Shae's heart still hadn't calmed, its rhythm an erratic drum in her chest. After the unexpected chaos of breakfast—the croissants, the dip, the tray—it had taken her longer than she liked to regain her composure. But as the morning went on, she couldn't help but glance toward Kai.
There the woman sat, at the corner table near the window, eating her breakfast in quiet contemplation. Her movements were deliberate, her posture relaxed but somehow... watchful. Kai barely made a sound as she cut into her eggs, lifted her tea to her lips, and picked at the fresh fruit on her plate. To Shae, it was clear Kai wasn't the type to fill silence with chatter. She was a woman of few words, one who most likely only spoke when it truly mattered. But what struck Shae the most—what she couldn't stop thinking about—was the air of solitude that clung to Kai. It wasn't sadness, exactly, but it was close. A deep, lingering loneliness that made her chest ache just looking at her. 'Why does she feel so lonely?'. It wasn't something Shae could ask, of course. She didn't know Kai well enough to pry, and powerful Fae were notoriously private. Still, there was something so intriguing about her. She didn't act like other powerful Fae—those arrogant individuals who strutted into Tennga like they owned the place, flaunting their magic and demanding attention. No, Kai was nothing like them. She was calm, polite, almost shy in her mannerisms.
Shae rubbed her chest absentmindedly, recalling the moment Kai had caught her. She could still feel the strength in Kai's arm beneath the bomber jacket, the effortless way she'd steadied her as though she weighed nothing. That strength, combined with the overwhelming aura of power Shae could sense, should have been intimidating. Yet, it wasn't. What was intimidating was the mystery of it all. Kai gave nothing away. She didn't announce her rank, didn't flaunt her superiority, didn't even seem to care about the unspoken hierarchy that so many Fae were obsessed with. When Sebastian, the gruff and no-nonsense dwarf, had commented on Kai apologising to him—him of all people—Shae had laughed it off. But she knew Sebastian had been genuinely surprised. Dwarves were notorious for their bluntness and their indifference to rank, but even Sebastian had sensed something different about Kai. "She's powerful, no doubt about it," he had muttered over his coffee, "but she's got none of that pomp. Weird one, that." Shae found herself agreeing. Kai was... different. Different in a way that set her apart from every other guest who had ever walked through the doors of this Bed N' Breakfast.
As Kai finished her meal and quietly stood to leave, Shae's gaze followed her, a thousand questions buzzing in her mind. She would have to speak to her sister about this. If anyone could help her figure out who—or what—Kai was, it was her sister. But one thing was clear: Kai was no ordinary Fae. She might not flaunt her power, but Shae could feel it as surely as she could feel the sun on her skin. It was ancient, vast, and utterly unique. And if the townsfolk felt it too, it was no wonder they treated Kai with such a mix of curiosity and unease.
Kai walked down the sidewalk, her boots scuffing lightly against the uneven pavement as her mind spun. She had started to notice things—small details that her brain had stubbornly refused to acknowledge until now. The peculiarities of the townsfolk, the strange clothing choices, the peculiar energy that seemed to cling to everything and everyone. But it was the children that finally made her stop in her tracks. They weren't just playing like normal kids. One child with wide, sparkling eyes flicked her hand, and a trail of flower petals danced through the air, forming a tiny, spiralling cyclone. Another boy, with ears so pointed they couldn't possibly pass for human, laughed as he scaled a lamppost as easily as if it were a tree. Kai's breath hitched. Her brain screamed at her to move along, to ignore what she was seeing, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. Her pulse thundered in her ears as her gaze caught on the window of a quaint bookstore. There, standing behind the counter, was what could only be described as an actual satyr. He had furry legs, cloven hooves, and a pair of small, curled horns protruding out from a mop of wild, curly hair. He hummed to himself as he shelved books, utterly unbothered by how out of place he should have been. Kai's chest tightened. She took a step back, her breathing quickening. 'What the hell is going on?' She turned in place, scanning the street with new eyes. It was as though a veil had been lifted, revealing what had always been there. A man with unnaturally green hair and bark-like skin was tending to a flower shop. Across the street, a tall, cloaked woman handed out pastries, her golden eyes glowing faintly beneath her hood. Kai's mind raced as she stumbled into a side alley, leaning against the cool brick wall to steady herself. They're real. All of them. This town isn't normal. She pressed a hand to her chest, willing herself to calm down. "Think. Stay calm. Play it cool." Whatever this place was, she couldn't afford to lose her composure. She had to figure out what was going on.
