Chapter 72 The Grand Hotel
>>Amara
Nestled majestically amidst the rugged mountain peaks was The Grand Hotel of the elites. We were greeted by a grand entrance adorned with intricately carved wooden doors and a sweeping porte-cochère. The entrance was flanked by imposing statues of noble stag and regal bears, paying homage to the majestic wildlife that roamed those mountains.
Upon entering the hotel's grand lobby, guests were enveloped in an aura of luxury and sophistication. The soaring ceilings were supported by massive wooden beams, and the polished stone floors were adorned with elegant Persian rugs that added a touch of warmth and grandeur.
A roaring fireplace stood as the focal point of the lobby, crackling with the comforting embrace of a carefully tended flame. Plush leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas were arranged invitingly around the hearth, offering guests a place to unwind and savor the moments of respite after a day of exhilarating hunting.
The hotel's interior decor was a harmonious fusion of rustic charm and refined elegance. Exquisite chandeliers crafted from antler and wrought iron hung from the ceilings, casting a soft glow that complemented the natural beauty of the surroundings. Fine art and tapestries depicting hunting scenes adorned the walls, making both Nico and I awe.
We then looked at each other, "I feel a little out of place." Nico whispered and I nodded.
'Same,' I replied, 'I've never been to a place like this.'
"I have," He replied, "Let's not forget who my father is." He sighed and I nodded at his words.
"OH! MY GOD!" Tina came with us and unlike Nico and I, she was excited, "This place is amazing!: She took out her phone and started taking snaps, "This is going to be an amazing trip!"
"We're here for an assignment," Nico rolled his eyes and Tina paused.
"Yea," She looked back at us with an uninterested look, "But nobody said we can't have fun while we're here."
Nico glanced at me, 'She's right,' I signed, 'As long as we finish our painting, we can have fun.' I shrugged and he then shrugged back.
We were given our assigned cards at the reception and Tina and I were paired up for a room. Nico got his card but he had no idea who his roommate would be, he just wished it wasn't an Alpha werewolf. On Nico's ID, he's not an omega. His family has that fact hidden and he doesn't tell anyone either. So I'm the only one who knows.
I hope he gets paired with a college senior. I learned that Amy and Jake are here too. I never got to meet them again after they hosted the freshmen party but I feel like they're nice people. It would be nice if Jake became Nico's roommate.
"Hey!" Tina called out to me as she opened her suitcase on her bed, "What are you wearing for tonight's opening ceremony party?"
I paused at her words and looked at her in confusion. 'What?' I signed the words but she didn't get it. Of course, she wouldn't, but at the same time, I'm glad she didn't. I just spoke out in a confused reaction.
"I can't sign," She replied and took out a black off-the-shoulder dress and placed it on the bed, "If we need to talk, you'll have to write it out."'
I felt really uncomfortable. I had no idea there was a dinner party so I didn't bring a dress. And to be fair, I don't have any, to begin with. I've never been to events like these so why would I own one?
I took out my phone and opened the text-to-speech app.
"I won't be attending," I typed it and the app voiced it out.
"What?" She looked at me as if I was some weird alien, "Well," She looked at me from top to bottom, "Makes sense, it's not like you'll be able to talk to anyone." She turned around and started taking out her things.
"That's right." I lied, "It's better if I stay in." I would have loved to attend but I wasn't told about a party... And if there is an opening party, I'm sure there's a closing party too... Why the hell was I chosen for an event like this? I don't fit in at all...
I wonder if Nico knew about this... I'm sure he does. His family is full of elite werewolves, why wouldn't he know?
I still chose to text him though. If he knew about this. Why didn't he tell me? I feel so embarrassed right now.
'Nico, did you know about the opening party tonight?'
I texted and then looked around the room. It was a clean, sophisticated place, exactly what a person would expect from a five-star hotel. The windows were big and the view outside was great. From our room, there was a view of the pool and there were a number of kids playing there.
I smiled as I stood by the window and watched them, the pool was surrounded by artificial grass for about ten meters and then there was natural greenery.
My phone buzzed and I immediately looked at my texts. As I had expected, it was from Nico.
'Oh! Shit! I completely forgot about that!?'
'Sorry Mara! I should have told you, but the party didn't even cross my mind!'
'Why not?' I texted him back, 'You don't usually forget things.' I still felt bad. I've always wanted to try and go to parties like these but I never got the chance to. Grace attended several of these parties, but as a man...
We once talked about attending wearing pretty cocktail dresses and I got so excited about it. I even have a chance now but I don't have a dress. I didn't even bring any makeup with me. Just some sunblock, face powder, and a lip glass...
I get that Nico didn't do it on purpose, but I'm angry that he forgot!
'Yea...' I got his text back, 'It's just that my family is here too and I was stressed about that.'
Oh...
Now what am I supposed to say? His family already hates the fact that he got enrolled in the art department, they're probably furious that he's here but only to draw and not to participate.
I let out a sigh.
Now I can't even stay mad at him...
I went back and slumped down on the bed.
"I'm going to change." Tina picked up her dress and makeup box, "It's going to take me a while to get ready so if you want to use the bathroom, you should use it now." She looked at the time on her phone, "The party starts at seven. It's already five."
I looked at her and shook my head.
"Okay then." She took her dress and went in while I sat and wondered what to do. I guess I'm free the whole time then. I could go explore the place and if Nico didn't even remember there was a party, he must not have a suit either, right?
Then, I guess we can hang out together... Like always...
Or maybe, I can take a nap. I nodded to myself and crawled to the head of the bed when the doorbell rang.
Hmm?
I looked towards the door and then the bathroom. Tina didn't even peep so I stood up from the bed and opened the door, only to be greeted by a large black box.
???
"Miss Amara Alma, right?" A voice came from behind the box. And then a woman peeked at me.
!!!
"Miss Amara?" She asked me again and I nodded, "Oh! Good!" She started to step inside and I was forced to make space for her.
???
I was confused. What was happening? I followed her and she dropped the box on my bed, then looked at me. I looked back at her and we somehow started a staring competition.
...
...
...
...
"Oh!" Then she suddenly remembered, "You can't speak!" She hit her head with her fist, "I'm so sorry."
"..."
"Um," She pointed at the black box with her hands, "This is a gift for you."
???
I titled my head at her in confusion.
"It's a dress for tonight's party." She smiled at me, "And," She pointed at herself, "I'll be doing your makeup." She stood proudly but I only got more confused.
I had questions but barely any of them were answered by her answers. So, I took out my phone and opened the text-to-speech app again.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"My name is Lyla," She smiled and took off the lid of the box, then took out a beautiful Halter Neck Dress made of brown silk. The moment I caught a glimpse of it my jaw dropped.
"You're saying that's for me?"
"Yes," She nodded.
"Who sent it?" I began to panic, "And why?" There was no way anyone would send it to me. I didn't know anyone like that. Nico didn't even remember, so I doubt it came from him...
"Um," Lyla averted her gaze, "I was told to keep it a secret."