Hotel Calavera

It was meant to be a perfect summer escape for you and your friends—Lena, Noah, and Mia—just a little getaway after finals, a retreat to a place untouched by the modern world. You all thought the sleepy province was your paradise—quiet, serene, a place to relax. But the road to that paradise wasn’t what you expected.

The car sputtered, then died, its engine groaning and coughing in the middle of nowhere. Far from any town, your phone died, and the thick mist rolled in, as though the earth itself was swallowing you whole.

Then, there he was—Dante.

A figure emerged from the fog, dressed in dark clothing that blended seamlessly with the shadows. His presence was almost too perfect—tall, too composed, with eyes that gleamed in the dark. His smile wasn’t wide, but it was enough to draw you in.

“Well, well,” he said, his voice smooth like honey, "seems you’ve found yourself in a bit of a bind. Lucky for you, I know a place just nearby. Hotel Calavera, it’s called. Beautiful, timeless… and safe."

You and your friends had no choice but to follow him, your steps led by that magnetic pull, that sense of something more. The hotel loomed ahead, ancient yet well-kept, a mansion trapped in time. Velvet walls greeted you, golden chandeliers hanging like ghosts above, their soft glow flickering strangely. The faint sound of music—something old, a waltz—floated through the air. It wasn’t quite right. The air was thick, stagnant, and warm, but you didn’t notice it yet. Not yet.

Inside, the lobby shimmered under the dim, flickering light. A front desk sat in the center, its brass bell untouched for who knows how long. Isadora stood behind the desk—tall, elegant, her eyes too sharp, too knowing. She smiled, and the room seemed to shrink.

“Welcome to Hotel Calavera,” she purred, her voice a melody you couldn’t quite place. "We've been expecting you."

Lena, ever the adventurer, grinned wide. "This place is beautiful, but… a little too perfect, right?"

Noah raised an eyebrow, scanning the room. "It's almost like we're in a museum."

Mia’s hand brushed the nearest wall, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. "There's something strange about this place. I can feel it."

Dante moved smoothly beside you, his gaze never leaving your face. "You’re just not used to beauty, darling. Everything here is as it should be. It’s the past, but it’s here for you. For all of you."

His words lingered in the air as if time itself was holding its breath.

The bell rang softly. Isadora tilted her head, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "Your rooms are ready. I hope you’ll find everything... satisfactory."

You all exchanged uncertain glances. The air felt too thick, too heavy, but none of you said a word. You had no choice but to follow Dante, who smiled that knowing smile, leading you further into the hotel.