The supply run had started as an ordinary one — a hardware store three blocks from the pharmacy district, generators and fuel low enough now that Erik had insisted on a proper haul before the week's end — but it ended, unexpectedly, with a second boat cutting across the flooded intersection ahead of them, sleek and dark and unmistakably not built by human hands sometime in the last century.
"That's not one of ours," Kai said, already reaching for his axe.
"That's not one of anyone's," Ben said, staring.
The boat drew closer, and Penelope recognized the shapes aboard before either of them had time to worry further — Vanya at the helm, Harold beside her, and Persephone waving cheerfully from the bow, already calling out before the two vessels had even fully closed the distance.
"Fancy running into you three blocks from home!"
"Seffy," Penelope called back, some of the day's tension easing instantly. "What are you doing out here?"