By the time Kai returned to Shea's Bed N' Breakfast, she had managed to compose herself, though the questions still buzzed in her mind. The small bell above the door chimed as she stepped inside, the warm scent of baked goods and wood polish washing over her like a balm.
Shea stood behind the front desk, her serene expression lighting up when she saw Kai. "Welcome back," she greeted warmly. "Did you enjoy your walk?"' Kai hesitated for only a second before nodding. "It was... enlightening." Shea's delicate brow arched slightly, but she said nothing, her smile remaining steady. "Mind if we talk?" Kai asked, gesturing toward the sitting area by the large window. "Of course." Shea followed her, moving with a grace that Kai now realised wasn't entirely human.
They sat across from each other, the afternoon light casting a golden glow over the room. Kai leaned forward slightly, choosing her words carefully. "I've noticed... people here treat me a little differently. They stare, they get jumpy. It's like they're expecting something from me. Do you know why that is?"'. Shea tilted her head, her bright blue eyes studying Kai with an almost motherly curiosity. "Ah, I wondered when you'd ask. You must forgive the townsfolk. They're not used to someone like you." "Someone like me?" Kai asked, keeping her tone casual despite the tension coiling in her chest. Shea nodded, her smile softening. "You're... remarkable. Your aura is unlike anything I've encountered before. It's ancient, powerful, and incredibly rare. It's only natural that people are curious—and maybe a little intimidated." Kai blinked, fighting the urge to laugh. 'Intimidated!They think I'm one of them. That's why they're acting weird!'
"That must explain all the staring," Kai said instead, leaning back in her chair. Shea chuckled lightly. "Yes, though I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable. You're welcome here, truly. All Fae are. Tennga was created as a sanctuary, a place where we can coexist peacefully and adjust to the human world without drawing unwanted attention." Kai cocked an eyebrow. "I've never come across a place like this before." Shea beamed, her pride evident. "We're unique, though I hope not for long. Many Fae who come here find they prefer it to crossing the barrier back to the other side. It's a place to belong without fear of discovery." Kai nodded thoughtfully, filing away every piece of information. "So this is like a... halfway house? For Fae to learn how to live among humans?"Shea laughed, a rich, melodic sound. "In a sense, yes. The human world is beautiful, but it's also complicated. Many Fae struggle to blend in. That's why we have towns like this—to help them acclimate. Some stay, some leave, but all are welcome." Kai leaned forward slightly, studying Shea with a sharp gaze. "Do humans ever... cross the barrier?" Shea's expression darkened slightly, though her smile didn't falter. "No, thank the stars. Humans are curious by nature, but their world is not meant to intersect with ours. They wouldn't adapt well, and it could cause... problems." Kai let out a low chuckle, surprising herself. "No offense, but from what I've seen, you guys aren't exactly great at playing human either." Shea blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. "You're not wrong," she admitted. "That's why Tennga exists. We're learning, but it's a work in progress." Kai nodded, her mind still racing. The idea that these Fae couldn't tell she was human was both astonishing and strangely amusing. "Maybe more towns like this should exist," she said carefully. "It seems like a good way for Fae to experience the best of both worlds without causing trouble." Shea's eyes lit up, clearly pleased. "I think so too. The human world has so much to offer, and it's a shame not to embrace it."
Kai allowed herself a small smile, though her thoughts churned with the weight of what she had learned. This town—this sanctuary—wasn't just a refuge for the Fae. It was a fragile balance, one that could shatter if the wrong person stumbled upon it. For now, she would stay. She needed answers, and this town was full of them. But more than that, she was starting to feel something she hadn't felt in a long time: interest and an urge to discover something new.
Kai stretched out languidly on the bed after her nap, feeling surprisingly refreshed. Though her encounter with Shae earlier had left her somewhat nervous, it also helped ease some of the tension she'd carried since her arrival. She figured she might as well venture back into the town—see what else this strange place had to offer.
Her boots echoed lightly against the wooden stairs as she descended, her thoughts turning to where she might go. As she reached the bottom step, she paused. Shae stood near another woman who could only be her sister. They were deep in conversation, their voices flowing in a language so melodic it made Kai's chest ache with longing. She didn't understand a word, but something about it felt ancient and alive, like a song from a dream she couldn't quite remember.
