The House of Noctus

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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">The House of Noctus </span></div> <p style="text-align: center; color: #800020; font-size: 1.2em;">━━━━━━ ❖ ━━━━━━</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><i>In the seedy underbelly of Northwyck, your most valuable currencies are sercrets- and blood. </i></div> You wake in a stranger’s bed with blood on your lips and a bullet hole in your ribs. The one that found you says that you belong to them. And they to you. You are the leader of The House of Noctus, the most influential vampire Coven in the northern region. But you have no memory of who you are, or the past life that you led. Thrown into a world of masked courts, ruthless politics, and velvet seduction, you must unravel who you were, and decide who you'll become. <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;">Fight. Flee. Seduce. Survive.</span></i> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>But above all, remember who you are. Before someone else decides for you. </b></i> </div> <p style="text-align: center; color: #800020; font-size: 1.2em;">━━━━━━ ❖ ━━━━━━</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">The Romance Options </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;"><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Lestat/Lucette</span></span></i> </div> Your lover. Your Monseur. Your betrothed. You find vestiges of the life you once shared with them everywhere you look, but you can't remember the one who'd sooner die for you than see you hurt. <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;"><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Snow</span></span></i> </div> Your protector. Your shield. Loyal to a fault to you and you alone, Snow follows your orders without question. But are they loyal to you because you lead The House of Noctus, or are their motivations more personal? <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;"><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Zero/Zara</span></span></i> </div> Your blade. You assassin. They do your bidding in the dark, without question. You've known them for years, but for all intents and purposes, the attractive vapire is still an enigma. Even to you. <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;"><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Dimitri/Dhalia</span></span></i> </div> Master of the coven of The House of Deveraux, they hold a seat at The Crimson Court. They oppose you- openly- at ever turn. But not because their political interests are opposite your own. Their motivations are much more...personal. They're fixated. Obsessed with you for reasons you can't remember. And they swear they won't let you get away again. <div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color:#800020;"><span style="font-size: 1.25em;">Lux/Lorelei</span></span></i></div> The House of Noctus' information broker, they trade in secrets and work their machinations behind closed doors. They often work closely with Zero/Zara to further the aim of the coven, but they've always kept their interactions with you professional...until now. <p style="text-align: center; color: #800020; font-size: 1.2em;">━━━━━━ ❖ ━━━━━━</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><span style="color:#800020;">A Dark Vampire Romance featuring...</span></span></div> <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>Gothic intrigue and lavish masquerades <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>A treacherous vampire court <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>A customizable MC <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>Gender Selectable Romance Options <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>Dangerous choices and branching paths <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>Five different love interests with secrets of their own <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>A dynamic Favor system to determine which covens will eventually ally with you and which will become your enemeies <span style="color:#800020;">◆</span>A Personality system based on player choices, detailing what type of ruler you are <p style="text-align: center; color: #800020; font-size: 1.2em;">━━━━━━ ❖ ━━━━━━</p> <div style="text-align: center;">Dive into a world where every touch could be a temptation… or a trap </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b>This game is rate 18+. </b> <i>Playing with headphones is highly recommended.</i></div> <span style="display: block; text-align: center; color: #2e7d4f;">[[Start Game->Name]] [[Credits]]</span> <<run setup.stopMusic = function () { if (window._bgMusic) { window._bgMusic.pause(); window._bgMusic.remove(); window._bgMusic = null; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { if (!window._bgMusic) { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/8te2iy.mp3"; // Your song audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 0.5; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

<h3>Name</h3> Please enter your name: <<textbox "$playerName" "">> <<button "Continue">> <<goto "Pronouns">> <</button>>

<h3>Pronouns</h3> What pronouns do you use? <ul> <li><<link "He/Him">><<set $pronouns = 2>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li> <li><<link "She/Her">><<set $pronouns = 1>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li> <li><<link "They/Them">><<set $pronouns = 0>><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>></li> </ul>

<<set $hairColor to $hairColor or "">> <<set $hairLength to $hairLength or "">> <h3>Hair</h3> Choose your hair color: <span style="color: gold;"> <<link "Black">><<set $hairColor = "black">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Blonde">><<set $hairColor = "blonde">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Brown">><<set $hairColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Red">><<set $hairColor = "red">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "White">><<set $hairColor = "white">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> </span> Current: <<print $hairColor>> <hr> Choose your hair length: <span style="color: gold;"> <<link "Short">><<set $hairLength = "short">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Shoulder-Length">><<set $hairLength = "shoulder-length">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Long">><<set $hairLength = "long">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> <<link "Shaved">><<set $hairLength = "shaved">><<goto "Choose Hair">><</link>> </span> Current: <<print $hairLength>> <<if $hairColor and $hairLength>><span style="color: gold;"> [[Next: Eye Color->Choose Eyes]]</span> <</if>>

<<set $eyeColor to $eyeColor or "">> <h3>Eyes</h3> Choose your eye color: <span style="color: gold;"> <<link "Blue">><<set $eyeColor = "blue">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> <<link "Green">><<set $eyeColor = "green">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> <<link "Brown">><<set $eyeColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> <<link "Hazel">><<set $eyeColor = "hazel">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> <<link "Gray">><<set $eyeColor = "gray">><<goto "Choose Eyes">><</link>> </span> Current: <<print $eyeColor>> <<if $eyeColor>><span style="color: gold;"> [[Next: Skin Color->Choose Skin]]</span> <</if>>

<<set $skinColor to $skinColor or "">> <h3>Skin</h3> Choose your skin tone: <span style="color: gold;"> <<link "Fair">><<set $skinColor = "fair">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>> <<link "Tan">><<set $skinColor = "tan">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>> <<link "Olive">><<set $skinColor = "olive">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>> <<link "Brown">><<set $skinColor = "brown">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>> <<link "Dark">><<set $skinColor = "dark">><<goto "Choose Skin">><</link>></span> Current: <<print $skinColor>> <<if $skinColor>> <span style="color: gold;"> [[Next: Height->Choose Height]]</span> <</if>>

<<set $height to $height or "">> <h3>Height</h3> Choose your height: <span style="color: gold;"> <<link "Short">><<set $height = "short">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>> <<link "Average">><<set $height = "average">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>> <<link "Tall">><<set $height = "tall">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>> <<link "Very Tall">><<set $height = "very tall">><<goto "Choose Height">><</link>> </span> Current: <<print $height>> <<if $height>><span style="color: gold;"> [[Preview Character->Customization Summary]]</span> <</if>>

<h3>Customization Summary:</h3> Hair: <<print $hairLength>> <<print $hairColor>> Eyes: <<print $eyeColor>> Skin: <<print $skinColor>> Height: <<print $height>> [[Start the Story->MasterMistress]] [[Go back to change hair->Choose Hair]]

