Chapter Six

Dimitri was in the coffee shop. He was a little early, but it didn’t matter. He wanted something nice and cool anyhow. Sabrina wasn’t there yet, and Succubina still was nowhere to be heard or seen. Dr. Kenneth was outside the window, waiting for an “okay” for her to join him for the time being.

With the granted wish, Dr. Kenneth sat next to him in his signature seat. “Thank you, DeDe,” His sister thanked, “You’re going on a little date, huh?”

“Yeah. The new girl, she’s very…”

“I know,” Dr. Kenneth replied, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but I found out why the Doves could see glass. It’s a terrible reason why also.

“Terrible?”

“Yes. They’re hunting.”

“Birds hunt,” Dimitri commented.

“But not like this, DeDe,” His sister countered, “they’re hunting for someone, not something.”

Dimitri sipped on his coffee, giving full attention to Dr. Kenneth, “What do you think they’re hunting for?”

“I’m not entirely sure yet, but be careful at all costs,” Kenneth got up from her seat, waiting for Dimitri’s date to come in. “Do you trust me, DeDe?

“I trust you, always Blanche”

“Very good, Brother, I’ll leave you to it.”

At that moment Sabrina walked in. Her outfit was much different from the clothes Dimitri had seen her in. She was wearing a short pleated skirt and stockings with a lacy buttoning blouse. Her hair had been curled and was bouncing slightly as she walked. She was even wearing earrings. However, despite all of those fancy clothes, she was still carrying a bag with her. Dimitri saw her notice his sister as she passed before his date finally took a seat in front of him.

She looked at him and chuckled nervously. “I'm bad at things, so I couldn't tell if you wanted to hand out as friends or if this was a date,” she said nervously, fidgeting with her hands. “I dressed up a little just in case it was, but not too much if it wasn't.”

“I admit, it’s a bit much for a coffee date, but you look lovely,” Dimitri said, “Sit with me, I got something for you.”

She blushed a little at the compliment before sitting next to him carefully. Dimitri could tell she had no experience with something like this.

“You look awfully tense, Sabrina. You said coffee helps calm you down?” Dimitri asked, giving a slight smirk.

She nodded, “It relaxes me and helps my nerves.” Then she looked down a little, giving a soft smile. “I guess I could use a cup right now.”

“I’ll go get one,” Dimitri stood up and stepped over to the front row for some coffee for Sabrina. If this was his first time dating, thoughts would have completely scrambled his head, but it wasn’t. This wasn’t the first time he fell for someone, but this is the first time that he felt at least a little nervous. It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t know me all that well, Dimitri thought, I don’t want to screw this up. This is the only person who I haven’t gotten to know yet. He ordered some coffee-flavored marshmallows once more, and some black coffee. He also asked for some sugar and cream of each flavor before retreating back to the table and waiting for Sabrina’s order to be ready.

“So, you said you’re new in town, if you told me where you were from, maybe you can… refresh my memory?” He asked, batting his eyelashes a little.

She giggled bashfully in response to his flirty gaze, “It was Heskal City. My family had a hard time living there so we moved here instead.”

“Heskal City?” Dimitri pulled out his phone, clicking a bit before widening his eyes, “Jeez that’s pretty far.” Must have been a tough time there. He then noticed the little dove landing outside, pecking the glass. Abruptly there was a violent crack against the window. Uh oh.

“It's not too far, but it was pretty bad.”

“Hey, uh, do you mind standing behind me?” he asked, “Just ah… time-sensitive question.” There was visible sweat leaking down his face.

She looked puzzled, but stood up and got behind him. “What's happening?” She asked slightly shaken, “Is this a gang thing? Are we in danger?”

“We might be.” he shielded her in case of any harm. With his forearms taking front defence, the glass shattered, the bird flew off swiftly. The shards scattered all over the wooden tables and floor tiles. With that impact, there were now noticeable deep cuts on Dimitri’s face and arms. With a yelp and hiss of pain, he looked back, hoping his date was okay. To his relief, she only had a couple tiny cuts on her arms but looked shaken up. She was clutching her bag in her arms and squeezing it hard.

In the eastern part of the shop, a gargantuan grandfather clock started chiming loudly.

Seven chimes went off.

Seven.

Dimitri could have sworn that there was a chorus coming from all directions of the shop, before seeing a cluster of unearthly beasts fluttering about the area, gradually causing arson in the distance. What is this?

His head throbbed, finally remembering Succubina’s warning.

“I don’t think you’ll need to worry about all of that for long. Social cliques won’t be a problem in a couple of days.”

Is this the end?