Aeiris Sweven

Perfection Hotel
Old 80’s rock blared through the worn-down Ford Ikon speakers, making it impossible to hear anything but the 50th replay of “Don’t Stop Believin’”. The vehicle bumped along the pot-hole burdened road out of tune with the beat. It didn’t stop the front seat passengers from screaming their lungs out as they sang along.

“Just a small-town girl, livin’ in a lonely worldddd.” Lottie started, reaching over the console for her boyfriend’s hand. Alister took his eyes off the road for a second to grin at his girlfriend. He leaned forward, messily kissing her and drawing a groan from the backseat passengers.

“Get a room!” Lettie rolled her eyes, shoving her twin and showy boyfriend away from each other. “Katya and I don’t wanna watch you and him get it up, Charlotte. Right, Katya?” She turned to look down at the dark-haired woman, ignoring her twin’s annoyance.

“Close your eyes. Remember this is my car, Scarlet.” Charlotte, known only as Lottie to anyone that isn’t her twin, sent a smug look back to her twin. Katya faintly remembered the last time she called Lottie by her full name. It ended in Lettie having to pull her twin away before she broke Katya’s hand. Katya burst into laughter at the memory, Lettie grabbing at her waist to keep her from rolling off her lap where she rested.

“Someone drank a bit too much, lightweight.” Katya looked up, taking every inch of Lettie’s face into account as the woman brushed her hair away from her face with an amused grin.

“Scarletttt. Have I ever told you how much you glowww?” Unlike Lottie, Lettie made an exception for the darker-haired woman to call her by her full name and any other nicknames she wanted. Scarlet preferred the nickname Lettie, but she’d make an exception for Katya every time. Katya reached up; her giggling fit forgotten in favor of focusing on the woman above her. “Your hair is so shiny…” She murmured, winding a hand along thick golden waves.

“Katya-” The Ford hit a deep pothole, sending the vehicle swerving off to the side of the road.

“Sh*t!” Alister slammed on the brakes, sending everyone forwards in their seats. Lettie held on to Katya, keeping her from crashing into the back of the driver’s seat. Alister cut the engine when the car came to a stop, pushing his door open to check the outside. Lottie turned around in her seat, scanning the other two for any injuries.

She seemed satisfied with what she saw, turning back to leave the car and help Alister. Lettie and Katya stayed in the car. Lettie looked down at Katya with pursed lips, studying the other woman closely. She was dazed, the shock of the crash startling her enough to bring some of her awareness back. Lettie opened her mouth, shutting it as the trunk slammed closed.

“We’ve got a flat,” Alister grunted, opening the back car door to speak to the others.

“Didn’t you take a class on this s**t? Fix it so we can get home. Me and Katya would like to sleep in an actual bed tonight and I’m sure Lottie would agree.”

Alister glowered at Lettie. “If we had a spare, I’d fix it. I’m sure the princesses can manage one night in a car.” Lottie whacked his arm, shoving past him to stand in the doorway.

“I’m not sleeping out here. The nearest tow truck station is hours away. We’d be stuck here until morning.”

Alister groaned, the Ford creaking as he leaned against the back of it. “Do you want me to build a hut out of nothing?” Lottie turned, hair flicking her twin in the face as she prepared to argue with her boyfriend.

Katya blocked them out, staring at the roof with a faraway gaze. Suddenly, she snapped up, Lettie recoiling back to avoid whacking faces. “Guys.” The couple continued to argue. “Guys.” Lettie gave her a look, motioning for her to stop.

“Shut up before I give you a reason to keep screaming.” The couple paused, Alister glaring and Lottie sighing as she motioned for Katya to continue.

“Li Insoul,” Katya explained.

“The hell is that.” Lettie slapped Alister’s thigh. “Ow! Jesus, it was a question.”

Katya continued, sitting up and leaning over Lettie so they could all hear her. “Li Insoul Hotel. There was a sign for it that we passed not too long ago. The hotel should only be a short walk away!”

“I don’t care if the hotel is a mile away, I’ll take that over sleeping in a car.” Lettie kicked at her sister so they could get out. “I’ll carry you if you get tired, Katya.” She helped her out, steadying Katya. It had been a few hours since she was out of the car. They started ahead, leaving the couple to lock the car up and bicker.

“You never offer to carry me.” Alister groaned, locked the vehicle, and began to trudge ahead, his girlfriend’s complaints behind him.

