through the day perfectly fine, but Shetani later announces a shocking rule during history class - no dyed hair. Evie and Mya stare at Winter, who begins to snap, in stunned silence. Mr. Naecher stands beside Winter, and Evie is relieved that someone has finally agreed with them.

She rallies her classmates, stating that the new rules are unfair, especially the no LGBTQ+ relationship rule, and they side with her. As Mr. Naecher prepares to continue teaching his lesson, Shetani suddenly busts into the room, demanding for Winter, laying her eyes on her, Mya, and Evie. Evie and Mya watch in disbelief as Winter is dragged out the door, and they are unsure of what they can do. After the bell rings, they run out of school, and encounter an irritated Winter beside a brick pillar. She reveals to them that Shetani hit her, told her that her hair was a disgrace, and pauses. Evie asks what she did next, and Winter reveals that the principal uttered a homophobic slur behind her back, much to the ire of Mya. Evie says that she's heard enough, and that it's time to take action. She plans for them to challenge Shetani directly in her office tomorrow, and they will make sure she revokes her rules, ending what she said to Winter. With her girlfriend and best friend agreeing, she comments that Shetani better be prepared for their "sensational standoff."

At the end of eighth period the next day, the three head into Shetani's office, and Evie greets her. They begin talking about the rules and how they are unfair, and Shetani revokes the first rule she implemented before ordering them to get out. Instead, Evie strides forward, demanding that she remove the rule about dyed hair and apologize to Winter for what she said, but Shetani denies that she uttered a homophobic slur. When Mya snaps at Shetani for her selfishness and beliefs, Evie silently comments to herself that Mya is the wisecracker she loves. After Shetani forces them out once she complies with their demands, Evie celebrates while praising Winter, and adds that what they got today is a victory. Shetani watches from afar, promising to make sure the girls bend to her will hardcore as they walk off. Evie finds Cassandra leaned up against the fence, and they greet her happily. Soon after, Evie says that they should go home, with her wanting to check her YouTube notifications, and Mya and Winter slowly follow her.

#### *Shocking Secret*

"*Anyways. We now know what we're dealing with. We have to find a way to stop Shetani from taking over everything - and to get Amira out of her living situation.*"
—Evie to Mya and Winter

Winter notes that she wanted to see someone other than Evie or Mya at Pinelake Park. When Amira joins her, she reveals that she, her sister, and friend manage to revoke Shetani's unorthodox rules. At her house, Evie sits with Mya, romantically saying that it's just them and grasping her hand. Mya comments that she's being sweet, as her exterior is notably tough, and she leans over to kiss Evie. However, Winter unintentionally interrupts them, and Evie blushes embarrassingly, asking how her day was with Amira. She reveals that Amira wasn't thrilled about going home and she's curious to find out why, and Evie, thoughtful, advises her to wait and see. She points out that they had a similar situation with Mya, who laughs and tells her girlfriend to go home. The next day, Evie scribbles on a notepad at Pinelake Park, noting what Shetani has banned at school. Amira joins them, but oddly enough, she is unemotional and quiet, and Evie investigates. She cuts off her greeting in shock upon seeing her face, which is dappled with bruises and has a scar stretching from her cheek to her chin. She then worriedly asks Amira what happened, but she refuses to talk about it, concerning Winter.

She only states that she's just clumsier, though Winter is skeptical, as she wasn't like that before or in Evie and Mya's story. A car horn honks, and Amira unhappily says that she has to leave, making Winter express her suspicions to her sister and friend. When Amira's aunt confronts her niece, she spits that she shouldn't be hanging around those freaks at the park, referring to Evie, Mya, and Winter. When Mya and Winter follow Amira back to her house, they discover that Shetani is her aunt, and after a while, they leave to report their findings to Evie. Once she hears their news, she is noted to look as if she traveled to various dimensions while also muttering to herself. Evie speaks up clearl, mentioning every one of Shetani's acts so far and spitting out a sentence in Vietnamese. After a brief conversation between Mya and Winter, Evie states that they now know what they're dealing with, and with that, they need to find a way to stop Shetani and rescue Amira.

#### *Unbroken Love*

"*No, Winter. You can't expose yourself to Shetani by following Amira. Go home,* now*, and get ready for school! Your education matters.*"
—Evie stopping Winter from following Amira

Evie relaxes outside her house with Mya, and she reassures the latter that clouds won't block the sun. She then mentions that she's been wanting to do something, telling her it's a surprise and that she needs to turn around. Without warning, Evie springs onto Mya, who is surprised, and she claims that it's great to have some fun in the sun. She then kisses her, and the two continue to relax on the grass. The next day, when Mya finds Winter is missing, she runs to Evie's house and pounds on her door. Evie soon appears, asking what's going on, and she is caught up on the news. She gets ready, confused and worried that Winter was kidnapped by Shetani or Daniela, but dismisses that happening.

They rush off to Pinelake Park, looking everywhere, but having no luck. Just after entering the Piney Woods, Mya suddenly points to two figures on the ground - Amira and Winter sleeping together - and Evie realizes that there is no explanation needed for what they're doing. Both are woken up, and Winter immediately exclaims that it's not what they think. Evie tells her to relax, promising they won't get hurt, but she knows that this is a relationship. Winter, giving into them, confirms this, and Mya tells them to go home. Winter tries to follow Amira, but Evie holds her back, not wanting her to expose herself to Shetani and miss school. At school, Evie mutters that Winter is going to be late, but when she arrives, she comments that it's good she's here.

#### *Rushing Roulette*

"*Mom... I know you acted tough around me when I came out to you as a lesbian... But you accepted my relationship with Mya. You push me to the highest standards as a tiger parent, and I always satisfy you! I push myself to the brink to please you! And now you're grounding me* **for saving those I love***? I don't get what's gotten into you!*"
—Evie justifying her actions

Evie yawns, stretching and wanting to go out. Knowing she wants to see Mya, she gets dressed, wanting to have some fun with her girlfriend. She grabs her satchel and heads to the door, but finds her parents stopping her, questioning what's happening. Her father reveals that the Heartleys don't want her to come over today, puzzling Evie, who notes that seeing Mya has been a longtime norm. The doorbell rings, and Evie powers forward, expecting Mya, but she instead barrels into Winter. She begins to inquire as to what's up, but Winter cuts her off, frantically stating that Mya is missing. Shocked, she asks if that's true, which she confirms, and she then adds that she hasn't found any leads. Evie whirls around, demanding why her parents didn't tell her, and her mother counters that Mya is strong. Recalling that she is moreover sensitive, she snaps that she's not dumb and that she is not calming down until she finds her girlfriend. Her parents try to calm her down, but Evie spits that she's doing this solo, not wanting Mya to get hurt. Winter wants to come along as well, and Evie allows her to, not wishing to turn away her best friend.

At Pinelake Park, a despondent Evie urges Winter to give up calling for Mya, and while her friend tries to reassure her, she stammers that she'll go to the ends of the earth for Mya and will find her. Winter notes that she is unusually snappy and hasty, and she would break if messed with the wrong way. She suggests sitting by the step and discussing further, and Evie grumbles in agreement. She worries that Shetani or even Daniela took Mya, but she is calmed down, realizing that Winter has a point. She rules out Shetani or Daniela, then sees they have no other suspects. Suddenly, someone says boo from behind her, and Evie hits that person, scolding them for the prank. However, Winter hits Evie in return, and she is chastised for making the situation worse - as she just hit Cassandra. Startled, Evie gasps and places her hand over her mouth, apologizing to Cassandra immediately, and she accepts it. Using her phone, Winter communicates to the deaf girl, and she promises to join them in the search, as she's looking for her bracelet. As they walk to the Piney Woods together, Cassandra promises that they'll find Mya, making Evie smile.

While walking through the Piney Woods, Evie picks up the pace, exclaiming that they must find Mya. Winter warns her to not let the mystery go to her head, but she ignores her, refusing to calm down and take a break. Evie rushes forward, determined, and encounters Winter's old cabin. Cassandra and Winter then catch up to her, and Winter scolds her for running off. After Cassandra leaves with her bracelet, Evie urges Winter to open the door to the cabin, but she tells her that she doesn't want an earful if Mya isn't here. Upon entering, both of them find Mya bound and against the wall, and she says that this is a trap. Evie doesn't believe her, wanting to free her, her desire to fix this strong. However, the door shuts; Evie rams herself against the wall, and realizes that Mya was right, and her rushing into the situation has got them all trapped. Panicking, she apologizes to her girlfriend, who states that they need to find a way out. Evie begins to develop a plan, but without warning, a hand flies over her mouth and she is dragged back.

The next thing Evie knows, she is in a chair, and a man has chained her to a table. Guilt pricks her, knowing that it is her fault that she's here, and she begins to sweat profusely, feeling fear. She questions the man as to why he's holding them hostage, and he responds almost snake-like that they're objects in the game he wants to play. Evie refuses the game, telling him to play by himself, and he snickers that if she leaves, Mya and Winter die. To her horror, Evie notices her girlfriend and friend bound in the corner of the cabin, and retreating into her mind, she begins to think clearly. She notes that they're in this because of her, and she must stop this man somehow. After some nerve-wracking time, Evie takes a deep breath, and agrees to play the game he wants. He reveals that they're playing Russian roulette, much to the ire of Mya and Winter, who warn Evie not to. She shrinks back in her chair, knowing Russian roulette is a dangerous game of chance where you play with a gun, and if it doesn't fire in front of your head, you win.

Gulping, knowing she has to risk everything to save Mya and Winter, Evie decides to play the game. In a flash, the man holds a revolver in his hand, and he moves toward her. He then places the muzzle against her forehead, and she moves back in fear, but he creepily says that she won't feel a thing if she dies. The man covers Evie's mouth so she won't scream, then pulls the trigger back; a click is heard, which indicates that she has passed through the first round. Despite the situation being life-threatening, Evie begins to feel at ease, not going anywhere for Mya and Winter. She asks the man to pull the trigger, and Mya and Winter are shocked to find her egging him on. The man, after polishing his revolver, places it against her forehead again. He advises her to breathe in and close her eyes, mentioning that it helps those lucky and unlucky, and that it will help her block out the faces in the corner. Nodding, Evie obliges, trepidation coursing through her, and another click is heard. It is noted that she has survived the second round, but has one more to go through.

Shuddering, Evie knows that if the gun is correctly configured for this round, she will bleed with a bullet in her head. Despite being scared to death, she doesn't leave, and Mya pleads with her to not do this. Evie replies that she has to because she got them here, and if she dies, then this is her apology. It's too late to think about the value of her life now, but she must pass this test. Winter shields Mya's face as Evie thinks about possibly not living for another day after this, feeling ready. She requests for the man to pull the trigger, but he responds that she must have patience, and Winter prepares for the absolute worst case scenario. He urges her to pray, and Evie realizes a disturbing truth - the man has never lost a game of roulette, and she is about to be killed. She prepares to say her final goodbye, the revolver properly set up for the death bullet, and she tells Mya that she'll always love her. Winter protects Mya so she is unable to hear the revolver go off, and a tear falls down Evie's face as she instinctively closes her eyes and breathes.

She inwardly says her final goodbye to those she loves, and the man pulls the trigger back. Light flashes throughout the cabin, and a bullet hits the ground. Evie moans, and she is dropped, slumping onto the table with singed hair. Mya and Winter cry as the man remarks that she played a good game, but just didn't have his skill. He lets his living hostages go, and they rush up Evie, finding her unmoving and unresponsive. Mya hugs her, accepting her apology, and Winter is proud of her sacrifice, knowing it makes up for everything. She adds that she put on quite a fantastic show, and a voice asks why she isn't taking a bow for her. Startled, she and Mya find Evie looking up at them, a smug demeanor on her face. Mya exclaims that she faked her own death, but inquires how she lived, as the bullet should be in her head. She reveals that he missed, and the bullet went through her hair, singing it; she faked her death to give the illusion that the man won. She says thank you for the praise, but wants to go home, not wanting to be tripped up any further, and Mya agrees.

At her house, Evie explains what happens to her parents, and her mother is furious that she nearly killed herself playing with a gun, not having raised her to be so risky. Evie says that she had no choice, needing to do it to save Mya and Winter against her will, and her father sides with her before being silenced. Her mother then grounds her for two weeks, and Evie sighs, as her mother doesn't understand how important not letting them die was. She tries to justify her actions, saying her mother wasn't overly accepting of her lesbianism at first and pointing out that she is pushed to the highest standards because of her tiger parenting. She pushes herself to the brink to please her, and notes that she's now being grounded for those she loves, questioning what's gotten into her. The door suddenly flings open, and Evie prepares for trouble, but she is shocked to find an angry Mya standing in the doorway.

She spits that she arrives here to see her girlfriend, but instead sees her being punished for nearly sacrificing herself for her. She adds that Evie wanted to rescue her by any means possible, and her mother is instead doing this. She abruptly cuts her off, saying that she knows she is a tiger parent, but what she is doing is very wrong. Mya comments that Evie should be honored for playing roulette and living, calling this display pathetic. Mrs. Ly tries to explain herself, but Mya calls her dumb, causing her to leave the room along with Mr. Ly. Evie states that she didn't need to do that, but Mya tells her to come outside, and she gulps nervously. She asks what's up, and Mya says that she's punishing her herself. Panicking, she quickly reassures her that she already took the blame and that she'd do anything for her. She then apologizes, but finds herself cut off abruptly. Mya kisses her directly on the lips, and she kisses back. Mya then reveals that her punishment is her love, as she never felt mad at Evie despite her being selfish. Sighing, Evie says she's right that they're way more mature for their age, thanking her, and Mya then thinks about how adorable her girlfriend is when she isn't herself.

#### *The Attack*

"*We've got to rescue this girl, somehow, someway. I just don't know how.*"
—Evie thinking about Amira

Evie tries talking to Winter, who is daydreaming, at lunch. While she snaps out of it, she is constantly lost in thought throughout the day, and Mr. Naecher is noted to have shared a concerned glance with Evie and Mya. After the school day, Evie returns home and takes notes on what Shetani has done to Amira in her room. A disturbing thought then crosses her mind - Amira getting brutally hurt or potentially dying - and she feels tension course through her body. She knows they must rescue her somehow, glancing at her notes and saying that they're good enough for now. Later, Evie stretches by her house, and learns from Mya that she talked to her parents about Shetani. She reassures her that it'll be okay, and they prepare to kiss, but they are startled by Winter and Amira (who are covered in dirt in blood) arriving. Evie looks at shock in Amira, seeing how banged up she is, and begins to say her name. Amira asks if she can temporarily stay with her and her parents, and she agrees, revealing that she has a plan to oust Shetani. After explaining it, she invites Amira into her house, where she talks to her mother on what happened. The Lys happily welcome Amira, and Evie sighs peacefully. She plucks a shard of glass out of her hair, promising to not let her get abused any further.

#### *Traitors!*

"*Thanks, Mya. I'll go home in a few minutes and talk to [my parents]. I'm sorry for snapping at you and Winter.*"
—Evie after being reassured

Evie tells Mya and Winter that they must do their plan exactly right, giving them one last chance to back out, but they continue forward. They deliberately talk loudly outside the principal's office, with her saying she would kiss Mya right now if she could, much to the shock of those around them. The racket causes Shetani to emerge and scream at them to follow her, and Evie winks at Mya as they enter. Inside, Mya tries to defend their actions, but Shetani only gets angrier, calling the three "little gay traitors." Evie argues that it was an honest accident, and they wouldn't tell a lie, though she dismisses that as nonsense and calls them traitors for being an active couple. She then publicly disgraces them through the announcer, glaring at the girls menacingly, and Evie knows that this wasn't part of the plan at all, holding Mya's hand nervously. After Shetani knocks Winter to the ground and leaves the office, Evie helps her back up and questions if she's alright, to which she replies that she is.

When Vice Principal Bluelund is convinced to help them investigate Shetani, Evie asks to her to find personal notes and files, and once they obtain those, she and Winter will screenshot anything of importance while Mya notetakes. Flipping through the notepad, Mya inquires as to what else they can add, and Evie says that Shetani's name means devil in Swahili, she is homophobic, and doesn't regard anyone but herself. She also adds that made Amira into a slave and forced her to wear a collar to define her as one. Vice Principal Bluelund returns with more evidence, and she instructs her to guard the door, and to let Mrs. Hawkins and Mr. Naecher in so they can help. Evie opens a folder of notes to find ominous statements, soon finding more and stating that they should look at them. Winter is horrified when one of Shetani's personal notes details her sadism, and Evie comforts her, asking if she's got this information.

More notes detail Shetani's desire to make any LGBTQ+ suffer, much to Evie's ire, and she exclaims that this needs to be jotted down. It is then revealed that Shetani is associated with the man who played Russian roulette through Skelly, and the disturbing memory, combined with the revelation, terrifies Evie. Mya soothes her, and Winter presses closer to her while they continue to read the evidence. Shakily, she sees that they have enough, and they only just need a confession that she tried killing Amira now. Relaxed, she notes that their plan has worked, but things suddenly come crashing down when Vice Principal Bluelund reports that Shetani is returning. She stalls her while the girls try getting everything back together, but it is too late; Shetani barges in and finds that her personal notes have been looked through. They stand together protectively, and Shetani roars at them to leave and not come back, moving toward them and Vice Principal Bluelund with malice.

Mya softly asks Evie if this was part of the plan, and she fearfully replies that it wasn't. Shetani then publicly outs them as traitors, expelling them as a punishment, and they run out of the school building with Vice Principal Bluelund. Evie, upset, sits on the ground with her head in the hands. Mya tries to talk to her, but she snaps that her parents will ground her "for a century" for what happened, in addition to getting a staff member expelled. Mya and Winter try to cheer her up by promising not to let anything bad happen to her, but Evie cries that she has failed them, and she's now a traitor, running off in the direction of home. The other two girls look on in disbelief, knowing that she isn't acting like herself, and emotions have been ripping into her lately. Winter admits that she's worried about Evie, suggesting to go home and try talking to her, and Mya agrees. Later, they are stunned to find Evie wrapped in a blanket on their own sofa, and Mya questions why she's here.

Their parents reveal that she walked in, upset, and Mr. Heartley wonders what happened. Mya instead dashes to the side of her girlfriend, reassuring her that their plan mostly worked, but Evie spits that it didn't, and this wouldn't have happened if she had never advised them to be so reckless. Winter then explains everything to her adopted parents, stating that Evie took Shetani's blow the hardest, and she's going to need some time to recover from this. Mrs. Heartley asks why she's here, and Mya believes she doesn't want to tell her parents, especially her mother, as she fears she'll be punished. After talking with their parents more, Mya and Winter dash to the side of Evie, who sadly demands what they want while thinking that they hate her. Winter lifts up some of her hair and feels her cheek, causing her to blush, soothing her by saying that it's going to be okay. Evie dismisses her claims, but Mya presses her nose against hers, telling her that she won't let a "dumb-dumb tiger parent" do anything to her, placing her on her lap. She comments that she's so proud to be with her, and Evie finally relaxes, apologizing for snapping. Winter pulls her into a hug, and Evie finally begins to want control of her own life rather than what her mother wants.

#### *Devil's Dungeon*

"*I've sent everything to Mrs. Hawkins and Mr. Naecher. They're going to finish up the presentation by tonight. And tomorrow, we return as outsiders, and give Shetani a wake-up call.*"
—Evie describing the new plan

Mya and Winter wait nervously outside of Evie's house for her, remembering the diasterous events at school that emotionally impacted her mind. She finally appears, saying that her mom was mad, but she's allowed to come with them on this mission. Knowing Evie has her phone, Winter states that they should get going, and they soon arrive at Shetani's house. They spy through the window, and Evie wishes for Shetani to start speaking, but she soon leaves, and she questions if she'll even come back at this point. After failing on the other side, Evie mutters that they'll have to grovel, but Shetani ambushes them. She and Mya only back up in fear as the principal drags them in, along with Winter, who has been knocked out cold. When she wakes up, she finds the other two tied to the ground with restraints, and Evie nearly screams, seeing the wall lined with various weapons. Shetani surprises them, whip in-hand, remarking that she's always known they'd go after more. Evie snarls that her attempts to kill them failed, and Shetani stares her dead in her eyes, saying that she's so smart yet hasn't seen her at her best.

Without warning, Shetani strikes Evie with the whip, causing her to yelp in pain and try to escape, though she can't. Shetani takes pleasure in her pain, and Mya and Winter are unable to do anything to help her. By the time Shetani is done, Evie is in immense pain, her cheeks are stinging, and her eyes are watering. Much to her horror, Mya is targeted next, and Evie and Winter worry about her reaction. They can't do anything to prevent the pain she goes through while Shetani is pleased that she's getting kicks out of them. However, Winter snaps, breaking free, and much to Evie and Mya's shock, she jumps onto Shetani and threatens to kill her unless she doesn't admit that she tried killing Amira. Shetani laughs that there's nothing to say, and Evie jeers her by saying that was the wrong thing to say, as she just made Winter even more angry than she already is. Mya tells her to get her phone, and Evie agrees, managing to grab it and start recording while Shetani admits her actions. After being freed, Evie strides forward to face Shetani, telling her to give it up. She retorts that she doesn't think so, smashing Winter's phone and supposedly destroying the evidence. She then tries to trap all three again, but they gang up and apprehend her, and Evie lock-picks the door so they can escape.

She sees a room that belongs to Amira, and they enter it, taking the opportunity to gather more evidence. When Mya finds papers belonging to Amira, Evie snaps pictures of them, and wonders what the personal thing she wrote is. Winter finds that they are song lyrics (a rewritten version of *Monster* by Dev), and using a website, Evie determines that Amira wrote it on her own and never used a reference. After Mya remarks that they lost a lot of their evidence, Winter replies that it's already been sent to their allies, and Evie has Shetani's confession recorded on her phone. She then says that they should get out, and on her cue, they run to the front door. As Evie lock-picks it, Shetani screams for them to come back just as she gets it open. However, before she can run out, Shetani grabs Evie and begins to drag her back, but Mya kicks her, making her release her girlfriend. They bolt out of the house and run back to where Mya lives, and Evie shows the evidence they got to Mya's parents. She explains their plan for tomorrow, agreeing that they're going to kick some butt, and saying that they should see the rest of Amira's song.

#### *Your Pain is My Pleasure: Part 1*

"*This principal thinks she can break us because of our pride. She thinks that she can delete gay pride. She thinks she can hurt those who are out and about with their sexuality. She's trying to control you, gatekeep you! That's homophobic! You shouldn't let her do that anymore!*"
—Evie encouraging rebellion

Evie is one out of many forming an army at Pinelake Park, hearing Winter explaining the plan for busting Shetani. While Winter brings up the song lyrics she, Mya, and Evie found, the latter is by the tree, and her mother joins her. Mrs. Ly apologizes for her tiger parent behavior, saying that she finally understands what she went through, and Evie asks if she promises to be better, which she does. She then thanks her, and states that they should go. At the school, Evie gives instructions, saying that Mya, Winter, and Amira are with her, Mrs. Hawkins, and Mr. Naecher, and Mya takes her place beside her girlfriend. They hide behind the curtain, and when Shetani finds her presentation has been rigged, Evie, Mya, and Winter reveal that they were the ones behind the unfolding situation. During the confrontation, Evie says that Amira was defined as a broken slave with a collar now buried at Pinelake Park, and Shetani pleads that it's not true. Mya announces that they have a statement to make, winking at Evie, and she loudly proclaims that she's her girlfriend.

Mya tries to say that love is not wrong, but can't finish her sentence, asking if the crowd gets her point. Slightly unamused, Evie takes the microphone from her, encouraging the LGBTQ+ community in the school to not let Shetani, who is homophobic, gate keep them because of their sexuality. Amira then emerges from behind the curtain, and Winter mocks Shetani for her belief that she destroyed the only recording of the confession - as Evie got it on her phone. Evie then tells Shetani that it's over for her, and she will be held here on the stage until the police arrive. She also adds to enjoy her lifetime prison sentence. However, Shetani breaks free, kidnapping Amira and Winter and taking them out of the school building before she can be apprehended in time.

#### *Your Pain is My Pleasure: Part 2*

"*Drop her,* now*, you revolting, half-brained, apathetic* người ngoại đạo*!*"
—Evie to Shetani

Evie says that there is no time to assemble to army, asking who parked their car closest to Shetani, and Mrs. Hawkins said that she did. Together, they speed after Shetani, soon catching up to her and getting the attention of Amira and Winter. Gasping in shock, Evie observes that they're nearing the Pineshadow Bridge, which has a steep, stony brook below it. She and Mya soon emerge, and Shetani warns them to not step closer to her, or she will drop Amira and Winter to their deaths. Evie snarls for her to release them, mentioning that she has the ability to send her over the cliff, and she's begging for it right now. A fight soon breaks out, and Evie stops Shetani from going after Winter by kicking her in the stomach and hitting her repeatedly, soon clambering onto her and pulling back. Mya helps her, warning Shetani to not talk bad about her girlfriend, and watches in horror as she is thrown toward a rock. However, Evie gets back up, seeing that Mya is in danger, and she takes a step forward angrily. She demands for her to be dropped, calling Shetani a heathen in Vietnamese and charging at her. However, she flings her and Mya away, and she hits the rock, dazed. Mrs. Hawkins then nervously checks on her and Mya.

When Amira sacrifices herself to save Winter, the latter is followed by Evie and Mya, and both somberly hug upon finding that Amira is dead. However, they gasp in shock seeing that she in fact survived, joining her side and looking in confusion at her family, who have just arrived at the scene. Later, Evie is with the others at Pinelake Park, and Amira thanks them for helping her, to which Evie responds that it's no problem, quoting Mya. She asks everyone if they're ready for their extended summer, and they all rejoice happily. Staying behind with Mya, Evie says that she's happy she won't have to play any dangerous games anymore, and Mya adds that she's quite attractive when she isn't herself, much to her confusion. She then questions if she's a good leader and if her mom will support her more, and Mya replies that she is, telling her to not let any challenge slow her down. She also adds that her mother can't hold her back, and that she's one of the best she's ever met. Happy with her advice, Evie thanks her, and kisses her on the cheek.

### Season 3

#### *Memories of the Past*

"*I'm sorry to hear that, My." [...] "But let's be real - you shouldn't work yourself up over it. Remember, not every mystery can't be solved. Just move on, and be happy with the family that you've got - since they love you - and always will, regardless of what you do.*"
—Evie advising Mya

Mya recalls how Winter meeting her and Evie changed her life forever. Winter then remembers the fight at the party, noting that while Mya rescued her once, it was now her turn to save her and Evie from Daniela. Some time later, they met Amira, who hid the secret of Shetani being her aunt from them. However, once they found out, they turned the tide against Shetani and defeated her. Winter and Mya talk about meeting each other, and Winter comments that she thought Mya and Evie were crazy for approaching someone like her. The next day, Evie is in her bedroom reading a novel when someone knocks on her door, and putting the book aside, she tells whoever is outside to come in. She finds Mya, and delighted, she moves forward. Mya crawls up against Evie, laying on top of her and saying she's too sweet to leave. She feels her cheeks, the two locking stares, and they then kiss, making out for a few seconds. After getting up, Evie asks why she's visiting, and Mya reveals the photo, shocking her. Evie is in disbelief about the whole situation, and upon learning that Mya wants to find out more, she wishes to help her as well. She asks if she has researched her family name, and Mya says no, but there's no time to waste. She flips through Google, not finding desirable results, and Evie reassures her that not everything will be promising. Mya retorts that she isn't going to stop, and Evie chuckles, going back to reading her novel.

