The final bell rang at 3:30 PM, and a wave of students flooded the school courtyard. The group met near the front steps, like they always had. But now, their bond was unspoken—deeper.
Isabella strolled over first, tapping her phone.
"My dad sent the car," she said.
A long, sleek black limousine pulled around the curb like something out of a spy movie. The driver stepped out, tipped his cap, and opened the door.
Jake blinked. "Wait… we're getting in that?"
Vanessa grinned. "I mean, we deserve it."
Isabella gestured gracefully. "I'll drop you all off. It's the least I can do after dragging you across dimensions."
Reggie shrugged. "Fair trade."
Jake, Reggie, and Vanessa slid into the soft leather seats of the limo, awed by the built-in console screens and snack compartments.
"Hey, where's Remy?" Jake asked.
A whoosh sound came from above. Everyone turned their heads just in time to see Remy glide past on his hoverboard, wind tossing his hoodie as he performed a spinning turn midair.
He gave them a lazy salute.
"Later, nerds," he called. "Got alchemy homework and a new spell to cook up!"
Isabella chuckled as the limo pulled away from the school.
---
🛣️ Cruising Through Normalcy
The ride was smooth. The city passed by in flashes—sidewalks, bus stops, kids with backpacks. But inside the limo, the four of them were silent. Not uncomfortably so—just thoughtful.
"So…" Jake said finally, glancing out the window. "Is it weird that all of this feels… normal now?"
Reggie nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."
Vanessa leaned her head on the window. "We fought a dream-eater like it was a group project. Of course it's weird."
"But good weird," Isabella added. "Controlled weird. For now."
The limo turned onto a quieter street, passing a row of cozy brick homes.
"We'll be back at it on Saturday," Isabella said. "My dad's out of town, so I'm hosting. Bring your gear—and your Phantom Bands."
"Got it," Jake and Reggie said in sync.
The car slowed in front of a two-story house with a neat lawn and a glowing porch light. Home.
The driver opened the door. Jake stepped out first, then Reggie behind him.
Isabella smiled at them through the open window. "See you Saturday."
"Thanks for the ride," Jake said.
"Later, princess," Reggie added with a playful smirk.
Vanessa rolled her eyes from inside the car. "You're lucky I don't melt your shoelaces."
The limo pulled away, soft jazz drifting faintly from inside.
Jake looked up at their front door.
"Back to math homework and frozen pizza."
Reggie glanced at his wrist—at the Dimenswatch. "For now."
They stepped inside their home, schoolbags slung over shoulders.
On the surface, everything was normal.
But beneath it?
Adventure hummed like a whisper from another world.