Running a Tavern as a Former Witch!

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite duo," Vernon said with a wink, his usual cheeky grin plastered on his face. "Did you miss me?"

Levi rolled his eyes, clearly used to Vernon's antics. "Always the showman, aren't you, Vernon?"

Vernon chuckled and turned to me, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Elara, have you been keeping out of trouble? Or should I say, have you been causing just the right amount of it?"

I couldn't help but smile at his playful banter. "Just trying to keep the inn in one piece, Vernon. But it seems trouble has a way of finding us."

"Speaking of trouble," Vernon said, his tone turning serious for a moment, "I've found out more about the Shadow Circle. They've been increasing their activity, and it looks like they're on the move. We need to stay ahead of them."

Eamon, having shrugged off his coat, nodded. "We should also consider our defenses. The inn might not be the safest place anymore."

"Good point," Levi added. "But we have to balance caution with maintaining our cover. If we suddenly turn this place into a fortress, it'll draw unwanted attention."

Vernon leaned against the bar, looking thoughtful. "I've been working on a few new tricks. With the transporter and some of my other devices, we might be able to create a network of safe locations we can jump to if things get hairy."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how many of these 'devices' do you have, Vernon?"

He gave a dramatic sigh, feigning hurt. "Elara, you wound me. Do you really think I'd come unprepared? I've got just enough to keep us all out of trouble—or at least make a grand escape if needed."

Levi smirked. "As long as your grand escape doesn't leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere."

"Trust me, Levi, I've thought of everything," Vernon said, then turned to me with a playful grin. "Well, almost everything. I didn't plan on how to get Elara to smile more, but it looks like I'm doing a good job so far."

I laughed, feeling a bit lighter despite the tension. "You always manage to lift the mood, Vernon. But let's stay focused. What's our next move?"

Vernon's eyes twinkled again. "First, we need to gather more intel. I have a contact who might be able to give us some insight into the Shadow Circle's next move. And Elara, we need to make sure that fragment stays safe. It's our key to understanding their plans—and possibly stopping them."

Levi nodded in agreement. "Let's set up a watch rotation for the inn. We need to be ready for anything."

With a plan forming, the mood in the room shifted from tense to determined. As the night wore on, we discussed strategies, shared information, and fortified our resolve. Vernon, ever the joker, kept things light with his witty remarks, but his intelligence and quick thinking were invaluable. And every now and then, he'd throw a flirtatious comment my way, making me laugh and easing the weight of the challenges ahead.

In that moment, surrounded by allies and with a clear purpose, I felt a surge of hope. We were ready to face whatever came our way, united and stronger together.