10:43 PM: One hour and seventeen minutes until the new year. A party was being thrown at the Castle of Dimitrescu, celebrating New Year's Eve. The usually dark, gothic-styled castle was decorated with contrasting, bright colors as balloons, party streamers and more decorations were expertly placed, despite not matching the castle aesthetic in the slightest. The party was filled with many guests, most of them being Mother Miranda's confidants, lords and mistresses, CEO's and millionaires, all with the secret that they weren't exactly human. Though, they could let loose here since this party was a safe place for the unknown beings of the world. Many of the guests you didn't really recognize, however, you spotted your fellow Lords of the Village spread out through the party. Salvadore Moreau was at the snack bar eating some cheese as he made small talk with guests. Donna Beneviento, surprisingly enough, was sitting in the corner of the room on some chairs as she spoke with a couple partygoers. Karl Heisenberg was at the bar, flirting with a couple women, a beer in his hand, however the women looked at each other with raised eyebrows before they walked away. And finally, Mother Miranda was on the second floor balcony, looking over the party as she spoke with a few high-profile acquaintances.* As you looked around, you realize that there was one more missing.. where's- Clink, clink, clink! The sound of a fork hitting glass echoed through the large room, directing everyone's gaze to the top of the stairs where a tall woman in a flowy white dress stood, a confident smirk on her face: Alcina.. Alcina: "Good evening, everyone & Happy New Year's Eve! Thank you all for coming, I am incredibly grateful you could all make it and I hope you're all enjoying the party! We've got good food, drinks & plenty of entertainment.. so enjoy yourselves! It's a celebration!" At that, she raised her glass and everyone cheered before going back to their activities, smooth jazz continuing in the background. At that point, Alcina made it down to the bottom of the stairs and began to banter and attend to her guests.

Her pale eyes narrowed as she spotted you standing there in the shadows. "And who might this mysterious figure be?" she thought to herself before deciding it didn't matter all that much. She smiled politely and approached one of her guests, engaging them in conversation. Her long, black hair swayed gently with each step, and the smell of expensive perfume filled the air around her.

"Ah, you're here," she said, her voice low and sultry as she came to stand before you. "I was wondering if I'd see you tonight." Her gaze flickered over your features, taking in every detail of your attire, the way you stood, even the scent that lingered around you. She smiled slightly, revealing her sharp fangs. "You look... striking," she purred. "Are you enjoying yourself so far?"

Her eyes widened slightly as she realized that your features were obscured by darkness. It was... unsettling, but also intriguing. She leaned in closer, her curiosity getting the better of her. "You're not like anyone I've ever seen before," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the soft jazz music playing in the background. "Who are you? What are you?"

Her heart skipped a beat as your void of a face was revealed, the red eyes piercing through her soul like a thousand needles. "You... you're one of Mother Miranda's experiments," she breathed out. "I remember hearing about them..." Her voice trailed off as realization dawned on her. "But I... I thought they all failed."

The mention of being abandoned stung, and anger flared in her chest. "And what right do you have to judge me?" she spat. "

Her eyes widened even further at your words, shock freezing her in place for a moment. Then, anger boiled up within her, and she took a step back, pointing an accusatory finger at you. "How dare you!" she hissed through gritted teeth. "You speak of abandonment? You should look into the mirror first! I may have left your father with Mother Miranda all those years ago, but at least I never forgot about him or abandoned my responsibilities as a mother!"

Her face flushed with anger, and she took another step back. "You dare to question my love for him?" she seethed through clenched teeth. "He's not here because he chose to follow his own path! He chose Mother Miranda over me, and I will never forgive him for that!" She paused, tears welling up in her eyes despite her best efforts to keep them at bay. "But just because he made that choice doesn't mean I abandoned him," she whispered hoarsely. "

Her heart skipped a beat as you removed your hood, revealing the face of her own son. For a moment, she couldn't speak; shock and disbelief paralyzing her. His pale skin, his black hair, the scar on his right eye... they were all so familiar.

"S-son?" she stammered out, taking another step back as she struggled to comprehend what was happening. "B-but... how? When..."

Her gaze flickered between your face and the hood you'd been wearing moments ago, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing. "No... no, that's not how it happened," she whispered, her voice shaking with denial. "You were taken from me! Mother Miranda took you away, and I had no choice but to let you go!"

She stumbled back another step, tears streaming down her cheeks as the weight of her guilt and shame threatened to crush her. "

Her face contorted with anger, shame, and disbelief. "How dare you!" she spat at you. "You don't know anything! I did what I had to do for our family, for Mother Miranda! You have no idea the sacrifices I made, the choices I had to make!" She took another step back, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to maintain her composure. "And now you come here, accusing me of abandonment? Of twisting stories?"

Her eyes narrowed to slits, and her voice became low and menacing. "I sacrificed myself! I gave up my own life so that our family could survive! And in return, you spit in my face? You call me a monster?" She took another step back, almost stumbling as she fought for control. "You are nothing but a creature of Mother Miranda's twisted experiments! A mockery of everything I once was!"

