Mavi - The man from the other world

Chapter 1

"I've already told you, I'm not interested," the man with dark hair retorted, his tone edged with irritation as he leaned over a table, deftly manipulating a wire saw around a piece of metal.

"But, Mitch..." the woman's voice came back, annoyed. "It's so delicious."

"It's a waste of money," he shot back, reaching for the file that should have been right at hand. "Now, please, be quiet. I need to finish this project for Mrs. Carsen. The delivery is tomorrow, and I can't afford any mistakes."

"What did she order this time?" the woman inquired, her legs swinging as she perched on a wooden bench, devouring a thick slice of bread.

"A pair of cufflinks for her husband," the man replied, his movements precise as he ensured that every edge was smooth and rounded.

"So, he discovered she was having an affair with Mr. Wyle?" The woman's eyebrows lifted in curiosity.

"I have no clue," the man replied, stretching his back with a loud crack. "Is Ben still not back?"

"Are you trying to kick me out?" The woman's tone held a playful edge.

"I wouldn't mind a bit of peace and quiet," he admitted, rising and pacing across the room. The soft orange glow of the slowly burning candles cast dancing shadows across the wooden furniture. With a flick of a large metal key, he unlocked a drawer and rifled through it until he found a small blue velvet pouch.

"Am I disturbing you, Mitchy?" The woman teased, taking the last bite of her bread. "Since it seems my presence is no longer required, I'll head home. Ben's likely still stationed on the outer walls, but perhaps I'll catch up with Scott at the tavern."

"Yes, do that," Mitch murmured as he settled back onto the three-legged stool, adjusting the candle to better illuminate the workbench. He couldn't bear all those shadows. Casting an annoyed glance upward, he longed for better lighting.

"Please, eat something," the woman murmured, planting a kiss on the man's dark hair. "And take a bath, Mitchell."

"Sure thing, Mom," Mitch quipped, his tone tinged with playful mockery as he picked up the velvet pouch and a flat piece of wood. The small crystals scattered across the tabletop, catching the orange glow of the flickering candles. With practiced hands, he delicately positioned each one, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he worked.

Once satisfied with the arrangement, he reached for the polish and cloth, buffing the cufflinks until they gleamed under the dim light. Carefully placing them inside the blue velvet pouch, he rose from his seat and sauntered across the room to the cabinet in the corner. Retrieving the key from the ring on his belt, he unlocked the drawer and stowed away the pouch with a flourish before locking it securely.

Satisfied that everything was in order, Mitch extinguished the candles one by one, the room plunging into darkness save for the faint moonlight filtering through the window. With the final candle still in hand, he made his way through the narrow corridor, the echo of his footsteps reverberating off the stone walls.

Emerging into the quiet, deserted streets, Mitch navigated his way through the labyrinthine alleys, his gait confident and purposeful. As he approached the gate, he shot a casual wave to the guard stationed nearby, a smirk still playing on his lips. With a jaunty step, he passed through the gate and into the night, ready to disappear into the shadows of the city.

"It's late, Mr. Grassi," the man observed, his gaze briefly meeting Mitch's before a yawn overtook him.

"Just wrapping up some overdue tasks," Mitch replied, pausing for a moment. "Is the night calm?"