I think part of what makes the book 2 finale so incredibly powerful is how much it shows Lake reclaiming what once represented their own suffering and entrapment.
They get their number by actively choosing to reflect Jesse's.
It's like they're taking back reflection itself. Reflection was something always representative of their being trapped, an act that meant being tied to Tulip. But in the finale it becomes a symbol and act of freedom, of choosing their own life. What once represented danger due to the Flecs being able to attack Lake through reflections is now something they're reclaiming to escape danger.
Then the fact that they name themself LAKE.
It's their first time they're able to look clearly at themself in a reflection and not have anything negative tied to it. There's no danger. They're not tied to Tulip. They don't have to worry about the flecs. When they look, it's just Lake.
It's just so incredible how full circle it is, and I think it represents Lake's entire arc so beautifully. Their symbol of imprisonment and danger becomes their symbol of freedom and peace. Then to name themself after seeing their own reflection clearly and fearlessly... oh Lake the character that you are.
