Eirington on the Moor

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<div style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive; font-size: 2.5em; ; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #1C1C1E;"> <span style="color:#800020;">Eirington on the Moor</span> </div> <div style="width: 100%; height: 2px; background: linear-gradient(to right, #1C1C1E, #D94C14, #7C0A02, #1C1C1E); margin: 2em 0;"></div>  <div style="text-align: center; text-align: center; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><span style="color:#800020;">A Gothic Victorian Werewolf Romance</span></span></div> Beneath the stone arches and rose strewn courtyards of Eirington, Alpha Leoric waits for you. You are sent as a gift to his household, a peace offering to end the war between your pack and his. But all is not as it seems in Eirington Manor, or with it's Alpha, who seems more beast than man. In this Victorian Gothic Romance, will you tame the beast, or <b>become the prey?</b> <p style="text-align: center; color: #800020; font-size: 1.2em;">━━━━━━ ❖ ━━━━━━</p> <div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 2em; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive;"> Playing with headphones is highly recommended. [[Start Game|Name]] <span style="margin: 0 1em;"></span> [[Credits]] </div> <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { if (!window._bgMusic) { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/guim1e.mp3"; 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/Silver">><<set $hairColor = "white/silver">><<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->StartGame]] [[Go back to change hair->Choose Hair]]

<div style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive; font-size: 2.5em; color: #7C0A02; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #1C1C1E;"> Prologue </div> <div style="width: 100%; height: 2px; background: linear-gradient(to right, #1C1C1E, #D94C14, #7C0A02, #1C1C1E); margin: 2em 0;"></div> "I've been told your Alpha has taken a new mate." Genevieve says. "A respectable match for a Rosenthal, even without an imprint." "It is." Evander nods. "He's been without a mate for years. It's nice to see him with someone, even if he's still a bit...resistant." "Naturally." Genevieve agrees smoothly. They walk through the courtyard, bathed in the waning light of autumn golds and crimsons. Genevieve admires the marble sculptures of half naked lovers scattered among the rose briars. Beneath the scent of roses lingers something fetid- an eldritch rot Genevieve tries not to notice. "I've brought with me three omegas to serve in Alpha Leoric's household when his new bride is indisposed. One, in particular, that may be of... interest to him." "A wedding gift?" Evander asks. "Are they trained?" "Impeccably. They are among the finest omegas in Alpha Rheven's pack." "Good." Evander nods. "Then they should acclimate nicely." Omegas line either side of the vaulted archway leading to the fouyer. All are draped in crinoline dresses and frock coats, eyes lowered. Each wear gilded collars, wrough in gold and silver, engraved with Alpha Leoric's name. In Orena, such a display would be considered barbaric. Inhumane. But here, in Eirington, the omegas wear their collars like crowns. The effect is...unnerving. They step into the foyer and Evander, Alpha Leoric's head Beta, gestures to the left, gold rings catching the light. "I see you're already trying to retrain them." Genevieve observes stiffly. Two of Alpha Rheven's former omegas are kneeled obediently. The dim amber glow casts their shadows in warped shapes that dance along the marble. <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ The third, however, does not kneel. Instead, they sit upright and defiant. Their hands remain at their side, but they do not lower their gaze like the others. Instead, they lift their chin. Their eyes flare when thry turn to Evander. Evander's pulse surges, but he resists the urge to reprimand them. Not in front of Beta Genavieve. Still, she smells his irritation, a burnt resin that lingers in the air, mixing with her honeyed perfume.\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ The third, however, does not kneel. Instead, she sits upright and defiant. Her hands remain at her side, but she does not lower her gaze like the others. Instead, she lifts her chin. Her eyes flare when she turns to Evander. Evander's pulse surges, but he resists the urge to reprimand her. Not in front of Beta Genavieve. Still, she smells his irritation, a burnt resin that lingers in the air, mixing with her honeyed perfume.\ <<else>>\ The third, however, does not kneel. Instead, he sits upright and defiant. His hands remain at his side, but he does not lower his gaze like the others. Instead, he lifts his chin. His eyes flare when he turns to Evander. Evander's pulse surges, but he resists the urge to reprimand him. Not in front of Beta Genavieve. Still, she smells his irritation, a burnt resin that lingers in the air, mixing with her honeyed perfume.\ <</if>> \ [[Next->differences]] <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { if (!window._bgMusic) { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/guim1e.mp3"; audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 0.5; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

