The road stretched ahead as Ignis drove towards Seattle, fulfilling the agreement made with the boys. The gentle hum of the engine filled the car's interior, and occasional silence was interrupted only by Kane's soft snoring, deeply asleep in the back seat.
Dorian, resting on Cassian's shoulder, was on the verge of succumbing to sleep, while Cassian resisted, staying alert. Skepticism regarding Ignis' intentions still hung in the air, like a dark cloud on a starry night.
Ignis glanced at Cassian through the rearview mirror and broke the silence. “You can sleep if you want, Cassian.”
Cassian, with his cautious demeanor, replied, “I'm not sleepy.”
Ignis smiled, observing the dynamics between the brothers. “Doesn't seem like you're wide awake.”
Cassian sighed, finally giving in. “I'm a bit tired, that's all.”
Ignis agreed, “I'll stop at the next hotel. That way, we can rest comfortably.”
Cassian took the opportunity to inquire about Ignis' true motivations. “Why are you helping us, anyway?”
Ignis kept his gaze on the road, but his voice conveyed sincerity. “I felt sorry for you. Alone, with no one to care for...”
Cassian didn't hide his skepticism. “Hard to believe. Mom always said no one helps without a purpose.”
Ignis gave a serious look through the rearview mirror. “Cassian, I'm not a threat. You can trust me.”
The exchange of glances reflected the complexity of emotions at that moment. Cassian, the protective older brother, still hesitated to fully trust Ignis.
Dorian, now completely asleep, was a lightweight on his shoulder. Kane, in the back seat, remained lost in slumber. Ignis, on the other hand, maintained a confident posture at the wheel, her eyes reflecting a determination to move forward.
Cassian, after much effort, finally relaxed his shoulders and closed his eyes. Fatigue had finally caught up with him, and gradually, he allowed himself to succumb to the looming sleep.
***
The rest was abruptly interrupted when Cassian felt the car come to a stop. His eyes opened quickly, mind alert in an instant. The abrupt movement woke the brothers, and Kane, groggy, asked if they had arrived.
Dorian, still half asleep, rubbed his eyes and observed the darkness through the window. “Doesn't look like Seattle.”
Cassian joined them in looking out the window, realizing they were parked in front of a roadside hotel. A slight tension settled in the car.
“Be careful with Ignis,” Cassian advised, his voice a subtle caution.
Kane, looking at Cassian with surprise, questioned, “Why? She seemed so nice.”
Dorian added, “She doesn't smell dangerous.”
Cassian pondered for a moment before responding, “Still, we don't know why she's being so helpful. We can't let our guard down.”
Kane, still defending Ignis, said, “There are people who are nice, Cassian. Maybe she's one of them.”
Ignis' hand gently tapped on the rear window, drawing the brothers' attention.
Cassian rolled down the window, and Ignis smiled at them. “I got a room for all of us. Let's rest here tonight and continue the journey tomorrow morning.”
Cassian cast a cautious look at Ignis. “Why not continue the journey now?”
Ignis explained, “It's better if we rest a bit. The road will be long, and you need to be well-rested.”
Cassian, watching Ignis closely, hesitated for a moment before agreeing. “Alright. Let's rest then.”
The three brothers got out of the car, the night air welcoming them as they approached the hotel. Ignis guided them to the reception, where she checked in for the reserved room.
As they walked through the hotel corridors, Cassian remained vigilant. His protective instinct was sharp, even though Ignis' soft voice and reassuring presence tried to dissolve his doubts. Dorian and Kane, however, seemed more receptive to Ignis' help, lacking the same caution Cassian carried.
The room was simple but cozy. Three beds lined up, each promising much-needed rest. Each of the brothers settled in, allowing themselves to sink into the soft mattresses. Sleep enveloped them once again, while the mystery surrounding them persisted in the darkness of the night.
Ignis, in turn, watched the brothers from afar, her expression a balance between concern and determination. She knew the journey was only beginning, and the truth they hoped to uncover could change everything.
