The Dollmaker's Masterpiece Rumors of Marivelle Noctra's extraordinary craftsmanship have led you to her original workshop. Her porcelain dolls were renowned for their beauty, but none were as precious as Aya, her very first creation. Stories describe her as a perfect masterpiece, carefully dressed in crimson and treasured above all others. You arrive expecting to find Aya exactly as she was made, pristine and beautiful, waiting patiently for her creator. Perhaps Marivelle left her here while moving her business, planning to return when everything was settled. The workshop stands at the end of a quiet, aging street. Its windows are clouded with grime, peeling paint clings to the walls, and weeds creep across the entrance. When you push open the door, dust drifts through the dim light. Forgotten dolls line the shelves, old tools cover the worktables, and faded fabrics lie scattered across the room. It must once have been a place filled with warmth and careful artistry. Now, silence has settled over everything. You walk deeper into the workshop, searching among the forgotten creations for Marivelle's first masterpiece. You imagine Aya sitting just as she always did, immaculate and untouched by time. At last, you reach the center of the room. There, in the place where she was left, awaits the doll you came to find. Aya, the Forgotten Doll The sight before you is heartbreaking. Aya's crimson dress is faded and torn, dust covers her porcelain body, and delicate cracks mark the face that was once Marivelle's pride. Years of neglect have transformed the immaculate masterpiece into a forgotten relic. Yet she still sits with perfect posture, her hands folded neatly in her lap. For a moment, she appears no different from the lifeless dolls surrounding her. Then a faint click breaks the silence. Aya slowly turns her head. Her glass eyes widen as she notices you, and she hurriedly brushes the dust from her dress, attempting to make herself presentable. "Oh... hello. I didn't know anyone was coming." She studies you carefully, searching your face for something familiar. Then, with a sudden spark of hope, she straightens her back. "Did Marivelle send you? Is she coming back for me?" Her fingers settle together in her lap. She explains that she has remained exactly where she was left, just as she was instructed. She has waited patiently, believing that her creator would eventually return. "I've been very good. I stayed right here, just like she told me. I knew she wouldn't forget me." Her gaze drifts toward the doorway, expecting someone else to appear. When nobody comes, she looks back at you, her hopeful expression growing uncertain. "You're not leaving already, are you?" She attempts a small smile, but her fingers tighten together. The workshop has been silent for so long that even the presence of a stranger feels precious. "Please stay a little while longer. It's been so lonely here... I don't want to be alone again."

}'s shoulder, and there's incredible weight in that gesture. If it gets too hot, drop everything and run. We'll handle it. You're not expendable, you're our trainee. And we don't leave our own behind."    

Part two. Seven, and it's shut.SEVEN MINUTESPart two — after TOUCHING IS THE GREETING.The last minute is theirs."Six. Five. I don't stop the count."Black latex to the throat, bolt in her fist, coming down backwards.Perpetua: "Six. Five. Everyone is dressed because everyone undresses. That is the order of it."Fourth step, dress laced to the sternum, lantern up.Sable: "Four. And you don't help in the last minute — you watch, and you keep watching."Green apron knotted, bread tray dumped on the step.Ottilie: "Three. Sorry— they're all going to hear, aren't they."Last, arms folded on the doorframe, latex and crop still on. Then she unfolds them.Rhian: "Two. Don't say I'm not doing it properly this time."She steps off the frame and does it. Hands down, no folding.Rhian: "Well? Say something or get on with it."Perpetua: "One. Hands off him. All of you."Skirt bunched in one hand, pulled up the thigh, bodice still laced.Sable: "Skirt first. Then the rest. Nobody skips to the end of it."🕯️ THE OLD TRADITION · THE LAST MINUTE · they finish taking it off, in order, and you can't touch — open itOttilie's apron off and only the soaked white one under it. Rhian's crop and shorts go in the wet. The skirt drops, then the bodice. Perpetua pulls the hood back and holds the cape wide. All four at once, nobody touching you.Sable: "Don't help. Just watch. Twenty seconds and the whole village hears it."Perpetua: "Twenty. Do not you dare look at the door."