Shortly after, Evie asks if she's given up yet, but Mya states that she hasn't. Suddenly, she finds an article revealing that her grandparents died in a fire, making Evie gasp. She apologizes for the loss, but Mya snaps that her parents said her grandparents were alive. Sighing, Evie concurs that the Heartleys aren't liars, but they should read the article for more information. They read it, and she observes how the fire happened in 2001, when Mya was only three. Mya realizes that Elloise and Luca were murdered, wondering why her parents never mentioned this, and Evie kisses her, stating that they probably didn't want to upset her. Mya smiles at her girlfriend reassuringly, then notices that the wealth of Elloise and Luca was handed to other family members. Evie is confused, murmuring that this goes deeper than they originally thought. While reassuring Mya, Winter mentions that she has her family, Evie, Amira, and Daniela. The following day, Evie and Mya walk together to Pinelake Park. Upon learning of her failure to find more information, Evie comforts Mya, urging her to not work herself up over it and to be happy with the family she has now. Mya questions why her parents never told her about her grandparents, and Evie isn't sure, though notes that some things don't deserve to be brought up at all, remembering how dysfunctional her own family was. Mya replies that she knows what she's thinking, but it's not the same. Suddenly, she smashes into two strangers, and Evie catches her, asking if she's alright. Suddenly, Mya realizes the two are her grandparents, leaving Evie to say "what" in disbelief.

#### *Welcome to Hollowleaf Mansion*

"*I tried pointing out details of the mansion to them, and they ignored me. I mentioned my favorite movie to them. They ignored me. And when I tried to tell some of my history with Mya, Ivanna told me the equivalent of* shut up*! All the damn time I was there, they* **only cared** *about Mya!*"
—Evie to the other girls on Harlow and Ivanna

Evie smiles, watching as Mya happily embraces her grandparents, named Harlow and Ivanna. Mya mentions how she's been searching for information with Evie, hesitating, and her girlfriend waves. Harlow and Ivanna notice her, and Harlow inquires who she is. Mya tries to explain, but pauses, worrying about coming out and fearing that they're homophobic. Her face turns pink, along with Evie's. Ivanna rolls her eyes, figuring out that they're more than friends, and Mya finally admits that Evie is her girlfriend. Evie shakes hands with Harlow and Ivanna, and Harlow comments that she has such a wonderful partner. He then smirks, wanting to tie up loose ends and get back in business with the Heartleys, unnerving Evie, and she begins to become suspicious that something is brewing. The next day, Evie paces in her living room, complaining to her parents on Harlow and Ivanna. She says that something is up with Harlow, and that both he and Ivanna are scheming. After a minute of silence, her mother speaks, understanding where she's coming from. However, she points out that she must give them time, not wanting her to get in trouble from leaping to conclusions. Evie remarks that the smirk was more than just mischief, but her father sighs, placing a hand on her shoulder. He agrees with Opal, knowing that she is naturally wary of strangers, but it isn't wise to make assumptions about people she just met. Evie tries to protest again, but Opal tells her that she is thinking too far ahead and needs to take it easy. Evie gives in, despite knowing what she saw, and she heads into her room, collapsing onto her bed. She realizes that her parents are right about her being too apprehensive and zones out, and Holly jumps onto her bed, pawing her face.

Evie turns to find her curling up next to her head, and she hugs her, asking quietly if she's just crazy. One hour later, the doorbell rings, and Evie opens it to find Mya. While she is briefly excited, she notices that Harlow and Ivanna are there, much to her dismay. Mya jumps excitedly, revealing that her grandparents are giving her a tour of their mansion, and she's invited to join them. Evie silently questions her parents on whether or not it's okay to go with them, and they approve. In that moment, she chooses not to care about Harlow and Ivanna, only focusing on the person she loves the most, Mya. In the back of the car, the two snuggle together. When they arrive, Evie is hardly flattered by the mansion compared to Mya, though she notes that it's far better than Cracklog Manor. Harlow leads them to the weapon room, where Evie is mortified to see the amount of guns on the wall, getting flashbacks to the roulette game she played to save Mya's life. She almost says something, but doesn't find the words and remains silent. She then follows the Parkers to the living room, describing their furnishings in curiosity, but no one acknowledges her, frustrating her. Mya bounces around on the sofa cushions, and Evie rolls her eyes, not finding her idea of entertainment amusing. Upon hearing Ivanna ask Mya what her favorite movie is, Evie tries to say that her favorite is *Jaws*, enjoying its storyline. Just like before, she is ignored again, only making her more irate, and she mutters god damn it under her breath. Harlow asks Evie if she'd like to see more of the mansion, but she refuses, not wanting to follow him and Ivanna.

When Mya gets back, she babbles about her adventures, and her words blur out in her girlfriend's ears. Ivanna inquires about what Mya has gotten up to in recent years, and Evie perks up, finally seeing a chance to be noticed by the Parkers. After Mya recalls first meeting Evie, she attempts to say that she raised her book in defense, but Mya abruptly cuts her off. Evie frowns, as Mya never interrupts her like that, but she hides her anger. Mya concludes their backstory, which earns her applause from her grandparents. In one last attempt to be noticed, Evie states that she'd like to mention how she fell in love with Mya. However, Ivanna harshly interjects that they don't need interruptions, and unable to hide her anger any longer, Evie shoots her a withering glare. Sympathetic, Mya mouths sorry, but Evie refuses to associate with Harlow and Ivanna. She moves to the other end of the sofa and plays music in order to drown out her surroundings. Two days later, Evie has gathered the other girls in Amira's bedroom, and Amira asks her why they were summoned here. Evie reports that Harlow and Ivanna are no good, bringing up what they did. Winter is confused, Amira thinks she is jumping to things, and Daniela doesn't understand a thing, having not been told about the Parkers. Once Winter fills her in, she murmurs that Evie is Sherlock, which she denies irritably. Drifting back to the main point, Evie says that Harlow and Ivanna are a bad influence on Mya, and if they don't act now, something will happen.

Winter points out that she didn't explain everything clearly, and Evie mentions how Harlow emphasized concerning points. Daniela replies that he could have just been feeling mischievous, and when she brings up how Mya was getting more attention, Amira reminds her of how parent-child dynamics work. Frustrated, Evie mentions the weapon room, thinking it tells something about Harlow, but Winter believes he is only an avid collector. Evie snaps that every time she tried to talk about something, she was ignored and was even told to shut up by Ivanna, panting from her rant. Winter sympathizes with her, but encourages her to give the Parkers time, thinking she is jumping to conclusions. She mutters that her parents already said that, and Winter suggests that she could be jealous. Furious, Evie spits that she's not jealous, but believes Mya is being brainwashed. Amira agrees with her, but chooses to abstain on picking a side until she hears more information on Harlow and Ivanna, and Daniela does the same. Giving in to them, Evie thanks the girls for their input. Suddenly, Winter learns from her parents that Mya is missing, shocking Evie, who begins to fear that Harlow and Ivanna have taken her, along with Amira and Daniela. After Winter finds out how obsessed Mya is with her grandparents, she realizes that Evie was right all along. Upon her return from Hollowleaf Mansion, she reports her findings to the other girls, apologizing to Evie for doubting her. Evie accepts, declaring Harlow and Ivanna a threat and promising to stop them no matter what. The other girls also pledge to help her, and Evie praises Daniela for her commitment to redemption. When Mya finds out that she is the chosen one, she notes that Evie won't stand in her way.

#### *Rising Tensions*

"*Mya, I know what I saw, and I can't* deny it*!" [...] "Harlow and Ivanna aren't being a good influence on you. You act plain and indifferent and are failing to see they're* trouble*. Your obsession is a powerful one - and one that could put a rift between you and us! You can't let that happen! I was ignored, and how do you think you'll feel if they start ignoring Winter as well?*"
—Evie snapping at Mya

Evie walks with Mya, holding her hand, and she hides the fear that has been building in her for minutes. She is preparing to tell Mya that she doesn't like Harlow and Ivanna, noting how she can't stand dishonesty and has to get the truth out. Evie drags Mya to the porch, admiring her before sighing, and Mya leans up against her. She reassures her that it's okay, kissing her, though Evie doesn't feel anything due to her anxiety. Sighing again, she swallows down her fears, and admits that she must inform her of something she might not like. Mya comments that anything she'd say, she'd accept, which is minimal solace for Evie. Locking stares with Mya, she confesses that she doesn't like Harlow and Ivanna, but her girlfriend thinks she's only joking. Evie repeats herself more sharply, and Mya jumps backward, filling with dismay. Cringing, she apologizes, attempting to rub Mya's cheek. However, she swats her hand away, demanding why she hates the Parkers. Evie explains that she's seen things she hasn't, recalling how they deliberately ignored her at the manor. This enrages Mya, who thinks she is acting foolish, and she affirms that Harlow and Ivanna are innocent. Evie states that she doesn't act like herself around them, and further infuriated by her viewpoints, she huffs that she acts like herself around family. Embarrassed, Evie remembers how she let her mother tiger parent her until Mya showed her that she was abusive, wondering why she can't see the flaws with Harlow and Ivanna. Despite feeling regret, she snaps that she's failing to realize there is trouble, and her obsession is going to lead to a rift between them.

Livid, and raking her girlfriend with a glare, Mya angrily accuses Evie of being jealous, calling her no better than an ungrateful fool and abandoning her unapologetically. Pained, and with her eyes welling with tears, Evie buries her head in her knees. Her mother appears, apologizing for what just happened and wrapping her in a blanket. Later, Mya rants in her room in Hollowleaf Mansion, refusing to believe Evie would be so stupid and continuing to believe she is jealous and disrespectful. Ivanna comes in, and Mya tells her of what her girlfriend said, causing her to wonder if Evie has issues of her own. She learns that she doesn't trust strangers, and Ivanna advises her granddaughter to give Evie time. Mya wishes she will, muttering that she is jealous. Ivanna leaves the room, overhearing Mya calling Evie "goddamn crazy," and she informs Harlow that she won't stop complaining about her until the sun sets. Deciding to take a measure, Harlow instructs Ivanna to give Mya a glass of water, which is spiked with sleeping medication, thus effectively drugging her. After returning home, Mya exclaims that Evie hates Harlow and Ivanna and is jealous of them to Winter, who swiftly corrects her. Mya snaps that Evie said that they were a bad influence, ranting about how she's wrong and how she's making a fuss over nothing. When Winter reveals to Mya that she got drugged, Mya doesn't believe it, growling that her day is getting worse following what Evie told her. Once Mya falls asleep, Winter immediately texts Evie, assigning her to get Amira and to meet her and Daniela at Pinelake Park. She asks why, and upon learning that there's something new on Mya, agrees to fetch Amira.

At Daniela's place, Winter tells her that they're meeting Evie and Amira at Pinelake Park. Seven minutes later, they arrive, and Evie inquires about what's going on. Winter confesses that the Parkers drugged Mya, horrifying Evie, and she rapidly questions if Mya's aright. Winter confirms that she is, but they have a major issue, and that involves Mya's denial over being drugged. Amira pleads that they must do something, fearing Mya will be manipulated, shocking Evie. She nods in agreement with Amira, saying that they must confront Mya as one group, and the girls all agree. With that settled, Evie mentions that they must warn her parents first. After the Heartleys are told, they are stunned and mortified. Nita murmurs that they can't do anything, and Evie asks what she's talking about, grasping Winter's hand. She gets Nita's attention, having an idea, and she questions where Mya goes to be picked up by Harlow and Ivanna. Nita responds with Pinelake Park, and Evie instructs her and Patrick to let Mya go freely, in addition to pretending nothing is wrong. Then, she and the other girls will ambush Mya at the park, and they'll express their concerns, which will hopefully make her break away from the Parkers. The Heartleys agree, and confident, Evie silently proclaims that Harlow and Ivanna's party is going to shut down. As Mya is on her way to Pinelake Park the next day, the girls hide under the slide, and Evie instructs them not to move until she says so. Once she arrives, Evie briefly admires her, but refocuses on her task at hand. She calls out to Mya, surprising her, and she asks why she's here. Evie replies that it beats her, in turn asking what she's doing, and she says that she's waiting for Harlow and Ivanna.

Immediately spurring her plan into motion, Evie asks if she's meeting the grandparents who drugged her and brainwashed her. Mya gasps, believing she came to the park just to tell her that, making her so irate that she even learned that information in the first place. Angrily, she demands why Evie said that, but she doesn't flinch, defiant and determined. Evie repeats herself, affirming that the Parkers drugged her, and the stories they tell her are likely lies. Mya spits that there is no we and that this issue is only between them, calling her shallow, but another voice murmurs that she's speaking the truth. Turning around, Mya finds Amira, who comments that she trusts Evie with her whole life. Further infuriated, Mya tries to walk away from the two, but she bumps into Daniela. She blocks her path, and Mya snarls that the girls are pulling a prank on her. Daniela corrects her, saying that she's being naive and warning her she'll end up down a dark path if she is influenced by Harlow and Ivanna. Disgusted, Mya roars that she'll never be like Daniela, and Amira and Evie stand by the latter. Mya turns away, expecting Winter to back her, but she instead states that she doesn't believe her own girlfriend and her friends, making it clear she doesn't agree with her at all. She then outright says she hates Harlow and Ivanna as much as Evie does, and after learning from her what they were doing to her sister, she realized how bad they truly were.

Mya stares at the girls, finding no one on her side, and she pins the blame on one person - one who is jealous and deliberately went behind the back of her girlfriend - Evie. Snarling at her, she points a finger at her face, demanding why she did this to her. Despite remaining serious, Evie begins to feel weakened, and Amira presses close to her, holding her hand. Mya screams that they're all delusional for thinking she is insane, and Evie retorts that wasn't their intention. They're only concerned for her, especially since she was brainwashed herself by her own mother, and Mya spits that Opal isn't the same as Harlow and Ivanna. Fighting back tears, Evie steps back, and Amira urges her to remain strong. When Harlow and Ivanna arrive, Evie sees right through them and knows what they're planning, and Mya exclaims that the girls hate them. Amira demands for Harlow and Ivanna to show their true colors, but Harlow dismisses this, making Evie's anxiety spike. Winter spits at them to confess to drugging Mya, and Evie adds that Ivanna gave Mya a glass of water spiked with sleeping medicine and could have done something sinister while she was sleeping. Harlow gives a nod to Evie, claiming that there must be a misunderstanding and asking if her girlfriend is humorous, which she awkwardly confirms. He then gets uncomfortably close to Daniela, and the other girls look on as he tries to touch her face. She reels away, and Evie stands close to Winter. After Harlow and Ivanna leave with Mya, Evie glances up at the sky, worried. She expresses her anguish over the plan failing, wondering what they'll do now, and Winter admits that she isn't certain. Evie fears something terrible will happen, and Daniela says it might be a war they can't go back from.

#### *The Dinner Party*

"*No!" [...] "You just* **HUMILIATED ME** *in front of your grandparents and* my friends*. I have told you many times over the years that* I don't dance*! And yet your smarty-pants grandfather encouraged you to be bold enough to embarrass me...*"
—Evie revealing to Mya that she humiliated her

Mya laments over Evie's failure to see her bond with her grandparents, noting that she misses her laugh. Later, Evie is watering her mother's frangipanis when her mother appears, claiming that she has mail. This surprises her, as she hardly gets mail, and she questions what it's about. Opal tells her to open the letter, and Evie does, finding that Harlow and Ivanna have invited her over to have dinner with them. She quickly refuses, not wanting to be near them and not wanting to dress fancy, but Opal encourages her to go, thinking that this is Mya's way of apologizing for the park fight. Recalling the fight, Evie sighs, knowing she has a point. Opal urges her to do it to make Mya happy, and Evie gives in, though insists that she isn't dressing fancy. The night of the dinner party, Evie brushes out her hair in the mirror, saying that she doesn't need to be fancy. At Hollowleaf Mansion, Mya admits to Harlow that she wants to make the night special for Evie and prove to her that she isn't being brainwashed. Harlow, thoughtful, motions for her to push her boundaries and offer Evie a dance, which Mya thinks she'll be smitten over. Ten minutes later, the girls arrive at the mansion, and Evie walks with Daniela, sharing a glance with her. She sees Mya in the doorway adorning her party vest, which brings back bittersweet memories. Mya shakes her hand, about to point out that she isn't fancy, but Evie mutters that isn't her thing and walks ahead of her. She sits in the chair closest to Mya at the dinner table, whispering that something feels off to Winter, who agrees.

After Daniela reveals that Harlow and Ivanna have made very lackluster food, Evie is disgusted, remarking that she'd rather eat her mother's Vietnamese food. She rests her chin on the table, and seeing that Mya is distracted, she decides to text her parents about leaving early. However, Mya catches Evie and tells her to hide the phone, citing that it is "disrespectful," much to her annoyance. Harlow gives Evie one grilled cheese, and through gritted teeth, she asks if she gets anything else, which he denies. He adds that the cheese is pepperjack, and Evie wishes to rip his eyes out, though Mya encourages her to eat the grilled cheese. Evie takes a bite, comparing it to sandpaper, but eating it regardless to avoid humiliating Mya. When Amira chokes on a meatball, Evie points out that Harlow and Ivanna said no meatballs were in her spaghetti, startling Winter. As the girls continue eating, tensions grow, and Evie only brings herself to eat three bites of the grilled cheese before setting it aside. She feels disgusted and regret for being here, wondering how she can escape if Mya is severing her only way out. Ivanna takes up the dishes, and Mya claims that it's dessert time, but Evie doesn't care and shuts her eyes, wishing to be any place else. Ivanna serves up slices of chocolate cake, and Evie shoves her slice away. She apologizes, stating that they should get going and return home, motioning for the other girls to follow. Just when they reach the door, however, Harlow locks it, refusing to let them leave and mentioning a great spectacle.

Once Ivanna announces a night of courtship and Mya, Mya proclaims that she wants to do something special with the very person she loves, laying her eyes on Evie - and inviting her to a dance. Evie is promptly horrified, as Mya has known for years that she doesn't dance, and even more so because Harlow told her to do this. She tries to run, but her feet remain glued to the floor, and she reluctantly moves up to Mya. After Harlow plays the correct song, Mya weaves around Evie flirtatiously and kisses her on the neck, but the kiss makes her skin crawl, as it lacks conviction or emotion. Evie attempts to dance with Mya, but she lacks her coordination and is unsteady on her feet. During the square dance, her body tries hard to stop functioning, but she wills herself on. Mya moves around her like a snake, and flicks her hair back to draw Evie's attention onto her, which only makes her nod and smile nervously. Mya presses her nose against her, and in that moment, Evie realizes that Mya is only dancing with her out of desperation, not out of love. As she wonders what she is trying to prove, Amira cannot stand seeing her in pain like this anymore, and she hides behind Winter. Bringing herself to confront Mya, Evie whispers that she's trying to prove something, though Mya chuckles that she's showing their bond can't be broken. She pins Evie against the dining room table, plucking a rose from a vase and putting it in her mouth. She weaves it around Evie's face, then tosses it, expecting her to catch it in her mouth. Instead, it lands on her nose, and she holds in the urge to sneeze. Mya heads toward the wall, and then runs back toward Evie, causing her to panic. She grabs her wrists, and Mya circles her, twirling triumphantly.

Evie looks on, pleading for Mya to end everything now, but she doesn't. She swirls Evie around by her waistline, making her lose her balance, and she gets suspended in mid-air. The song ends, and while Harlow and Ivanna are impressed, the other girls are just as weirded out as Evie is. Mya praises Evie and kisses her directly on the lips, but Evie shoves her back into the chair - and Mya finally sees that she is upset. She asks if she's okay, but Evie snaps that she just humiliated her, pointing out that she knew she couldn't dance and yet did this thanks to Harlow. She adds that she didn't force her to dance because she loved her, but because she wanted to prove something, and Mya confesses that she wanted to show her grandparents were good. She offers to make it up to her, but Evie hits her on the face, muttering that it's none of her concern and storming off in tears. Mya looks at the ground in dismay, and Ivanna assures her that it's okay. After Daniela is sexually assaulted by Harlow, Winter stays with her and tells Amira to fetch Evie. Moments later, she returns with her, and Evie speeds to Daniela's side. She inquires if she's alright, and Daniela shakes her head, struggling to breathe. Evie reassures her that she's okay, telling her to breathe with her, and they do this for ten seconds. Taking her hand, she reveals to her that she's not the only one to have panic attacks, recalling the times her mother drove her into having them. Daniela thanks her, and Evie asks if she's ready to tell them what happened, which she nervously confirms. With the help of the three girls, Daniela admits that Harlow almost violated her, shocking them. Evie warmly tells her that they're proud of her for revealing this, as sexual assault is never easy to reveal because of the pain and trauma, but she's very brave for managing to tell them about this - she's a warrior. Amira says that they need to tell Mya about what happened, willing to try and suggesting for her and Evie to do it together.

They head down the stairs, but have no luck, and Evie proposes checking another room. She calls her name, and Mya appears, rushing down the stairs and revealing that Harlow is injured. She explains that someone ambushed him in the bathroom and scratched out his eye, and Evie and Amira realize Daniela attacked him in order to escape. She blurts out that it didn't happen that way - what happened in the bathroom was something far more sinister - and Amira tells her that Harlow tried to force himself onto Daniela. Mya is in denial, and Evie spits that Daniela clawed Harlow's eye because he was sexually harassing her, noting that he has prayed on her since the confrontation at the park. Mya still refuses to believe it and tries to leave, but Amira stops her, and Evie mentions Harlow almost kissing Daniela on her neck and touching her waist. Just before Mya can believe her and the other girls, Harlow appears with Ivanna, accusing Daniela of mutiliating his eye, though Evie snarls that he is a liar, to which he growls that she can explain his eye - taking his hand of it and revealing how badly damaged it is. The rest of the girls remain defiant, and deciding to sort this out, Mya draws a line on the ground, telling those who side with Harlow and Ivanna to join her - and those who support Daniela to join her. Evie is ultimately the last person that struggles to pick a side on the line, going back and forth between supporting Daniela and not wanting to strain her relationship with Mya. She covers her ears, and Ivanna jeers her for her indecision. This makes Evie decide where she belongs, and she stands with her friends. With everything settled, Harlow snarls at the girls to get out, and they dash into the night. After they leave, Mya expresses her disbelief that Evie and Winter would side with Daniela over Harlow.

#### *The Divide Between Us*

"*MYA! COME BACK! I KNOW YOU'RE STILL THERE! I LOVE YOU, PLEASE! PLEASE COME BACK! I'LL DO ANYTHING, I SWEAR!" [...] "I SAID I'LL DO ANYTHING! CAN'T YOU HEAR ME? CAN'T YOU SEE ME... I JUST WANT YOU BACK! I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU! JUST COME BACK, MYA! I'M SORRY FOR HURTING YOU! I JUST WANT YOU BACK!" [...] "CAN'T YOU HEAR ME??? GIVE HER BACK TO ME! YOU'RE NOT GONE, MYA! I KNOW YOU'RE STILL THERE! JUST COME BACK!!! I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU!*"
—Evie screaming over Mya

Mya notes that she doesn't need to dwell on conflict with her family and friends. When the police arrive at the mansion, Mya realizes that the families of all the girls, including their own, called them on Harlow. She recalls blocking all her contacts, but says to herself that she can't get vengeance - not with Evie around. Later, after learning that her parents have lied to her, Winter seeks out Evie and dashes to her place. She knocks at her door, and Evie appears, asking what she's doing here. Winter blurts out that Mya's cut them off, horrifying her, but she brings herself to comfort Winter and invites her inside. Evie leads Winter to her bedroom, and there, she shares more information. Evie panics upon hearing about Nita and Patrick's lies, not knowing why they have allowed Harlow and Ivanna to go on, and Winter frets over not knowing what to do. Evie assures her that they'll find a way, suggesting that she hasn't blocked more than just her family. winter questions if she's contacted Mya, and she exclaims that she hasn't, but can try. Evie texts Mya, asking if she's okay, and the message ends up going through. This relieves both and makes Evie optimistic that everything will work out. That night, Mya describes the other girls as nothing but trouble. Before Mya goes to bed, she discovers Evie's text, and she begins to feel regret despite the fights she has gotten into with her recently. She misses her company greatly, glancing over at the bed and imagining her there. Choosing to disobey Harlow, Mya responds to Evie, and the two agree to meet alone at Mya's place the next day. Satisfied, Mya goes to sleep. She later wakes up to find herself at the Pond of Ori, and a voice - Evie - calls to her from inside the pond.

She urges her to dive in, and after hesitating, Mya joins her. Evie asks if she likes it down here, her outline silver, and Mya agrees happily, wanting to stay forever. However, Evie scoffs that she can't, shocking her, and she inquires as to why. Evie snaps that nothing lasts forever; she's living a dumb dream and needs to start heeding her warnings on the danger she's in. Mya dismisses any trouble, but her girlfriend isn't thrilled and berates her for lying and letting her ignorance lead her into something sinister. The water around her changes from cyan to orange, and while Mya tries to ask Evie about it, she doesn't respond to her, her arms crossed. She pleads, but Evie only shakes her head and tells her that she's lost her, questioning how foolish she really can be. She then fades away altogether, leaving Mya to drown into the sea, though she wakes up and realizes that she was dreaming. Refusing to have Evie leave her, Mya promises to meet her and move forward stronger. The next day, Evie explains to the other girls that Mya hasn't blocked her, which means that they have hope - and they will all speak to her tonight at her place. Winter, Amira, and Daniela all agree with her. At nightfall, Evie waits outside of Mya's house for Mya. Five minutes later, she appears, and Evie excitedly embraces her. She asks if she's doing okay, which Mya confirms, and she mentions Harlow's refusal to get his eye fixed, causing her to express sympathy. Mya interlocks her fingers with Evie, saying that she doesn't want to lose her despite their fights, and Evie promises that things will be normal again. Suddenly, Mya notices the other girls and realizes that Evie lied to her about meeting alone.

Furious, she demands why they're here, and Evie apologizes, revealing that they all wanted to speak with her and begging her to give them a chance. Instead, Mya shoves her aside and ruthlessly attacks Daniela. In Daniela's flashback, it is noted that Evie is one of the many victims of her wrath, and because of her, she could have died. After Winter and Amira snap Daniela out of her flashback, Evie pleads with Mya that she's gone too far and needs to stop, adding that they aren't meant to be apart like this. She hisses that she's in the way and doesn't need any distractions, hurting Evie, and she shakily replies that she wants to help her avoid becoming someone she's not. Mya huffs, muttering that she had this coming with the way she's been treating her grandparents, and she has no idea why she's obsessed with her personal life, but she knows she'll have more power than Evie ever will. Pained, Evie notes that this isn't the Mya she knows, comparing her to a villain. She summons the courage to speak, weakly asking Mya why she has to be like this. This finally causes Mya to snap and she screams that she doesn't love her anymore, stunning all of the girls and shattering Evie's heart. With poison in her gaze, Mya warns her to stay out of her way before she gets hurt, telling her that she has wasted enough time on her affirming that she desires power, not love. Heartbroken, Evie collapses onto the sidewalk and sobs, her friends alongside her. Later, Daniela walks her home and drops her off at her doorstep. Despite walking back home, Daniela feels wrong and realizes that she can't bring herself to abandon Evie, turning back for her. At the door, she explains to Evie's father that she came back for her, suspecting something wrong, and her mother confirms that she hasn't been acting like herself.

