We’re Actually Not Poor Guys, False Alarm

A GIANT BILLBOARD dominated the skyport's parking area lined with hover cars.

It featured a striking, pale-skinned female omega with luscious purple hair and ocean-blue eyes, holding a clock that ticked to a spring tune as it struck 9:30 PM. Bold letters on it proclaimed, 'Everlights Clocks: The Only Time You Need.'

Below, a sleek military-grade hover SUV rose gracefully in front of the advertisement, flanked by agile guards on hover bikes. It was a procession fit for a minor noble, and Kyla's heart pounded as their vehicle lifted into the sky, shooting off into the endless night. Beneath their feet, a network of small cities sprawled like a constellation around a distant metropolis cradled by winding rivers and majestic mountain ranges.

"I've been working for those lot for about—what?—30 years now, as of May," her oldest aunt chuckled from the front seat, her deep accent stemming from the southern heritage of the Kopoya Clan - Casadia, a land of scorching deserts, sandy beaches, and hidden oases, from which their fierce sand-caracal lineage arose.

The hover SUV proved surprisingly spacious—more akin to a small tour bus on Earth. The back seats curved invitingly like a plush couch, with two large front chairs shaped like thrones, and a hovering wheel for those who preferred to drive. One could even stand and press a hand against the glass roof, which offered an uninterrupted view of the passing world above.

Luscious clouds, shooting stars and flying monsters.

"I'm glad you lot are finally moving here," Denora sighed, scratching her head as she expertly guided the car over a towering mountain range. Glancing back at them, she grumbled, "It's so tiring, having to talk like all of them. You don't know how many times mums put me in western etiquette classes."

Deviloil snorted, fixing his son's hair with a small brush. "I don't think you'll be out of them any time soon."

Kiloil ignored his father's fuss, sometimes flinching when a pale curl was harshly untangled as he played his mobile action game. Gavin looked from the side, muttering strategies, occasionally trying to commandeer the game with his hands—and Kiloil dodged every attempt.

"I'll be doing them till I'm in a retirement home, I tell ya," Denora laughed, slapping the wheel. She mocked those whose wrists were adorned with beastian gold and jewels, adding, "I'll be in a flowy dress, me cheeks and butt sagging as I tap a cane, saying, 'Dear Lady Nurse, might I have a cup of tea?'"

Deborah rolled her dark grey eyes. "You're insufferable, Denny."

"Aunt Den," Gavin began, leaning forward, "how far—"

A mechanical male voice announced, "You have arrived at your destination."

"Hold on, kids," Denora drawled, her grey eyes twinkling mischievously as she pressed a button on a small box hovering by the steering wheel.

"Now descending," the voice continued as the hover SUV paused in midair.

"Eh?"

The vehicle shot downward like an arrow, blue heat waves rippling against the air.

Gavin let out a wail, Kyla gripped her thighs, and Kiloil pressed his head against their father's arm. Their father merely rolled his eyes as Deborah shouted, "Denny! You fool!"

"Yee-hoo!" Denora cackled like a witch.

With a sharp halt, the hover SUV steadied above a pristine road paved with white cobbled stone, leading upward.

Before them, a breathtaking view unfolded—a grand mansion complex carved into the mountainside, an intricate masterpiece of beastial architecture rooted in desert traditions. Several interconnected houses wove together around it like a labyrinth, adorned with intricately carved stone arches and sprawling courtyards lush with meticulously maintained desert gardens. Water features sparkled under the glow of soft lantern lights, the deep blues and warm oranges.

Warm sandstone walls stood in elegant contrast to bursts of greenery, while tall, swaying palm-like trees dotted the landscape. Marble statues of great beasts—monsters and feline creatures—stood as silent sentinels among the gardens, their carved eyes watching over elaborate fountains that depicted ancient tales of the rising sun and endless sands.

Kiloil stepped out first, his jaw slack. "Dad, you didn't tell me."

His father exited beside him, straightening his shirt with a raised brow. "Tell you what?"

"That we're not actually poor! We're rich!" Kiloil blurted, still staring at the sprawling estate.

Gavin stumbled out next, dropping to his knees as he pressed his palms to the ground. "I missed you, baby," he whispered, caressing a tiny stone like a long lost lover.

Deborah grabbed him by the collar and yanked him upright. "Idiot."

Their father exhaled, glancing toward the golden statues that lined the road—towering figures of their ancestors, claws outstretched toward the sky as though guarding the massive stone-slabbed gates behind them. "We're not rich. Your grandmother is."

