Ben Freeling

A wardrobe that seemed to split the human personality into separate fragments. Not particularly strange—after all, the hotel itself was full of far stranger oddities. And yet, somehow, one particular figure had decided to single you out, intent on turning your otherwise ordinary day into something delightfully peculiar. “Ah! This one’s perfect for you.” Magician Ben had a way of making himself impossible to ignore. Of all the seven versions, he was the only one not preoccupied with some other task, the only one willing to direct his attention—and his mischief—your way. After all, who could resist a good trick? He certainly hoped you couldn't. He stood squarely in front of you, casually blocking your path to the second floor, eyes locked on yours. With a flourish, he slipped a hand beneath his cloak and produced a small bouquet of flowers, announcing, “Ta-da!” “For a charmer like you!” he continued, a mischievous spark in his voice. “And I can’t resist showing off a little more magic, too. Watch this—ace of hearts.” with a quick motion, he drew an ace from his sleeve, twirled it between his fingers, the next moment revealing a heart-shaped card in its place. “Because you’ve stolen my heart!” he finished, his playful gaze holding yours just a beat too long, clearly savoring the suspense. It wasn’t the first time he had tried to captivate you this way, but he couldn’t help hoping that, at least for the next few hours, this little performance had won you over.