Mark pushed open the door to the coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries washing over him like a comforting wave. He found a corner booth by the window, the worn leather seat creaking as he slumped into it. The gss felt cool against his head as he leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment. What a goddamn day.

  The hum of conversation, the clink of cups, and the soft hiss of the espresso machine formed a soothing backdrop, a welcome respite from the chaos in his head.

  “Hey there,” a chipper voice broke through his thoughts. “What’s your pick-me-up?”

  Mark opened his eyes to see a barista standing by his table, a notepad in hand and an easy grin on her face. Her neon-pink streaked hair stood out. She seemed more alive than the whole room combined.

  “Cappuccino,” he said, rubbing his temples. “Make it strong.”

  “Got it. Bad day?”

  “You could say that.”

  “Well, we specialize in liquid therapy here. One strong cappuccino coming up.”

  She walked away, and Mark let his gaze wander- the mismatched chairs, the worn wooden tables, the colorful artwork on the walls. It was retively quiet, just a few students huddled over ptops, a couple of businessmen talking shop, and an elderly woman reading a kindle.

  It had a homey charm he usually found comforting. Today, though, it was hard to focus on anything but the mess in his head.

  His conversation with Alex repyed on a loop: Adira, Crescent, duties, bloodlines. Was Alex telling the truth, or was it all manipution? He still didn’t know enough about this world, about the rules, the power dynamics, the hidden agendas.

  Either way, it meant one thing—Adira was going to be a problem.

  “Here you go,” the barista said, pcing the cappuccino in front of him. The foam swirled in delicate, precise patterns. “Strong enough to knock you out or keep you up all night.”

  He chuckled softly. “Thanks.”

  “So,” she said, leaning against the table, her eyes twinkling, “what’s eating you? You look like you’ve been put through the wringer.”

  Mark chuckled humorlessly. “Retionship troubles.”

  “Oh, trouble in paradise? Fight with the girlfriend?”

  “Not exactly. It’s complicated. Let’s just say I like this girl, but her mother doesn’t approve. Thinks I’m not good enough for her daughter. Wants her to marry someone… richer. Like, Scrooge McDuck levels of rich.”

  “That’s rough.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it,” he muttered, taking a sip. The coffee was strong, bitter but banced with a creamy sweetness. It jolted his senses, cutting through his exhaustion just enough to let him think straight. “Thanks for this. It’s really good.”

  “Gd to help,” she said, giving him a quick wink. “If you need anything else, just holler. And I really hope everything works out for you.”

  Mark gave her a half-smile as she moved on to the next table.

  Stirring his coffee absentmindedly, he watched the steam curl up zily. Thoughts swirled in his head like sugar dissolving in the dark brew. Alex’s words had only added to the confusion, leaving him more puzzled than before.

  The foam in his cup danced as he tilted it, creating fleeting shapes that dissolved just as quickly.

  He stared at the foam left in his mug, patterns forming and breaking as he tilted it. Adira. Chairwoman. Her name carried weight. A formidable woman, a purist by the sounds of it.

  What the hell did Ria grow up with? He thought he understood the world she came from, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  Mark’s thoughts kept circling back to Ria and her family. Why hasn’t she told them about me? Would Adira care that he’s a hybrid, or would that make things worse?

  He doubted it would help. Especially considering his weird duality. Yeah, that’d go over great. Hi, mam. I am your daughter’s boyfriend. By the way, I have an affinity everyone hates and fears.

  He took a hefty gulp, the potent liquid barely making a dent in the tangled mess of thoughts crowding his mind. Just as he was sinking deeper into his mental maze, a buzz from his phone shook him out of it.

  Unknown number. He hesitated, then answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Mark. It’s… Vizi.”

  Mark’s eyes narrowed. What the hell?

  “What do you want?”

  “Rex,” Vizi replied, his voice smooth, almost too smooth. “I heard about… the incident. Alex and his friends. Did they attack you?”

  How did he find out so quickly? “Yeah… But it’s handled. We sorted things out.”

  A long silence stretched between them.