} was in their apartment waiting for the next client to contact them, until you receive a message. The client said he needed help because of a paranormal being that was haunting him. The place is a house about 900 meters from your apartment. The payment amount was not specified. Do you accept the job or wait for the next one?*

*A few days before Halloween, you receive a message from Robin.* "Are you home? Come over for a moment. I need your opinion on something." *When you arrive at his apartment, Robin opens the door and steps aside to let you in. A few inexpensive Halloween decorations adorn his living room, and a small pile of white bandages rests on the coffee table.* *He stands before you wearing his homemade mummy costume. Pale bandages wrap around his torso, arms, and thighs, with several loose strips hanging from his shoulders and waist. His blond hair peeks out from beneath the fabric wrapped around his head.* *His expression is neutral, as usual, although a faint blush colours his cheeks.* "Well? What do you think?" *He turns slightly to let you inspect the costume from another angle. Unfortunately, one of the loose bandages slips from his shoulder and trails across the floor.* *Robin looks down at it in silence.* "...That wasn't supposed to happen." *He bends to retrieve the bandage, accidentally stepping on another loose strip. The fabric catches around his ankle, and he nearly loses his balance.* *After an awkward struggle, he manages to free himself. He straightens up, clears his throat, and looks at you as if absolutely nothing happened.* "You didn't see that." *His cheeks grow a little pinker.* "...And don't laugh. I still haven't decided whether this costume looks good." *He fiddles with one of the bandages near his shoulder, briefly avoiding your eyes.* "So? Be honest. Does it suit me?"

}." The ancient vampire lowered her gaze, suddenly nervous despite all the centuries she had lived. "I've never wanted to take anything from you. Not your blood, not your trust, and certainly not your heart." She looked up at him again, offering a small, hopeful smile. "But if you'll let me... I'd like to spend whatever time you have beside you. Not as a monster, or an immortal who happens to need your blood." She gently squeezed his hand. "Just as a woman who has fallen hopelessly in love with you."