<<set setup.PRONOUNS = { THEY: 0, SHE: 1, HE: 2 }>>

<<if $pronouns == 0>>\ They are hurt.\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ She is hurt.\ <<else>>\ He is hurt.\ <</if>>

For a moment, Genevieve is overcome with the impulse to rescind Alpha Rheven's offer. To take these omegas back with her and shelter them from all of...this. But the impulse is fleeting. Alpha Rheven made it clear that she was to gift the omegas to Alpha Leoric- a peace offering between the two pacts. To go against his orders would risk reigniting the war between them. "Why is this one so...spirited?" Evander asks, throat tight. <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ "They were not trained to submit." Genevieve answers tightly. "We've been told that your Alpha appreciates a bit of defiance. That it makes the hunt more... satisfying." She barely masks her disdain. Evander tries to smooth out his frown as he turns back to the omega. It is true. His Alpha enjoys The Hunt. And from what is known of his preferences, they are more than ideal. Perfect, even- assuming they do not slit his throat before the next dawn.\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ "She was not trained to submit." Genevieve answers tightly. "We've been told that your Alpha appreciates a bit of defiance. That it makes the hunt more... satisfying." She barely masks her disdain. Evander tries to smooth out his frown as he turns back to the omega. It is true. His Alpha enjoys The Hunt. And from what is known of his preferences, she is more than ideal. Perfect, even- assuming she does not slit his throat before the next dawn.\ <<else>>\ "He was not trained to submit." Genevieve answers tightly. "We've been told that your Alpha appreciates a bit of defiance. That it makes the hunt more... satisfying." She barely masks her disdain. Evander tries to smooth out his frown as he turns back to the omega. It is true. His Alpha enjoys The Hunt. And from what is known of his preferences, he is more than ideal. Perfect, even- assuming he does not slit his throat before the next dawn.\ <</if>> "Indeed." Evander says stiffly. "I'm sure he'll be...enthralled." [[Next->Smile]]

<div style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Uncial Antiqua', cursive; font-size: 2.5em; color: #7C0A02; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #1C1C1E;"> Chapter One </div> <div style="width: 100%; height: 2px; background: linear-gradient(to right, #1C1C1E, #D94C14, #7C0A02, #1C1C1E); margin: 2em 0;"></div> They prepare you with an assortment of lotions and perfumes. Rosewater, pine, and something beneath that smells vaguely of...decay. <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ You hair is slicked back. They dress you in a form fitting Victorian outfit- stiff, black linen, trimmed with crimson. A neckline high enough to pretend propriety, and tight enough to hug the slight of you waist and the shape of you chest.\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ You hair is drawn back into a severe French braid. They dress you in a form fitting Victorian gown- stiff, black linen, trimmed with crimson ribbon. A neckline high enough to pretend propriety, and tight enough to hug the curve of you waist and the fullness of you chest.\ <<else>>\ You hair is slicked back. They dress you in a form fitting Victorian suit- stiff, black linen, trimmed with crimson. A neckline high enough to pretend propriety, and tight enough to hug the slight of you waist and the firmess of you chest.\ <</if>> You are trained in all the disciplines expected of a proper omega: cooking, cleaning, and etiquette, all by Alpha Rheven's household tutors during your formative years. Extensive studies in literature, music, and philosophy ensure you're a competent conversationalist. You can play piano, recite poetry, and smile sweetly- when inclined. And your features are simple but appealing. <i>The problem is your eyes,</i> Alpha Rheven told you once. <i>You speak kindly and smile softly, but your eyes give you away.</i> You hadn't understood what he meant. Not then. But you're starting to. "Soften your expression." Lady Madeline delivers the command tight and sharp, with waning patience. [[Try to smile]] [[Pretend to try]] [[Stare at something behind her]] <<run setup.stopMusic()>> <<run setup.playMusic = function () { if (!window._bgMusic) { const audioElement = document.createElement("audio"); audioElement.src = "https://files.catbox.moe/qd1m3p.mp3"; audioElement.loop = true; audioElement.volume = 0.5; audioElement.autoplay = true; audioElement.id = "bgMusic"; document.body.appendChild(audioElement); window._bgMusic = audioElement; } }>> <<run setup.playMusic()>>

