Page 20 of Magical Melee

Sheer white curtains hung delicately on each side. The walls were painted a soothing cream with wallpaper on the lower half in a delicate floral motif. Two queen beds with ivory velvet headboards and white goose-down comforters looked extremely inviting. A large flat-screen television hung over a stone fireplace, and two double doors opened to a balcony. A navy couch in the far corner had several embroidered pillows.

A tray with potted herbs and flowers had been placed on a rustic coffee table.

“This is absolutely charming,” I said in disbelief.

Our luggage had been placed near a closet tucked by the bathroom.

Skye plopped onto the bed, bouncing lightly. “Now, this is where I could get used to hiding from the world.”

My eyes drifted around the room, settling on a stack of small, leather-bound books placed thoughtfully on a nightstand. I picked up one of them and started flipping through botanicalimages, lunar cycles, and something else I didn’t quite recognize. Poems, maybe?

“This is so cool.” I held it up, and Skye leaned over, eyebrows raised. “I bet I could spend weeks here and still not scratch the town's surface. They have paid attention to details I haven’t even thought of.”

“Let me see.”

I handed her the book, and she started flipping through the pages. “Impressive, right?”

“Oh.” Her expression fell. “I thought you were handing me the room service menu.”

I laughed and shook my head. “You’re a hopeless case.”

“A book full of spells is pretty awesome, though.”

I groaned with a chuckle. “Right. Spells. I just thought they were lovely poems.”

Skye rolled her eyes. “I have to admit. We’ve never stayed here when I’ve come with my family. We wander around town, shop, and eat. This, however, is next level.”

I nodded happily, glancing out the window at the town to see the sidewalks bustling below.

A sharp knock at the door made me jump as I touched my heart, and Skye started laughing.

“You go answer the door, and I’ll order some good food.”

“Deal.” I walked over to the door and flung it open wide, shocked by what I saw on the other side.

Chapter Five

“Frank?” My brows furrowed as I stared at the English bulldog on the other side of the door. “You didn’t knock…did you?”

He didn’t say anything.

Obviously.

But he looked at me intently as I stuck my head out and glanced in both directions to find only Frank in the hall.

My brows furrowed, and I glanced behind me to see Skye ordering our food on the phone.

I folded my arms and bent down. “Did you need something? Or?”

He stared at me.

“Can I help you with anything?” I whispered, hoping Skye wouldn’t hear me. “You gotta give me a bit to go with here. Did you want to come in?”

I waited for a wink or a snort or something.

But all he did was turn around and sit with his back facing our room and his snout facing the hallway. He took position like one of the many gargoyles out front.

“Okay, then. I’ll just close the door. Let me know if you need anything. I guess?”