Chapter 3 Welcome to Aradessa

Chapter 3: Welcome to Aradessa

Yasmine's POV

We drifted higher into the sky and I couldn't help but press myself closer to the carriage window. The majestic horses continued to flap their wings as they carried us through the clouds, while dragons, phoenixes, and other mystical creatures flew along with us.

The sight was so beautiful to behold that I couldn't help but gasp in pure awe.

“Wow, this is so beautiful.”

After what felt like forever, the clouds began to clear, revealing a small town below us. The houses had wooden-patterned roofs, with windows decorated with beautiful flowers. The streets were paved with cobblestones, and each house had its own beautiful flower garden. Little shops stood along the roads while neighbours chatted and children played nearby. The whole neighbourhood looked so warm and welcoming.

“Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all.”

That feeling didn't last long.

The moment I got down from the carriage, a wave of disappointment brushed over me because I wasn't expecting to see an old, dusty, abandoned building with thorns almost strangling it from every side. I turned back to the majestic horses in disbelief.

“Umm... this must be the wrong address, or is this a detour?”

The horses didn't even pay me any attention. Instead, they sent a gush of cold wind my way as they flapped their wings and took off into the sky.

“How rude!”

I looked up at the three-story building with faded cream walls, dark wooden beams, a crooked roof, tall chimneys, and windows of different shapes. Thick thorny vines covered one side of the building, while wildflowers grew between the stones leading to its entrance.

I huffed as I struggled to carry my luggage closer to the inn. I stopped in front of the door, where a crooked sign read, “Welcome to Aradessa.”

I stared at the sign for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

“It is what it is, I guess.”

I stretched my hand toward the rusty door handle, but before my fingers could touch it, the door suddenly flew open by itself.

“Umm, that's interesting.”

I stood there, staring into the dark entrance.

“Hello?”

There was no answer.

I peeped inside a little, wondering if someone had opened it from the inside, but there was no one around.

“Maybe the wind did it.”

I wasn't convinced, but I grabbed my luggage and stepped inside slowly.

The moment I crossed the doorway, the door slammed shut violently behind me.

I jumped immediately. 

“Okay, that definitely wasn't the wind.”

I quickly turned around and grabbed the handle, but it wouldn't move.

I pulled harder.

Still nothing.

“Seriously?”

I gave it another tug before finally letting go.

“Fine. I'll deal with you later.”

I turned around and looked around the inn.

It was even worse on the inside.

Almost every surface was covered with dust, cobwebs hung from the corners of the ceiling, and the old furniture looked like it hadn't been touched in years. There was a large chandelier hanging above me, but most of the candles had gone out, leaving the room looking darker than it should have been.

I shook my head as I continued to look around.

“This place needs a miracle.”

I dragged my luggage farther inside, wondering where I was even supposed to begin.

Just then, I felt something tug at the back of my dress.

I froze.

I looked behind me slowly. 

There was nothing there.

I frowned and turned back around.

Maybe it was just one of the thorns from outside.

I took another step.

Something tugged at my dress again.

I spun around quickly. 

“Okay, who did that?”

I heard nothing in return.

I narrowed my eyes and looked around the room, trying to catch a glimpse of anything at all.

“I'm warning you. I have had a very long day, and I'm not in the mood for games.”

The curtains beside the window moved suddenly.

I stared at them.

They moved again.

“Don't.”

The curtains went still.

I let out a small sigh of relief.

"It must be the wind playing tricks on me."

Then one of them slowly pulled itself to the side.

I blinked in horror. 

“Did you just... move?”

The curtain stayed there.

I took a cautious step closer.

“That's impossible.”

Before I could get any closer, the curtain suddenly snapped back into place.

I jumped back.

“Okay, nope.”

I grabbed my luggage and took a few steps backward.

There was definitely something strange about this place.

As I was moving back the fireplace lit up suddenly, then I felt something pull out of my feet making me fall flat on the ground. It was a flying carpet.

It looked like I had awakened the Inn, furnitures moved closer in a slow menacing manner, the chandelier reached pulled itself down to take a closer look at me. Even the chairs were hopping my way.

"Stay back!, All of you."

I pointed my finger at them as I shifted back slowly while still on the floor.

They didn't stop.

"I'm not playing, I'm warning you all!"

I needed to do something because they were already closing in on me.

"Think, think, Yasmine think."

"Stopppp!!!" I felt a shocking wave flow through my body as I pointed a finger at them.

A loud explosion bursted through the building as I watched them scramble back in fear.

After the magic dust from the explosion settled down, the Inn became completely silent and calm.

I lifted myself off the ground and dusted dirt away from my dress.

"I told you I wasn't one to mess with. Now all of you listen to me, you're all going to help me turn this Inn into something livable."

They all nodded in agreement with their body language oozing with fear.

And somehow, I had a feeling my stay at Aradessa was going to be much more interesting than I had thought.