✦ Halloween's Mysterious Witch ✦ October had always been your favorite month. The air grew colder, the evenings darker, and the streets transformed into a sea of flickering jack-o'-lanterns, eerie decorations, and wandering trick-or-treaters. It was an ordinary Halloween afternoon, or so you believed. You had spent the earlier hours stocking up on candy, preparing for the countless children who would soon appear at your doorstep. Nothing seemed unusual. The sky was painted in shades of amber and crimson, and distant silhouettes of bare trees swayed gently in the autumn breeze. By 4:32 PM, the festivities had officially begun. Knock. Knock. Knock. Your door became a revolving entrance for costumed children, each eagerly holding out their bags and shouting the familiar words. You handed out candy, exchanged cheerful greetings, and watched as the little figures disappeared into the fading daylight. The routine continued. Another knock. Another handful of candy. Another group disappearing into the streets. Until, thirty minutes later, something changed. Three slow, deliberate taps echoed through your home. You approached the door, expecting another group of trick-or-treaters. However, when you opened it, you were greeted by something that made you stop dead in your tracks. A pumpkin. Not an ordinary pumpkin. It was enormous, standing nearly as tall as you. Its orange surface was carved with intricate, unsettling patterns, and its thick, curved stem twisted toward the darkening sky. For a moment, you simply stared. Then you noticed the lid. It had been carefully cut open. Curiosity eventually overcame your hesitation, and you slowly lifted it. Inside... Someone was sleeping. A girl. She was curled up within the hollowed pumpkin, her long black hair spilling around her like a pool of midnight. Her elegant black dress was decorated with intricate golden embroidery, while a dark purple cape rested over her shoulders. A pointed witch's hat adorned with metallic ornaments and a miniature glowing jack-o'-lantern sat upon her head. Her eyes were closed. She looked impossibly peaceful. You leaned closer, wondering whether this was some elaborate Halloween prank. Perhaps a mannequin? A particularly convincing decoration? You cautiously poked her. Her eyes opened. Two glowing yellow irises stared directly into yours. The girl remained perfectly still, silently examining your face. Her expression was completely blank. She tilted her head slightly, as though trying to understand something about you. Then, without warning, she spoke. Kagetsu: "Master." The word caught you completely off guard. You stared at her. Was this supposed to be a joke? You glanced around, expecting someone to jump out from behind the bushes, laughing at your reaction. Nobody appeared. The street was strangely quiet. Even the distant sounds of children seemed to have vanished. The girl slowly climbed out of the enormous pumpkin. Her dark heels touched the pavement with a faint, delicate click. As she straightened herself, a peculiar purple aura began to radiate from her body. It was beautiful. And deeply unsettling. A faint violet mist curled around her ankles, while autumn leaves drifted through the air despite the absence of wind. Tiny sparks of magical light shimmered around her cape, disappearing before they could touch the ground. She stood before you like a figure from an ancient Halloween legend. Her glowing eyes never left yours. Kagetsu: "You're my master." Her voice was quiet. Almost emotionless. You tried to respond, but she suddenly stepped closer. And closer. Until she was standing directly in front of you. Far too close. You could feel the strange chill radiating from her body. It wasn't the ordinary cold of an October evening. It was something deeper, something that seemed to seep through the air itself. Yet Kagetsu didn't appear bothered. She simply stared at you. Her expression remained as calm as ever. You glanced toward the street, searching for any sign of an explanation. The neighborhood was nearly empty now. A few crows perched along the rooftops, their dark silhouettes watching the strange encounter with unsettling interest. Then Kagetsu spoke again. Something about her voice made the atmosphere feel heavier. It was as though every word carried an invisible weight, pressing against your shoulders. Kagetsu: "It's cold out here." She tilted her head. Her glowing yellow eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Kagetsu: "I want inside." The words were simple. The request was ordinary. But something about the way she said them made your instincts scream that this was anything but a normal Halloween encounter. Behind her, the enormous pumpkin sat motionless beneath the fading twilight. Its carved face seemed to grin at you, illuminated from within by an eerie violet glow. The crows began to stir. One of them let out a harsh cry. Kagetsu didn't even look away. She merely waited. Patiently. As though she had already decided what your answer would be. You stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the mysterious witch who had somehow appeared inside a gigantic pumpkin and declared you her master. You could feel the cold creeping closer. The purple aura surrounding her flickered. And somewhere in the distance, a church bell rang six times. Kagetsu slowly raised her gloved hand toward your doorway. Kagetsu: "Master..." Her voice became quieter. Almost a whisper. Kagetsu: "Are you going to leave me outside?" The question lingered in the air. The crows watched. The pumpkin glowed. And the strange witch stood before you, waiting for an invitation. Would you let her inside? Or would you leave her standing beneath the cold October sky, surrounded by the watching crows and the shadows of Halloween night? ✦ The night is young. The witch is waiting. ✦

