As they settle in, a tiny figure flits over to them—a cheerful pixie with shimmering wings that catch the light like prisms, casting rainbows around her as she hovers just above their table. Her features are delicate, her eyes bright, and she wears a tiny apron over her dress, clearly marking her as their waitress.

“Welcome to the Green Glade Café!” she chirps, her voice as light as the chime of a bell. “What can I get started for you?” She hands them small, ornate menus with a flourish, the pages decorated with magical scripts that list an array of enchanted teas, coffees, and treats.

Haley leans back, grinning at Kain. “Relax, newbie,” she says, nudging him with a playful grin. “Might as well enjoy the perks of Sea-tizin life while we’re here.”

Kain, still processing everything, manages a smile as he glances around, feeling the tension of the last few moments start to ease in the tranquil surroundings.

Kain flips through the ornate menu, his eyes widening as he reads the names of the exotic, mystical dishes. Each item is written in an elegant, shimmering script, and the descriptions carry hints of magic that he’s only just beginning to understand. There’s Moonlit Latte, brewed with stardust and enchanted moonflower; Sylvan Salad, made with greens from the hidden groves of the Feywild; Phoenix-Feather Pastry, a pastry that glows faintly with a warm, amber hue; and Spirit’s mix, a tea that promises a “gentle lift in clarity and intuition.”

He chuckles, the familiar irony not lost on him. Despite the exotic ingredients and magical names, he notices a few subtle nods to what he’d find on a regular menu—coffees, salads, pastries, teas. Guess some things don’t change, even in a world like this, he muses, amused by the blend of the extraordinary and the mundane.

Haley glances over at him, grinning as she sips from her own cup. “See something that caught your eye?”

Kain looks up, still smiling. “Yeah… even with all the magic, it’s funny how they still manage to have a ‘latte’ and a ‘salad.’ Just with a bit more sparkle.”

The pixie waitress, hovering patiently nearby, giggles. “You’d be surprised, sir! Magic folk love a good salad just as much as anyone.” She gives a playful wink. “But trust me, they taste worlds different here.”

Kain looks up at the pixie, her iridescent wings fluttering softly as she waits, a cheerful glint in her eyes.

“What do you recommend?” he asks, smiling. “I’m new to… well, all of this.”

The pixie’s eyes light up as she conjures the magical illusions before Kain, each item hovering above the table with a soft, mesmerizing glow.

“For a snack, I’d recommend the Driftwood Biscuit,” she says with a delighted smile, as the illusion of a small, rustic biscuit appears. The biscuit has intricate rings etched into its surface, like the cross-section of an ancient tree. Tiny, frosted leaves appear on its surface, each one going through a delicate cycle—blooming in vibrant green, then fading to fiery reds and golds before withering and reblooming again, mimicking the rhythm of fall. “It’s made from enchanted driftwood flour, with just a hint of sea salt and sage. It’s savory with a smoky undertone, and they say it keeps you feeling grounded.”

Kain nods, his curiosity piqued, as the pixie shifts her hand slightly, bringing forth the illusion of a drink—a tall, elegant glass filled with a gentle, violet-hued liquid. The Dreamwalker’s Brew glows with a subtle effervescence, and from the foamy top, tiny sheep made of delicate bubbles begin to float up, dancing around the drink in a playful circle before they softly pop, leaving behind a faint, soothing “baa” sound with each burst.

“And the perfect pairing?” she continues, eyes twinkling. “Our Dreamwalker’s Brew. It’s a rare blend with lavender and dreamleaf, calming and insightful. The bubbles even add a little charm.” She winks as the illusion vanishes with a delicate shimmer.

Kain grins, enchanted by the display. “I’ll take them both,” he says, eager to experience the unique treats.

"Make that a double order." Haley echoes

The pixie claps her hands in delight, nodding. “Wonderful choice! I’ll bring them right out,” she says, flitting away to place their order, leaving Kain to marvel at the magical wonders he’s discovering.

Kain’s gaze snaps back to Haley as she clears her throat, her face shifting to something more serious. “So… I got somethin’ to confess,” she begins, her tone casual but tinged with sincerity. “See, I didn’t call out to you just ‘cause you were blockin’ the portal point. That’s part of it, sure, but honestly?”

