I stepped into the hotel, its polished floors and warm lighting a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive atmosphere I'd just left behind.
The place was quiet, elegant, and mercifully empty—a welcome change after days spent stalking through shadows and hunting a creature like that. Now, all I wanted was a place to rest. A bed, silence, and maybe a few hours without worrying who or what might be watching.
As I approached the front desk, the receptionist looked up from her screen, a polite smile at the ready. Her gaze met mine, and for a split second, her expression faltered. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing faintly as she took in my appearance.
'Ah. Another one,' I thought, suppressing a sigh. Ever since I'd consumed that flower in Maya's forest, I'd noticed this reaction everywhere.
