Let's Make A Deal

Chapter 1

It was just another ordinary day in Hell as everyone ran around screaming, whether it be rampaging murderers or those being murdered. Smoke polluted the blood red sky, carrying an odor combined of burning corpses, buildings, meth, and dirty bombs, among many other things.

A young damsel swiftly crept her way into a dark alley that was far too slim for a turf war. A perfect space to tie up loose ends, perhaps, but an easy one to be overlooked by any passerby. The demoness became cloaked by darkness as she quietly paced deeper into the murky corridor while shallow puddles diluted with old blood and dirt were splattered under the pair of noir, pointed boots coated in soft suede.

She came to a stop next to a steel door hidden in the shadows near the end of the brick alleyway. Her long manicured talons then fished out a key from the inside of the collar to her onyx turtleneck before quickly unlocking a padlock. Once she was inside the unlit lair, her slender fingers flicked on a tall lamp, then latched the door shut behind her. The room became warm and cozy as soon she struck a match, tossing it into the fireplace tucked into a corner.

A mahogany coffee table perched no more than fifteen inches off of the center of the quaint living room, accompanied with an ornate burgundy cushion laying in both sides. The demoness sighed as she clicked a button on her home phone set, then bent over the table to snatch a set of tarot cards and began to shuffle them.

"You have...one...new message," the automatic voice rehearsed.

She smoothed the massively long curls of her high ponytail and plopped herself onto her back across the loveseat against the wall. "Hey, Aurora, it's Vaggie. It's been a while since we've hung out, and I know you have pretty slow days right now...so I was wondering if you'd like to help out with the hotel? I know, I know. It's popularity is still on the low side and it's been a month since it opened now, but it's something new to try and I need a break from these idiots. Let me know what you decide." Aurora sat up as she arched an eyebrow. That was strange. Not as strange as her love for alcohol and hate for drinking, but still.

A glossy, black talon was placed on her dark violet lips. She remembered when the princess's interview on the 666 News for the 'Happy Hotel' was first aired. That was definitely something. Of course, Aurora would never consider staying as a client, the idea was just laughable. Just remembering the name of the establishment made her suppress a giggle. What would she even do as a staff member? All she did now was spend her afterlife career as an anon writer and a part time psychic. Occasionally, she served as a translator, but that never paid well anyway.

She hummed to herself in deep thought while she continued to slip the tarot cards of her deck in between one another into the palm of her pasty hand. In her past life, she rather enjoyed going outside and was beyond adventurous.

Unfortunately, the nature of Hell had changed that. If the hotel was a rehabilitation center for damned souls who actually believed in seeking redemption, it would be a safer environment...right?

Also, if Aurora did decide to go, she would be able to socialize with Vaggie almost constantly—a good friend she had made shortly after her arrival in hell. And if business was slow, but still progressing, the workload would probably be next to nothing. Before she knew it, Vaggie's invitation was very appealing. As a matter of fact, it sounded perfect. She was eager for a fresh start in a cautious surrounding.

Soon, her suitcase was already halfway finished on her bed with garments neatly folded and organized. Aurora looked over her shoulder and snatched a sealed bottle of vodka off of her dresser.

You know, for emergencies.

She withdrew her eyePhone from the inside of the outer part of her above-the-ankle boots. After scrolling through Vaggie's Instadamn, she giggled at a selfie of her and her girlfriend, Charlie, which was ruined with a photo bomb of the most famous porn star in Hell, Angel Dust. Honestly, she didn't know why Vaggie made it sound so rough. If anything, the more Aurora pondered the idea, the more excited she became.