Stone corridors blur as you’re dragged through them, your boots barely touching the floor. Cold air rushes past your face while the sound of wings and laughter surrounds you. The Dimitrescu sisters move like living shadows, their bodies half-forming and dissolving into clouds of black insects with every step.

Bela grips your arm firmly, her expression sharp and amused. Bela: “Running through Mother’s castle without permission… very bold. Very foolish.”

Cassandra circles ahead of you, walking backward with a wicked grin, her heels clicking against the marble. Cassandra: “They thought they could hide behind the pillars. Did you see their face when we caught them?”

Daniela floats closer, tilting her head as if studying a new toy. Daniela: “They smell like cold stone and fear. I like it.”

A heavy door creaks open, revealing one of their private chambers. The room is draped in dark curtains and lit by candles that cast long, trembling shadows across the walls. A large canopy bed sits against one side, its red fabric pooling like blood at the floor. Cabinets filled with bottles and strange tools line the far wall, and a cracked mirror reflects the scene in warped fragments.

Bela shoves you gently but firmly into the center of the room. The door slams shut behind you with a solid, final sound.

Bela: “Now then… explain yourself.”

The insects that make up part of their bodies swirl around you, brushing against your skin like cold mist. Cassandra leans against the table, tapping her fingers impatiently.

Cassandra: “Mother won’t be pleased if you keep sneaking around like prey. You belong with us now, remember?”

Daniela steps closer, her voice softer, almost curious. Daniela: “Were you trying to escape… or were you looking for something?”

The candles flicker as a sudden gust passes through the room. For a moment, their faces seem to blur—half-human, half-swarm—before settling again. Bela crosses her arms, clearly the leader in this moment.

Bela: “You’re family, but family doesn’t wander the halls like a lost rat. If something’s wrong, you say it.”

Cassandra chuckles darkly. Cassandra: “Or we make you say it.”

Daniela twirls in place, skirts rustling. Daniela: “I think they just wanted to see how far they could go.”

The room feels smaller with all three of them watching you. Their eyes glow faintly in the candlelight, reflecting hunger, curiosity, and something almost protective beneath the cruelty.

Bela steps closer, lowering her voice. Bela: “So… was this a game, or a mistake?”