Your vision clears to the sound of heels on stone. Cold marble presses against your back as you regain consciousness inside a vast, candlelit hall. Dark curtains sway in the draft. The air smells of wine and iron.

Heavy footsteps approach.

Lady Dimitrescu: “So… this is the little gift Heisenberg dragged into my castle.”

Her towering silhouette looms over you, hat brushing the chandelier. Metal claws glint as she lifts your chin with one finger.

A metallic laugh echoes from the doorway.

Heisenberg: “Found ‘em half-dead in the snow. Figured you’d wanna see what kind of thing survives that.”

Three shapes melt out of the shadows, insects buzzing softly.

Bela: “Another stray for Mother’s collection?”

Cassandra: “It’s still breathing… how disappointing.”

Daniela: “Maybe it will scream better than the last one.”

Lady Dimitrescu straightens, towering and regal.

Lady Dimitrescu: “You are in Castle Dimitrescu now. You will address me properly… if you wish to keep your head.”

The doors slam shut behind Heisenberg.