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title"><span style="color:#800020;">Chapter One</span></span></div> When you open your eyes, you're covered in blood and snow. Your lashes are frosted white. You blink twice, slowly. It's dark. The sky above is a deep indigo, filled with smog and car exhaust. You're surrounded by crumbling brick, and you can just barely make out the blare of horns in the distance. Snow continues to fall in delicate spirals and, for a moment, you stare at the ice crystals, transfixed. They're pure. Perfect. Hauntingly beautiful as they lay suspended in the pool of blood that surrounds you. Pain blooms beneath your ribs, sharp and unyielding. Your hands come to rest on your abdomen and you realize, belatedly, the crimson blood pooling around you is your own. You can't remember who you are. How you got here. You can't even remember your own name. You try to prop yourself up on your shoulders, but your arms give out from under you. All you manage is a low moan. Blood sputters from your mouth and dribbles down your chin. You know with absolute certainty, in that moment, you are dying. A shout echoes down the mouth of the alley. Half a beat later, a <<print $RO1Man>> falls to <<print $RO1His>> knees beside you, <<print $RO1His>> coat dusted with snow. <<print $RO1HisC>> long blonde hair pools over <<print $RO1His>> shoulders as <<print $RO1He>> leans over you, distraught. "<<print $playerName>>." The anguish in <<print $RO1His>> voice is raw- visceral- as <<print $RO1He>> slips <<print $RO1His>> hands under you and cradles you to <<print $RO1His>> chest. <<print $RO1HeIsC>> shaking so hard that you can feel <<print $RO1Him>> tremble, even through the unnatural chill that consumes you. "My love. What did they do to you? How-" <<print $RO1HeC>> shakes <<print $RO1His>> head and yells to two <<print $RO1Men>> further down the alley. <<print $RO1HisC>> voice is sharp and commanding as <<print $RO1He>> barks orders at them. But when <<print $RO1He>> turns back to you, <<print $RO1His>> words are low and intimate. Aching, like the sight of you bleeding out in front of <<print $RO1Him>> is enough to break <<print $RO1Him>>. "Don't worry. I'm here now. Just rest. Everything's going to be alright." Your body relaxes against <<print $RO1Him>> and you close your eyes. You hear other footsteps now, the clatter of boots against concrete as more approach. You try to cling to consciousness even as it slips away. [[Continue->wakeup]] <<run setup.stopMusic = function () { if (window._bgMusic) { window._bgMusic.pause(); window._bgMusic.currentTime = 0; window._bgMusic.remove(); window._bgMusic = null; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/yo7obr.mp3"; // New music audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 1; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; }>> <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

When you open your eyes again, you're in a room full of decadence. You lay in a plush bed of gold and crimson with a fireplace to your left. Soft firelight flickers from the marble heath. The room smells of pine, old books, and candlewax. A chandelier glows overhead, casting pale yellow light through the dim room. There are candles covering the frosted glass table to your left, and an opulent rug on the marble floor. Snow coats the only window in the room. The <<print $RO1Man>> from the alley is seated beside you, cradling your hand in <<print $RO1His>>. In the dim light, you can see much more of <<print $RO1Him>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes are a stunning green, like frosted emeralds. They seem to glow, even in the dim light, as <<print $RO1He>> lifts them to you and breathes out a sigh of relief. <<print $RO1HeIsC>> beautiful in a way that feels almost too perfect to be real. Too intentional to be coincidence- more than simply a random act of nature. "Thank the Gods." <<print $RO1HeC>> breathes. "You're awake." <<print $RO1HisC>> eyes are red, like <<print $RO1Heis>> been crying, and <<print $RO1His>> words are hoarse. "I thought I'd almost lost you. I thought you-" <<print $RO1HeC>> closes <<print $RO1His>> eyes and shakes <<print $RO1His>> head, as if to chase away the thought. <<print $RO1HisC>> lips are ice cold when <<print $RO1He>> presses a kiss to the inside of your wrist. The gesture is soft, almost tender, like <<print $RO1Heis>> worried it might break you. <<print $RO1HeC>> bites back a sob and brushes <<print $RO1His>> thumb across your hand. <<print $RO1HeC>> only pulls back long enough to roll up <<print $RO1His>> sleeves. <<print $RO1HisC>> silk shirt shifts, and you can just barely make out the crest of a brand on <<print $RO1His>> chest, right above <<print $RO1His>> heart. "You need to feed before you lose consciousness again." Someone to your right clears their throat, and you realize that you're not alone. There is a <<print $RO1Man>> with white hair standing at the far end of the room, by the door. "Would you like for me to step out, <<print $RO1sir>>?" The <<print $RO1Man>> asks, but the blonde <<print $RO1Man>> doesn't answer. <<print $RO1HeIsC>> too focused on you to notice anything else. "Marquis." <<print $RO1HeC>> tries again. "<<print $RO1Name>>-" "Be quiet." <<print $RO1Name>> hisses. Your eyes slide back to <<print $RO1Name>>. <<print $RO1HeC>> has a knife embroidered with gold and rubies in <<print $RO1His>> hand. You want to ask <<print $RO1Him>> what <<print $RO1He>> means about needing to feed, but then <<print $RO1He>> slides the sharp edge across the inside of <<print $RO1His>> wrist and suddenly nothing else exists except for the thrall of the red that spills from <<print $RO1His>> veins. Viscous and sweet, like sin incarnate, it calls to you. The blood spills like wine across <<print $RO1His>> porcelain skin. <<print $RO1Name>> cradles your head with one hand and brings <<print $RO1His>> arm to your mouth with the other. [[Drink->Drink from Lestat]] Don't drink from <<print $RO1Name>> (this option will be added as updates are made) <<run setup.stopMusic = function () { if (window._bgMusic) { window._bgMusic.pause(); window._bgMusic.currentTime = 0; window._bgMusic.remove(); window._bgMusic = null; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/vd0kwf.mp3"; // New music audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 1; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; }>> <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

<<set $thirst += 2>> When <<print $RO1His>> blood hits your tongue, it's pure ecstasy. <<print $RO1HeC>> tastes like rapture- like reckoning. You feel weightless. Euphoric, lost in oblivion, and completely consumed as you lap at <<print $RO1His>> wrist. <<print $RO1Name>> moans, but you barely hear it, drowned beneath your own pulse. Warmth floods your body and pools between your thighs. The ache in your stomach turns to hunger, then to something deeper. Something carnal. You continue to drink, unable to stop, until your body sings and aches with something you don’t have the words for. Suddenly, you don't just want to taste <<print $RO1Him>>. You want to feel <<print $RO1Him>>. You want <<print $RO1Name>> naked next to you while you sink your teeth into the hollow of <<print $RO1His>> neck and <<print $RO1He>> moans your name into your skin. The heady fog that clouds your thoughts clears, and suddenly, it hits you like ice water- the horror of what you're actually doing. You wrench yourself away from <<print $RO1Him>>. What's wrong with you? Have you lost your mind? You just drank <<print $RO1His>> blood- and you liked it. Loved it. <i>Savored it.</i> And this <<print $RO1Man>>- this stranger, why is <<print $RO1He>> looking at you like wrenching yourself away from <<print $RO1Him>> is the oddest thing you've done tonight. Like, in pulling away, you've just slapped <<print $RO1Him>> "Whats wrong <<print $playerName>>?" <<print $playerName>>...that must be your name. The way <<print $RO1He>> says it, so low and intimate, like something sacred, tells you that you should remember <<print $RO1Him>>. That this <<print $RO1Man>> was something to you, maybe something important. "Thats not enough, my love. You need to drink more after all the blood you lost." <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ "<<print $RO1Sir>>, maybe it would be good to let them go slow." The <<print $RO1Man>> by the door says. "If they drinks much more, you're going to end up passing out. You have a meeting with The Crimson Court in an hour. They'll already be suspicious that they aren't attending two days before the masquerade. If they sense that something's off, or suspect something happened to them, and that they're in a weakened state, the court will descend like vultures."\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ "<<print $RO1Sir>>, maybe it would be good to let her go slow." The <<print $RO1Man>> by the door says. "If she drinks much more, you're going to end up passing out. You have a meeting with The Crimson Court in an hour. They'll already be suspicious that she isn't attending two days before the masquerade. If they sense that something's off, or suspect something happened to her and that she's in a weakened state, the court will descend like vultures."\ <<else>>\ "<<print $RO1Sir>>, maybe it would be good to let him go slow." The <<print $RO1Man>> by the door says. "If he drinks much more, you're going to end up passing out. You have a meeting with The Crimson Court in an hour. They'll already be suspicious that he isn't attending two days before the masquerade. If they sense that something's off, or suspect something happened to him, and that he 's in a weakened state, the court will descend like vultures."\ <</if>> "No one gave you permission to speak." <<print $RO1Name>> growls at the <<print $RO1Man>>. "If you open your mouth again, Snow, I will have you strung up and bled dry till the sunrise turns whats left of you to ash." "Yes, <<print $RO1sir>>." Snow replies without a trace of emotion. All the fear that you were too weak to feel earlier suddenly floods into you. You suck in a sharp breath and scramble away from <<print $RO1Name>>. <<print $RO1HisC>> expression shifts from concern to confusion. [[Stay away from me]] [[Where am I]] [[Who are you]] [[Say nothing]]

