Page 1 of These Fractured Bonds

Prologue

SERVER WANTED: Join an out-of-this-world team at Enchanted Brew. Providing customers with a distinct, whimsical experience in our magical forest-themed cafe, we seek a server who will enjoy its immersive nature. All are welcome to apply.

Chapter 1

YareliMartinezwashaunted.

Nasty and dreary, the wraith clung to her body like a leech, draining her life until at the very end nothing but a husk remained. A rotten way to live—knowing one’s fate—but nothing was done about her ailment, because what tormented Yareli was nothing more than money.

Money, money, money.

There was never enough. Every month was another cycle of payments due.Imagine that,she thought,being beholden to pieces of paper.

Despite her awareness that life was meant to be more than bills, Yareli had little choice in the matter. She had been born poor and remained poor as a college student. Through hard work and luck—mostly luck—she had secured a scholarship that covered her tuition, which had allowed her to move out of her parents’ home, but it left her at the mercy of a series of crappy jobs to cover her rent. It was for this exact reason that she found herself standing in a dingy, narrow alley in terrible need of repaving.

Enchanted Brew’s entrance was nothing more than an inconspicuous door with a small “open” sign hanging on a loose nail. Even the doorknob looked ancient, its rust indicative of age and wear. Yareli gripped the doorknob but didn’t twist it, reviewing everything she knew about the cafe: located in an older building, no visible signage, little to no reviews on Maps, and the suspiciously easy interview. She knew a red flag when she saw one. She let go of the door but hesitated. Time was running out; rent was due at the end of the month, and it had been her sole job offer. Besides, she had already done the hard part, the part that would have had her mom signing the cross and shaking her head. She had sealed the employment contract in blood. In retrospect, the fact that she hadn’t hesitated was indicative of how desperate she was. She opened the door.

A dark staircase, poorly lit by a single lightbulb swaying from the ceiling, greeted her. She cursed under her breath; this place was an even bigger red flag than her ex. She crept down the stairs, goose bumps peppering her skin; the muted silence pressed down on her, and even her breathing seemed too loud. She reached the bottom, where another wooden door awaited her.This is the moment in horror movies where you run, she thought. She swung the door inward, revealing the room—a striking, long space filled with brown accents.

She breathed in, still in awe of the cafe’s sheer beauty. Like stepping into an enchanted forest, wood was everywhere—from the chairs and tables to the trees sculpted in the walls. Green leaves hung from the ceiling, woven together to create a canopy. She stepped forward, parting the mist hanging low on the floor. Quiet, melodic instrumental music permeated the space.

Only two people were in the cafe—her new manager, Donna, at the counter, and a male customer at a table in the far corner. The customer drew her attention. A long, pointed hat rested on top of a pinched face. He squinted as if he needed glasses, and it seemed like his gaze was focused on her.Definitely shady. She scurried to the counter, greeting Donna.

“Good evening,” she said.

“You’re ten minutes early,” Donna replied, tone flat. A tall, stoic woman with chin-length hair, she was hard to read, and Yareli was unsure whether she had been complimented or chided.

Being early never hurt, right?

Yareli forced a smile. “I can never trust the bus to be on time. I’d rather be here early.”

“Timeliness is appreciated. Follow me.”

Donna disappeared behind a brown kitchen door that melted into the wall. A short, choppy cough from the customer made Yareli jump. She chastised herself; she knew better than to judge someone from their appearance, but his stare’s intensity seared her nape, unsettling her, and she rushed to the kitchen.

It was surprisingly modern with sleek stainless-steel appliances and tables.

“You won’t be baking,” Donna said, appearing next to her out of thin air.

Yareli flinched, but quickly recovered, pasting a smile on her lips. She said the first thing that came to mind, “It’s clean.”

Donna’s gaze slid right over her. “Cleanliness is expected. I’ll show you the break room.”

Yareli’s hand trembled as she ran it through her hair.Breathe, she told herself. She hadn’t fucked up yet; she wasfine.Straightening, she walked into the break room. It was also awfully normal, with dull, faded yellow wallpaper. A couple of lockers stood on the far wall.

Donna said, “Your locker is on the right. Please place your personal belongings there, but keep your phone on you. We have a team member who suffers from tardiness, and it would do you well to know when he’s running late.” She opened a closet lined with shelves. A flickering lightbulb hung from the ceiling, revealing the clothes on the bottom shelves. “Please pick out your size. There’s a mirror for you to try the uniform on. Once you do, place your clothes in your locker and meet me at the front.”

Yareli stepped inside, and Donna paused before closing the door. “And Yareli?”

“Yes?”

“The customer isn’t a regular.”

Heat prickled her cheeks. So Donnahadnoticed. “I’m sorry.”

Donna smiled for the first time. “Take all the time you need.”

“Thank you.”