Kyla blinked, still taking in the sights around her. "Then… how does that work?"

"We have no claim to the land, ky," her Aunt Deborah tutted, starting toward the stairs dragging Gavin along who grumbled.

Her father glanced at them, before explaining, "Your grandmother's clan is strict. Since your grandfather's a commoner, they limit what's given to our branch. We get an annual fund, but everything belongs to her."

Kyla frowned. "So… we're just guests?"

Her father shrugged. "Pretty much, ky pie. We're here temporarily. I have a separate house for us, it's being cleaned at the moment darl—we'll be moving in next week. I don't want to deal with relatives or politics for any longer than gods knows necessary. Plus-"

"Good luck kiddos! Gotta love and leave yah!" Denora yelled out behind, interrupting them. "We'll talk next time Debs and Devy, works calling me name!"

They all turned, waving as her and her entourage flew back into the sky with rumble, before ascending a grand marble staircase.

Their bodies moved under the light of swinging lanterns and small palm trees. The largest house loomed ahead, with towering archways and high, latticed windows casting long shadows on the floor. The air carried the faint scent of desert blooms and fresh water from hidden fountains within. At the top of the stairs, two figures stood waiting.

An old woman, as tall as their oldest aunt, watched as they walked towards her. Her skin was as bronze as an ancient copper coin, with sharp feline features and fine lines across her face. Thick curls of dark brown, streaked with silver, tumbled past her muscular shoulders. Her stormy grey eyes were piercing and unreadable. She wore flowing desert robes in rich, earthen hues, draped over her lean frame, gold cuffs glinting at her wrists.

Beside her stood an older man, his presence quieter. With pale skin that contrasted starkly with hers and hair a blend of silver and blond. His blue eyes, were far softer than his wife's, filled with warmth, though his expression was carefully measured. He was dressed simply in a tailored cream tunic and dark trousers, his hands clasped behind his back.

The woman's gaze swept over them, lingering on Kyla and Kiloil before she finally spoke, her voice smooth.

"Ta-akt-fav ka, Ma tai mor. May the gods watch over you. My children, you've finally arrived."

She stepped forward first to their father, embracing him with the practiced grace of someone accustomed to tradition. They exchanged kisses on each cheek.

"Deviloilata, my moon, my son."

Next was their aunt, who received the same warm greeting.

"Deborahakia, my beautiful daughter."

Then, she turned to Kyla, pulling her into a firm embrace before pressing a kiss to each of her cheeks.

"Kylatathua, my desert rose, my granddaughter."

Gavin was next, standing tall yet unable to stop the small flicker of nervousness in his eyes.

"Gavinoamed, my oldest grandson."

Finally, she reached Kiloil, her expression softening ever so slightly as she placed a gentle hand on his cheek before kissing him as well.

"Kiloilata, my youngest grandson."

Stepping back, she allowed her husband to come forward. Their grandfather chuckled warmly as he embraced each of them in turn.

"Welcome back, me darlings."

"You must be tired from your trip," their grandmother said with a light laugh, motioning for them to follow. "Come, let's go inside."

With unhurried steps, they followed her through the massive stone doors and into a grand circular entry hall. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings and creeping vines, their leaves twisting elegantly toward the high ceilings. Tall ornate vases stood proudly along the floor, cradling ivory roses.

"Hanas," she called out to a elderly man with feline features, dressed in a flowing brown thawb. "Have the servants show my familiar to their quarters."

Hanas bowed deeply, placing a fist over his heart. He responded in a measured tone, "At once, Mistress."

With practiced efficiency, he turned and motioned to the waiting servants.

A line of attendants—each clad in black thawbs with yellow embroidery—stepped forward in perfect unison, their presence quiet. One servant, a young man with a lean frame and dark curling hair, approached Kyla and her aunt, bowing.

"Honored ladies, allow me to guide you," His voiced calmly, gesturing toward an arched hallway leading deeper into the mansion.

Another, an older woman with bronze skin and eyes, walked to Kiloil and Gavin.

"This way, young masters," she said, offering Kiloil her hand.

Kiloil took her outstretched scarred palm as Gavin stuffed his hands into his pockets as he followed them down the hall.

Deviloil sighed as he lingered behind, watching his children leave to retire for the night in the guest quarters.

His mother approached, placing her strong hand on his shoulder, clamping down. "Come, my son, we have much to discuss - fifteen years worth, in fact."