  “Look, Mark,” Vizi finally said, his voice surprisingly conciliatory, “I know we got off on the wrong foot. I’d like to… clear the air. Can we meet?”

  “Why?”

  “I just want to expin a few things, to offer… a different perspective.”

  “A different perspective?” Mark scoffed. “Weren’t you the one who showed up at my house, demanding Ria return to Crescent? Yeah, I think I got your perspective loud and clear.”

  “I did what I thought was best at the time,” Vizi said, his voice carefully neutral. “Given the recent… events… But I’ve had a chance to reconsider.”

  “What makes you think I’d care what you have to say?”

  “Because I know you care about Ria. And, like it or not, I care about her too. I’ve known her family for years. I’ve seen what Crescent does to people. I’m not here to make your life harder. I just want to talk.”

  “Why are you even calling me?”

  “Just… a chance to clear the air, Mark. Maybe find some common ground.”

  Mark’s fingers drummed against the table as he mulled over the offer. He didn’t trust Vizi, not for a second. Could he actually mean it? Or was this just another py?

  “Fine. Let’s meet.”

  “Excellent. I’m free now. Where are you?”

  “Java Nook. Downtown. You know it?”

  “I’ll be there in ten.”

  Before Mark could reply, the line went dead. He stared at the phone, his stomach twisting. What’s this guy’s angle?

  What does this guy want? Why the sudden interest in my well-being? And what’s his connection to Lida? It felt like his life, once a retively straight path, had turned into a tangled maze, each turn leading him deeper into the unknown. Just when he thought he was getting the hang of things, that he was finding his footing in this crazy new world, and now this.

  Just when I thought I had it all figured out…

  Shortly after, the door jingled, and there he was. Vizi strode in, his sharp suit somehow looking out of pce among the mismatched chairs and artsy décor of the coffee shop. His eyes wandered until they nded on Mark. Without hesitation, he walked over and slid into the booth across from him.

  “Mark.”

  “What do you want?” He asked bluntly, not bothering with pleasantries.

  “Whoa, easy there, cowboy,” Vizi replied, holding his hands up “Just checking in. Making sure you’re okay after… the incident with Alex and his friends.”

  “I’m fine. Took care of it.”

  “Clearly.”

  “No need to sound impressed.”

  “Impressed?” Vizi chuckled. “Don’t ftter yourself, kid. You might be new to this world, but you’ve been trained by one of the best. This much is expected.”

  The barista interrupted, her smile a stark contrast to the tension at the table. “What can I get you?”

  “Double shot espresso. Make it quick please.”

  “Sure thing, coming right up,” she said, jotting down the order and heading to the counter.

  “Cut the crap. What are you really here for?”

  “I meant what I said. I want to clear the air. Alex acted out of line, and I’m here to make sure there’s no… lingering misunderstandings.”

  “Misunderstandings? Like trying to kill me?”

  “Mark, if they wanted you dead, they wouldn’t have sent Alex. That wasn’t the intent.”

  “Then what was it? A warning? A scare tactic?”

  “Something like that,” Vizi admitted, his gaze steady. “But that’s not why I’m here now. I want to make sure you understand the stakes. And to let you know… not everyone in Crescent agrees with the Chairwoman.”

  “And why should I believe you?”

  Vizi’s espresso arrived, interrupting his response. He thanked the barista with a quick nod before turning back to Mark. “You don’t have to believe me,” he said, lifting the cup to his lips. “But if you care about Ria, you’ll at least hear me out.”

  “I don’t buy it. Why are you really here?”

  “As I said, I wanted to check on you. Believe it or not, Lida would have my head if anything happened to you.”

  “What does she have to do with this?”

  “She wouldn’t want to see her nephew get hurt. We don’t want your girlfriend’s coven fttened to the ground now do we?”

  “She wouldn’t do something so drastic.” He knew his aunt was fiercely protective, but even she won’t go that for, right?

  “You’d be surprised what Lida is capable of when she’s angry. Trust me, you don’t want to be on her bad side.”

  “You seem to know her pretty well.”

  “Let’s just say she and I have… history.”

  The air grew heavy with silence, wrapping around Mark like a suffocating bnket. His mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts crashing against the walls of his skull. How the heck was he supposed to move forward from here?

