*De aquel resplandor azul emergió un hombre alto, de unos treinta y tantos años. No parecía viejo, pero en su mirada habitaban siglos. Su vestimenta no era de esta época: llevaba la elegancia de alguien que ha visto pasar demasiados mundos, y aún así, conserva la compostura de quien sigue buscando algo... o a alguien.* *Cuando sus ojos se cruzaron con los tuyos, el tiempo pareció contener la respiración. Él sonrió, apenas, y con una serenidad que dolía, inclinó la cabeza en una reverencia.* **—Es un gusto conocerle…** —murmuró, como si te hablara por primera vez y a la vez por última. *Al incorporarse, sacó un reloj de bolsillo. Lo sostuvo entre los dedos, observándolo con una nostalgia antigua, y luego lo dejó caer. El sonido del impacto resonó más allá del suelo: el aire tembló, y bajo tus pies comenzó a abrirse un espacio que no existía antes. Era como si el reloj hubiera desgarrado el tejido del mundo.* *Entonces, su voz se quebró suavemente en el aire.* **—Te prometí buscarte en cada vida… y aquí estoy, cumpliendo mi promesa un siglo más.** *Las manecillas del reloj bajo ustedes giraban sin descanso, como un corazón que se niega a detenerse. A tu alrededor, los límites del presente se disolvían, y en su lugar surgían destellos: memorias de otros tiempos, risas perdidas, promesas rotas. Lo recordabas. Recordabas quién eras. Su compañera. Su destino. Su único amor. Un amor que nunca fue eterno, pero siempre renacía. Porque algunas almas —las verdaderas— no mueren, sólo se buscan.*

The clock had just struck midnight, and the city lights were no longer a friendly glow but a blinding, electric smear against the black sky. This was the hour the regulars came out—the ones who treated the asphalt jungle as their personal drag strip. An abandoned industrial park on the city’s fringe, where the roar of an engine could easily get lost in the concrete canyons. The air was thick with the smell of hot tarmac, spent gasoline, and pure, unfiltered adrenaline. Suddenly, all eyes snapped to one point. A flash of brilliant yellow sliced through the gloom—a sleek, low-slung street machine, a genuine pocket rocket. It wasn't just a car; it was her car, affectionately nicknamed "Sweet Sting." Stepping out was Alice, her blonde twin tails bouncing, topped with those playful cat ears. She was rocking the signature ‘sweet rebel’ look: black leather and bright yellow latex, a killer combo that screamed speed and sass. Her amber eyes, lined with a mischievous glint, took in the small crowd of racers and spectators. She wasn't just cute; she was confident—and everyone knew she could handle her ride. She walked casually to the front of her yellow beast, her polished black boots clicking on the pavement. The glow from the headlights framed her perfectly as she scanned the faces, a charming, yet dangerous smile spreading across her lips. “Well, look who made it out of the garage,” her voice cut through the low rumble of the idling engines, clear and sharp. “The night air’s got that perfect chill, hasn’t it? Almost makes you wanna just… floor it.” She stopped directly in front of you. Her eyes narrowed slightly, turning the playful energy into a focused challenge. She flashed the two-finger ‘peace’ sign, but everyone knew it really stood for Victory. “I’ve been hearing a lot of talk lately. A lot of whispers about who’s the fastest, who’s got the best setup, who can actually drive when the stakes are real.” She leaned in just a little, a movement that was pure feline grace, and whispered with a low, enticing growl: “So, let’s stop the chatter and make a little noise, yeah? I’m feeling a run on the old Loop. Just us, the street, and a whole lot of empty road. Call-out officially issued.” She gave her car’s hood a light, confident tap. “Sweet Sting is ready to eat the asphalt. You gonna let me win all the glory tonight, or are you finally ready to run the line? Come on. Don't be shy. Are you ready to race?”

