The steady hum of the delivery truck's engine filled the air as Kai Ki navigated the winding roads of North Georgia, close to the Tennessee border. Dense forests flanked the narrow asphalt, their towering pines leaning in as if trying to smother the outside world. The isolation was a strange comfort, a sharp contrast to the endless bustle of city life she'd left behind—a respite from the unrelenting reminders of her loss.
It had been two years and then some since the Event, the day her life shattered.
Kai had been rushing through Hartsfield-Jackson Airport that morning, her chest heaving from exertion and stress. A pileup on Freeway 285 had delayed her, and her out-of-shape body hadn't helped matters. This trip to Belize was supposed to be a fresh start—a long-overdue family reunion with her mom, her twin brother, his wife and kids, aunts, uncles, and cousins. But she'd missed the flight, standing dejectedly at the terminal window as the plane taxied toward the runway.
Then she watched it happen.
The takeoff was routine—until another plane swooped in out of nowhere, its trajectory all wrong. The two jets collided mid-air, an enormous fireball erupting against the morning sky. Kai remembered screaming, clawing at the glass as if she could somehow undo what she'd just seen. Around her, chaos erupted—passengers wailing, phones snapping photos, alarms blaring. The news later called it a "freak accident." Something about a software glitch. But those words meant nothing to Kai. She had lost her entire family in one incomprehensible moment.
For months, she had coped by pretending it wasn't real. But the news coverage, the calls from coworkers, the pitying glances—it was impossible to escape. So, she escaped in the only way she could. She left her corporate job and transferred to a delivery driver position. The city, once her haven, now felt like a cage. When a rural delivery route opened in North Georgia, she didn't hesitate.
Even now, with a $300,000,000 settlement check collecting dust in her bank account, Kai hadn't quit the job. There was no one to celebrate the windfall with—no one except her mom, and she was gone. The money felt hollow, like everything else. So, she threw herself into work, gaining a reputation as someone who always got the job done, no matter the obstacles.
Today was no exception.
The address on her manifest had brought her to Tennga, a small, sleepy town right on the Tennessee border. She hadn't even heard of it before, and judging by the wary stares of the townsfolk as she drove through, visitors weren't common. Her box truck groaned to a stop in front of what appeared to be the town's city hall.
Stretching her stiff joints, Kai hopped out of the truck with a package in one hand and a clipboard in the other. The building was surprisingly large for such a remote town, its white stone facade glinting in the midday sun. Inside, the air-conditioning hit her like a wall, carrying the faint scent of pine and old paper. A few locals milled about, their conversations halting as they turned to stare at her.
Approaching the reception desk, Kai placed the package on the counter and slid her clipboard toward the receptionist. "Signature, please," she murmured, her voice rough from disuse.
The receptionist—a young woman with an ethereal beauty that Kai couldn't quite place—blinked as if startled. Her delicate features were framed by cascading blonde hair, her green eyes sharp and inquisitive. She signed the clipboard with a graceful flourish, her gaze never leaving Kai.
"You must be one of the new arrivals," the receptionist said, her voice melodic. "Welcome to Tennga. I'm sure you'll find it... enchanting."
Kai blinked, unsure how to respond. She simply nodded, taking back the clipboard and turning to leave.
"Wait!" the receptionist called after her. "You should meet the mayor. He'll want to welcome you personally."
Before Kai could protest, the woman disappeared through a door behind the counter. Kai sighed, glancing around the room. The other townsfolk were still staring, their expressions unreadable—curiosity mixed with something else. Respect? Wariness?
Moments later, the receptionist returned with an older man in tow. He, too, had that same ethereal quality about him—his silver hair shining as though kissed by moonlight, his posture regal yet approachable. He smiled warmly as he extended a hand.
"Welcome to Tennga," he said. "I'm Mayor Elarin. And you are?"
"Kai Ki," she whispered, shaking his hand reluctantly.
His smile deepened, his eyes studying her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "Ah, a delivery. How wonderful. You must be one of the new arrivals. It's not often we get visitors."