—

The Li Insoul Hotel was closer than they all expected. It wasn’t hard to miss either, the looming hotel decorated by golden swirls and beaming lights. The parking lot only contained a few fancy cars, including a stretch Hummer limousine parked at the forefront of the hotel.

Alister whistled, knocking his head back to stare impressed at the grandness. “You sure we can afford this place?”

Lottie frowned, crossing her arms. “This place looks like it’s made of real gold.”

Katya stayed silent, staring vacantly at the hotel. She moved forwards without her friends, pushing past the revolving doors. “Katya!” Lettie called, hurrying after her. The others followed, exchanging a confused look.

Katya stopped at the front desk, the grand room void of any guests or workers. A chandelier spun above the front desk, a silver bell resting next to an open sign-in book. She didn’t check to see if her friends followed, ringing the bell. A musical chime sounded from it, twinkling through the vast halls. There was movement from the silk curtains blocking the entrance to the pitch-dark room behind the desk.

“Welcome, Starling and friends, to the Li Insoul Hotel.” A woman stepped out from the curtains, the red silk weaving around her form. She approached the desk, ruby red lips curved into a pleasant smile. “I’m Amby, the owner.” Her eyes ran along Katya, lips curling faintly at the mess of her clothes. “This won’t do, Starling. You look like you’ve all had a rough night.”

“We have.” Katya found herself saying, unable to tear her eyes away from the woman. The glittery, silver stars of her dress bounced off the light. She looked like a goddess with her sweeping gown, neckline plunged elegantly to her breastbone. Every time Amby moved there was a faint tink of a bell.

“We just really need a place to stay for the night. Our car broke down and we have no way to get home this late.” Alister explained, pushing past Katya to reach the front desk. “We need two rooms.”

Amby hummed, spreading her arms open. “Lucky for you all, I have four rooms. Free of charge.” She pulled her hands to her chest, swooning. “I would never dare think to let those in need sleep outside when I have perfectly put together rooms here.”

“But we only need-”

Amby waved Lottie off, moving around the counter. She smirked down at Amby before tossing the others a glance. “Come. I’ll bring you to your room, Starling. My assistants shall help your friends to theirs.” Amby rang the silver bell with a manicured nail, the sound echoing in the entryway. “Now come, come! Your friends will be fine.” The woman hooked a sleeveless arm through Katya’s elbow, dragging her along. Katya looked back as Amby pulled her into an elevator, catching one last glimpse of her friends before the steel doors shut.

—

The elevator reached one of the higher floors, a soft chime indicating their arrival. Amby pulled Katya out and towards a looming door at the end of the hall. The woman kept Katya moving even as they passed by a patron of the hotel. Something felt off about the man heading to the elevator. He had the same unnatural smile as Amby. The only difference was his eyes, devoid of any emotion. Katya shuddered. She thought Amby’s expression was unnerving enough.

“Here we are!” Amby announced, opening the dark wood door with a flourish. Katya gasped stepping into the room. “Lovely, isn’t it? Only the best for my Starling.”

Katya spun around slowly, taking in the giant room. Though it was on a floor filled with other rooms her space was large. Crème colors decorated the whole area, including a large plush chair that sat by the open bay window. “It’s beautiful.” She instantly went to the chair, giving a loud laugh at the softness. Amby followed her, sweeping an out-of-place loose end of a blanket away from the chair with a flick of her wrist.

“Starling? I do have one teensy request before I leave.” Amby’s smile twitched, taking a hold of Katya’s hands before she could respond. “Don’t. Leave. This. Room.” Her silver eyes glowered, Katya instinctively pulling away only to fail. Amby’s hold was turning her fingertips blue.

“Amby- let go, it hurts!” Amby’s grip loosened. It wasn’t enough for Katya to pull away, but her hands slowly returned to their natural peachy tone.
Amby’s lips formed a pout, releasing one of Katya’s hands to caress her cheek. “My apologies, Starling. It’s dangerous for you to be out of your room at night; I’m only concerned for you.” Her gaze went right through Katya, giving a gentle pat to her cheek before she drew away. “Promise you’ll stay. For me, Starling?”

Katya wet her lips, leaning back into the plush chair. “…I promise.” She echoed, forcing a small, reassuring smile. Amby clapped her hands together, her smile returning.

“Lovely! Rest well, Starling. You’ll need it for the morning.” Amby spun on her heels, the click-clacking of her silver stilettos and her cryptic farewell leaving behind an ominous feeling. Katya watched her leave, sinking back into her seat when the door clicked shut.

