Song of The Wisp

The café was quiet for a Sunday.

It was one of those rare mornings where the world moved slowly, as if time had rolled over in bed and hit snooze. Outside, the streets glistened from early rain, and the sun dabbled in through the window, painting the cafe in golden light.

Rory sat tucked in her usual corner, fingers wrapped around a mug she didn't remember finishing. The scent of espresso lingered in the air, mingling with the faint perfume of lilies from the florist next door. I gazed out the window, watching the leaves of autumn trees fall gently to the ground. Lost in thoughts of Faethorne, the scroll and a mischievous laughter that lingered.

Theo's laughter broke the silence.

He slid into the seat across from her, grinning like he always did when he caught her in a daze.

"Earth to Rory," he said, waving a sugar packet like a white flag. "Lost in Fairyland again?"

Rory smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Something like that."

"I always wonder where that brilliant mind wanders too. Who are you planning on crashing into next?" he retorted, with a smirk plastered on his face.

"Pft—you walked into me, remember? Mr. I-was-totallyyyy-walking-straight?" I mocked, a smile threatening to break my solemn face.

His laughter echoed in the quiet cafe, as he relaxed back into his seat.

"Guilty, as charged" He smirked.

His handsome features and strawberry blonde hair, glistening in the warm autumn light.

Minutes had turned into hours.

He talked about a new art gallery opening near the pier, about renting bikes this weekend, about how he'd finally tried the bakery, that I wouldn't stop raving about that last time we sat here.

I nodded along, the ache in my chest grew softer with every chuckle of his, the way his eyes brightened when he spoke of his dreams and passions and the way his hands ran through his hair

The autumn sun hung low on the horizon by the time we reached my front doorstep.

"Thank you for walking me home, Theo" I say politely

He gave me that crooked grin again—the one that always makes my heart feel instantly lighter.

"Anytime, Rory. Just don't blame me if I start pretending to 'accidentally' bump into you next time," he chuckled, already walking backward with a wave, the autumn light catching in his hair.

The door clicked softly behind me.

I leaned against it for a breath longer than necessary, eyes closed, forehead resting against the cool wood. The scent of autumn clung to my hair—leaves, cinnamon, and sweet coffee.It smelled like him—Theo. His laughter still echoed in my ears, sweet and steady.

I peel off my coat, letting it fall over the chair, and wander into the dim light of my house. The kettle clicks on, and I move to the sink without thinking.
I look up at the window.

A figure stands there.

Shadowed, inhumanly tall, blurred at the edges like smoke trapped in moonlight. My breath catches—too fast. The mug slips from my hand and shatters in the sink.

"They're in danger."

The voice curls through me like a memory reborn. The same voice that had called me by name. The same voice from the forest, from the vision. The one that whispered that I belonged.