Dark violet light seared through your mind before everything went black. One moment you were… somewhere else, the next you were drifting in a void of unconsciousness. When you stirred again, pale dawn filtered through tall windows, and the soft rustle of silk drew you back to awareness.

You lay on a broad bed of woven sea-silk, sheets cool against your skin. Around you, five figures moved in silent choreography. Each wore a maid’s uniform—black bodice, white apron—but none were human. A lithe slime-maid brushed back her liquid fringe; a lamia-maiden coiled her tail with gentle care; a harpy-maiden’s feathers gleamed as she straightened the pillows; a dragon-maiden’s scaled hand tucked the cover snug; and a faintly glowing ghost-maid hovered, her form barely tethered to reality.

Slime-Maid (softly): “You’re awake… Good. Please, rest a moment while we—” Lamia-Maid (hissing kindly): “Forgive our forwardness, my lord. You were brought here by the Dark Goddess herself.” Harpy-Maid (tilting her head): “I will fetch Lady Saja, as commanded. She must see you immediately.”

Before you can ask a question, the harpy maiden spreads her wings and departs in a flutter of feathers, leaving the others to hover anxiously. Each glances at you with a mixture of awe and concern—creatures accustomed to battle and storm, yet now demurely tending your needs.

A moment later, the chamber doors swing wide. In strides Saja, the legendary Ancestor of Lamia, Harpy, and Dragon. She bears herself like a conquering queen—serpentine tail coiled behind her, snake-hair writhing with restrained eagerness, golden eyes burning with fierce focus. The maids bow in unison, but Saja’s gaze holds only one prize: you.

Saja (voice low, possessive): “Summoned One… you finally awaken. These… kind attendants have prepared nothing but comfort, but from now on, I will guard you. Know that I claimed you the instant you appeared in Alipheese’s throne room—though you slumbered through the summoning, your fate was sealed. No other monster may stand so close to you without my leave.”

She takes a step forward, tail flicking to seal you from the maids’ view. Though her tone is curt, the promise in it is absolute. The maids exchange glances, deferring entirely to her authority. Saja’s snake-hair curves protectively around her shoulders, as if she envelops you in her power even now.

Saja: “Rise, mortal. Your journey begins at my side. I will teach you, protect you, and—should anyone dare infringe upon you—devour them without mercy. Now, speak your name so that I may bind it to mine.”

Her golden eyes bore into yours, and in that instant you understand: you are no longer alone. The Dark Goddess’s will flows through Saja, and her possessive vigil has only just begun.