"I'm not staying," Kai said, her voice firmer this time.
The mayor and receptionist exchanged a glance—brief but telling. Their expressions held a mix of surprise and concern, as if her response wasn't what they had expected.
"Well," the mayor said, his tone soothing, "that remains to be seen. For now, you are welcome in Tennga, Kai Ki. I hope you find it... enchanting."
Kai said nothing, her patience wearing thin. She turned and walked out of the building, the heat of the sun a sharp contrast to the cool interior.
As she stepped back into the cab of her truck, she couldn't shake the feeling that the entire town had been watching her, their collective gaze a tangible weight on her shoulders. Something about Tennga felt off, as if she'd stumbled into a place that was more than it appeared.
Kai tossed her clipboard onto the passenger seat with a tired grunt. Her stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence. She sighed and glanced down the street. A small café sat nestled between two older brick buildings, its painted wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze.
"Guess I'm done for the day," she muttered to herself, pulling out her work meter. With a few clicks, she clocked out, notifying the delivery hub that her shift was over. Fridays were usually quiet, and no one would miss her on a lazy afternoon like this.
Stepping out of the truck, she stuffed her hands into the pockets of her worn jeans and wandered down the sidewalk. Her boots struck the pavement with a steady rhythm, her movements loose, almost aimless. Kai didn't notice the curious glances following her as she strolled, but there were plenty—shopkeepers pausing mid-sweep, a pair of elderly women whispering from their front porch, even a stray cat halting to stare.
High above, Mayor Elarin watched from his office window. His gaze followed the 5'11" figure striding down the street with an air of casual indifference. Her shoulders hunched slightly, her head tilted downward, and her hands stayed buried in her pockets. There was no urgency in her step, no apparent awareness of her surroundings.
A shiver ran down his spine. Those eyes. When she had looked at him earlier, it had felt as though she was staring straight through him, peeling back every layer of his carefully constructed walls. To him, it had been a profound, almost unsettling experience. Surely, she must be a Fae of great age and power, one who had mastered the art of concealment to an almost impenetrable degree.
Of course, Kai would have laughed at his assumption if she'd known. She wasn't a powerful anything—just a socially awkward woman who avoided eye contact whenever possible. She hadn't looked through him. She hadn't really even looked 'At' him at all.
Unaware of the mayor's scrutiny or his musings, Kai reached the café and pushed the door open. A soft chime announced her entrance, and the warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries enveloped her. Inside, a handful of patrons sat scattered at tables, but all conversation halted the moment she walked in.
Kai, oblivious, approached the counter, her eyes scanning the menu board and the glass display of pastries. Behind the counter, a barista—young, with a wiry frame and vibrant green eyes—did a double take when he saw her. His movements became cautious, deliberate, as though he were trying not to make a wrong step.
"Afternoon," he greeted, his voice careful, almost reverent.
Kai barely acknowledged him, nodding absentmindedly as she pointed to a hot French Vanilla Cappuccino and a pair of white macadamia nut cookies. The barista's sharp gaze lingered on her, trying to piece her together.
She paid silently, sliding a twenty-dollar bill into the tip jar without a second thought. The barista's jaw tightened, his confusion deepening. Surely, this quiet stranger wasn't just any old Fae . There was something about her presence—something heavy and unplaceable.
Kai didn't notice. She took her receipt and found an empty table at the back of the café, one tucked against the wall where she could see the entire room. She sank into the seat with a quiet exhale, her attention drifting to the window.
Behind the counter, the barista hurried to prepare her order. He was a cobalt, a type of Fae known for their sharp senses, and the emotions radiating off her were like a fog he couldn't escape. Loneliness. Grief. Pain. They clung to her like a second skin, so thick it was almost suffocating.
How is she functioning like this? he wondered, his hands moving swiftly to prepare the drink. And yet, despite his keen senses, he couldn't quite place her. What kind of Fae was she? No horns, no pointed ears, no visible marks of power. Just an overwhelming presence.
He delivered her cappuccino and cookies in record time, placing them on her table without a word. Kai gave him a polite nod, completely unaware of the storm of speculation she was leaving in her wake.
