When Matteo announced the café expansion project, Jo imagined longer lines, more espresso, and hopefully less magical disasters. She wasn’t prepared for when the excavators uncovered a hidden crypt beneath the café floor sealed tight with ancient runes and a warning: Do not disturb unless you like your coffee very dark.

Naturally, the crew disturbed it.

With a rumble and a puff of smoke, the crypt opened and out tumbled a wildly eccentric entity that looked like a cross between a caffeinated gremlin and a Victorian ghost.

It introduced itself as Baristopheles, patron demon of all things espresso. He declared that the café’s espresso had awakened him from a millennia-long nap and demanded a taste test.

Matteo, undaunted, offered the demon a shot of his signature blend.

Baristopheles took one sip and burst into ecstatic dance.

Jo took that as a good sign.

The demon’s presence soon caused unexpected side effects like the espresso machines randomly spewing confetti. Some customers found their orders turning into riddles and Clorvex started randomly glowing neon green.

With the help of Mira’s tea magic, Sev’s historical knowledge, and Jo’s mop of course, the team managed to convince Baristopheles to stick around as long as he promised to behave. Mostly.

The café had a new and very hyperactive mascot.