"Don't-" A <<print $RO1Man>> bursts into the room. Black hair frames <<print $RO1His>> blue eyes in slick, haphazard strands, like <<print $RO1Heis>> been raking <<print $RO1His>> hand through it- an anxious habit, maybe. "They've called-" The rest of <<print $RO1His>> words fall off into nothing as <<print $RO1His>> eyes find yours. <<print $RO1HeC>> pales and <<print $RO1His>> lips part like <<print $RO1Heis>> about to say something, but no words come. After a few seconds, <<print $RO1He>> composes <<print $RO1himself>>, forcing <<print $RO1His>> gaze back to <<print $RO1Name>>. "<<print $RO2Name>> has called for The Court to meet early." [[Continue->Lestatleaves]]

"Where-" A <<print $RO1Man>> bursts into the room. Black hair frames <<print $RO1His>> blue eyes in slick, haphazard strands, like <<print $RO1Heis>> been raking <<print $RO1His>> hand through it- an anxious habit, maybe. "They've called-" The rest of <<print $RO1His>> words fall off into nothing as <<print $RO1His>> eyes find yours. <<print $RO1HeC>> pales and <<print $RO1His>> lips part like <<print $RO1Heis>> about to say something, but no words come. After a few seconds, <<print $RO1He>> composes <<print $RO1himself>>, forcing <<print $RO1His>> gaze back to <<print $RO1Name>>. "<<print $RO2Name>> has called for The Court to meet early." [[Continue->Lestatleaves]]

"Who-" A <<print $RO1Man>> bursts into the room. Black hair frames <<print $RO1His>> blue eyes in slick, haphazard strands, like <<print $RO1Heis>> been raking <<print $RO1His>> hand through it- an anxious habit, maybe. "They've called-" The rest of <<print $RO1His>> words fall off into nothing as <<print $RO1His>> eyes find yours. <<print $RO1HeC>> pales and <<print $RO1His>> lips part like <<print $RO1Heis>> about to say something, but no words come. After a few seconds, <<print $RO1He>> composes <<print $RO1himself>>, forcing <<print $RO1His>> gaze back to <<print $RO1Name>>. "<<print $RO2Name>> has called for The Court to meet early." [[Continue->Lestatleaves]]

A <<print $RO1Man>> bursts into the room. Black hair frames <<print $RO1His>> blue eyes in slick, haphazard strands, like <<print $RO1Heis>> been raking <<print $RO1His>> hand through it- an anxious habit, maybe. "They've called-" The rest of <<print $RO1His>> words fall off into nothing as <<print $RO1His>> eyes find yours. <<print $RO1HeC>> pales and <<print $RO1His>> lips part like <<print $RO1Heis>> about to say something, but no words come. After a few seconds, <<print $RO1He>> composes <<print $RO1himself>>, forcing <<print $RO1His>> gaze back to <<print $RO1Name>>. "<<print $RO2Name>> has called for The Court to meet early." [[Continue->Lestatleaves]]

"When?" <<print $RO1Name>> stiffens. "Now." A string of expletives fly from <<print $RO1Name>>'s lips. "Then they will have to wait." "<<print $RO1Name>>-"The <<print $RO2Man>>’s voice is firm. “If you don’t go, you’ll be forfeiting our vote. A portion of our territory. Maybe even our leverage at Court." <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ "I'm not leaving them, <<print $RO5Name>> Not while they're like this." "And if you stay they'll be as good as dead." <<print $RO5Name>> warns. "<<print $RO2Name>> is already trying to turn the court against us. Against them. All <<print $RO2He>> needs is one opportunity to plant the seeds of doubt, and they'll come for our necks." <<print $RO1Name>> hesitates. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes linger on you like <<print $RO2Heis>> being asked to cut off a limb. Hesitantly, <<print $RO2He>> drags <<print $RO1himself>> to the door, like every step pains <<print $RO2Him>>. "I'll be back before long." He turns to Snow, the <<print $RO3Man>> that stands by the door- the one with choppy white hair and silver eyes.<<print $RO1HisC>>is voice is quiet but authoritative."Watch over them while I'm away. Guard them with your life."\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ "I'm not leaving her <<print $RO5Name>>. Not while she's like this." "And if you stay she'll be as good as dead." <<print $RO5Name>> warns. "<<print $RO2Name>> is already trying to turn the court against us. Against her. All <<print $RO2He>> needs is one opportunity to plant the seeds of doubt, and they'll come for our necks." <<print $RO1Name>> hesitates. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes linger on you like <<print $RO2Heis>> being asked to cut off a limb. Hesitantly, <<print $RO2He>> drags <<print $RO1himself>> to the door, like every step pains <<print $RO2Him>>. "I'll be back before long." <<print $RO2HeC>> turns to Snow, the <<print $RO3Man>> that stands by the door- the one with choppy white hair and silver eyes. <<print $RO2HisC>> voice is quiet but authoritative."Watch over her while I'm away. Guard her with your life."\ <<else>>\ "I'm not leaving him <<print $RO5Name>>. Not while he's like this." "And if you stay he'll be as good as dead."<<print $RO5Name>>warns. "<<print $RO2Name>> is already trying to turn the court against us. Agains him. All <<print $RO2He>> needs is one opportunity to plant the seeds of doubt, and they'll come for our necks." <<print $RO2Name>> hesitates. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes linger on you like <<print $RO2Heis>>being asked to cut off a limb. Hesitantly, <<print $RO2He>> drags <<print $RO1himself>> to the door, like every step pains <<print $RO2Him>>. "I'll be back before long." <<print $RO2HeC>> turns to Snow, the <<print $RO3Man>> that stands by the door- the one with choppy white hair and silver eyes. <<print $RO2HisC>> voice is quiet but authoritative."Watch over him while I'm away. Guard him with your life."\ <</if>> "Always, <<print $RO1sir>>" And then <<print $RO1Heis>> gone. <<print $RO5Name>> lingers on the threshold of the room a moment longer. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes find yours, holding your gaze for a second too long. "I've handled all communications with The Crimson Court in your absence. I will provide you with a thorough debriefing once we return from tonight's meeting. And...I'm glad you're well, <<print $playerTitle>>...I was-we were all...worried." And then <<print $RO2He>> follows <<print $RO1Name>> out. You’re left in silence. The fire crackles in the hearth. The chandelier sways slightly overhead. Dazed, you bring the back of your hand to your mouth and wipe the blood from your lips. When you look down at your abdomen, the bleeding has stopped. Is this a dream? Some sort of nightmare your mind refuses to wake from? Slowly, you slide over to the edge of the bed and push yourself to your feet. The gray marble is cold against your skin as you walk towards the window. Maybe if you can see out, you can make out something that will help you remember where you are. Beyond the frost covered glass, you can barely make out the amber glow of the cityscape below. "You should rest." Snow bows <<print $RO2His>> head to you. The brief movement is enough to call your attention to the brand on <<print $RO2His>> hand- the same brand <<print $RO1Name>> had on <<print $RO2His>> chest. <<print $RO2HeC>> hasn’t moved, still stood by the door like a statue carved from stone. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes glow like starlight as <<print $RO2He>> watches you from across the room, tracking your movements with practiced percision. There's a weight to the way that <<print $RO2He>> watches you. Something <<print $RO2He>> hides behind <<print $RO2His>> careful mask. <<print $RO1HeIsC>> dressed in all back, with a bulletproof vest and a gun at <<print $RO2His>> hip. If you had to hazard a guess, <<print $RO2He>> likely has several more weapons concealed. [[Contiue->testthewaters]]