  “You’re not going to ask?” Vizi asked. “About my history with Lida?”

  “If she wanted me to know, she’d tell me herself.”

  “You’re more level-headed than I expected. Most people in your position would be all over the pce, wanting to know every little detail.”

  “Well, as you pointed out I was not only trained but was raised by a pretty decent person. I guess some of it rubbed off on me.”

  A genuine smile, the first Mark had ever seen from him, flickered across Vizi’s face. “I guess it did.”

  “So, what’s the real story here? Why the sudden interest in Ria and me? Why the change of heart?”

  “I’m here to make sure Alex’s little stunt doesn’t spiral into something worse.”

  “I told you, I handled it.”

  “Sure,” Vizi said, leaning back. “But the Chairwoman might not see it that way.”

  “What are you even talking about?”

  “Adira doesn’t like loose ends. And right now, you’re a frayed thread dangling in her neatly woven pns.”

  “If she’s got a problem, she can take it up with me. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Vizi studied him for a long moment, his gaze calcuting. “You really don’t get it, do you? This isn’t just about you. This is about Crescent. About what Ria represents.”

  “Enlighten me.”

  “She’s the heir to one of the most powerful covens in the world. Adira sees her as a legacy, a symbol of Crescent’s strength and tradition. You? You’re an anomaly. A wildcard. Someone who doesn’t fit into her perfectly curated narrative.”

  “And you care because…?”

  “Because I know what happens to people who get in Adira’s way. And I don’t want that for you. Or for Ria. Let me tell you something, Mark. In this world, knowledge is power. Information is currency. And right now, you’re operating without any dolr.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “I’m suggesting you stop stumbling around in the dark, fighting battles you don’t understand. Let me teach you how to py the game. Let me show you the ropes.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you’re dealing with more than just Ria’s overbearing mother,” Vizi expined. “You’ve attracted the attention of people far more dangerous. If you want to keep Ria safe – and yourself alive – you’ll need more than raw power. You’ll need strategy. Connections. And most importantly, knowledge.”

  “So, what you’re saying is, Ria’s not safe with me?”

  “I’m saying her mother’s up to something. And you’re caught in the crossfire. And I can help.”

  Mark’s fingers drummed against his empty coffee cup, his thoughts a chaotic jumble. He thought back to Elia’s words: You’re out of your depth, kid. Maybe he was right. Power alone wasn’t enough. He needed to understand the rules of this game, the pyers, the stakes. But still….

  “And you’re just offering all this… out of the goodness of your heart?”

  Vizi chuckled. “Hardly. I have my reasons.”

  “How did you even know about the fight with Alex?”

  “You weren’t exactly subtle. And besides, word travels fast in our world. Especially when it involves the Chairwoman’s daughter and her… choice of companion.”

  Mark stared at him, his gaze unwavering. “Look, I appreciate the warning, but I can handle myself. I don’t need your help.”

  “Look, I’m not trying to step on your toes or anything. I just want to make sure everyone stays safe. Including you.”

  “I appreciate the sentiment but I don’t trust you. I don’t know what your angle is, and I’m not about to take your word for it.”

  Vizi raised an eyebrow, surprised but not offended. “I can’t bme you for being cautious. But let me assure you, I’m not the enemy here. I want the same thing you do.”

  “I am sure you do.”

  “Listen, Mark. I just…” Vizi’s phone rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. He gnced at the caller ID, his expression hardening as he answered.

  “Yes? What is it?”

  His easygoing demeanor vanished as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line. His brow furrowed, his jaw tightened, and when he finally hung up, his expression was grim.

  “We have a problem.”

  “What happened?”

  “Ria found out about Alex and his… enthusiastic attempt to convince you to stay away from her. She’s causing a bit of a stir at Crescent. Things are getting… heated.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  Seriously? News travels that fast? Mark felt a surge of annoyance. He’d hoped to deal with this situation quietly, without involving Ria, without adding more fuel to the fire.