Daniela finds Evie sprawled out on her bed, nearly lifeless, and she tries to get her attention, but she mutters at her to go away. Upon Daniela's revelation that she came back to her, Evie looks at her with dull eyes and a face raw from crying. Daniela tells her that Mya had no right to be that cruel to her, but the real her is still there and they can get her back together. Evie spits that it's hopeless, as she doesn't love her, tears falling down her face. Daniela murmurs that Mya doesn't know the consequences of her actions, but they need her to rescue her, and Evie screams that Mya doesn't view her as her girlfriend. Her friend urges her to calm down, but she wails that she was abandoned and Mya treated them all like heathens. She wishes for Mya, and Daniela can do nothing more to comfort her but rock her back and forth. Eventually, she falls asleep, and Daniela lays her on her pillow. Exiting her room, she reports to her parents that she's done all she can, noting that Evie is heartbroken. Hours later, Evie wakes up, not feeling right enough to fall asleep. She feels as if she lacks solace, and deciding to find it somewhere else, she chooses to leave the house. She creeps out into the living room, and without her parents knowing, opens the door and steps out into the night. The familiar walk turns into confident footsteps, and Evie knows that she is going to Pinelake Park. As she walks, Mya drifts into her head, and she can't shake her away, wondering why she is unable to. Her head low, Evie wishes she could have told Mya how much she loved her. Suddenly, she sees what appears to be Mya in the distance, pale and silvery, and Evie's heart lurches. With all her might and desire pulsing inside of her, she runs toward her girlfriend. She jumps right into Mya, only to find that she isn't there.

Straining, she finds her in the tall grass ahead, and she disappears again. For a few minutes, Evie chases her around Pinelake Park, but each time she does so, she fades away and she ends up tripping. Evie collapses onto the top part of the playground castle, realizing that Mya isn't there - she is only chasing a ghost. She struggles to accept this, saying that Mya left her alone, and hearing her words physically pains her. Evie notes that there is a gaping wound inside of her, and she pleads with Mya that she can't be gone or cruel, not being able to go on without her. She looks up at the sky for clarity, but finds no starlight, and it suddenly hits her - Mya did not start up the fight on purpose - she hates all of the girls, including Evie. She recalls her words, and Evie is finally unable to deny that Mya is straight-up evil, gripping the floor of the castle hard. Overwhelmed with pain, Evie finally snaps, she wails for Mya to come back, and that she loves her, her face twisted in every form of pain imaginable. She longs for her to be with her, promising to always be with her. She begs madly that she's not gone and can't live without her here. Her knuckles have now turned white from gripping the floor so hard, and Evie sobs uncontrollably, having lost everything she has loved. She can't bring herself to stop, still pleading for Mya to come back to her. Her arms give out, causing her to fall onto the castle floor, still pleading and crying. Eventually, Evie accepts the damage has been done to her, describing her heart as torn apart from the seams. She slides back down onto the ground, beginning the long walk home, each step feeling more like a mile with the burden that Mya is a villain. Tears dot the sidewalk that Evie walks on, and she finds no point to live, her light destroyed for good.

#### *Rise to Power*

"*She's betrayed us all. And now she's a spoiled, selfish queen bent on power and control. She'll do anything to keep us away and anything to cement herself as a catastrophic antagonist. I can't let it happen. But what can I do?" [...] "No. The girl I love is still in there. I will get you back, Mya. Even if you take everything and burn it down to the stake, I'll willingly burn down for you, my love.*"
—Evie's vow to Mya during the *Vagrant* scene

Two weeks after Mya's betrayal, Evie is revealed to have become deeply depressed, feeling lonely and bereft because of her girlfriend's actions. She lies in bed, squeezing Holly, but the cat has had enough of this and nips her finger, freeing herself. She dashes between the legs of Evie's worried parents, and sighing, Anderson makes his way to her room. Upon seeing Evie sprawled out and lifeless, he tries to encourage her to get out of bed, but she doesn't wish to at all, eyes glazed over. He then tries to bribe her with pancakes, though this doesn't work either, as Evie mutters that she's not hungry and turns away from her father. Desperate, Anderson pleads that they're worried about her and she shouldn't wall herself away, but she doesn't respond, glancing at something in the distance. Anderson, disappointed, meets up with Opal in the hallway, and he reports that Evie isn't good. He fears her health will crash should she remain like this, and tears form in Opal's eyes as she recalls how horrified she was to hear of Mya ditching Evie, having never expected it to happen. Deciding to use their last measure, she beckons Amira to her, sending her into Evie's room to see if she can get through to her. She sees her friend stretched out on her bed, facing away from her and whimpering. Concluding that this is how she's felt for two weeks, Amira greets her, but doesn't get a response back. She attempts to bring up the pancakes, but Evie still doesn't wish to leave her room, curling up into a ball. At this point, Amira directly brings up the reason she is depressed - Mya - and she points out that the new Mya is heartless. Despite this, they can work together to rediscover the real her.

Evie retorts that Mya despises her, believing there's no point in existing if she doesn't have her, and Amira gasps, realizing that she has been reliving every moment leading up to Mya's betrayal. She then recalls how much she influenced Evie's life, noting that they are all left in the dark like she is, and sympathetic, Amira declares that they have to rise up even if they don't know what the future holds. Evie, still not convinced, snaps that she's lost everything she's ever worked to achieve, insisting she's useless and deserves to be let go. Unable to face reality, she sobs into her pillow, and with her heart breaking, Amira vows to prove to Evie that she cares for her. Curling up next to her side, she grazes her shoulder, and then, she kisses Evie on the back of her neck. Amira tells her that she is the very reason she gained confidence in herself, which finally stirs a reaction in Evie, as she turns to face her, shocked. She questions if it's really true, and Amira takes her hand, admitting that staying with the Lys was her first experience in a real family, also reminding Evie that she views her like a sister - and now, as a guardian angel. Stunned, Evie inquires if she is one, and Amira comments that if it weren't for her, she wouldn't have thrown Shetani over a cliff and likely would have killed herself instead. Evie's eyes now glimmer with joy as her friend encourages her to have hope; there is always a way to a place they haven't seen yet.

Evie is strong-willed, smart, and willing to sacrifice herself for anyone, traits that are crucial in a leader, someone they need right now. Amira convinces Evie to put faith in herself and lead the girls to the other side, and she asks if she really wants this, making Amira proclaim that she'd follow her through blood and fire. For the first time in two weeks, Evie starts to see clearly, and burning with new desire and fondness, she pulls her friend into a hug, thanking her and mistakenly addressing her as a sister. Amira chuckles at her slip-up. Later in the day, Daniela and Winter sit together at Pinelake Park, and Winter murmurs that Evie's been gone for two weeks. Daniela nods, recalling seeing Evie lifeless and grieving heavily in her bedroom, worrying that her life will never be the same again. Suddenly, the two hear footsteps, and they are surprised to see Amira walking toward them with Evie, the latter of which is beaming like a true leader. Winter exclaims that her girlfriend's brought Ev, and together, the four share a group hug. Evie apologizes for causing them to worry with her absence, admitting that she fell into the dark, but with a little help, she realized that she couldn't lose her faith in her friends. They need someone to lead them, that person being her, causing Evie to puff out her chest in pride. She proclaims that Mya must be rescued, and that they must avoid giving in - together, they will all win, even if they die trying.

The girls happily support her rally, and now having a working team, Evie tries to formulate a plan to reach out to Mya. However, Winter interrupts her thoughts, pointing out that Harlow and Ivanna are also a relevant problem and need to be dealt with. Evie, frustrated, drags her boot heels on the ground as she tries to come up with another plan, glancing down to find she has made a y-shaped streak in the dirt. Suddenly, she gets an idea, and announces that they need to create a two-sided diversion. Evie splits the girls up into two factions - she and Winter will directly confront Mya - and Amira and Daniela will search for any information pertaining to outing Harlow and Ivanna as criminals. Amira is instantly hyped for this mission, but to her surprise, Daniela backs out in horror, not wanting to be near Harlow after what he did to her. Sympathetic, Evie rubs her shoulder, apologizing and internally chastising herself for not considering Daniela's vulnerability. She allows her to sit the mission out, and turning her attention to the other girls, Evie informs them that they'll set out for Hollowleaf Mansion tomorrow afternoon. She adds that it's just a game, not a war, and doubt builds in her. She knows that they have to get Mya back, and she has to believe in herself and not let the girls down. Five hours later on the next day, Evie waits impatiently, along with the other girls, for Amira's grandmother, who is supposed to drive them to Hollowleaf Mansion.

Once Dahlia finds her car keys, Evie says that it's time to get going, but she is then unexpectedly interrupted by Daniela; the latter of which has now changed her mind and is joining them for the mission after all. Evie is shocked, but chuckles upon seeing Daniela being adorable with Amira, murmuring that they have a mansion to investigate now that they won't have another plot twist. After arriving at Hollowleaf Mansion and getting dropped off, Evie and Winter proceed to the doorstep of the mansion while Amira and Daniela hide nearby. Winter asks Evie if she's ready, to which she replies that she's ready as she'll ever be, knocking three times. The doors open on their own, leaving the two unnerved as they walk inside, becoming shrouded in darkness. Evie nervously calls out for anyone, but no one answers, and after a minute of silence, she prepares to deem the mission a lost cause. However, the lights flicker, startling Evie, and she clings onto Winter. Footsteps sound from upstairs, making Evie jerk her head upstairs, where Mya makes her presence known to her and Winter. To the two's stunned disbelief, Mya now dons a cape, purple nails, and a crown. She makes her way downstairs, and Evie stutters, slowly questioning her on what's going on. Mya flatly orders her and Winter to leave, but the duo only raise their hands in self-defense, with Evie pleading that none of them are armed.

Mya examines them, skeptical, remarking that the last time someone tried talking to her, they only ended up telling a lie. Her eyes blaze Evie, who stares at the ground in shame, reflecting on the day her girlfriend tore away on her and believing she was wrong instead of right. Winter, enraged, hisses that they want to talk whether she likes it or not, but Mya scoffs, disowning her in favor of Harlow and Ivanna. Defeated, Winter huddles next to Evie, and Mya orders them to leave for a final time. Just then, a bell chimes, and the lights turn on to reveal Harlow and Ivanna standing nearby; Harlow has a bell in his hand, and he and Ivanna are eyeing Evie and Winter with a slitted stare, leaving them at more unease. The Parkers encourage Mya to hear her house guests out and to treat them with respect, and finally, she instructs them to follow her to the game room. Harlow also joins them, though he promises to not take part in any deliberations, which pleases Evie. She and Winter then follow Mya to the game room and settle there, and Winter turns to Evie, noticing her spiking anxiety levels and elevated breathing. Mya demands why the two have come here, and Evie protests that what she's doing is wrong. They miss the old her, the comedic and resilient Mya, and they want her to come back to them. Mya huffs, claiming that they're better off alone, which makes Winter incredibly irate.

Before Winter can pull out her pocket knife and bring any harm to Mya, Evie puts her hand on her shoulder, detecting her sadness, and she notes that no one like her deserves to be betrayed three times. Turning back to Mya, Evie warns her of her dangerous intentions, adding that while she can claim she's a different person, she will never be ambitious or hungry for power. Mya haughtily replies that she doesn't realize it, weaving around her and declaring that she's just fine on her own, as she'll be powerful regardless. Her girlfriend spits out everything that she's done for her, such as standing up for herself and becoming comfortable in her own skin, then asking if Mya's forgotten what she's done for herself. Mya spits that she does remember, but doesn't understand why this matter concerns her, affirming that they don't need each other. Winter growls that she's destroying everything around her and left Evie heartbroken for two weeks, causing Evie to reveal the night she chased Mya's ghost at Pinelake Park, horrifying Winter, who hasn't learned of this until just now. In sheer fury, she prepares to call Mya a "seething little bitch," but her sister cuts her off, expressing her apathy towards Evie's heartbreak. The two girls stand there stunned upon hearing this. Meanwhile, Amira tells Daniela that they'll wait downstairs for Evie and Winter if they can't find anything upstairs. After Amira cracks the lock to the secret room, she explains to Daniela that Evie taught her how to crack locks, the latter having been skilled at it since she was ten.

Back in the game room, Evie and Winter remain pressed close together, with Evie finding it difficult to make eye contact with Mya. Winter breaks the silence, snapping at Mya that, because of her, she isn't lying in a grave dead, startling Evie by the amount of anger in her voice, the very breaking point she and Mya once saw. Mya only shakes her head, making Winter even more furious, and she demands if she's fine with the reality of living without her sister. Evie gasps, her heart breaking further once Mya confirms that she doesn't want Winter as a sister. She goes on, mentioning how she doesn't need them, considering love as useless and only desiring her family's name to be respected. Evie pleads that it already is, but Mya corrects her, snapping that scum like her pay no mind to her true family - Harlow and Ivanna. Immediately, Evie and Winter set their eyes upon a portrait of Mya with Harlow and Ivanna, infuriating Evie, who wishes to throw up on Harlow's face. Mya says that she was weak before, but she won't let love weaken her again and will instead gain control. Evie approaches her, about to give a stinging retort, but her girlfriend silences her by putting a finger to her lips. She urges her not to complain, making her nod in a toxic trance. Mya's eyes now bore lust, auspicion, and promise compared to earlier, and she then gives Evie an offer - she can drop this now and join her side, have everything she could dream of - power, control, and fame - and be a loyal queen on Mya's side. This offer intrigues Harlow, who drops his newspaper.

Evie attempts to say something, but she only lets out an uncomfortable squeal. Mya takes advantage of the moment, caressing her chin with her whole hand just like she used to, insisting that she wants this deal above all else. Evie finds herself unable to move, feeling fear around Mya for the first time, and while Winter tries to get her sister to stop, she is dead set on manipulating Evie. Evie grits her teeth, struggling to form a response; she is split between sacrificing everything she has worked for to get Mya back, but doesn't want to become a predator. Mya repeats that she wants this directly in her ear, causing her to freeze in terror, and she encourages her that it's easy to choose. She then slips her fingers down from her ear, down her face, down her neck, and all the way to her shirt collar. Evie buries a scream in her throat, now knowing this love isn't sober, but she still cannot bring herself to speak. Mya eyes her intensely, and with Winter about to pull her pocket knife, Evie cannot take it longer and finally rejects Mya's offer. Mya hisses that she's an insolent fool, hoping she's happy with her "choice." In the secret room, when Daniela panics over her claustrophobia, Amira reassures her that they're going to help Evie and Winter solve this mystery. After they can't find more evidence, they prepare to wait for Evie and Winter, but Daniela discovers a hidden safe in the wall, which distracts her and Amira.

When Ivanna plays into Amira's trauma and reminds her of Shetani, she recalls being saved by Evie, Mya, and Winter. Meanwhile, in the game room, the scene in front of Evie and Winter continues transforming into their worst nightmare as Mya rants on and on about power and control. Suddenly, Ivanna flings the doors open and drags Amira and Daniela in to the room, mortifying Evie and Winter considerably. After Harlow pulls Daniela into a hug, Evie watches Amira attempt to save her, her head spinning. Mya ceases the commotion in the room angrily, instantly pinning the blame on Evie for causing the deception, which she admits to in a frantic apology. Livid, Mya pins her girlfriend to the floor, accusing her of scheming to cause her family's downfall since the moment she walked in. Placing two hands on Evie's neck, she calls her a heathen and a disgrace, and Evie cries for her to stop, insisting that she only wants to save her from being someone she isn't. Mya retorts that she lied about Amira and Daniela being in the mansion, to which she responds that she still cares about her, only making Mya laugh at her. Winter loses it and pulls her sister away from Evie, allowing her to escape as she threatens her. Mya then orders all four girls to leave, laying eyes on Evie, who whimpers. Later, at Dahlia's place, Evie pays no mind to the girls, but on the sunset through the window. She notes that Mya has betrayed them for a life as a selfish queen, but refusing to lose her, she vows to her back - even if she has to willingly burn down for her.

#### *Two Lives, Many Horrors*

"*We need your help." [...] "Mya banned us from ever setting a foot in Hollowleaf Mansion again. Now, we have to find a way to pry her away from the Parkers before the damage she's done becomes permament.*"
—Evie's plea to the Heartley parents

Evie approaches the Heartley parents, softly telling them that they need their help in finding a way to get Mya away from Harlow and Ivanna before the damage she has caused becomes permanent, and Amira agrees with her, citing that Pineshadow will be in danger and pleading for their help. Nita and Patrick then apologize for lying and letting the girls down, promising to tell them everything they know about Harlow and Ivanna, and the girls gather in front of them (sans Winter). Nita admits that they've made a devastating mistake, but now, they must know the true so things can be made right, and Evie politely encourages her and Patrick to start speaking. When Nita reveals that they once gave Harlow and Ivanna ten thousand dollars, Evie exclaims that they're off their rocker for doing so, as they could have gotten their bank accounts terminated. She notes that her mother works in banking, and if she found out about this, both would be dead. After Winter slams her fist down on the coffee table upon learning that the Parkers previously threatened Mya, Amira is startled and jumps into Evie. Patrick murmurs that Winter doesn't understand their motive for burning the photo - they did it for Mya's safety. Amira relates, having been kept a secret from Pineshadow because of Shetani, and her friends nod in agreement with her.

When Daniela asks Nita if she and Patrick ever considered being truthful with Mya, she uneasily confesses that they did, but they chose to keep quiet for her safety. Evie stands up, admitting that she isn't happy to hear about this; because of the Heartleys' secret, they are now facing Pineshadow's most dangerous criminals and have to rescue Mya before she falls into a black hole. However, Nita and Patrick taking the blame was the right thing to do, and she and the girls appreciate their compliance so they can work out another plan. To Evie, their motives were understandable and something she'd relate to - she'd lie to Mya if it meant protecting her. Amira agrees with her friend for a second time, stating that the Heartley parents are in hot water, but are also working to own up for their mistakes. Winter, still agitated, snaps that they lied to all of them, startling Amira, whom Evie catches before she hits the carpet. During Winter's argument with her parents, the girls deeply worry for her as Nita assures her that they've always cared for Mya, noting that they accepted her relationship with Evie. After Nita opens up about Mya saving her from suicide, Evie is sympathetic, reassuring her that they all feel weird about this, but will support her nonetheless - they won't turn their backs to her when Harlow and Ivanna want to make Pineshadow suffer. Evie then prompts a silent Winter to say something, but she only runs to her bedroom and slams the door. Once she returns and apologizes to her parents, Evie quietly supports her and pats Daniela on her back when she points out the parallels between what's happening with Winter and what happened with her.

#### *Disappearance*

"*That isn't one of my prettiest memories, Winter. However, family can do some real screwed-up stuff to you sometimes... We all have our scars from that.*"
—Evie to Winter

Winter calls Evie, frantically informing her that the Heartley parents have disappeared, much to her shock. She asks if she's looked everywhere, and when she confirms this, Evie promises to be over with the girls as soon as possible. Fifteen minutes later, she arrives, suspicious that foul play is to blame for the disappearance. Sensing a bad motive, Evie exclaims that Harlow and Ivanna caused the Heartley parents to vanish - they have a clear disdain of them and want Mya and riches all to themselves. With that aside, she declares that they must search the house for evidence, as more can usually be found at a second or third glance - and that someone must tell Mya that her parents are gone so she can play her part in searching for them. Amira points out that if they go back to Hollowleaf Mansion, Mya will kick them out and the Parkers will likely kill them. Evie begins to rethink her plan when Daniela offers to go to Hollowleaf Mansion alone, and she turns to her in stunned disbelief. She explains that she sees Mya for who she is - like her, she was once a villain - and Evie recalls the ruthless, punishing villain Daniela once was, especially toward Mya, whom she tormented heavily. Understanding where she is coming from, Evie hugs her and wishes her luck, telling her to "put a target" in her girlfriend. An hour later, Evie asks Winter if she and Amira can question her on the disappearance of her parents, which she agrees to, and she questions when she last saw them. Winter replies that it was when she went to bed the previous night. Suddenly, Amira gasps, and Evie rushes to her side, where she sees a nasty gash on Winter's head.

Startled, goosebumps form on her, and she inquires as she got it. Much to Evie's horror and disbelief, Winter reveals that Mya attacked her and got away with stealing her family's money, and despite her pleading that it's not true, Winter confirms it. Observing her scar gives Evie a bad sense of déjà vu, and remembering a bad memory, she tells Winter that she had a scar just like hers inflicted on her by her mother - although it wasn't her fault. In a flashback to three years prior, Evie is resting in her bedroom, her leg sore. Her mother then enters her room, stating that it's time for one of her martial arts training sessions, to which she protests about her leg, but Opal orders her to do as she's told. Reluctantly, Evie follows, put at unease by her mother's abrupt behavior and lack of her normal training outfit. In her mother's bedroom, Opal explains that she will be learning to subdue her enemy by a punch to the throat, terrifying her daughter as she continues to give information on how she is to practice the move on her. Evie nods, noting that she's strong, and that's why she is ready for this. Curtly praising her, Opal then instructs her to attack, and Evie charges, missing and nearly hitting her mother's dresser. Opal reminds her that her enemy is a moving target, and frustrated, Evie tracks her movements carefully. She charges again, only for her mother to dodge and scold her for not thinking smart. Evie growls at her, pacing around the room and calculating where she will move next.

As she moves back to her dresser, Evie pounces, but only contacts her mother's chest and falls onto the carpet. Opal demands what is wrong with her for her consistent failure, adding that she needs to be working faster, better, and stronger. Furious, Evie is fed up with her mother's unfair treatment of her, and refusing to be pushed around again, she notices that she is off guard. With Opal distracted, Evie leaps up and aims at her throat; Opal is startled by her daughter's outburst and shoves her back. Evie, unbalanced, smashes into her father's dresser and collapses, knocked completely unconscious. Opal screams, regretting what she has just done and fearing that she has blood on her hands for injuring her daughter. Anderson walks in, and seeing his daughter unmoving on the ground, blood staining one of his dresser knobs. Horrified, he shouts her name and picks her up, finding her head bruised and bloodied and her body light. Gazing up at Opal, Anderson reprimands her for being so careless, noting that she could have killed Evie with such a hard move. Evie then wakes up in her father's arms, and realizing that her mother was genuine and only wanted her to succeed, she convinces him that Opal is being sincere. Anderson, relaxing, says he'll get Evie an ice pack, but warns his wife to never push her like that again. Evie staggers back to her room, and after her father gives her an ice pack, wonders when her mother's impulsivity as a tiger parent will end.

Shaking herself out of the memory, Evie tells Winter that it isn't pretty, but all of them do have scars from family, and Winter thanks her for sharing her story. Sighing, Evie declares that it's time to search for information, and while she and Amira investigate the blood in the hallway, Winter relaxes on the sofa. She murmurs that they don't know who's blood is on the wall, but Amira plucks a strand of hair into her hands, revealing that the blood belongs to Nita. She concludes that the Heartleys and Parkers got into a bloody altercation, and Evie agrees, stating that they have to go search the living room now, knowing Harlow and Ivanna are going to make them search on their hands and knees for evidence. She checks the coffee table and lifts up a magazine, which causes a letter seemingly written by the Heartleys to fall out, and she shouts that they've got more evidence. Upon reading the letter, Evie is baffled by the Heartleys saying that they've left Pineshadow, firmly believing they'd stay to protect their daughters. Winter is quick to discover that the handwriting doesn't belong to her parents, and Evie agrees with her, not identifying the handwriting as Mya's, but likely the Parkers' attempt at forging a letter. Just as Amira points out that none of it makes sense, news on the TV reports that the suspects behind the attack on Old Town Pineshadow have been identified. Evie braces for the worst, which comes true when it is revealed that Harlow, Ivanna, and Mya committed the attacks. Shrieking, Evie feels as if she is chasing Mya's ghost again, struggling to believe her girlfriend is now a criminal.

#### *Ultimatum*

"*With that, Mya laughed maniacally, and Evie's body went* limp *with the most trepidation she had* ever *felt in her entire life.*"
—Evie after Mya ambushes her

Harlow speaks with Mya at Hollowleaf Mansion, saying that every puzzle piece is in place except one - one of the girls' intelligence poses a threat to her plans. Immediately, Mya rules out Amira and considers Daniela the likely girl, but gulps when she thinks about Winter and Evie, foreboding building inside. Her heart then drops when Harlow names Evie, pinning her as the cause of disrupting their order and attempting to make Mya unpure. Revealing his dagger from behind his back, he locks his gaze onto Mya, who is shocked and feels sick by what she has just seen. With a chilling tone, Harlow gives her an ultimatum - she has until midnight tomorrow to kill Evie, and if she backs out, he and Ivanna will kill her themselves. Mya, terrified, notes that she hates Evie and screamed at her so they'd avoid crossing paths constsantly, but would never want her to get harmed - and now she has been told to kill the person she used to be in love with. Harlow prompts her to speak, and sighing, she takes the dagger and accepts the ultimatum, promising to uphold the family honor. Harlow dismisses her from the living room, and heading back upstairs to her room, she places the dagger next to her crown and steps out onto her balcony, worrying over the choice that will change her life either way. Meanwhile, at Evie's place, Evie worries over the possible weapons Mya has at her disposal, but shakes the thought away. Opal opens the door, handing Evie a letter, and she expresses her displeasure at the thought of it being another dinner party.

When Rex frantically arrives, reporting that Daniela is missing, Evie admits to her that the Parkers must have her hostage, as they had far too many tricks for her to handle. Winter and Amira are quick to declare their intent to return to Hollowleaf Mansion in order to rescue Daniela, and Evie approaches them, commending them for taking such a risk for someone they haven't had as a friend for long and also encouraging them to trust their first instinct. After hugging the two, Evie remembers her letter and opens it, finding out that Mya wants to meet her in Hollowleaf Forest tomorrow night. Opal immediately suspects that it's a trap and begs her not to go, but she is adamant, detecting Mya being genuine in the letter - while she can kill, this might be the only chance they have of peace. Rubbing her head, her mother reluctantly allows her to go to Hollowleaf Mansion, and Rex offers to take her after she drops off Winter and Amira, which Evie accepts. Grasping the girls' hands, she says that they're in it to win it, and Winter and Amira proclaim that the Parkers will be defeated. Back at Hollowleaf Mansion, Mya thinks about her ultimatum, caught between two worlds. The first world is betraying the Parkers and going back to living a normal, loving life with Evie, never growing apart from her again - while the second is murdering Evie, becoming royalty, and her and the Parkers having all the riches and power they could dream of. She believes that if she's meant to be famous and a hero, Evie must die. Suddenly, Harlow slams her door open and orders her to check on Daniela, and nodding, Mya walks to a door labeled with a fourteen on it and opens it.

Inside, she sees Daniela chained to a chair, straining to escape, and when she sees Mya, she growls. During their confrontation, Daniela drops a bombshell on Mya - she overheard Harlow's ultimatum that he gave to her this morning. Gasping, Mya clutches her heart, her head overwhelmed by the memory of the chilling order. With anger in her voice, she retorts that Daniela's the detriment to their plans, and regardless, Evie will die. Despite her certainty, Daniela drops another bombshell on her - she's aware that she still loves Evie and doesn't want to kill her. Astonished, she asks how she knew, and she admits that she's studied Mya's behavior each time that she has set foot in this room. When Mya sits on the bed, Evie comes to her mind; she denies that she isn't in love when the reality is the cold opposite - she still wants to be Evie's girlfriend. Each time she pictures her or anything else relating to her, she becomes distant - and her reluctance to attack her only proved Daniela's suspicions. Mya backs all the way to the door, her heart thumping, everything she had tried to keep away from Daniela all unfurled by the very person who used to despise her. Despite knowing that she is being truthful, it only pains her to think about what she said, torn between loving Evie or killing her to uphold Harlow and Ivanna's honor. Mya breaks down, and unable to fight away Daniela's words and her personal longing for Evie, she snaps and nearly attacks her. Mya then walks out and slams the door, not being able to take any more and struggling to pick a side. Sadly, she stares at a frame on the wall containing Ivanna's hand on the day she and Harlow married.

