The next four days flew by in a blur as the coffee shop opened its doors to the public. Luna ran the store, and her every move was precise and purposeful. She greeted patrons at the door with a warm smile. Welcoming them into the cosy haven she and Ignatius had created.
It became plain to Ignatius that Luna would soon have a fanbase of young men visiting the coffee shop to see her. Her charm and grace were irresistible. The coffee shop buzzed with energy and excitement. The fact that she was as sexy as hell drew many men as patrons.
He helped where he could—spending time in the shop and retreating to his room to write another novel. His fear of the outside world had kicked in, and he found solace in the familiar confines of his writing space.
This habit of staying in his room writing held his investigation back. He couldn't bring himself to leave his room. He only went out of necessity. He had everything he wanted. He worked hard. Food was brought to him by Zarkon, ever diligent in his duties. Christie made sure his every need was catered to.
Under Christie's encouragement. The maids kept him busy as they thanked Ignatius for their new homes and good fortune.
Two maids bowed, their clothes in their hands. Thank you, Master, for all you have done for us." They closed the door as they left.
***********
Luna prioritized caution and discipline over her basic needs. She felt unsure of herself and afraid to act, but she could not afford to mess up this second chance with Ignatius.
She knew that maintaining control was essential for the success of the coffee shop and their new life in Misty Cove. She would court Ignatius, gaining his trust. She wanted them to be friends again, and then she would give herself to him as a woman.
One evening, as the shop was closing, he gathered all the maids and Luna to the living room. Luna's mouth hung open as he pressed the gold coins into her hand, closing her fingers over them. "Thank you, Luna; you're amazing," he said, then moved on to Morgan. Luna stared as he gave each maid gold coins; he praised all of them.
"You've given us a new home and a fresh start. We are forever grateful." Morgan said as tears ran like pearls down her cheeks.
"Even though our tribe has discarded us as trash, you love us, doting on us like we were your wives."
"I'm glad to have found such rare gems in time," he replied.
Seven maids blushed at his words, wiping at their eyes, solidifying their undying love and loyalty. They would do anything for him.
"Your happiness means a lot to me," Ignatius said.
Luna shook her head. How did he gain such loyalty from these young women? Anger filled her. She could have been one of them if she had chosen a different path. Resentment for her parents filled her heart as she took a bottle of wine from the kitchen.
Anderson tried his luck with her to no avail. The man would plough all the women here if they gave him the chance. He was a fantastic cook. Luna retired to her room, placing the coins on her nightstand. Five gold coins with no mark on them. She had to work for six months to earn two hundred thousand silver coins. If the business stays stable, the shop should make one gold coin a month's turnover. After expenses, they had four hundred thousand silver coins left. Six hundred thousand short of a gold coin. Where did this money come from?
*****************
As the coffee shop continued to thrive, a new challenge emerged. Detective Elysia Bloodrose, known for her penetrating red eyes and mesmerising beauty, arrived at the coffee shop to check on them.
Her long, ebony-black hair was sleek and glossy, cascading down her back like a shadow. She often styled it in a sophisticated yet effortless manner, sometimes tying it in a high ponytail during intense investigations.
The coffee shop buzzed with energy as patrons filled the cosy space. On the first day of its grand opening, the shop was busy, with patrons enjoying the warm ambience and delicious aromas. Elysia Bloodrose entered the busy shop, her sharp eyes scanning the interior. She spotted a free table near the window and approached, commanding attention in a crowded room.
A young server from the town approached. Smiling, she set down a steaming cup of coffee and a generous slice of apple crumble in front of Elysia. "Here you go, Detective. Enjoy!"
"Miss Luna said it is on the house."
"Thank you," Elysia replied curtly, though not unkindly.
She sipped the rich, dark brew, savouring its robust flavour. Luna was treating her like royalty. Moments later, Luna joined her, seating herself across the table.
"Good to see you again, Elysia," Luna greeted, her voice warm.
"And you," Elysia responded, her tone softening.