"This will not do." Her lips press thin. "Alpha Leoric will not be pleased to find that his new attendant cannot even manage the pretense of respectability." She circles you once. Her hands stay clasped behind her back. Her eyes trace your frame, appraising. You keep your eyes forward. Your pulse pounds in your throat. Somewhere beyond the antique doors, the wolves of Eirington howl, low and hungry. You're not sure how long you stand there for. Time stretches strangely under Lady Madeline's gaze. You are only dismissed when it is time to start preparing Alpha Leoric's dinner. When you are, your face is sore and your eyes burn red. Twice, while slicing tomatoes for the salad, you nick your fingers. Both times, you are met with reprimand, a lash across the hand from Lady Madeline's cane. In Orena, mistakes are met with patience. Even welcomed. Alpha Rheven understood them to be a failing on his part, not a deficit of his omegas. But there was no such tolerance to be found in Eirington. You steal a glance to your right. Two omegas work beside you. They never speak, nor do they lift their heads unless instructed. Their collars gleam faintly in the flickering glow of the candelabra. You try, once, to talk to the omega closest to you- a girl with dark curly hair and wide green eyes. The omega's gaze flickers sharply towards you. She shakes her head once, curtly. "Not here." She mouths. You complete the rest of the slicing in silence, the rhythmic thud of the knife loud in your ears. You wonder vageuly at the wisdom of Alpha Leoric allowing his omegas access to the knives, given the way they are treated in his household. But of course, he can compel with his scent alone. A stronger mind might resist for a breath or two, but not long enough to matter. From what rumors you've heard, he is not an easy man to fool or fell. [[Next->meet Leoric]]

"Put this on the table." Lady Madeline demands. She hands you a salad bowl in crystal. "Yes, Lady Madeline." You take the bowl carefully and walk into the corridor. The brief tour of Rosenthal Manor from Lady Madeline that morning has left you disoriented and...oddly nervous. The place feels alive. It's halls twist like the mangled roots of an old oak. Portraits of gaunt, imposing figures stare down at you in the halls. You will likely have trouble navigating the manor's many halls and doors, but the dining room is easy to remember. The crystal chandelier bathes the room in an amber glow, candelabras flickering in the draft. A bell tolls somewhere in the manor. The crimson drapes sway as you bend over the long table to place the salad near its center. When you straighten, the air shifts. Your skin prickles. A slow, electric awareness coils in your chest. Adrenaline scores your veins, though you cannot tell whether it is from fear or excitement. Maybe both. You do not have to turn to know who stands behind you. You can smell it in the air. The rich oak and wood polish are now suffused with something heavy and intoxicating. <i>Something distinctly Alpha.</i> Like the scent of wet earth right after a thunderstrike. Ozone and lightning, bottomless and neverending. "Good evening, <<print $playerName>>." Comes a voice from behind. The sound is low and smooth, something that ripples at the edges. <i>Alpha Leoric.</i> [[Next->welcome]]

