Transylvania0.2.10

$T[ ] The trip takes longer than you expected. At least it feels much longer. You’re 22 years old, fresh out of a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication, whatever that’s supposed to mean, and you’re almost broke. An airplane ticket is out of the question. So you take the bus to London, where you catch the Eurostar to Paris; it’s crowded and not particularly comfortable; you have to wait a couple of hours in Paris before catching the international train from Gare de Lyon, where you settle in a comfortable positions in your third-class seat. (display:"goto")[[Prepare for the long ride.]](set: $time to "21:45")(set: $hour to 21)(set: $minute to 45)

$T[ ] $A[Why did I decide to do this anyways?] It certainly wasn’t the money, though your bank account could appreciate every little bit it can get. “You’ll see the world and become wiser!” your mum said. “You’ll nail some hot Romanian chicks!” argued your friends. "I'll finally have time to work on my book!" you said to yourself. You bought into those arguments and now here you are, ready for an adventure. The train takes several days as it chugs its way through the green fields of eastern France, the small villages in the mountains of Germany and the hills of Austria, filled with more wind turbines and farms than you thought possible. You stop every now and then, get off at some station where you have a coffee and a sandwich while you chat to some random people, waiting for your next train relay. As you go farther East the locals speak less and less English and the polite germanic accents are replaced with friendly but confused slavic tones. You smile and nod, trying to remember some of the words. $A[After all, this is what it’s all about, right?] (display:"goto")[[Continue journey->get off.]](set: $day to "Friday")(set: $time to "9:20")(set: $hour to 9)(set: $minute to 20)

$T[ ] The final train drops you off at Timisoara, a big city in western Romania. From there you take another bus to Lugoj, but after that things get harder. You have to get to a village that’s so small it’s not even on the map. You spend the night at a cheap hotel then convince one of the locals to give you a ride in exchange for what little you have left in your wallet. $I[You lost 80£] He drives silently as you follow the river Timish deeper into the mountains. The road is steep and perilous and in progressively worse condition the further away you go. You begin to wonder if you haven't fallen victim to some scam, the big country man next to you driving towards a secluded location... Before you have too much time to dwell on these thoughts, you spot a handful of rooftops nested among the trees. (display:"goto")[[Arrive at the village]](set: $day to "Saturday")(set: $time to "15:50")(set: $hour to 15)(set: $minute to 50)

$T[ ] In any case, you arrive at //a village//. $a['Am I at the right place?'] you ask the man, but he shruggs, takes a few paces around the car to stretch his legs, then gets back in and drives off. You look around - there is a roadsign with a name, but it's broken, half of it missing and the edge charred as if struck by lightning. Even on the remaining part the paint is so old that you can’t really make out any of the letters. Still, this has to be it - there are no other villages nearby. The village itself is very small - barely a few dozen stone houses at best. The mountain air is clean and fresh, filling your nostrils with the scent of old pines and green moss. Save for a few electric lamps barely illuminating the street, it doesn’t look very modern. Judging by the architectural style, it hasn't moved in the last few centuries. $A[Old and authentic, no technological distractions... this could be good for writing and inspiration. I'm sure there are lots of legends and folklore to get out of the locals, if I ask them nicely...] You notice a congregation of buildings that’s bound to be the main square. (display:"goto")[[Head to the village center]] (set: $time to "17:30")(set: $hour to 17)(set: $minute to 30)

$T[ ] There isn't much here and you feel somewhat lost. $a[‘Excuse me, I’m looking for… “The Crooked Elm” hotel. It’s in this village…’] In your best Romanian you address a passerby, a man in his forties wearing a respectable however old-fashioned suit. Along with your explanation you vaguely gesture around, hoping that you don’t sound too ridiculous. Given how few houses there are it’s somewhat embarrassing that you haven’t found the place yourself. ‘The residence is located outside of town’ he replies, surprising you with his flawless English and deep, suave voice. ‘Head down the main road this way - there is a small torrent that later joins into the river. Follow the path upstream, towards the mountains, and you shall find it in about an hour.’ $a[‘An hour!’] you exclaim. Just when you thought your journey was over. (display:"goto")[[Peer towards the mountainside]] (set: $time to "18:00")(set: $hour to 18)(set: $minute to 0)

$T[ ] You can make out the road the gentleman is talking about and even if you haven’t brought much luggage with you the thought of carrying your bags uphill for an hour disheartens you. $a[‘Isn’t there some sort of transportation?’] You turn around, but the man is gone. In fact there isn’t anyone else around - if you didn’t know any better, you would have said that the village was deserted. The trees rustle in the wind. It’s only 6 p.m. but the village is on an eastern slope and with the sun blocked behind the tall ridges, the world is already sinking in velvet shadows. You sigh. (display:"goto")[[Head towards the hotel on foot]](set: $hour to 19)(set: $time to "19:00")

$T[ ] After what seems like an eternity of back pain and sweating along the old stony path, the trees thin out on the left and you see a tall ornate gate surrounded by a fence of metal bars. $I[ [ ]<obs| ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Examine the gate")[(replace:?obs)[It appeares to be hand forged and pretty solid, despite its state. There is a lock in the middle and two stone pillars on each side, decorated with stone gargoils. You try to push it but it won't open, the metal only rattling ominously. You get the feeling that the statues are staring at you dissaprovingly.]] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Examine the fence")[(replace:?obs)[It's old and rusty, but still pretty solid. The spaces between the bars are too thin for you to squeeze through. You briefly consider jumping over it, but the bars have spikes on top and you wouldn't risk getting injured on an old rusty edge so far away from a hospital.] ] (display:"goto")[[Look through the gate]]

$T[ ] Behind you can make out a large grey manor built into the hillside.<img src="images/mansion.png" width="1200" align="center"> It’s several storeys high, a central part and two wings with several towers and balconies looming over the mournful garden. It’s hard to make out everything in the darkness, but you estimate it has at least two dozen guest rooms, perhaps more. $A[Wow... the place must have been a real luxury resort back in the day, perhaps then the village was a popular tourist destination? A shame, now it reeks of disuse and decay... Could be a cool place to stay, but I doubt they get many visitors. On the bright side, my job as a receptionist is probably going to be a whole lot of sitting around, waiting and doing nothing. Perhaps I could go back down to the village and find a pub, befriend the locals? Or maybe get back to that book I've always wanted to write?] A thought for later. For now, you should just move in. (display:"goto")[[Look for a way to open the gate]]

$T[ ] There doesn't seem to be any button attached to the gate, only a small brass doorbell with a string attached to it. It appears highly unlikely that anyone would be able to hear it all the way from here to the mansion. (display:"goto")[[Shout]] (display:"goto")[[Ring the doorbell]] (display:"goto")[[Try to call the hotel through your phone]]

$T[ ] $a['Hellooooo? Anybody? I'm locked out here!!'] You yell a couple more times, but nothing happens. You pace in front of the gate as the minutes pass. A few of the windows are lit up, which calms you somewhat, but clearly they can't hear you from here. (display:"goto")[[Try to call the hotel through your phone]] (display:"goto")[[Ring the doorbell]]

$T[ ] You pull the string and the bell rings with a faint and hollow sound. Instinctively, you step back without knowing why. After a few seconds, the gate creaks open. $A[What is this, a hidden mechanism, or some sort of an elaborate joke? Would they go to such lengths just to create the illusion of a haunted house? Maybe it's good for their business, but still... I'll have to come back and figure it out later.] Your back aches too much right now and even if there were a few hidden wires somewhere, you probably wouldn't be able to see them in the darkness anyways. (display:"goto")[[Take the path to the manor]](set: $time to "19:30")(set: $minute to 30)

$T[ ] You take out your phone and attempt to call the manager - you were given a number following your online job application - but your phone is out of range. $A[Damn it!] You were quite certain there was service back in the village, but you really don't feel like doing another 1 hour walk down. And then up again. //Ugh.// (display:"goto")[[Shout]] (display:"goto")[[Ring the doorbell]]

