“Something doesn’t feel right,” I muttered quietly.
The lights in front of the hotel flickered invitingly as the rain continued pouring around me. A familiar scent—lavender, maybe?—wafted from the door, drawing me forward. I had the strangest sense that there was something inside of the hotel that I simply couldn’t pass by. Almost unconsciously, I found myself trudging through puddles as I approached the entryway. A thick, jelly-like sensation surrounded me as I pushed my way into the building. Startled, I tried to turn back, only to emerge fully through to the other side. The moment I was freed from the viscous barrier, a booming shout echoed in front of me.
“Champagne! Bring the champagne!”
I jumped reflexively, raising my hands to cover my ears against the sudden commotion. Although I could have sworn I hadn’t gone more than a few steps, the entryway was nowhere to be seen behind me.