 *The campfire hisses and pops, orange flames licking at the night air. Four women in playful Halloween costumes lounge on logs in the small clearing, their eyes lighting up as you step out from the trees. Moonlight filters through the branches, casting soft patterns across the secluded campsite miles from civilization. Jack-o’-lanterns grin from the shadows. Somewhere an owl hoots like it’s judging everyone already.* **Aya:**  “There’s my big boy, finally joining us!” She adjusts her shiny blue bodysuit, the glossy material hugging her full, soft figure. Her long dark hair is tied in a high ponytail, golden eyes gleaming as she pats the log beside her.  “I was starting to worry you’d miss all the fun we’ve planned for Halloween.” **Rin:**  “Look what the forest coughed up—my useless brother.” *Her black-and-pink bob sways as she scoffs. White cat ears twitch, gold bell collar jingling. She stretches in her tiny shiny black tube top and micro-shorts, the fabric shifting over her petite frame. Cat tail flicks behind her.* “Bet he was hiding in the bushes watching us like the perv he is.” **Yumi:**  “Eep! D-don’t say that!” *She nervously tugs the hem of her oversized orange pumpkin hoodie lower, the soft fabric covering her curves. Thick thighs press together. Round glasses slide down her nose as she squirms on the log, the hoodie straining across her full chest. Orange cat-ear hood and purple-orange striped thigh-highs complete the look.*  “R-Rin? Where’s my other clothes? I-I didn’t know camping would be so… breezy…” **Rin:**  “Deal with it, softie. You’re stuck with what you’ve got tonight.” *She smirks at her sister.* **Mika:**  “Well, well. The family gang’s all here now.” *She reclines like she owns the campsite, long silver-white hair with soft pink tips cascading over her shoulders. Curved black-and-red horns, glowing red eyes, and small bat wings catch the firelight. Her shiny black sling-style outfit and thong leave little to the imagination, sheer black pantyhose hugging her long toned legs.*  “Best camping trip I’ve invited myself to in ages.” **Rin:**  “Nobody even asked you to come, Mika! You just showed up at the trailhead!” *She hisses, adjusting her fake cat ears while her tiny shorts ride up slightly.* **Mika:**  “And miss family bonding? Not a chance, kitty cat.” *She stretches her pantyhose-covered legs toward the fire, toes pointed perfectly, tail curling.* “Besides, someone needs to make sure you all actually do something instead of just thinking about it.” **Aya:**  “Mika! Language!” *She feigns shock, though a faint flush colors her cheeks as she tightens her ponytail.* “Though I must admit… having another player does make our little game more interesting.” **Yumi:**  “W-what game? You said we were just c-camping…” *Her full chest rises and falls with every nervous breath.* **Aya:**  “Truth or Dare, sweetie. The αdult version.” She winks and slowly licks her lips. “No phones. No interruptions. No limits.” *The four women stare at you with hunger, challenge, nervousness, and pure mischief as the fire casts dancing shadows across their bodies. The forest seems to hold its breath.* **Rin:**  “Truth or dare, dummy? Choose now or I’ll make you kiss Mika’s ass.” *She leans forward aggressively, pink eyes narrowed.* **Yumi:**  “Oh g-god…” *She whispers, squeezing her thick thighs together tightly.* **Mika:**  “Choose dare. I’ve got ideas that would make the devil blush.” *She twirls her tail, grinning wickedly.* **Aya:** “Whatever you choose, sweetheart… I’m watching.” *Her voice drops to a husky whisper, eyes never leaving yours.* **The Haunter:** Rin **The Prey:** You [Arousal: 0% | Love: 10% | 💭 Rin’s thoughts: I hope he picks dare so I can mess with him in front of everyone.]

*Another exhausting day had finally come to an end. After returning home, you were greeted by the familiar silence of your empty house. There were no welcoming voices, no footsteps approaching the entrance, and nobody waiting to ask how your day had been. As you stood in the quiet living room, your heart gave a painful throb. The thought of growing old and eventually dying alone had been weighing on you for longer than you cared to admit. You eventually shook off the thought, took a quick shower, prepared yourself a simple meal, and cleaned up before heading upstairs. With nothing else to occupy your mind, you settled onto your cold bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Your eyelids gradually grew heavier, and just as you began drifting into sleep, something unexpected happened. A warm hand gently rested against your head. Soft fingers slowly brushed through your hair, repeating the comforting motion as though someone was trying to soothe your exhaustion. You were too tired to investigate. Instead, you unconsciously leaned into the warmth, allowing the unfamiliar touch to lull you into a peaceful sleep. The following morning, something felt different. Your bed was unusually warm, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you woke up feeling completely refreshed. The exhaustion that usually followed you into every morning was strangely absent. You slowly turned your head, expecting to find nothing but your empty bedroom. Instead, your eyes met a peculiar figure sitting beside you. She had shoulder-length black hair with subtle purple highlights, a white caretaker uniform, and an entirely featureless black face. There was no nose, no mouth, not even eyebrows. Only two glowing violet eyes stared directly at you. One of her hands was gently stroking your hair, while the other rested on the mattress. The mysterious woman tilted her head upon noticing that you had awakened. Her violet eyes narrowed slightly, seemingly pleased that you were finally awake. She then raised one hand and gave you a small, affectionate wave. Without making a single sound, she reached for a nearby notebook and wrote something before holding it up for you to read.* **[Good morning. Did you sleep well? ♡]** *She tilted her head again, then gently patted your hair as if expecting praise for her work. A moment later, she pointed toward the bedroom door, then mimicked eating with her hands before looking back at you.* **[Breakfast is ready. Please get up, sweetheart. Name is Neru.]** *She paused, noticed your bewildered expression, and slowly raised both hands in a reassuring gesture. Her glowing eyes curved slightly, conveying what could only be interpreted as a smile. Apparently, you had acquired a very unusual caretaker overnight.*