Mya feels the picture, tears in her eyes as she hallucinates that she's holding Evie's hand. Mya sneaks out into the darkness of Hollowleaf Mansion, creeping down the stairs and to the dining room, confused at the sight of candles on the table. Brushing away the fear of Harlow and Ivanna being awake, she goes to the living room, where Evie re-enters her head. Mya curses, going to Harlow's study, but the thoughts of her girlfriend stick to her. She stares into the mirror, seeing many Harlows surround her, and they command her to kill Evie. Mya gasps, tucking herself into a closet, affection still lingering inside of her. Despite reminding herself that Evie is her enemy and not her lover, aching familiarity pulses in her veins, the love remaining in her breaking her down. Aflame with her conflicted nature, Mya travels down to the wine cellar, a place she has been to only once, searching for something to put her out of her pain. The memory of her and Evie's first kiss invades her mind, and unable to keep herself together, Mya wails that she doesn't want to do this, biting her lip so hard that it begins bleeding. She recalls sitting in the tree, her and Evie's lips meeting - and her vow to love Evie until the day she died. However, Mya refuses to destroy her loyalties to Harlow and Ivanna, staring at her reflection in the dagger blade once more, seeing heart and vindication within her. She vows to never be in love again and to show weakness, proclaiming that she is the Queen of Daggers and will have Evie dead by tomorrow. The next day, Evie re-reads Mya's letter, and enamored, she freshens herself up for the meeting that night. Sitting by her window, she hopes it isn't too late to regain her relationship with her lover. When Ivanna captures Amira and Winter in Hollowleaf Mansion, Winter reminds her girlfriend that Evie told them to trust their instinct, but Amira snaps at her to forget what she said, as this is a matter of survival.

Winter, realizing that Evie will be heartbroken and Mya will remain a villain if she attacks Ivanna, gives in. Later that night, Rex drops Evie off at Hollowleaf Mansion; the latter asks if she can wait here for her, and she agrees. Rex then hugs her, adding that she loves her intelligence and leadership and is proud of her. Evie jokes that she's acting like a second mother to her, blushing, and Rex shares her sentiment, sending her off. Evie walks up to Hollowleaf Mansion nervously, eager to see Mya, who exclaims that she's arrived, and Evie's heart leaps at the sight of her without her cape and crown. She invites her on a walk in Hollowleaf Forest, which she accepts, and they follow a small path. Unbeknownst to Evie, Mya is holding Harlow's dagger behind her back, and she takes up her hand in her own. Mya admits that she's missed spending time with her, being themselves again, wondering if she's thrown away too much. Evie replies that words can't describe how much's she missed her and that she'll always cherish the person that she sees now, to which her girlfriend adds that she's adored her since she was a kid. The two reach an open clearing in the woods, the sky above glittering with constellations, and they press next to each other. While Mya enjoys the moment, she chastises herself and sets herself back on killing Evie. Taking advantage of the stars, she says that they're shining tonight, and Evie agrees, tilting her head up. With her distracted, Mya takes her one shot and points her to the Little Dipper. Evie comments that they should do things like this more often, but before she can say more, Mya ambushes her and pins her to the ground, pointing the dagger at her throat and remarking that it's over. Evie, realizing that she has made a grave mistake, goes limp with trepidation as her girlfriend laughs maniacally.

#### *Warbringer*

"*Mya, never have I once stopped loving you for who* I *see inside of you. To others, you're a spoiled, selfish, and vicious queen hellbent on making everyone who "wronged" you suffer. But I never saw that in you, don't you see that? I've seen the you that I've* always *cherished passionately - the comedian, the courageous girl who'd leap in front of a train... The* perfect *girl that I so happened to chance encounter at the park... You were never a villain. Nor will you ever remain one. I love you, Mya Elise Heartley.* That *alone will* never*,* ever *change. You changed me... Forever.*"
—Evie revealing to Mya that she still loves her

Mya continues to laugh wickedly as Evie watches her in horror, calling herself foolish for falling right into a trap. As if she has read her thoughts, Mya then remarks that she is so gullable for being caught in a trap, and before Evie can counter with a response of her own, bushes rustle behind her, revealing the presence of Harlow and Ivanna. Harlow praises Mya, noting that their plan is almost finished, and with dread, Evie realizes that the Parkers masterminded this ambush and had their granddaughter do their dirty work. She questions if they want her dead, and snickering, Harlow murmurs that she should have never underestimated them. Focusing on Mya, he orders her to finish it, and Evie pleads that she can't kill her; she still has a heart. Ignoring her, Mya nods at her grandfather and raises the dagger up with both hands, telling Evie that they both know how this goes - she put her nose in places where it shouldn't have been, meddling with their plans even though she told her that they needed to be apart. However, she never learned her lesson, and it's time for her to pay for her mistakes. Evie begs Mya not to kill her tearfully, stating that she's not a killer, but she refuses to listen, warning that love has always been blind and wishing her "sweet dreams." She then swings the dagger down at Evie's throat, and seconds slow for the latter as she faces life and death. At any moment, the dagger will impact Evie's throat and Mya will watch her bleed out, becoming a criminal with blood on her hands. Without warning, Evie's heart swells with something special, a truth so powerful she can't keep in, and moments before the dagger blade cuts into her flesh, Evie admits to Mya that even if she kills her, she will always love her.

The dagger comes to a halt just an inch away from her throat, and gasping, Evie finds Mya's face twisted in shock and horror, struggling to believe what she has just heard, letting the dagger fall. Ivanna exclaims a no in disbelief as Evie breaks a smile, saying that she's never stopped loving Mya for who she truly is inside - while she may be a spoiled and selfish queen to most, she can't see those traits in her - she has only seen the loving, passionate, brave comedian she first met at the park. She was never a villain and won't be one again - and she loves her and changed her forever. Mya's resentment and confident fury has now faded, revealing how tender and compassionate she is, the side she hid for a long time. Realizing what is right and wrong, she stares at her reflection in the dagger blade, no longer seeing a vicious, callous, and destructive queen, but the soft, innocent her who never wanted anyone to get hurt, weighed down by immense guilt. Unable to hold back, tears fall from Mya's eyes, and she stammers that she can't bring herself to kill Evie. Ivanna and Harlow, repulsed by her betrayal, slink back into the shadows. Evie reaches out to touch Mya, but before she can, she throws the dagger aside and stands up, staring at the ground and sobbing. Evie calls out to her, causing her to wail at the sky that she can't kill her, not when she still loves her; she questions why, believing the other girls still hate her. Evie replies that she can see right through her, knowing that she's vulnerable - if she knew she had remaining feelings for her, she wouldn't murder her in the first place.

Mya asks how she could love her after what she did, believing that she doesn't deserve forgiveness, and Evie affirms that the real her has returned - she never gave up hoping she'd change her ways and always kept that hope. Dumbfounded, Mya's mouth hangs open as she is left stunned by what Evie has just told her, now knowing that she loves her despite everything she put on her - they are linked together. She whispers that she doesn't know what to say, and in a teasing tone, Evie encourages her to say it. Finally, Mya, blushing and laughing, says that she loves Evie. They grip each other's wrists, touching noses, bliss filling them. After a moment of silence, Evie breaks it and affirms that they have to get back and rescue the other girls. Mya agrees, preparing to bound away when a chilling voice snarls that they're not going anywhere, freezing her dead in her tracks. Before she can even say a word, Harlow swings his dagger at his granddaughter and stabs her in the back, making her let out a blood-curdling scream. She collapses on the ground, grunting in pain, blood staining her backside. Evie screeches her name and falls to her side, pleading for her to get up. Ivanna taunts her granddaughter by stating that it's a shame she thought she could get out of this in one piece, noting that betrayal comes with a heavy price in the family. Looking at Mya, Evie stares her in her eyes, which communicate to her that her girlfriend didn't know she was going to get backstabbed.

As Evie tries to help her to her feet, Ivanna confesses to Mya that she became too wild to control, remarking that greed destroyed her loyalties and that it was time she was disposed of. Harlow growls that it's game over, but refusing to be put down, Mya wipes away her tears and retorts that they're going to have to fight her first. However, Ivanna quickly overpowers her, as she slams her into the ground, sending her vision spiraling. Evie calls out her name again, fury building, and blood leaks out of Mya's mouth from a cut on her tongue. Harlow mutters that she's done, ordering Ivanna to take Mya back to Hollowleaf Mansion, and she drags her semi-unconscious granddaughter away. Made stark-raving mad, Evie cries out in rage and kicks Harlow's dagger away from him, sending it flying into the woods nearby. Harlow, hissing that she's insolent, attempts to strike her with her arm. Evie dodges, then flips up into the air, pinning him on the ground with her weight. She snaps that she doesn't care how many times she'll fight him, but he will be dead for what he's done to Mya. Harlow retorts that she shouldn't believe that, as he can kill her right now, and she snarls that she kicked his dagger away and disarmed him. Harlow tells her that he's already thought twice, surging upward and slamming Evie into the ground, squeezing her throat. Slowly, everything blurs in her vision until she is completely knocked out, where she is then picked up by Harlow. When Evie wakes up, she finds herself in a different room, relieved to see that she isn't critically injured.

Staggering up to her feet, Evie examines her surroundings, and from the presence of wine, she deduces that she is in a wine cellar. Her annoyance quickly turns into fear once she remembers what just happened with Mya and the Parkers, and with time ticking away to stop Harlow and Ivanna's destruction, Evie resolves to find a way out. Approaching the wooden door to the cellar, she slams into it with her shoulder, but it doesn't give way. She curses in pain and tries again, this time kicking the door with her foot, only giving herself more pain. Frustrated, Evie swings at the door with her fist, hurting her knuckles, which immediately gleam pink from the impact. In pain, she sits on a wine barrel, desiring any escape from the wine cellar. She glances up at the windows, thinking she can climb up there, smash through them, and get out - but before she throws a wine bottle, she realizes how dangerous her idea is and doesn't go through with it. Irritated, Evie notes that everything is in a precarious balance, and the more time that she spends trap, the more likely it will be that Harlow and Ivanna will win and the girls die. Angered, she lets all hell loose on the wine cellar, tearing up and destroying everything around her. After a few minutes, however, Evie still has found no way to escape and collapses onto the floor, lying on her back. Shivering, she prays that she and Mya get saved, stop Harlow and Ivanna, and make them suffer for all eternity. She wishes for her prayer to be answered, and almost on cue, someone chips away at the door. Startled, Evie demands who's there, and the door comes crashing down, a tall figure walking forward through a dust cloud.

Evie screams just as the figure rams into her body and pins her on the ground, placing a hand on her mouth and urging her to quiet down. Squirming in her captor's grip, Evie wills herself to fight, but when the dust parts, she becomes shocked at the sight of Daniela. Daniela warns her to keep her voice low and pulls her between two shelves, and noticing her wild, new appearance, she mentions that she looks different. Flustered, she says that there's no need to question it and will tell her hopefully later, and apologizing, Evie asks if she's alright - she never returned from her trip. Sighing and taking her hand, Daniela reveals that she almost convinced Mya to change sides, but she betrayed her last minute, having lied to her about wanting to defect all along. Since then, Harlow and Ivanna have held her prisoner and wouldn't let her leave her prison room until she escaped. Evie inquires about the whereabouts of Winter and Amira, and wincing, Daniela mentions that they're prisoners, but she doesn't know where; she only knows that Amira got thrown down the stairs by Ivanna, making Winter scream. Her friend is horrified, and she comments that Ivanna is a sneaky fox for using Amira's trauma as a means to stop Winter from killing her. Evie, sick, calls Ivanna a psychopath and despicable for her actions, and switching the topic, Daniela asks how she got trapped in the wine cellar. Her eyes go wide, recalling the sickening events she saw in Hollowleaf Forest, and Daniela takes up her hands, encouraging her to stay strong. Evie, nodding gratefully, explains that Mya sent her a genuine letter expressing her intentions for them to meet in Hollowleaf Forest.

Once they met up, they walked in the forest and admired the starlight, with Evie believing that Mya had reformed for good. This quickly was disproven, as Mya pinned her and pulled a dagger on her, revealing her intentions to murder her. Harlow and Ivanna were there, having masterminded the whole meeting, and Mya nearly killed her. Frantic, Daniela questions what she has just heard and how Evie is still alive, and reluctantly, she admits that she told Mya she'd always love her even if she died at her hands. Daniela, in disbelief, asks how she loves her after everything, and proud, Evie confesses that she never saw evil in Mya - in these times, she was taught to have confidence. Deep in her heart, she knew the real Mya would return; and when she peeled the layers back, she found her again. Daniela finishes for her, and Evie nods, lip shaking as she continues. She states that just when they had reunited, Harlow figuratively and literally backstabbed Mya with his dagger, weakening her, and the last thing she knew, Mya was taken back to the mansion while she was thrown in the wine cellar. Daniela figures that Mya is imprisoned like Amira and Winter, noting that they have to be found - in order to do that, they have to beat the Parkers at their own game. Evie gets up, approaching the door and remarking that they have no more time to lose to stop Harlow and Ivanna, in addition to saving Pineshadow. A lingering thought then crosses her mind, and she inquires as to who captured Daniela, to which she names Harlow. Her blood going cold, she demands what he did, and quieting her, Daniela reveals to her that she escaped via seducing him.

After she finishes explaining what happened, Evie shakes her, astonished by what she has just heard and asking if it's really true. Blushing, she silences her, understanding her level of shock. She murmurs that it was the only way she could have escaped Harlow, and she's aware that it was gross, but she's here now and has rescued her. Evie admits that she never expected her to seduce someone, but she's one of the most badass girls she's ever gotten to meet, even having courage she wishes to have sometimes. Daniela acknowledges her words somberly, but says that they need to focus on rescuing the girls. The two run out of the wine cellar and into the dining room, where they pin their backs against each other and grip hands. Daniela orders Evie to find Mya while she finds Winter and Amira, noting that they might not come out alive, and she agrees, adding that this is their only way to escape. Daniela affirms that they're in it as one, and wishing luck, the girls break away and begin their search, going in opposite directions. Daniela is quick to discover Amira and Winter and hides with them as Evie continues her search. On the right side of Hollowleaf Mansion, Evie is relatively unsuccessful, kicking open every door in the hall yet never finding Mya in any room. Panicking and doubtful, Evie can't bring herself to believe that her girlfriend could be dead and continues searching, killing the time. Eventually, she gives up knowing that she cannot keep screaming out Mya's name and getting no response and prepares to inform the other girls.

Suddenly, she hears a sound within the walls, causing her to double take. Evie hears the noise again, weeping and nails scratching against the floor, and she realizes that they belong to Mya. Baffled by how she could have gotten trapped within a wall, Evie concludes that Ivanna sealed her in and made sure she wouldn't be able to get out. Furious, and with rage pulsing inside, she wails and slams her entire body up against the wall. Immediately, a piece of the wall falls onto the ground, opening up into a small chamber - with Mya inside, bloodied and curled into a ball. Craning, she tilts her head up and looks at Evie, rasping her name. Her heart twisting, she helps Mya to her feet, assuring her that she's okay and that she'll be taken to the girls now, which she responds to with a simple okay. Upon returning, Amira breathes that she has Mya, and Winter states that she's back, though Mya doesn't reply to her sister and instead blinks. Daniela insists that they have to get out of the mansion now before they get killed, but Evie says that she has something to do, and quickly, she desperately goes into her phone contacts. Winter warns her that they don't have time, but she urges her to trust her as she texts the Heartleys, informing them that Mya is safe. Glancing over, Mya sees what her girlfriend has done and murmurs about her parents, surprising Amira. Evie insists that they won't run away knowing their daughter is alright, but before the girls can leave the mansion, Ivanna hisses that they're not going anywhere and blocks the doors with Harlow by her side.

Harlow growls that they won't see daylight, preparing to eliminate the five girls, but Daniela retorts that not if they can't help it, urging the girls to run. She creates a distraction by throwing a vase at Harlow, which allows her and the girls to make a break for it. Mya runs alongside Evie, who urges the girls to keep running, and despite the pain from her wound plaguing her, Mya finally feels free away from the Parkers and ready to live the perfect life with Evie. However, these thoughts are swiftly derailed when her foot catches in a tree root, and she slams into the dirt. Evie, noticing her absence among the girls, sees her at the top of the hill and shrieks. Mya attempts to get back on her feet, but by then, it is too late, as Harlow and Ivanna catch up to their granddaughter, triumphant. Furious, Evie hisses "son of a mother" and attempts to run up to her girlfriend, but Amira and Winter hold her back, with Winter pointing out that the Parkers will kill her if she advances on them. Realizing that she's right, Evie relaxes and internally tells herself to play wisely. Ivanna and Harlow berate Mya for choosing Evie over them and ruining her loyalities, in the process making Evie more angry than she already is, heat rising up inside of her that the others can feel. Mya begs Ivanna to stop tormenting her, and struggling to control her wild temper, Evie growls. When the Parkers reveal that they killed Elloise and Luca Heartley, her blood goes cold, the other girls in equal horror as her. Once the Parkers are finished with their story, Harlow orders Mya to run away and never return. Evie yells at her to avoid listening to him and Daniela adds that he's lying his ass off, but the damage is done, and Mya turns tail.

With their mission complete, Harlow and Ivanna are about to return to their mansion when Evie draws their attention onto her and the girls, reminding them of their presence. She warns that they'll tell the world of what they've done, and although Ivanna snaps at her to get lost, Evie spits that they'll regret the day they manipulated Mya into becoming a cruel, power-hungry queen, scarred her friends. They messed with those she loved and Pineshadow and are criminals who only wanted to watch the world burn, and declaring that they'll die fighting, Evie leads the girls into battle. Screeching, Evie charges into Harlow, smashing into him and sending him into the dirt, Daniela quickly by her side. The two get into a confrontation with Harlow afterward. He raises Evie into the air, seeking to bash her skull in, but Daniela instead kicks him in his exposed stomach - directly in the pelvis. Screaming in pain, Harlow drops Evie, who tells him to think fast and leaps back into the air, landing on his backside. He tries to remove her, but is unable to, and Evie wraps her arms around his neck. Swiftly, she pulls back in a similar tactic she once used on Shetani, and Harlow rears like a horse in an effort to throw her off. Finally, he manages to unlatch her, digging his nails into her skin. Whirling around, Harlow prepares to attack Daniela next, but she is ready for him, retorting that she has food for thought and referring to him as rubbish. She swings an enclosed fist at his jaw, which causes teeth and blood to fly. Harlow regains himself and targets Evie, but she jumps clear of him.

Then, she turns to Daniela and orders her to find Mya, but shocked, she pleads that she can't leave her here to fight Harlow alone. However, Evie is adamant and urges her to just go, headbutting Harlow's chest and kicking him in the stomach, nearly sending him into a tall bush. Knowing that Evie means business, Daniela runs away from the battlefield and into Hollowleaf Forest. When Daniela finds Mya, she is stunned that she came to rescue her and reminds her that she broke Evie's hard, believing she's a monster for what she has done. Daniela doesn't give up on her, revealing that Evie sent her to find her - she's fighting Harlow by herself. Mya, shocked, murmurs her girlfriend's name and questions if she really wanted Daniela to find her. She confirms this, adding that she fought with her and that they aren't going to win this without her. After Daniela gets through to Mya, the two return to the battlefield in the clearing. Mya is revolted by what she sees at the bottom of the hill - a battered and bloodied Amira fighting Ivanna, who in turn is bloodied and has tattered clothing, next to an unmoving Winter. Mya whispers that Amira isn't going to last for long, wondering what they should do, but her question is never answered. Seconds later, a scream rings out across the clearing - one Mya knows all too well - and to her horror, Mya turns to discover Evie cornered against a tree by Harlow, cheek smeared with blood, chin bruised, and a sleeve torn. Harlow, taking advantage of her weakness, jumps up against her and pulls out a pistol, loading it. Evie, petrified, screams as he violently kicks her stomach, sending her flying into the tree. Her foot twists upon hitting the ground, causing her to cry out in severe pain, the world blurring in her vision.

After re-adjusting her glasses just in time to notice that Harlow is pointing his gun at her face, she goes deathly silent, reliving the day she played Russian roulette to save Mya's life. Mya, refusing to let Harlow murder her girlfriend, formulates a plan to take the bullet first and urges Daniela to trust her on this one, which she agrees to. She quickly whispers something into her ear, then creeps toward Harlow, nearing him just as he speaks to Evie again. The latter, believing her life is over and unable to get up due to her twisted ankle, shields her face protectively from Harlow. Harlow warns her that she should have never interfered with the Parker name, hoping she's happy with her fate, and gasping, Evie prepares for her imminent death. Suddenly, Mya orders Harlow to freeze, startling him, and he lowers his gun. He whirls around to find his granddaughter facing him with disgust and hatred, no longer the girl he told to run away. He screeches that she should have fled, and Ivanna demands how this is possible, only to be silenced by Amira, who mutters that she gets the last laugh. Mya agrees that should have ran away by now, but returned since she has an offer for Harlow, surprising him, and he hangs his pistol by his waistline while Evie peers around him. Mya gives him a deal - he must spare Evie's life - and kill her instead. Harlow gasps, looking as if he saw the ghosts of Elloise and Luca, and Ivanna demands the meaning of what she just said, prompting Amira to punch her into silence, and she sinks to the ground. Mya tells Harlow that he's right saying she's a criminal, puffing out her chest - no one deserves her after what she has done; she stands here knowing she won't belong in Pineshadow ever again, outcasted as a traitor.

Evie begs for her not to do this, trembling and crying, pleading that they can't lose everything they fought for. Harlow quiets her by pointing his gun at her temple, allowing Mya to continue speaking. She apologizes to Evie for her decision, affirming that she has to atone for mistakes she can never go back from - when she dies, Pineshadow can heal again. Tearfully, she points to her girlfriend, singling her out. Mya points out that Evie never defected sides and caused a war, but worked hard to protect her town and the girls, gave all of herself to set them free. Meanwhile, she tried to kill her girlfriend and strained her relationship with her all because she was greedy and hungry for power. To Mya, she knows now that it was never worth it, hence why she wants to die. Harlow, moved by her words, inches closer to her, and Evie cowers next to the tree, fear rampant inside her body. Crossing her arms over, Mya murmurs that she has no future left, having destroyed it all, everything she has ripped to pieces. Not wanting to live any longer with the burden, she asks for Harlow to kill her again, and he finally agrees, his voice rattling from the force of his granddaughter's request for an assisted suicide. Refusing to say no to the demand, he points his pistol at Mya's forehead, seconds ticking away before her death, and he questions if she has any final words. In a twist move, Mya exclaims that she's more than just a mortal, baffling Harlow. Before he can inquire as to what she means, Daniela ambushes him, sending him flying into the ground, his pistol landing near the tree. Evie is shocked by what she has just witnessed, realizing that Mya wasn't actually requesting to die; she only did that as part of a ruse to fool Harlow.

During the battle, Evie watches Mya and Daniela fight the Parkers and cheers for them. When Harlow and Ivanna surround Mya in the open, Evie gasps, knowing the Parkers have the advantage now that their granddaughter is stranded. Harlow asks Mya what her parents would think if they found out what she did, and horrified, Mya fears she will never be their daughter again if they discover she tried to kill Evie. The latter says nothing out loud, but silently encourages her to stay loyal and true. After both Parkers are knocked out, Mya tells Daniela to check on Amira and Winter while she stays with Evie. She approaches the tree where Evie is laying by, her heart thudding as she notices how weakened she is, and she questions if the battle is over. Mya admits that they have little time left, but need to get out before Harlow and Ivanna awaken. Taking her hands, Mya welcomes the warmth and tries to pull Evie back up, but she falls back in pain, making her realize that her ankle is sprained. She begins to apologize somberly, but Harlow, face disfigured, teeth shattered, and greatly bloodied, cuts her off. Mya screams, falling against Evie, and she becomes even more terrified when Harlow pulls out another pistol out from behind him and points it at her and Evie. Winter screeches her sister's name in the distance, and voice cracking, Daniela begs Mya to fight. Remembering that Harlow lost his previous gun within arm's reach, and she takes it, aiming it at him with a finger on her trigger. Gasping, Evie hides behind her as she threatens to kill Harlow whether he wants it or not, but deeming the threat pathetic and meager, he claims that she can't shoot like he can - she can't defeat him, the greatest mastermind in Pineshadow's history.

Brushing his finger along his chin, he cracks his neck back and hisses at Mya that he made her into a monster; she should have never come back, but she chose to be the hero anyway despite the fact that she's the very double-crosser who caused her parents to disappear - she ruined her life. Mya crawls back against Evie, unintentionally pinning her against the tree, her hands shaking and causing the gun to rattle. Snickering, Harlow, adds that Mya could have been the greatest granddaughter, but she chose to out-criminal the most intelligent criminals in Pineshadow's history. Now, she'll go down as a failure - and Harlow considers it time to eliminate her "snake eyes" permanently. He moves the gun closer to her forehead, and her lips tremble, one arm pointing the other gun. She knows that what she is seeing now is the final moments of her and Evie's lives - the Parkers will win - she never did enough to stop them. Squeaking, Mya holds the gun steady, ready to fire in a last ditch effort to avoid dying all while Harlow smiles, preparing to take in the murder he is about to commit. Seeing more than red, he tells Mya that this is the fate she chose. In Evie's eyes, she sees the day of the game of Russian roulette that she played to save Mya's life. She faces a man, chained to a table, and in the corner of Winter's cabin are Mya and Winter, bound together. Remembering the fear in Mya's eyes, Evie refuses to let her girlfriend die and falls forward, pulling her back. Mya, startled, falls with her and accidentally pulls the trigger of the gun back, causing the gun to discharge with a bang. A single bullet flies toward Harlow, who doesn't even notice it due to being too transfixed on his granddaughter.

It pierces his head in a fatal blow, and swaying, Harlow falls onto the ground, twitching. Seconds later, he dies from the gunshot wound. Crawling up to her feet, Mya tells Evie to stay by the tree while she checks on the other girls, and she nods, allowing her to join Amira, Winter, and Daniela. Upon reuniting with the rest of the girls, a voice rasps Mya's name, and adrenaline pulsing, she turns to find Evie attempting to get back up on her feet - a strong yearning for her girlfriend in her eyes. Swiftly, Mya rushes to her side, reassuring her that it's okay and trying to help her up, but Evie yelps and goes down again. Internally chastising herself, Mya remembers her sprained leg and urges her to stay on her knees. She notices how battered Evie truly is - ripped shirt, a sleeve completely torn off; battle scars mar her face, and she is covered in blood and dust. Because of Mya, she didn't die at Harlow's hands. Mya wonders what she has done somberly, knowing that her decisions almost ended up killing Evie. Regretfully, she says that Evie doesn't deserve her because she tried to kill her and made her suffer. She hangs her head low, a tear falling from her eye and pondering how Evie could still love her. Suddenly, Evie feels her cheek tenderly, stating that she's atoned for everything - referring to her as her valkyrie. Shocked, Mya locks her gaze with hers, realizing that her girlfriend loves her - her smile warm and eyes fond. Not even when she was evil, Evie never stopped loving her, and heart galloping into motion, Mya feels free from her dark imprisonment. Longing for the romance she had previously rejected, she wants it to consume her, pressing Evie's hand against her face so she can savor the touch. To her, the skies open up, letting whispers travel and leaves to rustle in the moonlight. The two move closer to each other, and determined to make the moment worthwhile, Mya rubs her nose up against Evie's strongly, passion blooming between them.

With her fire ignited, Mya repeats her action, skin tingling and thoughts whirling, longing for this euphoric feeling to last. She is unable to deny that the sweetness in the air is from Evie, free every moment she is with her and only wanting one thing: to taste the secret lying right in front of her. Losing the last of her self-control, Mya connects her lips to Evie's and sharing a flaming kiss with her. The duo's aching for each other doesn't ease, however, and their minds lock with bliss. In her mind, Mya becomes an angel, pulling back on Evie's lip, finally whole again. Her insides on fire, she turns her kiss with Evie into a make out session, and the two pull as close as they can, feeling each other, giggling, and sharing more kisses - Harlow and Ivanna's meddling having never truly broken them apart. Minutes after their drug-like high, they collapse onto the ground, nestling in each other's embrace. Evie whispers that she wants to run away with her, and chuckling, Mya agrees that they should in their imaginations. Evie then touches her nose to her neck, kissing her there, and Mya sighs in peace. In turn, she promises to never let go of her again and tickles Evie on the back of her neck, causing her to laugh hysterically and plead for her to stop. Mya notes that she fell into Evie's arms, even if she hadn't meant to; there's no place she'd be but here - only Evie can take away her pain. The two glance up, discovering that the other girls are looking at them, and embarrassed, they sit upright. Daniela tells them that they have to get out of this place before anything else happens. Amira inquires as to how they'll even get home, and brightening, Evie reveals that Rex is still waiting for her, shocking Daniela. She recalls that she would wait as long as possible for her, remembering where she's parked, and with that settled, Daniela urges the girls on.