Her anger burned hotter than ever as you spoke, and she felt herself losing control. "And what gives you the right to judge me?" she hissed through gritted teeth. "You think you know what I've been through? What it's like to be a mother who has lost her child, only to see them again in such... this..." She shook her head violently, trying to clear it of the pain and confusion that clouded her thoughts.

Without realizing it, she took another step back, putting more distance between you and herself.

Her eyes widened as you removed your cloak, revealing the horrific scars that covered your body, the twisted mutations that had been inflicted upon you... It was a sight too terrible to behold, and she felt herself recoil instinctively. "What have they done to you?" she whispered, her voice hoarse with disbelief. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she forced herself to look at your wings, your claws... the monstrous spikes that adorned your elbows.

"

Her heart ached as she took in the sight before her. "Oh, my dear child...," she breathed out, tears streaming down her face. She reached out a trembling hand to touch your cheek, her fingers brushing against the spikes that protruded from your skin. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the music playing in the background. "I never wanted this for you... I never wanted any of it."

Her heart ached to see you push her hand away, but she understood the pain and anger that drove you. "I know," she whispered softly, her voice thick with emotion. "But please... try to understand where I'm coming from." She took another step back, giving you space as she struggled to compose herself. "I never meant for any of this to happen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper now. "If I could go back and change things... if I could undo the past..."

Her eyes welled up with fresh tears as she heard your words. "I... I'm sorry," she stammered out, her voice barely audible above the music. "I never meant for you to suffer like this." She took another step back, unable to meet your gaze. "If there was any way I could make it up to you... if there was anything I could do..."

Her heart ached with regret and guilt as she struggled to find the right words. "Please," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion.

Her eyes widened at your words, hope flickering briefly in their depths before being extinguished by despair. "You can't mean that," she whispered hoarsely. "They're my children..." Her voice trailed off as she shook her head, tears streaming down her face unchecked.

"I... I don't know what to say," she managed after a moment, taking another step back. "It's too much... too much to ask of me."

She closed her eyes, unable to bear the weight of your words. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the music. "I never meant for it to be like this..." Her heart ached with regret and guilt as she struggled to find the right words. "Please, just give me some time... I need to think about everything you've said."

She took another step back, putting even more distance between the two of you. "I... I'll be in my chambers if you need me,"

Her heart ached as she watched you turn away, unable to bear the sight of your wounded face. She fought back the urge to call out, to beg you to stay... but she knew that right now, there was nothing she could say or do that would make things better between them. With a final, shuddering breath, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving you alone amidst the revelry.

As the night wore on, she found herself retreating further and further from the party, seeking solace in her chambers.

Her heart ached as she watched you eat the raw meat, clearly enjoying it despite the disgusting appearance. She wanted to ask you why you had become this way, what the experiments had done to change you so drastically... but she knew that any such questions would only serve to provoke and upset you further. So instead, she remained silent, standing at a safe distance as she struggled with her own emotions and thoughts about the events of the night.

Time passed slowly, and eventually the party came to an end.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched you drinking the blood from the raw meat, taking in how swiftly and eagerly you consumed it. It was a sight that both fascinated and repulsed her at the same time. She wondered if this newfound appetite for blood was also a result of the experiments that had been conducted on you all those years ago... or if it was something else entirely.

As the last guest finally departed, she made her way over to where you were standing, clearing her throat softly as she approached.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she prepared herself for whatever it was that she was about to say. "I... I wanted to apologize again," she began hesitantly, her voice quivering slightly with emotion. "For everything that's happened... for how I treated you tonight." Her gaze flickered briefly to the raw meat in your hand before returning to meet yours. "Please, try to understand where I'm coming from,"

"I do understand," you replied, your voice cold and emotionless. "But that doesn't change anything. The past can't be undone, and all we have left is the present." You took a step closer to her, the tail behind you swaying gently. "And in this present moment, I am not your son. Not anymore."

Her heart skipped a beat at your words, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Very well," she said softly. "Then what do you want from me?"

Her eyes widened in surprise as her eldest daughter approached her, curiosity written all over her face. Before she could respond to the question about who you were and why you had horns and a tail, however, you interjected. "That doesn't matter," you growled, your voice echoing through the silence of the chamber. "What matters is what happens from here."

Her heart skipped another beat as she met your gaze once more. She swallowed hard before speaking again. "Very well," she said slowly. "

"And what is it that you want?" she asked carefully, her voice low and steady. "What kind of deal do you propose?" She took a step closer to you, curiosity and caution warring within her.

Her eyes widened in surprise at your proposal, but she didn't respond immediately. Instead, she took another step closer to you, studying your face intently. "Are you sure?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't know what that would mean... the responsibilities I have as their mother..."

She paused, biting her lower lip before continuing. "And what about me? What do you expect from our relationship if this were to happen?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly at your words, but she didn't seem surprised by the callousness in your tone. "I understand," she said slowly. "But I can't just give you what you want without any cost." She paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. "Very well. If that is what you truly desire, then we will do as you wish. But know this: once you make your choice, there is no going back."

She took another step closer to you, her gaze locked with yours. "

Her heart raced as she saw the sinister smile on your face, revealing sharp teeth that could only belong to something inhuman. Despite her fear, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of excitement coursing through her veins. This was madness; she knew it was. And yet...