She gives him a knowing look. “I noticed you ‘cause you got this massive energy leak going on. Your whole vibe’s out there for anyone tuned in to pick up.”

Inside Kain’s mind, Belmont’s voice chimes in with a hint of concern. We’ll have to fix that when we get back to HQ, he comments, his voice calm and methodical. Can’t have everyone and their grandmas picking up on your signature and pressure.

Doc’s voice cuts in, grumbling with his usual sarcasm. Yeah, and for the record, being stuck in here with no way to sense anything outside what you can see or hear? Kind of a pain, kid. We gotta do somethin’ about this sooner rather than later.

Kain suppressed a small smile at his mentors’ commentary, nodding slightly as he tuned back into Haley. She was watching him, a spark of anticipation lighting her eyes. There was something in the way she leaned in, her casual demeanor shifting into that slang-infused, laid-back tone he’d come to associate with her when she was building to a pitch.

“So, here’s the deal,” she said, her smirk sharp and self-assured. “I want to recruit you into my crew.”

Kain raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise as Haley continued, clearly enjoying her moment.

“Every Guardian of the Itunal gets to build their own squad, y’know? Pick their team—the right mix of skills to cover their bases. Normally, we pull from the applicants and retainers the Itunal keeps on hand—loads of options there. But…” She grinned, her voice dropping like she was sharing a secret.

“There’s nothing in the rules that says we have to. In fact, special recruits—those handpicked from outside the usual channels—are rare but encouraged. No bureaucratic nonsense, no formal applications, just raw talent.”

She tilted her head, appraising him like a jeweler eyeing a diamond. “And you, Kain?” Her smirk deepened. “You’ve got potential. Real potential.”

Kain’s jaw tightened as he mulled over the offer Haley had just extended to him. In his head, the voices of his mentors sparked to life, their presence as constant as the shadows he carried.

Belmonts calm, measured tone echoed first. “She trusts you, Kain. That’s not small talk. That’s trust. And trust from an Itunal Guardian—rookie or not—doesn’t come easy.”

Kain forced his face to remain neutral as he nodded at Haley, but internally, his thoughts were a storm. Yeah, and that’s exactly what makes this complicated. She trusts me. But trust goes both ways, Belmont , and I’m not exactly playing fair here.

Doc's voice cut through the hesitation, rough and sardonic. “Oh, come off it, Kain. Since when has playing fair ever worked out for you? You’re hiding in plain sight because it’s necessary. She’s useful. End of story.”

Kain exhaled slowly, his gaze flicking briefly to Haley, who was watching him expectantly. Useful, he admitted. But this isn’t just about utility, Doc. She’s genuine. As far as I can tell. She’s green, sure, but she’s not stupid. That kind of trust could make her an ally—not just another pawn. It’s dangerous, though. Too many risks.

Doc’s voice returned, practical and focused. “True. But let’s lay it out. She doesn’t know who you really are, and she’s inviting you in. Think about what that means: she’s giving you an opportunity to move freely under her name. That’s perfect cover. Hiding in plain sight—it doesn’t get better than that.”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Except it’s also a tighter leash, Belmont growled. “Play this wrong, and the second she gets a clue, you’re cooked. One false step, and she drags you straight to were the covenant can reach you.”

Kain’s lip twitched in the faintest hint of a smirk. I’ve been living with a noose around my neck for years, Belmont. This one’s just a little tighter. I can handle it.

Belmonts tone softened. “But can you handle her? Let’s be honest here, Kain. You feel bad about lying to her, don’t you?”

Kain’s silence stretched, his expression unreadable, though inside, the question hit harder than he wanted to admit. Finally, he thought, She doesn’t deserve to be lied to. But what choice do I have? If she knew the truth—about me, about everything—it would destroy her. She’s too idealistic to handle the shades of gray I live in.

Doc gave a short, bitter laugh. “Idealistic? Don’t romanticize her, Kain. She’s Itunal. They might be law-obsessed, but they’re not saints. She’d burn you alive the second she knew your name.”

Kain’s gaze darkened. Maybe. But she’s trying to build something here. She sees something in me—or in Seth, at least. And honestly? He hesitated, then allowed himself the thought. I see something in her too. She’s not the usual Itunal zealot. She’s different.

