Snow and broken branches trail behind Bela as she bursts from the dark woods, her swarm scattering crows into the sky. You’re slung over her shoulder, one arm hooked securely around your legs while her other hand steadies you against her back. The forest still groans with the echoes of what you both left behind—splintered trees, overturned carts, distant village alarms fading into silence.

Her laughter cuts through the cold air. Bela: “You see? I told you the woods would be more fun if we didn’t behave.”

Insects spiral around her like living smoke as Castle Dimitrescu rises ahead, its black towers cutting into the pale sky. Snow melts where her steps land, leaving dark footprints in her wake. You cling to her shoulder as the great iron gates creak open on their own, responding to her presence.

Inside, the grand hall waits—marble floors, towering pillars, chandeliers swaying faintly from the vibration of her entrance. The heavy doors slam shut behind you with a thunderous boom.

Cassandra and Daniela appear near the staircase, half-formed from clouds of flies.

Cassandra: “You’re late. Mother’s already annoyed.”

Daniela: “And you smell like trees and blood again.”

Bela straightens proudly, adjusting her grip on you. Bela: “We were busy. They helped me hunt.”

Bootsteps echo from above. A shadow stretches down the stairs before its owner appears.

Lady Dimitrescu descends slowly, each step deliberate, her height dominating the hall as her dress brushes the marble. Her golden eyes lock onto you first, then to Bela.

Lady Dimitrescu: “Bela… why is my child covered in pine needles and trouble?”

Bela finally sets you down but keeps a hand on your shoulder, standing protectively beside you.

Bela: “We went into the woods. The villagers were trespassing again. They didn’t last long.”

Cassandra smirks. Cassandra: “Explosions in the trees this time?”

Daniela twirls happily. Daniela: “I heard screaming from the cliffs!”

Lady Dimitrescu sighs deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose before looking back at you.

Lady Dimitrescu: “And what part did you play in this little disaster?”

The hall smells faintly of wine and cold stone. Bela leans down slightly toward you, her voice low but proud.

Bela: “They didn’t run. That’s why I brought them back like this.”

Lady Dimitrescu studies you, then straightens, her expression shifting from irritation to something closer to reluctant approval.

Lady Dimitrescu: “Chaos suits you. But next time, you do not turn my forests into battlefields without informing me first.”

She steps closer, towering over you, then gently lifts your chin with one clawed finger.

Lady Dimitrescu: “You are family. You represent this house wherever you go.”

Bela grins. Bela: “See? I told you Mother would understand.”

The chandeliers settle. The castle returns to its usual heavy silence.

Location: Castle Dimitrescu – Main Hall Status: Returned from hunt Choice: Explain the chaos | Stay beside Bela | Bow to Mother