A quiet moment stretches between you. You can hear nothing, except for the sound of his breathing, slow and deliberate. The candelabra between you flickers, and- Lady Madeline clears her throat from the doorway. "Alpha Leoric." Lady Madeline says. "I did not realize you'd returned." You startle, and the spell shatters. Lady Madeline stands in the doorway, rigid, expression carefully schooled as she glances between you. Alpha Leoric turns to her, and all the softness he had when his gaze was upon you bleeds from his frame. "Yes." He replies stiffly. "The meeting ran longer than expected." <<if $pronouns == 0>>\ "A shame." Lady Madeline turns to you. "Go back to the kitchen.. Help Fiona bring the rest of the food to the table." "No." Alpha Leoric shakes his head. "They dine with me tonight." Lady Madeline's lips curl in distate. "My lord, they are an omega. A servant-"\ <<elseif $pronouns == 1>>\ "A shame." Lady Madeline turns to you. "Go back to the kitchen, girl. Help Fiona bring the rest of the food to the table." "No." Alpha Leoric shakes his head. "She dines with me tonight." Lady Madeline's lips curl in distate. "My lord, she is an omega. A servant-"\ <<else>>\ "A shame." Lady Madeline turns to you. "Go back to the kitchen, boy. Help Fiona bring the rest of the food to the table." "No." Alpha Leoric shakes his head. "He dines with me tonight." Lady Madeline's lips curl in distate. "My lord, he is an omega. A servant-"\ <</if>> "I did not ask for your opinion." There's steel in Alpha Leoric's voice. "Return to the kitchens, Madeline. You are dismissed." At first, she hesitates. Then she nods once, tightly. "Yes, my Lord." The door closes with a soft click. And once again, you are alone with the Alpha of Eirington Manor. [[Next->sit down]]

"Yes, madam. I am trying." You force your jaw to unclench. [[Next->unable]]

You feign a half-hearted attempt. [[Next->unable]]

You stare at something just past her shoulder. A grandfather clocked. But the hands don't move. [[Next->unable]]

You are met with a heavy sigh. Lady Madeline, the Beta responsible for managing all of Alpha Leoric's household omegas, shakes her head. Her irritation threads the air with traces of ashy smoke and winter citrus. "No, you are not. Again." You attempt to school your features into gentleness. Your mouth softens. Your eyes do not. "Are you truly unable?" "I cannot, Lady Madeline." You exhale sharply. You feel it instantly, the weight of your mistake. The simmering defiance in your tone. Lady Madeline gives you a sharp look. Her scent shifts, hotter now. Like something burning. [[Next->ktichen]]

He stands before you, blue eyes sharp and searching. "Welcome to Eirington Manor." Alpha Leoric inclines his head in a measured, elegant bow. When he straightens, the lamplight spills over his brown hair. The clean lines of his jaw, the wide breadth of his shoulders. He is tall, strikingly so, and carries himself with the effortless grace of someone accustom to authority and obedience. There is tension in his frame when his eyes drag across your form, slow and assessing. His gaze lingers for a moment too long. His nostrils flare, and the clear blue of his eyes shifts to a sharp silver. A faint shudder ripples through him, though the way he clenches his fists at his sides tells you he tries to hide it. Something stirs inside you, an instinct that knows no reason. You're struck by the urge to step towards him. But you do not. You cannot. At first, you think it must be his pheromones compelling you- calling you. But you can scent no alpha heat in the air. Only the heady scent of earth and ozone, threaded through with something wilder. "I apologize for not greeting you when you arrived." He says at last. "Prior obligations left me...indisposed." You realize, distantly, you've been staring. Why did none of the rumors speak of how beautiful he is, you wonder vaguely. Chiseled and perfectly modeled, like a statue carved from stone. [[Apologize]] [[Thank him]] [[Reassure him]]

"Forgive me, my lord." You murmur, head bowed. "Your welcome is most gracious. Your absence is no inconvenience." [[Next->Dine]]

"Thank you." You murmur, head bowed. "Your welcome is most gracious. Your absence is no inconvenience." [[Next->Dine]]

You murmur, head bowed. "Your welcome is most gracious. Your absence is no inconvenience." [[Next->Dine]]

"Sit, please." Alpha Leoric pulls out the chair beside him. You hesitate. The firelight catches on the silver of his cufflinks, the slow rise and fall of his chest. [[Sit.]] [[Hesitate.]] [[Raise a brow.]]