Not wanting to startle anyone again, Kai purposefully made her footsteps heavier as she approached. Shae and the other woman stopped speaking immediately, both turning toward her. Shae's expression flickered with surprise, while the other woman regarded Kai with an open curiosity. "I, uh..." Kai began, her voice soft and unsure. She rubbed the back of her neck, avoiding their gazes. "I tried to make some noise. I didn't want to startle you again."Shae's heart squeezed. That was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture—so unlike any powerful Fae she'd ever encountered. Her lips curved into a warm, genuine smile. "Thank you," she said softly, with such feeling that it made Kai's cheeks burn. "This is my sister," Shae continued, gesturing to the other woman. "She owns the antique store across the way." Kai gave a small nod, murmuring a quiet, "Hello." The sister smiled back, studying Kai curiously, but said nothing of the power radiating off her in waves.
After exchanging pleasantries and receiving directions to the town library, Kai excused herself. Shae and her sister watched her go, waiting until the door swung shut before giggling like mischievous schoolgirls. "She's adorable," Shae's sister whispered, her grin wide. "Awkward, sweet, and ridiculously powerful. What is she?" "I don't know," Shae admitted, glancing at the door as if Kai might reappear. "But I'm going to bring her by your shop later. Maybe she'll tell us more."
Kai strolled through the town with a renewed sense of calm, her sharp eyes noting the subtle oddities she had missed before. Now that she knew the truth and what to look for, the peculiarities didn't bother her. Instead, she observed the Fae townsfolk with a quiet fascination.
She passed shopkeepers with pointed ears, children with faintly glowing skin, and others who wore strange clothing that seemed inspired by human styles but missed the mark entirely. Her gaze lingered on a satyr lounging on a bench, his hooves propped up as he read a newspaper. For the first time since arriving, she smiled.
A group of children playing nearby caught her attention, their laughter ringing out as they chased one another in a game of tag. She didn't notice the small figure barreling toward her until it collided with her legs. Kai stumbled then looked down to see a little boy—or something close to one—staring up at her with wide, teary eyes. He had floppy ears, big round eyes, and a button nose that twitched nervously. The rest of him appeared mostly human, though his skin had a faint, fur-like texture. The other children froze mid-play, their eyes darting between Kai and the boy. A woman nearby—clearly the boy's mother—took a hesitant step forward, her expression filled with apprehension but fear holding her back.
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Kai crouched to the boy's level, her movements slow and deliberate. Her whisper-like voice softened further as she asked, "Are you okay?"'. The tears in the boy's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by curiosity. He blinked at her for a moment before nodding, his floppy ears bouncing with the motion. Kai's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Can I help you up?". Another nod, another adorable flop of the ears. Kai reached out and gently lifted him by the underarms, setting him back on his feet with ease. Once he was steady, she dusted off his clothes, brushing away the dirt. Finally, she reached up and carefully adjusted his floppy ears, smoothing them back into place."There," she murmured, patting his head lightly. The boy stared at her for a moment longer before grinning, his face lighting up. "Thank you!" he barked, his voice high-pitched with excitement. Then, just as quickly, he turned and bolted back to his friends, who erupted into whispers and giggles. The boy's mother let out a shuddering breath, her hand pressed to her chest. When she met Kai's gaze, her face broke into a dazzling smile of gratitude. Kai gave her a small nod and an equally quiet smile before turning and continuing on her way toward the library.
Once she was out of sight, the gathered adults burst into chatter. "I thought she'd be furious!" the boy's mother exclaimed, still clutching her chest.
"Did you see that? She fixed his ears!" another said, laughing.
"Powerful and kind," someone else chimed in. "I didn't think those two went together."
As the group laughed and marvelled over the encounter, the little boy's ears flopped wildly again, undone from Kai's careful adjustments. His friends teased him, but he didn't seem to mind. For the townsfolk, Kai's simple act of kindness was enough to leave a lasting impression. For Kai, it was just a quiet moment of normalcy she didn't even realise she'd needed.
Kai spent her time at the library immersed in the history of the Fae. It was strange reading what they thought of humans—an odd mix of reverence, curiosity, and disdain. The history books revealed that countless major events in human history were inexplicably tied to the Fae. Though the scope of information was overwhelming, she eventually decided to focus on the history of the town itself. The librarian, a tall and poised figure with sharp, bird-like features and sleek feathers—who Kai was fairly certain was a harpy—was incredibly helpful. She guided Kai to the books she needed with an efficiency and grace that seemed almost mechanical. Kai quickly got lost in the fascinating tales, and time seemed to melt away. So absorbed was she in her reading that she barely noticed Shae's presence until the Moon Fae tapped her on the shoulder. "I knew I'd find you here," Shae teased, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. She stood with her usual air of casual confidence, her dark black hair pulled into its neat bun, though a few strands had escaped, curling against her sharp, freckled cheekbones. Kai blinked up at her, momentarily disoriented. "How long have I been here?" "Long enough that Rina sent me to fetch you. She wants you to stop by the shop—tea and cakes are waiting," Shae said with a warm smile. "Oh! Sure," Kai said, quickly standing and beginning to replace the books she had been reading. She also wiped down the table, stacked her notes, and cleaned up her work area. The quiet murmurings of other patrons reached her ears as she worked."Why does she bother cleaning up after herself?" one whispered. "Strange Fae," another muttered. Kai didn't notice the remarks, though Shae raised an eyebrow and shook her head in amusement.