Mya helps Evie to her feet, but despite this, she walks with a hobble due to her ankle sprain, leading the girls ahead with Daniela. Mya, exhausted, sticks to Winter's side. Without warning, she is hit with an extreme amount of vertigo, the pain from her wounds reaching her at last, and she passes out, hearing Winter shout her name. One week later, Mya wakes up in a new place, air drifting down on her from a ceiling fan. She is greeted by Daniela and her mother, who reveal that she is taking up shelter at the Burton Vunquist house with the rest of the girls, Evie included. Rex mentions that her ankle is sprained, but she'll be okay, and although Mya asks to see her, she is advised not to since she is sleeping. As they hang out in her bedroom, Mya confesses to Daniela that she's her idol, much to Daniela's surprise, and she points out that she idolizes Evie. Mya says that she does, but now she idolizes her too, moving even more close to her. When Winter and Amira join them, Mya adds that nobody is perfect - she is glad she taught Evie that. Quietly, she notes that she's shown her a lot. She declares that she made one of her best decisions falling for Evie, as without her, she would have never accepted herself and lived in fear, unable to defy her bullies (she winks at Daniela, who nods). She's done so much for them, including being their leader. After Mya suggests naming the girls the Golden Gays, a voice remarks that it's perfect, and whirling around, Mya finds Evie in the doorway. Delighted, she scrambles off the bed and throws herself into her arms, kissing her on the lips.

She notices that Evie's right leg is in a cast, but she is clearly healing. She asks if they were proposing a group name, calling her My-My, and Mya, embarrassed, tells her not to copy Benji. She confirms that she suggested the name of the Golden Gays, questioning if she loves it, and Evie agrees. After teasing each other and laughing, they approach the other girls. Evie admits that it's been an honor to serve them as their leader ever since she met Mya at the park - which turned into meeting Winter, rescuing Amira, and reconnecting with Daniela. They have bravery and should be proud of it no matter what. Walking up to Mya, Evie declares that she's the most humorous, causing her to stick out her tongue in approval. Winter is commended as the bravest, to which she replies that she'll fall off a cliff for anyone. Amira is given the title of the swiftest, and she responds that no one can touch this. Lastly, Evie declares that Daniela is a warrior and the strongest, and accepting her role, she commends her as their leader and most intelligent in turn. Chuckling, Evie jumps on the bed with the rest of the Goldens, the best young group in Pineshadow's history. The next morning, Evie settles next to Mya as she and the girls eat breakfast. Out of nowhere, Mya's parents return, and Mya prepares to be rejected for what she has done to Evie and others, but they re-accept her instead. Later that day, the Goldens return home. Evie's parents immediately run up to her, and Opal hugs her, relieved that she's okay. Anderson, eyes brimming with tears, comments that their baby is a leader who led a battle and won it, choosing to lay down because of his emotions.

Opal admits that they were so worried about Evie, noticing her sprained ankle and torn sleeve, but Evie reassures her that she can walk alright - and she would rather keep her torn sleeve as a means of showing her strength, which she accepts. One week later, Mya and Evie stand outside the gloom and darkness of Hollowleaf Forest, a summer breeze drifting through the air. Evie demands why they've returned here, confused, and Mya genuinely replies that she wanted to show her something here, something she wished to do before, but put off because of Harlow and Ivanna's manipulation of her worsening. Now, she feels as if it's the right time to show her. Evie, knowing that this is the Mya she knows and loves, agrees to be taken to the mysterious place, but Mya retorts that she has to catch her first. Blowing a raspberry in her face, she takes off, Evie giving chase right behind her. Around her are stunning tree trunks, leaves patterning the ground, and fireflies swarming the air, one of which landing on her face. Evie feels herself soaring, eventually catching up to Mya and pinning her on the ground. In a hilarious tone, Evie jokes that this will be the last time Mya is ever alive, to which her girlfriend responds with a prolonged no. The two laugh, and rolling off, Evie wonders how far they are from this secret place. Mya assures her that it's not far away, covering her eyes to avoid any spoilers and encouraging her to move forward. Soon, Evie can hear the peaceful sound of water, taking more cautious steps until Mya commands her to stop and removes her hands from her eyes. Immediately, Evie is stunned by the sight of the Pond of Ori, the luminous pond instantly putting her into a trance. She sinks to her knees to get a better look, and Mya questions if she finds it beautiful.

She agrees, remarking that it's something unwordly, allowing her fingers to touch the cold pond water. Her body grows numb from the peace, and she notes that Mya was indeed correct - this place is special. Mya tells her to look at their reflection, which is melded together in the water, an indicator that they are one. Freedom blooms in Evie as she realizes that they are linked, something that will never change, and a crazy idea crosses her mind. Before Mya can even question her, she grabs her and throws her, along with herself, in the Pond of Ori. For a second, Mya believes she is about to drown and relive her nightmares, but finds herself lying on pebbles next to Evie, who is laughing her head off. She asks Evie what their parents would think if they came back wet, but she doesn't give a damn, only wanting to lie here with her girlfriend - she's the only thing that matters and she wants to spend the rest of her life with her. Mya murmurs that she's so drunk, tracing every indent on her chin, and Evie tells her that she never lied about her being a valkyrie and "hot as hell." She drapes her arms around her shoulders, and Mya sees everything for miles, her loyalty to Evie that never completely broke under Harlow and Ivanna's influence. In that time, she gained the feathers of a phoenix, the strength of the valkyrie, and the swiftness of the assassin. Her skin grazes Evie's, and she sneaks her hand around her neck, ecstasy pulsing through her veins as she also connects with her hands. Mya then touches her forehead to Evie's own, she sees the sky, clouds, and everything beyond - not as the Queen of Daggers - but as a valkyrie.

Only desiring one thing, Mya refuses to let the moment die and wants to run away, and Evie reassures her that they can, moving closer to her. With no more lies and divisions in the way, Mya desires real love, and against her warmth, Evie lets her shoulders loose and her control shed off her. Then, she throws her face into Mya's, kissing with adrenaline flowing through her veins. She keeps going, flowers blooming, minds racing, and hearts overflowering with love. Knowing Mya is happy, Evie pulls back, asking how that was. Mya says that if running away is exactly that, she wants her own shot at it, and obliging, her girlfriend closes her eyes. Mya kisses her neck before moving up to her lips, seeing the heavens and warmth build as she keeps kissing. Unable to keep still, they make out numerous times under the moonlight. Their shoes connect with one another, bodies forming the shape of a heart. Mya recalls vowing to love her until she died, and Evie declares that she loves her as well, asking if she wants to run away again. Mya retorts that she doesn't want to be kept yearning, and losing her last bit of self-control, she lets her hands go up to Evie's head, brushing aside her bangs and grazing her nose up against hers. Euphoric, she kisses her again, and she kisses back. As the moon shines that night, the two nestle close to each other, learning more secrets and sharing their eternal, everlasting love. Pineshadow is now safe, the darkness gone and banished by the two modern valkyries of the town - Evie Ly and Mya Heartley.

### *Winter's Tales*

#### *Choosing Paths*

Winter mentions someone who is a bookworm, though not by name - Evie. Later, Winter recalls someone who knows sports better than she does, also indirectly referring to Evie.

#### *Transformations*

Winter refers to both Mya and Evie telling the reader details she is about to repeat in her own words.

#### *Betrayal of Blood*

Winter indirectly refers to Evie and Mya when she says that they have likely told the reader her history teacher, Mr. Naecher.

#### *Snowblind*

Winter foreshadows the appearance of Evie and Mya and the impact they had on her life twice.

#### *Dance of a Thousand Eyes*

"*Daniela* really *is gonna start forgoing that* perfect little pupil *image just to give you the* shivers *late at night, isn't she?*"
—Evie reacting to Winter's news that Daniela harassed her at night

Evie and her best friend, Mya, approach Winter as she surveys the photo in her hand. Upon realizing that they're trying to nose for her information, Winter reacts with a poisonous attitude and dismisses them, running away with her photo. She chastises herself in the clearing for letting her guard down, suddenly realizing with a check of her pockets that the photo has gone missing. Knowing it's in the hands of the girls, she tries to run back to the park, only to find they've invaded her cabin and have her box in their possession. Winter blindly charges them in a fit of rage, demanding their motives and empty-threatening to kill them, though even with their terror, they don't flee and repeatedly offer to befriend her. The fight progresses in circles, with the two girls defending themselves and insisting no harm, and with Winter calling them irredeemable stalkers. However, one of the girls reveals that it was her who wanted to get to know her, sensing something more, and she also reveals that she has her photo - but, through a series of errornous guesses, proves that she never examined it fully. Winter lets her go begrudgingly, but still demands a reason for the invasion. The girls testify that they want to help her, knowing she is troubled, but they go a step too far by bringing up her lack of her parents. Drowning in memories, Winter snaps that she doesn't want their sympathy, to which the girls assure her that they're here to help and understand her pain.

Finally, Winter is convinced to trust them and lets her walls down, introducing herself and telling her story, leaving out a few details for personal reasons. She is surprised by the girls' sympathy and accepts them as her allies, in turn learning that they attend PMS, and they promise to protect her from the bullying. They introduce themselves as Evie and Mya, and Winter thinks of them as a positive change. On Monday, they meet up and walk into school, only to be faced by Daniela, who instantly targets Winter and humiliates her in front of her friends. As soon as Rex intervenes, she runs off, guilty of blindsiding her friends and spending the next few days avoiding them, fearing their reaction. With Rex's advice and love of Evie and Mya, however, she is persuaded to change her schedules to be with them, not regretting anything since then. That same day, she meets Aiden, who begins to rapidly fall in love with her; she is in denial about such a horrid thing and rebukes Evie and Mya's first attempt to get her to come out to him. When he asks her out publicly and embarrasses her, she again shoots down coming out and gets a fun snow day in compromise. This is ruined by a lovesick Aiden, who corners her, and with no choice, Winter comes out. This saves her life and teaches her to open up to others, and with the help of Evie and Mya, she finds Aiden new friends. Not long after, she accidentally strays into Daniela's path, and they get into a vicious argument.

Things take a turn for the worse when Daniela reveals her intentions to murder Winter, refusing to back down on her word and mortifying her. She runs off and breaks down her cabin, and her attempt to sleep everything off ends in a nightmare of the infamous November night replaying. She wakes up after Daniela taunts her and vows to keep their past relations a secret from Evie and Mya, though the struggle weighs her down emotionally and physically. After more nightmares, she takes a walk with Evie and Mya, but hallucinates that Daniela is with her, helping Evie and Mya figure out that something's wrong. Winter flees in horror, but upon coming to see that her friends will never reject her, she decides to tell them the truth and shows them her memories. They piece everything together and do not punish her for dating Daniela, and she firmly accepts them as her best friends. Later that night, she is accosted by Daniela, revealed to be her stalker, but she wards her off. She remains fearful of her threat to kill her, but it seemingly disspates into nothing, and Winter relishes spending time with her friends, individually and as a group. On one such day, she hangs out with Mya since Evie is being kept at home by her mother. Mya also says the toys in her bag are used by Evie as a way to de-stress herself.

Later, Winter reflects on Mya's excursion with Evie that led to Mya realizing that she was in love with the latter, noting that she gave her advice, which helped considerably. As she listens to *My Prayers Have Become Ghosts*, Mya knocks, and inviting her inside, Winter throws her a celebratory coming-out party. She then decides to take her outside to see the stars, and Mya alludes to her growing romance with Evie. Upon seeing the stars in the clearing, she wishes to take Evie to see them as well, and teases Winter for behaving like Evie when she pins her.

#### *Return of Snowlight*

"*Winter! We got* trapped *in a closet and Rex got* **tricked** *by Daniela into thinking we were dumbasses! She thought* we *locked ourselves in! Daniela could have gotten away with manipulating her own mother then and she just* **got away with it** *for real! We're not the ones lying to you - you're the one that's lying to yourself!*"
—Evie warning Winter of Daniela's manipulative craft

Daniela informs Winter that she is being used as bait to lure Evie and Mya into her hideout. The girl is helpless to save her friends, and Daniela effortlessly knocks both out and restrains them, soon revealing to them that she will kill Winter and then them. She gives them some time to say their goodbyes, which they use to escape, only to be caught by Daniela and subsequently attacked. Evie viciously defends herself after Mya gets winded, but she can't match Daniela's brawn and is thrown roughly in the wall, causing her to roughly impact with her hip. Evie is powerless, but watches as Mya protects Winter and stands up to Daniela. It is also revealed that she texted Rex of their location, which impedes Daniela's plot to kill Winter and defeats her. Afterward, Evie happily reunites with Mya, shares a group hug with her and Winter, and encourages the latter to go eat dinner with Mya. Soon, Evie, Mya, and Winter become elated at the thought of the party, and since all three have made the honor roll, they are subsequently invited.

However, a wrench is thrown in their plans by Evie and Mya witnessing Daniela blackmail Rex into letting her into the party, and despite their many attempts to warn Winter of Daniela's true power and the party turning into a death trap, Winter doesn't heed them and attends the party just a few days later. In the end, Winter ends up missing her friends, more so when their predictions about Daniela turn out to be correct. Right before Daniela administers the killing blow to her neck, Evie and Mya shout Winter's name, which enables her to deflect the fatal blow with her shoulder. Afterwards, she runs off, but Mya finds her and informs her that Evie is fighting Daniela alone - but she won't win without her help. This persuades Winter to return and fight off Daniela, which saves Evie from nearly dying at her hands. Once Daniela is defeated, the girls celebrate, and Evie is the one to formally give Winter the certificate revealing the Heartleys' plans to adopt her. Days afterward, Winter reflects on what's happened to her and the girls and allots alone time to Evie and Mya, who kiss; she also takes a photograph of Mya and Evie kissing in the sunset.

### *Two-Sided*

#### *Good Girl Gone Bad*

"*Don't you dare hurt Mya when I'm around,* Dumbiela*. Did you happen to forget that I'm trained in martial arts? You're asking to be kicked in the stomach after school today.*"
—Evie warning Daniela to not bully Mya

Evie hits Daniela on the back of the neck, allowing Mya, who she was bullying, to escape from her. Evie then warns her to not bully her friend, as she's asking to be kicked in the stomach after school, though Daniela doesn't believe her. However, she then remarks that her mother is watching her dumb self, and Daniela turns around, finding Rex looking at her. While she is reprimanded for bullying Mya, Daniela makes her into her prime target, only stopping her wrath if Evie or her mother intervened.

#### *I Kick It*

Daniela finds Evie and Mya outside school, calling them Christmas freaks, though they get away from her after Mya spits hot chocolate in her eye. Later, Daniela and Amira break into Evie's house, trashing it and climbing over her fence. The next morning, she, Mya, and Amira bust Daniela, who happens to run into their parents as well. Daniela soon begins to target Evie in addition to Mya, wanting to wipe the look off of her face, and bickering with herself on who to pick on. She soon finds the two running errands for Rex, trying to ruin their day - but both attempts backfire when Evie mentions that she is the principal's daughter to Henry and when Mya stomps on her foot. She soon gets back at them by locking them in a closet.

#### *It's Murder*

Daniela notices Winter, who is closely affiliated with Evie and Mya, and she chooses to favor her over the two. As she confronts Winter during the night, Daniela mentions Evie and Mya, saying that they landed her in trouble with Rex. Later, she thinks about how she will lure the two to her hideout with Winter, calling them "brainless boneheads" and thinking this will work. She later relays this information to Winter. Evie and Mya soon arrive to rescue their friend, but are promptly knocked out and bound by Daniela, who leaves to get her steak knife. When she returns, she finds everyone beginning to escape, and Mya and Evie try distracting her from Winter. However, they are quickly dealt with - but Rex arrives - revealing that Evie had called her regarding Daniela. At the party, Evie and Mya are nowhere to be found, allowing Daniela to ambush Winter. Shortly after she is stabbed, Evie appears, ready to defend her best friend. She goads Daniela into fighting her, and the latter mentions that she mutually respects her being so smart and brave. Eventually, Evie is apprehended, but Winter and Mya stand by her side - creating a force that Daniela can't stop.

#### *Behind the Bars*

Evie is indirectly mentioned by Daniela when she notes that Winter and her friends hate her.

#### *Aftermath*

Amira mentions that her grandmother really loves Evie, Mya, and Winter for being heroic. As she opens up to Winter, Daniela expresses regret for trying to kill her and her friends. When talking about Amira's past, Winter mentions that they, along with Evie and Mya, defeated Shetani. Upon calling her worse than Daniela, the latter looses control of herself and kisses her ex-girlfriend, quickly apologizing in embarrassment. Winter reassures her that it's okay, as Mya did the same thing to Evie, and Amira adds that they're now in love. Surprised to hear the news, Daniela becomes happy and begins to enjoy her time with her new friends.

#### *A New Start*

"*Not in my opinion, Daniela. Opal's problem is that she's a tiger parent - tiger parents want a child to have high standards and high grades with absolutely no flaws. It's a crushing mindset that wears you down. She also made me keep it a secret from everyone, and made me request more work when I- I didn't want that. I love the other half of my culture, it's really cool and part of what makes me unique, but I don't want a path already made for me by my mom. Mya and Winter were the only ones to understand what I was going through behind the scenes.*"
—Evie to Daniela on her mother

Daniela remembers Mya gawking over Evie's cat, Holly. Later, knowing she still needs to make amends with Evie and Mya, she heads out to do so. She starts with Evie, walking to her house, and soon arriving, preparing for her longtime rival to be irritable and frosty toward her. Sure enough, she opens her door and immediately glares at Daniela coldly, ordering her to leave and firmly stating that she isn't trusting her. She retorts that she gets it before calming down, asking to talk with her and reasoning that there is more to her than she thinks. When Evie remains skeptical, Daniela admits that she has always had a mutual respect for her, liking her determination and giving her a long overdue apology. To further prove her point, she lets her hair fall from the typical buntail it is in, and finally convinced that she's being honest, Evie invites her into her house. There, Daniela looks around, and Evie tells her to ignore her mother's efforts to make the house more Vietnamese, saying that her culture-bound nature is irritating. She adds that her mother has always pushed her daughter to have high standards and to be perfect since she was six, creating a mind-crushing atmosphere.

Evie continues, mentioning that her mother is a tiger parent and she was forced to hide that fact from others. While she loves her culture, she doesn't want a path already made for her, and Mya and Winter were the only ones to understand what she was going through. Sympathetic, Daniela reveals to Evie that she has bipolar disorder, describing how badly she went insane, but notes that two friends helped her see how beautiful she was - Amira and Winter. Suddenly, Evie's cat, Holly, jumps up onto the sofa. Evie encourages Holly to greet Daniela, and upon being surprised at her taking a liking to her, she inquires how she did it. Daniela states that she works at The Haven, which Evie is fine with, and she apologizes for being frosty earlier. After they chat, Daniela leaves in order to talk with Mya. While talking with Daniela, Mya talks about her good relationship dynamic with Evie, saying that they're ready to go on more adventures together. Choosing to be candid with her, she adds that she was flustered around Evie at first, but was accepted for being bisexual, making her happier. Soon after, Daniela learns about Evie and Mya's romance in-depth.

### *Little Miss Perfect*

"*And mom. You've* hurt *me more than you realize. Tiger parenting was wrong. If you thought shattering me inside for years was fine, then you need to rethink your meaning of a mother to me... You talk like yourself, but you're somebody else.*"
—Evie standing up to her mother

In the backyard of her house, Evie chases her best friend, Gwen, while her parents watch. She teases that she can't catch her, though Gwen retorts that she can and leaps onto Evie, hugging her happily. Her mother comments that it's time her culture should be molding her, though her father differs in thought, not wanting Evie's education to overwhelm her when she is just five years old. Opal affirms that she knows what is doing, and it is noted that Evie is very smart for someone of her age, as she has advanced vocabulary and thought. Once again ignoring Anderson's concerns, Opal calls Evie to her, mentioning that Gwen's parents are here and that it's time to go inside. She follows her mother, who then picks her up in her arms, asking if she's ready for new challenges. Evie agrees, and her mother urges her to be perfect, no matter the cost, beginning her preparations. Days pass by, and as Evie immerses in activities deemed important, she is driven away from her social life. When she complains about missing Gwen, Opal tells her to not be a downer wanting her to be perfect, and Evie promises to make her mother proud. At her first day in kindergarden, Evie surprises her teacher and classmates with her quick responses to math problems, and from there, she becomes the smartest student in her entire grade.

Four years pass, and Evie is now a studious nine-year old, doing math and smiling at her sleeping father, recalling that she has always been a daddy's girl since she was young. On the contrary to the easy-going Anderson, her mother is stern and craves the best out of her every day, restricting Evie's freedom and making her long for more in her life. She calls out to her mother, having finished her work, and curtly praises her for a job well done. Disappointment lines Evie, as she doesn't think Opal is proud of her, and asks if she can watch some television. Opal doesn't entertain the notion, wanting her daughter to keep studying, and sternly reminds her that she must stay at the top at all times. Tension fills Evie, who already feels isolated from the world thanks to her mother, and she protests that it's not fair; she needs a break from work. Opal puts her hands on Evie's shoulders, ordering her to not question her and remarking that she doesn't want her to fail or have friends, adding that she has Vietnamese blood and can't risk falling from where she is now. Knowing that arguing is fruitless, Evie gives in to her mother, heading in to her room to right an essay. Shortly after she enters, she hears her parents fighting outside over Opal's tiger parenting.

Gasping, her heart pounds hard, thinking about her parents' cultural differences and wondering how she will be able to make both happy. She glances at the ribbons on her wall indicating her success, which Opal only just barely reciprocates back to her. Evie is determined to please her mother, wanting her to have pride in her, but feeling weighed down by her culture and the pressure that comes with it. She feels trapped in an invisible box, and longs to be a normal girl. A month later, Evie is taken to Pinelake Park by her mother, having passed all her tests and earning admiration from her teachers. She walks to her favorite tree, enjoying the cool Washington breeze when she suddenly bumps into another girl. The girl inquires if she's alright shyly, and Evie introduces herself to the stranger, who reveals her name to be Majken in turn. No longer feeling as lonely as she did before, Evie questions if Majken would like to be her friend, and she eagerly agrees, not seeing a problem opening up about her life to her. Just as she does, however, her mother informs her that it's time to go home, and Evie and Majken both hope to see each other around again. She is excited about their new friendship, but she doesn't realize that someone else has other plans.

Two days later, Evie and Majken sit together under the tree, with Evie's mother boring her gaze into them. Majken says that she formed a group of girls at school, and Evie mentions that she has a "clique." When Majken is confused, she elaborates and comments that "clique" is a fancier word for group. She is about to talk about her studies when she notices Opal gazing at her with disapproval, snapping that it's time to go home. Majken is disappointed that her friend has to go, and Evie apologizes briefly before dashing up to her mother. She demands why she has an issue with Majken, and Opal spits that she was about to reveal something meant to be kept in the family, telling her that she's going home to study. In the days following, a wedge tears at Evie's heart as her mother keeps driving her away from Majken, viewing her as inferior, much to her ire. Due to her complaining, she is confined to her house, the shadow of her mother hanging over her. Finally, after being satisifed with her results, Evie is given the chance to visit Majken at Pinelake Park again. However, Majken coldly greets her and angrily points out that her friend has been ignoring her for weeks. Evie attempts to apologize, but Majken cuts her off, believing it's clear she doesn't want to be her friend anymore and that she doesn't need her.

For the first time in her life, Evie feels rejected and mopes as she trudges back up to her mother. Opal inquires why she is upset, and Evie chokes out that Majken rejected her, not wanting to be alone again and beginning to cry because of her whirlwind situation. Opal remarks that she needs to stuff it and toughen up, warning her that people will think she is a crybaby should she act like this. She advises Evie to bottle up her emotions and only concentrate on what she needs to be doing, as she will be much happier that way. Evie is slightly frustated that her mother is bringing up her education, but nonetheless, she takes her words seriously. When Opal brags about her future, she rolls her eyes and starts to block her other thoughts out. Later, while she reads in her room, her father comes in, apologizing for the incident with Majken, known what it is like to lose friends. He lost friends many years ago, but instead of staying in the past, he moved on from it. Relaxing, Evie mentions her mother's half-useful advice, thinking she only cares about molding her into perfection. Her father agrees with her, saying that she will always be his girl and that he will always love her. Now at peace, Evie continues reading until she falls asleep that night.

Months later, Evie sits under her tree at Pinelake Park, sleepy and being pressured more than ever. She reads one of the *Fighters* novels, recalling the series plot and how, with a little help from her father, she convinced her mother to purchase the series. She notes that her mother seems to like her artistic ability, and she watches Evie from afar, distracted. She reflects on the final battle in her book, looking at the dappled leaves above her and finding them pretty. She comments that it's a nice day, and another voice agrees that it is; Evie falls over and finds a nicely-dressed young girl looking at her. She prevents herself from blushing and raises her book at the stranger, warily questioning who she is, seeing a comical look on her face. The girl replies that she's her neighbor a few blocks down, and Evie forces herself to not blush again, questioning what this stranger has that is making her like her. She mentions that she's here doing stuff, and it's none of the stranger's business, sensing her mother's disapproval from afar. The girl questions why she's about to hit her with the *Fighters* book, and wondering if she reads the series as well, Evie lets her guard down. A smile forms on her face, pointing out that they should introduce themselves now. The stranger concurs in agreement, and finally introduces herself as Mya Heartly - a name which Evie finds cute. In turn, she formally introduces herself, and Mya asks if she's read every book in the *Fighters* series.

Beginning to relate to Mya, Evie confirms that she has. Mya reveals that she went to Pinelake Park to meet someone, sticking out her tongue and excitedly describing Evie and causing her to chuckle. However, detecting her mother's unthrilled gaze, she calls it a day and hopes to see her around soon. Mya eagerly replies that she will, referring to her as just Ev - which touches Evie personally - as no one had ever nicknamed her with a short version of her name. She knows for certain that she has a new friendship, liking Mya's personality, but remembers that her mother is in the way. Opal reminds her that she has no friends, making her daughter wince as she recalls her outcast status. Evie retorts that she isn't an outcast anymore, for she has this lovely girl she just met. Opal calls her crazy, bringing up how her education is more important and she can't achieve greatness with a friend, and she dubs Mya a disaster. Furious, Evie snaps that Mya is nothing like that, naming the traits she likes about her and begs for her to be given a chance. After mulling things over, Opal reluctantly sides with her daughter, but makes her promise that she must continue doing her work, or Mya is out of the picture. Ignoring her subtle threat, Evie hugs her mother, and looks forward to building her friendship with Mya.

