The Enchanted Tarot

Chapter 6: The Hierophant Card and Lee

The morning sun was warm as Ludwig strolled through the bustling streets of Chinatown, a district rich in tradition and layered with history. The assignment had been handed to him that morning—a deep dive into the local culture, something his boss insisted would add flavor to their latest research. It wasn't the kind of task Ludwig typically gravitated towards, but he enjoyed exploring new places, and Chinatown, with its colorful facades, exotic aromas, and labyrinthine streets, felt like stepping into another world.

As he made his way past street vendors selling dumplings, herbal remedies, and paper lanterns, Ludwig found himself drawn to an old hotel tucked into a narrow street. The hotel was weathered and worn, its sign hanging precariously from rusted chains. There was something eerie about the place—an odd stillness amidst the otherwise lively street. Ludwig made a mental note to avoid staying there, though the idea of sleeping anywhere else in the area felt slim, given his deadline.

Next to the hotel was a tiny food stall, barely large enough to accommodate a couple of stools. The rich scent of fried pork and sizzling noodles filled the air. Ludwig's stomach rumbled, pulling him toward it. Behind the counter stood a young man, probably in his late twenties, with strikingly good looks. His sharp jawline, almond-shaped eyes, and neatly combed black hair gave him an air of quiet confidence.

"Hungry?" the man asked, his voice deep but friendly.

"Yeah, a little," Ludwig replied, sitting at the stool. "I'm actually here for work—researching the area."

The man, whose name tag read "Lee," raised an eyebrow. "Research? What kind?"

"Cultural history, mostly. We're writing a report about the traditional influences in modern urban areas."

Lee smirked. "This place has more than just history. You see that hotel over there?" He pointed to the aging building next door. "That's not just any hotel. It used to be a place of... sacrifices."

Ludwig felt a shiver run down his spine. "Sacrifices? Like what?"

Lee's eyes darkened. "It was said that in the old days, people used to make offerings there to appease spirits. They'd leave food, or worse... blood."

Ludwig laughed nervously, trying to brush off the growing sense of unease. "Is that a local legend, or are you just messing with me?"

Lee leaned closer. "Stay there tonight, and you'll find out."

Despite the eerie warning, Ludwig ended up booking a room in the old hotel, its creaky floors and dim lighting adding to the unsettling atmosphere. After hours of typing on his laptop and poring over local history, exhaustion finally claimed him. As he lay in bed, the faint sound of footsteps in the hallway seemed to echo through the thin walls. Each creak, each distant murmur, made his skin crawl. He tried to convince himself it was just his imagination, but there was an undeniable sense of something—or someone—watching him.

Around midnight, he couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed his phone and left the room, desperate for some air. When he stepped outside, he saw Lee leaning against the wall, casually smoking a cigarette. The night was still, almost too quiet for a place so bustling during the day.

"Couldn't sleep?" Lee asked, exhaling a plume of smoke.

"There's something wrong with that room," Ludwig said, his voice shaky. "It feels like something's... off."

Lee took one last drag from his cigarette and tossed it to the ground. "You want me to check it out for you?"

At first, Lee seemed hesitant, but after a few moments of deliberation, he nodded. Together, they went back up to the room, and the moment they entered, a cold draft washed over them. Ludwig couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking in the shadows, just beyond the reach of the dim light.

Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the bathroom, the door slamming shut with a startling bang. Ludwig jumped, his heart racing, but Lee, calm and collected, approached the door. He pushed it open, revealing nothing inside but a dripping faucet.

"Probably just the pipes," Lee said with a chuckle, but his voice was tense.

They both stood there in awkward silence for a moment, their nerves getting the best of them. Then, without thinking, they turned toward each other, their eyes locking in a way that neither of them could ignore. Before Ludwig could say anything, Lee leaned in, closing the distance between them, his lips brushing softly against Ludwig's. The fear from before melted away, replaced by a surge of desire.

Ludwig kissed him back, and what started as a tentative touch quickly became something more urgent. They stumbled toward the bed, their hands pulling at each other's clothes, desperate to feel skin on skin. Lee's muscular frame hovered over Ludwig, and when Ludwig looked up at him, he couldn't help but admire the way the dim light caught the angles of his face.

With a smirk, Lee reached down and unbuttoned Ludwig's shirt, slowly pulling it off before moving to his own. Soon, they were both bare, their bodies pressing together as their mouths explored each other's necks and shoulders. Ludwig gasped as Lee moved lower, kissing his chest, his stomach, until he was between his legs, spreading them wide like a scissor.

Ludwig felt his entire body shudder as Lee's mouth and tongue worked him, building up the tension in waves. When Lee finally entered him, it was slow, deliberate, and deep. Ludwig's back arched, the pleasure intensifying with every thrust. The eerie atmosphere of the room was completely forgotten as they moved together, their rhythm becoming faster, more desperate, until they both reached their climax.

Breathing heavily, they collapsed back onto the bed, their limbs tangled together. For a moment, neither of them spoke, just lying there in the quiet room, listening to the sound of their hearts pounding in unison.

"Well," Lee said with a grin, "I guess we scared the ghost away."

Ludwig laughed, feeling the tension drain from his body. They stayed there for a while, talking quietly and sharing a few more kisses, but eventually, reality crept back in. Ludwig knew he had to get back to work the next day, and Lee had his life to return to as well.

As Ludwig gathered his clothes, still feeling the warmth of Lee's touch, he couldn't help but smile. Maybe tradition and structure weren't so bad after all—especially if they led him to moments like this.

And as he walked out of the hotel, the haunting presence he once felt seemed to have vanished. Maybe the ghost had indeed been scared off by something far more human.