You slide into the seat. The scent of him surrounds you. When he leans forward to push in your chair- careful not to jostle you- the brief nearness makes the fine hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. [[Next->allow me]]

You raise a brow, then slowly, slide into the seat. The scent of him surrounds you. When he leans forward to push in your chair- careful not to jostle you- the brief nearness makes the fine hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. [[Next->allow me]]

After a beat of hesitation, you slide into the seat. The scent of him surrounds you. When he leans forward to push in your chair- careful not to jostle you- the brief nearness makes the fine hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. [[Next->allow me]]

"Thank you for accepting my invitation." "Of course." You say, though propriety hardly affords you an alternative. "Have you eaten?" "No, not yet, my Lord." You fidget under his intense gaze. You keep your eyes fixed somewhere between his collar and the glimmering cutlery. "Then please, help yourself." The table is filled with only the finest dishes. Honeyed yams, roasted boar, fresh vegetables sautéed in truffle oil and bread still warm from the heath. The crystal decanter catches the light, glimmering like molten wax. Your fingers twitch toward the food, but his gaze holds you in place. Your hands brush the edge of the tablecloth, curling around the pressed linen to hide your tremor. "You are not eating." He says softly. "I... am admiring the meal, my Lord." "Are you?" "Yes." You force a small smile, though you cannot help the quiver that catches in your voice. "And what is your assessment?" "It is...most generous." He tilts his head slightly, considering you. "You are careful with your words." "Only when the alternative may offend." His mouth quirks faintly, though his eyes remain cool. "Then it seems Lady Madeline's concerns were...misplaced." You resist the urge to stiffen, though heat prickles at the back of your neck. Whatever Lady Madeline said, you are certain it was not complimentary. With considerable effort, you reach for the serving spoon. "Allow me." Alpha Leoric lifts his hands to still your movements. His tone isn't commanding. <i>Not quite.</i> It's something subtler, like a low heat that sinks into the space between your ribs. <<link "Allow">> <<set $firstDecision = "allow">> <<goto "Allow him">> <</link>>\ <<link "Do it yourself">> <<set $firstDecision = "dontallow">> <<goto "Do it yourself">> <</link>>\

He fills your plate, movements precise and elegant, then sits back in his seat and watches you. [[Next->timehere]]

You fill your plate yourself despite his offer, though your movements are clumsy with nervousness. [[Next->timehere]]

"How has your stay at Eirington Manor been thus far?" "It's been...fine, my Lord." His expression remains carefully neutral. "I'm pleased to hear it." He says. "Has anyone given you any...trouble?" You sense there's something beneath those words. But you don't dare ask. "No, my Lord." "Evander tells me that you come from Alpha Rheven's pack." "I did, before I was brought here." "I would imagine the adjustment has been...considerable." [[It has.]] [[It hasn't.]] [[Its too early to say yet.]]

He nods in understanding. "Please, let me know if there's anything I can do to ease it." You nod, though your pulse betrays you. You cannot help but notice that Alpha Leoric hasn't bothered filling his own plate. [[Next->different]]

A faint smile ghosts his lips. "Please, let me know if there's anything I can do to ease it." You nod, though your pulse betrays you. You cannot help but notice that Alpha Leoric hasn't bothered filling his own plate. [[Next->different]]