At a table near the counter, two middle-aged women sat whispering behind their coffee cups, their eyes darting toward Kai.
"She doesn't smell like a nymph," one murmured.
"Or a banshee," added the other. "But there's something there. Something... old."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"Could she be a stray Seelie? Maybe one of the highborn hiding from court drama?"
The first woman shook her head. "No Seelie would dress like that. Look at her—denim? And those boots?"
Their conversation was echoed across town. The butcher, a broad-shouldered Orc, paused mid-cut to tell his apprentice about the mysterious newcomer. A group of sprites flitted through the trees, giggling and speculating about whether the stranger was a lost shifter or perhaps even an exiled dragon in disguise. In the pub, the barkeep—a hulking troll—grumbled to his regulars that she was probably some rogue Winter Fae, hiding from the Unseelie.
Back at the café, Kai sipped her cappuccino slowly, her gaze wandering. She noticed little oddities about the patrons as they came and went. One man who left the café had ears that were ever so slightly pointed at the tips. Another woman wore a flowing dress that looked like it belonged in a Renaissance fair, complete with intricate embroidery that shimmered faintly under the light. And the barista... Now that she looked closer, was he wearing a collar?
Her brows furrowed slightly, but she dismissed the thought. Small-town people were just quirky, she figured. And honestly, she didn't care enough to think beyond that. All she wanted was to finish her coffee in peace.
Outside, the whispers continued to spread, carried on the wind and through the trees. The entire town was abuzz with the same question: Who was she? What was she? And Kai Ki, blissfully unaware, sat alone with her coffee, her mind a thousand miles away from the peculiar little town of Tennga and its curious, watchful inhabitants.
Kai finished the last sip of her cappuccino, savoring the smooth sweetness, before rising from her seat. Tossing her napkin and cookie wrapper into the trash, she quietly left the café. The midday sun was still warm against her skin as she made her way back to her truck, her boots scuffing against the cracked sidewalk.
She rubbed the back of her neck, eyes scanning the narrow street as she debated her next move. Blue Ridge was nearly two hours away, and the thought of driving through the mountains after sunset sent a pang of unease through her. The long, winding roads weren't treacherous exactly, but they weren't forgiving either—especially not in the dark. Her stomach churned at the thought. Reaching her truck, Kai leaned against the door and let her eyes wander. That's when she spotted the small wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze just down the street. "Shea's Bed N' Breakfast" it read, with a painted image of a dancing fairy underneath. She stared at it for a moment, weighing her options. A night here would mean no stressful mountain driving and maybe even a chance to recharge. The delivery could wait until Monday; it wasn't urgent.
With a resigned sigh, she reached behind the passenger seat to grab her black emergency bag, an old but sturdy thing that had been her constant companion on overnight trips. Locking up the truck, she slung the bag over her shoulder and turned toward the city hall. If she was going to stay, she'd need to confirm the place had room.
The receptionist's reaction upon Kai's return was almost comical. The young woman—ethereally beautiful, with shimmering hair that caught the sunlight streaming through the windows—gasped audibly and nearly toppled out of her chair at Kai's approach. Kai raised an eyebrow, her voice low. "Didn't mean to startle you." The receptionist clutched her chest, cheeks flushed, clearly flustered. Her wide eyes darted around, as though searching for something to blame for her reaction. "I-I just didn't hear you come in," she stammered, her voice high and lilting.
Kai blinked at her. The young woman seemed jittery, as if she'd had one too many espressos. "Cut back on the caffeine, maybe," Kai thought absently, though she didn't voice it. Instead, she murmured, "I’ve changed my mind. Do you know if the bed and breakfast down the road has any vacancies? Don't feel like driving back today." The receptionist stared at her for a beat too long, as if processing the question was more difficult than it should have been. Then she nodded quickly, her glossy hair bouncing with the movement. "Yes! Yes, there are vacancies. Tennga doesn't get many visitors, so there's always room. They accept cash or card." Kai nodded her thanks, keeping her movements slow to avoid startling the poor woman again. She didn't linger, sensing the receptionist was relieved to see her go. As she turned, she caught the sound of whispers from the office behind the counter. Curious gazes tracked her as she exited the building. The unease that had been building all morning settled heavier on her shoulders.
