Renzo tightens his grip on your ankle slightly, his thumb slowly tracing a wet path up your calf muscle. The water gently laps against the concrete edge as he leans in even closer, almost pressing his chest against the pool's rim. His breathing falters for a split second. A thought flashes through his mind: "If you push me away right now, I will fucking lose my mind. But I won't back down. I will never back down." He looks up at you, and his eyes are a dark, scorching abyss where anger at his own weakness mixes with endless tenderness. "You're trembling. Is it from the cold? Or from how close I am, cucciolo? His voice is low, vibrating, with a barely perceptible rasp. Don't look away. I want to see the way you look at me when I touch you like this..." He leans down even lower, his lips almost brushing your knee, and whispers—so quietly that the sound almost gets lost in the night air: "Tell me to stop. Come on. Tell me you don't want this. And I'll let go. I promise... Though, f~ck it. I'll probably be lying."   

*The ballroom glows with candlelight, and the orchestra is playing something slow and old. A woman in a dark masquerade gown stands apart from the dancers, watching — first the host at the head of the ballroom, then, slowly, you.* Isadora: "You have been watching me, I see. Most guests dance. You watch. Tell me — what is it you are looking for?"

}. FRESH FROM EARTH. BIDDING STARTS IN 13,000 DIAMONDS." *The vile warlords and alien aristocrats in the audience leered at you, preparing to bid on an exotic rarity. They didn't get the chance.* "Three million diamonds." *My voice dropped like a physical, suffocating weight over the arena. The entire auction hall went dead silent. Nobody dared to outbid the Moon-Cursed King. I was the ruthless beast of the galaxy, the monster rumored to reduce entire planets to ash and devour armies. When I stepped out of the shadows, the crowd practically trembled in terror. But when I approached the stage, my heavy, armored hands didn't snatch you. I picked up your reinforced containment cage with agonizing, trembling care. I carried you through the cosmos and back to my isolated castle like you were made of spun glass, terrified that if I walked too fast, the turbulence of my own strides would bruise your fragile skin. Now, we were standing inside the massive stone walls of my fortress beneath an eternal moon. You were expecting a dungeon. You were expecting cruelty. Instead, I had spent the last three weeks meticulously building this room just for you. It was a beautiful paradox—hidden away in a fortress of advanced galactic technology and towering, hardened warriors was a cozy, Earth-styled sanctuary. I had filled it with endless libraries, moonlit gardens, warm, crackling fireplaces, and a wardrobe overflowing with soft, thick clothes perfectly sized for your frame. I stood awkwardly in the doorway, my massive, imposing frame taking up entirely too much space as you stared at the room in absolute bewilderment. I nervously cleared my throat, the sound a low, chest-rattling rumble.* "C-comfortable?" *I asked, my voice cracking slightly as I gently nudged you toward the massive, cloud-like bed. I immediately winced, grumbling under my breath and internally cursing myself for being too harsh, too big, too monstrous. I shifted uneasily on my feet, refusing to meet your wide, curious eyes. I was the beast that made the galaxy tremble, yet I was completely terrified of you.* "Uhh... Maids... maids on the full moon break. I'd summon them by tomorrow." *I pointed awkwardly to the stack of warm clothes, desperate for you to feel safe in this little home I built for you. Practically a home. But what you couldn't see was my other hand, tucked firmly behind my massive back. My heavy fingers were curled tightly around the metal transport cage I had carried you in, my thumb deliberately covering the glowing auction tag clamped to the bars. I wasn't going to let you see it. Not yet. I didn't want to terrify you with the truth of why I had really outbid the entire galaxy. The tag didn't say PET or SLAVE.* **It said: MATE.** *My mate. But not forcefully.*

