"Why is it so hot in this town?!" Ethan exclaims in his head.
He came to this secluded town down south to investigate multiple cases of missing people.
"If only this wouldn't accelerate promotion, I wouldn't have accepted this job." He is a young genius detective, in the previous year, he was able to solve 2 of the most difficult cases in the country that not even senior detectives could. If not for his age and family background, he would've been promoted already and wouldn't have had to go through this case.
"I could swear I already walked past this palm tree, am I lost?" He furrows his brows as he feels the scorching heat of the sun on his pale skin.
He continues to walk along the white sand beach that stretches as far as he could see.
This is probably the only redeeming quality of this secluded town. Everything else is either gloomy or depressing because of the unsolved mysterious case. Even the people he walked past earlier seem to be wary of him, some even looked scared.
"Is that a building? I've finally found it" he lets out a sigh of relief when he finally sees the hotel he will be staying at.
"It's so weird there is just one hotel in this long stretch of a beautiful beach. The sand is really white and clean too, why are there no other establishments here?" He says while scanning the building in front of him.
It's a well maintained building for a secluded town like this with almost no tourists. It has 4 floors and a huge swimming pool on the side. It has an impressive european style of architecture that looks out of place because of the old run down houses around the area.
"Welcome, Sir! We were expecting you!" The receptionist greeted Ethan as he enters the hotel lobby.
Ethan smiles and proceeds to the front desk.
The lobby is nothing short of extravagant. there is a huge chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, natural light penetrating through huge glass windows. the floor is made of marble with gold detailing.
As he walks through the red carpet expanding from the front entrance to the reception area, Ethan wondered why this hotel has never been featured on any news, magazine or travel blogs if it's this gorgeous.
"Thank you for choosing World Hotel, Here's your room key Sir Ethan. Just sign here please" The receptionist points to the log book. She cheerfully hands the keys to Ethan.
Ethan was taken aback when the receptionist mentioned his name. 'Isn't it weird that they knew exactly who I was?' Ethan thought to himself but dismisses it with the thought that he might be the only to reserve a room that day.
He shakes his head, 'I hope I'm not just over thinking this' he thought.
While Ethan signs the log book, A tall, well built and seemingly middle aged guy walks towards the reception desk.
"Great timing Peter, help Sir look for his room and make sure everything he needs is in the there" The receptionist then smiles at Ethan while Peter guides him to the elevator.
The elevator ride was quiet, Ethan was tired from his trip and all the walking he did so he didn't bother to speak with the guy beside him.
As they were walking down the spacious hallway, Peter stopped in front of a room and pulled out a key card. He turns the doorknob, opened the door and turned on the lights in the room.
Ethan peaks from behind Peter to see what the room looks like. Peter then moves to the side so that Ethan could get a better view.
The room was big enough for a family of four even if it was supposed to be a room for one. The room interior was not less impressive than the building exterior and lobby. Everything seems clean and new and the appliances are all expensive brands.
"Woah, are you sure this is the room I rented for for only 35 dollars a night?!" Ethan asks Peter who was checking the air-conditioning of the room
"Yes Sir, this is our single room, our family room is double in size" Peter explains like a proud parent
"The hotel owner is a really nice person, they wanted to give our guests the best stay possible" Peter's voice seems more lively when mentioning about the owner.
"Sweet, I'm really liking here so far" there is some doubt starting to form on Ethan's head but he didn't want the hotel staff to notice so he pretended to be oblivious.
"I'll leave you be now Sir, if that's alright if you need anything or want to order food, you can use the landline phone beside the bed, the receptionist's number is also listed there." Peter slowly made his way outside of the room
"Okay, thanks Peter" Ethan is very good with names and faces, he remembered the receptionist mention Peter's name before they got on the elevator.
"Thank you sir, have a great stay!" Peter seems to be delighted that his name was remembered. He closed the door and the sound of footsteps could be heard fading into the hallway.
"This hotel is really suspicious. There was no reviews on the internet about it even if it's this beautiful" Ethan mutters to himself as he types down notes on his tablet.
He continued to write down his clues as he felt his body ache from all the walking and slowly fell asleep.
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On a ship in the middle of the ocean, the shadow of a girl could be seen. The moon lighting up the starry sky, the water glistening as the light hits and the sound of calm waves could be heard.
"Princess Dana, why are you out here in the cold? Your father will scold me if you get sick" a white haired middle aged woman comes out on the ship's deck.
"Sera, I'm fine, I'm not a kid anymore" Dana pouts playfully
Sera laughs in defeat "I'm just saying, Princess, I'm not going to force you to come inside though"
"You spoil me too much Sera, what will I do without you" Dana hugs her hand maiden
Sera has been taking care of her since she was born, she treats Sera like her mom more than her actual mom who is rarely around.
"It's because you're like a daughter to me, Princess" Sera hugs Dana back.
Dana walks towards the bow of the ship barefoot while wearing their country's traditional two piece, handwoven clothes. With the full moon making her tan skin glow even more, her silky white hair, and ebony eyes.
Sera couldn't help but stare in awe on how beautiful their princess is, she is indeed a royalty through and through.
"I'm both happy and sad that I've come of age, Sera" Dana breaks the silence and faces Sera.
"I'm happy because I could finally fulfill my duties as the princess of our country" she pauses while trying to stop her eyes from tearing up.
"And I'm sad because I'll be away for an indefinite amount of time"
Sera pats Dana on the back, trying to comfort her. "We'll see each other soon before you know it Princess, so I hope you could enjoy this time of your life"
Dana smiles and looks at the port from afar, they are almost at their destination.
"You're right Sera, I should be enjoying it while I'm here" Dana smiles.
"And besides, I haven't been to earth in a while"