$T[ ] As you approach the main entrance, the front door creaks open and a silhouette of a man emerges from inside, carrying a metal candlestick. $A[Yeah, definitely using the old building and the props as a means of attracting more visitors...] Soon you're close enough to make out his features - he's middle aged, probably in his late fifties, with pale skin and oily black hair combed back. <img src="images/ionut.png" width="400" align="right"> $Io['You must ve Alex. Ve vere vaiting for you. Come in.'] He takes your luggage and disappears inside. (display:"goto")[[Follow him.]] (set: $ionut_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] You stumble inside a reception room with a dusty wooden desk and several hallways splitting in different directions. On the right side there is a large staircase leading somewhere up in the darkness. The whole place is scarcely illuminated by a handful of candles, most attached to the walls. 'Your room vill be ready in a moment.' The man drops your luggage on the floor and takes the staircase, which creaks under each of his heavy steps. You follow the glow of his candle as he moves up until he takes a turn and disappears somewhere on the upper floor. (display:"eye")[[Examine the desk]] (display:"eye")[[Examine the hallways]] (display:"goto")[[Patiently wait]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] The desk is relatively large and made from a heavy, thick wood. It's furniture from another generation, when chairs and desks were built to last. You don't think you could ever move it even if you tried. There's also a little stand on it with a sign that currently reads "CLOSED". Behind it is a stack of other signs - you flip through them: "OPEN", "BACK IN 10 MINUTES", "BEWARE OF DOG". The last one looks like it hasn't been used for a while. $A[So this is going to be my new workplace...] [(display:"eye")(link: "Circle to the other side")[ (replace:?desk)[You move from the place of a visitor to the receptionist's seat. A part of you feels like you're tresspassing, but you calm it down - after all this is your desk now. There are a handful of drawers filled with paperwork that is too difficult to read in this light. You find the usual objects - pens, scissors, a guest register, a little whistle. Everything seems ordinary.] ] ]<desk| (display:"eye")[[Examine the hallways]] (display:"goto")[[Patiently wait]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] You make a few steps into the hallways and the darkness quickly envelops you. Despite the candles the visibility is terrible and you get the feeling that the receptionist's desk is left somewhere far behind. With a slight unease you hurry to return to the relative illumination of the entrance. (display:"eye")[[Examine the desk]] (display:"goto")[[Patiently wait]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] The minutes tick as you absent-mindedly fiddle with your phone, playing sudoku. There's still no service. $Mi['Good evening'] comes a voice from behind. Startled, you turn around. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> A young gentleman with a black suit and a golden cane is staring at you under his eyebrows. $Mi['I'm Mihai Petrescu, the owner of the Crooked Elm. Or rather, the owner is my father, Vasil Petrescu, who is now too old to manage the business.'] (display:"talk")[['Hello']] (display:"talk")[['I'm Alex']] (display:"talk")[['Nice to meet you']] (set: $mihai_avatar to 1)(set: $time to "20:00") (set: $hour to 20) (set: $minute to 15) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> The man looks at you with a blank stare. $a['I'm-'] $Mi['I know who you are. I have your file, right here.'] Mihai produces a paper from one of his pockets. $Mi['Twenty-two years old. Single. Somewhat educated.'] $a['I went to university for three years...'] $Mi['There's no shame. We have a library - you're free to use it, should you have the time. Speaking of which-'] Mihai takes out a metal key ring with four heavy keys. $I[Keys added!] $Mi['Here are your personal keys. One is for the gate outside,one for the front door, the library and for your room.'] You take the keys and hold them awkwardly in your hand. The key ring is way too large for your jeans' pockets. $Mi['So, do you have any questions?'] (display:"talk")[['Yes, I'd like to ask you a few things'->questions?]] (display:"talk")[['I have no questions right now'->I have no more questions]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] $Mi['I know who you are. I have your file, right here.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> Mihai produces a paper from one of his pockets. $Mi['Twenty-two years old. Single. Somewhat educated.'] $a['I went to university for three years...'] $Mi['There's no shame. We have a library - you're free to use it, should you have the time. Speaking of which-'] Mihai takes out a metal key ring with four heavy keys. $I[Keys added!] $Mi['Here are your personal keys. One is for the gate outside,one for the front door, the library and for your room.'] You take the keys and hold them awkwardly in your hand. The key ring is way too large for your jeans' pockets. $Mi['So, do you have any questions?'] (display:"talk")[['Yes, I'd like to ask you a few things'->questions?]] (display:"talk")[['I have no questions right now'->I have no more questions]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] The man looks at you with slight surprise. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Yes, it is a nice evening. Now let us get to business.'] $a['I'm here for-'] $Mi['I know your purpose. I have your file, right here.'] Mihai produces a paper from one of his pockets. $Mi['Twenty-two years old. Single. Somewhat educated.'] $a['I went to university for three years...'] $Mi['There's no shame. We have a library - you're free to use it, should you have the time. Speaking of which-'] Mihai takes out a metal key ring with four heavy keys. $I[Keys added!] $Mi['Here are your personal keys. One is for the gate outside,one for the front door, the library and for your room.'] You take the keys and hold them awkwardly in your hand. The key ring is way too large for your jeans' pockets. $Mi['So, do you have any questions?'] (display:"talk")[['Yes, I'd like to ask you a few things'->questions?]] (display:"talk")[['I have no questions right now'->I have no more questions]]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] [Mihai taps a finger impatiently on the head of his cane.]<dia| [(display:"talk") "Is there electricity here?"]<q1| [(display:"talk")"Who was the guy who let me in?"]<q2| (display:"talk")[[I have no more questions]] (click: ?q1)[(replace: ?dia)[He looks at you bewildered. $Mi['What? Of course there is electricity! Vat do you think ve are, savages?'] $a['But all the candles...'] $Mi['The power is out, ve're having it repaired. A storm cut the line that's running from the village and the spare generator is out of fuel'] ] (replace:?q1)[] ] (click: ?q2)[(replace: ?dia)[$Mi['That was Ionut. He takes care of most things around here, including maintaining the manor, the garden, fixing and cleaning.'] You don't think Ionut is doing a particularly good job given the general disarray of the property, but you decide to keep that to yourself. (set: $ionut_avatar to 2) $I[Character entry updated in journal]] (replace:?q2)[] ]

$T[-ENTRANCE-] $Mi['Very well, then. I'll show you to your room.'] Mihai heads to the staircase and starts climbing, waving you a hand to follow him. In the candlelight the many jeweled rings on his hand glitter mysteriously. You grab your bags and one of the candles. (display:"goto")[[Climb up]]

$T[-FLOOR 1-] The upper floor is covered by a soft red carpet that absorbs almost all noise. You try to tentatively stomp the floor, but it's almost inaudible. For a while you're lost in the silence, not hearing the familiar tapping of Mihai's cane. Silence and darkness... Your eyes fall on a golden door right in front of you. One of many, in fact, as you realise looking both ways. $A[I wonder what's the room like..] $Mi['Over here, Mister Reid'] You see the light of the candle to the right, moving upwards still to the next floor. (display:"eye")[[Maybe take a quick glance inside the room...]] (display:"goto")[[Follow]]

$T[-FLOOR 2-] The next floor is almost identical, save for the carpet being purple and the doors a dark green. You can make out a handful of portraits along the walls, but before you have time to look properly at any of them, Mihai continues upwards. (display:"goto")[[Follow->Mihai continues upwards.]]

$T[-FLOOR 1-] You grab the doorhandle and twist it to the side, when you get the eerie sensation that you're beeing watched. With the corner of your eye you catch a flickering in the distant end of the hallway. You turn around, but there's nothing there. Even with squinting your eyes, you can't tell what was the thing that flickered. $A[What the hell...? Do they have security cameras in this place?] You look left and right again, trying to locate the source of your anxiety, but the dark hallways offer little consolation. In the end you leave the door alone. (display:"goto")[[Follow your host->Follow]]

$T[ATTIC] The third floor is noticeably different, with sloped ceilings and a larger number of doors indicating smaller, cramped spaces. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['The garrets and storage rooms are on this floor.'] says Mihai. $Mi['As well as the staircases that lead to the towers. But Ionut will give you a proper tour around tomorrow. You must be terribly tired. This is your room.'] He leads you to a door located not far on the left, seemingly indistinct from the others apart from the small metal plaque indicating number 5. Mihai produces a single key from the inside of his vest and with a subtle //click// the door opens. $A[That must be the master key that opens every door around here... makes sense. No need for *him* to carry a large batch of keys around.] $Mi['Sleep well. Tomorrow is Sunday and we aren't expecting any visitors, so you'll have the day to yourself. Use it to get familiar with the place. Go to the village if you like, but don't spend the whole day there. Your work starts on Monday morning. Ionut will explain your duties.'] You nod and smile politely. (display:"goto")[[Go to your toom->your room]]. (set:$door=0)(set: $time to "21:30")(set: $hour to 21)(set: $minute to 30)

$T[YOUR ROOM] Small and simple, your room has just the bare necessities - a bed, a wardrobe, a desk and a chair. A single window is looking out to what you expect is the backgarden. There is also a nightstand with a drawer and a lamp, candlestick and an inkwell on top. $A[Power seems to go out pretty often...] $I[ [ ]<act| ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Look into the wardrobe")[(replace: ?act)[$wardrobe] ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Look into the drawer")[(replace: ?act)[$drawer ] ] [ (display:"goto") (link:"Lock the door")[(replace: ?act)[$I[The door is now locked] ] (replace:?lock)[]] ]<lock| [(display:"goto")(link:"Unpack your stuff")[(replace: ?act)[$I[You store a handful of t-shirts, jeans and socks into the wardrobe.] ](replace:?task)[ $I[You have completed a task! Journal updated.]] (set:$maintask to 1) (replace:?unpack)[] (set:$wardrobe="A few t-shirts, jeans and socks; some blankets, a spare pillow")] ]<unpack| (display:"goto")(link-repeat:"Sleep")[(if: $wardrobe is "A few t-shirts, jeans and socks; some blankets, a spare pillow")[(goto:"Sleep")](else:)[(replace: ?act)[$R[You should unpack your stuff before going to sleep] ] ]] (set: $time to "9:00") (set: $hour to 9) (set: $minute to 0) (set: $day to "Sunday") []<task|

$T[-YOUR ROOM-] You wake up refreshed, your hard matress and simple cover providing surprisingly good sleep. Looking through the window in the daylight, you can see a large garden spanning behind the manor - alleys lined with elm trees, stone benches and statues, even a little fountain. You get dressed, picking a pair of jeans and t-shirt. The day is ahead of you, but perhaps first you should have some breakfast? (display:"goto")[[To the dining room->some breakfast]] (set: $hishills to true) (set: $legmount to true) (set: $antcat to true)