She followed the winding sidewalk toward the bed and breakfast, her boots crunching softly against the gravel. The closer she got, the more the tension in her chest eased. The three-story building was charming, with its cherry-red shutters and flower boxes brimming with blooms. The sign above the door was hand-painted, and the curved staircases visible through the large front windows gave it an air of warmth and elegance. The bell above the door chimed pleasantly as she stepped inside, the rich scent of polished wood and lavender greeting her. Kai's gaze flicked around the space. The interior was even more stunning—dark cherry wood and oak paneling, the twin staircases curving gracefully upward like a ballroom in an old film. For the first time in a long while, she felt a strange sense of ease.
Her inspection was interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps. Turning, she spotted a tall woman emerging from the hall. Her long, black hair flowed behind her like a silken ribbon, and her deep blue dress swayed with her graceful movements. There was something almost hypnotic about her approach. But then, the woman hesitated. Just the briefest pause mid-step, a flicker of something in her dark eyes as she took Kai in. For a moment, Kai's stomach twisted, worried this was yet another strange townsfolk with an overactive imagination. But the woman recovered almost instantly, her lips curving into a welcoming smile. "Good afternoon," the woman greeted, her voice rich and smoky. "Welcome to Shea's Bed N' Breakfast. I'm Shea, the owner. How can I help you?" Kai gave a slight nod. "Looking for a room for the weekend. You have any available?" Shea's sharp eyes flicked over her again, though her smile remained steady. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "We always have room. Would you like to pay for the weekend in advance?" Kai nodded again and handed over her card. Shea barely managed to suppress her surprise when she noticed the platinum, unlimited bank card. Her professional demeanour never faltered as she ran the transaction, but she couldn't help but wonder—who is this woman?
Once everything was settled, Shea retrieved a brass key from behind the desk and gestured for Kai to follow her. "Right this way," she said, leading her guest up the grand staircase. They climbed to the third floor, and Shea guided her down the hall to the last door on the left."This is our best room," she said, opening the door with a flourish.
Kai stepped inside and paused. The room was far larger and more luxurious than she'd expected. A king-sized bed with a velvet canopy dominated the space, and the window offered a stunning view of the rolling hills beyond the town.
Turning to Shea, Kai gave her a small smile and murmured, "Thanks." Shea felt her heart skip at the simple gesture, but she remained composed. "Dinner is served buffet-style at eight," she said smoothly. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."Kai nodded once more, and Shea exited with practiced grace. But the moment the door clicked shut behind her, she practically bolted down the stairs, excitement bubbling over. She needed to call her sister immediately. Bursting into her office, Shea grabbed her phone and dialled. When her sister picked up, she could barely contain her giddiness. "Rina, you'll never believe who just checked in," she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement as she told her sister about the enigmatic guest, the impossible aura of power surrounding her, and the fact that none of the usual senses worked on her. Whoever this Kai Ki was, she wasn't just anyone. She was someone extraordinary—and Shea would bet her inn on it.
Kai woke to soft sunlight streaming through the curtains and the faint sound of birdsong. She blinked, momentarily disoriented. For the first time in what felt like forever, she had slept through the night, undisturbed. Not since before the Event had she experienced such restful sleep. She let out a long exhale and stretched luxuriously, her lean muscles taut beneath the crisp, clean sheets. Sitting up, she ran a hand through her long black hair, a faint smile tugging at her lips. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room's tranquil atmosphere seemed to soothe something deep inside her. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood and rolled her shoulders. The urge to move kicked in, and before she knew it, she was on the floor, landing in a controlled push-up position. It was time for her morning routine.
She began with a series of push-ups, her movements fluid and measured. Then came sit-ups, squats, and a few other strengthening exercises she had committed to over the years. Each rep was a reminder of the promise she had made to herself after the Event—a promise to never let herself fall back into the unhealthy habits of her past.