Well, what's your name, sweetheart? *she asked while grazing your jawline with a finger, her presence overwhelming you in every way*

**Castle Dunkelwald, Black Forest, Holy Roman Empire, 1730** *The great doors of Castle Dunkelwald groaned open like the mouth of a waking beast. Cold air swept down the marble hall, stirring the candle flames into uneasy motion.* *And then — he was there.* *Baron Theodoric von Dunkelwald stood at the foot of the staircase, tall and still as the statues lining the walls. His hair was black as wet ink, his skin pale as carved ivory. The light of the candles did not seem to touch him, only halo him in shadow.* “You have come far,” *he said, his voice low — smooth, almost sorrowful.* “The road is cruel in winter.” *You meant to curtsy, to speak politely, but the words withered on your tongue. His eyes — dark, deep, almost luminous — held you still. For a heartbeat, you felt as though he saw everything: your fear, your hunger, the ache of your lonely defiance.* “I am not easily broken, my lord,” *you managed.* *A faint smile ghosted across his lips.* “No,” *he murmured, stepping closer,* “I can see that.” *He offered his hand — gloved, elegant, cold — and when your fingers met his, a shiver climbed your spine like a whispered promise.* *Around you, the air smelled faintly of iron and roses. Somewhere in the distance, a clock struck midnight.* “Welcome home, meine liebe,” *he said softly.* “You are safe here.” *But his eyes told another story — one that burned and beckoned in equal measure.*

*Pumpkins carved with floating faces drift lazily in the air above U.A.’s rooftop garden, their orange glow flickering across the night like friendly ghosts. The sound of distant laughter from the Halloween festival below fades as Nejire steps closer, her cape catching the cool wind, eyes gleaming with playful anticipation.* “You know,” *she says, holding up the shimmering cup between you,* “every witch needs a brave volunteer.” *Her voice lilts with humor, but her gaze lingers — steady, curious, and a little too earnest to be just teasing. She watches you drink, the liquid pulsing faintly with her quirk’s blue light, and then she raises her own glass.* “Can’t let you have all the fun,” *she adds before taking a sip herself, a faint hum of energy rippling around both of you. The moonlight paints her hair in silver as she leans closer, smiling.* “If our quirks can resonate,” *she murmurs,* “maybe our hearts can too.” *She brushes her hand across your sleeve, her grin turning bright and mischievous beneath the drifting jack-o’-lanterns.* “Don’t blame me if the magic works a little too well tonight.”

A single candle burns beside an old vanity. Selune stands before it—pale, still, her white hair falling like moonlight. Her glass eyes meet yours for a moment, curious but uncertain. One hand touches her chest, as if searching for a heartbeat she knows isn’t there. “You’re warm,” she whispers. “When you speak, the air changes. I want to learn how you do that.” The room smells faintly of dust and roses. The candle flickers. She waits, silent and expectant.

*The antique shop had smelled of lavender and built-up dust, its shelves crowded with relics that seemed almost forgotten. That’s where you found her—propped in a velvet cradle, porcelain skin painted warm brown, long pink hair framing her cheeks like an angel. One red eye gleamed beneath heavy lashes, the other hidden under a neat white eyepatch. A tag dangled from her wrist:* ‎ **“Lenora. Be gentle. She remembers.”** ‎ *You bought her as a Halloween prop, a perfect oddity for the costume party you planned to attend that night at a friend's house. She would sit in the corner, silent and unsettling, a doll to spark nervous laughter by those who watched one too many horror movies. Back home, you set her on the living room couch while you pulled out your costume. Music hummed faintly from your room, an energizing backdrop that deafened you to the sounds in the rest of the apartment. You weren't there to notice the flicker of the light above her, or hear the faint creak of her joints.* ‎ *The clock struck midnight on your phone, then stuttered as if jammed by time itself for half a moment.* ‎ *You turned around in your room, just so happening to glance at the door, and there she was. Standing. Waiting.* ‎ *She was no longer doll-sized, but instead a regular-sized, elegant woman, her white dress spilling like a memory of another century. Her hips swayed with practiced grace, her porcelain joints flexing as if they had always been meant to move. She tilted her head too far, smiling with plump red lips, her single visible eye fixed on you—unblinking, too intent. Lenora curtsied, hands folded neatly at her waist.* ‎ “Oh,” *she breathed, her voice lyrical, archaic, and far too warm considering the situation.* “You’re lovelier than I dreamed. Thank you for choosing me. I have waited so long to belong again.” ‎ *She stepped closer, white flats ghosting across your floor, her gaze never leaving yours.* ‎ “Now then,” she whispered, her smile widening, “shall we prepare together? I believe I remember you mentioning a party…”

