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Dreadhorse Chapter 18
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Under the flickering hallway lights of the old hotel, Maya navigated her way to room 312. The corridor was quiet, save for the distant hum of late-night guests and the occasional scurrying of unseen creatures. She held a small notebook tightly in her hand, a gift from her grandmother who had often spoken of the hotel’s hidden histories and restless spirits.
As Maya approached her room, a scruffy stray cat brushed against her legs, purring softly. Its amber eyes watched her with an almost knowing gaze before it slipped into the shadows. Smiling, Maya bent to pet the feline briefly before continuing her ascent to the second floor.
Inside room 312, Maya placed her bag down and glanced around. The room was warmly lit, the decor a charming mix of vintage and modern touches. She settled onto the bed, opening her notebook to jot down ideas for her next story. Unbeknownst to her, a gentle presence lingered in the room—a friendly ghost named Eliza, who had watched over the hotel for decades. Eliza enjoyed the company of guests, often whispering inspiration into the ears of aspiring writers like Maya.
As Maya began to write, the cat wandered onto her lap, kneading contentedly. She smiled, feeling the creative energy flow effortlessly. Eliza, hovering near the window, admired Maya’s dedication. “Such potential,” she mused, her ethereal form barely visible in the soft glow.
Later that evening, as Maya prepared for a night of writing, the doorbell rang. She glanced at her watch—it was unusual for guests to check in so late. Curious, she opened the door to find a man in a pristine suit, holding a clipboard.
“Good evening,” he began smoothly. “I’m Mr. Hawkins from the hotel management. We have a small issue to discuss regarding your reservation.”
Maya felt a flutter of concern but welcomed him inside. Mr. Hawkins seemed professional and attentive, listening to her responses with a reassuring demeanor. He offered to help her adjust her booking to better suit her needs, earning her gratitude. Eliza observed the interaction, sensing nothing amiss.
Days passed, and Maya thrived in her creative pursuits, often accompanied by the stray cat and subtle inspirations from Eliza. However, her trust in Mr. Hawkins began to wane. Small discrepancies emerged—charges on her bill that she didn’t recognize and unexplained changes to her reservation details. When she brought these up, Mr. Hawkins remained charming, dismissing her concerns with ease.
One night, driven by a growing sense of unease, Maya decided to investigate. She reviewed her booking history and discovered that Mr. Hawkins had been manipulating records to siphon funds from unsuspecting guests. Confronting him, she realized the truth: behind his polished exterior was a cunning fraudster exploiting the hotel’s legacy for personal gain.
Feeling betrayed, Maya reported Mr. Hawkins to the authorities. As he was led away, her trust shattered, she sought comfort in the presence of Eliza and the loyal stray who had remained by her side. Eliza, though usually a source of warmth, now seemed distant, reflecting the turmoil Maya felt.
In the aftermath, Maya’s writing took a darker turn, inspired by her own experience of deceit and loss of innocence. The friendly ghost, once a beacon of inspiration, became a silent witness to her growing distrust and pain. The stray cat, however, continued to offer unwavering companionship, a reminder that not all was lost.
Maya learned a hard lesson about appearances and trust, her story enriched by the betrayal she endured. The hotel, with its mix of the supernatural and ordinary, remained a place of both inspiration and caution, where even the most welcoming faces could hide shadows.