The Queen of the Hollow Moon sent an official notice. The Undead Residency Inspection would be held in 48 hours.

Cedar Grove was officially on trial.

Matteo brewed what might have been his strongest espresso ever. It was a shot dark enough to power a small city and sharp enough to slice through bureaucracy, dead or alive.

Jo polished every mop handle, stocked every espresso bean, and rehearsed her “Please don’t banish us” speech in the mirror.

Mira checked every teapot for rogue enchantments.

Sev nervously adjusted his solid gold cufflinks.

Clorvex…well, he knitted a Team Survival hat.

The Queen’s court arrived in a full regalia of robes, fangs, and a no-nonsense glare sharper than Matteo’s burr grinder.

The inspection was brutal.

They tested everything from caffeine content to magical auras to cleanliness, which was mostly Jo’s domain, and even the espresso machine’s existential stability.

One inspector demanded a demonstration of the famed “phoenix latte,” resulting in a small fire and a minor flood.

The Queen herself sipped Matteo’s espresso, raised an eyebrow, and declared, “Acceptable for mortal standards.”

Tensions soared when a court scribe accidentally spilled a vial of holy water into the chai. Chaos erupted with espresso shots turning explosive, hissing vampires, and flying mops.

Jo found herself in the center of a magical melee, wielding her trusty mop like a battle staff once again.

In the end, Cedar Grove passed. Barely.

The Queen gave a rare smile. “You’ve earned your place. But next time, keep the mop away from the espresso machine.”

Matteo raised his cup in salute.

Jo sighed, “I need a vacation. Or at least a new mop.”