The directions to the outskirts of town were easy enough to follow, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the building he arrived at, while it fit all the descriptions of the hotel, really shouldn’t have been there. He was almost sure it hadn’t been there the last time he passed through this area, but the gleaming wooden doors swung open before he had the presence of mind to question it further.
It was brightly lit inside, but somehow walking into the lobby gave him the same feeling as exploring underground. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why exactly, but the hairs on the back of his neck seemed to stand up the same way they did when clambering down into total darkness.
There was no darkness here, no silence either. Pleasant music filled the air and something sweet filled his nose with every breath. The lobby was full of cheerful hustle and bustle and several times he caught a smile flashing in his direction that seemed almost familiar, but no one approached him, and the gleaming reception desk towards the end of the room was unattended. He made his way towards it even so. There was no bell to ring, the only thing on the counter was a silver platter with beautifully arranged food.
A sudden burst of laughter behind him made him look round and when he turned back, he looked straight into the brightly smiling face of a receptionist. “Welcome to Underhill Hotel!” she sang and she picked up the platter as soundlessly as she must have arrived. “Try the canapés! They’re so good, you’ll never leave!”
“Well, I—” A strong, cool hand closed around his wrist and pulled him deftly away from the counter. He spun on his heels and breathed a sigh of relief. “Callum!”
“Didn’t I tell you to wait for me outside?” Callum scolded, firmly taking his hand and pulling him back the way he came, towards the exit. “And never eat anything from a place I work at.”
“They’re only for guests right? I was about to tell her I wasn’t here to check in.”
“Aye,” Callum grimaced, quickly ushering him through the door and back into the cool evening air. “Something like that.”
