The first hints of dawn crept into the skyline, casting a soft glow over the quiet streets of New-New York. The aftermath of the war had left the city bruised but standing, a patchwork of shattered buildings and new beginnings. In the center of it all stood Coffee Talk, Lucas Riona’s small café. The place had become a haven, not just for humans but for all manner of beings looking for a slice of peace.

Inside, Lucas was already moving about, setting the tables, wiping down counters, and aligning the mugs just so. The faint smell of coffee beans filled the air, warming the space against the early morning chill. He paused briefly to glance out the front window, spotting the usual signs of life stirring in the city—well, life in its varied forms.