"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

The gentle hum of conversation filled the air inside the little bakery-forge shop. The scent of sweet caramel, fresh-baked crusts, and a hint of magical mint danced through the warm atmosphere. Sunlight filtered through the large glass windows, casting a golden glow across the polished wooden floor and the shimmering display case where the desserts rested like treasures waiting to be claimed.

Seraphis stood behind the counter, her white hair catching the light like strands of moonlight, as she carefully checked on the inventory. Rowan was near the back, delicately piping enchanted whipped cream into a set of glimmering tart shells, her hands practiced and sure.

The soft jingle of the bell above the door rang out.

Seraphis turned her head just slightly, her sharp eyes softening the moment she recognized the figures entering.

It was the two girls from the healer’s shop — Althaea and Yuria.

Althaea wore her usual soft green robes, embroidered with silver thread that shimmered like starlight. Her long, silvery-blonde hair was braided neatly over one shoulder, and her demeanor was calm, elegant, and warm as always. Beside her, Yuria bounced in with radiant energy, her short copper-red hair tousled slightly from the morning breeze. Her healer’s sash fluttered behind her as she stepped into the shop with wide, eager eyes.

Both girls were smiling.

“Good morning!” Yuria called brightly.

“Good morning,” Althaea added with her usual soft, graceful voice.

Seraphis gave a gentle nod in return, her voice calm. “Welcome.”

Rowan looked up and smiled as well. “Good morning to both of you!”

Yuria’s eyes wandered around the interior, from the softly glowing wall sconces shaped like tiny dragons to the display case where slices of cheesecake, tarts, and spirit-infused sweets glittered like edible gemstones. Her mouth parted slightly as she took in the enchanted sweets, then turned to Rowan with visible excitement.

“It’s a beautiful place,” she said honestly, her voice full of wonder. “Can I try one?” Her gaze settled on Rowan, warm and hopeful.

Rowan blinked, a little surprised at the sudden request, then quickly smiled and nodded. “Of course! Please, try anything you'd like.”

Yuria turned toward Althaea with a bright, mischievous grin. “Do you want to have one too?”

Althaea, who had been quietly admiring the carved woodwork of the shelves and the warmth of the interior, looked to Yuria with a small smile that slowly widened into something genuine.

“Yes,” she said softly, her eyes warm. “I would love to have one.”

Rowan moved quickly, plating two perfect slices of the Starlit Caramel Dream Cheesecake, the signature treat resting on porcelain plates with little golden star designs along the rim. Each slice glistened in the light — the caramel layer smooth and thick, pooling slightly at the base, the whipped topping dusted with shimmering edible glitter and dotted with tiny toffee pearls that sparkled faintly.

She placed them gently in front of the girls, along with small forks.

Yuria took the first bite.

The fork sliced through the cheesecake like silk, and as soon as the first piece touched her tongue, her eyes widened. The flavors exploded gently in her mouth — the rich, creamy filling, the deep caramel that wasn’t too sweet but danced across her tongue like a warm melody, and the buttery crust that added the perfect texture.

“This…” she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper. “This is the best thing I’ve ever had.”

She placed a hand over her mouth in stunned delight, blinking as though she couldn’t believe something this good could exist.

Althaea lifted her fork next, a little more cautious and gentle, and brought it to her lips.

The moment the bite settled on her tongue, her eyes began to water. She blinked rapidly, then her breath hitched, her chest rising gently as an emotional wave washed over her. Her hands trembled just slightly as she placed the fork down.

“It is…” she said through the lump in her throat, tears forming fully now, sliding down her cheeks in shimmering rivulets. “It is really good. The best thing I have ever had in my life.”

She smiled even through the tears, a hand pressing to her chest as if the warmth of the dessert had reached her heart.

Rowan stood speechless behind the counter, her eyes wide with quiet pride and surprise. Seraphis simply watched, her arms crossed gently in front of her, a small, knowing smile touching the corners of her lips. She had seen this reaction before — when something was made with genuine love, with power, and just a touch of magic... it touched more than the tongue. It touched the soul.

Yuria and Althaea sat together on one of the window-side stools, their plates nearly empty, basking in the lingering taste and the warmth of the cozy shop.

“It’s like... happiness in a bite,” Yuria said with a dreamy sigh.

“And peace,” Althaea added softly, wiping the corner of her eye with the edge of her sleeve. “Like something I didn’t know I needed.”

Outside, the light of day continued to pour into the bakery, and the soft breeze carried the scent of caramel and joy through Moonlight Town.