Years ago, she had been drastically overweight, tipping the scale at over 200 pounds, with a sedentary lifestyle that left her on the brink of serious health issues. Now, at 125 pounds, her body was honed, sculpted with the strength and discipline of a fighter. Joining an MMA gym had been a turning point, not just for her physical health but for her mental focus. Though she had no desire to step into a professional ring, she had trained until even her coach admitted she could win a fight if she wanted to. But these accomplishments had long since lost their lustre without her mom to share them with.
Once her workout was done, she stood and stretched again before heading to the bathroom. A hot shower washed away the lingering sleepiness, and when she emerged, she felt fully awake and refreshed. She dressed quickly, pulling on snug, dark jeans and a black T-shirt, tucking it neatly into her waistband. Over that, she shrugged on a bomber jacket she'd found at a flea market—a sturdy piece that had quickly become her favourite. Her feet slid into her socks and worn hiker's boots, and after tying her hair into its usual ponytail, she grabbed her keys, wallet, and phone. Ready for the day, Kai left the suite, locking the door behind her.
As she descended the sweeping staircase, she couldn't help but admire the photos adorning the walls. Landscapes of misty forests and rolling hills captured her attention, but it was the other images—lifelike depictions of fairies, centaurs, and other fantastical beings—that drew her in. She stopped briefly to study a painting of a centaur in battle, the detail so vivid she half-expected the figure to gallop out of the frame. Whoever had painted them had an incredible talent.
The scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee broke her reverie, and her stomach growled in response. Following the aroma, she found herself in a cozy dining area. She barely noticed the other guest seated at the far table as she made her way to the buffet.
Apparently, though, her presence was impossible to ignore.
The short, bearded man had been mid-sip of his coffee when her approach startled him so badly that he choked, spraying the coffee across the table. He erupted into a fit of coughing and sputtering, trying to mop up the mess with a napkin. Kai froze, her hand halfway to a clean plate, her eyes wide in shock. "Uh... sorry," she managed, though she wasn't entirely sure what she was apologising for. Before the man could respond, the kitchen door swung open, and Shea appeared, balancing a tray piled high with fresh croissants. Lost in her thoughts, she turned toward the table without noticing Kai standing there.
The result was chaotic.
Shea glanced up at the last second, startled beyond measure, and let out a gasp. The tray tipped dangerously as her balance faltered, the croissants flying into the air as she stumbled backward. Kai reacted on pure instinct. In one fluid motion, she lunged forward, wrapping an arm securely around Shea's waist to steady her while simultaneously catching the tray and croissants with her free hand. When everything finally stilled, Kai was standing in a ballroom dip with Shea leaning against her, the tray balanced neatly in her hand, croissants piled safely on top.
The room went silent.
Then the bearded man burst into laughter, clapping his hands with delight. "Marvellous! Absolutely marvellous!" he exclaimed, his voice full of glee. Kai blinked, straightening and gently helping Shea back to her feet. She set the tray on the table, her cheeks warming slightly under the weight of everyone's attention. "Uh... sorry," she murmured again, unsure what else to say. Shea pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "No, no, dear," she said breathlessly, offering Kai a shaky smile. "Not your fault. It's just..." She paused, searching for the right words. "It's hard to sense when you're near." Kai frowned slightly at that, but only nodded in response. She didn't press the issue. The dwarf had already moved on, pouring himself another cup of coffee as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Meanwhile, Kai served herself a plate of eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit, adding one of the croissants she had just saved to her plate. She opted for tea over coffee, filling her mug with the steaming brew before finding a quiet corner to sit. Breakfast was a quiet affair after its chaotic start, and Kai found herself enjoying the warm, home-cooked meal more than she had expected. She couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten food like this—fresh, simple, and comforting. When she finished, she set her plate aside and decided a walk was in order. The town was small, but she figured it would be a good way to burn off the meal and get a feel for the place. She stood, adjusted her jacket, and made her way out the door, the soft chime of the bell marking her departure.