The black limousine waited at the alley's end, its sleek body shining under a distant streetlight.
Rain beaded on its surface, running down in rivulets.
It was long and luxurious, with tinted windows that hid the inside, chrome accents gleaming even in the dim light.
The family stopped short, their breaths catching in unison.
Elowen's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my... that's yours?" Her breaths were shallow, like she couldn't believe it.
[So fancy. Like from those stories where poor folks find treasure.]
Darius stared, his protective instincts kicking in. "How did you get this, Sis? It's... massive." He breathed deeply, crossing his arms.
[Looks like it belongs to a boss. Is she in trouble?]
Elias touched the door handle tentatively, his clever mind whirring.
"Bulletproof glass? And the tyres—top quality. Who owns this, really? Borrowed from a rich friend?" His breaths were quick, full of questions.
Finnian whistled cheerfully, his eyes lighting up. "Whoa, it's like a spaceship! Can I drive it?" He laughed, his adventurous spirit bubbling over, breaths fast with excitement.
Liora pointed at Seraphina's arms. "Big car! Shiny!" Her innocent giggle made everyone smile a little, her breath light and happy.
Seraphina's smile was calm, her eyes still a bit distant. "It's mine. No borrowing. Got it through... work."
[They don't need the assassin details yet.] "Come on, let's load up."
Nadia opened the boot with a soft click—spacious inside, lined with carpet, automatic lights turning on.
It could hold a lot, with compartments for organisation.
The family handed over their items, breaths mixing with the rain's patter.
Elowen passed her locket carefully, her hands trembling. "Be gentle," she said to Nadia, who nodded and placed it in a soft pouch.
Darius lifted his jacket, folding it neatly before handing it to Harlan. "Thanks, man," he said gruffly, his stoic voice hiding emotion.
Harlan grunted, "No problem," placing it in the boot.
Elias gave his notebook, watching cleverly as Nadia organised it beside the blanket.
"Don't lose it—got plans in there." His breaths were steady now, curiosity winning over doubt.
Finnian tossed his slingshot cheerfully. "Catch!" Harlan caught it easily, smiling a bit. Finnian's laugh rang out, his breath full of joy.
Liora didn't have much, but she clutched her drawing, handing it to Seraphina. "For you, sister."
Seraphina tucked it in her bag, kissing Liora's forehead. "Thank you, sweetie."
Nadia closed the boot with a thud, everything neat and secure.
The rain kept falling, but the family felt a shift—leaving the old behind.
Harlan opened the doors, the interior light spilling out like a welcome.
The limo was plush—black leather seats soft as clouds, ambient blue lights along the edges, a mini-fridge humming in the console.
It smelled of clean leather and faint air freshener.
The family hesitated, breaths held. Elowen stepped in first, sitting carefully, her hands on her lap. "So soft..."
[Like a dream. Is this real?]
Darius followed, sinking into the seat with a sigh. "This is... something else." His stoic face relaxed a bit, breaths deeper.
Elias slid in, touching the controls curiously. "Heated seats? Wow." His clever eyes scanned everything.
Finnian jumped in cheerfully. "This is awesome! Like riding a cloud!" He bounced, laughing.
Seraphina entered last, Liora still on her lap. Harlan closed the door; the rain muffled now.
"Buckle up," Seraphina said. She helped Liora with the small belt, clicking it secure.
The family fumbled with theirs—clicks echoing, breaths full of wonder.
Harlan started the engine, the limo purring smoothly.
The car pulled away from the alley, gliding through the slums.
The family looked out the windows, breath fogging the glass. Elowen watched the old house shrink, tears in her eyes. "Goodbye..."
Darius turned to Seraphina. "Sis, seriously—how? The money for this?" His protective tone was gentle now.
Elias nodded. "Yeah, spill. Job? Lottery?"
Finnian grinned. "Or treasure hunt!"
Seraphina smiled mysteriously. "Work. Good work. Details later."
Liora pointed at the fridge. "What's that?"
Seraphina opened it—the light glowed, revealing chilled drinks, sandwiches, and fruits. "Drink what you want. Eat too."
The family gasped. Elowen took a water, sipping slowly. "Cold... fresh."
Darius grabbed a sandwich, biting in. "Tastes rich."
Elias examined a soda. "Bubbly!"
Finnian munched fruit cheerfully. "Best ride ever!"
Liora shared a cookie with Seraphina, giggling.
The car filled with laughs, questions, and lovely bonds forming.