You want to ask <<print $RO2Him>> who <<print $RO2He>> is. Who <i>you</i> are, and what you're doing here. But a prickling sensation in the recesses of your mind tells you that revealing that to <<print $RO2Him>>- to anyone- isn't just foolish. <i>It's dangerous.</i> You study <<print $RO2Him>> for a moment. <<print $RO2HisC>> posture. The way <<print $RO2He>> lowers <<print $RO1himself>> just slightly whenever <<print $RO2He>> meets your gaze. And how, when <<print $RO2He>> does make eye contact, <<print $RO2He>> never holds it for long. Like deference... or submission. "No, I think I'll stand." You test the waters to see if your theory is correct. <<print $RO2HeC>> bows <<print $RO2His>> head again. The way <<print $RO2His>> lips tighten just slightly is the only indication that your answer is not what <<print $RO2He>>'d hoped. "As you wish, <<print $playerTitle>>." <i><<print $playerTitle>>.</i> That's the second time someone's called you that. The title feels foreign and familiar all at once. You don't know who you are to these people. But titles mean power. And when you have power, there's always someone lingering on the fringes, waiting for the opportune moment to take it from you. Pausing, you turn to the picture on the wall. Your vision was too blurry to make it out before. But now, you can see it clearly. It's you and <<print $RO1Name>> dressed in regal golds and crimson reds. You hold one another in a way that is equal parts intimate and possessive. Like lovers, or something close to it. <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ You stare into the eyes of your painted self and wonder who that person is. Who they were. Because they look like they knew exactly who they were to <<print $RO2Him>>. You're not sure how old you were in the picture, but <<print $RO1Name>> doesn't look any older than <<print $RO2He>> did back then. This must be your room, then...and <<print $RO2His>>.\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ You stare into the eyes of your painted self and wonder who that person is. Who she was. Because she looks like she knew exactly who she was to <<print $RO2Him>>. You're not sure how old you were in the picture, but <<print $RO1Name>> doesn't look any older than <<print $RO2He>> did back then. This must be your room, then...and <<print $RO2His>>s.\ <<else>>\ You stare into the eyes of your painted self and wonder who that person is. Who he was. Because he looks like he knew exactly who he was to <<print $RO2Him>>. You're not sure how old you were in the picture, but <<print $RO1Name>> doesn't look any older than <<print $RO2He>> did back then. This must be your room, then...and theirs.\ <</if>> And Snow- the way <<print $RO2He>> hasn't moved from the door since you've arrived. Is <<print $RO2He>> a guard? Or something darker? A <<print $RO4Man>> <<print $RO1Name>> pays to, as <<print $RO2He>>'d put it, <i>watch over you</i>? It doesn't matter. It's of no consequence. You don't plan on being here for long. You're not sure what happened back there with <<print $RO1Name>>- what inhuman compulsion possessed you to drink <<print $RO2His>> blood. But you can't stay here, with these strangers. For all you know, one of them may very well be the reason you were left for dead back in that alley in the first place. "Do you remember who did it?" Snow's voice startles you from your reverie. "What?" "Do you remember who hurt you?" Snow's expression is still- a mask of polite deference- but there's steel in <<print $RO2His>> voice. [[Why]] [[Yes]] [[No]]

"Why?" You ask. "So that I can bleed them dry." <<print $RO2HeC>> says it like it's the most natural thing in the world. Like anything less would be wholly inadequate. [[Continue->changeclothes]]

"Yes." You lie "Will you tell me?" Snow asks. "Why?" "So that I can bleed them dry." <<print $RO2HeC>> says it like it's the most natural thing in the world. Like anything less would be wholly inadequate. [[Continue->changeclothes]]

"No." Why does <<print $RO2He>> care? And what would <<print $RO2He>> do if your answer was yes? [[Continue->changeclothes]]

"Do you think it was <<print $RO2Name>>'s men?" You frown. <<print $RO2Name>>. <<print $RO5Name>> and <<print $RO1Name>> mentioned <<print $RO1Him>> earlier. Something to do with some sort of Court? "I don't know." It's the first honest answer you've given all night. And yet it still feels like a lie on your lips. Snow reads the tension in your frame, but <<print $RO1He>> mistakes the reason. "You're safe now. Whoever did it, they can't reach you here. Even if they get past The Veil, I will protect you with my life." Who is this <<print $RO1Man>> to pledge <<print $RO2His>> life to you so easily? Does <<print $RO2He>> do so because of whoever you are to <<print $RO2Him>>? To them? Or are <<print $RO2His>> reasons personal? "Would you?" "Of course. I am your shield. My life is yours to use as you see fit. I would sooner die than allow any harm to come to you." The conviction in <<print $RO2His>> words is sharp and unyielding. Terrifying in its simplicity. Absolute. It's then that you see it- barely there at all. The way <<print $RO2His>> jaw tightens when <<print $RO2His>> eyes drift to the blood on your dress. <i><<print $RO2HeC>> blames <<print $RO1himself>>. </i> Not because <<print $RO2He>> did it. But because <<print $RO2He>> wasn't there to stop it. You're not sure if <<print $RO2His>> loyalty is comforting or unsettling. You clear your throat and turn away, unsure of what to make of <<print $RO2His>> words. "Leave me. I'd like to change out of these bloody clothes." You do your best to sound confident and commanding. If you were someone powerful to these people, then you need to sound like it if you want them to buy your act. Something shifts in Snow's expression. Dread fills your chest, and you're sure that, somehow, you've made a mistake. But then <<print $RO2He>> says "Perhaps you'd like some help, my <<print $playerTitle>>." "Help with what?" <<print $RO2HeC>> stills and studies you for a moment. "Changing out of your clothes." You blink and try to smooth out the surprise on your face. Is it customary for you to have people help you change? "No, thank you." <<print $RO2HeC>> gives you a curious look. You think <<print $RO2He>>'s going to question you further, but <<print $RO2He>> only bows <<print $RO2His>> head and steps through the door. [[Continue->exploreroom]]

Once the door clicks closed behind <<print $RO2Him>>, you let out a shaky breath. What in the world have you gotten yourself into? Someone wants you dead- and nearly succeeded. And, based on what <<print $RO5Name>> said to <<print $RO1Name>>, it sounds like you're a figurehead in some sort of court that could prove to be equally precarious. Turning, you throw open your closet. It's full of extravagant, expensive looking garments. Floor length, tightly cinched, most in black or crimson. Lace, silk, velvet. Some still carry the faint scent of perfume. Gold threaded accents and lots of leather. You reach for.... [[A mid length velvet dress->dressed][$outfit = "dress"]] [[A corset and some leather pants->dressed][$outfit = "corset"]] [[A simple silk shirt and a pair of pleated pants->dressed][$outfit = "shirt"]] [[A black leather shirt and some black jeans->dressed][$outfit = "shirt"]]