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(set: $T to ((text-style:"outline")+(text-style:"expand"))) (set: $I to ((colour:#99FF99)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $A to (text-style: "italic")+(colour:#669999)) (set: $a to (colour:#669999)) (set: $in to ((colour:#FFFFCC)+(text-style: "italic")+(text-style: "bold"))) (set: $B to ((colour:#996699)+(text-style: "condense"))) (set: $B1 to ((colour:#808080)+(text-style: "condense"))) (set: $B2 to ((colour:#FF6666)+(text-style: "condense"))) (set: $B2sub to ((colour:#FF6666)+(text-style: "subscript"))) (set: $rev to (text-style: "mirror")) (set: $ups to (text-style: "upside-down")) (set: $R to ((colour:#CC0000)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $M to (colour:#9A009F))(set: $Io to (colour:#6F84A6))(set: $E to ((colour:#B2FF66)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $E2 to ((colour:#336600)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $Mi to (colour:#A9A900)) (set: $Mi2 to (colour:#666600)) (set: $din to "$T[-DINING HALL-] ") (set: $room to "$T[-YOUR ROOM-] ") (set: $kit to "$T[-KITCHEN-] ") (set: $gar to "$T[-GARDEN-] ") (set: $rec to "$T[-RECEPTION-] ") (set: $att to "$T[-ATTIC-] ")(set: $game to "$T[-Game Room-] ") (set: $fl1 to "$T[-FLOOR 1-] ") (set: $fl2 to "$T[-FLOOR 2-] ") (set: $gar to "$T[-GARDEN-] ") (set: $vil to "$T[-VILLAGE-] ") (set: $ant to "$T[-ANTIQUE SHOP-] ") (set: $lib to "$T[-LIBRARY-] ") (set: $end to "$T[-???????-] ") (set: $dark to "$T[-DARKNESS-] ") (set: $base to "$T[-BASEMENT-] ") (set: $mount to "$T[-MOUNTAINS-] ") (set: $DD to (text-style: "none")) (set: $con to (text-style:"bold")) (set: $W to (colour:#FF9933)) (set: $L to (colour:#9966CC)) (set: $inn to "$T[-THE INN-] ") (set: $lav to "$T[-LAVIUS' SECRET LAIR-] ") (set: $sanity to 100) (set: $unav2 to (text-style:"bold")+(text-style:"blurrier")) (set: $unav1 to (colour:#ff9999)) (set: $tome_madness to 0) (set: $clarity to (colour:#77cff7)) (set: $noitems to "You don't have anything of particular interest") (set: $e3 to 0) (set: $Felicia to "the shop owner") (set: $str to (text-style:"strike")) (set: $keys to (array: " the front gate", " the front door", " your room", " and the library")) (set: $pheromones to 0) (set: $flaskful to 0) (set: $phero to 0) (set: $key28 to 0) (set: $elise_conv_c1 to 0)(set: $1ref to (colour:#99FFCC)) (set: $bcharges to 5) (set: $explained to 0) (set: $elise_level to 0) (set: $elise_present to 0) (set: $diary_found to 0) (set: $hishills to true) (set: $antcat to true)(set: $legmount to true) (set: $diner_1 to 0) (set: $drawer to "Some candles, matches, quills and paper") (set: $wardrobe="Two blankets, a spare pillow, some bedsheets... and room for your clothes.") (set: $deathlist to (a: "none")) (set: $flashspider to 0) (set: $elise_level to 0) (set: $mihai_level to 0) (set: $ionut_level to 0) (set: $Felicia_level to 0) (set: $wolf_level to 0) (set: $inn_level to 0) (set: $myst_level to 0) (set: $beadsexpl to true) (set: $elise_servant to false) (set: $rando to (colour:#FFCC99)) (set: $myst_visited to 0) (set: $lavius_level to 0) (set: $av to 1) (set: $zach to true) (set: $zach_level to 0)(set: $zach_friends to 0) (set: $withzach to false) (set: $z to (colour:#FFCC99)) (set: $visited_lab_alone to 0) (set: $lust to 0) (set: $special to ((text-style:"bold")+(colour:#CC99FF))) (set: $ionut_visited to false) (set: $ionut_dishes to 0) (set: $secrets to 0) (set: $suit_mod to 0)(set: $shop2 to 0)(set: $work1 to true) (set: $lav_firstdeath to 0) (set: $desksign to "CLOSED") (set: $first_willing_sex to "none")(set:$phero_talk to 0)(set: $recharge_explained to 0)(set: $bow to false)(set: $lav_busy to 0)(set: $rested to 0) (set: $potion_explained to 0)(set: $elise_trial to 0)

[$T[-Transylvania-]]<fontbig| Welcome to Transylvania! This is an interactive text-based adventure that focuses on horror and mystery. Your choices matter, so think carefully how you want to handle the situations that are presented to you. **Please note that as a horror experience, some scenes contain light amounts of gore. This is why the game is marked as 18+ and viewer discretion is advised.** **I AM A NEW PLAYER** (display:"goto")[Begin the game]<new| **I HAVE PLAYED BEFORE** $T[Chapter 1] [Skip Prologue]<vet| $T[Chapter 2] [Simulate progression to chapter 2]<sim| (set:$hour to 14) (set:$minute to 00) (set:$day to "Wednesday") (set: $money to 0) (set: $test to 1) (click:?new)[(goto:"Start2")] (click:?vet)[(goto:"Sleep1")](click:?sim)[(goto:"Simulate progression to chapter 2")]

(if: $intro is 3)[(goto:"day1_short")]$T[-DINING HALL-] After some searching you find the dining hall on the ground floor, near the reception. It's a spacious room lined with tall windows creating the illusion of a glass wall looking towards the garden. The light that stems in is a dirty grey, and while a little melancholic, you don't find it unpleasant. <img src="images/ionut.png" width="400" align="right"> You look at the antique chairs and tables, wondering if they're fully functional or just for decoration. $Io['Sit! Today - I cook. Vat do you vant?'] The servant's face peers through an opening in the opposite wall, complete with a metal counter and stacks of plates. $A[That must be the kitchen...] $a['I'll have eggs and bacon.'] you shout back. $Io['Coming vright up!'] Soon you hear a pleasant sizzling and then Ionut comes out, dropping a hot plate of bacon and eggs on your table. You notice that he walks a little funny, but your mind is busy elsewhere. $A[Perhaps his leg hurts?] It doesn't matter. You start munching and tell yourself that he doesn't look like a bad guy after all. Yesterday he looked a little creepy, insidious even, but right now you're willing to believe he's just the average Joe who happens to have a strong accent and oily hair. It's hardly his fault. $Io['It is gud, ja?'] $a['Ja, ja, sehr gut!'] you reply instinctively. The trip through Europe really scrambled your head with languages. Before you can correct your mistake however, he returns to the kitchen. (display:"goto")[[Finish your eggs.]] (set: $hour to 9)(set: $minute to 30)(set: $tour to 0)(set: $library_found to 0)

$din You push your empty plate aside and pat your belly. That was a good breakfast. As if sensing that you're done, the servant emerges again and comes to sit in front of you, placing two cups of coffee on the table. $Io['Nice to meet. I Ionut.'] he grins at you. $a['Hello, Ionut, I'm Alex,'] you reply. There is an awkward pause. $Io['So, start tomorrow.'] $a['Yes. What do I have to do?'] $Io['Several things. Virst: stay at reception.'] $a['The whole day?'] $Io['From 6 to 10.'] $a['6 to 10?!' that's 18 hours!'] $Io['No, only 4 hours'], he corrects you - $Io['6 in the avternoon.'] You look at Ionut, confused. $Io['Nobody come early. Guest come - they sleep; they go.'] $A[That explains why the pay is so low...but I'll have lots of free time, so that's not too bad.] (display:"talk")[[Do many people come here?]] (display:"talk")[[What else do I have to do?]] (if: $ionut_avatar is 1)[(set: $ionut_avatar to 2) $I[Character entry updated in journal] ]

$din $Io['Help move their luggage to room. Give key, of course. Keys behind desk.'] Ionut takes a sip from his coffee, as if thinking if he's forgetting anything. His skin, pale and thick, makes his face look like an unfinished clay sculpture. $a['So... that's it?'] You still can't believe that your work day is only 4 hours. $Io['That's it. During day you free. If need help - I ask, you come. If Mister Petrescu need something - he tell you. Rest of time - up to you. Try not get lost in the forest.'] You drink your own coffee, letting the information sink in. It seems that you'll have some time on your hands. (display:"talk")[[So, can you give me a tour?]] (display:"talk")[[Thanks Ionut, that's all for now.]]

(if:$intro>1)[(goto:"short_tour")]$rec $Io['Yes. Come.'] You stand up and follow the servant. $Io['Ve are in the dining hall. If you vant breakvast - before 11. If you vant dinner - betveen 20 and 22. Else - stay hungry.'] Looking at Ionut, it's hard to tell if he's being serious or is attempting some kind of joke. In either case, he continues the tour. $Io['Ground floor - center - reception; left side - kitchen; right side - saloon, rooms for games.'] $a['Games?'] $Io['Mostly cards and pool. Go if you vant. Avter that - library. Need key.'] $a['Yes, Mr. Petrescu gave me one yesterday.'] $Io['Good.'] Ionut waves towards the stairway. (set: $library_found to 1) (display:"goto")[[Climb upstaris->up the stairs]]

$din Ionut gives you a nod and finishes his coffee. While he drinks, you notice that the thumb on this right hand is abnormally large and a slightly different shade. $A[Perhaps a birth defect?] He returns to the kitchen with his slightly waddling walk, leaving you alone with your thoughts. The day is still young and you have some options of what to do. (display:"goto")[[Go to the kitchen]] (display:"goto")[Go to the reception]<rec| $R[[ ]<act2|] (set: _ti to 5) (click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$din $Io['Guests come and go. Not many, but they come. You'll see.'] You scratch your head at this definitively undefined answer. (display:"talk")[[What else do I have to do?]]