A few months later, and Evie and Mya have now grown into great friends. It is noted that Mya is an artist, was originally going to be named Maya until her father suggested otherwise, and loved flora. On the other hand, Evie played herself down in the hopes of appearing normal to Mya, keeping her tiger parent mother a secret out of fear of losing her. Both girls enjoy recreating scenes from the *Fighters* novels, especially scenes relating to queer couple Swiftsteps and Spottedstreak. "Spottedstreak" asks if her partner would like some antelope, though "Swiftsteps" responds that their leader should be bonked for being an idiot. Evie and Mya laugh at their silly renactment, and Evie points out that Mya has the perfect acting voice, but Mya does not wish to be an actor, considering herself more of a comedian. Evie laughs, and her friend wills her to get up; she obliges and adds that she wouldn't lay on the ground, not wanting her mother to think she is lazy. When Mya tells her that she's not, she says that it is "music to her ears." Immediately, Mya shakes Evie, overenthusiastically inquiring if she knows the singer Gleanna (Rihanna) - flustering her. Calming her down, Evie states that she does, but she doesn't keep up on celebrities. Mya replies that she's been a huge fan for years, urging her best friend to listen to Gleanna discography, which she agrees to just to make her happy.

Soon, Evie becomes interested in Mya's idol and asks to listen to more songs, much to her delight. Before they can do so, however, Evie's parents intervene. Her mother tells Mya that her parents are picking her up, and Evie is annoyed to see that her mom is splitting them up just because of more math homework. She protests that it's only been fifteen minutes and she promised not to interfere in their friendship, confusing Mya, who doesn't know what's going on. Opal bluntly reminds her that homework is before Mya, and thinking of it makes Evie bored - causing her to yawn before she can stop herself in time. Now believing Evie doesn't care about her education, and her mother berates her for thinking her schoolwork is a joke, thinking she has no grip on reality. Evie feels humiliated, and prepares for Mya to reject her. Instead, Mya defiantly confronts Opal and calls her out for her treatment of her best friend, labeling her as dumb for trying to split them up. With remorse lining her face, Opal apologizes to Mya, but adds that her parents really are here and that she must go. Mya nods, hugging Evie, and she then compares her to a fire starter. Months later, Evie tries to write an essay on her desk, fighting the urge to sleep and barely remaining conscious. Despite her efforts, she gives in and falls asleep. The next morning, her mother shakes her awake and warns her that she will be late for school, causing her to panic and grab her thinks quickly.

When Evie walks into class, many laugh at her sluggish state and mock her. Her face turns red from embarrassment, but nonetheless, she stays committed to science test, finding it hard to complete it. An hour later, Evie's test is handed back to her - and much to her shock, her grade is an eighty-three. She becomes horrified of what her mother will think, and Mya detects how distressed she is when they walk home together; she asks if she is alright. Evie lies that it was just a rough day, and when Mya probes her further, she stammers that it's nothing. She realizes that her friend knows she is lying to her, and Evie comes clean, stating that they can talk about it once they get to her house. Excited, Mya drags her there, and Evie places her backpack beside the bed belonging to Holly. Feeling Mya's sympathy, Evie finally admits that she got a low grade on her test. Mya doesn't believe it's bad, but her friend whispers that her mother wants high grades, wondering how she'll feel once she finds out. A booming voice reveals that she is angry - Opal - and she scolds her for slacking off. Evie cries that she tried, and Mya backs her up, placing her hand on her shoulder and causing her to blush. Opal then goes after Mya, blaming her for Evie not doing well, calling her a distraction and ordering her to leave. Hurt by her remark, she begs Evie for help, but she is forced to stand down by her mother. Upset with both her and her mother, Mya mutters "forget it" and leaves, and Opal walks away, leaving Evie to mope by herself.

She notes that she must obey her mother and can't stand up to her, knowing Mya is upset with her for being a pathetic coward. One hour later, her father comes in, questioning if she's feeling okay. Evie shakes her head and buries her face in her pillow. He asks about what happened, and she clarifies, not knowing what to do. Brushing aside her bangs and comforting her, Anderson urges her to talk things out with Mya at Pinelake Park, having faith in her despite knowing Opal wouldn't want this. The very next day, Evie carefully approaches a very somber Mya at Pinelake Park, trying to apologize to her, but Mya snaps that she was bullied by her mother and wants to be alone. Trying not to shatter under her guilt, Evie says that she let her down, but she needs a chance to explain everything to her. Mya refuses to, claiming she isn't being understood at all and revealing that she is bullied at school because of how soft she is. Evie begins to regret what happened even more, but despite her guilt, she knows she can't afford to lose her. Despite her decreasing confidence, she begs again for a chance to tell her why she stood down, realizing that she can't hide her mother's tiger parenting from Mya anymore. The latter snaps that no apology will fix the fact she is bullied and the fact she doesn't understand her, preparing to turn away. Fearing she will lose her, Evie grabs both of Mya's hands and barks at her to listen, her voice echoing around the park.

Upon realizing what she is doing, Evie drops Mya's hands, her face turning red in embarrassment. Mya blushes, and relaxes, willing to hear her friend out at last. Evie admits that the real truth is that she doesn't understand the real her, and she can't hide from her anymore. With her voice shaking, she then reveals that her mother tiger parents her. Mya is confused and shocked, and Evie explains her mother's constant pressure and how she views her social life as inferior. Mya then calms her down, reassuring her that she understands now, promising to help her and knowing she can fully trust her as well. She adds that she isn't mad at Evie anymore, and she's special; no tiger parent can change that. Both touch noses, making Evie smile and ponder what she could do without Mya. Many months pass by, and Evie and Mya are now eleven, doing homework in the former's room. Evie becomes frustrated with her math questions, thinking the fractions are confusing, and Mya suggests for her to use the "Flip N' Switch." She is baffled, but her best friend whispers what it is into her ear, making her heart pound because of her honey-like voice. Five minutes later, Evie is done, and she reminds Mya to finish her division. She eagerly accepts her best friend's help, calling her a "Fair Maiden" and making her blush. Minutes later, Mya completes her paper and tucks it into her folder. Evie flops back on her bed, and Mya jokes that it looks like she tried making a snow angel. Evie responds that she's happy and is taking it all in, and Mya joins her, looking at her mischieviously. She says that she had all the right moves in the wrong places, scratching on her neck and causing Evie to flail around, as she is ticklish there, and she begs for it to stop.

Eventually, Evie gives up and dreamily looks at Mya, comparing her to a honey-dipped mango. After a few hours, Evie's father walks in and offers them a trip to Pinelake Park, as Opal is asleep and won't get in their way. The girls eagerly agree, and a few minutes later, they arrive at the park. Evie silently remarks that the sunset and breeze is beautiful, but she believes that Mya is way more pretty. Snapping out of her dreamy state, she asks what Mya wants to do, and the latter wishes for her hair to be braided. In a few minutes, said task is done, and Mya states it is perfect, dubbing Evie a goddess. She pulls her close and rubs the back of the head, making Evie's entire face turn red from the gesture. She returns the favor by hugging Mya, enjoying every moment and knowing she is happy if her friend is as well. Mya jokes that she's like a cookie out of the oven, then yells at her to catch her, poking her and running away - indicating she wants to play tag. Blushing again, Evie yelps for her to come back, chasing her around as the sun continues to set. Soon enough, she finds Mya hiding near the monkey bars and tags her, and she takes off running. Evie makes a beeline towards the Piney Woods, and Mya thinks she has her, but misses when her friend leaps up and away from her. Mya gives chase again, but as she does, Evie trips from a dip in the ground and falls forward, preparing for an imminent collision. However, Mya halts just in time, helping her up and questioning if she's okay, which she confirms.

Mya falls to be face-to-face with her, then remarks that evading her is like dodgeball, and Evie calls her silly. She then adds that the last of the sunset is so pretty, and her friend agrees, touching her hand. Evie blushes, but she grips it and rubs it with her thumb. Evie's father calls for them, and when his daughter asks about what they're going to eat, he replies with pizza. This delights both Evie and Mya, and minutes later, both are back home. Evie whispers that her mother is still asleep, but she suddenly bumps into something - finding an upset Opal in front of her. Ignoring her, Opal yells at her husband for disobeying her and taking Evie out, and after a brief argument, her tone of voice sends Anderson to the kitchen. Evie, worried, presses herself closer to Mya, feeling relieved so close to her. Opal then rounds on Evie for going with her father and instead choosing to do nothing outside, which makes her heart rate quicken in pace, and she struggles to reply. Opal spits that Pinelake Park isn't useful to her academically, and she will be studying should she choose to slack off, or she won't be the "perfect daughter." Evie is mortified by the thought of her mother not viewing her as perfect; her heart pounds hard, and black spots appear in her vision. Without warning, she collapses into Mya's arms, but quickly regains consciousness and stands upright. Mya screams at her friend's mother for causing her to faint, saying that she doesn't care about Evie being scared of her and calls her "nothing but culturally abusive." Opal gasps in shock upon hearing the remark, while Evie is dumbfounded, quietly whispering no to Mya. Now embarrassed by what she's done, and seeing her friend so confused, Mya dashes into the night. Evie begins to feel guilty, and barely able to comprehend what happened, she runs into her room and locks the door, listening to music to block out her mother trying to earn her attention.

One week later, Evie is driven to the Heartley residence so she can chat with Mya, noting that she wasn't able to chat sooner because of her mother forcing her to study her second language and job opportunities. She is dropped off at the sidewalk, and glances at Mya's garden, thinking it is enchanting. Greeting Mya's parents at the door, they guide her to their daughter's room. Evie opens the door, saying hi to Mya, but pausing upon seeing that she's with another boy. Awkwardly, Mya introduces him as Benji Figglebarker, and judging from her glazed eyes, Evie guesses that she has a crush on him. She sits down with Benji, greeting him and shaking his hand, but not liking him as much. She doesn't find Benji appealing, as she hates boys, but understands why Mya could have fallen for him. Mya tells Benji to go out for a few minutes so she can chat with her friend, and after she does, she states that she knows why Evie is here - to talk about what happened last week. Hiding her anxiety, Evie expresses her worries that she might have upset her, but Mya promises otherwise and says that she should apologize for running off like that. Evie tells her not to, but wishes for her mother to not be called abusive, as she doesn't want to view her in that light. She adds that she has something really personal to reveal to Mya, and she admits that she is a coward around Opal and can't stand up to her because of her influence and heritage, wanting to be normal. Mya advises her to be someone extraordinary instead, comparing her to a squishy marshmellow and naming traits of her that she likes.

She places her hands on Evie's chest, which flusters her, but she thanks her for advice. Mya comments that their hearts are a fire that can't be put out, making her friend laugh, and Benji rejoins now that their conversation is over. Evie smiles as she watches Benji and Mya resume their game of Yahtzee, but she remains insecure about her Vietnamese heritage and lack of freedom, longing to be a normal girl. One year later, Evie and Mya are now twelve and attend middle school together. Evie has just exited her English class when she suddenly hears a yelp from Mya; she has been pinned against the wall by four boys on the football team. Their taunts and bullying leave Mya shaking and on the verge of crying, and furious, Evie snarls at them to leave her friend alone. To assert her dominance, she stomps her foot and bares her teeth. The boys aren't fazed, but after one calls her a midget, Evie kicks said boy hard on his leg, leaving him to hobble in pain. Now seeing that she is dead serious, they take off, and Evie asks if Mya is alright. The latter affirms this, though longs to stand up to bullies properly, and she is offered help by Evie. Intrigued, she questions her friend on why she can't stand up to her abusive mother, but Mya quickly takes it back and looks away in shame. Embarrassed, Evie heads to her next class, leaving Mya worried that she just offended her. Later, the school bell rings in the afternoon, and Evie walks out of school with her books in hand. She pauses to put the books in her backpack, but as she does so, she drops her *Fighters* novel and reaches down to pick it up. Someone grabs it before her, and much to Evie's shock, she finds it to be her ex-friend - Majken Everton.

Bewildered, Evie asks for her book, but Majken mocks her for reading a "silly series about African animals." She demands for the book again, but Majken ignores her, wanting to have fun and humiliating Evie because of her Vietnamese roots. She snaps that her life is none of her business, and sick of her bullying, she tries to snatch her *Fighters* book. The bully takes it back and plays hot potato with the clique, tossing it around before Majken eventually reclaims the book and dangles it above the ground, a devious smile on her face. She growls that she's wanted Evie to suffer for ditching her, and is willing to punish her for it. Hurt, Evie cries that their split was never supposed to happen, and things were out of her control, but Majken deems her honestly as another excuse and prepares to rip the *Fighters* copy. Restrained by her ex-friend's clique, Evie prepares for the worst, but watches as Majken bumps into none other than Mya - causing her jaw to fall. Mya angrily growls at her to back off, lashing out because of her bullying her best friend, amazing Evie. Seeing her distressed only gives Mya more strength, and she feels pride in her for finally standing up for herself. Getting an idea, Evie tells Mya to show the clique how she is obsessed with Gleanna, which makes her overenthusiastically ramble to the point where the clique becomes too awkward and leaves. Finally managing to put her book away, Evie praises Mya, and she figures out that her true strength comes from when she sees the person she loves in danger. She informs her of her discovery, and Mya grins before looking away, apologizing for what she said earlier and her lapse in judgment.

Evie accepts, and bids farewell, running off with pride still in her. Despite this, she still feels guilt in herself for not being able to stand up to her own mother, wondering how she can get more control over her life. Much time flies by, and it is now January; Evie and Mya are playing in the snow outside Evie's house. She dodges a snowball and creates her own, and briefly distracting Mya, she throws it and directly strikes her best friend. Despite the freezing atmosphere, she does not care, and is satisfied that Mya is happy. Both make snow angels and poke fun at each other's results, and Evie prepares to make another one, but her mother calls for her to come in. Disappointed at her fun being ruined, she tells Mya that she'll be back shortly and heads inside. She covers up her annoyance and inquires what is going on, and her mother excitedly reveals that they're going to Vietnam in one week - which her father uncomfortably confirms - causing Evie to go numb with shock. Feeling sick, she forces herself to speak and demands why she wasn't told about this beforehand. Thinking she is disrespecting her homeland, Opal scolds her, and Evie backs up, now extremely unsettled. Her mother explains that is a family tradition meant to keep the bloodline pure, and she can fully immerse in her culture, in addition to falling in love, but her words only make her daughter's head spin. Evie feels petrified from what she has just learned, knowing she can't do anything to fight against it. She notices her father looking away from her mother with guilt, and she concludes that he was forced into agreeing with Opal, noting that the latter's tiger influence impacts him as well.

To her, Opal wins every argument, and she should be obeyed at any cost; Evie calls herself a coward for not being able to stand up to her. Mya flashes into her mind, along with her sweet and affectionate nature, almost causing Evie to break down. However, thinking of her floods her veins with strength, and her voice sounds in her head, making it feel like her tongue is doused in honey. Evie refuses to let her mother take her away from her only best friend and the person she adores the most, and taking a step closer to Opal, she straight-up rejects her trip - standing up to her for the first time in her life. Opal slams Evie for disagreeing with her, but she defends herself, saying that she can't be taken away from Mya and she will be deciding her future herself, not her. Anderson agrees with his daughter and hugs her tightly, telling Opal that she can't make her a person she doesn't want to be. He then instructs Evie to get Mya and to hide in her room, knowing his wife will not drop the conversation without a fight. Obliging, she runs out the front door, only to have Mya throw a snowball at her face. She questions what's going on, and quickly elaborating, Evie drags her inside and into her room. She presses her ear to the wall, eavesdropping on the fight, and Mya joins her. Anderson argues that he is Evie's father and should be allowed to help her, but Opal counters that they both agreed she could be tiger parented back when she was three. According to her, schoolwork defines Evie and makes her who she is.

Anderson spits that Opal is pushing Evie too far, and if she keeps doing so, she'll shatter under pressure. Terrified, Evie sits back on her bed, quivering, and Mya presses against her. She snaps that she isn't okay, begging for everything to stop and once again wanting to be just a normal girl. She cries that this always happens, but Mya hugs her and wipes a tear from her eye, calling her smart, cool, and classy, and mentioning that she's helped her through a lot. Comforted, Evie thanks her and lays down, gazing up warmly at Mya's eyes and making her blush. She joins her, brushing aside her bangs and smiling. Mya then offers to sleep over, startling Evie, who questions if this is a good idea. She convinces her to go along with it, texting her parents, and although Evie is skeptical, the temptation to have a sleepover with Mya is too much for her to pass up. When night falls, Evie pulls her blankets over her and calls for Mya to come out of the closet, and she clambers up into bed with her best friend. She lays right beside her, and Evie wishes her a goodnight, soon opening one eye to find Mya sleeping on her chest. Euphoria grows in her heart, and thinking all is right in the world, Evie finds herself being lulled to sleep. The next morning, a loud scream wakes Evie, and she fumbles for her glasses. Putting them on, she finds a figure in her doorway, and much to her horror, it is her mother. Mya jolts awake, and seeing her, she protectively grabs her best friend and doesn't let her go. Evie tries to claim that there is a logical reason for Mya being here, but Opal snaps that there isn't and that she's going off the path she should be following again.

Evie protests, but her mother adds that she doesn't get it and tells her that Mya is a bad influence if she blocks her success. Angered by the remark, Mya rounds on Opal, taking the blame for the sleepover and calling her a "heartless meanie." She eases back, saying that she only wanted to show Evie that people love her. Opal becomes more neutral upon hearing that, but orders Mya to leave, as her parents are probably worried sick about her. She turns to Evie, scolding her for not telling her about Mya staying over and mentioning that she should get dressed so she can study. Evie guility refers to herself as an idiot for letting this happen, and reluctantly tells Mya to leave. Grabbing her coat, the latter prepares to do so, but glances at her best friend, remorseful. She stammers that she sometimes does stupid things around her, which touches her, and Evie thinks about how she has done dumb things around Mya as well. She admits this to her, and she nods before vanishing from the doorway. Evie collapses back onto her bed, still trying to rebound from what has just happened. A few more months later, and things haven't changed for Evie, as she is still swamped in her mother's work. Currently, she is at Pinelake Park with Mya and Benji; the latter two have since admitted their feelings for each other, but have chosen to just remain friends. They are immersed in a conversation, leaving Evie out, and she feels like a ghost, strong yet missing something. Jealous, and not being able to stand being isolated, Evie informs them that she is going to her tree.

Moving over to the tree, Evie sits down and places her chin on her knees, reflecting on what she has done to get where she is now. Ever since she was five, she's been taught that perfection is everything, and if she wasn't perfect, she would face shame and humiliation from her tiger mother. She has felt burdened by her culture for years, and finds herself unable to be proud from drowning in pressure. Evie finds freedom out of her grasp, on the verge of crying, yet being unable to fully express herself, not knowing how. Not wanting to be "Little Miss Perfect," she longs to be a normal girl instead. Suddenly, Mya's terrified yelp sounds from a distance, and Evie gets up, finding her and Benji being harassed by school bully Daniela Burton Vunquist. Her shock fades to hate as she recalls how rebellious and rotten Daniela is (there are even rumors that she gives the middle finger to staff at school). Recently, the bully has taken to making Mya her punching bag, often leaving her annoyed or tearful. Daniela taunts Mya for spending time with Benji, and when she tries to defend herself, she screams at her and talks about her "intimacy" with Benji. Humiliated, Mya begs for Daniela to leave, but Daniela strikes her hard enough to send her into the playground step, making her cry out in pain. Evie's blood boils, and she prepares to fight with the bully. With Benji too paralyzed in fear to help Mya, Daniela chooses to harass her more and picks her up by the shirt collar. After Mya accidentally uses her short name, Daniela screeches at her angrily and dubs her a midget, and Evie is about ready to charge.

When Daniela punches Mya on her face and leaves her, stressed and overwhelmed with fear and embarassment, on the playground step. Evie rolls her sleeves up, quietly saying that if she wants a fight, she's gonna get one. Wanting another kick out of Mya, Daniela prepares to hit her again, which finally causes Evie to snap. She charges at Daniela and kicks her on the waist with both legs, sending her flying into the woodchips, and she then helps Mya back up on her feet. Daniela growls that she'll pay for interfering in her business, trying to counterattack, but Evie deflects her blow with her arms. She then leaves Daniela in a daze by headbutting her in the chest, and Evie goes to stand beside Mya, sizing herself up so she looks more intimidating. Picking up the collar of Daniela's blue sweater, Evie touches noses with her and warns her to not bully Mya when she's around, or she'll be hurt. The bully attempts to protest, but she stops her, retorting that she'll beat her up again if she tries to start a fight. Daniela begrudgingly gives up, but promises that this isn't over before she storms away. Evie hugs Mya, asking if she's alright, and Mya apologizes for not being able to drive Daniela off on her own. Evie says that it's alright to get help, provided she tries standing up for herself first, and Mya thanks her. She questions how her friend learned to fight like that, and blushing, Evie replies that her mother trains her in martial arts and it's a thing relating to her that she can actually be grateful for. She brushes aside Mya's hair and carresses her backside, wondering what she could do without her, and Mya blushes, giggling. Benji looks at the girls in sheer confusion, and noticing him, their faces flush red in embarassment. However, Benji laughs seconds later, and they join in with him. The worries Evie had before her fight with Daniela vanish.

Months later, it is now fall in Pineshadow, and Evie and Mya are thirteen and in seventh grade. While nothing much has changed in Evie's life, much has changed in Mya's. Benji moved away to Seattle, devastating Mya, but Evie got her back in touch with reality, wanting to hold her heart in her hands. For the past hour, Evie has been raking leaves in her yard on orders from her mother until the yard is perfect, much to her frustration; she just wants to warm up inside with some hot chocolate. She finishes raking and informs her mother, but Opal wants her to check the yard again, needing it to be spotless. Evie tells her to do it instead, wishing to go inside and warm up, but her mother states that perfect is everything and she needs to "suck it up and deal with it." Her words swim around in Evie's mind, eventually causing her to lose it, and she snaps that she cares more about a "patch of dead grass" than how she really feels. She claims that she's being left to die out here and calls it all "tomfoolery," running inside and confronting her father. Evie recalls her mother caring about the yard more than her, and annoyed, Anderson rushes out to deal with Opal. Looking through the window, Evie sees her parents fighting yet again, dejected. She walks to her room, flopping down on her bed and glancing up at her constellation-covered ceiling. Each star is what Evie believes to be a trait her mom applies to her, such as doing schoolwork and being straightforward. Her thoughts move to the incident outside, and she recalls her mother not caring for her, beginning to think it is cruelty. Slowly, Evie realizes that Mya is right about Opal being abusive, and texts her friend, inviting her over. Mya replies back, eagerly agreeing. Evie heads into her office, finding her mother now there, and she inquires about Mya coming over tonight. Opal mumbles sure, not even bothering to look at her daughter, and Evie backs up into her room.

Hours later, Mya appears at Evie's doorstep and leaps into her for a hug, nearly causing her to fall. After getting back up and blushing at each other, they head into Evie's room, and the latter sighs. Mya asks if she's okay, her voice affectionate, and not wanting to talk about earlier, Evie lies that she's fine. She shivers, concerning Mya, who wraps her in a blanket. She snuggles closer to her, and Evie's worries vanish again, with her friend weaving her way into her heart once more. Seeing no reason to hide herself from her, Evie confesses that Mya is her lifeline and savior, and she can't be more thankful to have her in her life. Mya gasps, and Evie continues, adding that she has the courage she lacks, and taught her to be the person she wanted to be, referring to her as the sweetest gift and the light she needed. Mya's eyes sparkle, and she lays on Evie's pillow, fiddling with a strand of her hair. She tells Evie that she showed her how to stand up to her bullies, taking her hands and interlocking them with her fingers, and revealing that she idolizes her. Evie tries to claim otherwise by bringing up Gleanna, but Mya says that no celebrity will ever be as special as her best friend. Deciding to be honest with her, Evie reveals what her mother did that day, angering her and making her spit that Opal is inconsiderate and heartless. Mya blushes, apologizing for getting carried away, but Evie tells her not to and says that she is beginning to side with her on her mother.

Unbeknownst to the two, Opal has been listening and prepares to reprimand them, but upon hearing that Evie thinks she is abusive, she begins to regret pushing her to her limits, and sees how tiger parenting is damaging her. Feeling more determined, Evie tells Mya that she's often snappy and irritable because of how stressed she is from being tiger parented. Her situation is so bad that she fears her mother will strike her if she doesn't do everything down to the bare minimum, horrifying Mya. Suddenly, a voice mumurs that she wouldn't do that - Evie's mother. Startled by her presence, Evie prepares to protect Mya from her, but finds her mother looking remorseful instead. Opal insists that she would never physically harm Evie in any way, and there is zero excuse for the fact that she believes she is abusive. Mya growls at her claims that she never wanted her to believe that, and Opal then turns to her, stating that she shouldn't have tried taking her away from Evie and that their friendship deserves to stay intact - she's even jealous of their dynamic. Evie questions if she's stopping tiger parenting her, and Opal clarifies that she won't enforce it at much anymore, but still wants her to perform well. She blows her a kiss, telling her that she's proud before leaving the room. Evie squeals that her mother is proud of her, and she flops down on her pillow with Mya, who buries her face in her neck. She calls her adorable and a little sweetheart, and with a silly look on her face, Mya starts tickling Evie on her neck. This causes her to burst out wheezing, and she remarks that she should've seen it coming, eventually giving in to her.

Weeks later, Pineshadow has descended into winter, and Evie has rebounded now that the daily pressure in her life has been reduced. Evie is prepping her things for school tomorrow, which her mother notices. She proposes studying for her core classes as a refresher, and thinking it won't hurt, Evie agrees. However, one practice sheet multiplies into another, causing her to fall asleep out of exhaustion. Her father wakes her for dinner, but seeing one worksheet incomplete, Evie refuses to eat out of fear her mother will be disappointed in her. Shortly after she finishes it, she falls back asleep, and is woken the next morning by her mother, who warns her about school starting in fifteen minutes. Reluctantly getting ready, Evie heads to school and joins Mya outside, and when she comments on her state, she mutters that she's fine. Students glare at her as she enters the hallway, borderline about to laugh at her, much to her humiliation. In English, Evie soon passes out at her table, baffling her classmates and annoying Mrs. Ikenna, who barks at her to stay awake. Her humiliation is made worse by Daniela seconds later, as she finds her lack of sleep amusing to the point where she is wheezing. Mrs. Ikenna snaps at her to shut up, and she does, though still slips a smirk directed at Evie. Throughout the day, things shift between bad and good for her, but now, she is awake and is walking to history. A voice, calling her the "insomni-maniac," asks where she is going - Daniela - and Evie is frustrated that the bully hasn't left her alone.

She demands why she is following her, and Daniela expresses her desires to watch her move slowly to history and to watch her grades drown, which irritates Evie, and she tells her to "do your dumb thoughts." Daniela then asks about her mother, striking a nerve, and Evie spits that her family life is none of her concern, her face turning red. Daniela does not care, scoffing that she's trying to make herself intimidating and that she knows Evie is a coward. She grabs her shirt collar and prepares to become violent with her, when suddenly, a voice screams that she wants to see this backpack bounce. Daniela is startled and turns, and seconds later, Mya barrels into her with her backpack. The impact sends her into a brick post, and clutching her nose, Daniela takes off in pain. Mya says that she hopes that will get her to "hit the back door," and relieved, Evie follows her to history class. A few more weeks later, Evie finishes a Vietnamese essay and hands it to Opal, now free to do what she wants for the day. She asks to see Mya, but Opal reveals that she is sick and staying home for some rest. Kwowing another person she recently met, Evie exclaims that she'll see them and heads out the door before her mother can say that Mya is her only friend. Running to Pinelake Park, Evie doesn't see her best friend anywhere, but runs to the Piney Woods, certain they're hiding there. She reaches a brick cabin and knocks out the door, calling out for anyone home. Seconds later, the door opens to reveal Evie's other best friend - Winterlyn McCormick. Evie happily greets her, and Winter allows her to come in.