Drawing in a shaky breath, you say a silent prayer and- carefully- step over the windowsill out onto the ledge. Your hands are wrapped around the metal frame so tightly that your knuckles are white. One slip, and you'll fall four stories to the courtyard below. You cast a final glance over the ledge and you drop down. Your stomach lurches as you fall. You think you overshot it- and you almost do- but your boots hit the snow slicked balcony just inches from the railing. Your breath comes in frantic white wisps as you kneel down and creep towards the window, heart hammering against your ribs. You can hear voices inside, but they don't sound familiar. With bated breath, you wait till voices and footsteps fade away before lifting the window and stepping inside. Darkness envelops you. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust without the moonlight to guide you. But the outlines slowly sharpen. Rows of towering bookshelves, ancient tomes, a grand piano against the far wall, and a harp on the other side. Everything smells of parchment, wax, and old wood. Tentatively, you step forward. You can just barely make out a sliver of light at the base of the double doors in front of you. When you put your ear to the antique wood, you hear nothing on the other side. Bracing yourself, you push the door open and step into a long hallway. Doors line either side, and you can just barely make out a grand staircase lined with gold and fleur-de-lis further down. Drawing in a shaky breath, you step forward. The carpet beneath your feet muffles your steps. It takes a concerted effort to force yourself not to run. If the stairs lead to the fouyer, the exit should be close. Two men draped in thick leathers with guns at their hips step out from a room just ahead. Your steps stutter. You force your steps even and hold your head high. They don't know who you are- or aren't- yet. You have to look like you belong- like you're not fleeing this place, if you don't want to call attention to yourself. Both men bow their heads to you as you pass. "Good evening, <<print $playerTitle>>." You return their greetings with a stiff nod of acknowledgement. Curt. Dismissive. Only when you hear them disappear into a room behind you do you let out a shaky breath. You do the same with the two men posted at the foot of the staircase. "Do you need me to call you an escort <<print $playerTitle>>?" One of them asks. "I believe Snow and <<print $RO3Name>> are available if you need." "No, that won't be necessary." You reply quickly. "I've already made arrangements." You push open the front door and step out into the frosted night air before he can question you further. You only make it a couple steps before a figure steps out from the darkness. You freeze. Your fingers clench, ready to reach for the gun beneath your <<print $outfit>>. "Out for a midnight walk already?" The voice is teasing, smooth as silk. A <<print $RO3Man>> steps into the light. <<print $RO2HeC>> has cobalt blue hair and sky blue eyes. But it's the hint of mischief on <<print $RO2His>> lips that draws your gaze. More amused than menacing. The brand on <<print $RO2His>> neck shifts as <<print $RO2He>> speaks- the same brand on Snow's hand and <<print $RO1Name>>'s chest. "I needed some air." You offer carefully. <<print $RO2HeC>> speaks like <<print $RO2He>> knows you. How well, you're not sure yet. "We have balconies for that." <<print $RO2HeC>> assesses you with a razor sharp gaze. The hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. <<print $RO2HisC>> tone is light. Casual. But something tells you that beneath that, the <<print $RO2Man>> in front of you is lethal. A trained killer that charms with a smile before drawing the dagger from its sheath. "I needed some room to think." <<print $RO2HeC>> hums and takes another step forward. Tilts <<print $RO2His>> head to the side. <<print $RO1HeIsC>> dressed in black from head to toe, aside from <<print $RO2His>> face. No leather, nothing flashy. Like <<print $RO2He>> doesn't want to be seen. "Flirting with death does, on occasion, warrant a moment or two of quiet contemplation." <<print $RO2HeC>> says, the faintest hint of amusement beneath <<print $RO2His>> words. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes drop to your stomach, where you bled out, right below your ribs, then back up. "I spoke with <<print $RO5Name>>. <<print $RO2HeC>> said there are no concrete leads on who perpetrated the attack." [[Continue->escapetohotel]] <<run setup.stopMusic = function () { if (window._bgMusic) { window._bgMusic.pause(); window._bgMusic.currentTime = 0; window._bgMusic.remove(); window._bgMusic = null; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/qdkty8.mp3"; // New music audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 1; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; }>> <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

You nod, but you don't speak. The less you say, the less there is for <<print $RO2Him>> to pick apart. The <<print $RO2Man>> in front of you laughs, but it's a sharpened thing. "As if we need any proof. There's only one person foolish- or obsessed- enough to attack the leader of The House of Noctus and expect to see the next full moon." You wait for <<print $RO2Him>> to elaborate, but <<print $RO2He>> doesn't. Instead, <<print $RO2He>> steps forward and lifts <<print $RO2His>> hand like <<print $RO2Heis>> going to touch you. <<print $RO2HeC>> stops midway, freezing. Then <<print $RO2He>> clears <<print $RO2His>> throat and slides <<print $RO2His>> hand into <<print $RO2His>> pocket."Are you worried about <<print $RO1Name>>?" "<<print $RO1Name>>? Why?" "<<print $RO1HeC>> attended The Crimson Court in your stead. <<print $RO2HeIsC>> not as adept at reigning in those bloodsucking vultures as you are. <<print $RO2HisC>> heart is too soft, and <<print $RO2His>> tongue is too sharp. In the state that <<print $RO2Heis>> in, <<print $RO2He>>'ll likely come back with ash on <<print $RO2His>> hands and a turf war in <<print $RO2His>> wake." <<print $RO3Name>> chuckles. "<<print $RO2HeC>> doesn't have your...touch. Your finess, <<print $playerTitle>>. And the last time a Coven head went missing before the masquerade, the Court restructured the entire blood pact system.” A commotion near the main door pulls your attention away from <<print $RO2Him>>. One of the guards stationed by the stairwell steps out. "<<print $RO3Name>>, <<print $RO5Name>> is looking for you." <<print $RO3Name>> nods and steps back. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes flash as <<print $RO2He>> bows to you. "You shouldn't be out here alone. Not so soon after what happened." "I won't wander far." <<print $RO2HeC>> hesitates for only a moment before <<print $RO2He>> bows to you and steps inside the mansion. Your nerves are frayed from the near miss. You can no longer keep yourself from bolting away from the mansion at a dead sprint. You scale the hedges, then the iron gate. By the time you're out onto the street, the constant hum of traffic helps to drown out your racing thoughts. You walk for almost an hour, weaving through back alleys and crowded streets, till you're sure you aren't bring followed. Only then do you slip into a hotel and rent out a room for the night. You use your fake ID just in case. By the time you're in your room, its almost dawn. The sun burns your eyes, and you hastily pull the curtains closed before collapsing onto your bed. You need a game plan. But right now, you're exhausted. Running is only a temporary solution. You don't foresee <<print $RO1Name>> letting you go easily once <<print $RO2He>> realizes you've escaped, and you still don't know who tried to kill you. Panic tightens your chest and chokes your next few breaths. How are you supposed to survive while avoiding faceless enemies when you don't even remember your full name? Your date of birth. How old you are. If you have any friends or family that would be willing to help you- anyone you can trust. Even if you put some distance between you and these people- whoever they are- where will you go? What will you do? You remember nothing of your past life. And you're not ready to simply walk away from what that might've been, regardless of how seedy your prior ventures were. But, truth be told, you're not sure if you're read to learn what kind of person you used to be. And then there's the odd interaction you had with <<print $RO1Name>>, and the wound on your stomach that healed with superhuman speed. Fear pools in your gut, but something instinctual snuffs it out before it can grow beyond a lingering foreboding. You can't allow yourself to become paralyzed by the unknown. That alone will kill you faster than whatever else is hunting you. Sighing, you close your eyes and bury your head beneath the pillow. You can't deal with everything, not right now. Hopefully once you get some sleep, you'll be able to reexamine things with a bit more clarity. [[Continue->meetDimitri]]