As they walked toward the antique store, Shae pointed out various landmarks and offered bits of information about the town. "How old is this place?" Kai asked, her curiosity piqued by the charming cobblestone streets and buildings that seemed alive with quiet magic."Five hundred years, give or take," Shae said, gesturing toward a narrow alley. "Though the ley-lines here are ancient. That's why Tennga was built—this is one of the biggest convergence points in the region."Kai nodded, filing away the information. "And you've lived here a long time?" Shae shook her head. "Only a hundred years. I'm still considered new here. My sister and I are the only Moon Touched in town though. Of course Rina moved in before me. Our parents only agreed because of her age. I had to wait till my second century before I could join her."
Kai turned her head away, pretending to admire the scenery to hide her shock. As they approached the town square, Kai's gaze was drawn to a trio of towering stone pillars etched with glowing runes. They shimmered faintly with energy, standing out even in the vibrant bustle of the square. "Those are ley-line pillars," Shae explained, noticing her interest. "They're relatively new. Built to channel ley-line energy and transport Fae. They can move a couple dozen at a time." Kai frowned, confused but trying to keep her expression neutral. Shae chuckled. "You're probably wondering why we don't just use fairy rings like normal Fae. Honestly? I wonder that too. The rings are way simpler and less... flashy." Kai smiled politely, glad she didn't have to admit her ignorance about fairy rings.
The chime of a bell greeted them as they entered the antique store, a warm and inviting space filled with mismatched furniture and shelves crammed with treasures. The air smelled faintly of lavender and wood polish.
"Rin! We're here!" Shae called out.
From the back room emerged Rina, her midnight black hair pulled into a braid and familiar face lit with a welcoming smile. The two Moon Fae truly looked similar. Though Rina was slightly shorter than Shae. She wore a practical dress with an apron, wiping her hands on a towel as she greeted them. "Kai, welcome," she said warmly. "I've heard a lot about you. Come, let's have some tea."
The back room was cozy, with a small round table covered in a lace cloth. Tea and cakes were already set out, and Kai was struck by how homely the space felt. The sisters chatted easily, sharing stories of their childhood and the adventures that had brought them to Tennga. Kai listened quietly, occasionally sharing small details about the human world. The sisters, assuming she was well-traveled, asked more questions than she could answer.
Time passed quickly, and the afternoon was filled with laughter and good company. Then, the shop's front door slammed open, the bell jangling wildly.
"Shae! Rina!"
Kai followed the sisters into the storefront to find Lucas, the satyr she had seen before, panting and wide-eyed. "What's wrong?" Shae asked, stepping forward to steady him.
"Werewolves," Lucas gasped. "A whole pack. They came through the pillars and—they're harassing the Cobalts."
Rina's face darkened, her warm demeanour replaced with an icy look. "Where are they?"
"The town square."
The sisters didn't hesitate. Shae grabbed a staff from behind the counter, and the two of them headed for the door, Lucas trailing behind. Kai hesitated, her heart pounding. She was only human—what could she do? But then again she was a very capable fighter and remembering the floppy-eared boy and his mother, it was an easy decision for her. With a deep breath, she followed.
The square was chaotic. The werewolves, a rugged group that looked more like a biker gang than anything else, stood in a loose circle, jeering and laughing as they surrounded the mother and son. The woman clutched the boy protectively, her wide eyes filled with terror as one of the wolves grabbed at her. His hand smacked her on the rear as she spun around putting herself between him and the little boy. Another was able to shove him out of the way, making him fall to the ground, as both Weres converged on his mother. They wedged her between them. One grabbing her from behind and pressing himself against her rear as the other did the same between her legs and began to roughly molest her chest. She screamed and shoved against them, managing to knee the one in front in the crotch. He growled and backhanded her. She fell to her knees beside her son.
Kai's blood boiled.
