đ Chapter 1 â When Coffee Glows Gold
The rain had just stopped, leaving the city shimmering like a mirror of stars. Streetlights flickered to life, puddles reflected neon signs, and Aurora Vale sprinted across the crosswalk clutching her sketchbook like it was treasure.
She was lateâagain.
Her best friend would probably kill her if she missed the art exhibition sign-up a second time. But halfway down Crescent Street, a strange glow caught her eye.
It wasn't from the streetlamps.
It wasn't from a sign either.
It was⊠softer. Warmer. Like starlight trapped in glass.
A small café stood tucked between two buildings that she swore hadn't been there yesterday. The sign above the door read in elegant, curling letters:
â STâ RLIGHT & ESPRESSO â
Aurora frowned. "Okay, either this place is new⊠or I'm losing it."
Still, curiosity beat logicâas always. The bell above the door chimed as she stepped inside, and a wave of warmth and roasted coffee wrapped around her like a hug.
The interior glowed with soft golden lights. Shelves lined with books, cups that shimmered faintly, and a faint scent of cinnamon filled the air. A record player hummed an old jazz tune in the corner.
And then she saw him.
Behind the counter stood a young man with dark hair, rolled-up sleeves, and eyes the color of twilight. He was stirring coffee like he was painting constellations into it. When he looked up, their gazes metâand something electric passed between them.
"You found us," he said softly, as if he'd been waiting.
Aurora blinked. "Um⊠found you?"
He smiled, just a little. "Most people don't see the café unless they're meant to."
Her brows knit. "Right. So, whatâthis is some kind of hidden coffee shop club?"
He chuckled. "Something like that."
She opened her sketchbook awkwardly, hoping he wouldn't notice her flushed cheeks. "Okay, mysterious barista. Hit me with your best coffee. Surprise me."
He reached for a mug, his movements unhurried, graceful. "Espresso with a dash of starlight," he said.
Aurora laughed. "Sounds magical."
When he placed the cup before her, she froze. The coffee shimmered faintly gold, swirling as though tiny galaxies lived within it.
Her heart skipped. "How did youâ?"
He leaned on the counter, his tone calm yet knowing. "Tell me, Aurora Vale⊠do you often dream of this place?"
The cup trembled in her hands. "How do you know my name?"
He didn't answer. He only smiled, and behind him, the café lights flickered like constellations rearranging themselves.
Outside, thunder rumbled againâbut the rain didn't fall.
Inside, time seemed to stop.
Aurora took a deep breath, her pulse racing. "What is this place?"
The barista's voice was low, warm, and laced with something ancient.
"This," he said, "is where dreams and reality meet. And you, Aurora, have finally crossed over."