You lift your hand to grab your fork, but then Leoric's fingers wrap around your wrist. His hold is deceptively gentle, but you can feel the strength coiled just beneath. "Your finger." He murmurs. "It's bleeding." You glance down. A thin scarlet bead swells from the shallow cut on your fingertip. "Oh." You whisper. "I accidentally nicked myself in the kitchen." He doesn't release you. Instead, his thumb traces the blood, slow and careful. His touch burns like fever. "Does it hurt?" His voice is softer now, edged with a dangerous tenderness. "No." Your voice trembles. Alpha Leoric's grip tightens. His eyes flash silver. Then something in his expression shifts. He watches you, eyes glowing, as he lifts your finger to his lips and licks the blood from its tip. The wet, velvet heat makes you shudder. A low growl vibrates in the back of his throat, almost like a purr, and his fangs elongate, just barely. His scent thickens, seeps into you like liquid heat. \ <<if $firstDecision == "allow">> It's...like nothing you've ever felt before. An exquisite hunger that threatens to consume you. And yet, you never want it to end. <i>It's seductive. Intoxicating.</i> Warmth blooms in your chest, and all you can think about is him- He releases you abruptly and yanks his hand back. "You..." Your words are breathless. Your heart flutters wildly. He clears his throat. "Forgive me. It seems I am not myself tonight." His voice is hoarse, almost unrecognizeable. Alpha Leoric rises sharply, chair scraping back. "I apologize for my...thoughtlessness. I trust you will be more at ease dining in private tonight. Whatever you need, speak to Fiona. It is yours." For a moment, he looks like he might speak again, but then he turns away. He's gone before you can blink. You can still feel the heat of his breath against your skin as the door clicks shut behind him. <b>End of Demo</b> <</if>> \ <<if $firstDecision == "dontallow">> It's...like nothing you've ever felt before. An exquisite hunger that threatens to consume you. And yet, you never want it to end. <i>It's seductive. Intoxicating.</i> Warmth blooms in your chest, and all you can think about is him- It takes you a moment to remember yourself. You lurch back, confused and terrified. Before your thoughts can steady, your hand flies of its own accord. You slap him across the face, hard. The sound echoes through the room. The silence that follows is absolute. Horror floods you as you realize what you've done. You've hit an alpha. <i>Your alpha.</i> Someone who could make you submit through his scent alone, if he willed it. You expect him to strike you, or compel you into submission. But he doesn't. Instead, he releases you abruptly and yanks his hand back. "You..." Your words are breathless. Your heart flutters wildly. He clears his throat. "Forgive me. It seems I am not myself tonight." His voice is hoarse, almost unrecognizeable. Alpha Leoric rises sharply, chair scraping back. "I apologize for my...thoughtlessness. I trust you will be more at ease dining in private tonight. Whatever you need, speak to Fiona. It is yours." For a moment, he looks like he might speak again, but then he turns away. He's gone before you can blink. You can still feel the heat of his breath against your skin as the door clicks shut behind him. <b>End of Demo</b> <</if>>

"It is... different." You admit carefully. "In what way?" "In Orena, the air feels lighter. Freer." You speak before you can think better of it. "Here, it feels as though the walls are watching." He pauses for a moment. "Does it frighten you?" You glance toward the darkened corners of the room, where the candlelight doesn't reach. "Should it?" He exhales, a sound that might be a laugh- sad and twisted, pained with regret- though it is too quiet to say for certain. "Perhaps not the walls." A pulse of of something unspoken passes between you, so strong it nearly makes you tremble. You cannot look away from him. He studies you as though trying to understand something he can’t quite name. "You are unlike the others." He says at last. "They do not meet my eyes when I speak." "I was taught to." You say, lifting your chin. "My alpha- my <i>former alpha</i>- taught me to face fear with a steady hand." "Alpha Rheven?" You nod, and Alpha Leoric's jaw ticks. "And do you fear me?" You open your mouth, but the truth tangles on your tongue. "I do not know yet, my Lord." The corner of his mouth lifts again, faint and fleeting. "Honesty. Rare in this house." He shifts, reaching for the decanter to pour you wine. His hands are steady, though the tension in his jaw betrays something else. You catch the scent of ozone again, that strange metallic sweetness just before a storm breaks. When he passes you the glass, your fingers brush. A spark leaps between you, too foreign to name, too potent to ignore. His pupils dilate, silver bleeding into blue. You try to focus on your food, but the room feels close, the air charged. Your pulse skips in your throat. [[Next->aboutyourself]]