Golden hues of setting sun painted the sky, casting a warm glow over the city and Brew Heaven came alive for the late noon shift. Ada moved through the cafe, clad in a soft apron adorned with subtle coffee stains, a notepad in hand, as she approached each table with a warm smile.

The gentle hum of satisfaction accompanied her, punctuated by a symphony of clinking cups, murmured conversations, an occasional laughter that erupted like a melody in the background and the tantalising aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. The espresso machine hissed and hummed, releasing plumes of steam that curled into intricate patterns as Lucy went on with creating master arts on coffee, her hands moving with rhythmic precision.

On the opposite side, David stood at the cashier, settling bills and typing away orders as he loudly repeated them for Lucy and Ada. His voice, though commanding, harmonised seamlessly with the ambient sounds, becoming part of the rhythmic cadence of the cafe's inner workings.

Life had not been kind to Ada of late, and when she sought an escape, Death himself declined her request. Instead he made certain she was nursed back to health and made sure she was safe. He had promised he would stay beside her no matter what. And he showed no intention of disappearing without a farewell-in a literal sense.

The day he returned Ada back home in Serenel, he had come with his own luggage. Now he had taken up residence at Ada's palace, and Ada wasn't sure how to feel about it. It wasn't like The Dark Lord was a stranger to her life but now she was more accustomed to having her life flowing without anyone by her side.

However she had been tapping into her powers more frequently than before. Every night Devereaux would wait for her to be back from work and help her with training before he left for his tasks. Every session so far had made her realise how weakened she had got, as one would after years without any training, if anything trying to suppress her powers.

Ada wasn't sure how long she had stayed in the Land of Shadows with Denizen. Time seemed to slip away there, blending into an endless twilight. However long it was, Kaya had stayed with her, never leaving her side until the Dark Lord had finally deemed her healthy enough to return to the human world.

Coming back home had been strange, almost surreal. Her time in the Land of Shadows had done something to her-healed her in ways she didn't fully understand. It was a place of decay and departure, a world where things went to fade away, yet it had somehow nourished her. Color had returned to her face, her mind clearer than it had been in years.

She believed it was the fragment of Gan within her, that piece of ancient power, that had been restless until it had touched the land of its origin. It had been the root of so many of her struggles, its dormant energy clashing with her own, making her vulnerable.

But the moment she stepped back into the human world, walking through the door of her apartment, Ada could feel the fragment of Gan stir in displeasure. It had been satisfied in the Land of Shadows, content to rest, but now that it was back in the human realm, it bristled, unsettled once more.

But it wasn't as bad as before. She could push it down easier and focus on her dormant energy better. The realisation relaxed her. The moment she would get this fragment out she'd crush it to oblivion.

Auden was still out there. Devereaux knew where he was, and more importantly, he was alive. But Ada couldn't shake the feeling that Auden wasn't alright. That boy wasn't built for this life-for the darkness, the danger. It worried her, weighed on her heart every moment of every day. But she couldn't just rush in, reckless and unprepared. She needed to be stronger, she needed to be ready.

Until then, all she could do was pray. She prayed for Auden's safety, for his resilience. She prayed that he would hold on, just a little longer, until she could bring him back. Day and night, she prayed for him. Devereaux had helped her see that some things couldn't be undone with tears. She couldn't run anymore. She had to be strong, and for the first time, she had set her mind to fight.

Soft tunes from an acoustic guitar wafted through the corner mingling with her flow of thought. A player and speaker set in the corner shared their melodic offerings with the crowd. The harmonious strains blended seamlessly with the clattering of dishes and the distant hum of city life outside the cafe's doors. David had switched to a new track and Ada wondered what had caused him to distance himself from his fervent love for loud metal.

Serenel had mostly returned to its peaceful state by the time she was back, the threat of chaos that had hung over it the night she dared to cross back into Crepesculem now dissipated. It was all her fault-she still carried the guilt of that night. Her reckless actions had endangered the fragile peace.

She still needed to finish her conversation with him about the mysterious magic castle that appeared in the forest of the Sambili forest. Ada had already caught wind of the news from Lucy-the magic castle had mysteriously vanished by the time the investigative teams finally managed to reach the mountain-with much difficulties of course-to inspect what was labelled an 'illegal construction' in an environmentally sensitive area.

The castle was no longer there, apparently dissipating into the same fog it had manifested in. The abrupt lockdown had lasted about thirty-two hours, concluding as the fog receded and the wind of the news had subsided within the week she was absent, returning Serenel to its familiar normalcy.

