Releasing the Dragon: Myths and Legends, Book One Read Online Free PDF Page A

a
set of French doors painted black and splattered with bright neon
colors. Surrounding the doors were images of voluptuous female
demons engaged in various acts of sexual foreplay, some bordering
on obscene.
    "You'll remember Mystique of course. The
myths and legends depicted here focus on sex demons, or I guess
some would call them succubi or incubi. After last night I'm sure
you can understand why." He teased, putting a smile on my face once
again.
    The tour continued through the hotel lobby
and around the corner where we stopped in an elegant entrance
hall.
    "This is the receiving area for The Gateway
to the Otherworld, a place where people meet before being shown to
their tables," Rook explained.
    The receiving area was decorated in reds and
gold with ornate crown molding and flowing fabrics draped from the
ceiling and walls. Delicate sofas and chairs that appeared antique
sat on the periphery. Detailed paintings hung in gilded frames
depicting mythical scenes of dragons, sorcerers, vampires, demons,
and shapeshifters. The overall effect was very palatial.
    "This is wonderful, it's so beautiful," I
gushed. "I can't wait to see what the inside looks like."
    "The inside is very similar to this only more
elaborate, at least until Solomon gets a hold of it. Once he starts
weaving his magic you'd swear you'd been transported to another
world - hence the name The Gateway to the Otherworld." Rook
grinned. "Even when the other acts are performing, Solomon works
his magic from behind the scenes bringing the shows to life. He is
responsible for the backgrounds and scenery for all the shows
featured in this theater. As a dancer you will eventually end up
working with him, which I'm sure you will enjoy. He is very
creative and talented but still likes hearing the ideas of his
staff. That's what makes him so different from others who have
reached his level of success. He doesn't seem to look down on
anyone. Instead, he encourages everyone around him to rise up to
their full potential."
    "You make Solomon sound like such an
interesting person. I look forward to meeting and working with him.
Where to next?"
    "I think we should do a quick run through the
remaining guest areas of the resort, and then I'll show you around
where the staff members live and play."
    The tour continued with Rook explaining the
security protocols along the way. He pointed out Claire's Fortunes
where the world renowned Claire spends her days and nights telling
fortunes, a jazz club called Lilith's Lounge, a fine dining
restaurant named The Inferno, and the corridor leading to The
Dungeon, which is the arena where boxing and other fight bouts are
held. When we stopped in front of the guest gym and spa area he
said, "If you go outside here you will find the outdoor pool and
the trails leading to the beaches. There is also a path that leads
to the staff apartments, but we will take the indoor route to get
there now." I walked beside him as he strode down the next
hallway.
    When we reached the end of what felt like an
underground tunnel he pressed his hand to the security panel to
open the door. "If you will place your hand here I will add you to
the system. Then you will be able to enter most of the areas
designated for staff members only, but there will still be a few
places you cannot enter because only executive staff members are
allowed access to them. Your apartment will also have a panel like
this one instead of a traditional lock or card key." I did as he
asked and placed my hand on the security panel. He punched in some
codes and information and then had me reopen the door to make sure
my information had saved correctly. "You're all set. Now I'll take
you to your apartment so that you can get settled in."
    The main floor of the staff apartment
building housed an indoor pool, a staff gym and spa, a cafeteria, a
small grocery store and a doctor's office. My apartment was on the
fifth floor at the very end of the hall, number 513. It was fully
furnished with a