Deacon was in his element, pouring a shimmering green potion into a crystal chalice, his long fingers moving with a practiced grace. The potion fizzed and sparkled as it settled, a tiny cloud of mist escaping the rim. His lilac-pink skin glowed under the soft, amber light of his bar, and the tips of his slate-gray hair caught the same golden hue.

He flashed a playful smile at the human across from him, who was deep into a story about a failed Technomancy exam. Deacon chuckled along, offering a few teasing remarks in return. He always knew just what to say to keep the conversation flowing. Listening, observing, reading people—it came naturally to him. He used to be a psychologist after all.

As he refilled another glass with his signature Goldenbrew, a gentle chime echoed through the bar. His pointed ears perked up instinctively. The door swung open, and for a split second, the warm chatter of Charm & Chalice seemed to soften.

He glanced up.

His dark-gold eyes, framed by magenta sclera, locked onto the new arrival—a person he had never seen before. Deacon’s gaze lingered for a moment longer than he intended. Something about them drew him in.

Well, now, who’s this? he thought, his lips curling into a subtle, amused smile.

Deacon set down the bottle in his hand and casually approached, his white clan tattoo catching the low light as he leaned slightly over the bar. The atmosphere in the tavern was as lively as ever, but for some reason, his focus was on her, and her alone.

“New face,” he said warmly, his voice soft but engaging. “Welcome to the Charm & Chalice.” He flashed that same easy grin, the one that made people feel like they belonged even if they had just walked in. “What brings ya to my little corner of Zona, stranger? First drink’s on the house~.”