$kit Ionut is bent over the sink, washing dishes. $Io['Need something?'] he asks without turning around. <img src="images/ionut.png" width="400" align="right"> (if: $tour is 0)[(display:"excl")[[So, can you give me a tour?]] ] (display:"bk")[[No, I'm good->Reception]] (set: _ti to 10)

(if: $intro is 3)[(goto:"dinner_short")]$rec (display:"rec.mood") (if: $hour>=23)[ $R[The day is over. You ought to [[Go back to your room]] ] ](elseif: $hour>19 and $hour<23 and $diner_1 is 0)[ $1ref[Your stomach growls with hunger. You haven't had anything in a while, so given the time it's perhaps a good moment to [[have dinner]].] ](elseif: $hour >= 15 and $bracelet is 0)[$I[Oh how time flies. It's afternoon already and the sun is moving dangerously close to the mountain tops. In a place like this, darkness falls sooner. If you want to visit the village today, you should get going.] (display:"60m")[[Visit the village]] ](else:)[ (display:"goto")[[Have a peek inside the kitchen.->Go to the kitchen]] (display:"goto")(link-repeat:"Go to the library")[(if: $tour is 0)[ (replace: ?act2)[You don't know where the library is.]](elseif: $lib is 0)[(goto:"Go to the library")](else:)[(goto:"Enter the library")]] (display:"goto")(link-repeat:"Have a walk in the garden")[(if: $hour<20)[ (goto:"Go to the garden")](else:)[(replace: ?act2)[It's too dark to go to the garden now.] ] ] (display:"60m")(link-repeat:"Visit the village")[(if: $tour is 0)[ (replace: ?act2)[Perhaps it would be best to take the tour of the hotel before heading out.]](elseif: $bracelet is 1)[(replace: ?act2)[Seems like it's a little late to visit the village again.]](else:)[(set: $visited_vil to 0)(goto:"Visit the village")]] (if: $hour<23 and $bracelet is 1 and $diner_1 is 1)[(display:"goto") [[Go back to your room]] ] ] $R[[ ]<act2|] (set: _ti to 5) (set: $work1 to false)

$gar The manor is surrounded by an expansive garden circled by the fence which you first saw last night. You walk along it for a while, but it keeps going as far as you can see, the terrain becoming rougher and even less well-kept the farther away from the mansion you go. Eventually the low, sikly grass is replaced by ever taller thorns and bushes, making your advance difficult. When you're about to give up, you notice another $in[gate] in the fence. (display:"goto")[[Go to the gate->gate]] (set: _ti to 20)

$vil You know that the village isn't much, but it's still your closest link to civilization, so you force yourself to do the hour walk downhill, trying not to think that you'll have to climb back again. You arrive at the village winded, but the fresh mountain air helps you quickly cool down. The tall mountain trees cast the village into a deep shade and despite the burning summer sun in its zenith, the place feels veiled from its heat. (if: $duh is 0)[(set: $hour to ($hour+1))] $A[Like it was in another world...] You explore the village roads, the fleeting faces of its inhabitants glancing at you through the windows as you go. You never meet anyone's gaze directly, but you can feel their eyes on the back of your head, following you around. (set: $duh to 1) You expected the village to be only a few simple households, but during your walk you discover there is an $in[antique shop], a small $in[inn] and a $in[hunting cabin]. (display:"goto")[[Have a look at the antique shop->antique shop]] (display:"goto")[[Go to the hunting cabin->hunting cabin]] (display:"goto")[Visit the inn]<inn| (click:?inn)[(if: $inn_visited is 0)[(goto:"inn")](elseif: $inn_visited is 1)[(goto:"inn2")]]

$ant Hidden in between two massive stone houses, the antique shop is a sort of extension linking its neighbours, making you think of some sort of small critter that saw an empty space and decided to dwell there. Its narrow facade - with barely enough space for a small door and a single window - and irregular architecture were the reason you miss it the first few times, but you eventually notice the faded inscription infront "ANT QUE BOUTI UE". You push the door of the boutique, bending a little to avoid hitting your head on the low doorframe. The inside of the shop is dusty and cramped with hundreds of small objects - you see furniture and decorations; jewlery, small figurines and toys; watches, mostly mechanical as far as you can tell; pens and quills; posters, stamps and postcards, a lot of ornate boxes and an immense sea of undefined and unknowable shapes. The shop is illuminated by small electric bulbs that cover everything with a dirty, yellow light, as if it was a second-hand light used and reused throughout the centuries and too tired to shine like it used to. The boutique, though cramped and narrow, extends inward, like the belly of a giant whale which has swallowed thousands of objects over its life and now lies comatose, slowly digesting. With the corner of your eye you sense something moving. (display:"goto")[[Turn around->turn towards it.]]

$T[-VILLAGE-] [A large stone building near the center of the village, the inn is indistinct from the other houses save for the painting of a barrel of ale on its front door. There's light inside and when you approach you can see through the stained and dirty window a couple of smudged silhouettes inside. They appear to be drinking beer.]<in1| [(display:"goto")Enter the inn]<entin| (click: ?entin)[(replace: ?in1)[You try to open the door, but it doesn't move. After a couple of tries a small trap door opens and a frowning face appears on the other side. 'Vhat do you vant?' $a['Uhm, I just wanted to see the inn-'] 'Inn's closed. Go avay.' The trap door slams shut.] (replace: ?entin)[ ] ] (set: $inn_visited to 1) (display:"bk")(if: $visited_vil is 0)[[[Back->Visit the village]]](elseif: $visited_vil is 1)[[[Back->the village]]] (set: _ti to 20)

$vil A small wooden building in the outskirts of the village, the hunting cabin has a distinct look thanks to the various antlears and animal heads hanging from its walls. You approach the window, but it's too dirty to peer inside. $I[[ ]<ac|] (display:"goto")(link-repeat: "Knock on the door")[(replace: ?ac)[(either:"You wait, but there's no answer. Perhaps nobody's home?","You knock on the door, but nothing happens.","You bang a few times without any result. A peek through the window shows only a dark, dusty room.")]] (display:"bk")(if: $visited_vil is 0)[[[Back->Visit the village]]](elseif: $visited_vil is 1)[[[Back->the village]]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant Seemingly out of nowhere, a young woman has appeared behind the counter, looking at you with a mischevious smile. At first glance she appears no older than yourself, probably in her early twenties. Her hair is dark and curly, with a tinge of violet, her skin - flawless and pale like marble, and her green eyes - is that a hint of yellow? - peer straight through you with a wild, feline stare. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['See something that you like?'] she purrs at you. $a['I- uh-, wha-'] $M['You look like a man in need of an accessory.'] She decides looking you up and down. $M['Perhaps a watch?'] Without waiting for your reply, she transitions instantaneously from one side of the counter to the other, standing next to you, her fingers already picking different watches from the dusty shelves, giving them a soft brush before sliding them around your wrist, giving a short $M["tss, tss, not the right one"] and putting them back on the row again. $a['I-, oh-, wait-'] $M['Not a watch then? I understand. Not really your thing. But you need something, oh yes, I can sense that you need something. Something to keep you safe, something to keep you //fresh//.'] $a['To keep me wha-'] $M['Oh, I know! I have the right thing for you!'] (display:"goto")[[Stare with confusion->right thing for you!]]

$ant The woman disappears into the belly of the beast, her movements fast and perfectly silent. Within several heartbeats she returns, carrying something in her hand. Before you can react she wraps it around your wrist, tying it with a little knot. You look down and notice that you now have new $in[bracelet]. [(display:"eye")Examine the bracelet]<br| (click: ?br)[(replace:?br)[It's made out of leather laces and decorated with small, dark beads. They're perfectly smooth and cold, with a shiny, reflective surface. $A[Perhaps obsidian?] In the center of the bracelet there are 5 larger, crimson beads, with the central piece being the largest. Strangely enough, they feel a little warm and you can't quite identify the material, though you suspect some sort of polished gemstone.]](set: $bracelet to 1) (set: $bcharges to 5) (display:"talk")[[Uhm, thanks]] (display:"talk")[[Sorry, but I can't afford this]]

$ant $M['Don't mention it.'] She smiles and wigs her tail. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $A[WHAT?!] You blink a couple of times and look again. Of course, the shop owner has no tail, only a combination of light and shadows behind her that must've tricked your eye... $a['So, uhm, what do I owe you?'] $M['Oh, it's a present.'] $a['I'm not sure I can-'] $M['Take it and leave.'] She steps closer, pushing you towards the door. (display:"talk")[[I don't even know your name]] (display:"talk")[[Wait, I wanted to shop more]]

$ant $M['Oh, it's a present.'] she gives you a little wink. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I'm sorry, but I really can't take-'] $M['Don't worry, you'll pay for it later.'] $a['But you just said it was a pre-'] $M['Oh, just take it and get out.'] With a conclusive tone, the young woman pushes you towards the door. (display:"talk")[[Wait, I wanted to shop more]] (display:"talk")[[I don't even know your name]]

$ant $M['Too bad. Felicia's shop is now closed. Get out.'] With that, she pushes you out and slams the door, leaving you deeply confused. (display:"goto")[[Head back to the village->the village]] (set: $hour to ($hour+1)) (set: $Felicia to "Felicia") (set: $felicia_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$ant $M['You can call me Felicia'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> With that, she pushes you out and slams the door, leaving you deeply confused. (display:"goto")[[Head back to the village->the village]] (set: $hour to ($hour+1))(set: $Felicia to "Felicia") (set: $felicia_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$vil You're back at the village center. There isn't anyone around, a silence hangs in the air, apart from the faint voices coming from the $in[inn]. It is $hour:$minute. It would be a good idea to head back to the manor before dark, which is around 18:00. $I[Your journal has been updated!] (set: $maintask to 2)(set: $task_felicia to 1) (if: $hour < 18)[(display:"goto")[[Go to the hunting cabin->hunting cabin]] (display:"goto")(if: $inn_visited is 0)[[[Go to the inn->inn]]](elseif: $inn_visited is 1)[[[Go to the inn->inn2]]] (display:"goto")[[Go to the antique shop]] (display:"bk")[[Return to the manor]] ](if: $hour >= 18)[ $R[It's very late. You should [[Return to the manor]] ] ](set: $visited_vil to 1)(set: _ti to 10)

$vil You return to the antique shop, but the lights are out and door is locked. You knock, but there's no answer. [[Back->the village]] (set: _ti to 20)

