Blair's eyes fluttered open before her alarm even rang. She tilted her head to the side, the dark blue hue of dawn slipped through the sliver of space between her curtains, she could hear the soft distant songs beautifully played by the town's birds right outside her balcony. Blair tossed her soft duvet aside and rolled out of bed for the start of a new day.

She stared blankly at her closet, wondering silently what to wear for the meeting today. She pulled out the black dress; The lace sleeves flared at her elbows and ended just above her wrists, she eyed it for minute but then freely slipped it on with a pair of black Manolo's. She had blow-dried her hair and let it fall down her back in waves naturally. Blair didn't waste any time, she swiftly shut her front door and decided to get taste of the freshly brewed coffee at Café Rowena.

She parked her car and strolled into the café that was always open before anyone was awake.

Blair spotted the tall grim barista, Rowena. Her lips were held in a tight line as she laid out freshly washed white mugs. She had her rich wine-coloured hair tied in a high pony, revealing her sharp angular pale face. Rowena always looked deep in thought since her dark brows were always tightly knit together, but Blair knew better than to judge. 

The café was surrounded by bright orange spirals that cascaded over any person that entered through the doors, the aura was vibrant enough for Blair to feel its vitality and warmth. Unlike other places, she was welcomed by a sweet hug from the magic that would go unseen by the ordinary eye.

"Good morning, Rowena," she announced her arrival at the entrance.

"Jesus-" Rowena quickly grabbed the cup that almost slipped through her fingers and held it close to her chest.

Blair's nose scrunched up. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," she gave a goofy grin and approached the oak counter- that had been wiped clean.

"You're up early," Rowena observed. "Do you want the usual?" She asked as she flipped a white cloth over her shoulder.

"Yes please," she answered with a jump in her step. "I have a meeting today with someone who wants some furniture advice."

Rowena nodded silently and then went on with her task diligently. "Here you are," she handed Blair a large white cup with a strong scent of darkly roasted coffee beans, and a shot of vanilla cream.

"Come on Rowena, join me for breakfast," said Blair as she dropped a tip in the glass jar that was high up on the counter.

Rowena grabbed some sandwiches and sat with Blair in the lounge area.

"I didn't know you helped people with renovations?" Rowena asked.

Blair stared wide-eyed because Rowena had oddly started the discussion first. Blair swallowed the last piece of her bread. "I didn't either," she said truthfully. "But I just felt like I should take this job."

Rowena nodded along but kept her grey eyes locked to her cup. "I had that with my cafe," Rowena revealed unexpectedly.

Blair's eyes flickered with pride when Rowena revealed something about herself. "I don't doubt that," she remarked and after a long moment Blair spoke. "You must be a morning person."

Rowena's eyes lifted and there was confusion swirling in the midst of the grey. "What makes you say that?" she asked Blair.

Blair tilted her head, she didn't need her magic to read Rowena's character. "You rarely talk to your customers," she said. "But you're sharing with me this morning."

Rowena leaned back. "I suppose I am then," she said. "I never thought about it."

"Scorpio's rarely do," said Blair while sipping her latte.

Rowena's brow arched. "How do you know I'm a Scorpio?"

Blair chuckled and leaned forward. "You don't like sharing what's in your heart, do you?"

Rowena rested her chin on her open palm, her elbow was perched on her crossed knee and leaned towards Blair with growing curiosity. But what could Blair do? Our witch just had that magic around her that captured people's attention without any efforts.

The town's folk began to roll into the parking lots, and that was a cue for Rowena to start her work again and for Blair to head out.

"Thanks for the company, Rowena," she said politely.

Rowena's unexpected smile surprised Blair. "You're welcome," said Rowena.

Blair strode out the café, she spotted her own store that was still dark unlike the other ones circling the central park, but unlike theirs, Blair's was guarded by magic. Her phone suddenly rang and it startled to wits out of her in the middle of the street.

"Hello," she answered.

A familiar voice spilled back. "Hello Ms. Lightwood, It's Tony," the said quite cheerfully.

"Oh," her shoulders relaxed. "Hi Tony."

"I'm near your shop right now," he said. "And I would like to take you to your appointment."

Blair's eyes immediately went to her shop again and spotted the car that stuck out like a sore thumb, it was a black convertible.

Blair sighed and ran to the car. "Tony," she said through the window surprising the man she met yesterday. "Good morning." She opened the door to the car and got in next to him, the strong musk of new leather and gasoline washed over her. She could only shake her head when imagining the type of person, she will meet later.

"Good morning, Ms. Lightwood," he said while putting the car in gear and zipping through out of central park without hesitation.

They rode down Main Street, she knew because it was the only street that leads to Mongolia Hotel. "I'm guessing you slept well last night," she observed.

Tony's smile beamed at her like the sun they were driving towards. "Yes, I did," he said. "Those curtains worked like magic, thank you." She waved her hand and relaxed in the car that glided beautifully down the rolling pavement.

A massive hotel exposed itself as they finally reached their destination, it was the main tourist spot for a lot of rich folk that wanted to escape the city noise. She couldn't blame them even she didn't understand how so many people could be clustered in one spot, and they couldn't even see the stars at night.

Blair had never been here before but had heard a lot of compliments, the hotel was mahogany and gold fortress with massive glass windows that went all the way to the top, outside there was a whole lot full with expensive cars that were parked on the side, so it didn't block the entrance that had elegant fountain and a dozen valets to park cars and fetch them without even being told.