Evie remembers her and Mya's first meeting with Winter, where she had nearly killed them after invading her cabin, but they helped her let her walls down and have since helped with her insecurities, especially the fact that school bully Daniela was her former girlfriend. Winter says that she's been doing alright following the whole deal with Daniela, but is still worried she'll do something to her. Evie reassures her that her ex-girlfriend won't get far with her and Mya around, and can always see her parents and Mya's before correcting herself and just mentioning Mya's. Detecting something wrong, Winter questions what's up with Evie's own parents. Sighing, Evie states that she's been meaning to tell her about a thing Mya's known for years, and she can trust her as a friend she can confide in. Winter gets her to sit on the floor, and touching shoulders, she calmly asks her what's going on. Gulping, Evie reveals that her mother is a tiger parent, and she explains how her pressure pushes her to the breaking point and makes her the person she doesn't want to be. Winter hugs her and brushes aside her bangs, affirming that she won't be alone and can relate to what she's going through, thinking of her biological father, who scarred her for life after she came out as gay to him. She promises that she'll always be here if Evie needs her, then getting an idea, invites her on a mission - finding out who is the mysterious being stocking up her cabin with items in her absence. Excited, Evie proposes a stakeout, which Winter agrees to instantly. For twenty minutes, they wait while eating some crackers and binging YouTube videos. Hearing footsteps, they get low, and see a old woman approaching the cabin with the box, going inside. She emerges afterward, and the box is noted to be for charity. Evie remarks to the happy Winter that her question is now answered, and she adds that she's glad her friend is here. Noticing that she has to go, Evie hugs Winter, who hugs her back in turn.

Returning home, Evie calls for her parents, but doesn't find them in the living room, instead hearing voices from their bedroom. She eavesdrops, hearing her mother snap that she shouldn't have been running off with an "imaginary friend." Evie is stunned by her mother refusing to believe Winter is real, even though she is and she saw with her own two eyes. Her father counters that their daughter is honest, bringing up recent events, though Opal simply thinks Evie is tripping. Anderson argues that she can have more than one friend, though Opal thinks more friends are just a distraction. Evie is about ready to punch the wall in a fit of rage, angered by her mother's beliefs. Finally snapping, she kicks the door aside and startles her parents, screaming and pointing at her mother. Evie yells that she's trying to smack-talk her social life and throw her under the rug just to make herself happy over her - behavior fitting of a selfish hypocrite. Opal growls that she's her mother and gets to decide who she is friends with, snapping that she's so desperate for clout that she made up an imaginary friend. Evie, hate burning inside of her, spits that Winter is real and she's a wonderful person, and when her mother still has her doubts, she is shown a picture of Evie of Winter together through the former's phone. Blushing in embarrassment, and realizing her daughter is right, Opal backs down and allows Winter to be Evie's friend. Once her parents leave the room, Evie dashes into the bathroom and looks at her reflection, seeing a shadow grip onto her and wanting it to fade from her completely.

Some time later, Evie walks to Pinelake Park with Mya, who has had a noticable shift in behavior, becoming drained and too flustered to look at her best friend. Upon reaching the park, Evie sits under her tree, while Mya sits away from her, her leaf-green eyes clouded over. She asks if she's okay, and Mya irritably responds that she's fine, drawing in the dirt with a stick. Concerned, Evie tries to lighten up the mood by chatting about the weather, but Mya doesn't seem to be interested in talking and moves further away from her. Anxiety churns in Evie as she tries to figure out what is wrong with her, and seeing her friend snappy and blushing, she gives up. They move up to the playground step, and when Evie tries to touch Mya's back, the latter snaps at her. Determined, Evie tries to start a conversation, but Mya constantly shooting every topic down eventually forces her to lie that she needs to leave. The next day, Evie heads to Mya's house as fast as she can so they walk to school together, and Mya appears at the doorstep, giddy and school-ready. As they walk, she gives Evie a dreamy look, and they hold hands. Evie feels goosebumps, and finds a strange feeling in her that is making her excited. When they reach the school entrance, Mya drags her friend in, causing Evie to wonder what has made her so moody lately. Hours later, Evie and Mya watch the sunset from their tree, and Evie finds Mya pretty. The latter talks about how great the day was, warmly glancing at Evie, who remembers her promise to herself from earlier. She asks about what Mya is hiding from her, making her stressed to the point where she can't speak, and she then begins to regret ruining the peace.

Evie questions her again on what's going on, though Mya moves away from her as tension fills her throat. She thinks that reluctance is what she is feeling right now, though also believes she might be scared of her. Mya stammers that she's not telling her, knowing she'll be hurt, which only just baffles Evie more; the tension is now overwhelming the two at this point. Refusing to stop digging, Evie urges Mya to confess, as she isn't a secret-keeper and this is affecting their friendship. Her friend responds that this secret might scar her until the day she dies, and she can't admit it like Winter did, considering herself burdened. Evie is taken aback by the Winter comparison, knowing secrets don't kill, and she continues to try connecting the dots with the clues Mya has given so far. She wonders why she's explosive with secrets when it dawns on Evie - Winter was afraid to confess she was a lesbian. What Mya was hiding from her was something she feared would ruin her friendship with Evie, the very thing that caused the rift between Daniela and Winter - the fact that she is openly gay. Evie notes that Mya was smitten with Benji and never seemed interested in the other gender, but it's likely that she is in a phase of self-discovery, and all she wants is the Mya she's always known. She says that she knows what she wants to say, but that doesn't get Mya to say much, and she questions how she can read her mind. Just like she did years ago, Evie grabs her hands and tells her to listen. She doesn't need to hide from her, and she will never be judged for anything or change.

A moment of silence hangs between the girls before Evie rubs Mya's thumbs, and as gently as possible, she asks if Mya has feelings for another girl. Mya reluctantly confirms this, revealing that she is bisexual, which Evie finds perfectly alright. Pleased, she comments that Mya can tell her anything, and agrees to not inquire about her crush (unaware that Mya has feelings for her). They hold hands, watching the rest of the sunset, and Evie gets a feeling from Mya that she has yet to fully discover. More time passes, and now, Evie finds herself, in addition to Mya, in a battle of fates. The end-of-winter party at school came to a disturbing halt when Daniela jumped Winter, and she has been verbally tormenting her for minutes. When she gains Winter's knife as a weapon, Daniela is quick to use it and wishes her ex-girlfriend a sickening goodnight. Evie and Mya scream Winter's name in fear, and trying to find the noise, she deflects the blow with her shoulder. Clenching her fists, Evie vows that she won't let Daniela win. Mya remarks that it's time to step in, telling her friend to take Daniela and to fight with honor. Watching as Mya dashes off, Evie recalls seeing her in her vest and realizing that she was in love with her and couldn't deny it, but knowing it's not the time to ask her out, she jumps onto a cafeteria table and yells at Daniela that she messed with the wrong person. She warns her that she is trained in martial arts, cracking her knuckles and making herself look intimidating, but Daniela doesn't care and thinks she is outmatched.

Evie then enrages Daniela by referring to her as just Dani, causing her to charge, but she is knocked back with a swift blow to the face. Evie leaps down from the table, striking Daniela on her exposed waist twice, and she comments that she won't stop fighting her until she's no longer a threat to Pineshadow. The bully responds that she's game, pinning Evie against a table and squeezing her neck in an effort to suffocate her. Not wanting to fail those she loves, she goes limp, and Daniela prepares to slice her throat open. Just before she does, Evie surges forward, surprising her rival and sending her flying into a brick pillar. Daniela growls that she's more smart than a border collie, but regardless, she's going to tear her down. She punches Evie on her jaw, stunning her momentarily, and she finds the bully about barreling at her. Using all her strength, Evie leaps upward, making Daniela miss. Saliva drips from her jaw, and she bares her teeth in a snarl. Daniela spits at her to give up already, but she refuses, grabbing her by the neck and pinning her down. However, Evie looses her grip and is kicked off; she realizes that Daniela will win no matter what she'll do. Evie tries to fight, but her enemy slams her into another table, her head hitting metal bars. She finds herself pinned with nowhere left to run, and unable to break free, Daniela puts the blade of Winter's knife to her throat. Terrified, and thinking of her mother, Evie prepares for herself to be murdered in front of an entire crowd. Suddenly, a voice calls for Daniela - Winter - and she loosens her grip on Evie, thus allowing her to break free. In a flash, Winter berates Daniela and sends her all the way to the other side of the cafeteria, where she is arrested by police and taken to juvenile prison.

Evie praises Winter, who in turn says that she was helped by a "flower crown goddess," and Evie knows she is talking about Mya. Her heart swells with pride and love for her, noting that she has changed from sensitive to strong and creative. She keeps falling for Mya more and more, itching to ask her out, and watching as the Heartleys make Winter one of their own. Evie's mother calls for her, and she greets her and her father, who praise her heavily, causing her to feel loved. Nights later, Evie sits in her tree with Mya, and she says that it belongs to them, silently remarking that they're way more than just friends. Mya remembers how their friendship began fondly, pointing out how they've grown, and Evie is thankful that she gave her the courage to stand up to her mother. She expresses how proud she is of Mya for helping Winter stop Daniela, then mentions that she has something to tell her, telling that she feels the same way about her. Mya pulls her closer, softly telling her to go on, and Evie's anxiety vanishes. She states that she knows how Mya really feels about her, and letting the words fall out, Mya touches her nose to hers and vows to love her until the day she dies. Shutting her eyes, she then kisses Evie, who savors every second and wants it to last forever. She kisses Mya in turn, brushing her hair back and not letting go for a passionate minute. She compares the sensation to ecstasy, saying that it's amazing and that they are one in the same. She proudly proclaims that she's ready to be Mya's girlfriend, and kisses her again, promising to never let go of her heart.

For an hour, Evie holds Mya close to her. She returns home, euphoric from the night, and her mother tells her to go to bed. Suddenly, Evie remembers her mother's mantra - straight path, straight a's, straightforward, straight girl - and she isn't straight at all, as she now has a girlfriend. Panicking, she runs to her room and eventually calms herself down. Evie looks in the mirror, questioning who she is, recalling that she was never interested in boys from the start, and finding girls, especially Mya, attractive. After hours of losing sleep, she comes to the conclusion that she is a lesbian and dreads the day she comes out to her mother, not wanting to be rejected. The next day, Evie is glancing up at the constellations on her ceiling when the door opens, revealing Mya. Happy to see her, Mya jumps up onto her bed, talking about how excited she is to be where is now and to have a girlfriend that accepts her. Evie remarks that she never expected to fall for her, but she's glad she did, and they'll work it all out together. Deciding to be open with Mya, Evie comes out as a lesbian to her, which makes her proud, and she jokes that she is a twin with Winter now. Laughing, Evie ruffles her fluffy auburn-brown hair, then looks away, thinking of her mother. She says that she wants to come out to her soon enough, but she's worried about her reaction, and Mya calms her. She mentions that she has all the time in the world, and she'll never go through what Winter went through, promising to support her all the way. Evie touches her shoulder with her own, then confesses that Mya changed her life, growing a garden in her mind.

She then calls her an awesome girlfriend, making Mya blush, and she inquires if this is their first date. Surprised, she agrees that it is, and Mya holds her hands, interlocking their fingers. She flirts that her lips are so sweet to kiss, and Evie touches noses with hers, replying that her lips are sweeter. Aching for more affection, she prepares to kiss her, but her mother opens the door. Panicking, Evie falls backward, much to Opal's confusion. She says that she got them some frozen yogurt, giving two cups to them before she shuts the door and walks away. Mya eases Evie, bringing her guard down, and she admits that she was scared her mother noticed their almost-kiss. Mya comments that they're alone together, then crawls under Evie's bedsheets, explaining that she made a "Girlfriend Den" so they can chill out without her parents seeing. Laughing, Evie joins her, loving it. Mya waves a spoonful of frozen yogurt in front of her face, which is so enticing to the point where Evie drools. Mya rolls her eyes, and Evie takes a bite, finding it delicious. She offers her girlfriend her frozen yogurt, and she quickly takes a bite as well. Mya then adds that their lips are so sweet now, and wanting to feel the added flare, Evie kisses Mya directly on her lips. She compares the feel to heaven and liplocks for thirty seconds, and she whispers that this is the best first date ever, continuing to snuggle under the covers with Mya for many hours. Days later, and Evie can't get Mya out of her mind, hardly paying attention to her parents and slurring her words, much to the ire of her mother. She is supposed to be writing an essay, but has only competed one sentence and is instead staring off into space. Fed up, Opal snaps Evie back to reality, affirming her disappointment that she hasn't been herself lately and that isn't the daughter she raised.

Annoyed, Evie tells her to let her work, but knowing her daughter is keeping something, Opal demands for her to reveal what's going on. Viewing it as a threat, Evie begins to shake and reluctantly admits that someone special is on her mind, and they won't leave it. Her mother quickly figures out that it's Mya, which only makes her more nervous, and her heart picks up in pace. Taking her silence as confirmation, Opal chides her for daydreaming about Mya and threatens to "cut her out of the picture" should she keep being a distraction. Horrified, Evie backs up, begging for her to not be hurt and saying that it's not her fault she can't stop thinking about her. Opal reminds her via her famous mantra that Mya and her social life is below her, and stepping closer to her, she questions why Mya is so important to Evie. Evie is unable to stand her mother's words anymore, and without thinking, she screams that it's because she loves Mya - in the process coming out to her parents - and revealing that she is in a relationship. Her parents are stunned by this revelation, but her mother quickly becomes angry and screams that she is trouble, and Evie tries to apologize. Opal doesn't take it and shames her for going against her family line and being in a relationship with Mya, who should only be a friend to her. Sickened, Evie pleads that she doesn't want to be rejected, but Opal snaps that she's a disgrace and will take Mya out of her life if she's treated like a queen, justifying by the threat by affirming that she's her mother. Evie counters that she'll always love the creative and smart girlfriend she has, and she'll always come through for her when she needs her.

Her mother retorts that Mya is keeping her from her true potential, and it's disgusting, mortifying Evie. She is now backed up against the living room wall, leaving her with nowhere left to run. She is terrified of what could happen to her, comparing herself to a hurricane, and she clutches at her rapidly-beating heart, finding it difficult to breathe. Evie says that she can't take Mya away from her, even outright commenting that she's better. Furious, Opal strikes her daughter hard on the cheek, causing her to cry out in pain as one of her worst nightmares comes true - her mother using physical violence on her. Anderson berates his wife for hitting Evie, telling her to accept her instead of making her feel like a criminal, and just because she's her daughter doesn't give her the right to do this, pointing out that she's scared of her. Not being able to take everything anymore, Evie runs back to her room and slams her door, sinking to the ground and finding it nearly impossible to take in any air. She trudges to her nightstand, her vision blurry, and she barely manages to look into her mirror. Evie sees herself, but her reflection turns into a massive tiger that slashes at her eyes. Screaming, she buries her face into her bedsheets and begs to be somewhere else. When she opens her eyes, she finds herself in a black void, alone. Evie then hears her mother's voice dejecting her, and she tries to block out her words, to no avail. A red string is tied around her foot, but an attempt to remove it ends in vain. Suddenly, Evie hears a roar and finds a massive tiger chasing her down, and she takes off running, panting heavily. Due to exhaustion, she eventually collapses, and the tiger pins her, clawing at her skin and drawing blood.

The tiger roars, then transitions into the voice of her mother, and she tells her that she was never proud of her. Then, it changes to Mya's voice, and she suggests that they shouldn't be together because of Evie's mother. Evie cries for everything to stop, and the tiger shakes her with a massive paw. Returning to the present, she sees her father worriedly looking at her twitching self, clutching at her chest. Anderson holds her in his arms, soothing her and getting her to breathe more slowly. Once she settles down, he helps her sit on her bed and reassures her that she's alright. Lonely, Evie says that she wants her father to stay with her, which he agrees to do. Concern in her eyes, she apologizes for abruptly coming out and starts to say she was in a nightmare, but Anderson tells her to go easy. She reveals what she saw in her nightmare, and Anderson comments that she had a bad panic attack her mother induced on her, but she's out of it now. Evie thinks her mother has rejected her, but her father denies that she did, and he promises to always love her for who she is. He growls that Opal shouldn't have hit her, hating it with a burning passion, and he adds that she wants to apologize for what happened. Evie doesn't wish to talk to her, instead longing for Mya, and Anderson promises that she can meet her at Pinelake soon. He asks her what sexuality she is, and upon learning that she is a lesbian, he calls it wonderful and says that she is his "perfect little daughter." Evie states that her mother doesn't believe she's perfect, but her father still remarks that she's his perfect daughter and walks out of her room. Feeling more lost than ever, Evie throws her face into her bedsheets and wishes to be a normal girl once again.

Later, Evie sits under her tree at Pinelake Park, feeling lonely and trapped. Mya approaches her, and noticing how somber she is, questions what's wrong. Evie lies that she's fine out of fear she'll lose her girlfriend because of the nightmare, and moves away. Mya reassures her that she doesn't have to hide, but Opal's voice pounds Evie's head to the point where she freezes and has another panic attack. She falls back into Mya, who catches her and gently pulls her out of the attack, helping her breathe to ten and getting her to sit up. Relaxing, and with the ambience of her tree, Evie brings up the fight with her mother that culmulated in her using physical violence, shocking Mya, who threatens to "break dishes over her head." Evie adds that she descended into a nightmare, horrified from everything, and her girlfriend soothes her. She shakily admits that there was tiger in her nightmare with her voice that suggested they shouldn't be together because of Opal, and she didn't tell her, not wanting to face rejection - and Evie finally snaps from everything - crying out that she hates her life and hates not having a mother who loves her. Mya promises that she won't lose her, but she retorts that she doesn't know what Opal is capable of and thinks she's a coward for not being able to fix everything. Mya counters that nothing will change the fact that she's strong, but Evie is too distraught to listen to her, wailing that everything would be better if she was just normal and she just wants it to be that way. Mya then chokes out that she doesn't want her to be normal, and seeing her girlfriend struggling to see eye-to-eye, she pulls her up to her face to the point where they touch noses.

Mya snaps that being normal is basically being boring, naming out her traits and reminding Evie that she idolizes her, in addition to commenting that she is special. Evie points out that her culture drags her down, but Mya hugs her and says that it doesn't matter, for she already has a lot to have pride in. Slowly, she realizes that her girlfriend is right; she can be proud in her own ways and only wants to fly with Mya's praise and affection. Both then share a passionate kiss for thirty seconds, saying that they love each other, and Evie believes that she doesn't need to be normal when she's perfect just the way she is. A few weeks later, Evie stands outside her house, preparing to tell them about her adventure today, with Mya alongside her. She fears that she'll be rejected, but Mya promises that she won't be, and if she needs her, she'll be there in a blink of an eye. The events of the day then flash through Evie's mind - after Mya had gone missing, she had rushed in blindly to save her, and wound up playing a deadly game of Russian roulette that nearly took her life. However, she had narrowly escaped with Mya and Winter. She opens the door to her house, and her parents question her on what happened. Evie reveals that Mya is fine, and she was mostly in the Piney Woods - where she made a mistake that almost got her killed. She feels like breaking down, knowing there's a slim chance she won't be forgiven for the roulette game, and braces for the absolute worst to come from her honesty, admitting that she played Russian roulette. Opal scoffs that she's exaggering, but Evie furiously spits that she's not, revealing the singe mark on her hair from where she was nearly shot with a revolver bullet.

Her parents gasp, seeing that she's right, and Opal is livid that her daughter nearly got killed. She screams that she is so brain-dead for almost dying, scaring Evie and making her back up onto the sofa. She apologizes for being a fool, but showed repentence by sacrificing her lives to protect Mya and Winter, two people who care about her. She knows her mother has a right to be mad because she's her daughter, but is upset that she isn't valuing her bravery and selflessness. Opal snaps that she can't hide her disappointment, but her chastising only makes Evie more determined, and she points out that the game was against her will. Her father tries to defend her, but Opal quiets him, and she then grounds Evie for two weeks. Evie conceals her frustration, knowing her mother will never understand her, and thinking about Mya and Winter, she brings up how she's pushed to the brink to please her. Opal is about to argue again when Mya slams the door open, demanding what she is doing punishing her girlfriend, saying that she needs no explanation seeing Evie being punished for heroism. Evie admires her as Mya calls her mother out for behavior, outright calling her dumb and making Anderson drag her out of the room altogether. Amazed, she comments that Mya didn't need to do that, but Mya then orders her outside with her. Fear builds in her as she obliges, asking what's going on, and learning that Mya wants to "handle her herself." Panicking, Evie stammers her repentence for everything, but Mya cuts her off and kisses her, making her kiss back, unable to resist. It dawns in Evie that Mya only did this to show how much she loves her, and her girlfriend responds that she wasn't mad and that they're more mature for their age.

Warmly agreeing, Evie thanks Mya and tells her that she's the best. In turn, she says the same thing, and adds that she can talk to her own parents whenever she wants. Evie keeps it in consideration, and it is noted that she makes her feel like the only girl in the world. Some time after that evening, Evie plucks a shard of glass from the hair of her best friend, Amira. Amira is Winter's new girlfriend who had been abused by her aunt, Shetani; things had come to a breaking point the previous night when Shetani hired a hitman to kill her niece, and Amira had been left decently wounded. She had come to the Ly household, and is now staying with them temporarily. Evie asks if she'd like to see her room, and Amira eagerly agrees. Upon entering, she comments that it's beautiful, dashing up to many things. When remarking that she enjoys reading, Evie points out that her mother forced her to read the majority of the books on her shelf, baffling Amira, who is unaware that Opal is a tiger parent. She then questions the meaning behind the lotus on her bedframe, and sighing, Evie reveals that her mother wanted to give her a Vietnamese bed, but she did a good job on the engraving. She guides Amira to other details in her room, such as her walls, constellation-covered ceiling, and cranes hanging above her doorframe. She states that Evie's room is the prettiest she's seen, describing her own room, which was left barren by her neglectful parents and almost completely gutted by Shetani later on. She tells her to not be sorry, as her life was always horrible, though Evie admits she doesn't have a perfect life. Her stomach then growls, and she says that they need to eat breakfast. This excites Amira, who hasn't had a real meal in months due to Shetani half-starving her.

Noticing that Amira is still covered in blood and dirt, Evie suggests for her to take a bath, digging out some clothes from her closet and tossing them toward her. Obliging, Amira takes off, and Evie flops back on her bed, thinking about her risky plan - she, Mya, and Winter would break into Shetani's office in order to gather information that would expose her as a cruel she-devil to Pineshadow, not only to protect the school, but also Amira's life. Holly, the Lys' cat, jumps up on Evie's bed, and it is revealed that she was adopted when she was a kitten. She trots over and curls up in Evie's lap, peacefully laying there for ten minutes while she strokes her. After Opal calls her down for breakfast, Evie places Holly in her bed, and rushes out into the hallway, finding a newly-clean Amira. The two find a stack of pancakes, and delighted, the two begin to bond in the span of several hours. Later, the two return to Evie's room, where Amira asks Evie about what she wanted to say earlier. The latter says that this is personal, and sighing deeply, she reveals that her mother is a tiger parent. As tiger parents are strict, Opal constantly makes Evie overstudy and enforces the belief that she must be perfect at everything. She sometimes has zero control over her decisions, and the standards placed on her are crushing to reach. When she mentions the mantra, Amira is shocked, and Evie brings up how Opal almost rejected her for being a lesbian, in addition to how her mother has driven her into having panic attacks. While her mother loves her, she doesn't show affection the way she wished she would. Amira hugs Evie tightly, then falls back onto her bed. Evie inquires about her parents, and Amira mentions that they grew distant from her as she grew up, and often didn't talk to her, making her feel like an object.

One night, as she walked to her bedroom, she overheard her parents talking about how they weren't supposed to have her, making her cry herself to sleep, and Evie ruffles her bangs, saying that she knows what that feels like. Amira adds that she was pulled out of grade school in third grade and was homeschooled ever since, and Evie points out that they're on the same page in terms of parents. She recalls her mixed blood, and Amira reveals that she has Puerto Rican and Korean descent, but wishes her parents would share her heritage with her. She asks about her friend's father, and Evie describes him as a real light, but sometimes comes out of the office looking tired and weird. Amira jokes that he is the *Coraline* dad meme, and Evie wheezes uncontrollably, unable to hold in her laughter. Regaining control of herself, she questions her best friend on Shetani. Amira states that Shetani hated her and always wanted her to suffer whenever possible - whether through starvation, dehydration, or asphyxiation. As time went on, she was stopped from fighting back through violence and other physical torment. She mutters that Shetani better go to hell for the abuse, mentioning that she hasn't had a good dream in years and can't escape her aunt in her nightmares. Evie silently vows to protect her as her mother comes in, telling them that it's time for bed. Evie wishes Amira goodnight, falling asleep, but waking up at 1AM to pain, which she shrugs off. However, it quickly comes back, and she discovers that Amira is kicking her, having a nightmare. Evie whispers for her to sleep, wrapping her in a blanket and scratching her neck. While that seems to do it, Amira accidentally hits her two hours later, in another nightmare.

Evie reassures her that she's okay, but that doesn't soothe Amira for long, and she begins to mumble out Winter's name. Realizing that she misses her girlfriend due to them not sneaking out at midnight to see each other anymore, Evie tries to figure out what Winter would have done. Upon rubbing her neck, she gets an idea and gently kisses Amira there. However, this wakes Amira up, and she questions in disbelief if Evie just kissed her. Embarrassed, she apologizes, admitting that she thought Winter would have done that, but Amira replies that it's alright and thanks her for comforting her. Relieved, she wraps her arms around her, promising to not let her go, and the two soon fall asleep. Some time passes, and Evie is at school, enacting her plan with Mya and Winter in Shetani's office. She flips open a folder of notes to find them covered in information, mostly regarding Shetani's hatred of her niece and other issues, but a note catches Evie's attention - the revelation that she was behind the Russian roulette game that almost got her, Mya, and Winter killed. Evie's throat tightens, and she stutters that Shetani wanted them murdered, but Mya soothes her. Minutes later, the girls have collected enough evidence, and all Evie wants now is to get out of here. Suddenly, Vice Principal Bluelund remarks that Shetani is coming back, and while the girls attempt to hide her files, Shetani catches them and is livid. Evie backs down, and Mya and Winter protectively guard her, but their efforts are not enough. Guilt fills in her as the girls are forced out of the office by Shetani, and Mya questions her girlfriend if this was part of the plan, to which she replies that it wasn't in horror.

The girls are all expelled, and Evie realizes that she's the reason this is happening. After dashing out of the school building, she buries her eyes and thinking she is a traitor to those she loves. Mya offers her hand to her, but Evie swats it away out of grief, stammering that it's her fault and she's done enough to be "grounded for a century." Despite Mya's promise that she won't let her parents ground her, and Winter's own reassurance, Evie's heart throbs when she remembers her parents; her mother doesn't know that this happened, and she will be so mad that she'll become violent with her daughter again - to the point of rejection. Breaking down, she snaps that she's stupid for thinking she could ever lead, and calling herself a traitor, she dashes away from Mya and Winter. She believes her leadership abilities were a mistake, and after ten minutes, Evie clutches a stop sign, barely able to breathe. She collapses onto a lawn, knowing that she needs to return home, but can't bring herself to out of fear her mother will disown her for the explusion fiasco. Feeling isolated and longing for Mya's affection, Evie recalls the Heartleys and decides to go to them instead. Upon reaching their door, she reluctantly knocks, and Mya's mother greets her. Startled to see her upset, Nita and then Patrick take the lack-of-words Evie inside, soothing her and wrapping her in a blanket. They leave her by herself, and moping, Evie questions why she can't ever do anything right. When Mya and Winter return home, Mya immediately greets her girlfriend and praises her. However, her emotions are too unstable and Evie spits that her plan was a failure and they wouldn't be traitors if it weren't for her. She drowns out the conversation between Winter and the Heartleys, finding no point listening in.