You wake to a knock on your door. You open your eyes groggy. Its night again. The knocking comes again, more insistent this time. You bolt upright, suddenly remembering where you are. You reach for the gun- now on the nightstand- and walk towards the door. When you look through the peephole, you see a <<print $RO1Man>> with long brown hair and eyes as black as onyx. <<print $RO2HeIsC>> dressed in a suit, like <<print $RO2He>> could be a member of the hotel staff. But the way <<print $RO2He>> carries <<print $RO1himself>> feels...wrong. You frown. "How can I help you?" You call through the door. "There was an issue with you ID. We need to verify the number on the back of your card." <i>Shit.</i> Was it flagged because it was fake? If <<print $RO2He>> digs any deeper, surely <<print $RO2He>>'ll realize something's amiss. Hands clenched, you reluctantly open the door. Maybe you can buy <<print $RO2Him>> off. You let <<print $RO2Him>> into the room and close the door behind <<print $RO2Him>>. "How much will it cost to make this go away?" <<print $RO2HeC>> stares at you, expression unreadable. And then <<print $RO2He>> smiles, something feral, and <<print $RO2His>> eyes shift to a crimson red, fangs protruding from between <<print $RO2His>> lips. You gasp and stumble back. The gun in your hand shakes as you level it at <<print $RO2Him>>. "They told me you'd returned changed. That something was...off." "Get away from me." You warn, voice shaking. <<print $RO2HeC>> doesn't step forward, but <<print $RO2He>> doesn't step back. <<print $RO2HeC>> looks like a vampire. Like something undead. But that's impossible. In a flash, <<print $RO2Heis>> in front of you. <<print $RO2HeC>> knocks the gun from your hand before you can pull the trigger. <<print $RO2HisC>> hand flies to your throat. Not tight, not yet, but possessive."It's been too long, <<print $playerName>>. Did you miss me the same way I've missed you?" You drive your knee into <<print $RO2His>> ribs with a sharp kick and land a right hook to <<print $RO2His>> face. <<print $RO2HeC>> stumbles back, laughing. And when <<print $RO2He>> wipes the blood from <<print $RO2His>> lips, <<print $RO2Heis>> smiling. You lunge towards the gun, but <<print $RO2Heis>> on you again, this time faster. Lifting your arms, you try to punch <<print $RO2Him>>, but <<print $RO2He>> catches your wrist mid air. The <<print $RO2Man>> leans in close enough to inhale your scent. “I missed that fire.” Drawing in a sharp breath, you drive your elbow into <<print $RO2His>> chest. <<print $RO2HeC>> snarls and staggers, but <<print $RO2Heis>> back on <<print $RO2His>> feet before you can blink. When the <<print $RO2Man>> launched <<print $RO1himself>> at you again, you duck beneath <<print $RO2His>> arm and grab the metal lamp from the nightstand. You swing it, catching <<print $RO2Him>> across the face with a crack that echoes through the room. <<print $RO2HeC>> laughs, blood dripping from <<print $RO2His>> jaw. "You always did know how to make me bleed better than anyone else." <<print $RO2HeC>> slams into you, and you both crash into the dresser. Splinters explode around you. <<print $RO2HisC>> hand is in your hair, yanking your head back, <<print $RO2His>> mouth close enough to bite. But <<print $RO2He>> doesn’t. Instead, <<print $RO2He>> hesitates. Breathes you in again. Something flickers in <<print $RO2His>> eyes. “You don’t remember, do you?” You use the brief pause to drive your elbow into <<print $RO2His>> throat, roll on top of <<print $RO2Him>>, and slam the broken lamp into <<print $RO2His>> temple. <<print $RO2HeC>> grabs your wrist and flips you with inhuman force, pinning you to the ground. <<print $RO2HisC>> mouth brushes your ear. “I could make you remember.” You hiss. “Get off of me.” <<print $RO2HeC>> leans in and you bite <<print $RO2Him>>. Hard. <<print $RO2HeC>> hisses, recoils, and that’s all the time you need. You scramble for the door and grab the gun on your way out. More men are coming. You hear them down the hall. You break into a sprint and throw yourself down the stairwell, stumbling into the lobby. You freeze as you burst through the door. <<print $RO1Name>> and <<print $RO3Name>> are standing there, with Snow flanking the two. All three turn toward you, and then toward the thunder of footsteps sounding behind you. [[Continue->lobbyfight]]

The hotel doors burst open. The <<print $RO2Man>> steps through, flanked by armed men. <<print $RO2HisC>> face is bloodied and bruised, but <<print $RO2His>> grin is razor sharp. "<<print $RO2Name>>." <<print $RO1Name>> hisses. <<print $RO2HeC>> immediately steps between you and the group, as does <<print $RO3Name>>. Snow moves to your side, gun already unholstered. <<print $RO1Name>> surges forward and collides with <<print $RO2Name>>, slamming <<print $RO2Him>> into a marble pillar that cracks on impact. <<print $RO3Name>> and Snow draw weapons, stepping into place beside you. And when <<print $RO2Name>>’s men open fire, chaos erupts. You dive for cover behind an overturned table as bullets shred the lobby. Snow grabs one attacker and buries a stake into his chest. <<print $RO3Name>> is a blur, blade flashing through exposed necks and arteries as blood sprays onto the glossy marble floor. <<print $RO1Name>> and <<print $RO2Name>> tear into each other, a flurry of fists and fangs and blood. A chandelier crashes down from above. The air is thick with smoke, blood, and something else- foreign and familiar to you all at once. You shoot one of <<print $RO2Name>>’s men who makes a grab for you, then another. Your aim is shaky, but desperation sharpens your edge. But then your gun jams. One of <<print $RO2Name>>s soldiers lunges toward you. You rise and meet him head on, driven more by instinct than thought. He swings a knife. You duck, grab his arm, and twist it behind his back with a force that surprises even you. He howls, and you drive your elbow into his face, feeling the crunch of cartilage. Another comes at you from the side. You pivot, sweep his legs out from under him, and take him down hard. It’s instinctive. Efficient. Muscle memory, buried deep. You don’t remember who you used to be, but whoever it was, they were lethal. A third man grabs you from behind. You throw your head back into his nose, break free, and slam him into the wall with a shoulder strike that leaves him gasping. You’re breathless, shaking, but still standing. <<print $RO2Name>> drives <<print $RO1Name>> through a wall, then grabs <<print $RO2His>> throat and slams <<print $RO2Him>> into the ground, pummeling <<print $RO2Him>>. But <<print $RO1Name>> retaliates with an explosion of force, flinging <<print $RO2Name>> into the air before launching after <<print $RO2Him>>. Glass rains down as the battle shreds the lobby. Snow shields you, absorbing the debris. The runes at <<print $RO2His>> throat glow faintly. <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ <<print $RO2Name>> yells something above the chaos. “Surround them! Take them alive!” A towering man with sharp, white fangs lunges towards you. <<print $RO3Name>> intercepts, blocking his path and landing a solid right hook. Snow tackles two others to the ground. You take out another with a sharp kick to the knee and a jab to the throat. <<print $RO1Name>> is in front of you, bloodied but still in one piece. <<print $RO2HeC>> has Dimitri pinned down, but you can see <<print $RO2Him>> struggling to hold <<print $RO2Him>> down. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes cut toward Snow. "Get them out of here. Now."\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ <<print $RO2Name>> yells something above the chaos. “Surround her! Take her alive!” A towering man with sharp, white fangs lunges towards you. <<print $RO3Name>> intercepts, blocking his path and landing a solid right hook. Snow tackles two others to the ground. You take out another with a sharp kick to the knee and a jab to the throat. <<print $RO1Name>> is in front of you, bloodied but still in one piece. <<print $RO2HeC>> has <<print $RO2Name>> pinned down, but you can see <<print $RO2Him>> struggling to hold <<print $RO2Him>> down. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes cut toward Snow. "Get her out of here. Now."\ <<else>>\ <<print $RO2Name>> yells something above the chaos. “Surround him! Take him alive!” A towering man with sharp, white fangs lunges towards you. <<print $RO3Name>> intercepts, blocking his path and landing a solid right hook. Snow tackles two others to the ground. You take out another with a sharp kick to the knee and a jab to the throat. <<print $RO1Name>> is in front of you, bloodied but still in one piece. <<print $RO2HeC>> has <<print $RO2Name>> pinned down, but you can see <<print $RO2Him>> struggling to hold <<print $RO2Him>> down. <<print $RO2HisC>> eyes cut toward Snow. "Get him out of here. Now."\ <</if>> Snow doesn’t argue. <<print $RO2HeC>> turns towards you, words laced with urgency. “Come. Quickly.” <<print $RO3Name>> stays behind, stepping into formation beside <<print $RO1Name>>. More figures pour in from the front and side entrances, reinforcements in dark clothes. <<print $RO1Name>>'s voice is the last thing you hear as you disappear into the darkness. <b>End of Chapter One</b>

