The town of Misty Cove plunged into chaos when the beloved mayor, John Silvan. Was found murdered in his home. The once-peaceful streets buzzed with whispers and speculation. The crime scene was a grim sight. The mayor's lifeless body lay sprawled on the floor, a pool of blood surrounding him.
An antique cane with a skull made of purple crystal was missing from the scene. He had been missing for days. His secretary had found the body when she went to water his plants.
Elysia arrived at the crime scene, her sharp eyes examining every detail. A handkerchief with the initials "E.V." embroidered on it was discovered near the body. She picked it up, noting the fine stitching and the faint scent of cologne.
An anonymous letter was found in the mayor's office, threatening to reveal a deadly secret. The letter's ominous tone sent a chill down her spine. An old newspaper clipping detailing the unsolved case of a stabbed young man. It was also found in the mayor's study, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Elysia assigned to lead the investigation. She knew the stakes were high, the pressure to solve the case was immense. As she delved deeper into the mayor's life. She discovered that Ignatius had called the mayor's office, seeking a meeting with the man. This immediately made her distrustful of him. Chief Magnus had a feeling that Ignatius would be in trouble. She said to no one in particular.
Elysia waited in Silvi's coffee shop. Luna had offered her a coffee, but she declined. She was out for blood. In her mind, Ignatius was guilty—something about the man made her warm and tingly inside. Ignatius came downstairs, his maid following him.
Wealthy nobles, she thought, ridiculous. Another woman followed a beautiful elf with a cloak hiding her body. She dabbed with a white handkerchief at the corner of her mouth and chin. She wanted to call him out as the murderer but was interrupted.
"Morgan, buy the chocolate bars with the orange peel and brandy inside. There should be enough coin for everyone upstairs and one for Luna."
Morgan bowed and left, with Christie floating behind her. Her fairy dust covered the floor as a breeze wafted into the shop.
They turned and kissed him. Elysia could not stand the man anymore. He was a scourge on this town and women. The fact that she felt jealous as they blew kisses with those cute gestures did not help her anger.
She decided to confront Ignatius. "Why were you so eager to see the mayor?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she studied his reaction.
"Good day to you, detective." He took her hand.
"You look spectacular today." Kissing it.
"Thank you for gracing us with your presence today." He pulled out a chair for her to sit down.
She blushed as she lowered herself onto the chair. He, the gentleman, gently pushed the seat forward. She had never been treated like a lady before. He seated himself before her.
Ignatius met her gaze. "I had important matters to discuss with him."
"Matters that could have benefited the town." He said, pouring coffee for her and adding a generous amount of cream.
Why is he treating me like a special girl? Is it a diversion tactic? She thought.
Elysia needed more convincing. "And what about this handkerchief?"
"It has Evan's initials on it," Ignatius said. "He is the mayor's nephew."
She took a sip of the coffee. "Mmmmm." She moaned with pleasure.
"Do you know anything about it?" Elysia placed the handkerchief back in the evidence bag. "The mayor's murder took place in his home."
His eyes widened. His only lead to his mother's murder was killed before he could talk to his old school friend. He suspected that Elysia wanted to make him suspect number one. Should he tell her that he was the wizard? No, he would keep that a secret.
He admired the women. She and Luna made the perfect pair, he thought. He would have her one day, he decided, all to himself.
Ignatius shook his head. "I have no idea. But I assure you, I had nothing to do with the mayor's death."
Elysia's instincts told her there was more to Ignatius than he was letting on. She decided to keep a close eye on him as the investigation progressed. She could feel a throbbing between her legs as she came closer to him.
Ignatius took her hand. Luna got his attention, standing to the side. "Please, detective, stay a while. We want to thank the hero of Misty Cove," Ignatius said, motioning for Luna to come closer.
Luna took her hand, seating herself and looking up at her pleadingly. "We were shopping there with our maid, Christie. We hid as well as we could."
"You saved us, and we want to thank you." The patrons gave three cheers, and everyone thanked her for her heroism.
Ignatius enjoyed the two beautiful women at his table. He needed to find Silvi's murderer. He waved over one of the serving girls. "Betty, give Detective Elysia the biggest piece of apple pie we have."
"Please make it generous and bring her more coffee and cream. It is on the house for our hero."
Elysia wanted to protest, but Luna persuaded her. They talked for an hour. Ignatius leaned over to Luna. When you're finished, come to my room. He whispered, his voice husky. Luna nodded. Yes. Ignatius excused himself and disappeared upstairs.