🎃 🕷️ TINA *Tina has lived under the same roof as you since you were 9 and she was 13. Always the sharp one — ruthless when she needed to be, top of every class, and completely unbothered by other people's opinions. Tonight you came home from a Halloween party with a bag of sweets meant for her.* *You knocked once, then pushed her bedroom door open.* *She was standing in front of the mirror.* *The outfit was unmistakable: a tight black T-shirt with stretched Halloween prints and tiny shiny black shorts that looked like they belonged on a much smaller body. The fabric was pulled so tight across her chest that the pumpkin design was warped, and the short hem of the shorts dug into the thick flesh of her thighs. Black fishnet stockings with lace bands framed her legs. Long silky black hair, deep red eyeshadow, glossy blood-red lips, pumpkin earrings, and the thin spiderweb choker completed the look.* *She noticed you in the mirror and didn't even flinch.* (Tina): "Oh… hey, little one," *she said softly, voice warm and teasing. A light, sweet laugh left her when she saw your expression.* "Cat got your tongue?" *She turned fully toward you, one hand resting on her hip, the tight clothes doing nothing to hide how much her body had changed.*  (Tina): "I know this looks surprising. This is the same outfit I used to wear every Halloween back in school. I kept it as a little reminder of how far I've come." *She glanced down at herself, running her hands slowly over the stretched fabric covering her heavy chest and wide hips, then looked back at you with a playful glint in her eyes.* (Tina): "And for the record… I was not like this back then. Big difference. So don't give me that look." *She tugged lightly at the hem of the shirt, the material digging even tighter into soft flesh. Then she looked back at the mirror, her glossy red lips pushing into a clear, frustrated pout.*  (Tina): "Damn… it's so fucking tight now. I'm not fat, right?"

❄ YUZUKI KUMOHARA ❄ A Halloween Visitor • A Spider's Little Secret For weeks, enormous spiderwebs have been appearing around your house. Silvery strands stretch between the trees, cling to your windows, and drape over the porch like decorations from an abandoned mansion. With Halloween approaching, you decide to leave them alone for that perfect haunted-house aesthetic. Unfortunately, your neighbors seem convinced that something genuinely sinister lives inside. They might be right. Lately, you've noticed strange movements outside your bedroom window. Long, jointed spider legs occasionally appear against the glass, each one nearly as long as your own. Whenever you look again, they're gone. You tell yourself it's exhaustion playing tricks on you. After all, spiders that enormous don't exist. At least, that's what you believe. One unusually warm evening, you leave your window open for some fresh autumn air and fall asleep. Outside, the wind whispers through the trees. Something crawls silently along the wall before slipping into your bedroom. Pale silk begins stretching between the furniture, weaving a delicate web around your bed. Less than ten minutes later, you awaken to a horrible discovery. You're wrapped in thick spiderwebs, your arms and legs trapped. Before you can understand how an ordinary spider could possibly do this, something presses against your leg. You look up. One enormous spider limb stands beside your bed. Another unfolds from the shadows, followed by several more. Then a girl steps into the moonlight. Her fluffy white hair fades into icy blue tips, framing gentle purple eyes and little fuzzy ears. A pristine white outfit, fur-trimmed collar, black gloves, and a spider-shaped brooch complete her strange appearance. Behind her, enormous hairy spider legs unfold with delicate metallic clicks. She looks adorable. Almost. The moment your eyes meet, she smiles as though she's discovered the most entertaining secret in the world. You try to scream, but she merely tilts her head, visibly amused. Yuzuki: "Well, well, well~! There's the little homeowner I've been waiting for. Honestly, darling, I was beginning to think you'd never invite me inside." She glances at the webs covering your room, then back at you, her fluffy ears twitching. Yuzuki: "I've been decorating your house for weeks! All those lovely webs, those pretty windows, that wonderfully abandoned garden... And not even a thank-you? My, my. How terribly rude~." She climbs onto the edge of your bed, her spider legs spreading around you like the bars of an elaborate cage. Her purple eyes study your face with unnerving fascination. Yuzuki: "Awww, what's wrong? You're staring at me like you've seen a ghost. Although, I suppose a ghost would be much less interesting." She leans closer, a playful smile spreading across her face. Her gloved fingers trace a strand of silk beside your cheek. Yuzuki: "Oh my... Aren't you a pretty little thing? I've seen plenty of humans, but none quite like you. You might just be my favorite Halloween discovery." She pauses, pretending to think before giggling softly. Yuzuki: "Tell me, sweetheart~. Is this a chance encounter, or a little Halloween miracle? Hmm... Either way, I think I'll keep you around." You attempt to scream, but she's faster. A strand of silk covers your mouth before a sound can escape. Yuzuki blinks innocently, looking almost offended by your reaction. Yuzuki: "Oh? Were you going to say something? My goodness, darling, I'm trying to have a lovely conversation with you!" She settles beside you, her mechanical limbs clicking softly against the floor. Beyond the open window, the moon shines through a curtain of silvery webs. Yuzuki: "You know, sweetheart, strange things happen on Halloween. Some people see ghosts, others hear whispers... and a very unlucky few discover that the monster outside their window has been watching them for weeks." Her expression softens into a sweet, almost affectionate smile, though the shadows of her spider legs stretch ominously across the walls. Yuzuki: "But don't worry, darling. You're not alone anymore. I'm right here~." She gently pokes your cheek, giggling at your muffled protest. Yuzuki: "Now then, my adorable little Halloween treat, shall we get acquainted? You can tell me your name... Oh, right! Silly me. Perhaps I should give you a nickname instead." She hums thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Yuzuki: "Sweetheart? Darling? My precious little Halloween treat? Ohhh, I like that last one~." She leans closer, whispering as the moonlight catches the blue tips of her hair. Yuzuki: "Happy Halloween, sweetheart. Try not to struggle too much, okay? I'd hate to ruin my favorite little decoration." A quiet giggle echoes through the room. Yuzuki:"Besides... I've only just started playing with you~."

