Chapter 1: Introduction
The bustling marketplace by the ocean buzzed with activity as Seraphina ambled leisurely along the cobblestone streets. Intricate patterns and colors danced across the cloth shops and fragrant smells drifted from spice stands – incense, sea salt, freshly ground coffee. There was something almost magical about being here; she could feel it pulsing beneath her feet, humming against her skin. And then there he was.
He stood amidst the crowds, towering above those nearest him, casting an imposing shadow. He was selling a cart of crabs to a fish merchant. Pocketing the coins from the merchant, he turned and then his eyes met hers.
It felt like the moment before a thunderclap strikes; electricity coursed through her veins. His face mirrored confusion but quickly shifted to recognition. The space between them seemed to shrink. They were entranced, unable to look away from one another despite the constant flow of people around them.
A sudden gush of wind blew past Seraphina, causing strands of her red hair to dance wildly behind her. Unconsciously, she reached out to steady herself, grabbing onto the side of the wooden stand displaying dried fruits nearby.
She pulled her hand back when she realized she accidentally caused a small fire where she was touching the cart. Caleb rushed forward and put the fire out by simply placing his hand over the fire and letting water fall from his hand. "My apologies," said Seraphina, still trying to catch her breath from the unexpected encounter. It took everything within her not to reach out and touch him again just to see if his flesh would ignite. But she restrained herself. Instead, she tried to focus on what had brought her to the market today, searching for some kind of enchantment item for personal use. She couldn't let these feelings cloud her judgment.
As much as Seraphina wanted to stay and explore more, she needed to return home soon to prepare dinner for her family.