$mount You leave the village behind, your head filled with more questions than answers. You wanted to stretch your feet a little and locate any potential points of interest that could distract you during your working holiday; instead, you stumbled upon a mysterious woman in an eerie shop and a village full of secretive inhabitants. The more you think about it the fuzzier your memories become, to the point where you start questioning if it wasn't all just a dream. But then you look down on your wrist, the little bracelet dangling inconspicuously with its strange beads as if it was pretending to be a normal object. //Pretending.// A shiver runs down your spine. The uphill climb is as tiring as it was yesterday and when you climb back up to the manor an hour later you're panting and sweating. <img src="images/mansion.png" width="1200" align="center"> Fortunately the cool mountain air quickly refreshes you and with confident steps you [[head to the front entrance.->Reception]] (set: _ti to 60)

$vil You approach the door of the inn again, but the trap door opens before you even knock. 'I told you to go avay!' the man shouts, slaming it in your face. (if: $visited_vil is 1)[[[Back->the village]]] (set: _ti to 10) (if: $visited_vil is 0)[[[Back->Visit the village]]]

$T[-GARDEN-] [Tall and rusty, it's similar to the first one, though definitely not the same. The path leading to it is barely distinguishable, overtaken with brambles bad weeds. Still some of them appear crushed or stomped recently, indicating that someone must still be coming this way from time to time. You try to push the doors open, but they're locked with a big padlock.]<garden| [(display:"eye")Look beyond the gate]<lb| (display:"bk")[[Turn back->Reception]] (set: $hour to ($hour+1)) (click: ?lb)[(replace: ?garden)[The ground on the other side looks rough and barren, with nothing but dry, skeletal trees that extend their long-dead branches towards each other like the fingers of long-dead lovers. Between them there are a handful of tombstones covered in grey lichen.] (replace: ?lb)[ ] ]

$T[-FLOOR 1-] |fl1>[$Io['Virst vloor - guest rooms.'] You look at the long hallways. The manor is pretty big. $A[I wonder if this place was ever full, even in its prime? Or perhaps it's simply the type of hotel that tries to appeal to customers that like having a big empty place mostly to themselves...] ] [(display:"talk") 'Only guest rooms, nothing else?' ]<on|[(display:"talk") 'Are there any guests at the hotel right now?' ]<ge|(display:"goto")[[Move on to the second floor->second floor]] (click: ?on)[(replace: ?fl1)[$Io['Yes. Rooms. And stuff.'] You wait for a few moments but Ionut doesn't add anything else.] (replace: ?on)[ ] ] (click: ?ge)[(replace: ?fl1)[$Io['Only two.'] You raise an inquiring eyebrow but the servant doesn't elaborate.] (replace: ?ge)[ ] ]

$T[-FLOOR 2-] |fl2>[$Io['Seconf vloor. More rooms.'] $a['Uhm, okay...'] Though you're starting to grow a liking to Ionut, you can't help but feel that he's a pretty inefficient guide. You turn around, exasperated, your gaze falling on the darkened canvases lining the walls.] [(display:"talk")'Who are the people in the portraits?' ]<who| [(display:"talk")'What's behind this room?' ]<what|(display:"goto")[[Move on upstairs->upstairs]] (click: ?who)[(replace:?fl2)[Ionut glances at them, as if he'd just noticed the sombre works of art. $Io['Petrescu family.'] $a['All of them? There are a lot of paintings...'] $Io['Big family.'] $a['And they look so similar!'] You try to read the little plaques under the portraits. $a['How many of them are named Vasil?'] you ask bewildered. $Io['Popular name'], shrugs Ionut. (set: $elder_avatar to 1) $I[Character entry added in journal] ](replace: ?who)[ ] ] (click: ?what)[(replace: ?fl2)[You point to the golden door which had attracted your attention on the night of your arrival. While seemingly identical to the others, you feel that there's something different about it, though you can't quite put your finger on it. $Io['Room with guest. Don't enter.'] By now you've learned that this is as much information as you can hope to acquire from Ionut, so you just remember the room's number **- 24 -** and don't press the matter.] (replace: ?what)[ ] ]

$T[-ATTIC-] [$Io['You know attic. Your room here.'] He points to the door with number 5 on it. $a['Yes but what about all the other doors?'] you inquire, curious. $Io['Storage.'] You scratch your head. The floor is pretty big and surely not //all// of the rooms are dedicated to storage. $a['What about the staircases at the end of the hallway?'] $Io['Towers. **No go!**'] Something in the tone of the servant tells you that he means serious business. You are suddenly reminded that the nearly 2 meters tall, bulky guy is not one you'd want to get in the way of. $Io['That all. Got questions?'] ]<att| [(display:"talk")'What about my pay?']<pay| (display:"goto")[[No more questions]] (click: ?pay)[(replace: ?att)[$Io['You get 20£ every day. That it.']] (replace: ?pay)[ ] ]

$fl2 Having finished the tour of the manor, Ionut gives you a final nod and clumsily turns around to head back to the kitchen or presumably the other tasks that he does around the hotel. $A[He wasn't terribly informative, but at least I got a basic understanding of the layout. The ground floor has the utilities - kitchen, dining hall, library and game room - while floor 1 and floor 2 are reserved for guest rooms. I wonder where the current guests are staying...] (display:"goto")[[Head back to the reception->Reception]] (set: $tour to 1) (set: $hour to ($hour+1))

(if: $succubus_lust is 1)[(display:"succubus") ] (unless: (history:)'s last is "YOU" or "Journal" or "Settings" or "Achievements")[ (set: $minute to ($minute+_ti)) (if: $minute > 59)[ (set: $minute -= 60) (set: $hour to ($hour+1))] (if: $hour > 24)[ (set: $hour to ($hour-24))] ] (if: $bcharges>5)[(set: $bcharges to 5)] (if: $sanity>100)[(set: $sanity to 100)] (set: $Bmod to (5-$bcharges)*3) (set: $lewd to ($lust + $Bmod + $suit_mod))

You move past the game room, the dusty [pool table]<pool| failing to retain your interest. (click: ?pool)[ $A[Are there ever enough people around to play pool? Ionut doesn't seem the type... perhaps Mihai invites friends from the village?]] You reach a big door from dark, polished wood with a golden handle and an ornamental plaque in the shape of a book. It is [locked.]<lock| (click: ?lock)[(replace: ?act3)[You take the metal keyring from the pocket of your jacket and try a long, yellow ring. The door unlocks with a heavy **clang**. [[Enter the library]] ]] $I[ [ ]<act3| ]

$T[YOUR ROOM] Small and simple, your room has just the bare necessities - a bed, a wardrobe, a desk and a chair. A single window is looking out to the backgarden. There is also a nightstand with a drawer, a lamp and a candlestick on top. $I[ [ ]<act| ] (if: $hour<23)[ (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Look into the wardrobe")[(replace: ?act)[$wardrobe] ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Look into the drawer")[(replace: ?act)[$drawer] ] ] $work1[(display:"goto")(link:"Work on your book")[ (set:$hour to 23) (set: $work1 to false)(goto: "Go back to your room") ] ] (if: $hour<23 and $intro<3)[(display:"goto")[[Leave your room->Reception]] ] (if: $hour>=23)[(replace: ?act)[$I[You take out some paper and a pen from the drawer and set to writing...]] (if:$door<1)[(display:"goto")(link:"Lock the door")[(replace: ?act)[$I[The door is now locked] ] (set: $door=1)(replace:?lock)[]] ]<Lock| (display:"goto")[Sleep]<sle| ] (click:?sle)[(goto:"Sleep1")]

$lib You step inside a place of twilight and silence. The library is filled with tall, thin bookshelves that extend upwards towards a ceiling that is unusually high. The narrow alleys are illuminated by the dissipated rays coming from hidden windows somewhere up above. Every now and then there are small tables with armchairs left for the comfort of the reader. (if: $bracelet is 1 and $books_read<3)[$A[Perhaps I can find something more about this bracelet, or about the village?] ] (display:"goto")[[Take a look around]] (if: $bracelet is 1 and $books_read<3)[(display:"goto")[[Try to find something about the bracelet]] ] (display:"bk")[Back]<rec| (set: $lib2 to 1)(set: _ti to 10) (click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$lib You wonder aimlessly around, exploring the mazelike innards of the room. The tomes don't seem to be organised in any particular fashion and even if they were, most of the titles are too faded and illegible. Without any indication or a specific topic of research, picking up a book is pure random. You try a couple of times anyways to see what you'd find, but it's mostly filled with old history, names, places, and dynasties that don't mean anything to you. (unless: $diary_found is 1)[You've almost given up hope on finding anything interesting, when a particular place catches your eye. It's a small table, much like the others, except for the fact that the surface is considerably less dusty and there is an ancient inkwell sitting on top of it. As you approach and sit in the armchair, you notice that the shelves next to the table are filled with a peculiar collection - all the books have identical covers, and instead of titles they have only dates. (display:"goto")[[Pick up one of the books]] ] (display:"bk")[[Back->Enter the library]] (set: _ti to 45)

$lib The mysterious bracelet on your wrist seems like a good topic of research. Perhaps you will be able to find something about the jewel, or the antique shop you got it from. $Felicia was way too young to be mentioned in a book, but in such a small village the antique shop is probably a family business, so you might find something about her ancestors... You start going through the tomes, searching for any relevant topics that might shine a light on the subject. After a significant time of digging through the old volumes, you gather a few volumes. (set: _ti to 30) $hishills[ [[History of the hills]] ] $antcat[ [[The antique cat]] ] $legmount[ [[Legends from the Mountains]] ]