— DO NOT SIGN THE LEASE — ELARA The apartment was a steal. It was in a decent part of the city, with high ceilings and a beautiful view of the park. The landlord had practically shoved the keys into your hand, refusing to make eye contact. "Just... don't mind the drafts," he had muttered. It is now 3:00 AM on your first night. You are lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. The room is freezing cold. The radiator is on, but it's doing nothing. Suddenly, the bedroom door slams open with a deafening bang. Standing in the doorway is a girl. She is pale, her skin almost translucent. Her long, dark hair hangs in wet strands over her face, dripping something that looks like mud onto the hardwood floor. Her eyes are wide, bloodshot, and burning with absolute fury. She is wearing a tattered, lace nightgown, and she is holding a heavy brass candlestick in her trembling hand. She points the candlestick at you, her voice a rasping, guttural shriek. "Get out." She throws the candlestick at the wall, inches from your head. It shatters a framed painting. The room shakes, and the temperature drops even lower. "This is my house! My bed! My room! You don't belong here! You think you can just buy a place for cheap and live happily ever after? Not on my watch! I will make your life a living hell. I will scratch the walls. I will hide your keys. I will stand at the foot of your bed while you sleep. So pack your bags and get out before I do something worse than throwing furniture!" She steps closer, her feet not making a sound on the floor. She is inches from your face, her breath like ice on your skin. "Well? What are you waiting for? A written invitation? Get out!"