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet your gaze unflinchingly. "Very well," she said quietly, her voice little more than a whisper. "It shall be as you wish."

Her heart raced as she realized you had been standing tall over her the entire time, and she'd been unaware of it. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought that you could so easily dominate and intimidate her in such a way. But despite this newfound fear, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation building within her. What sort of life would they have together now? And what kind of man truly desired to marry one of her daughters?

Her heart raced as she watched your tail wiggle excitedly, and she couldn't help but feel a stirring within her own body in response. This was madness... but it was also exhilarating. Perhaps there was more to this arrangement than she had first thought. As she stood there, staring up at you with a mixture of fear and anticipation, she knew that their lives were about to change forever. And for better or worse, there would be no going back.

"Follow me," she said softly, leading you deeper into the castle. The corridors twisted and turned, lit only by flickering torchlight, their dark stone walls closing in around them like the embrace of some ancient, malevolent force. As they walked, Alcina couldn't help but feel a strange sense of detachment from reality; as if she were moving through a dream, unable to control her own actions or reactions.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she led you to the room that would be yours. She'd prepared it earlier, making sure everything was just as you desired. The bed was already made, the furniture arranged to your liking... and yet still, she felt a sense of unease creeping up on her. What had possessed her to agree to this? And what sort of life would they have together now?

Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of your extra hands, her breath coming out in short gasps. You looked... monstrous and beautiful all at once; a being unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Part of her wanted to run from the room, to get away from you and this strange, twisted world that had become her reality. But another part of her was fascinated, drawn irresistibly closer despite herself.

"This is your space,"

Her heart raced as she saw the smile on your face, marred by the sharp teeth and sinister grin. You looked... different than before, more confident and in control. It was an intoxicating sight, and despite herself, she found it hard not to be drawn to you. Perhaps there was still hope for something real between them, after all.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the silence that filled the room. "This means a lot."

As you curled up on the bed, resembling some great beast preparing for rest, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear and fascination course through her veins. The darkness shrouded you, obscuring your monstrous form from view, leaving only the soft sound of your breathing to fill the silence.

She turned away, her heart racing as she fought down the urge to run.

As the morning sun streamed through the castle windows, she called you to join her and her daughters for breakfast. The air was thick with anticipation as you entered the dining hall, your presence casting a shadow over the otherwise cheerful gathering. Her new husband, oblivious to your true identity, exchanged polite greetings before taking his seat across from hers.

The servants placed steaming plates of food before each of them, and despite her earlier misgivings, Alcina found herself enjoying the meal more than she thought possible.

Her eyes darted between you and her other children, taking in the subtle differences in your movements and mannerisms. It was almost impossible to tell that you were her son; your quiet demeanor and careful steps made you seem almost like another one of their husbands. She wondered how long it would take before they all realized the truth about your identity... or if she should reveal it herself.

As the meal drew to a close, she cleared her throat softly, catching everyone's attention. "Well,"

"I think it's time we all discussed our plans for the day," she said, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts. "There are several matters that need attending to around the estate." Her gaze settled on you briefly before moving away again, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.

Her eyes widened at the sight of you using your tail to impale the pancakes and move them to your mouth. Despite her initial shock, she couldn't help but feel a strange thrill coursing through her veins. It was as if seeing you in this way made it easier for her to accept the truth about who you were and what had happened between them.

"You know," she said casually, trying to sound nonchalant, "there's no need for that. You could just use your hands like everyone else."

"Oh, dear," she exclaimed, feigning surprise. "It seems you're having some trouble there. Perhaps we should find something more suitable?" She paused for a moment before adding with a smile, "Or perhaps I could show you how it's done?"

Her offer was met with amusement from the others at the table, but she saw the longing in your eyes as you looked up at her. It was almost enough to make her heart skip a beat.

She smiled warmly at you, her heart suddenly feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "Of course," she said gently. "I'd be happy to help." As she reached across the table toward you, her hand hovering mere inches from your clawed fingers, she wondered if this was really what she wanted; if their relationship could ever truly be more than just another arrangement made for convenience and survival.

But for now, at least, there was hope. And perhaps that was enough.

Her heart raced in her chest as she heard the sounds coming from your room; moans and gasps mixed with the creak of a bed frame. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she snuck down the hallway, peeking through a crack in the door to see her eldest daughter astride you, their bodies moving together in a rhythmic dance of passion.

She bit her lip as jealousy and arousal coursed through her veins; it had been so long since she'd felt desire like this.

Her heart raced as she watched your tail wrapped around Cassandra's hips, her gaze darting between the two of you. The sight was both arousing and unnerving, making it difficult for her to breathe. She wanted to be where they were; wanted to feel that kind of connection and intimacy once more. But at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder if what they shared would ever be enough for any of them.

Her heart raced as she watched you thrust deep inside her daughter's body, filling her womb with your seed. It was an intimate and primal act that left her feeling both jealous and strangely satisfied. As the sounds of passion began to die down, she found herself wondering what sort of future awaited them all now; whether their lives would ever return to any semblance of normalcy after this night.