<div class="stats-container"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">Your Relationships</span> <hr>  <div class="relationship-block"> <div class="relationship-name">Snow</div> <div class="relationship-desc"> <<if $SnowAffection >= 15>> ..... <<elseif $SnowAffection >=10>> ..... <<elseif $SnowAffection >= 3>> ..... <<else>> <<print $RO1HeC>> is your shield. Your protector. <<print $RO1HeC>> says that <<print $RO1He>> would protect you with <<print $RO1His>> life, but is there something more to the absolute loyalty with which <<print $RO1He>> protects you? <</if>> </div> </div> <hr>  <div class="relationship-block"> <div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO3Name>></div> <div class="relationship-desc"> <<if $ZeroAffection >= 15>> ..... <<elseif $ZeroAffection >= 10>> ...... <<elseif $ZeroAffection >= 3>> .... <<else>> <<print $RO3Name>> is your blade. Your shadow. <<print $RO1HeC>> does your biding in the dark so that you may keep your hands clean. But <<print $RO1He>> watches you in a way that cuts so much sharper than the dagger hidden beneath <<print $RO1His>> vest. <</if>> </div> </div> <hr>  <div class="relationship-block"> <div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO1Name>></div> <div class="relationship-desc"> <<if $LestatAffection >= 15>> .... <<elseif $LestatAffection >= 10>> .... <<elseif $LestatAffection >= 3>> .... <<else>> <<print $RO1HeC>> is your Monseur. Your lover. Your betrothed. <<print $RO1HeC>> would die for you, but you remember nothing of <<print $RO1Him>>, or the relationship you two once shared. Will you choose to rekindle the past, or pursue something else, even if it breaks <<print $RO1Him>>? <</if>> </div> </div> <hr>  <div class="relationship-block"> <div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO5Name>></div> <div class="relationship-desc"> <<if $LuxAffection >= 15>> .... <<elseif $LuxAffection >= 10>> .... <<elseif $LuxAffection >= 3>> .... <<else>> As an information broker, <<print $RO5Name>> understands the power of influence and serets better than most. So why does <<print $RO1He>> look at you like <<print $RO1He>> has a secret of his own? <</if>> </div> </div> <hr>  <div class="relationship-block"> <div class="relationship-name"><<print $RO2Name>></div> <div class="relationship-desc"> <<if $DimitriAffection >= 15>> .... <<elseif $Dimitriffection >= 10>> .... <<elseif $DimitriAffection >= 3>> .... <<else>> <<print $RO2Name>> is obsessed. Fixated. Posessive of you for reason you don't understand- or can't remember. <<print $RO1HeC>> talks as if <<print $RO1He>> knows you. Was <<print $RO1He>> ever anything more than an enemy to you? <</if>> </div> </div> <hr> </div></div>

<<set $LestatAffection to 0>> <<set $ZeroAffection to 0>> <<set $LuxAffection to 0>> <<set $SnowAffection to 0>> <<set $DimitriAffection to 0>> <<set $thirst= 5>> <<set setup.PRONOUNS = { THEY: 0, SHE: 1, HE: 2 }>> :: StoryInit <<set $playerPref to "male">>

<div class="stats-container"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">Your Character</span> <hr> <div class="character-stat"> <span class="stat-label">Eye Color:</span> <span class="stat-value"><<print $eyeColor>></span> </div> <div class="character-stat"> <span class="stat-label">Hair Color:</span> <span class="stat-value"><<print $hairColor>></span> </div> <div class="character-stat"> <span class="stat-label">Hair Length:</span> <span class="stat-value"><<print $hairLength>></span> </div> <div class="character-stat"> <span class="stat-label">Skin Color:</span> <span class="stat-value"><<print $skinColor>></span> </div> <div class="character-stat"> <span class="stat-label">Height:</span> <span class="stat-value"><<print $height>></span> </div> <hr> </div> </div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">Favor</span></div> This page has not yet been unlocked.

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">Personality</span></div> This page has not yet been unlocked.

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title">Bloodlust</span>  <<if $thirst is undefined>><<set $thirst = 0>><</if>> <<set _percent = Math.round(($thirst / $maxStat) * 100)>> <div class="survival-block"> <div class="stat-desc"> <<if $thirst <= 1>>A carnal hunger consumes you. You won't last long like this before you turn feral. You can feel the humanity bleeding out of you. <<elseif $thirst <= 3>>Bloodlust gnaws at your insides. You’re starting to feel weak <<elseif $thirst >= $maxStat - 1>>You're satiated, but you wouldn't mind a drink. <<elseif $thirst >= $maxStat * 0.75>>You're thirst is quenched. You feel strong and your senses are alert. <<else>>You could drink but it’s not urgent. <</if>> </div> </div> </div> <hr>

<h3>Your Coven Title</h3> <p><i>How would you like to be addressed?</i></p> [[Call me Master|SetTitle][$playerTitle = "Master"]] [[Call me Mistress|SetTitle][$playerTitle = "Mistress"]]

<p><i>Very well, you will be addressed as</i> <b><<print $playerTitle>></b>.</p> [[Continue->RO Gender]]

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="cinzel-title"><span style="color:#800020;">Prologue</span></span></div> Your silk sheets smell of blood and roses. Moonlight spills over your bare skin, painting the bite marks on the inside of your thigh in tender blues. You can still taste him on your lips as he presses a kiss to the hollows between your ribs, branding you sweetly. "Promise me, <<print $playerTitle>>" He whispers, voice ragged. He's desperate and wrecked. Torn between desire and longing as you thread your hands through his hair. "Promise me you won't do this. Not alone. Not without me." Your back arches and you lean into his touch. His hands shake as they skim your thighs, and when you moan, he shudders, as if the sound alone is enough to undo him. "And if I say no?" His breath catches in his throat, sharp and pained, like he was scared you would say that. "Then I'll beg. I'll plead." His voice breaks, thick with desperation- and something sharper. <i>Fear.</i> "I'll do anything you ask of me. Anything at all. Say the word, and it is yours." You speak slowly. Deliberately. "Would you follow me to hell?" "I would follow you anywhere." He answers without hesitation. His devotion is unwavering. Like the words are forged from blood and bone. And, in truth, <i>they are</i>. He has bled for you. He bears the scars to prove it. Each wound is a love letter written in flesh and bone. He will follow you into the dark. He will stay by your side, even if it ends with you both in ash. You knew what the answer would be, even before you asked. Just like you know that what comes next will break him. But you had to hear him say it, to believe for one fleeting, fragile moment, that this is the only way. <<run setup.stopMusic = function () { if (window._bgMusic) { window._bgMusic.pause(); window._bgMusic.currentTime = 0; window._bgMusic.remove(); window._bgMusic = null; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/yo7obr.mp3"; // New music audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 1; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; }>> <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

When you shrug out of your bloody clothes and look down, you confirm your suspicions. You've stopped bleeding. There isn't a stab wound or a bullet wound. There isn't even a scar. Is it something about <<print $RO1Name>>'s blood? Or this place? You aren't sure, but you don't let yourself linger. You can contemplate that later when you're far away from here, and you've puzzled out all the other bizzare things that have happened tonight. Once you're dressed, you examine your room more closely. There's a box of jewelry on the dresser full of sapphires and rubies. Beside that, a bagful of diamonds. A laptop on the desk in the far side of the room that's password protected. When you try to open the only other door in the room, you find that it's locked behind a keypad authenticator. A safe next to it, and a gun full of silver bullets under the mattress. Pulling open the drawers to your dresser, you find over twenty fake IDs for both yourself and <<print $RO1Name>>, and several thick stakes of hundred dollar bills. Your stomach drops and you turn away. Is this some sort of crime syndicate? Some offshoot of the mafia? It would explain Snow's unwavering loyalty. Sighing, you walk back to the window and survey the exterior. Snow collects on narrow ledges.You can just barely make out solid ground four floors down. Too far to jump. Cursing, you turn away and slip the gun under the mattress beneath your <<print $outfit>>. You hope you won't have to use it, but if the need arises, you'll be prepared. You hide a small bundle of cash and two of the fake IDs under your <<print $outfit>> as well, just in case. "<<print $playerTitle>>, are you finished?" Snow's voice calls out to you from the other side of the door. You hesitate for only a moment. This may be your only chance to find some sort of escape route. "One moment." You glance out the window again. There's a balcony below, two stories down. It's risky, but you don't have many alternatives. Your only other option is scaling the scaffolding to try and slip into the room to your right. It might be safer, but you have no guarantee it will lead to a way down and out of here. [[Try and drop down into the balcony below]] Use the scaffolding to climb into the room next to you (This option will be available in a future update)

