The Devil's Queen (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter 12- Their Paths Cross

Naina's POV:

Oh, what a morning! It felt like Murphy's Law was at play – anything that could go wrong did. My alarm clock had betrayed me, refusing to ring on time, and my hot water heater decided to take an unscheduled vacation. As a result, I found myself in a mad rush to get to work.

As I rushed through the bustling streets of the city, I couldn't help but wonder if Mondays had a personal vendetta against me. My usual morning ritual, filled with a serene cup of tea and a chapter from my favorite book, was sacrificed to the relentless march of the clock. The very idea of being late for work sent a shiver down my spine; punctuality and discipline was my silent mantra.

As I got closer to "The Literary Latte," something unusual caught my attention. A bunch of people, all dressed in dark, mysterious outfits, were sitting in the comfiest corner of our café. They exuded an air of authority and seriousness that felt strangely out of place. Their whispered discussions were barely audible over the background noise of the cafe, but they left an impression on me.

However, I didn't have the time to indulge my curiosity at that moment. Late was late, and I couldn't afford to lose my job over it. I pushed open the cafe's door, my heart still racing from the rush to get here.

The cafe had a different ... rather a rushed vibe today. Several employees had chosen to extend their weekend, leaving the rest of us to pick up the slack. The cafe was abuzz with activity, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Aanya approached me with a hint of desperation in her eyes. She explained the chaotic situation, the influx of customers, and the urgency of the moment.

Aanya: (frantic) "Naina, thank goodness you're here! It's chaos today. We're short-staffed, and customers just keep pouring in. Can you help take orders?"

I nodded in determination, temporarily setting aside my curiosity about the mysterious group seated in our cafe.

Naina: (determined and playful) "Of course, Aanya. I've arrived, and together, we'll handle this. Let's dive into work, but You could have given me a nudge, Aanya. It's a bit surprising that you abandoned me to wake up alone on a Monday morning!"

Aanya: (apologetic) "I'm really sorry, Naina. It knew it would be a mad rush today, as Priya asked us to come early and, in the hustle, I forgot to tell you but hey, you're a pro at handling this place. Now, go work your magic and take those orders!"

She gave Naina a friendly push towards the bustling cafe floor, encouraging her to dive into the busy morning ahead.

My focus shifted entirely to the demanding task ahead. Little did I know that this frenzied morning was merely the beginning of an unexpected journey that would lead me into the intriguing world of the Midnight Marauders.

As I gathered the orders, a peculiar sensation swept through me. 

As I approached to take orders from our customers, an unsettling feeling washed over me.
It was as if an intense gaze was fixed upon me, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart quickened its pace, and I couldn't help but look around, trying to discern the source of this unsettling sensation.
A group of unfamiliar individuals, cloaked in dark and eerie attire, had fixated their gaze upon me in an unsettling manner. While I couldn't discern the source of this stare, my intuition strongly suggested that it originated from that very group. Their unwavering stare left me with an undeniable sense of discomfort and vulnerability.

Despite the discomfort, I had a job to do. I pushed aside my unease and focused on my responsibilities, weaving through the cafe's tables and taking orders. The bustling atmosphere provided some relief from that unrelenting gaze, yet it never quite left the back of my mind.
I walked over to the final table in the café, and as I drew near, I couldn't help but feel an indescribable, strong and powerful aura around them. It was the exact same group from which I had a feeling someone had been staring at me earlier.
Something about their presence made me uneasy. Despite my nerves, I maintained my professionalism and politely inquired about their preferences.