Just the way she did it every morning for seven consecutive years Ada unlocked the shop doors to Brew Haven, the quaint coffee shop nestled on the corner of Elma Street. The day typically began with the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine and the distant chatter of customers eager for their morning pick-me-up.

The early morning rush was a predictable chaos, with customers streaming in for their favourite brews before heading to work. She swiftly tied on her apron readying herself to face the day ahead.

The clinking of cups and saucers denoted the beginning of another busy day at the cafe. With a notepad in hand, Ada deftly moved between tables, taking orders with a warm smile and engaging in casual banter with the regulars.

Till the mid-morning arrived the chaos wouldn't let Ada a moment to catch her breath. She'd wipe down tables, restock the sugar and creamer stations, and steal a quick sip of her own much-needed coffee here and there.

When she first moved into this neighbourhood of Normies, everything was strange for her. Sure, she was human -- flesh, bone, skin, hair, and she bled red like the others. But unlike anyone else around here, she had honed her skills in manipulating her core energy. 

In terms of survival, Kaya had been her steadfast anchor guiding, saving her clumsy ass from unwanted trouble, he had done a good part in helping her getting her roots down in this new damp soil.

As a trader of both legitimate and illegitimate secrets of the realm, he frequented places a normal mage from Crepusculum would never dare to wander.

According to him, Normies were the dumbest, thus the easiest to blend in with for someone in hiding like her. Now, after seven years and two good common human friends, Ada wouldn't say Normies were essentially dumb. They were a bit slow and ignorant unlike them who had had honed their strengths from an early age of life. Normies' blissful unawareness  however had saved them a lot of trouble.

Casting a spell to make her broom sweep the floor, summoning a spirit to guard her door, or warding her room with an elf was as normal as breathing for her. Here people called it magic. They wrote books about it, made movies and television shows, though they didn't know for sure if magic really existed.

However, in her current situation, Ada wasn't keen on enlightening the common falk either. Currently using her magic wasn't in her best interest. If not for the disrupted flow of her power and the lack of ability or knowledge to live as a living, breathing horcrux, Ada would have tried some tricks with household chores.

Even amidst the busy schedule her mind kept wandering back to the encounter with Flitch earlier that morning. Flitch was peculiar in nature -- typical of an elf-- but its words lingered in her thoughts. It knew everything. Probably knew that the first Caramel Latte she brewed this morning was a tad bit too sweet and that she almost dropped a tray of strawberry pancakes around ten.

The lunchtime rush brought a new wave of customers, making the former heiress completely forget her worries. She had to juggle multiple orders, ensuring each cup was crafted to perfection. The symphony of the coffee grinder and the frother blended with the chatter of patrons, creating a vibrant energy in the air.

Now after seven years she had learned that even amidst the hustle bustle of this new life she could find joy in small things - recommending pastries to a first-time visitor, remembering a regular's usual order, and chatting with David and Lucy.

"OMG, Ada, your hair is fire today!" Lucy exclaimed, her tone dripping with enthusiasm.

Ada grinned, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "Thanks, Luce! New shirt?"

"Boify got me a quarter birthday present," Lucy beamed, happy that Ada had noticed her new outfit.

"He's got a good eye for that. Looks super good on you."

"Aww, honey, you're the best!"

Whenever she'd pass by the counter, taking an order, David would smile or wink at her to which Ada would warmly smile back. Whenever they get a break for few minutes Ada wouldn't forget ask him how his crypto was doing or how the german shepherd he had recently adapted was. It was these little moments that kept Ada sane in a world she felt she didn't fit at all.

The afternoon hours trickled by with the same steady flow of customers seeking an afternoon caffeine boost or a cosy spot to work on their laptops. Her steps carried her on their familiar routine, moving from table to table, clearing empty cups and replenishing supplies.

As evening approached, the pace slowed. Ada had wiped down counters, as Lucy swept the floor. They did the dishes together and set tables for the following morning. David had settled the day's tabs by the time they were finished with cleaning and the shop was ready for closing.

The evening sky had turned into a palette of muted pinks and oranges, hanging over her like a warm quilt by the time Ada made it to the down alley. She wearily trudged her way back home, the solitude around her echoing the emptiness she felt within. The dreams she once harboured seemed distant, replaced by the harsh reality she faced daily. Life seemed relentless in its pursuit to weigh her down, and her heart bore the burden of unfulfilled hopes.

Downtown alleys were rather different from those brought her home. With the distant view of sunk in the sea, the world around her seemed to hush, and an inexplicable energy surged through her veins. The alley she was walking down tonight was a lot darker and damper than she remembered it from the last endeavour.That's when a familiar voice resonated from behind her, shattering the stillness.

"Long time no see, Ada."

The words were gentle, carrying a tone of familiarity that sent a shiver down her spine. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the source of the voice.

There, standing in the shadows of the alley, was a figure she had yearned to see for so long. Auden , the only family she had to call hers.

Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, and the emotions that swelled within her were indescribable. The sense of relief and joy clashed with a lingering tinge of anger and hurt.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Only the soft evening breeze whispered through the alley till she finally found her voice.

"Auden ..." Her voice quivered, betraying the myriad of emotions churning within her.

Unable to hold back any longer, Ada rushed forward, closing the distance between them, and enveloped her dear brother in a tight embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her heart swelled with a mixture of love and relief.

"Auden ... How have you been?" she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Missed me, sis?" He asked, his voice tinged with a hint of teasing but his hands wrapped around her with the same vigor nonetheless.