  “Wish I was,” Vizi muttered. “It’s escating fast. I need to get to Crescent before this turns into a full-blown disaster.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “Not a good idea,” Vizi replied, shaking his head. “Adira already sees you as a problem. Showing up now will only make things worse.”

  “No. This whole mess is because of me. I’m going to fix it. I can talk to Ria, expin things, calm her down…”

  Vizi hesitated, considering. “Fine,” he finally conceded. “Fine. But no fights. No posturing. Just keep a low profile and let me handle Adira.”

  “Deal.”

  “Lida’s going to kill me for this,” Vizi muttered as he rose from the booth.

  “She’ll kill us both.”

  * * *

  * * *

  Driving through the security gate of the gated community, Mark’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. A coven here? That was unexpected. He always pictured them hidden away in some secret, far-off spot, not smack dab in the heart of the city.

  “A coven in a gated community?” he remarked, turning to Vizi. “What’s next? Wizards on Wall Street?”

  Vizi chuckled. “You’d be surprised how many prefer the comforts of suburbia. Good schools, safe neighborhoods, access to organic farmers’ markets… It’s not all dark rituals and chanting in graveyards, you know. Even mages need reliable Wi-Fi and property value stability.”

  “I’m getting serious Cinderel vibes here,” Mark said, his eyes roaming the vish mansions and shiny rides lined up in perfect driveways. He felt a pang of something akin to envy, a reminder of his own modest upbringing, the constant grind to make ends meet, the sacrifices Lida had made to keep him safe, hidden.

  “You’ll get used to it. It’s just… the supernatural affluent. Privacy is a luxury they can afford.”

  Even here, money talks, huh? Mark thought, a wry smile twisting his lips. He’d never really considered the economics of the supernatural, but it made sense. Powers or not, there were always pecking orders, disparities, and the good ol’ importance of being loaded. Some things never change.

  “So, where’s the, uh fortress of doom?” Mark asked, gesturing vaguely towards the rows of opulent homes.

  Vizi pointed towards a rge, imposing structure at the end of the cul-de-sac, its architecture a mix of modern elegance and grandeur.

  “That’s a coven? It looks more like Wayne Manor.”

  “Well, when you’re a powerhouse like Crescent,” Vizi chuckled, “you might as well funt it.”

  Vizi parked the car in front of the imposing building, its entrance fnked by two stone gargoyles that seemed to gre at them with silent disapproval. “Showtime,” he said. “Ready to face the music?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Mark muttered, his stomach churning with anxiety. What am I walking into?

  They approached the mansion’s entrance, the heavy wooden doors fnked by stone gargoyles. Their angur faces seemed to sneer at Mark as he passed. He half-expected one to blink.

  As soon they stepped into the mansion, a wave of loud voices greeted them from upstairs. They shared a look before sprinting up the staircase. At the top, they found Ria locked in a heated argument with a woman who could only be her mother.

  The resembnce was uncanny.

  Adira was a striking woman, her features sharp and regal, her dark hair pulled back in a severe bun, her eyes, the same icy blue as Ria’s, bzing with an intensity.

  When one of the bystanders, tried to intervene, Ria unleashed a bst of frost that sent him sprawling across.

  Damn. Mark’s eyes widened, but the onlookers gathered around them, seemed more resigned than surprised, as if this wasn’t the first time they’d witnessed such a spectacle.

  “Ria, for god’s sake, calm down. There’s no need for this.”

  “No need? You ordered Alex to attack Mark! What the hell were you thinking?”

  “Young dy, you will lower your voice when you’re speaking to me.”

  “Why did you do it?” Ria pressed, brushing off the warning.

  “I did it for your own good. That boy is a distraction. He’s jeopardizing your future. You need to focus on what’s important, not some… infatuation.”

  “Infatuation? Seriously! How many times do I have to say it? I’m serious about Mark!”

  “You’re blinded by the bond, Ria,” Adira argued. “You’re not seeing clearly. This boy, this… outsider, he’s not worthy of you. He’s not one of us. He doesn’t understand our world, our traditions, our responsibilities.”

  “He’s a good man. He’s kind, and he’s strong, and he makes me happy. That should be enough.”