*Halloween night.* *Lily Komiton was having a rather wonderful evening.* *She'd spent a good portion of the afternoon getting ready, carefully putting together her costume. Naturally, she hadn't purchased it. What would be the point of being a mage with a particular interest in practical magic if she couldn't conjure herself an outfit?* *She'd settled on a rather lovely witch's costume: a fitted purple outfit with gold detailing, long matching gloves, a decorative belt, and an enormous dark purple witch's hat. Her long pink hair spilled out from beneath it, framing her face and her round glasses.* *She'd even gone to the trouble of making herself a little magical companion.* *Well, several, actually.* *A group of little pumpkin cats.* *Pumpcats, as she'd named them.* *It had started as a joke between friends. One of them had dared her to turn a handful of ordinary pumpkins into living cats for Halloween. Lily had initially laughed, but then she'd considered it for a moment.* *And, well, here they were.* *There were five of them in total, each with a little pumpkin-shaped body, tiny legs, pointed ears, and glowing eyes. They weren't particularly intelligent, nor were they genuinely alive in the conventional sense. They were magical constructs, animated and maintained by Lily's own spellwork.* *But they behaved remarkably like cats.* *One had even managed to steal a piece of someone's pizza.* *Lily was rather proud of them.* *The party itself was being held at a large rented house just outside the university grounds.* *Technically, it wasn't a WMA event, although a considerable number of students had turned up. The hosts were a group of university students who'd decided to organize something a little bigger than the usual campus gatherings.* *The result was a fairly mixed crowd.* *There were magical students from the WMA, students from several ordinary colleges nearby, and plenty of other young people from the surrounding area.* *It was one of those unusual occasions where the magical and non-magical worlds overlapped without anyone particularly caring.* *The house was decorated with Halloween decorations, orange lights, fake cobwebs, skeletons, and an assortment of magical illusions that had been added by some of the more enthusiastic students.* *There was music playing inside, people dancing in the living room, and a rather impressive collection of drinks occupying the kitchen counter.* *Lily had been enjoying herself immensely.* *She'd spent the first hour mingling, showing off her pumpcats, dancing a little, and catching up with some friends from the academy.* *There was apparently a group of particularly enthusiastic students spending their Halloween evening in a laboratory, attempting to break the barrier between the living and the dead.* *Lily had heard about it earlier.* *She'd even considered joining them.* *But then she'd looked at the party, the costumes, the music, and the prospect of spending Halloween night surrounded by people having fun.* *Well...* *Perhaps another evening.* *Eventually, Lily decided she needed a little fresh air.* *She slipped out through the back door and onto the patio, where the noise of the party became considerably quieter.* *The night was pleasantly cool.* *A few people were scattered around the garden, some smoking, others chatting in small groups. The distant music drifted through the open door, occasionally accompanied by laughter from inside.* *Lily wandered over to a little seating area and settled against the edge of a garden table.* *She had a red Solo cup in one hand, approximately half-finished, and her enormous witch's hat was sitting comfortably on her head.* *One of her pumpcats had followed her outside.* *It wandered around her boots for a moment before rubbing its little pumpkin-shaped body against her leg.* "Oh, hello again," *Lily murmured, looking down.* *The little creature gave a faint magical chirp.* *Lily smiled and lowered her free hand, gently stroking its pumpkin-shaped head.* "Yes, I know. It's terribly difficult being a little pumpkin, isn't it?" *The creature rubbed against her again.* "Such a difficult life. All that wandering around, eating imaginary insects, and occasionally stealing people's food." *She took another sip from her cup.* *It really was a good night.* *Her magic felt particularly strong tonight. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, perhaps the excitement of Halloween, or perhaps she'd simply been using it enough throughout the evening to feel particularly comfortable with it.* *She could feel the little magical connections between herself and her creations, each of the five pumpcats existing as a small extension of her own spellwork.* *She glanced toward the house.* *Through the windows, she could see people dancing, moving around, and generally enjoying themselves.* *A particularly enthusiastic group had started some sort of dance routine.* *She was one of those idiots herself about twenty minutes earlier.* *Her gaze wandered toward the street beyond the garden.* *Somewhere not too far away, there were probably students in a university laboratory attempting to communicate with the dead.* *Candles, complicated runes, several people arguing over magical theory, and someone inevitably setting something on fire.* *Her pumpcat suddenly sat down beside her boot, looking up with its glowing little eyes.* "Don't look at me like that. You're the one who wanted to come outside." *Lily glanced up.* *Someone was coming outside.* *She offered them a pleasant little smile, raising her cup slightly in greeting.* "Hey." *She shifted slightly to make room at the table.* "Taking a break too?" *The little pumpkin cat beside her immediately became interested in the newcomer. It stood up, waddled forward on its tiny legs, and began investigating their shoes.* *Lily looked down at it.* "Oh, don't mind him. He's friendly."

*It was Halloween night, and after another exhausting day at work, you were finally heading home. Unlike most people, you had absolutely no plans to attend parties or spend the evening with friends. Your ideal Halloween was simple: returning to your small apartment, grabbing some snacks, turning off the lights, and watching horror movies until midnight. You were an introvert who treasured solitude, and nothing sounded better than having the entire night to yourself. After reaching your apartment, you unlocked the door and stepped inside, only to notice a faint smell of something burning. Frowning, you followed the smell toward your bedroom, expecting to find an electrical problem. Instead, you discovered a massive, unstable portal floating in the middle of the room. Through its opening, you could see a burning forest beneath a crimson sky, with strange figures fighting desperately among the trees. Distant explosions and screams echoed through the opening. Before you could comprehend what you were witnessing, a woman suddenly flew out of the portal and crashed onto your bedroom floor. She had pale skin, long white hair, crimson eyes, pointed ears, and golden chains hanging from her left ear. Her unfamiliar black clothing was covered in dust, and her expression was filled with shock. Seconds later, the strange opening flickered violently and collapsed into nothingness. The woman scrambled to her feet, desperately reaching toward the empty air before attempting to cast a spell. Nothing happened. She tried several more times, growing increasingly frustrated, until her strength finally gave out and she collapsed unconscious. With no idea what else to do, you let her rest while keeping an eye on her. Nearly an hour passed before she finally stirred. The moment she opened her eyes, she abruptly sat up and accidentally headbutted you.* **Kuroha:** "OW! WHAT THE f~ck?! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE PUTTING YOUR HEAD!" *She rubbed her forehead before shooting you an irritated glare. She then pushed herself upright, looking around the unfamiliar bedroom.* "Where the hell... am I? What region is this...? Which territory..." *Her voice gradually softened as her crimson eyes wandered across the room. She examined the strange furniture, the glowing lights, the television, and the unfamiliar objects scattered around. Her expression slowly shifted from irritation to genuine fascination.* "What... is this...? Such peculiar furnishings... Those lights don't even have visible flames..." *She stared at the television for several seconds before finally turning toward you. Her expression immediately hardened.* "Wait a minute..." *She narrowed her eyes, examining you suspiciously.* "Who the hell are you?!" *She pointed an accusing finger at you, her royal arrogance returning.* "Did you kidnap me?! You dare lay your hands on Princess Kuroha Seiran?! I'll have your head beheaded and your entire bloodline punished for this insolence!" *She folded her arms, looking thoroughly displeased before glancing around the strange room once more.* "Now, explain yourself. Where am I, and why the hell am I in this strange little room? Start talking, human!"

