Dancing with Deception

Sabel awoke to the sound of a lively tune drifting in through the open windows of the café. His body, still a bit stiff from sleeping on a bench, began to sway instinctively to the rhythm. Humming along, he leaped to his feet and started dancing, his arms flailing and legs kicking in exaggerated movements.

"Oh, beautiful eyes, you deceive, you lie, and yet you make me heavenly!" Sabel sang loudly, twirling around and laughing as he moved.

As he danced left and right, spinning and hopping, the café owner, Rosemary, emerged from the back room, giggling at the sight. "What on earth are you doing?" she asked, amusement sparkling in her eyes.

Sabel grinned and continued dancing. "Why not dance when the music moves you?" He waggled his eyebrows and struck a dramatic pose. "Care to join me, fair lady?"

Rosemary laughed and shook her head. "I'm married, Mr. Dance-a-lot." She waggled a finger at him playfully.

Sabel pouted, pretending to be heartbroken. "Alas, all the good ones are taken," he said with exaggerated sadness. "But your smile is enough to brighten my morning."

Rosemary chuckled and waved him off. "Go sit down before you knock something over."

With a mock salute, Sabel bounded back to his seat, plopping down with a satisfied sigh. The tune outside ended, and the café settled into a comfortable quiet.

Moments later, the door jingled open, and a trio of adventurers entered, their outfits gleaming with polished armour and vibrant potions hanging from their belts. With striking red hair and a confident stride, the girl led the way, followed by two boys, one tall and muscular, the other wiry and sharp-eyed.

"Welcome to Rosemary's Delights," Rosemary greeted them warmly. "What can I get for you?"

The red-haired girl smiled. "We'll have three brown buns with sweet cream and three coffees, please."

As Rosemary prepared their order, the girl noticed Sabel sitting at his table. She gave him a flirtatious wink, and Sabel raised an eyebrow. The two boys saw the exchange and immediately tensed up, glaring at Sabel.

"Hey, what's your problem?" the tall one growled, stepping forward. "Stay away from her."

Sabel held up his hands defensively. "Whoa, easy there. No harm done."

The wiry boy joined in, pointing a finger at Sabel. "We don't want any trouble, so just back off."

Sabel sighed and shook his head. "Listen, I'm a doctor who used to work at the royal castle. I might know what's wrong with your friend here."

The adventurers exchanged confused glances, and the girl tilted her head curiously. "What's wrong with me?"

Sabel motioned for her to sit down. "Let me take a look." He sifted through her, then leaned in and whispered, "It's a curse. You're compelled to blink at every guy you don't know well."

The girl gasped, her eyes widening. "A curse? How do we break it?"

Sabel leaned even closer, lowering his voice to a barely audible whisper. "I know you're a demon who planted fake memories in these two's heads. Last warning, I know divine magic. Leave now."

The girl's eyes flickered with a strange light, and then she vanished in a puff of smoke.

The two boys blinked, looking around in confusion. "What just happened?" the tall one asked, scratching his head.

Sabel stood up and clapped his hands. "You two were about to leave, but don't forget your food and payment."

As the boys stared at him, bewildered, Rosemary handed them their order. Sabel smiled brightly. "That'll be ten gold coins."

"Ten?!" the wiry boy exclaimed. "That's outrageous!"

Sabel shrugged. "Quality comes at a price. Plus, a little extra for the entertainment."

Grumbling, the boys handed over the coins and collected their food. Sabel watched them leave, a satisfied smirk on his face.

As they exited the café, Sabel turned back to Rosemary, who was amusedly shaking her head. "You do know how to cause a scene," she said, handing him a fresh cup of coffee.

Sabel raised his cup in a toast. "To a life full of interesting mornings." He took a sip, savouring the rich flavour. "Now, let's see what the rest of the day has in store."