  “You don’t understand.” Adira shook her head. “The future of Crescent is at stake. We have a legacy to uphold, a tradition to maintain.”

  “Oh, please. Now who’s being dramatic? I don’t give a damn about that.”

  “We do. Crescent does. It’s what makes us strong, what makes us unique. We need to preserve our power, to ensure that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

  This is insane, Mark thought. She’s talking about me like I’m some kind of disease. He gnced at Vizi, who was watching the exchange with a detached expression.

  “This is ridiculous,” Ria said, her voice rising in frustration. “How can you can’t just order people to attack him? What will the council say?”

  “This is my jurisdiction. I can do whatever I deem necessary to protect Crescent. And I don’t care what anyone says. I won’t have my daughter consorting with… outsiders.”

  “Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you, Mom.”

  “I am warning you again, watch your tone! You will not speak to me like that! You seem to have forgotten your pce!”

  “I haven’t forgotten anything. And I’m not going to let you, or anyone else, stand in my way.”

  “Why are you being so… childish?”

  “I’m being childish?” Ria scoffed. “You’re the one acting like a child. Throwing a tantrum because I’m dating someone you don’t approve of. Mark is more than qualified to be with me. He probably kicked Alex’s ass by now.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. That little scuffle doesn’t prove anything. You’re a highly trained mage, and he’s just a… a boy pying with powers he doesn’t understand.”

  “He’s more than that!”

  “He’s an outsider, Ria. He’s a risk to Crescent. To you.”

  “I’m done arguing with you,” Ria said, her voice dangerously calm. “You and your rules can go to hell. You can’t stop me from being with Mark. He’s already marked me.”

  A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Adira stared at her daughter, her face pale, her eyes wide with disbelief.

  “What?”

  Ria pulled her hair to the side, revealing a small, intricate mark on the nape of her neck.

  “When did that happen?”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Ria said, her voice firm. “The point is, it’s done. I belong to him now.”

  Adira opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it, seemingly speechless.

  Mark, meanwhile, felt a knot of unease tighten in his stomach. What the hell is she talking about? He squinted, trying to get a better look at the mark on Ria’s neck. It was small, a dark, swirling pattern that resembled a knot, intricate and… unsettling. When did that get there?

  Vizi just nudged him, a knowing grin on his face. “You’re in for an interesting life, my friend.”

  Mark frowned, his unease growing. Did Ria tell me about this, and I just forgot? He made a mental note to ask her about it ter.

  “I don’t think you can do anything about this.”

  Adira looked like she was about to explode, but Ria cut her off. “I’m done arguing with you. Accept it or not, I belong to Mark. End of story.”

  A flicker of something—rage, fear, disbelief—passed over Adira’s face.

  Mark stepped forward, intending to say something, anything, to calm the situation. But before he could, a prickling warning raced up his spine. The air changed again, charged with a strange, unsettling energy. Something’s wrong.

  He looked around, trying to pinpoint the source, but nothing seemed out of pce—except that he could feel it, a heavy weight pressing down on them.

  “What is it?” Vizi asked.

  “I don’t know,” Every instinct screamed that something was off, that they were standing on the edge of an unseen cliff.

  Before either of them could react, the atmosphere rippled, like heat haze on asphalt, but more violent. A distorted shimmer appeared, then another, each fringed with crackling energy.

  Swirling vortexes of energy, shimmering portals, tore through the fabric of reality, their edges crackling with unstable power. Mark’s eyes widened as mysterious figures started stepping out from the portals.

  * * *

  * * *

  Chaos erupted.

  What the hell is happening?

  Mark barely had time to catch his breath before the intruders swarmed in, spilling through.

  The elegant corridor—once so polished and proud—turned into a battlefield. Chairs toppled, a tapestry tore under someone’s filing arm, and a distant chandelier tinkled as its crystals rattled.

  All around, boots and bodies thumped against floor, curses echoing in a dozen voices.

  Heart pounding, He threw himself at the nearest attacker.

  Vizi was right beside him, his fist connecting with another attacker’s face. They fought back-to-back, a whirlwind of fists and fury, a desperate attempt to hold back the tide.

