Whispers of Secrets.

Incidents and promises.

I wipe down the counter for what feels like the hundredth time, my mind still reeling from the events of the previous day. Phear's words keep echoing in my head: "You are mine."

Isaac, my best friend and coworker, notices my distraction. "Hey, V, you okay? You've been spacing out all morning."

I force a smile, trying to brush off my concerns. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired."

Isaac raises an eyebrow. "Tired? You? Never."

I playfully roll my eyes. "Hey, I can be tired too, you know."

The cafe door swings open, and a steady stream of customers begins to filter in. Isaac and I fall into our usual rhythm, taking orders and bantering with the regulars.

But my mind keeps drifting back to Phear. What does he mean by "you are mine"? And why can't I shake the feeling that my life is about to change forever?

As the lunch rush subsides, Isaac leans in close. "Seriously, V, what's going on? You're freaking me out."

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. But Isaac's concerned expression makes me trust him even more.

"It's just...I met someone," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Isaac's eyes light up. "Someone? As in, a guy?"

I nod, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.

But before Isaac can pry further, the cafe door swings open once more. And in walks Phear, his green eyes scanning the room until they lock onto mine.

My heart skips a beat as Phear's eyes lock onto mine. I feel a surge of panic, worried that Isaac will notice something's off.

But Isaac simply greets the newcomer with a friendly smile. "Hey, welcome to The Cozy Cup! What can I get you?"

Phear's human form is striking – chiseled features, piercing brown eyes, and jet-black hair. He blends in seamlessly with the crowd.

I breathe a silent sigh of relief, remembering that only I can see his true form. The demon with horns and glowing green eyes is hidden from everyone else.

"Hi," Phear says, his voice smooth and charming. "Just a coffee, please."

Isaac expertly brews a cup, chatting with Phear as if they're old friends. I watch, fascinated by the ease with which Phear navigates human interactions.

As Isaac hands Phear his coffee, I notice Phear's gaze flicking to me, his eyes burning with intensity. I feel a shiver run down my spine.

"Thanks," Phear says, smiling at Isaac. "I'm Sam."

Isaac nods. "Welcome to the neighborhood, Sam. We don't get many new faces around here."

Phear – or Sam, as he just called himself – takes a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving mine. I feel like I'm drowning in their depths.

What is he doing here? And why is he playing this charade?

I focus my thoughts, trying to reach out to Phear through the mental connection we share.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my thoughts calm.

Phear's eyes flicker, and he smiles slightly, as if he's heard me.

“I'm watching over you, V”, he responds, his voice echoing in my mind. “And I'm getting to know the people in your life.”

I feel a surge of unease. “Why?” I ask, trying to keep my thoughts private.

“Because”, Phear responds, his mental voice low and husky, “I need to understand what makes you tick. What makes you vulnerable.”

I feel a shiver run down my spine. “And why do you need to know that?”