Darius sat up straighter, his protective instincts kicking in.
His breaths were deep, his jaw tight. "Gates like that... means security. Good. But Sis, is this really yours?" He looked at Seraphina, his eyes searching for answers.
Elias pushed his glasses up, his clever mind analysing.
"Electric gates, probably remote-controlled. And the driveway—it's longer than our old street. How many acres?" His breaths were quick, full of questions.
Finnian pressed his face to the glass, his adventurous grin wide. "Whoa, it's huge! Like an adventure park!" His breaths were fast, excited puffs fogging the window.
Liora bounced on Seraphina's lap. "Big house! Big!" Her innocent laugh filled the car, her tiny breaths happy and light.
Seraphina nodded, her smile lovely and reassuring. "Yes, it's mine. And now, it's ours."
[They'll see. This is just the start of making things right.]
The limo pulled up to the front, stopping under a covered entrance with pillars that looked like they were from a grand old story.
Harlan got out first, opening the door with a bow. "Welcome home," he said, his voice steady.
The family stepped out one by one, the rain now a soft mist around them.
Elowen took a tentative step, her old shoes squeaking on the stone.
Her breaths were shallow, her hands clutching her locket.
[This place... It's beautiful. But do we belong here?]
Darius helped her, his big hand on her arm. "Easy, Mom." His protective side showed in the way he scanned the area, breaths deep and alert.
Elias stepped out, looking up at the facade.
"Ivory stone... ivy climbing the walls. It's like from those manhwa where the heroine gets reincarnated into wealth." His clever observation made Finnian laugh.
Finnian jumped out, spinning in the rain. "Yes! Reincarnation adventure!"
Liora reached for Seraphina to carry her. "Up, sister!" Seraphina lifted her easily, the little girl's weight light and warm.
The front door opened, and Archibald the butler stood there, his uniform crisp, his face formal but with a twinkle in his eye.
"Mistress Voss, your family is most welcome." His voice was polite, like a character from those stories where the butler knows all the secrets.
Seraphina smiled. "Thank you, Archibald. Show them in."
They walked through the door, the heater's warm air wrapping around them like a hug.
The foyer was grand—marble floors shining under a crystal chandelier that tinkled softly in the draft.
The light was soft and golden, casting lovely shadows on the walls lined with art and empty frames waiting for new memories.
Elowen's breath hitched, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh... It's so warm. No leaks, no cold." Her weary body relaxed a bit, her hands touching the wall like it were fragile.
[After all those winters... this is what heaven feels like.]
Darius stopped, his boots leaving wet prints on the marble. "This floor... It's bigger than our whole house." His protective gaze swept the room, breaths deep as he took it in.
[Safe? Looks like it. But I'll check.]
Elias knelt to touch the rug—a soft, thick Persian one with intricate patterns.
"This rug is real wool. Feels like walking on clouds." His clever fingers traced the design, breaths quick with amazement.
Finnian ran ahead a few steps, his adventurous feet sliding on the rug. "Whoa, slippery! Like ice but soft!" He laughed, breaths fast and joyful.
Liora pointed up at the chandelier. "Sparkly stars!" Her innocent wonder made her wiggle in Seraphina's arms, her breath light giggles.
Seraphina set Liora down gently, the little girl toddling on the rug, her bare feet sinking in. "Feel that? Soft, right?"
The maids appeared—shadow-like, efficient women in uniform, two for each family member.
They curtsied, their movements graceful. "Welcome," one said softly.
Archibald bowed. "The heater is on throughout. Rooms are ready."
The family exchanged looks, their breaths mixing in the warm air— a lovely moment of shared wonder.