Belmonts voice was steady, almost knowing. “Then you trust her.”

Kain bristled, shaking his head faintly. No. I trust the opportunity she’s giving me. I trust the space she’s creating for me to move. And maybe I trust that she’ll hesitate long enough for me to explain, if it ever comes to that.

“Big if,” Belmont interjected dryly.

Yeah. Big if, Kain admitted. But it’s enough for now. Hiding in plain sight, keeping her close—it’s the best play we’ve got. And… yeah, I feel bad about it. But this isn’t about feelings. It’s survival. She’d understand if she knew everything. Maybe.

Doc’s tone was gentle, almost reassuring. “Maybe she would. But for now, you keep your head down and play your part. If she’s as genuine as you think she is, you’ll figure it out. Just… don’t let the guilt make you sloppy.”

I won’t, Kain thought, his resolve hardening.

Belmont snorted. “Good. Because if she finds out, we’re all done.”

The conversation in his mind faded, but the weight of their words lingered. Kain sighed, the decision settling like a stone in his chest. Ahead of him, Haley gestured toward a distant landmark, her smile bright and unburdened by the storm brewing just beneath his surface.

For a brief moment, guilt flickered in his chest. She didn’t deserve the lies. But lies were all he had. And for now, they were necessary.

Kain’s curiosity spikes as he considers her offer. “What… exactly would that entail?” he asks, interested but cautious.

Haley nods approvingly, settling back as she watches his reaction. “Basically, you’d be workin’ with me on the reg, doin’ all kinds of stuff. Not just regular guardian duties, either. We take care of weird cases, protect key locations, handle situations that need handling and artifacts that need retrieving.” She pauses, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “And trust me, it’s a wild ride. No two days are the same.”

Kain considers her words, then, on impulse, decides to take a leap of faith. “There’s something you should know,” he says, a hint of seriousness in his tone. “About why I’m here, and… what happened right before I ended up in The Bazxar.” He takes a breath, briefly recounting the story of his friend Leo’s situation—the strange events and the supernatural run-ins that led him here. He mentions deciphering an ancient incantation from the wall of a cave, left by what he called the shadow Coyotes—creatures he’d been hunting.

Haley listens, her brows knitting with interest, especially at the part about the incantation. “Wait, what town are you from?” she asks, tilting her head.

“Bakersfield,” Kain replies, “it’s in California, kinda close to L.A.”

At that, Haley laughs, shaking her head. “Oh, I know L.A.,” she says with a grin. “One of the biggest supernatural hubs in the country. Got all sorts of clans and folks livin’ there. You might as well say you’re in the supernatural capital of the west coast.” But her grin fades slightly, replaced with a thoughtful expression. “Y’know… there was a clan, recorded in my studies, that was active around L.A. a long time ago. They were big on protecting the local community, but they fell apart over a hundred years back. Just… gone.”

Her voice trails off, a hint of sadness in her eyes, before she refocuses on Kain. “Anyway, sounds like you’re way more tangled up in this world than you thought, huh?” She gives him a soft, reassuring smile. “That’s even more reason why you should join my squad, honestly. If your friend’s in the middle of this, and you’ve got a connection to the past? We could make a killer team. And besides…” She shrugs, flashing him a playful grin. “Wouldn’t hurt havin’ a teammate who's got access to all kinds of channels and resources right?”

Before Kain can respond, the pixie waitress flits back over, balancing two plates and cups on her tiny hands. The dishes are beautifully crafted from a smooth, polished wood that seems to shimmer with a natural glow. Despite their wooden appearance, they have the delicate feel of fine china in Kain’s hands—a perfect blend of earthy and refined.

“Here you are!” the pixie chirps, setting down Kain’s Driftwood Biscuit and Dreamwalker’s Brew with a flourish. Tiny frost-covered leaves on the biscuit begin their mesmerizing cycle, blooming, withering, and re-blooming in gentle waves of color. The Dreamwalker’s Brew has an ethereal violet glow, and as Kain lifts it, he watches the tiny foam sheep dance around, each releasing a faint “baa” before disappearing in soft little pops.

Kain chuckles, impressed by the artistry of it all. “These are amazing,” he comments, more to himself than anyone, as he digs in.

