Opal Tidecrest's Arc

Chapter 3 of 4

Opal stepped into the Arctic Bough's wine cellar, their tentacles adjusting to the cool air. The manager had given them access to study the collection. Rows of bottles lined the walls, labels facing out like a library of flavors. They moved deeper inside, studying the vintage labels and origin markers. Each bottle held a story about ingredients and craft. Learning wine pairings would help them suggest better cocktails to guests. They pulled out their notebook and started writing down names of rare spirits. The cool temperature kept everything preserved perfectly. This place held decades of knowledge. Near the back wall, Opal spotted something unexpected. A brass plaque display gleamed under a small spotlight, protected behind glass panels. They moved closer to read the engraved names. These were the bartenders who had become legends at the Arctic Bough. Below each name sat drink recipes, carved into the brass with precise detail. Opal traced a tentacle along the glass, reading about a mixologist who had served royalty fifteen years ago. Another plaque showed someone who had created the restaurant's signature winter cocktail. These people had reached the top of their craft. Their names lived on in metal and memory. Opal felt their heartbeat quicken. This wall proved the dream was real. The Arctic Bough honored bartenders who became the best. In three months, Opal wanted their work to matter this much too.