Blair craned her neck to see the crown of the building but even then, it was hard. She followed Tony past the valets and some guests, they strode into a frantic hotel where four people greeted them whilst the others with black and red uniforms briskly walked back and forth.

Tony took her to a large space that was filled with lounge chairs and small tables, there was even an open bar in the corner. The whole room was enclosed with windows, the sunlight spilled all over the tables and floor like it did on the mountains outside. Blair tried to channel her magic to get a signal on this place, but she knew her magic wasn't that strong, all she could feel were fuzzy auras and a mixture of colours blocking her vision.

"Mr. Steele seems to be talking to someone," said Tony with a hint of annoyance like he didn't approve.

Blair quickly followed Tony's eyes and saw two men discussing something.

One was extremely tall and looked quite dangerous with his ruggedly large built, his dark hair was raked back and reached inches above his broad shoulders, his one hand was tucked in his pocket while the other rested calmly on his side, his shoulders were relaxed unlike the shorter man's. 

The handsome man was dressed in a fine dark grey pinstripe suit with a white linen shirt, it looked exquisitely good on this man, his confident posture exuded authority and dominance, but she felt a cold electricity sharply cut through her body as her magic inched closer to him, she was slightly startled when she realized her magic moved on its own accord, her powers had seeped out of her body and swirled around this tall handsome man. 

Blair's magic danced around the vibrant red aura the man displayed which didn't surprise her, but when she took a closer look and saw a faint but clear streak of gold, her mind reeled back and revised what she had just seen.

This man wasn't some ordinary person, he had divine protection and she was sure he didn't even know of that capability. 

In her years, she had never seen this aura before, this magic that swirled around him was subtly but undeniable. Blair may not act out but her magic was going erratic if she had not controlled it, she wondered if this was the reason she took this job. This man's aura was twisting her magic and reforming it to become something else, she observed his every move and watched how easily his aura adapted to her magic.

Suddenly, his gaze lifted and landed on her, his brow arched but she couldn't pull away from the burning amber in his eyes that glowed intensely. His eyes shifted and landed on Tony, they simply cooled and then he looked away.

"Is that him?" She asked Tony.

Tony looked up from his watch and saw who she was staring at. "Yes, Maddox Steele."

She mouthed his name like she was tasting the name and pulling each letter apart.

"It's almost ten," said Tony anxiously.

Blair wrapped her arms around her body since the A/C was cranked up higher than she preferred, "It's fine," she said. "He seems busy."

"No, that's just Mr. Ainsley," said Tony. "He's been trying to get a deal with Mr. Steele for a while now."

Mr. Ainsley was a short man, he wore a dark brown suit on with a dark red polo shirt. His hair was white as goose feathers.

Tony began tapping his foot irritably, "This is ridiculous," he mumbled. Tony guided her towards the two men. "Sir," Tony called out.

Blair saw the slight look of relief run across Maddox's face when they approached without any warning, but it was quickly covered with cool composure.

The shorter man's hands waved excitedly. "Oh Tony!" He exclaimed. "How wonderful to see you again."

Tony pushed his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. "It's nice to see you too, Mr. Ainsley," said Tony evenly like his job required him to.

Mr. Ainsley's beady eyes flared at Blair, he waved his hands again. "And who is this beautiful young lady," he said turning everyone's unwanted attention to her.

"Ms. Lightwood," Blair stuck her hand out to him. Mr. Ainsley slightly hesitated before taking her palm, his heart was racing faster than a horse when her finger landed on the thin skin protecting the pulsing nerve. A murky grey and dark pink aura lightly flickered around him and instantly Blair knew this man was trouble.

Mr. Ainsley laughed. "It's nice to meet you," he said. "Well, Mr. Steele I hope you consider my offer," he said whilst waving his hands in the air.

Blair had met people that expressed themselves with their hands but this man was a bit excessive, she began following his hand actions; completely unaware that they began staring. Tony nudged her shoulder slightly. "You seem nervous, Mr. Ainsley," she said surprising them.

He chuckled hesitantly. "No, I'm not," he said. "Why would you say that?"

She shrugged. "You keep moving your hands," she copied his gestures again. "It's natural for someone whose nervous."

He snickered and then just as fast, he frowned before taking off.

"This is Ms. Blair Lightwood, Mr. Steele," said Tony.

Her attention pulled off of Mr. Ainsley and switched onto the reason she was here.

Maddox Steele towered over her, but she didn't get the same vibe she got from Mr. Ainsley from him. He was much more relaxed like the golden light basking over him, she stuck her hand out; he took it. She skimmed her finger over his pulse and it was flowing like calm ocean waves, but his amber eyes yelled something else. Tony quickly seated them on the lounge chairs and took off to get some refreshments, but he mainly left them alone for a few moments.

"I'm sure Tony already filled you in," he had a deep voice that was smooth and even.

"Tony told me you wanted me to design your office," said Blair. "What about the rest?"

Maddox Steele leaned back in his chair. "It's already done, and it's only my office that needs full attention," he said.

Tony appeared from around the corner with tea cups already placed neatly on a silver tray. The vibrant yellow liquid had steam swirling on top of each cup, the light spring scent filled Blair as she lifted the cup, she smelt the rich spice that softened her shoulders. 

"Hmm, great choice Tony," she said as she tasted sweet ginger pour down her parched throat.

Tony smiled with satisfaction. "Thank you," he said. "I guessed you would've liked it."

Blair grinned over the rim of the cup. "You guessed right."