***
The night of mystery had given way to dawn, and the soft morning light began to filter through the hotel room curtains. Cassian awoke to the sound of Ignis' soft steps, moving carefully so as not to disturb the brothers' sleep. He quickly got up, questioning Ignis about the time.
Ignis warmly smiled. “It's still early, Cassian.”
Cassian, aware of the responsibility he carried as the older brother, gently shook Dorian and Kane. “Time to wake up, guys.”
Kane, rubbing his eyes, mumbled that he wanted to sleep a bit more.
Cassian, serious, stared at Kane. “You want to see Mom, don't you?”
The prospect of reuniting with their mother brought a huge smile to Kane's face.
“I want to see Mom!” Kane exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Dorian, already awake, expressed his longing. “I've missed her.”
Ignis, affectionately interacting with the boys, emphasized the importance of morning hygiene. “First, we need to brush our teeth, take a shower, and change clothes.”
Cassian, observing the worn-out clothes they were wearing, replied, “We don't have other clothes.”
Ignis, with a welcoming smile, went to her bag and pulled out some children's clothing. “I bought these for you.”
Kane received the clothes with enthusiasm, expressing his gratitude. “Thank you, Ignis!”
Dorian, equally excited, added, “Ignis, you're awesome!”
Cassian, however, remained silent, watching the scene with a mix of gratitude and caution. Ignis' generosity was undeniable, but the reasons behind her actions continued to intrigue him.
Ignis, noticing Cassian's hesitation, approached him. “And for you too, Cassian. There are clothes in the bag for you to change into.”
Cassian accepted the clothes, silently thankful. The idea of taking care of both his brothers and himself was starting to settle, and Ignis' comforting presence provided a sense of security.
Ignis indicated the need to hurry. “Let's get ready quickly. The hotel offers breakfast, and I don't want you to miss it.”
The three brothers followed Ignis' instructions, brushing their teeth, taking a shower, and changing clothes. The new clothes were a welcomed fit, replacing the worn-out attire and providing a refreshing feeling.
They went down for breakfast, where a variety of foods awaited them. Ignis, once again, showed attentiveness, guiding them through the options and ensuring they were satisfied.
However, the routine was abruptly interrupted when the television hanging on the wall caught everyone's attention.
A mysterious news report about a fire in Seattle began to unfold on the screen. Disturbing images showed a house engulfed in flames, spreading destruction throughout the block. A visibly shaken woman was interviewed about the incident, expressing astonishment at the tragedy.
Kane, with curious eyes, pointed at the screen. “Look! It looks like our neighbor Meg!”
Dorian turned to observe, confirming Kane's discovery. “It is Meg, indeed!”
Cassian, for a moment, remained absorbed in his own thoughts. Then, like a sudden shock, he rose from his seat, fixing unbelieving eyes on the television. His heart raced, and his breath caught in his throat.
It was their house.
The woman's voice on the television became a distant buzz as Cassian processed the reality before his eyes. The house they grew up in, the place they called home, was now engulfed in voracious flames, reducing to rubble what was once filled with memories.
“This can't be happening...” Cassian murmured, more to himself than to the brothers.
Dorian and Kane exchanged worried looks, not knowing how to react to the devastating news. Ignis, watching the scene, remained silent, understanding the magnitude of the impact those images had on the lives of the three brothers.
The flames on the screen reflected the flames consuming not only the physical structure of the house but also the memories, shared moments, and the bond that kept the three brothers together.
Cassian, recovering from the initial shock, turned to the brothers. “It was our home... Mom's home. It caught fire.”
Kane, with teary eyes, asked, “What are we going to do, Cassian?”
Dorian, seeking words of comfort, murmured, “We can't lose hope. Maybe Mom managed to get out in time.”
Ignis, finally breaking the silence, approached the brothers. “I know a place where you can stay safely.”
Cassian, still absorbing the reality of the situation, questioned, “What place is that?”
Ignis' eyes met Cassian's, revealing an unusual seriousness in her gaze. “Your father's house.”