Through the gate, Rin didn't find hell, nor a forest…
He found himself in the lobby of a luxurious hotel—scented air, velvet-red carpets, walls studded with ruby horns and crystal veins.
"Welcome to the Hundred Souls Hotel, where comfort… isn't free."
The receptionist was a skeleton in a sharp suit, holding a guestbook.
"Are you… a couple? Or victims?"
"Couple," Istar said quickly, locking her arm in Rin's and nuzzling his shoulder.
"Victims," Rin said at the same time, yawning.
The skeleton sighed. "One room. One bed. Many surprises."
---
The room was stunning.
Massive bed. Windows overlooking nothing. A talking magic mirror.
"If you wish to see his heart, just hold him while he sleeps," the mirror whispered to Istar.
"I already do that," she replied, gazing at Rin lying motionless like a corpse.
---
An hour passed.
Rin lay still, breathing slowly—like an ancient thing hibernating.
Istar sat beside him, fingers in his hair, eyes on his face… then suddenly—
She licked him.
"…Huh," he mumbled.
"Sorry. Just checking you're not a dream," she said with a smile, hiding her tail.
"If you're dreaming of me, you need serious help," Rin muttered, opening one eye.
---
Knock knock.
Rin didn't move.
"Night service!" came a chirpy voice from the hallway.
Istar opened the door.
A little girl floated in… or at least, she looked like a girl.
Third eye on her forehead. Hovering. Holding a tray with a glass of blood and a book titled How to Raise a Sweet Demon.
"Did you request anything?"
"No," Rin said without looking.
"Can I… sleep here tonight? I just want a warm vibe…"
"Yes!" Istar yelled—then grabbed the girl by her collar and tossed her into the hallway.
"No other girls allowed but me!" she declared proudly.
---
Midnight.
Rin slept deeply.
Istar lay sprawled on top of him, brushing his cheek, tracing invisible hearts across his chest.
She whispered: "I won't leave you. Even if you forget me. Even if you kill me. I'll come back. And I'll lick you again."
Suddenly—
A scream in the hallway.
Then an explosion.
Then the door blasted open.
A giant man with a bull's head and flaming horns stormed in.
"You! You are the chosen one! I've finally found you!"
Rin opened one eye, stared at him, then pulled the blanket over his head.
"Wrong address."
---
Istar stood, stretched, smiled.
"Should I kill him, or will you handle it?"
Rin pointed at her without speaking.
"Good," she said, baring her claws and flashing her fangs.
"Just don't kill the hotel manager," Rin mumbled, rolling over.
"I'll try."
---
Outside, the skeleton receptionist scribbled into his logbook:
Note: Room 13 is no longer usable.
The girl played with fire… and the fire got scared.