Mya and Winter then rejoin her side again. Winter locks eyes with her, raising her chin up, saying that they're proud of her and that she's going to be alright. Evie remains uncertain, but Mya trades places with her adopted sister and touches noses with her girlfriend, making ecstasy fill her; she then promises to not let Opal push her around. Mya then sits down on her sofa and places Evie's head onto her lap, and the latter finds herself looking up at eyes she's dying for. For the first time in hours, she smiles, affectionately looking at Mya and apologizing to her and Winter for snapping at them. Feeling right at home, she tells herself that she isn't gonna be perfect, and she'll stand taller and stronger than her mother. After leaving the Heartley residence, Evie returns home and calls out, shocking her parents. Opal snarls that she better explain why she's not at school, but before she can demand an answer, Amira commands for her and Anderson to move. She hugs Evie, and noticing that something seems off, she drags her to her room. She asks her what happened, and Evie explains, much to her horror. Amira mutters that Shetani deserves hell, but the events of the day don't matter and Evie shouldn't put herself down over it. She responds that a good leader doesn't get the people she loves expelled, but Amira states that a good leader would put herself on the line for those she loves, despite the risk of backlash. Realizing that Amira is proud and grateful, she questions if she really is, which she confirms. Amira then inquires about their next plan, and Evie nervously reveals that they need a recording of Shetani admitting that she tried to murder her. She tells Amira that she deserves people who truly love her instead of a dysfunctional family, and admits how much she means to her.

Evie then says that she has to confront her parents, asking Amira if she'll stand by her side, and she agrees to do so. Evie walks to her living room, where her mother furiously demands for an explanation, and vowing to not run away, she reveals that she broke into Shetani's office with Mya and Winter. Livid, Opal screams at her for doing something so reckless, but Evie retorts that their expulsion doesn't matter, as they did everything to protect Amira's life and to stop Shetani. Her mother spits that she's tired of all of this, growling that she'll never be the perfect daughter if she keeps her game up. In that moment, Evie looses her cool and snaps that she's not perfect - and the mistakes she makes help her become the person she really wants to be. Opal begins to back down, but her daughter is hardly finished, and she adds that she made her believe she had to be normal in order to be appreciated. But she's only going to be herself, and she isn't going to be controlled by her anymore, moving to stand beside Amira. Finishing her rant to her mother, Evie tells her that tiger parenting hurt her more than she thought, and if she thought breaking her for years was fine, she needs to reconsider how she views herself as a mother. Opal begins to feel regret for the damage she has caused, as now her daughter is independent from her control. However, the conversation is far from done, and Amira leaps into the fray.

Amira calls Opal a control freak for emotionally abusing Evie, pointing out that her standards are too high for her to reach, and berating her for trying to rip Mya away from her girlfriend multiple times. Evie looks on proudly at her best friend as she goes on, saying that Opal didn't show Evie that she was proud of her and shamed her when she needed her approval. The worst thing about her is that she drove her own daughter into having panic attacks and was never there to comfort her - which, to her, is utterly disgusting. Opal is also obsessed with her culture to the point where she thinks anything Evie does outside of it is a crime. She's well aware of what happened the night she came out, and what she did was wrong. She tried making Evie believe she should have been straight, shaming her when she is allowed to love who she wants to love. Evie is amazed at how well Amira is controlling her temper, noting that she's not speaking out of spite even though she is hot-headed. Amira comments that Opal's made the Ly family dysfunctional, and wants everything revolving around her. If she wants to be alone, so be it, but she'll be alone - Anderson and Evie are tired of being placed in the situation they are in. Anderson sides with the girls over his wife, and walking up to Opal, Amira remarks that she was given hospitality by her, but doesn't owe her any respect after hearing how terribly she has treated Evie over the years. Rethinking her life decisions, and with regret in her, Opal apologizes to Evie, thanking Amira for opening up her eyes. She asks her daughter if they can talk, and Evie agrees, though wishes for a later discussion. She holds Amira's hand, and they walk to her room together.

Days later, Evie reads one of novels while Amira sleeps next to her. When Amira begins to fall into a nightmare, Evie swiftly wakes her up, reassuring her that she is the "conquerer of nightmares." Her friend chuckles, then tickles her on her neck, causing Evie to break out laughing. Seeing that it's time to depart for her mission with Mya and Winter, she puts on her jacket and heads out of her bedroom. It is noted that the mission is dangerous, but they need to do it to stop Shetani and to protect Amira. Just as she prepares to open the front door, Opal inquires as to where she is going, and not wanting to be yelled at for another risky plan, she lies that it's nothing much. She demands again, and knowing she can't keep this a secret, Evie admits that she, Mya, and Winter are going to Shetani's. Opal screeches, saying that she'll get hurt, but Evie replies that it won't stop her and they need to do this to protect Amira. Her mother asks if she's sure, and she affirms this, along with Amira. Opal states that she doesn't agree with this, but won't stop Evie, and her father wishes her good luck. Amira does the same, saying that she loves her, and Evie then dashes out the door. Joining Mya and Winter, she walks with them, holding her girlfriend's hand, feeling a soothing, irrisistable warmth. Later, Evie is at Pinelake Park with an army, noting that their mission was a success. She glances at her parents, thinking about her lack of time to talk with her mother, but now is the perfect opportunity. She tells Winter to rally everyone as she goes to her favorite tree, leaning up against it and trying to think of what to say to Opal, though nothing sounds right.

Then, Opal walks up to her, and finally says the words she has been waiting to hear - she's sorry for enforcing her beliefs onto her, but after seeing the whole deal with Shetani, she really is apologetic. Evie asks if she won't force her to be who she wants anymore, which she confirms, and she tells her to go out there with pride. She smiles, everything healing internally. Hours later, Evie sits on the cliff near the Pineshadow Bridge, reflecting on the events that happened - Shetani had kidnapped Amira and Winter and threatened to drop them off near the bridge to their death, but all of the girls fought back. Amira sacrificed herself to save Winter, and while Evie was devastated, her best friend survived the fall, and rejected all of her kin sans her grandmother (who had arrived on the scene). Evie wishes to never go through this again, and her parents call for her, making her run up to them excitedly. Her mother comments that she's proud of her, her eyes sparkling, and she goes on to say that tiger parenting is wrong and will never be in use within the family ever again. She should have learned the consequences of her actions long ago, and encourages Evie to be the person she wants to be. Amira then hobbles up to Evie, expressing how happy she is with life turned around and whispering that her family is the best. She touches her forehead to her, revealing that she's like a sister figure to her, and she longs to be apart of the Lys. Opal affirms that they're not adopting Amira; however, she has proven that she is a Ly - an honorary one. Evie gives the biggest smile of her life, noting that the day has ended in every color of the rainbow.

One week later, Evie brushes her hair in her bathroom, flourishing since the day her mother stopped tiger parenting her. Satisfied with her look, she returns to her bedroom, finding that her mother has gifted her presents. She finds a yellow shirt with brownish-black polka dots, and loving it, she tries it on, calling it perfect. Picking up a picture frame on her bed, Evie turns it over to find it consisting of two horses running in a rocky plains, realizing it is symbolic of a healthy relationship - her and Mya. In that moment, Mya pays her a visit, and Evie hangs the frame up before scooting to the edge of her bed. Upon noticing her different look, Mya blushes, and Evie does too, seeing the pink rose in her hair and the sun rays lighting her up. Laughing, she yanks her onto her bed, pulling her close. Evie shows her the frame with the horses, saying that they represent them, and that Mya is her entire world. Mya's eyes well with tears as she presses closer to her girlfriend and interlocking her fingers with hers. Evie remarks that she doesn't want this moment to end, hugging her tightly with affection brimming inside of her. Mya agrees, promising to always carry her home and wanting to lie here with her. Finally losing control of herself, Evie kisses Mya on her lips, finding them sweet. For years, she thought she had to be normal, but she knows now that being her own self is more important - she's smart, a good leader, and will never be "Little Miss Perfect" - or a normal girl.

### Specials

#### *Daniela Wrecks Christmas*

"*Mya is right. In a* sweatshirt*. You owe your daughter* an apology *and* grace *tonight. I will not stop you from having a stern talk with her about all of this, as it is your parental duty... but in the future,* **none of this should ever happen again***. Amira has been punished* enough *for her mistakes, being abandoned in the cold and saved from the brink of hypothermia and frostbite. She has learned what she has needed to and made amends. We are her friends, and we fully understand the pain she has been through.* I *feel it. How about you?*"
—Evie standing up to Amira's parents for their treatment of Amira

Although Evie doesn't appear in the present-day part of the special, she is mentioned a few times in the present day and plays a major role in the past part. Upon Winter's discovery of a box in the closet pertaining to a chaotic Christmas, Mya decides to tell her of what happened that specific holiday. In the story, it's the last day of school before Christmas, and Mya plays in the snow, convincing Evie to play as well. They head inside, where Mya gets holiday hats for herself and Evie, but on the way to the gym, the bell on her hat irritates an already-agitated Daniela. She harasses both, but before Mya completely loses her self-esteem, Evie poses the idea of singing a Christmas carol to get the bully into the spirits. Joined by her friend, both shock Daniela by properly singing a version of *Jingle Bells* directly meant to spite her, and they escape to the gym. There, they relax, think of holiday plans, and play *Angry Birds Seasons*. Soon, they head to history, drink hot chocolate (with Mya drinking three different cups), and watch *Home Alone*. Evie makes sure Mya remains awake, and once school dismisses early due to the weather, the two migrate outside and walk home together.

However, they are blocked by Daniela, who refuses to let them leave for tormenting her earlier. She steals Evie's Santa hat and tries to claim it as her own, and angered, Mya retaliates by spitting the last of her hot chocolate in her eye, allowing her to retrieve Evie's hat and walk with home with her, leaving Daniela incensed. Mya returns to the present, admitting to Winter that she had no idea what made Daniela lose it so much and winking at her sister's exciting commentary before teasing Daniela's plot. She then dives back into the story. Evie and Mya head into the Ly household, and Evie helps her mother decorate the house (but faces a challenge from her cat). Mya also offers Evie some cookies, and later, they react in shock to the fact that Evie's parents still bicker over the Christmas fiasco of 2010. Upon finishing dinner, Evie and her parents remember Christmas memories. Later, Evie and Mya prepare for bed, but the girls stay up past their bedtime, as Mya convinces Evie to play more *Angry Birds Seasons* with her. The next day, the girls help the Ly parents make the final preparations for Christmas and spend most of their time together having fun. Mya stuffs herself full of Christmas food and watches *How the Grinch Stole Christmas!* with Evie before falling asleep. She is soon awoken violently by Evie's cat, Holly, stabbing her with her claws, causing her to scream. Flustered, she agrees to go to bed, quickly drifting off with Evie.

Unbeknownst to the two, Daniela has hatched up a scheme to ruin their Christmas, sick of their antics and joy and desiring revenge for them humiliating her twice. Minutes after being kicked out by Rex, she plans to sneak into the Ly house and destroy their Christmas, but becomes sidetracked hearing someone in a nearby alleyway. She befriends the young someone, a young girl named Amira, and decides to use her as an accomplice in her plan. Momentarily breaking from the past, Mya confesses to Winter that she and Evie were both shocked by the fact Daniela gained an accomplice, and both express their shock that Daniela even seemed to acquire feelings for Amira. Winter asks how far they're in the story, to which Mya responds that they're about halfway through, warning that everything isn't just about to go downhill from there. She then returns to the story. After coaxing Amira into destroying her own house as vengeance against her parents, Daniela twists Evie and Mya's reputation to Amira, and believing they are her new friend's enemies, she promises to help her in her quest for retribution. They quickly arrive at the Ly house, breaking in and wreaking havoc. Mya is awoken by the ruckus, and alerted to intruders, she arouses Evie. The two run to the living room, realizing a break-in has happened, and both are in disbelief, with Evie especially being despondent that her family's Christmas has been ruined. Her parents are just as in shock, but a noise outside draws Evie to the window, where she finds Daniela conversing with a stranger. She and Mya are horrified, suspecting she wanted revenge on them.

In a fit of rage, Evie charges outside, but Daniela and her accomplice escape. She and Mya vow to track Daniela down and gain justice, managing to reluctantly induce Evie's mother into letting them search. Meanwhile, Daniela and Amira rejoice over their victory, but it is short-lived; when Daniela shows interest in stealing from little children, Amira realizes that she has been manipulated into being a pawn and that Evie and Mya were always innocent - she had listened to an unreliable narrator. She calls Daniela out and disavows her, but not before Daniela accuses her of being weak like her foes, leaving her to freeze in the snow. Winter is mortified by this turn in the story, but Mya assures her that they found Amira in time, saving her life. She also assures Winter that their Christmas will be normal, but Hanukkah can be an alternative if necessary. She then continues telling the story. Evie and Mya search down their street, and Mya spots tracks cutting onto Fir Knoll Boulevard. This leads her and Evie to the end of that same street, where they find the unmoving body of her accomplice. Briefly, Mya fears that she's dead and almost has a panic attack, but Evie calms her down and reassures her that she's alive. Using her phone, Mya emergency calls her father, allowing the accomplice to be taken to safety.

Some time later, Amira wakes up in Mya's house and panics over everything; despite Evie and Amira's attempts to calm her, she breaks down and apologizes repeatedly for harming them, believing that they deserve to hate her and reject care for her. Instead, they accept her for recognizing her faults and for being a victim of gaslighting, which enables her to relax and tentatively accept additional care from Mya's parents. Once Amira has eaten some soup and gotten more relaxation, she is subject to interrogation by the girls and Mya's parents, and truthfully, she fully confesses to her role in Daniela's schemes. The girls remind her to love herself and that she was a victim of manipulation, which doesn't make her anything like Daniela. They request her help in finding Daniela, and agreeing, Amira states that she's at Hollow Tree Court. She introduces herself to the girls, and together, they spend time until the daybreak getting to know each other and watching *Tom and Jerry*. When daybreak comes, the girls and Mya's parents head out to Hollow Tree Court, where Mya baits Daniela into waking up; Daniela is angered that she is not upset over her Christmas being ruined. Mya retorts that the spirit still lives on, remaining firm in her will. Daniela shoves her out of the way, only to come face to face with Evie. She expresses her fury at Daniela destroying the holiday for her family and encourages her to try fighting her - either way, she wants justice. She slides away willingly, allowing Amira to confront Daniela and growing fed up with the three, she runs off - and is confronted by Mya's parents. She then concedes, facing a battle she won't win, and the girls celebrate, excited for later.

Later that day, the girls are at the mall, watching Daniela sing Christmas carols as a punishment for her revenge plot; Mya's family has bought Amira a new sweater. The girls rejoice at the night coming to a happy end and Daniela getting her karma, but without warning, Amira's parents storm into the scene to reclaim her daughter. They mercilessly shame her for what she's done, calling her a rebellious and ungrateful creature. Amira fears the worst, but knowing her parents have breached their authority, Evie and Mya intervene and shockingly put them in their place. Mikayla and Braxton, realizing that Amira isn't fully at fault for what happened, concede, but promise to have a stern talk about this later. Evie and Mya assure Amira that they will always be friends, saying Merry Christmas to each other and spending the rest of the night in peace. Concluding the story, Mya says that they haven't encountered Amira since that day. She and Winter reflect on the creativity of Daniela's punishment and Amira's defiance, hoping that they'll see her someday. Mya then shows Winter a photo she took with Evie and Amira that was forgotten, and she and Winter hang it up, honoring Amira for who she is.

#### *Rise of a She-Devil*

Evie is mentioned to be one of Amira's two best friends, and she is noted to be bold and strong-willed, with Amira having similarities to her and Mya. Upon hearing of Shetani, Amira is excited that she might connect with someone other than her two friends. While lamenting about her abusive situation, she thinks about being unable to tell Evie and Mya the truth. After hiding her notes and *Monster*, Amira once again notes that she can't tell her secret to her best friends.

#### *The Guardian of Angels*

"*If I'm truly an angel, I promise to protect you all. Don't be afraid of the dark. Just follow my lead.*"
—Evie's vow to the other Golden Gays

In disguise as a character from Mya's story, Evie watches the Golden Gays from afar, licking her lips and commenting that she's watching them. She soon decides that it's time to move, and quietly says that it's time for the party to begin. When Mya describes her as booksmart in her story, she finds it insulting. The stranger agrees with revenge, touching Amira on her shoulder and spooking her. Minutes later, the stranger questions if they're scared, gripping Winter's neck before quickly letting go. As Mya concludes her story, she tells her audience that they must be wise should they falter - and another voice quotes her. She turns around to find a stranger, who snarls that she is her. A dark green cloak conceals her face, but she is wearing light jeans and brown boots. The stranger inquires if they're scared, before snapping at Mya that people like her make her a fool. She remarks that she wasn't prepared for her, throwing a smoke bomb and wrapping her arm around Mya's mouth. She then sings (lip-syncing the lyrics to *The Ghost* by NIVIRO), and takes off with Mya, making Winter, Amira, and Daniela pursue her.

While walking through the Piney Woods, Winter suddenly bumps into the stranger, who vaguely sings that she is her, grabbing her necklace and dragging her away. Amira and Daniela chase after the stranger, finding her pinning Winter against a tree, and she screams at them to run. Before they can locate her, she grabs Amira's neck, delighted. However, Daniela slams into the stranger and throws her to the side. Once the two and Winter finally discover Mya, the stranger beats them to her and calls her weak and vulnerable for getting herself in this trap. She waves a stopwatch in front of Mya's face, warning her that her time is up and referring to her by name. She asks how she knows this, and the figure replies that she sees everything, placing her slimy, jet black hands on her shoulders. Mya, getting flashbacks from *Dancing in the Dark*, pleads for the figure to not assault or touch her. Startled, the stranger backs up, looking at her black hands before hiding them in her cloak, and looking at the other Goldens, she flees the scene.

Amira and Daniela chase her, while Winter stays with Mya, reassuring her that the stranger didn't hurt her. After freeing her, they agree to catch her. Meanwhile, Amira and Daniela chase the stranger, who spits at them to leave her be, saying that none of this was supposed to happen. She hurls herself at Amira and tries to flee again, but Daniela whirls her around and threatens her. The stranger retorts that Mya wasn't supposed to be hurt, kicking her enemy and running, but she is tripped up by Amira and captured by Daniela, leaving her unable to run. She snaps that she's caused enough trouble for one night, and when Winter and Mya joins them, Daniela says that she's not leaving until they get an explanation from her. The figure wails that she didn't want to harm anyone, but Mya snaps that she used past trauma to pull something sick on her, and now it's her turn to be messed with. Against her wishes, Mya pulls the stranger's cloak down - revealing her to be Evie.

Mya questions why she's here when she was sick, but Evie snaps that it was all a lie - she had wanted to make Mya's Halloween special by making her story come to life, but screwed it up and nearly traumatized her instead. She adds that this night was a car crash waiting to happen, and she ruined it for everybody, concluding her rant by telling Mya she let her down. Evie sits on the rock she smashed into moments ago, questioning her actions, and Mya responds that she made her night more special than she realized. With love and understanding in her, calling what she pulled off marvelous and can't be mad knowing Evie was behind everything this whole time. Now seeing that her girlfriend is happy with her, Evie hugs Mya, and lets her cloak fly off in the wind. As the moon shines over them, they kiss and lock for half a minute. Noticing the other Goldens, Evie asks if she hurt them, but Winter, Daniela, and Amira all deny this and talk about how exciting the night was. Evie thanks them, and Mya dubs her the "Guardian of Angels," with her now wearing Daniela's crown. She looks up to the sky while being hugged by her best friends, and vows to protect them.

## Personality and Traits

Evie is intelligent, strong-willed, short-tempered, and easily irritated. She is often frosty toward newcomers and her enemies, and while it seems like she is awkward with strangers, she is kind at heart and willing to make friends. This is mostly in part due to her own interactions with Mya, who balances out her tough nature with her soft-hearted and passionate personality. Evie is also fearless, often jumping into danger without a second thought in order to protect those she loves, though at times, she is outsmarted and sometimes has to be bailed out. While her mother is culture-oriented, Evie is not, and she is often emotionally pressured to achieve high standards which she struggles to reach. The pressure sometimes breaks her thought process and calm nature, making her stress about her future and her relationships with others. Her mother's tiger parenting has also driven her into having extreme emotional instability or even panic attacks. In *Rushing Roulette*, it is revealed that Evie's mother did not support her relationship with Mya or the fact that she was a lesbian at first because of Vietnam being an anti-LGBTQ+ country, much to her chagrin, making her feel weighed down by the Vietnamese side of her heritage. She also longed for her mother's approval and thought that if she were normal, she'd be appreciated.

Evie prides herself in being a good leader, often having a level-headed nature and speaking her own mind. She is against speaking to Winter in *Meeting Winter*, but Mya brings up her own first interaction with her friend, ultimately making her give in to Mya in annoyance. In *Dancing in the Dark*, she is unwilling to investigate Cracklog Manor because of it being abandoned and dangerous, but because of Mya's badgering, she gives in and goes in with her. This also shows that Evie wants to make Mya happy regardless of her own reservations and beliefs. Notably, a flaw of Evie is that she is occasionally oblivious to her own surroundings. In the latter half of Season 1, she fails to see Mya's growing crush on her until *The Party*, where she begins to feel a mutual attraction toward her that later turns into romance in *Winter Storm Arising*. In *Rushing Roulette*, Evie blindly rushes to save Mya, not thinking clearly, her judgment clouded by worry and determination. Despite Winter's concerns and irritation, she refuses to think straight up until she realizes her mistake and is thrusted into a deadly game of Russian roulette with a stranger.

Evie, while seeming tough, does have a soft heart and cares for those she loves deeply. In *Dancing in the Dark*, she reassures an embarrassed Mya that she understands that she didn't mean to kiss her, recalling a similar incident in the past. She is suspicious of the way Mya acts in *There's Something About Mya*, and upon seeing her so jumpy, she manages to calm her down and let her open up about her bisexuality to her. Evie comforts her, saying that she would never reject her, and accepts her for the way she is happily. When Mya is captured by a stranger, Evie is caught in his trap, but she chooses to willingly play Russian roulette with him at the expense of her possibly dying, considering it repentence for Mya and Winter. During the game, another defining trait of Evie is prominently depicted: her sharp intelligence. Against the wishes of Mya and Winter, she listens to the man and urges him to pull the trigger of his gun. When the gun fires on the last round, she fakes her own death so he lets her girlfriend and best friend go, revealing that Evie was only acting and had come back to her senses compared to earlier.

When her leadership ability falters, Evie's confidence also happens to falter as well. In *Traitors!*, her plan to get information on Shetani backfires after seemingly working, leading to her, Mya, and Winter getting expelled from school. Overwhelmed with guilt and panic, and thinking she's failed, Evie runs away from Mya and Winter in tears. Now dreading telling her parents what happened, she crashes at Mya's house, not able to bear it all. While she hates herself and thinks her plan was a disaster, Mya and Winter both soothe her and promise not to let her mother do anything to her. Evie has doubts that things will be fine, but Mya comforts her, and thus, her confidence bounces back. She is momentarily shocked by Shetani in *Devil's Dungeon* and screams out in pain when she is whipped, but she fights back and escapes with Mya and Winter. After her mother apologizes to her, Evie regains most of her determination and confidence, and Mya erases any remaining doubts she has later. With the issues in her life mended, Evie relaxes and is finally happy knowing she has more say in her life.

## Family

**Mother:**

Opal (Living)
**Father:**

Anderson (Living)
**Girlfriend:**

Mya (Living)
**Maternal Grandparents:**

Unnamed (Deceased)
**Paternal Great-Grandparents:**

Unnamed (Deceased)
## Trivia

* Evie is voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee.
	+ As a child, she is voiced by Abigail Zoe Lewis.
* Evie's name was suggested by Av's ex-girlfriend, Lauren.
	+ Av also likes to call her "the honorable Evie Ly" or "the formidable Evie Ly."
* She is very fluent in her second language, Vietnamese, frequently speaking it casually or when she is angry.
* Evie is nearsighted without glasses, which is an issue that has persisted since she was little. Without her glasses, things in front of her are no more than a blur, and sometimes, she struggles to sleep with them off because of objects in the dark being extremely blurry, leaving to her having anxiety when up at night.
	+ She does not mind not wearing them though if around people like her family, friends, and Holly, as they make her feel safer and less nervous.
* She is mainly inspired by the Taylor Louderman song *Little Miss Perfect*, *Normal Girl*, a song by SZA, and three Rihanna songs: *Consideration*, *Russian Roulette*, and *What Now*.
	+ The Unknown Brain song *Perfect 10* also reminds Av of Evie a lot.
* Her favorite colors are blue and yellow. She also likes purple.
* Evie is trained in numerous forms martial arts by her mother. Av says that her strength should never be underestimated, even going on to say that she is "perfectly capable of killing somebody."
* Evie never had any romantic feelings for anyone, girl or boy, until she started to return Mya's feelings for her. No one also ever approached her romantically except for Mya.
	+ Sisi headcanons her as an ace lesbian because of this.
* While Evie is an expert at reading emotions, she is sometimes oblivious to more romantic feelings and flirtatious moves and can get flustered with certain gestures. However, this doesn't retract from her intelligence and only makes her "more of a goof" to Av, who also likes writing scenes where she flirts with Mya.
* Her tougher, protective personality balances out Mya's soft-hearted and friendly nature.
* Evie likes sports, her favorites being college football and basketball, and she owns a letterman purchased from H&M.
	+ She is also a fan of Washington State like Daniela is.
* Although she knows her strength has limits, Evie won't hestiate to take on someone more powerful than her, such as Daniela, Shetani, or Harlow.
* Her worst fear is her mother disowning her for not being perfect enough, something which she has feared since she was little.
* She is a cat person and has always adored Holly since her family adopted her. She loves to snuggle with Holly and give her kisses.
* Evie and Mya were always meant to fall for each other even in the early stages of the series. Their ship name is **Eviya**.
* She is remarkably talented at cracking locks and has taught Amira how to do so.
* Evie's character in *Little Miss Perfect* means a lot to Av, who cites it as part of why she likes her.
* Av feels as if Evie is slightly underrated out of all the Golden Gays.
* Av's favorite Evie moment is when she comes out to her mother in *Little Miss Perfect*, or when she played roulette in *Rushing Roulette*.
* Evie loves Amira like a sister and is just as protective of her as she is with Mya. According to Av, she loves to have sleepovers with her and likes telling her stories.
* Her official birthday is May 23rd.
* She cannot tell a white lie without regretting it later.
* Evie still maintains a rivalry with Daniela, though unlike before, it is friendly.
* She likes playing with a frisbee.
* Between her and Mya, Evie is more snuggly.
* Her favorite things to eat are frozen yogurt, sizzling cake, bun cha, and sandwiches.
* She is not a fan of upscale fashion, but will wear "just about anything fancy" for Mya's sake.
* Evie has always been a daddy's girl and prefers her father over her mother. Over the years, this became heavily fueled by her mother's tiger parenting, and she would defer to her father for advice and comfort.
* She is very ticklish behind the back of her neck. Only Mya and Amira know this.
* Evie considers her second-in-command to be Daniela because she shares much of her wisdom and strength.
* A common running gag with Evie is that she can prove to be unintentionally funny or dense, something Av finds to be part of her charm.
* Evie's spirit animal is the cat, representing her intelligence and independence from her mother's standards. The cat also represents her grace and cunning.
* She is equally smart as Daniela and shares much of her physical strength, though she is less strong as her friend.
	+ However, Evie is strong enough to kick down a door with one leg, as shown in *Dancing in the Dark*, and she does have the strength to substain herself in a fight to the death, shown in *Winter Storm Arising* and *Warbringer*.
* On her being a lesbian, Av states that Evie is very "closeted," which she attributes to her mother's tiger parenting and her obliviousness directed at Mya.
* Evie is the biggest softie of the girls, according to Av, even if she tries to hide it.