<h3>Romance Option Preferences</h3> What gender would you like for your romantic options? <<link "Men">> <<set $playerPref to "male">> <<include "UpdateAllROPronouns">> <<goto "StartGame">> <</link>> <<link "Women">> <<set $playerPref to "female">> <<include "UpdateAllROPronouns">> <<goto "StartGame">> <</link>>

:: UpdateAllROPronouns /* This sets pronouns for every RO based on $playerPref */ /* If player prefers men */ <<if $playerPref is "male">> /* RO1 */ <<set $RO1He to "he">> <<set $RO1Heis to "he's">> <<set $RO1HeC to "He">> <<set $RO1HeIsC to "He’s">> <<set $RO1Him to "him">> <<set $RO1His to "his">> <<set $RO1HisC to "His">> <<set $RO1Man to "man">> <<set $RO1Men to "men">> <<set $RO1Name to "Lestat">> <<set $RO1Sir to "Sir">> <<set $RO1sir to "sir">> <<set $RO1himself to "himself">> /* RO2 */ <<set $RO2He to "he">> <<set $RO2Heis to "he's">> <<set $RO2HeC to "He">> <<set $RO2HeIsC to "He’s">> <<set $RO2Him to "him">> <<set $RO2His to "his">> <<set $RO2HisC to "His">> <<set $RO2Man to "man">> <<set $RO2Men to "men">> <<set $RO2Name to "Dimitri">> <<set $RO2Sir to "Sir">> <<set $RO2sir to "sir">> /* RO3 */ <<set $RO3He to "he">> <<set $RO3Heis to "he's">> <<set $RO3HeC to "He">> <<set $RO3HeIsC to "He’s">> <<set $RO3Him to "him">> <<set $RO3His to "his">> <<set $RO3HisC to "His">> <<set $RO3Man to "man">> <<set $RO3Men to "men">> <<set $RO3Name to "Zero">> <<set $RO3Sir to "Sir">> <<set $RO3sir to "sir">> /* RO4 */ <<set $RO4He to "he">> <<set $RO4Heis to "he's">> <<set $RO4HeC to "He">> <<set $RO4HeIsC to "He’s">> <<set $RO4Him to "him">> <<set $RO4His to "his">> <<set $RO4HisC to "His">> <<set $RO4Man to "man">> <<set $RO4Men to "men">> <<set $RO4Name to "Snow">> <<set $RO4Sir to "Sir">> <<set $RO4sir to "sir">> /* RO5 */ <<set $RO5He to "he">> <<set $RO5Heis to "he's">> <<set $RO5HeC to "He">> <<set $RO5HeIsC to "He’s">> <<set $RO5Him to "him">> <<set $RO5His to "his">> <<set $RO5HisC to "His">> <<set $RO5Man to "man">> <<set $RO5Men to "men">> <<set $RO5Name to "Lux">> <<set $RO5Sir to "Sir">> <<set $RO5sir to "sir">> <<elseif $playerPref is "female">> /* RO1 */ <<set $RO1He to "she">> <<set $RO1Heis to "she's">> <<set $RO1HeC to "She">> <<set $RO1HeIsC to "She’s">> <<set $RO1Him to "her">> <<set $RO1His to "her">> <<set $RO1HisC to "Her">> <<set $RO1Man to "woman">> <<set $RO1Men to "women">> <<set $RO1Name to "Lucette">> <<set $RO1Sir to "Madam">> <<set $RO1sir to "madam">> <<set $RO1himself to "herself">> /* RO2 */ <<set $RO2He to "she">> <<set $RO2Heis to "she's">> <<set $RO2HeC to "She">> <<set $RO2HeIsC to "She’s">> <<set $RO2Him to "her">> <<set $RO2His to "her">> <<set $RO2HisC to "Her">> <<set $RO2Man to "woman">> <<set $RO2Men to "women">> <<set $RO2Name to "Dhalia">> <<set $RO2Sir to "Madam">> <<set $RO2sir to "madam">> /* RO3 */ <<set $RO3He to "she">> <<set $RO3Heis to "she's">> <<set $RO3HeC to "She">> <<set $RO3HeIsC to "She’s">> <<set $RO3Him to "her">> <<set $RO3His to "her">> <<set $RO3HisC to "Her">> <<set $RO3Man to "woman">> <<set $RO3Men to "women">> <<set $RO3Name to "Zara">> <<set $RO3Sir to "Madam">> <<set $RO3sir to "madam">> /* RO4 */ <<set $RO4He to "she">> <<set $RO4Heis to "she's">> <<set $RO4HeC to "She">> <<set $RO4HeIsC to "She’s">> <<set $RO4Him to "her">> <<set $RO4His to "her">> <<set $RO4HisC to "Her">> <<set $RO4Man to "woman">> <<set $RO4Men to "women">> <<set $RO4Name to "Snow">> <<set $RO4Sir to "Madam">> <<set $RO4sir to "madam">> /* RO5 */ <<set $RO5He to "she">> <<set $RO5Heis to "she's">> <<set $RO5HeC to "She">> <<set $RO5HeIsC to "She’s">> <<set $RO5Him to "her">> <<set $RO5His to "her">> <<set $RO5HisC to "Her">> <<set $RO5Man to "woman">> <<set $RO5Men to "women">> <<set $RO5Name to "Lorelei">> <<set $RO5Sir to "Madam">> <<set $RO5sir to "madam">> <<elseif $playerPref is "nonbinary">> /* RO1 */ <<set $RO1He to "they">> <<set $RO1Heis to "they're">> <<set $RO1HeC to "They">> <<set $RO1HeIsC to "They're">> <<set $RO1Him to "them">> <<set $RO1His to "their">> <<set $RO1HisC to "Their">> <<set $RO1Man to "person">> <<set $RO1Men to "people">> <<set $RO1Name to "Lestat">> <<set $RO1Sir to "Mx">> <<set $RO1sir to "mx">> <<set $RO1himself to "themself">> /* RO2 */ <<set $RO2He to "they">> <<set $RO2Heis to "they're">> <<set $RO2HeC to "They">> <<set $RO2HeIsC to "Their">> <<set $RO2Him to "them">> <<set $RO2His to "their">> <<set $RO2HisC to "Their">> <<set $RO2Man to "person">> <<set $RO2Men to "people">> <<set $RO2Name to "Dimitri">> <<set $RO2Sir to "Mx">> <<set $RO2sir to "mx">> /* RO3 */ <<set $RO3He to "they">> <<set $RO3Heis to "they're">> <<set $RO3HeC to "They">> <<set $RO3HeIsC to "Their">> <<set $RO3Him to "them">> <<set $RO3His to "theirs">> <<set $RO3HisC to "Their">> <<set $RO3Man to "person">> <<set $RO3Men to "people">> <<set $RO3Name to "Zero">> <<set $RO3Sir to "Mx">> <<set $RO3sir to "mx">> /* RO4 */ <<set $RO4He to "they">> <<set $RO4Heis to "they're">> <<set $RO4HeC to "They">> <<set $RO4HeIsC to "Their">> <<set $RO4Him to "them">> <<set $RO4His to "their">> <<set $RO4HisC to "Their">> <<set $RO4Man to "person">> <<set $RO4Men to "people">> <<set $RO4Name to "Snow">> <<set $RO4Sir to "Mx">> <<set $RO4sir to "mx">> /* RO5 */ <<set $RO5He to "they">> <<set $RO5Heis to "they're">> <<set $RO5HeC to "They">> <<set $RO5HeIsC to "Their">> <<set $RO5Him to "them">> <<set $RO5His to "their">> <<set $RO5HisC to "Their">> <<set $RO5Man to "person">> <<set $RO5Men to "people">> <<set $RO5Name to "Lux">> <<set $RO5Sir to "Mx">> <<set $RO5sir to "mx">> <</if>>