Ada had concocted the excuse of ailing her old aunt from a different town, keeping her occupied enough that neither Lucy nor David could reach her out to discuss whatever was going on in Serenel. The guilt gnawed at her for lying to the people who had, even unknowingly, offered refuge to a runaway like her.

But how could she tell them that she was a cursed witch, befriending Death and her brother was taken away by a demon? For the starters, they wouldn't believe her. Even if they did it would do them no good. Her world was better kept hidden. Those worlds were better kept away from any collision.

She found solace in the fact that the authorities of Crepusculem had managed to resolve the issue before it spiralled out of control. The thought crossed her mind to sneak behind the counter and rekindle her previous chit chat with Lucy, hoping to glean more details about the incident-what had happened during the time she lay unconscious or intoxicated. And that's exactly when she heard Lucy calling for help from the kitchen.

Ada was midway down the aisle when she caught sight of her co-worker emerging from the kitchen, a tray laden with food in hand and a grumble loud enough to turn heads."Hey, can you grab the flour for me? I have no idea what David was thinking, putting it up so high. It's not like I can reach it,"she huffed.

"And now, when I need his help, he's suddenly got urgent tabs to settle." She cast a disdainful glance at the counter before turning back to Ada. "We've run out of doughnut batter. And we have two deliveries coming up by noon."

Lucy was a vision of beauty, her golden curls perfectly framing her face, her expressive eyes a dazzling blue. Her height, a touch below average, only added to her charm, giving her a unique presence. She was impeccably dressed, her outfit hugging her curves just right, each accessory thoughtfully chosen to enhance her natural allure. Yet, for all her style, the high cupboards remained just out of reach, even on tiptoes on a stool.

"Don't worry, I got this."Ada gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Finish up here, then meet me in the kitchen. We'll have a quick chat while I whip up more batter, okay?" she suggested.

"New tea?" Lucy's eye brows wriggled, enthusiasm taking the place of frustration.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ada noticed an impatient customer craning their neck in their direction. Assuming it was for the order Lucy carried, "Let's serve this first. He looks about ready to devour you if he has to wait any longer," Ada joked, nudging her towards the waiting customer before heading towards the kitchen.

Once inside the kitchen she acquired a stool, a little wobbly but she decided it was probably safe enough to anchor her up. She had been through worse and survived.

Standing on a stool balancing herself on the edge, she stretched her arm towards the high cupboard. But as fate would have it, her balance betrayed her, and she lost her footing, tumbling backward.

Her heart pounded in her chest as the large metal container wobbled precariously on the edge of the high cupboard. Instinctively, she covered her head with both hands, bracing for the impact as if the container threatened to crash down on her and cover her in wheat flour.

To her surprise, the deafening crash never came. Opening her eyes, she was met with a pair of striking amber eyes coldly staring at her. A man stood between her and the impending disaster, holding the container in place.

"Dev-Devereaux?" She stammered.

"Be more careful will you?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to-" she began, but he cut her off with a raised hand.

"Just pay attention." His stern expression softened slightly, his amber eyes momentarily losing some of their intensity. He placed back the flour container securely and took a step back, giving Ada room to regain her composure.

"Man, I thought I'd just protect you from Gan. Looks like you've even fierce enemies in your own territory," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he eyed the spacious kitchen.

"Thanks," Ada couldn't help but chuckle, the tension from the close call dissipating. "But what brings you to the cafe at this hour, Dark Lord?"

She noticed his attire, an ensemble of all black, conveyed a sense of both mystery and sophistication. A snug-fitting turtleneck accentuated his lean physique, while loose, flowing pants added an effortless touch to his silhouette. And there was something different about him today. Oh, right he lacked a cloak and a veil.

"Wait, where's your veil? Aren't you visible to other mortals without it?"

The Dark Lord nodded in approval. Indeed his form was bared to humans' naked eyes and he intended it to be that way today. He leaned casually against the counter, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Nothing important really. I had to monitor a reaping nearby. A noob you know. So, I thought I might as well pay you a visit."

"That's it?" Ada raised a brow.

The way the enigmatic Dark Lord fidgeted with the numerous mesmerising rings adorning his fingers or attempted to comb his hand through his hair suggested he was up to something. The jewels caught in the warm kitchen light glinted mysteriously, each one seemed to be holding a story of its own, as he combed hand through his raven hair.

"Well maybe-" Devereaux started, but a voice from the doorway cut him off.

"Oh, who is this handsome gentleman we have here?" Lucy entered the kitchen with an empty tray, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Ada, girly, you didn't tell me today's tea was about a man?" she teased with a bright smile.