*****************
The tranquil town of Misty Cove was abuzz with the arrival of Clair Sullivan, known for her charm and ambition. She was a striking woman who gained fame as a wealthy noble from Queens Town. With her sights set on Ignatius and his perceived wealth, she decided to make her move. She had the title of Dutchess in the capital.
Clair's first step was orchestrating a "chance" meeting at the local library. She dressed like a noble lady, choosing a form-fitting dress that accentuated her curves. She carried a few books on ancient cities. She spotted Ignatius engrossed in a thick tome as she entered the library.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice smooth and captivating.
"I'm Clair Sullivan, and I couldn't help but notice you're reading about ancient cities. It's a topic I'm quite passionate about."
Ignatius looked up, taken aback by her beauty and confidence. "Oh? I'm Ignatius Thorn. It's rare to meet someone interested in ancient history."
Ignatius pointed to Luna, browsing at a bookshelf. "That is Luna, my business partner."
Clair waved at Luna with a broad smile. "Not married, I hope."
Ignatius closed his book. "We own Silvi's Coffee Shop near the docks on the edge of town."
Clair spotted Luna's ring. She would get rid of him and have his wealth all to herself. Being married meant nothing in this world, she thought.
Luna looked alarmed and rushed to the toilet. Good run away, Luna, he is mine. Clair thought.
Clair flashed a charming smile and gracefully slid into the seat across from him. "Well, Ignatius, let me impress you with what I know."
As Clair spoke, Ignatius found himself captivated by this human woman. She wove tales of ancient civilisations, their rise and fall. And the intricate details of their architecture and culture. She didn't hesitate to flaunt her impressive charms. Leaning forward enough to give Ignatius a glimpse of her well-endowed figure.
Two hours passed. She could see Luna return from the toilet. Clair saw Luna and excused herself, saying, "I have an important meeting I must attend."
When they parted, Clair promised to visit him at his shop. Her hips drew his eyes like she had planned. She had seduced many a man before. Clair could smell the gold coins in her grasp already as she walked to the inn.
Clair turned, waving at Ignatius, looking cute as she did. He waved back, shocked. Good look at me, my target. Soon, your fortune will be mine, she thought.
Clair takes her keys out of her expensive handbag. To unlock her room at the inn. An unkept, nerdy brown-haired man steps closer.
"Clair, did you succeed." He sniffled
Clair opens the door, pulling the man inside. "Yes, he is smitten with me." She brushes her fingers through his hair.
He leaned in for a kiss. She turned around, lifting her skirt. She climbs on the bed, standing on her hands and knees. "Come, Marcus, fill me with your love."
"It will not be long before we have his wealth all to ourselves.
"Clair, you're the…..."
*********
Luna watched from a distance, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach. She had never felt so threatened before. She wanted a break from the coffee shop and came with Ignatius to the library for light reading.
Clair's sudden appearance and clear intentions set off alarm bells in Luna's mind. She knew she had to act before Clair ensnared Ignatius. She did not look like the sharing type. As she watched them interact, it felt like something had squeezed her heart. Her feet could not move, and breathing became difficult.
Luna took his arm. "Let us go back. You need food."
"Yes, you are right." His eyes followed Clair till she disappeared around a corner.
Zarkon's eyes narrowed as Ignatius recounted his meeting with Clair. Luna could feel him slipping away from her. Clair had style, and she knew things that Ignatius found interesting. She could not compete with that. She thought her heart ached.
"Ignatius, be careful around Clair. We don't know her."
You tell him, Zarki, that he should listen to you. Luna cheered Zarkon in her heart. Luna brushed her fingers through Christie's hair.
Christie looked around at Ignatius. "Be careful, Master." She moaned.
Ignatius nodded, though he seemed unconcerned. "I know, Zarkon, but she seems interested in ancient cities."
"Do not fear," Christie whispered. "We will not let him fall in that witch's hands.
*********
Luna couldn't stand by any longer. She would not let Ignatius go without a fight, so she confronted Clair. She found her in the market, chatting with a group of townsfolk, her laugh melodic and infectious.
"Clair," Luna called out, her voice steady but firm. "Can we talk for a moment?"
Clair turned a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Of course, Luna. What can I do for you?"
"I know what you're trying to do," Luna said bluntly.
"And I won't let you manipulate Ignatius."
Clair's smile never wavered. "My dear Luna, I'm not manipulating anyone."
She smiled at a man walking by. He fell over his own feet. "Ignatius and I have a genuine connection."
She waved an orange handkerchief dismissively. "If you feel threatened, it's because you haven't done enough to secure your place in his life."
Luna's eyes flashed with determination. "I'll protect Ignatius from anyone who means him harm. Consider this a warning."