“Such a strange woman…” She murmured, closing her eyes. She may as well try to rest.

—

There was a booming bang! bang! against the door. The digital clock on the bedside table blinded Katya in her haze of post-wake-up. Only 4 AM. She had stayed in her room as Amby requested, having been too exhausted to explore. She ran a hand through her tangled curls, blearily glancing towards the door. It was too late for any kind of room service. Katya pushed the deep satin covers away, stumbling towards the door. She pulled it open as the banging continued, falling back as Lettie crashed into the room.

Katya caught Lettie, steadying her with wide eyes. “Lettie! What are you doing here?!” Katya helped her over to the plush chair by the window, settling her down.

“Kat..ya.” Lettie took a deep breath. “It’s Lottie and Alister. They aren’t in their rooms.”

“But the rule-”

“Rule?” Lettie raised a brow. “What rule?”

“About leaving our rooms. Weren’t you told that?”

Lettie shook her head. “I wasn’t told any rule, Katya. I was just led to my room.”

“But-” Katya paused, Lettie grabbing her hand as she stood.

“That’s not important right now. Lottie and Alister are missing! Are you going to help me find them or what?”

Katya’s gaze wandered to the door, still ajar from Lettie’s dramatic entrance. She promised Amby she’d stay, but if her friends were missing… Katya dragged Lettie towards the door, quickening her pace once Lettie realized they were going to search. They could start on the main floor where the entrance and dining hall were. Katya hoped the other two just had a late-night craving and went for food.

—

“There they are!” Katya called, spotting the back of Lottie’s golden head. She dragged Lettie towards the table she spotted them at. “Lettie! Alister!”

Alister turned in his seat. “Katya! Scarlet! Come join us. Amby has been telling us so much about the hotel.”

Katya froze. Alister was smiling. The same unnatural, too wide smile all the patrons had held his lips up. Lottie turned, holding a hand to Katya and Lettie. “Why don’t you sit?” She had the same unnerving grin.

“Are you two okay..?” Katya approached, dragging a chair out across from Lottie. She and Lettie sat down in unison, Lettie resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Katya glanced around the foyer while Alister poured them some tea. “Where’s Amby?”

“She had some business to handle.” Alister hummed, sliding two porcelain teacups across the table to Lettie. She accepted them, dropping a few sugar cubes and a dash of a honey-like substance into one of the teacups. Katya took the sweetened tea, rubbing her thumb over the smooth jade green polish.

“It’s like your eyes.” Katya heard Lettie murmur. The honey blonde watched her beneath her lashes, gesturing towards her cup. “It’s safe to drink. Not too hot.”

Katya took her word, giving a courtesy blow over the lip of the cup. She took a long sip, sighing as the warm liquid traveled down her parched throat. She cleared her throat, setting her teacup down. It had an oddly earthy taste.

“Did Amby help find a towing company?”

“Why would she do that, Katya?” Lottie tilted her head, teacup held just below her smile. “Amby promised we could stay in the hotel for as long as we wish. Isn’t that great? We never have to leave!”

Katya recoiled. “Never- Lottie we never wanted to come here. What about your pets? You didn’t get anyone to watch Melister.”

Lottie stared impassively at her. “Who?”

“Your cat!”

“Alister, dear, do you remember having a cat?”

He hummed. “I don’t, love.”

Lottie clapped her hands together. “Then I see no reason to leave. I’d love staying here forever with my honey bear, sweet twin, and our dear Katya.”
Katya’s head swiveled back and forth between the two, looking to Lettie for help. She was looking away, seemingly unbothered by the other’s wish to stay. Katya couldn’t take it.

“We need to leave.” Katya snapped, hands slamming on the table as she stood.

“Stay.” The couple spoke in unison, eyes going blank. Their mouths turned down an inch when Katya knocked her chair back. Katya felt a hand settle on her shoulder, pushing her down into her seat. When she looked back, no one was there. It was like a light switched; the couple’s faces returned to being eerily upbeat.

Lottie took Katya’s hands across the table. “Just think! We have everything we could ever need here. Why should we leave?” Lottie’s unnatural smile never left her face.

“But we said-”

“I’m sorry, Katya.” Lettie murmured suddenly. It was the last thing she heard before dizziness overtook her, holding onto the table’s edge. Her vision blurred, hardly able to recognize Lettie through the spots. She silently gaped at her, slipping from her chair into a boneless pile. Voice hoarse and tongue feeling like wet sand, Katya managed to speak before her world went dark.

“Scar… why?”