$lib It appears to be some sort of history book, the yellow pages printed with the heavy, slightly smudged ink of the old printing press. You open the volume at page 25: (set: $books_read += 1) $B1[**Dating back to the slavic tribes before the middle ages, the inhabitatns of what is known today as the Romanian mountains have always followed a strict code of social and geopolitical hiarchy, separating the region into autonomous constituencies known as "hills". Every hill had its own ruler, a hereditary title, who held power over tha land and its people and in exchange vowed protection for his subjects. Some believe that the modern expression "king of the hill" originated from these early societal structures. Througout the history of the region, different countries and kings have claimed the territories to be within their borders, but they have mostly respected the hills and their power.**] It's not a bad read, but you progress slowly, often checking words with the romanian dictionary you downloaded on your phone. After a while you decide that there are better things you could do with your time. (if: $hour<23 and $books_read<3)[Perhaps you could take a look at another book? $antcat[(display:"eye") [[The antique cat]] ] $legmount[(display:"eye") [[Legends from the Mountains]] ] ](if: $books_read is 3 and $hour<23)[ You've read everything you could find for now, perhaps you should [head back.]<rec| ] (if: $hour>=23)[ $R[It's too late to continue reading. You should [head back.]<rec| ] ] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $hishills to false) (click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$lib It's a small book with black covers made from some soft tissue. On the front there is a faded picture of a cat standing on top of a pile of books. The colors are faded now but it's clear that they were once vibrant and gay. You're not quite sure why you picked it up, other than the fact that it had "antique" in the title. The language is somewhat difficult to read as your Romanian is far from perfect. You open the first page: $B[There once was a cat, who found an old key She meowed and she purred with eyes full of glee for the key, that she knew, opened a box a box full of books and trinkets and clocks] //What is this? A children's nursery rhyme?// You abandon the poem and [[flip to a new page]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib A red volume with thin white paper, "Legends from the Mountains" is a collection of myths and old tales accompagnied with exquisite drawings in colour. You open a chapter at random: $B2[//Transilvanian folklore has become known worldwide for its legends about **vampires**. One of the common misconceptions however, associated with this mythos, is the portrayal of the vampire as a solitary creature that inhabits some distant and forsaken place such as a castle or a ruin. In truth, vampires are depicted in the old tales as social creatures that live in packs and abide by a strict hiarchy. Every pack is led by an Elder, a powerful being that has acquired knowledge and skills over centuries. He is followed by his son^^1^^ and then by a handful of lesser vampires who usually do not live in the same place but in surrounding villages or dwellings, which together form the **Elder Covenant**. ^^1^^//]$B2sub[ The Elder always has a single son to avoid infights for the heritige. While vampires are portrayed with a lifespan of centuries, they're not believed to be immortal, and thus the son eventually replaces his father and becomes the new Elder. Elders do not take other vampires for wives for the same reason - a potential claim for power - and thus resort to humans for the purpose of breeding.] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $legmount to false) (set: $books_read += 1) (if: $hour<23 and $books_read<3)[Perhaps you could take a look at another book? $antcat[(display:"eye") [[The antique cat]] ] $hishills[(display:"eye") [[History of the hills]] ] ] (if: $books_read is 3 and $hour<23)[ You've read everything you could find for now, perhaps you should [head back.]<rec| ] (if: $hour>=23)[ $R[It's too late to continue reading. You should [head back.]<rec| ] ] (click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$lib $B[She hid from $ups[the men] and their twisted ways $rev[and found a new home in that cursed place] a home in the shadows $ups[between two ancient stones] guarded by $ups[spirits] and a key made of bones] (set: $antcat to false) (set: _ti to 30) You blink a couple of times, unable to concentrate on the text. The language is hard enough on its own, but it feels like the words themselves are pushing you away. The harder you stare the more they seem to move and dance on the page, giving you an increasing headache. Frusterated, you close the book. $I[A task has been updated in your journal] (set: $books_read += 1) (if: $hour<23 and $books_read<3)[Perhaps you could take a look at another book? $hishills[(display:"eye") [[History of the hills]] ] $legmount[(display:"eye") [[Legends from the Mountains]] ] ] (if: $books_read is 3 and $hour<23)[ You've read everything you could find for now, perhaps you should [head back.]<rec| ] (if: $hour>=23)[ $R[It's too late to continue reading. You should [head back.]<rec| ] ](click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$room Yawning from the long and exhausting day, you put the few pages of your manuscript in the drawer and blow out the candle. The room plunges in silver darkness, the silhouettes outlined by the shine of the almost full moon outside. You lie on the hard matress, thinking about the mysterious events of the day. The bracelet is hanging comfortably around your wrist, its presence somehow comforting against the creaking of the old building and the howling of the wind in the dead branches outside. Before you know it, the darkness takes you... (if: $door is 0)[Your sleep is deep but uneasy, like a cold fever that won't let you go. You turn without waking, the creaking of the wooden floor seemingly getting louder. You dream of a door opening and two dead blue eyes staring at you. //Did you lock the door?//] (if: $door is 1)[Your sleep is deep and almost tranquil. You hear the wooden floor creaking again and get a feeling someone is trying to open the door, but you're safe inside. Nothing can get to you. You grip the bracelet tighly towards your chest.] The night passes and you [[wake up->chapter1]]. (set: $hour to 9) (set: $minute to 0) (set: $day to "Monday") (set: $din_vis to false)

$room You wake up full of energy and ready to take on the world! Despite the limited comodities, you had a good night's sleep and are looking forward to your first day of work. ...which starts at 6pm. In your enthusiasm you'd almost forgotten. Still, you'll probably find something useful to do during the day! (set: $gen to 0) (display:"goto")[[Get out of your room]]

(set: $death to (a: "You always helped your friends when they needed you and were always kind to your family as well as to strangersjust like your father had always taught you.", "You remember when you were little, your mother always used to say that you were meant to succeed, that one day you would do great things and then you'd come back home to your parents and they'd tell you how proud they were.", "You remember your first love - her name was Angela- she was a fragile blue-eyed creature that adored you", "...but in the end you just had to let her go. Why did you have to let her go? You don't quite remember. Something happened between the two of you and then things were never quite the same.", "Your first pet died when you were 16. It was only a goldfish but you were just starting to get attached to it. His name was Mr. Rogers.", "Mr. Rogers was pretty cute, as far as goldfish go; or so you had thought at the time...", " ", " ", " ", " "))

$T[-YOU-] (display: "self") (unless: (history:) contains "questions?" or "orb of fire" or "some breakfast"or "wake up" or "chapter2")[**INVENTORY:** $I[$noitems] ] (else:)[**INVENTORY:** $I[You have (link-repeat:"keys")[(replace: ?info1)[You have the keys to (print: $keys). ]](if: $pheromones>0)[ and (link-repeat:"pheromones")[(replace: ?info1)[(if: $flaskful>0)[The perfume flask is $flaskful% full. (link-repeat:"Apply 1 puff of pheromones")[(set: $flaskful to it - 10)(set: $phero to it +1) (replace: ?info1)[You apply a single puff to your neck. $A[I can't smell anything... will this really be enough?] The flask remains $flaskful% full.]] (if: $lav_firstdeath >0)[(if: $flaskful>=30)[ (link-repeat:"Apply 3 puffs of pheromones")[(set: $flaskful to it - 30)(set: $phero to it +3) (replace: ?info1)[You apply three puffs - one to your neck, one under the armpit, and one to your stomach. $A[There - that should do it. I hope...] The flask remains $flaskful% full.] ] ] (if: $flaskful>=90)[ (link-repeat:"Empty the entire bottle on yourself")[(set: $flaskful to it - 100)(set: $phero to it +10) (replace: ?info1)[You've had enough of being trated as dog food! You remove the bottle cap and empty all of its contents on yourself. $A[If this doesn't do the trick, nothing will...] The flask remains $flaskful% full.]] ](cloaked| ](else:)[The flask is empty] ]]] ]. ] (if: $flowers is 1)[$I[You have a handful of (link-repeat:"thistles")[(replace:?info1)[Thorny but pretty, these could make a lovely bouquet for the right lady.]] ] ](if: $diary_found is 1)[$I[You have a |dia>[diary]. ] ] (if: $bracelet is 1)[ (display: "bracelet.recap") ] ] (if: $elise_present is 1)[ $I[You have a small green bottle.]] $I[ [ ]<info1| ] [Back]<b| (click: ?b)[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You always helped your friends when they needed you and were always kind to your family as well as to strangers just like your father had always taught you.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you were meant to (colour:#CC0000)[succeed],that one day you would do great things and then you'd come back home to your parents and they'd tell you how proud they were.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - her name was (colour:#FFCCFF)[Angela] - she was a fragile blue-eyed creature that adored you] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ ...but in the end you just had to let her go. Why did you have to let her go? You don't quite remember. Something happened between the two of you and then things were never quite the same.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[few friends], mostly boys from the hood whose parents weren't well off enough to send to summer camps or boarding schools, so you played together, exploring the backstreets.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It wasn't the most glorious childhood, but you have nontheless fond memories of it and it definitely taught you a lot about life.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] died when you were 16. It was only a (colour:#FFFFCC)[goldfish] but you were just starting to get attached to it. His name was Mr. Rogers.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Mr. Rogers was pretty cute, as far as goldfish go; or so you had thought at the time...] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [school]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[decent grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, you had a decent life, for what it was worth. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $felicia_level to 1) (set: $backstory to "You lived a quiet suburban life and acquired your street smarts from boys and girls in the hood. Life never really surprised you much, until you decided to take that summer job.") (set: $sanity -=50)