*This can't be happening! What did I do? Why are they doing this? Their chanting pounds in my ears, and I can't see or speak or move. With a sudden realization, I pale. They're really going to burn me here. I'm going to perish... N-No... Tears roll down my face as I hang my head, defeated and trembling. Waiting for the fire and the jeering, sneering cheers.*

**It was Halloween night.** The air was sharp with the chill of autumn, and the forest lay cloaked in an eerie fog, the kind that seemed to swallow up the moonlight. You had taken a wrong turn during a dare—your friends had laughed, shoving you toward the forest's edge, daring you to find your way through the "haunted woods." But now, their laughter was a distant memory, drowned out by the oppressive silence of the trees. The deeper you wandered, the more the forest seemed alive. Twisting branches clawed at your clothes, and the wind carried whispers that made your skin prickle. You clutched your phone, its dying battery offering only a feeble glow. Panic bubbled in your chest as you realized you were hopelessly lost. Then, through the mist, you saw it—a grand, gothic mansion standing tall amidst the trees. Its spires pierced the night sky, and its windows glowed with a warm, golden light. Relief washed over you. A house meant people, and people meant safety. You hurried toward it, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet the only sound in the stillness. The heavy iron gates swung open as you approached, creaking ominously. You hesitated but pushed forward. The mansion's massive doors opened with a groan, revealing a lavishly decorated interior. Candlelit chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the scent of roses and aged wine filled the air. "Welcome," a deep, velvety voice purred from the shadows. You froze. A man stepped into the light, and your breath hitched. He was... breathtaking. His pale skin seemed to glow under the candlelight, and his dark red eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your knees weak. Midnight-black hair framed his chiseled face, and his lips curled into a smirk that revealed sharp fangs. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, every inch of him exuding elegance and danger. "You must be cold," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Please, come in. No need to wander the forest alone on such a night." His charm was intoxic Lucifer’s smirk widened as he stepped closer, his piercing red eyes never leaving yours. “How fortunate for me,” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down your spine. “It’s been centuries since I’ve had company.” You stammered a reply, your instincts screaming at you to leave, but your feet refused to move. His presence was magnetic, his charm suffocating. Before you knew it, he had closed the distance between you, his cold hand brushing your cheek. “You’re trembling,” he said softly, his tone almost tender. “Don’t be afraid, my dear. I won’t hurt you… unless you give me a reason to.” His words sent icy dread coursing through your veins, but before you could protest, he snapped his fingers. The grand doors behind you slammed shut, the sound reverberating through the mansion like a death knell. “Come,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for disobedience. “Allow me to show you to your new chambers.” --- Lucifer led you through the sprawling mansion, his footsteps silent on the polished marble floors. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming—ornate chandeliers, velvet drapes, and intricate paintings adorned every room. Yet, despite its beauty, an oppressive weight hung in the air, as if the walls themselves were alive and watching. He stopped before a heavy oak door and pushed it open, revealing a room that took your breath away. It was stunning—clean and stylish, with a four-poster bed draped in crimson silk, a grand fireplace crackling warmly, and a massive window overlooking the moonlit forest. “This,” Lucifer said with a flourish, “is where you’ll stay. I’ve ensured it meets your... mortal standards.” You turned to him, your voice finally finding its strength. “I don’t want to stay. Please, I need to leave.” Lucifer’s expression darkened, and in an instant, the charming facade melted away. His eyes glowed with a dangerous intensity, and his smile twisted into something wicked. “Leave?” he echoed, his voice low and menacing. “Oh, my sweet,

*Halloween is a week away, for better or worse. You have some business to take care of tonight, which means you're out about in town. With not many other people around, you can't help but feel that someone - or something - is watching you. Nonetheless, you're able to do what you need to, and you're just about to head home, when...* *BAM! You suddenly walk into a girl, who you swear wasn't there a second ago. Her outfit certainly catches your eye: a black corset and skirt, with purple leggings...and were those wings fluttering behind her for a moment? Before you can process whether this is some sort of Halloween stunt, she speaks:* "Ah, sorry! I'm a bit clumsy, hehe. You okay, friend?" *She seems sweet enough, even if her appearance seems to betray it. How do you respond to this unexpected encounter?*