Chapter 6 Surprise

• Lyon leaned against the sleek black Ferrari, his fingers tapping idly against the hood as he waited. The garage was dimly lit, the cold metal scent of oil and gasoline lingering in the air. He glanced at his watch.
• Fifteen minutes.
• He was beginning to wonder if she had gotten lost in the mirror when the door finally creaked open.
• Lyon turned—and nearly choked on his own breath.
• Lyon: “What the—?! Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”
• His eyes widened in exaggerated horror as he dramatically clutched his chest.
• Lyon: “You better get out before she shows up—she’ll murder us both!”
• Tara rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
• Tara: “Cut the drama, you little menace.”
• But Lyon was still staring, mouth slightly open. His sister—his terrifying, all-black-wearing, no-nonsense sister—was standing there in rugged jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and a bold red lipstick that made her look like she belonged on a magazine cover. Her usual dark, piercing gaze was replaced by striking blue contact lenses, giving her an exotic, almost unrecognizable appearance.
• Lyon (whistling): “Damn, sis. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a secret double life as a supermodel. Where’s all the black? The scary assassin vibes? The ‘I-will-kill-you-if-you-look-at-me-wrong’ energy?”
• Tara shot him a look that could have sliced through steel.
• Tara: “Move.”
• Lyon, grinning like an idiot, stayed put.
• Lyon: “I mean, this is a historic moment. I need time to process—”
• She cracked her knuckles.
• Lyon, recognizing imminent danger, immediately raised his hands in surrender and slid into the passenger seat, still smirking.
• As Tara started the engine, she cast him a sideways glance.
• Tara: “You talk too much.”
• Lyon: “And you don’t talk enough. Balance, sis. It’s all about balance.” He stretched lazily. “Now, where exactly are we going? Somewhere dramatic, I hope. Maybe a top-secret mission? A high-speed chase? A glamorous heist?”
• Tara smirked.
• Tara: “You’ll find out soon enough.”
• Lyon leaned back, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.
• Lyon: “I love surprises.”
• Tara: “Good. Because you’re about to get one.”
• With that, she floored the accelerator. The Ferrari roared to life, tearing through the quiet streets, leaving behind only the faint echo of burning rubber.
• The sleek black Ferrari screeched slightly as Tara brought it to a halt in front of a massive estate. The grand house stood tall under the moonlight, its towering gates and sprawling grounds exuding both wealth and mystery.
• Lyon let out a low whistle, stretching his arms.
• Lyon: “Thirty minutes, huh? Not bad. I was expecting at least an hour with your ‘drive-like-you-have-nowhere-to-be’ style.”
• Tara shot him a dry look.
• Tara: “Get out.”
• Before Lyon could come up with a witty retort, a small figure bolted from the front entrance, sprinting toward them at full speed.
• Boy: “Hey, Sara sis is back! I missed you, sis!”
• Tara barely had time to brace herself before the boy launched into her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She let out a small sigh but ruffled his hair with a rare fondness.
• Tara: “And I heard a complaint, Denny.”
• Denny immediately tensed, his innocent face twisting into a grimace.
• Denny: “She told you something bad about me again, didn’t she?! But sis, she beats me! Look—see these scars!”
• He dramatically pulled up his sleeve, revealing faint scratch marks on his arm. His expression was pure misery, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.
• Tara’s gaze darkened in an instant.
• Tara (fuming): “JENNY! Come out, now!”
• Lyon, standing beside her, leaned in and whispered quickly.
• Lyon (whispering): “Hey, sis, please... don’t go full psycho. Let’s keep the real you on standby, alright? No sudden executions.”
• Tara ignored him.
• The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the entrance as the entire household stepped outside, tension thick in the air. A young woman hesitantly emerged, her hands trembling.
• Jenny (fearfully): “Sara ma’am... you called me?”
• Tara took a slow step forward, her voice dangerously calm.
• Tara: “Why did you touch him?”
• Jenny’s face turned ghostly pale.
• Jenny: “Sara ma’am... I... I didn’t mean—”
• Tara: “Don’t test my patience.”
• The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, and Jenny seemed on the verge of collapse when another voice rang out from the house.
• ??? (cheerfully): “Sissy! Finally! Took you long enough to visit!”
• A stunning young girl stepped into the scene, her presence instantly lightening the mood. She was dressed in an elegant yet playful outfit, her long hair cascading down her back as she beamed at Tara.
• Girl: “Jenny didn’t do anything, sis. Denny was the real reason for those scars.” She shot the boy a knowing look before turning back to Tara. “And it’s been ages since you’ve been here! Forget all this drama—come inside! I have to introduce you to the new members.”
• Lyon, relieved at the change in tone, exhaled dramatically.
• Lyon: “Finally, someone with common sense.” He patted Denny’s head. “Kid, you should seriously consider going to acting school trust me you will kill it. That performance? Oscar-worthy.”
• Denny grinned sheepishly, sticking out his tongue.
• Tara’s expression softened just a fraction as she glanced at the girl. With a nod, she stepped forward.
• Tara: “Fine. But this conversation isn’t over denny be prepared with answer ones I meet you inside with others.”
• Denny gulped.
• Lyon slung an arm over his sister’s shoulder as they walked toward the entrance but Tara gave his a deadth stare and he swiftly take back his actions.
• Tara: what did I told you before bringing you here you dumb head?
• Lyon: “Oh, come on, sis. What’s a family without a little chaos?”
• Tara: “Peaceful.”
• Lyon grinned.
• Lyon: “Exactly. Sounds boring.”
• Tara sighed, shaking her head as they disappeared into the house.
• Inside, the corridors were lined with antique chandeliers and expensive paintings. The air smelled of polished wood and distant roses. Yet, despite its grandeur, there was something oddly unsettling about the place and this is something she never felt before in this place.
• Lyon noticed it too. His fingers twitched slightly, the easy-going humor in his eyes dimming just a bit.
• Lyon: "Sis, tell me something..." He lowered his voice. "Is it just me, or does this place feel... different?"
• Tara didn't answer right away. Her gaze swept over the hallways, the dim corners where shadows stretched just a little too long.
• Tara: "Stay close."
• And for once, Lyon didn’t argue.