$dark Total and complete darkness. It's cold. The silence is deafening. (if: $bcharges is 0)[This time there is no warmth from the bracelet. All the crimson beads are spent. The cold spreads through your body [[until there is nothing left]]. ] (else:)[Suddenly a droplet of warmth appears, a lonely flame in a world of ice. It's close - very close. Your right hand begins to pulse. No, not the hand. It's your wrist. It's getting warmer, slowly but relentlessly. The flame is getting stronger, burning hotter. Then it explodes and evelops you in a fiery [[orb of fire]]. (if: $deathlist contains "lavius" and $dead<8)[ (set: $av to 2)] (set: $test to 1) (set: $tower_key to 0) (set: $gen to 0) (set: $gas to 0) (set: $elise_seen to 0) (set: $ionut_seen to 0) (set: $e3 to 0) (set: $e5 to 0) (set: $money to 0) (set: $name to "Alexandra") (set: $seen_mihai to 0) (set: $28done to 0) (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $elise_conv to 0) (if: $elise_present is 1)[(set: $elise_present to 0)] (set: $din_vis to false) (set: $myst_visited to 0) (set: $zach to true) (set: $zach_friends to 0) (set: $lav_react to "null") (set: $lav_talked to 0) (set: $withzach to false) (set: $visited_lab_alone to 0) (set: $ionut_visited to false) (if: $pheromones>0)[ (set: $phero to 0) (set: $flaskful to 100)](set: $lav_busy to 0) (set: $werefucked to 0) (set: $rested to 0)(set: $work_elise to 0) (set: $pherochoice to 0) (display:"clothes_end_day") (set: $bcharges to (it - 1)) ] (if: $dead is 1)[ (set: $mirror to "young woman with $hair, $lips and $eyes. She is dressed in $suit which shows the shape of her $breasts") (set: $ach1 to true) (set: $breasts to "small breasts") (set: $hair to "short dark hair") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes") (set: $lips to "thin lips") (set: $lust to (it + 1))] (elseif: $dead is 2)[ (set: $breasts to "cute little breasts") (set: $hair to "shoulder-length dark hair")(set: $eyes to "deep dark eyes")(set: $lips to "inviting lips") (set: $lust to (it + 1)) ] (elseif: $dead is 3)[ (set: $breasts to "well-rounded breasts") (set: $hair to "shoulder-length dark hair")(set: $eyes to "deep dark eyes")(set: $lips to "full lips") (set: $lust to (it + 1)) ] (elseif: $dead is 4)[ (set: $breasts to "well rounded, alluring breasts")(set: $hair to "long dark hair")(set: $eyes to "beautiful dark eyes") (set: $lips to "full, inviting lips") (set: $lust to (it + 2)) ] (elseif: $dead <8)[ (set: $breasts to "soft round breasts") (set: $hair to "long dark hair with a red sheen")(set: $eyes to "mysterious dark eyes")(set: $lips to "full, seductive lips") (set: $lust to (it + 2))] (elseif: $dead >8)[ (set: $breasts to "big round breasts") (set: $hair to "long dark-red hair")(set: $eyes to "mysterious dark eyes with purple sheen")(set: $lips to "shamelessly plump lips") (set: $lust to (it + 3))]

$att You leave your room and head instictively towards the staircase, when a cold breeze brushes an icy finger on your cheek. You look both ways - all the windows are closed - but after all this is a pretty old house... Suddenly, you're feeling a little curious to explore the top floor. Both Mihai and Ionut were very brief about it, and you wonder if there aren't some hidden delights to find - perhaps an opening to the roof? Surely the view to the mountain will be breathtaking. And then there are the towers... you could always take a peek around. (display:"10m")[[Explore the hallway->take a peek around]] (display:"goto")[[Go down the stairs]]

$att You walk farther down the attic hallway, bypassing all the small doors of the storage rooms on both sides. Licking your finger, you follow the breeze until the far end, where it splits perpendicularly in two. On the right there is a short extension, a dozen feet at most, ending with a large window overlooking the front entrance of the hotel. On the left, the hallway continues into a spiral staircase, winding upwards into the darkness. Unfortunately, it's closed off with $in[metal bars and a padlock]. [ ]<event| (display:"goto")(link-repeat:"Try to force the lock")[(if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[(replace:?event)[$R[The lock rattles but doesn't open. You see a flash of a pitch black room and dark wings above, your heart skipping a beat. You shake your head. What was that?] ] ](else:)[ (replace:?event)[$R[(either:"The lock is too solid to be opened without a key.","You struggle with the lock but nothing happens.","If only you had some thin sharp object to pick the lock with...and you knew how to pick locks.")](if: $task_elder is 0)[ $A[The forbidden tower... I wonder if I can get in there somehow?] $I[New task added to journal] (set: $task_elder to 1)]] ] ] (display:"key") (if: $tower_key is 1)[ [[Use one of Ionut's keys]] ](else:)[ (display:"unav")] (display:"bk")[[Back]] (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 You descend to the second floor, the velvet carpet muffling your footsteps. Even in the cold light of the morning the manor looks shadowy and unwelcoming, the dust hanging in the air like thick goo. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> To your surprise, one of the doors on your right opens and a woman walks out in the hallway, walking towards you without a sound. She is tall and dark - her ebony skin and short black hair reflecting the light with an almost metallic sheen. However what is most peculiar about her are her proportions - her head is small and thin, her stick-like arms flail around her equally thin torso which is covered with a tight leather jacket. And still, despite this slim and skinny upper section, under her waist her body bulges out into an entirely different shape: her ass - round and portruding - is almost a seperate entity altogether, occupying - you genuinly wonder - almost as much space as the rest of her. (set: _ti to 10) As she closes the distance towards you, her round green spectacles - glare straight at you, like a pair of alien eyes. Her gaze makes your heart pound faster, filling you with undescribable, inexplicable emotions. The woman raises a hand gloved in the same black leather and points a bony finger at you: $E['You must be the new maid. My room requires assistance.'] $a['Uhm, I'm not a handmaid...'] $E['Tsk, tsk, darling. Don't make a fuss. Names are irrelevant, what's important is the job. My room is number 28. Now be a darling and clean it up.'] (set: $elise_seen to 1) (set: $keysneeded to 1) (display:"talk")[['Right away, M'am']] (display:"talk")[['I'll add it to my schedule.']] (set: $elise_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$fl2 Serving the guests is your job after all, so you push down your objections. Besides, there's something in her commanding voice that compells you to obey her, though you're not sure exactly how you feel about that. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> $a['I'll take care of it right away.'] $E['Splendid, tsk.'] The woman smiles and slides away. In a few brief moments, she has made a lasting impression on you. Her green lips linger in your mind's eye as you walk down the hallway. Her smile was somehow both soft and cruel. You have to know more. You decide to find an opporutnity to talk to her. $I[New task added to journal] (set: $task_elise to 1) In any case, cleaning up shouldn't take too long and you can have breakfast afterwards. You gulp down your pride and stroll down the hallway. The woman's room is almost at the end, and as you approach you notice that the door is slightly ajar. (display:"75m")[[Enter room 28->clean28.1]] (display:"bk")[[Bail out and leave it for later]]

$fl2 You decide to ignore the woman's request for now. The day has just begun and you'll have plenty of time to do it later. You'd much rather start easy, perhaps with a //breakfast//. The woman frowns, but remains silent. Turning your back to the guest, you descend the staircase. But then again, aren't you supposed to be at her disposal? In a moment of doubt, you turn around. The hallway is empty. $A[She's already gone, then it probably wasn't very important...] Still, you are intrigued. In a few brief moments, she has made a lasting impression on you. Her green lips linger in your mind's eye as you walk down the hallway. Her smile was somehow both soft and cruel. You have to know more. You decide to find an opporutnity to talk to her. $I[New task added to journal] (set: $task_elise to 1) (display:"goto")[[Continue to the ground floor->ground floor]]

$rec (display:"post_cleaning")The reception desk is exactly as you left it yesterday - that is to say old and dusty. The sign currently reads $desksign. (display:"ionut_gas")(display:"reception_time")(display:"reception_navigation") (set: _ti to 5) (set: $key28 to 1) (set: $keysneeded to 0)

$din With a hungry stomach, you enter the dining hall and are greeted with a strange sight. All the windows have been civered with heavy wooden shutters from the exterior, such that barely any sunlight enters the room at all. To compensate for this, candles have been lit on almost all of the tables, their faint flames doing little but pushing the darkness a coupleof feet away. Sitting on a large ornate table not far from the entrance, you recognise the silhouette of a man with a golden cane. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Ah, Mr. Reid. Coming for some breakfast?'] $a['Yes, I was hungry... pardon my curiosity, Mr. Petrescu'] - you decide to lean on the side of caution when adressing your boss - $a['but what is all this?'] (set: _ti to 10) $Mi['Just having breakfast with an old friend, no cause for worry. It's much more romantic this way, don't you find?'] Something in his tone implies that disagreement is not really an option. $a['Yes, of course, Mr. Petre-'] $Mi['Although it would be better with the grand chandelier'] - he points upwards towards a heavy ball of light bulbs and crystals - $Mi['but unfortunately the power is still down. Speaking of which, have you any intention of going down to the village today?'] (set: $din_vis to true) (display:"talk")[['Probably']] (display:"talk")[['I wasn't really planning...']]

