The laughter in the Powerful Mage Coffee Club was still going strong as Damien Bloodbane slumped into a chair, temporarily at a loss on what he should do next.
Athena happily munched on a pastry Maru had tossed her way, her feet swinging under the chair as if she had no care in the world.
Damien Bloodbane, however, had plenty of cares.
No tuition money.
No coffee for the shop.
And now, a mystery golden-haired child who had adopted him as her brother out of nowhere.
His day couldn't get any worse.
Or so he thought.
Because right then, amid the lingering chuckles and coffee chatter, one of the older, more serious-looking elders suddenly spoke.
"Well," he said, his voice low and deliberate, yet carrying a certain weight. "Should we do it?"
The room fell silent.
Several elders exchanged glances, their faces suddenly thoughtful.
Damien Bloodbane sat up straighter, instantly suspicious.
Maru's eyebrow raised. "Hah. You're actually serious?"