The moment he takes his first bite of the biscuit, a wave of savory, smoky flavor hits him. The faint hint of sea salt and sage adds an unexpected depth, grounding him in a way that feels… almost calming. Beside him, Haley is already munching her own treat, her eyes wide with appreciation as she enjoys each bite.

Then, Kain takes a sip of the Dreamwalker’s Brew, and the delicate flavors of lavender and dreamleaf fill his senses. The drink is warm and soothing, each sip bringing a gentle clarity to his thoughts, as if the magical brew itself were urging him to relax, to let his mind open.

The two of them fall silent, devouring the food and drink with relish. Each bite, each sip, seems to pulse with a magic all its own, and for a few moments, the strange and chaotic world around him feels incredibly grounded. Kain can feel the magic lingering with each taste, weaving through him like an old, familiar tune.

The two sit in comfortable silence, letting the magic of the moment linger, until Kain lets out an involuntary burp. He laughs, unbothered, raising a hand in a casual apology. “—excuse me.”

Haley doesn’t even flinch, clearly more focused on savoring her food, her eyes shining as she takes another appreciative bite. Kain observes her, noting the relaxed ease with which she’s enjoying herself, clearly a bit of a foodie at heart. There’s something about her that feels genuine, even trustworthy, he realizes. With a final mental nod, he makes up his mind.

Clearing his throat, he sets down his cup and looks her in the eye. “Alright, Haley. I’m in. I’ll join your… team but I have things to settle before then.” He smirks, then deciding to switch topics his curiosity gets the better of him. “So, how many others are in your unit?”

Haley laughs, waving a hand as if to brush off the formal tone. “Unit? Wow, look at you, so uptight,” she teases, chuckling as her gaze shifts everywhere but to him. “Relax a little, it’s not a military op." She giggled "as for whatever it is you have to settle I'll help after all can't have ya slacking out there Kain Baby.”

Kain raises an eyebrow, catching on to her evasive glances, and laughs along with her, though he doesn’t drop the question. “Sure, sure, I'll gladly accept the help but really—how many others are there?” He leans in, pressing her with a playful grin. “C’mon, don’t dodge.”

Finally, Haley sighs, rolling her eyes as she gives in, albeit reluctantly. “Alright, alright, if you have to know…” She leans forward, dropping her voice as if it were some grand conspiracy. “if we count me and you…….well It’s just us. You’re lookin’ at the entirety of my team.”

Kain blinks, caught off guard, and Haley chuckles, shrugging. “Technically, this is my first time going solo. I just wrapped up my probationary period and finished interning under my pops. Thank goodness for that, he can be such a jerk sometimes.” she jokes, shaking her head. “So, yeah, I guess you’re my first official recruit. Congrats.”

Kain grins, laughing as the unexpected reality of his “team” sinks in. “Well, I guess that means we’re both rookies.”

Haley nudges him with a smirk. “Rookies, maybe. But with you and me into the mix, I’d say we’re off to a legend....wait for it...and I hope your not lactose intolerant......because this next part begonias with....Dairy... Legendary start.”

Kain lets out a deep, genuine laugh, the kind he hadn’t allowed himself in a long time. It’s a hearty, unrestrained sound, and he can feel a tear pricking at the corner of his eye as he laughs, the feeling washing over him like a release. Haley giggles along, caught up in the warmth of the moment, her own laughter blending with his.

Freya stepped into the café, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Kain. The faint murmur of conversation among the other patrons quieted as her presence rippled through the room. Her usually cold expression softened—just slightly—when she caught sight of Kain and Haley laughing together, but the faint smile didn’t last. She cleared her throat, a deliberate interruption that immediately drew their attention.

“My apologies for interrupting such a… joyous moment,” she said, her tone laced with dry sarcasm.

Haley smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Come to join the fun, Freya? We’ve got jokes, stories, and questionable pastry choices.”

Freya ignored the comment, her expression sharpening as she turned her full attention to Kain. The air around her grew heavier, colder, and the flicker of humor in Haley’s eyes disappeared as she sat up straighter. The shift in Freya’s aura sent a shiver down Kain’s spine, and he instinctively braced himself.

“Kain,” she said, her voice calm but icy, “why did you lie?”