"Oh no, Lucy-this is-"

"Tom," Devereaux smoothly interrupted, flashing a flirtatious glint in his amber eyes. "Ada and I went to middle school together." He gave a slight, charming bow of acknowledgment, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Ooooh, close friends, I see! I'm sorry, this girl here has never mentioned you!" Lucy chuckled, oblivious to Ada's wide-eyed confusion. Still frozen in confusion, she shot Devereaux a look.

"Aww, Ada!" Devereaux, feigning heartache, clutched his chest dramatically. "You've never spoken of me? I'm hurt!" But his mischievous grin gave him away.

"Yes, that's not nice. I agree. I'm Lucy, by the way. I own this little café. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Lucy extended her hand, her curiosity piqued.

Devereaux took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips, planting a feather-light kiss on the top. "The pleasure is all mine, sweetheart."

The girl's face flushed a bright pink, completely caught off guard. She giggled nervously, clearly charmed. "Well, Tom," she said with a playful smile, "Ada didn't tell me we'd be graced by your presence today. Is there anything I can get for you?"

"Oh, I heard you have some pretty legendary chocolate crepes here?"

Lucy perked up instantly. "Oh yeah, our crepes are famous in the neighbourhood! Everyone loves them."

"Ada, why don't we whip a new batch for this gentleman? With extra chocolate and strawberries, yes?"

Ada, still leaning against the counter with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "I thought we only made those on Mondays. And aren't we out of doughnuts? We have two orders to deliver by noon."

"Doughnuts can wait!" Lucy waved her hand dismissively, still riding the wave of Devereaux's charm.

Devereaux threw Ada a cheeky wink. "Only the finest for me, right?"

Ada couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, of course. Nothing but the best for Tom," she replied, clearly enjoying how smoothly he was playing along.

Before anyone could say more, the bell at the front counter dinged, calling Lucy's attention. She blinked, suddenly remembering there were other customers in the café. "Oh! I have another order to serve!" she exclaimed, grabbing a tray off the counter.

"Don't you dare disappear, Mr. Middle School! I'll be right back." She gave him a playful wink as she darted out, leaving Ada and Devereaux alone again.

The moment Lucy was out of sight, Ada couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into laughter, clutching her sides as tears formed in her eyes. "What was that?" she gasped between breaths.

Devereaux leaned against the counter, a smirk playing on his lips. "What? I was just being civil. Ain't that what you humans do?" He winked, clearly revelling in the situation.

Ada crossed her arms, still laughing. "Oh hell no! We normally say hi. We don't go around kissing hands. Not anymore."

"Could be. But did you not see Lucy? Pure magic." He blows dramatic chef's kiss in the direction Lucy had departed.

Ada shook her head, still giggling. "She is pure magic. But don't get too ahead of yourself, she is taken."

Death shrugged. He leaned in, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes speaking in the place of words.

"But seriously, how do you even know our chocolate crepes are famous? Have you been stalking the café?"

Devereaux gave her a sly smile. "No need for stalking. She thought about them."

Ada blinked, her laughter faltering as she stared at him in confusion. "Wait, what?"

He leaned in closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. "She thought about the chocolate crepes. They're her pride and joy, aren't they?"

Ada's jaw dropped. "Hold on--you read minds?"

Devereaux shrugged, feigning casualness. "That part of your memory still hasn't returned? I used to cheat at blackjack when I played against you and Auden. You never noticed?" His smile softened a little, but Ada hesitated, her joyful light dimming slightly.

The memories were still hazy -- fragmented in places. She felt a familiar pang of guilt, though Devereaux had reassured her time and time again that it was fine. He had promised to help her remember, however long it took. That kiss back in the Land of Shadows, when he'd kissed her. It had unlocked a flood of memories, but they were still fragile, pieces floating in and out of her grasp. She had tried telling Kaya everything, repeating the story over and over like she was writing in a journal, hoping it would stick, hoping she wouldn't forget Devereaux again.

"It's still hazy... and fragmented sometimes," she admitted, her voice quieter.

Devereaux smiled softly, a rare tenderness crossing his features. "Don't worry. I'm just glad you remember me now-that's enough to sustain me." He shrugged, the playfulness returning. "But yeah, I only read minds when something sweet is involved." He gave a cheeky wink.

Ada's laughter returned in full force. "You're impossible!"

He chuckled along with her, clearly pleased with himself. "That's why you keep me around."

"Oh, please," she said, rolling her eyes but still grinning.

Before Ada could say something more, Lucy's voice echoed from the front. "Tom! Ada! Hurry, come out here!"

Devereaux straightened up with a smirk. "Round two?" he asked, clearly looking forward to whatever chaos was about to unfold next.

"Please don't. I only have two friends." Ada muttered, shaking her head with a laugh as they both headed out of the kitchen.