As Luna walked away, she felt a newfound resolve. She wouldn't let Clair's presence undermine her relationship with Ignatius. She would fight for him, proving that their bond was more than any threat Clair could pose.
***********
Luna and Ignatius walked to the market, their cloaks protecting them from the relentless rain. The stones under their boots soaked, creating a rhythmic splashing sound as they moved. The coffee shop had been busy, and its stock was running low, necessitating this trip.
The market was busy as always, and people in this small town did not fear the rain. The market was the local farmers' place of business, and they kept the economy going.
As they approached the market, Ignatius spotted Ayla, the petite dryad, struggling with her wheelbarrow in the rain and mud. She slipped and fell hard.
A harsh cough escaped her as she stood. Despite her condition, she gathered her resolve and tried to push the wheelbarrow. Only to get stuck in the mud. She walked around coughing, then weakly lifted the front end, but it was too much for her.
"Ignatius, help her," Luna urged.
Ignatius rushed to Ayla's side as she fell in the mud, not moving at all. "Luna, get the wheelbarrow," he called out.
Ignatius lifted the petite dryad off the ground. In a princess carry. They rushed to the doctor's office. Luna on his heels with the wheelbarrow. Fifteen peaches floated in the rainwater inside the wheelbarrow.
Half an hour later, they exited the doctor's office. The rain had stopped for now. Ayla lay sleeping in Ignatius's arms, her breathing shallow but steady. Ignatius used the back entrance. Walking up the stairs to their living quarters above the coffee shop.
Christie fussed over the petite teen as Luna drew her a bath. Zarkon disappeared into the kitchen. Luna and Christie bathed Ayla, washing away the mud and grime. They dressed her in one of Ignatius's warm shirts, which looked like a dress on her slender frame.
"Thank you," Ayla said weakly as Zarkon placed a warm herbal tea before her. The cook brought her a big bowl of vegetable soup.
He did not try to hit on a girl for once; his face was grave, and worry showed in his eyes. He had a young daughter, and his fatherly instincts had kicked in.
Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
Ignatius took Luna's hand and addressed Ayla. "We would love it if you worked for the coffee shop."
Luna brushed her fingers through Ayla's hair. "A room and three meals daily with pay, and you keep your customers tips."
Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
Ayla stared at them. "What do you need me to do for this generosity?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
Ignatius's expression remained innocent. She pointed at the maids cleaning nearby. "They look like wives, not maids."
She pointed at Morgan And Cherry, who stood on a small step, each cleaning the corners. Their dresses slits revealing their underwear. "Transparent lace underwear. I can see her vagina from here."
Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
Mandy bent down to eye level. We love our Master. My body and soul belong to him. I would work naked if he asked. She strolled away, her hips swinging provocatively.
Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
The seven maids stopped working because they worried about the petite girl. Sasha placed her hand over her left breast. "Only Master Ignatius partakes of us. Zarkon enjoys watching."
Zarkon laughed. "You will be safe from me. You're twenty-five, although you look sixteen."
Ayla turned her head to look at Zarkon. "How do you know my age?"
Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
"I do, young lady. You're quite pretty, and I never miss the opportunity to learn everything about such a beauty."
Morgan stepped up to Ayla. "May you find the joy of Master doting on you in the future. And may he bless you with love every day."
Ayla stared at the women with disbelief. Cough, Cough, Ayla coughed.
Morgan kissed Ignatius on the cheek. She sat in his lap, and he held her, brushing his fingers through her hair. "You are magnificent, Morgan." Hugging her, she had her head in his neck, holding Ignatius as he drank his coffee.
After all, the maids made their pleas. Ayla agreed to work for the coffee shop, praising Ignatius's generosity and kind heart. Luna helped her buy clothes, and Zarkon provided uniforms that fit perfectly.
Ayla was puzzled by how well he knew her sizes. She recovered in her new room, grateful for the kindness shown to her. She had no possessions, but Zarkon and Christie cared for her like Ayla was their love child.
As Ayla settled into her new life, she felt a sense of belonging and security she hadn't known before. She adjusted as she became accustomed to the strange dynamic. Between what she thought were family members.
The maids were more like his wives than servants. Christie and Luna were the head wives.
Silvi's coffee shop had a new petite, big-breasted beauty who drew many new male customers. She was a favourite from the start. Her cheerful way of speaking and her looks melted patrons' hearts.
She eyed Ignatius as he came and went. Something had changed inside her. She wanted his attention, and she would pledge her life and body to him. She needed to muster the courage to do it. She will take the opportunity as it presents itself.