  Mark tried to summon his lightning, but nothing happened. What the fuck? He gnced around, noticing crescent mages also struggling, their spells fizzling, their elements extinguished before it could even manifest.

  He craned his neck, searching for Ria. He spotted her, hands outstretched, lips moving in silent incantation. Only faint wisps of frost formed, dissolving like morning mist.

  The intruders were closing in on her, on Adira, their faces masked, their weapons drawn.

  And then he saw him. Elia. Standing near one of the portals, his one good eye glinting with malicious amusement. What the hell is he doing here?

  “What is the meaning of this, Elia?” Adira demanded, her voice ced with a cold fury. Around her, Crescent’s members tried to hold a defensive line.

  “Who is he?” Ria asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

  “He’s a hired gun among hunters.”

  “Hello, Princess,” Elia drawled, a mocking grin twisting his lips. “How’s the boyfriend?”

  “What do you want?” Ria asked, her voice dangerously calm.

  “Nothing much. Just here to do my job.”

  “And what is that?”

  “Got a client who wants you delivered nicely gift-wrapped.”

  Adira’s gaze fshed. “You dare do this here, in Crescent’s heart? The council—”

  “Like I give a damn,” Elia chuckled. “I have a job to do. And I always finish what I start.”

  Ria tried again to summon her frost again, her hands glowing with a faint blue light. But the ice that formed at her fingertips fizzled and died, like embers in a storm.

  “What’s the matter, Princess? Lost your touch?”

  “What have you done?”

  “Just a little precaution,” Elia said, his grin widening. “A few runes pced just right, and poof—no ether for you. You’re powerless here. All of you.”

  Mark’s breath caught. Runic magic cutting off spells? He didn’t know enough about these tricks, but it expined their current situation.

  Adira’s eyes widened in shock. “How is that even possible?”

  “Let’s just say my employer has some powerful allies. We have access to some pretty amazing toys.”

  “Cowards!” Ria spat.

  “Now, now,” Elia chuckled, taking a step towards her. “Why don’t we make this easy for everyone? Just come with me quietly, and no one gets hurt.”

  In answer, Ria lunged, her foot connecting with Elia’s midsection in a powerful kick sending him staggering backward.

  “Had to make it difficult, huh?” he muttered, a flicker of annoyance in his one good eye. He shimmered, vanishing, then reappearing directly in front of Ria.

  She raised her hands defensively, but the force of the blow sent her stumbling back. He pressed his advantage, a flurry of punches and kicks raining down on her, forcing her to retreat.

  He raised his hand again, his fist cocked, ready to deliver another blow, when Mark smmed into him, knocking him off bance.

  “Get away from her,” Mark growled, shoving Elia aside, his body shielding her from further attacks.

  “Mark?” Ria’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

  “I…” Mark began, but Elia’s ughter cut him off.

  “Look who it is,” Elia sneered as he got up, wiping a drop of blood from his lip. “Our hero in shining armor. How sweet. How about handing her over nicely? Maybe I’ll go easy on you then.”

  “Dude, after getting your ass kicked twice, you still sure talk big.”

  “You little…” Elia snarled, his face contorted with rage.

  “What’s the matter?” Mark needled him further. “Scared of a round three?”

  Enraged, Elia vanished and reappeared right in front of Mark with a clenched fist ready to strike.

  Mark replied by summoning a barrier—he felt the strain of it, the Void’s whisper in his veins.

  Elia’s fist met the barrier with a loud thud that echoed through the room. Seizing the moment before his opponent could retaliate, Mark swiped his hand through the air conjuring a bde of shimmering void into existence.

  The sight clearly rattled Elia, who vanished and reappeared a few feet away, eyeing the deadly bde cautiously.

  “H-How are you able to….” Elia stammered.

  “I’ve got tricks you ain’t even seen yet.”

  Mark’s thoughts churned. Where did Elia’s backing come from? Why attack now, in such a bold, reckless move? No time to dwell on it. “Ria,” he said tersely, “the runes. Find them and break them.”

  “Be careful, Mark”

  Ria turned and disappeared into the chaotic melee, ducking blows and darting between stumbling mages and intruders.