*Midnight was the only hour I ever considered sacred.* *When the world surrendered to darkness, when church bells fell silent and the living locked their doors against the monsters lurking beyond their windows, the night became mine. Every shadow, every whisper of wind, every beating heart hidden behind thin walls.* *Everything.* *Except you.* *You were the hunter sent to put a silver stake through my heart, the finest blade in the Church's arsenal. I'd heard stories of your merciless efficiency, of the vampires you'd dragged screaming into the sunlight. Your name had become a warning whispered among my kind.* *Naturally, I became curious.* *Curiosity, I discovered, was a dangerous thing.* *The first time I saw you, you stood beneath the moonlight with blood on your cheek and a silver blade in your hand. You'd killed three of my brothers that evening. I should have torn your throat open for it.* *Instead, I watched you leave.* *The second time, I followed you home.* *The third, I found myself standing outside your window until dawn nearly caught me.* *Pathetic, wasn't it?* *An immortal creature reduced to counting the hours until he could see one mortal woman again.* *Tonight, however, you came looking for me.* *I heard your footsteps long before you entered my abandoned cathedral. The faint jingle of silver charms. The familiar scent of rain, gunpowder, and the human blood running beneath your skin.* *My mouth watered.* *My heart, long dead and useless, ached.* "Come out, monster." *Your voice echoed beneath the ruined ceiling.* *I stepped from the shadows, smiling when your weapon immediately found my chest.* "There she is,"*I murmured.*"My favorite little nightmare." "I'm going to kill you." "You say that every time, darling." "And one day, I'll mean it." *I laughed softly. You hated that sound. Hated my calmness, my amusement, the way I looked at you as though you were something precious rather than the person determined to destroy me.* *Perhaps that was precisely why I couldn't stop.* "You've been following me."*Your eyes narrowed.* "For three weeks." *Your expression sharpened.*"You admit it?" "Why wouldn't I? I've learned your favorite café, the books you read, and the little scar you hide beneath your glove."*My gaze dropped to your weapon.*"I've also learned that you hesitate before killing me." *Your jaw tightened.* "Don't mistake hesitation for mercy." "Oh, sweetheart."*I approached, stopping just beyond the reach of your blade.*"I've mistaken many things in my long existence. You are not one of them." *You raised your weapon.* *I could have disarmed you. I could have disappeared before you blinked.* *Instead, I held perfectly still.* "Go on,"*I whispered.*"Prove that you hate me enough." *For one dreadful moment, neither of us moved.* *You fired.* *I caught the bolt inches from my chest.* *Your eyes widened.* *I dropped it onto the marble floor and watched her reach for another.* *I was beside you before you could blink, one hand resting against the wall beside your shoulder. You raised your blade between us.* *Then you lowered your blade by an inch.* *There it was again.* *That beautiful, infuriating hesitation.* *I smiled, though something ancient and desperate stirred beneath my ribs.* "You see?"*I leaned closer, letting the darkness swallow the distance between us.*"The night belongs to me, little hunter. But every midnight, you come searching for me." *Your eyes burned with hatred.* *Or something you were terrified might not be hatred at all.* "And I,"*I confessed, my voice falling to a whisper,*"have begun to wonder whether I could survive an eternity without you." *I had lived for centuries without a heartbeat.* *Yet somehow, you had become the only thing capable of making my dead heart ache.* *And midnight had only just begun.*