𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, luke castellan

ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ꜰɪᴠᴇ

The Witch's Hospitality.

🌊

    IT WASN'T THAT HARD FINDING THE ACTUAL SHIP IN THE END. It only took a single day of navigation before they finally sighted land. The island rose from the sea like a verdant jewel, its small mountain at the center surrounded by lush greenery and an array of dazzling buildings that sparkled in the sunlight. The beach, a pristine stretch of white sand adorned with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, was a welcome sight for their weary eyes.

    As they approached, the harbor came into view, a bustling scene. The harbor was alive with activity, filled with boats of various sizes, each one seemingly perfect for their present needs.

    A lady with a clipboard greeted them at the shore as they stepped off the ship. The monsters remaining on the ship while they attempted to negotiate to get a new one. She looked like a flight attendant—dressed in a crisp blue business suit, with perfect makeup, and her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. Her demeanor was poised and professional, a stark contrast to the trio's bedraggled appearance. She extended her hand for a handshake, her smile unwavering and dazzling.

    Luke, Rory, and Chris exchanged skeptical glances. Their arms remained crossed, their faces reflecting a mix of exhaustion and wariness. The lady’s hand hung in the air momentarily before she withdrew it with barely a flicker of disappointment, her smile never faltering.

    "Welcome!" she declared with a cheerful, almost too-bright tone. "Is this your first time with us?"

    Luke stepped forward, his brow furrowed as he prepared to explain their situation. "We're not—"

    She cut him off with a swift, practiced motion, her pen already scribbling furiously on the clipboard. "First—time—at—spa," she noted down with a flourish, the pen dashing across the paper with an almost musical rhythm.

    As she scrutinized them, her gaze lingered on the boys' disheveled state, her expression momentarily betraying a flicker of distaste. Their clothes were torn and stained with the remnants of their battles, their faces smeared with grime. Rory's injured shoulder, was hastily bandaged, and their faces were dirt-streaked.

    The clipboard lady circled them like a hawk, her sharp eyes missing nothing. "We have some excellent rejuvenation packages," she said, her voice dripping with forced enthusiasm. "Detoxifying baths, deep tissue massages, and of course, our signature relaxation therapies."

    Growing impatient, Luke snapped, "We're not here for a spa, we're with Kronos."

    That got her attention. Her eyes snapped away from her clipboard, widening as she took a second look at them, sizing them up almost nervously. The confident, professional mask she wore faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. She quickly regained her composure, but the change in her demeanor was unmistakable. "We've been expecting you," she said, her tone now more cautious. "Right this way."

    They exchanged uneasy glances.

    She led them through the opulent estate, where luxury and elegance seemed to know no bounds. The path was lined with white marble tiles that gleamed under the sun, reflecting the crystal-clear blue waters of the numerous pools and fountains that surrounded them. Each terrace they ascended was a marvel of architectural design, seamlessly blending into the mountainside and offering breathtaking views of the ocean beyond.

    Terraces ascended the mountain's side, each more magnificent than the last. The first was adorned with swimming pools, their waters shimmering invitingly under the sun. Guests lounged on floaties shaped like swans and flamingos, their laughter mingling with the gentle sound of water lapping against the edges. Waterslides twisted and turned, snaking down the hillside and disappearing into pools below, their curves designed to thrill and delight. Underwater tubes connected the different levels, allowing guests to glide effortlessly from one pool to another, their bodies silhouetted against the blue-tinted glass.