The school bell had barely faded when Liz and her five friends burst out of St. Liora's gates, their laughter echoing into the afternoon air.
Books were stashed away, bags swung over shoulders, and their excited chatter about a gaming pact danced through the bustling crowd of uniformed students.
Waiting by the curb wasn't the usual sedan or shuttle bus that carried Liz used to drive her home.
No, instead, a sleek black limousine stretched out like a giant caterpillar under the sun, its surface gleaming like polished obsidian,reflecting gasps and curious stares from other students still waiting for their rides.
Dylan let out a low whistle. "Uh… Liz? Did your family rent this or…?"
Liz giggled, tossing her braids over her shoulder with an air of casual confidence.
"Nope! That's ours."
"Ours!?" Mina's chubby cheeks quivered as her jaw dropped in disbelief.
Clara pushed her glasses up higher on her nose while Leo and Hugo exchanged wide eyed glances.
