Beep beep!

Beep beep!

The Zephyr X-9's horn blared, its obsidian body gleaming under the dim streetlight.

Kael stood frozen, his mouth agape, his hazel eyes wide with a mix of amazement and unease.

The car was stunning—one of the best he'd ever seen, its sharp headlights and sculpted body screaming expensive and luxury.

A gift for him?

His heart raced, but not entirely from joy.

"So, how is it?" Freya asked, her blue eyes glinting with anticipation, her platinum-cyan hair catching the evening's dim light as she leaned against the car.

"Ah, yes! Yes! I like it!" Kael's voice boomed at first, overly enthusiastic, then dimmed to a strained loudness, his grin stiff, his hands fidgeting at his sides.

He nodded vigorously, his hazel eyes darting between the car and Freya, betraying a flicker of discomfort beneath his forced excitement.

Rhea bounced forward, her crimson hair swaying, her amber eyes sparkling with pride.