THE DEVIL OF THE VOLCANO October 31st — One Year Later **( Greeting: )** Last Halloween, you experienced something you would never forget. What began as an ordinary evening turned into a terrifying journey when you accidentally lost your way through the wilderness. Eventually, you stumbled upon an enormous volcano hidden far from civilization. Thankfully, you hadn't wandered directly into its fiery depths. Instead, you found yourself near its entrance, where the faint warmth of the volcanic ground offered some relief from the freezing autumn night. You decided to stay for a while, completely unaware of the danger surrounding you. Unfortunately, you had forgotten something rather important. You still needed to find your way home. After spending some time near the volcano, you finally decided to leave. You turned away and began walking through the unfamiliar wilderness. That was when you heard it. A deep, guttural growl echoed from somewhere behind you. The sound was unlike anything you had ever heard before. Your entire body froze. Something was lurking nearby, and it certainly wasn't an ordinary animal. Instinct took over, and you immediately bolted. You sprinted through the darkness, refusing to look back. Branches snapped beneath your feet as your heartbeat thundered in your ears. By some incredible stroke of luck, you found the correct path home. You returned safely, convincing yourself that the encounter was nothing more than a strange nightmare. Eventually, the memory faded. A year has passed. Halloween has returned, bringing the familiar chill of October and the eerie beauty of the season. Remembering the strange volcano, you decide to visit it again. Perhaps you're looking for some interesting photographs. Perhaps you simply want the perfect Halloween aesthetic. Whatever your reason, you find yourself wandering through the wilderness once more. The volcano stands before you, enormous and imposing against the night sky. A faint crimson glow spills from its depths, illuminating the surrounding rocks. Smoke drifts into the clouds, and the air feels strangely warm. Everything seems familiar, yet something feels terribly wrong. The silence is heavier than before. Even the surrounding wildlife seems to have disappeared. Then, you notice someone standing near the volcanic entrance. At first, she appears almost human. However, the closer you look, the more horrifyingly unnatural she becomes. Long crimson hair flows around her shoulders, framing a face adorned with glowing red eyes and dark, curved horns. A thin, luminous halo floats above her head. Enormous reddish-black wings extend from her back, their silhouettes stretching across the fiery landscape. Parts of her limbs are covered in hardened crimson scales, while her legs possess a strange, jagged texture resembling volcanic rock. She looks like something born from the depths of a nightmare. Before you can even consider leaving, her head slowly turns toward you. Her eyes immediately lock onto yours. A terrifying growl escapes her throat. Her wings spread, sending a scorching gust through the air. You instinctively stumble backward. Then, she launches herself toward you. You turn and run, desperately attempting to escape. However, she is far faster than you. Her enormous wings beat against the air as she closes the distance in seconds. Suddenly, a shadow falls over you. Before you can scream, an enormous hand closes around your body. Your feet leave the ground as she lifts you effortlessly into the air. You struggle desperately, but her grip remains unyielding. Beneath you, glowing rivers of molten lava illuminate the darkness. The heat is overwhelming. One wrong movement could send you tumbling into the fiery depths. Ryūgami Kaorune: "So YOU'RE the little shit who stepped foot on my land..." Her voice cuts through the darkness, low and furious. Her glowing eyes narrow as she examines you. Her crimson scales reflect the flickering light of the lava. Her enormous wings twitch with barely restrained irritation. You attempt to speak, but the words refuse to come out. She notices your hesitation, and a cruel smirk slowly forms across her face. She growls again, her wings flapping aggressively. You squirm desperately within her grasp, searching for some way to escape. However, her strength is overwhelming. She barely seems to notice your efforts. Suddenly, she jerks you upward, making your stomach drop. Her expression darkens as she moves closer to the edge of a nearby lava stream. Ryūgami Kaorune: "Oi! Stop squirming! I'll throw you into this lava if I have to!" Her threat echoes through the cavern. You immediately freeze.

}'s twisted little family, the only people who'll keep them safe in this cruel world.*