"How's the coffee shop treating you?"
"The first day is open for business, and it is wonderful," Luna said, her eyes sparkling.
"Busy, but wonderful."
"Ignatius has been helping out, though he's at the hot springs with Christie and the maids today."
"Ignatius and crowds do not mix; he gets anxious, you see," Luna said, remembering last night in Ignatius's room as Zarkon explained his strange behaviour.
Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Hot springs, huh? Sounds like a relaxing day."
Luna chuckled. "Indeed. So, what brings you here today, Detective?"
"I'm curious about your past," Elysia said, leaning forward.
"You were a detective in the capital, correct?"
Luna nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I used to be. The allure of detective work had faded over time."
Luna frowned, and memories of her time in the capital now nauseated her. "It died for me years ago." She said, smiling, sadness in her eyes.
Luna only talked about her policing work, never mentioning her private life. She would steer the conversation to investigations as the questions came up. She skipped stakeouts and meetings. Elysia seemed interested in something other than those topics.
As they continued to talk, the hours slipped by unnoticed. They exchanged stories, sipped coffee, and shared bites of apple crumble. The conversation flowed, and both women enjoyed the unexpected camaraderie.
********
Chief Magnus entered the coffee shop. His eyes were immediately drawn to the display of pumpkin pie. Unable to resist, he ordered a slice and a cup of coffee. Settling at a corner table where he could observe Elysia and Luna.
Magnus watched as Elysia laughed at something Luna said, his curiosity piqued. It wasn't often that his lead detective let her guard down. As he savoured the pumpkin pie, he noticed Ignatius entering the shop, accompanied by Christie and seven young nubile elves.
He wondered why the girls wore cloaks and what they wore underneath them. He could sense the warding spell at the edge of the stairs. A powerful being cast it. Only guests could enter the upstairs area. No one could see what happened upstairs, as the ward prevented it.
The man had all those elven beauties and a pretty fairy to serve him. Luna was a girl everyman dreamed of. He would give his organs to be with her and Elysia. Luna's existence was unreal, yet she sat talking to Elysia. Magnus's heart burned with envy at seeing the nubile elven girls treating Ignatius like a king. Their light, enthusiastic chatter filled the air.
Their young scents filled the coffee shop. Their faces glowed with life and happiness, which infuriated Magnus. Young men stared at the beauties as they walked upstairs. Their flowery cloaks hide their figures.
Magnus frowned, his eyes narrowing as he watched Ignatius. As Magnus listened to them disappear upstairs. A man's voice came through. "Welcome home, Master."
He disliked the man, partly because he suspected Ignatius was hiding something. Because Ignatius's ethereal beauty made Magnus's heart race in a way he couldn't understand. His face heated up when he looked at him. It was unsettling.
Thorn had a butler as well, from his intel. He must be a noble from the capital. He decided that could only cause trouble for the residents of Misty Cove. Magnus had speculated with Elysia that he must be running from trouble.
After a few moments, Magnus approached Elysia's table. "Elysia," he said gruffly, interrupting their conversation. "I need a word."
Elysia looked up, her expression shifting back to professional. "Yes, Chief?"
Magnus glanced at the stairs. "That Thorn character... he should shave off all his hair. He's too... distracting."
Elysia suppressed a smile. "I'll let him know, Chief."
Luna suppressed a giggle with her hand.
Magnus nodded, leaving a tip for the server before heading towards the door. "I'll see you tomorrow at the office. The mayor hasn't contacted me yet, and I'm getting worried."
********
Elysia watched him leave, a thoughtful expression on her face. She turned back to Luna, who raised an eyebrow. "Interesting town, isn't it?"
"You have no idea," Elysia replied, a small smile on her lips.
Luna felt that the mayor was missing. "Could it be a Kidnapping?"
"It happened in the capital daily," Luna said, holding Elysia's hand.
"I do not know. It is strange."
"The mayor is a stickler when it comes to meetings," Elysia said, placing her hand on Luna's thigh.