Liora wiggled a bit in Seraphina's arms. "Sit, sister! I give a chair."
She pointed to a small, wobbly wooden chair by the table—one of the few not completely broken.
It had a leg taped up with old cloth, like it had been fixed many times.
Seraphina smiled—a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, her blue gaze still a bit cold underneath. "Thank you, Liora."
She walked over, her heels echoing in the small space, and sat down carefully.
The chair creaked under her weight, but held.
Liora stayed on her lap, holding onto her leg at first before settling in, her head resting against Seraphina's chest.
Nadia and Harlan stood behind the chair, like silent guardians.
Nadia crossed her arms, her stealthy nature making her look alert but calm.
Harlan shifted his weight, his big frame filling the doorway.
[Boss is playing it cool, but that smile... It's not real. She's scanning the place like a mission.]
Seraphina looked around the house, her eyes taking in every detail.
The room was tiny—one main space for everything.
The walls were thin, with cracks running like veins from the ceiling to the floor, probably from floods or just age.
Paint peeled in curls, revealing damp spots underneath.
The floor was uneven wood, scuffed and splintered in places.
A small stove in the corner had a pot of soup still simmering, the smell of vegetables and cheap broth filling the air.
The table was rickety, covered with a faded cloth, and around it were mismatched chairs—some broken, legs wobbling, seats patched with tape.
In one corner, a pile of thin blankets served as beds, folded neatly but worn thin.
A single bulb hung from a wire, flickering now and then, casting shadows that danced on the walls.
There were a few personal touches—a faded photo on the wall of a younger Elowen with baby Seraphina, the edges curled from humidity.
A small shelf held old books, Elias's probably, and a toy or two for Liora, handmade from scraps.
Seraphina's smile stayed in place, but her thoughts raced.
[This damage... It's more than poverty. Looks like someone's been rough—debt collectors? I'll find out. But they shouldn't live like this anymore.]
Elowen wiped her tears, sitting on another chair. "Seraphina... how did you find us? And who are your friends?" Her voice was soft, full of wonder and worry.
Seraphina glanced at Nadia and Harlan. "This is Nadia, my maid, and Harlan, my driver. They're with me." She kept it simple, her tone calm.
Darius nodded slowly, his protective nature kicking in. "Nice to meet you. But Sis... what happened to you? We thought... we thought the worst."
Seraphina took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling steadily.
Liora played with a strand of her red hair, twisting it around her finger. "I have a house," Seraphina said finally, her voice firm but gentle.
"A big one. Come with me. Now. Follow me there."
The room went silent. Elowen's breath hitched, her hands clutching the table edge. "What? Leave... just like that?"
Darius leaned forward, his eyes narrow. "Sis, that's kind, but we can't. This is our home. And money... we don't have any to contribute. Debts are piling up."
Elias nodded cleverly. "Yeah, how can we? What's the plan? You show up out of nowhere with a fancy car and guards... what's going on?"
Finnian grinned adventurously. "A big house? Sounds fun! Let's go!"
Liora hugged tighter. "Go with your sister!"
Seraphina's smile stayed, but her eyes were serious. "Don't worry about money. I have plenty. Just come. You deserve better than this."
Elowen shook her head, tears falling again. "But... the house, our things..."
"Leave most of it," Seraphina said. "Nadia, Harlan—pack what you can."
Nadia moved first, her steps quick and efficient.
She started gathering clothes from a small pile, folding them neatly.
Harlan picked up a box from the corner, his big hands careful with the fragile items.
But as they worked, Seraphina noticed more—the stove dented like from a kick, a window cracked as if punched.
"Wait," she said. "Leave everything as is. It's all damaged anyway. Just take what's important to you."
The family paused, breathing collectively in surprise.
Elowen stood, her breath shaky. "Important... like what?"
"Photos, keepsakes, anything with memories," Seraphina said, standing with Liora still in her arms. "The rest, we'll replace."
They talked her out more—Darius arguing protectively, "We can't burden you."
Elias cleverly asked, "How did you get all this?"
But Seraphina reassured, her voice steady, "Trust me. I'm your sister. Let me help."