People crowded the busy diner with the morning buzz. This spot was a good stopover for many who were going to work, school, or just passing by.
His eyes scanned the small space upon entering the door, searching until he found the man he was looking for, sitting alone in the far corner, away from the patrons of the place.
But his eyes still roamed the area but did not find her anywhere. He casually moved along the narrow aisle between tables, avoiding bumping with anyone, acting like a regular like everyone else.
However, it was hard when you sported a handsome face, a well-built physique, and a commanding aura that could easily attract attention.
But he had learned to deal with it since he had some practice through time. He still felt some eyes glancing his way, but not something out of the ordinary.
"Isaac," Adam immediately sat across from his friend, who only acknowledged him with a nod. "A cup of coffee." He told the woman who came by their table, asking for his order.
"Please." Adding the last word, putting a smile on the woman's lips.
Years of living like an ordinary man had helped him blend in among the crowds. The years of being away from his father had made him feel somewhat human again.
He had a very vague recollection of what it was like to be the lower specie, but it was the only fondest memory of his mother that mainly remained in his mind. The only thing that made him believe he used to be a man.
His friend smirked at him, probably finding his behavior odd. It was certainly different from the cold and arrogant man from when the last time they were together. However, his friend knew they should not attract attention in broad daylight.
"Why are we here?" His friend impatiently asked as if being with humans, out in the sun, was the last thing he wanted to do with his day.
His friend played with the knife wrapped in his hand as if the metallic blade were a tiny weapon, slicing and dicing the pancake on his plate.
His fingers tapped on the table, ignoring the question, waiting for the woman to return with his coffee. Then, after serving his order, she stopped her from leaving, gripping her arm gently.
"I am looking for Elisia." He offered the older woman a friendly smile. "She told me she works here." Giving valuable information to give the woman some assurance that he meant no harm.
"Oh, Elisia has not yet arrived, but she is due at any minute." The kind woman answered, not at all threatened by him. But her head did turn to his friend's direction, with disapproval in her eyes.
Adam thanked her with a wide grin on his lips before letting her leave, thinking he could not blame her. His friend was acting psychotic as he continued to stub the cake on his plate.
"What was that?" Isaac finally let go of the knife and drank the warm coffee before him. "Who is this, Elisia?"
After taking a sip of his coffee, he only shrugged his shoulders at Isaac, always finding his friend's grumpy mood amusing during early mornings. He would meet her soon enough.
When the door in the kitchen opened again, the person he had been waiting for came out and walked immediately towards them. Her face was grim, but despite that, she was still beautiful.
And he believed his friend had noticed it. At the moment, his glazing eyes indicated an interest in the girl approaching them with an angry stride.
"I want to come with you." The girl immediately demanded, sitting on the available seat next to his friend and facing him. "I want to ensure that you will not harm my friend."
Adam could see the determination in her eyes just like before, she acted fearlessly among them, but her heart told him otherwise. But he was fascinated with her bravado.
"I am sorry, but I need to find her on my own." He leaned on the backseat of the leather-covered chair, assessing the girl before him. "If you want the prophecy to materialize, you need to trust me."
Placing his arms across from his chest, he waited for her turn to speak. He noticed that she kept glancing at her back. The people kept coming inside. She probably needed to start her shift soon in his summation.
"Ahem!" Of course, his friend was feeling left out, having no idea what was going on with them. "Hi, I am Isaac." He faced her, placing his hands between them, waiting for her to accept his greeting.
Her eyes glanced at Isaac but ignored his friend's hands completely as her gaze returned to him. Still, her brows knitted as if she was thinking deeply.
"Ok, but first, tell me what your plan is." Elisia narrowed her eyes at him, warning him not to mess this up.
She was lucky that he found her amusing and still had some use for her. But under any other circumstances, he would not have tolerated such behavior, never was particularly fond of witches and their tricks.
"I will look for her, convince her to come back with me, and..." Adam leaned forward with an amused smile. "...hopefully, fulfill the prophecy that you witches kept shoving down our throats."
His friend looked between them. Understanding finally dawned on him. "I thought you said that..." Isaac was about to say something they had discussed a few nights ago, but he cut him off.
"This is the current plan," Adam said with finality in a voice that meant his words were absolute.
Isaac nodded in agreement, knowing not to contradict him when he was in this mood. Besides, his friend always believed in his leadership, and he would follow his lead until his last breath.
However, that seemed not the case with their lovely company as her fingers tapped her chin as if thinking. "That would not work for my friend." She mumbled, directing her statement at him, unafraid to contradict his declaration.
Then, finally, her eyes lighted up as if a flashlight flickered inside her brain, never breaking her eye contact with him. She bounced in her seat excitedly, then leaned over, gesturing for him to come closer. Then, she whispered something to his ears.
Adam guessed she knew her friend better than anyone and her idea was a little eccentric for his taste. But could that work. Could he do it?
"Fine," Adam agreed with her plan.
"But..." Isaac was about to react and oppose her suggestion, but he quickly quieted him with his stare.
Then, shifting his eyes to the woman on the other side of the table, he tried to warn her. "Never try to cross me because you might have heard what we did to witches who betrayed us."
Finally, a bit of fear showed in her eyes, presumably recalling the stories between their histories. But she quickly blinked them away. With a new resolution, she squared her shoulders and nodded her head.
He nodded to his friend, dropped a few bills on the table, and extended his hand to the young witch. With the touch of their palms, they had reached an understanding.
Their entwined hands established a new pact, an agreement that should place them back on track.
He might be a monster in the eyes of his enemies, but he was still a man of honor.