The mayor strode forward, his jovial demeanour gone. Now he stood tall and commanding, his presence enough to silence the crowd. "What is the meaning of this?!" One of the wolves sneered. "Mind your business, old fool."The mayor's stern gaze silenced him. But then the werewolves parted as the Alpha emerged, scarred and menacing. The crowd instinctively shrank back. "I answer to No One," the Alpha growled. "Besides, you should be thanking us! We're doing this town a favour, getting rid of the trash."
Kai froze as she realized what he meant. The little boy whimpered, and the woman flinched as the wolves pawed at her.
Before she knew it, Kai was moving. One moment she was at the edge of the crowd; the next, she was inside the circle. No one even noticed her until, like a shadow, she appeared behind the Alpha. "Consider me No One." She whispered menacingly. The Alpha's eyes widened in shock at the sudden presence behind him. Before he knew it the world was spinning. Up became down and he felt his feet leave the earth. Then with a resounding crash he hit the ground.
In one fluid motion, Kai swept the wolfs legs out from under him and slammed him down hard against the cobblestone road. Using that momentum she rolled him into a vice-like arm-bar and without mercy applied pressure.
The wolves froze, stunned into silence as they watched their Alpha struggle to get free from the strange female.
Kai tightened her grip, ignoring the jerking swipes from his claw-like hand. His feet kicked around trying to get away. Adjusting her grip and body, she positioned herself behind his back and wrapped her strong thighs around his torso. She then pulled his arm further back and up creating more pressure against his carotid artery. His muscles flexed as he strained against her grip, making it harder for himself as his own muscles blocked his airway. She held on until she felt him stop struggling and his body go limp.
Kai shoved the unconscious Alpha's body aside. She then rose up and stood over his prone form in a nonchalant manor,as if she hadn't just taken down the most dangerous being in the square.
She turned her body facing the pack with a glare. "Back off," she said, her voice a quiet growl.
The wolves cowered, their instincts screaming for them to run. They lowered their heads, avoiding her gaze in submission. Searching through the pack she zeroed in on the two bastards that had molested the woman. Kai stepped forward and as she did the two guilty wolves fell over themselves in panic. They ended up in a heap on the ground and crawling backwards away from her. Kai loomed over them silently and eyed them malevolently. She glanced back at the unconscious alpha. "Take him and leave." She said. Her voice like ice. An audible gulp was heard as the two stumbled to their feet and slunk passed her baring their necks in an effort to seem harmless.
They grabbed the Alpha and hauled him up. His arms draped over their shoulders as they supported his dead weight.
"One last thing.." came Kai's voice. Cutting through the air. They both flinched in fright, almost dropping their heavy load. They looked up at the dangerous woman. "You owe her an apology. Don't You Think?!" The two snapped their heads to the side as they panicked and yelled out their sorries and promises never to do it again. The mother only cowered away while clutching her child closer as she still sat there on the ground. The unfortunate two swung their heads back to Kai. Hoping they had appeased her. Kai scowled darkly at them and stepped to the side letting them pass as they carried their still unconscious Alpha between them. His feet dragging on the cobblestones as they went. The pack slowly backed away from the frightening female. Kai then said one last thing. "Follow the rules, or don't bother coming back." They all nodded their heads and swiftly retreated from the square. Kai turned to the Cobalt woman. Slowly she approached with her hands out trying to be as non-threatening as possible and effortlessly lifted her off the ground. Gently she steadied her and adjusted her blouse, that had nearly been ripped by the the wolves. "Are you alright ?"
The woman who had until now been silent, burst into tears, clutching Kai as if she were a lifeline. The little boy followed suit, his tiny body trembling as he clung to her leg. Kai stiffened at the contact and awkwardly rubbed and patted the woman's back while smoothing the boy's ears.
She was not good with these types of interactions.
Shae and Rina watched with quiet smiles, their expressions a mix of awe and amusement. The mayor, relieved, walked forward and clapped Kai on the shoulder in thanks as a group of mothers extricated themselves from the crowd and gently ushered the teary eyed woman and child a way.
As the crowd began to disperse, Kai remained oblivious to the whispers around her.
"You're something else, Kai," Shae said softly as she walked her guest back to the Bed & Breakfast. Kai blinked at her. "What do you mean?" Shae just chuckled and shook her head. 'My Stars! This woman!' She thought in exasperated awe. Kai cocked her to the side confused, then merely shrugged, stuffing her hands in her Jean pockets, as usual completely oblivious to the the impact she had on the town's folk. She sighed and let her feet carry her, following Shae down the side walk.
