As her long brown hair fluttered in the breeze, the sky transformed into a hue of fiery orange, signaling the arrival of Hattie. Whenever she flew into town, the sky would change colors.

Nissa decided not to tell Hattie about the recent incident with Jasion, as she didn’t want to spoil the mood. Hattie was sure to inquire about every detail, and Nissa wasn’t keen on revealing the backstory of Jasion’s demise. As she strolled through town, Nissa caught a whiff of Hattie’s signature fragrance of cedar and cinnamon.

She entered the Distance Chef Cafe Room and overheard Trevil talking about something that he seemed hesitant to discuss any further. Hattie also appeared to be avoiding the topic, fearing that discussing it could jeopardize its outcome. “But it was real,” Trevil pleaded. “We’re almost there, just a little more to go.”

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow on the horizon. A nightingale sang a sweet melody in the distance, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. It was the last week of June, the beginning of summer.

“This is going to happen,” Hattie exclaimed. “I can’t thank you enough, but I have--“ She paused, her attention drawn to something above them.

Nissa paid for her green apple latte and added an extra 700 coins to the tip jar. The small troll behind the counter thanked her for her generosity and promised to make her drink extra good. Nissa replied, “It’s not just about the money, it’s a token of my appreciation. You’re amazing, and I don’t want anyone to get you down.”

As she walked away, Nissa smirked, thinking about how she was going to use this money to pay someone else, now that Jasion was no longer an option. She had always respected those in the service industry, knowing she couldn’t handle dealing with people all day as they did. The light was fading, and Nissa heard a nightingale singing somewhere nearby, signaling the beginning of summer.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Nissa picked up her latte from the counter and headed towards the benches along the street near the parking lot, with Hattie following her.

“I’m sorry about your brother,” Nissa said, sensing the sadness in the air.

“Thank you for being so kind. I don’t think I should say too much more. It would be wrong of me to cause you any more distress,” Hattie replied, looking into the distance.

They sat down on the bench, the streetlights flickering on as the sun set in the distance. The silence between them was comfortable. The only sound is the distant hum of car engines.

Nissa smiled. “I don’t think it’s causing me any distress. What do you mean?”

“Well, I didn’t know it would turn out like this,” Hattie explained, smiling and touching Nissa’s arm to show that she shouldn’t worry her if she found it amusing.

“There’s never a dull moment in your life,” Hattie added, laughing loudly.

“That’s true. I hope you’re not offended if I say you make me laugh?” Nissa replied with a chuckle.

Hattie jumped up and hugged her. “Offend me? It’s so good to see you again.”

As Hattie spoke, Nissa could see the pain in her eyes. “I think Trevil had is involved in Mistral’s death. I need to find out what happened, and I need your help.”

Nissa was shocked. She had never seen Hattie so vulnerable before. “Of course, I’ll help you in any way I can. What do you need me to do?”

Hattie took a deep breath and said, “I need you to help me get close to Trevil. I think he knows more than he’s letting on, and I need to find out what that is.”

Nissa nodded. “I’ll do my best. But be careful, Hattie. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Hattie smiled weakly. “I will be careful. Thank you, Nissa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

They hugged, and Nissa knew she had to help her friend. She didn’t know what she was getting into, but she will do whatever it took to find out the truth and help Hattie get the justice she deserved.

Nissa cherished her unwavering loyalty, which was her favorite trait. She and Hattie had been best friends since primary school, where they had explored the ins and outs of witchcraft and lore.

As they both developed their abilities, it strained their relationship. Hattie, despite appearing like an ordinary person, was entirely magical. The eldest witches in the realm had given her with her abilities, and she was renowned for the good she accomplished with her powers.