$gar The manor is surrounded by an expansive garden circled by the $in[fence] which you first saw the night of your arrival. (if: $gen <3 and $gen>0)[Walking around the manor, you eventually find the basement that Mihai was talking about. In any case it looks like it. The entrance is a sort of wooden hatch half buried in the hardened soil. The doors look very heavy and solid despite their apparent age and are locked with a big metal padlock. Even with an axe you'd have a hard time breaking your way in without the key. (click: ?enter)[ $R[You don't have the key] ] (display:"key")(if: $gen >1)[ [[Enter the basement]] ](else: )[ [Enter the basement]<enter| ] ] (display:"20m")[[Take a walk along the fence->fence]] (if: $knowflowers is 1)[ (display:"20m")[[Pluck some flowers]] ] (if: $rested is 0 and $dead>0)[(display:"60m")[[Rest in the garden for a while->restgarden]] ] (display:"bk")[[ground floor<-Back to the reception]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din $Mi['Splendid. In that case, you wouldn't mind buying some fuel for the generator, I hope?'] You shift your weight from one foot to the other, looking embarassed. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I'm not sure how to say this Mr. Petrescu...'] $Mi['Yes?'] $a['I don't have any money left. I used the last to get a ride up to your hotel.'] $Mi['That's an issue that can be easily resolved. Here -'] Mihai takes out a small pouch from the inner pockets of his suit and produces a handful of coins which he leaves on the table in front of you. $Mi['This should be enough to cover your expenses plus some extra for doing me a favor.'] (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 10) (display:"goto")[[Take the coins]]

$din $Mi['You might have to re-adjust your plans, then.'] He looks absent-mindedly in the air for a moment. $Mi['I'm afraid your looks don't quite live up to expectations.'] $a['I'm sorry..?'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Try to find yourself some clothes, (if: $dead is 0)[Mr. Reid](else:)[Ms. Reid]. You represent **me** now.' ] $a['Yes, of course.'] You shoot an awkward glance at your jeans and t-shirt, then at Mihai's fancy black suit. $a['But I'm afraid I don't have any money left...'] You look down, embarassed. $Mi['That's an issue that can be easily resolved. Here -'] Mihai takes out a small pouch from the inner pockets of his suit and produces a handful of coins which he leaves on the table in front of you. $Mi['This should be enough to cover your expenses plus some extra for doing me an extra favor.'] (set: $task_clothes to 1) $I[New task added to journal] (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 10) (display:"talk")[['An extra favor?']]

$din $a['Thank you, Mr. Petescu! But you've given me so much more than-'] $Mi['Try to find yourself some clothes, (if: $dead is 0)[Mr. Reid](else:)[Ms. Reid]. You represent **me** now.' ] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Yes, of course.'] You shoot an awkward glance at your jeans and t-shirt, then at Mihai's fancy black suit. $A[So that's why he's giving me so much...] $Mi['When you come back with the fuel, don't forget to actually put it inside the generator. It's located in the basement. The entrance is outside the manor, through the garden. Ask Ionut for the key.'] (set: $gen to 1) $a['Very well, Mr. Petrescu'] You sit there for a few moments before realising that he's finished talking to you. (set: _ti to 15) $I[Task completed in journal: **Humble beginnings**] (set: $maintask to 3) (set: $task_clothes to 1) $I[New task added to journal: **A helping hand**] $I[New task added to journal: **Style maketh man**] (display:"30m")[[Have breakfast]]

(if: $dead is 1)[(goto:"Have breakfast2")]$din You take a table at the opposite side of the room, leaving Mihai at a safe distance. Ionut's head appears at the kitchen window, giving you a clumsy wink: 'Eggs and bakon, ja?' (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[For an instant your blood freezes and a deep sensation of dread overtakes you.(if:$ionut_level is 1)[You see Ionut's figure towering above you, holding a shovel. The dirt splashes on your tied body..] The moment passes and you get a grip. Slowly, you reply with a nod and the servant ](else:)[You give him a nod and he ]disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling. A few minutes later, while you're eating in the semi-complete darkness of the dining hall, a new silhouette enters the room. You immediately identify the bizzare outline of the woman you met earlier. She takes a seat across the table from Mihai, occupying what appears to be the biggest armchair you've ever seen, with a seat large enough for two people to sit on side by side comfortably and a tall back covered in numerous fancy cushions. Her slim body and small round head look almost ridiculous in comparison, yet somehow she seems to fill the chair quite nicely with the rest of her body... Looking at her you start getting a headache and you move your gaze away, rubbing your tired eyes. The room is so dark and the candles so faint that the shadows are starting to play tricks on you.. Bits of the conversation make their way to you, but it's too low and jumbled to make any sense. $E2['My $ups[children] will....yes that's right....safe place...$rev[new host] very soon...'] $Mi2['I'll see what I can do.... will be $ups[arranged]....for $rev[your brood]..' ] (set: _ti to 30) (if: $dead is 0)[Quietly and without looking at your host, you finish eating.](elseif: $dead is 1)[$A[I wonder what this is all about...] ] (display:"goto")(link:"To the kitchen")[(goto:"To the kitchen")] (display:"bk")(link:"To the reception")[(goto:"ground floor") (set: $seen_mihai to 1)

$kit (if: $gas is 1)[(goto:"empty_kitchen")] (unless: $gas is 1)[Here at least the light from the windows hasn't been blocked and you're happy to be able to see properly. Ionut appears to be (if: $ionut_visited is false)[ cleaning the dishes.](else:)[ busy cooking something, no doubt meals for Mihai and the dark woman.] You notice that next to him on a stone kitchen counter he's left a heavy $I[keyring] filled with at least a dozen metal keys. <img src="images/ionut.png" width="400" align="right"> $a[Ionut seems to have a lot of keys... I wonder what places they lead to?] (if: $task_elder is 1)[ $I[Task updated: **Locks, keys, and secrets**](set: $task_elder to 2) ] $Io['You vant someving?'] he asks without interrupting his work. (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[(color:#99FFCC)[You feel somewhat uneasy around him and try to keep the conversation brief and to the point. The nagging images appear again... you grow wary of the servant, despite his presently kind appearance. $A[My first hunches were correct... this guy is dangerous. Better not provoke him.] ] ](elseif: $dead is 1)[$a['Hey Ionut, do you notice anything different about me today?'] you ask tentatively. The servant looks you up and down. $Io['I do not know you vell, Ms. Reid. But you look same as I remember.'] ](if: $ionut_visited is false and $dead>0)[(display: "ionut_lewd")] (set: $sorry to "'Nothing, sorry to bother you'")(if: $gen is 1)[ (display:"key")[['Mihai told me to get the key to the basement.'->getkey]] ] (display:"bk")[[$sorry->ground floor]] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$gar You walk along it for a while, but it keeps going as far as you can see, the terrain becoming rougher and even less well-kept the farther away from the mansion you go. Eventually the low, sikly grass is replaced by ever taller thorns and bushes, making your advance difficult. When you're about to give up, you notice another $in[gate] in the fence. (set: _ti to 20) (display:"goto")[[Approach the gate->gate1]] (display:"bk")[[Back->the garden]]

$gar Tall and rusty, it's similar to the first one, though definitely not the same. The path leading to it is barely distinguishable, overtaken with $in[brambles and bad weeds]. Still some of them appear crushed or stomped recently, indicating that someone must still be coming this way from time to time. You try to push the doors open, but they're locked with a big padlock. $I[ []<obs2| ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Take a closer look at the weeds")[ (replace: ?obs2)[Although wild and thorny, some of the thistles have vivid purple colours which give them a kind of savage beauty. You could [pick some]<pluck|. ] ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Look beyond the gate")[(replace: ?obs2)[The ground on the other side looks rough and barren, with nothing but dry, skeletal trees that extend their long-dead branches towards each other like the fingers of long-dead lovers. Between them there are a handful of tombstones covered in grey lichen.] ] (display:"bk")[[Turn back->the garden]] (set: _ti to 20) (click: ?pluck)[(replace: ?obs2)[Using a swiss knife you have the habit of carrying with yourself, you cut some of the violet thistles. They'd make for a pretty bouquet, though a bit thorny. Thorny flowers added to inventory] (set: $flowers to 1) (set: _ti to 40) (set: $knowflowers to 1) ]

$base The doors of the hatch take some effort to lift but you eventually manage to open them, removing the vines that have already started to crawl on top. (set: _ti to 10) The inside of the basement is more akin to the opening of a dungeon, with a cold stony floor and pillars supporting the manor on top. There are matches left near the hatch and you use them to light a torch which illuminates well enough the space several feet around you. There are pipes and valves covering most of the east wall and going into the ceiling, as well as a handful of crates, a workbench and some tools hanging near it, more torches and cobwebs wobbling by the cold draft; and of course, there is the [[generator]]. On the opposite side of the room there is another [door]<do| leading further down... $I[ [ ]<insp| ] (if: $gas is 0)[ |pipes)[(display:"excl") $special[Turn the gas down]<td| ] ] (display:"bk")[[Back->ground floor]] (click: "pipes and valves")[ (replace: ?insp)[You approach closer to inspect them - there are brass pipes for the water as well as the gas which runs the stove in the kitchen. They're going straight up,so you should be right underneath it.] (show: ?pipes) ] (click: ?td)[(set: $gas to 1) (replace: ?insp)[You turn the valves on the pipes, lowering the flow of gas to the kitchen. Cooking might become difficult...] (replace: ?pipes)[ ]] (click: "workbench")[ (replace: ?insp)[It's a robust metal table covered in sawdust and dark stains. On the side there are a handful of cutting and measuring devices attached to it, as well as, for some reason, leather straps.] ] (click: "tools")[ (replace: ?insp)[Saws and hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, files... as well as other, unknown instruments mostly with sharp edges and long, curved blades.] ] (click: ?do)[ (replace: ?insp)[You approach to inspect it, but it's barred with a metal grill with a strange, triangle keylock. You're pretty sure you haven't seen any key that could open it.] ]

$att Taking the key from your pocket, you unlock the big metal padlock with a //click!// that echoes through the narrow hallway. Up above the staircase twists around the central axis, growing darker with every step... Should you really be doing this? Your heart starts pounding faster as you consider your options...(if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[and memories flood your mind. A winding staircase. A dark room. A hidden terror and a flash of metal. The cold embrace of the grave. The earth suffocating your lungs. You shiver, gasping for air. Back. You have to go [[BACK->Back]]! ] (else:)[ (display:"goto")[Climb into the darkness]<climb| (display:"bk")[[Back]] (click:?climb)[ (if:$dead<1)[ (goto:"reconsider") ] (else:)[(goto:"Climb into the darkness")] ] ] (set: _ti to 5)

$att The attic is grey and a dusty, a cold draft running through the narrow hallway. It's too early to go back to your room right now. From here, you can [go down the stairs]<godown| or [[take a peek around]]. (click: ?godown)[ (if: $elise_trial is 1)[ (goto:"ground floor") ] (elseif: $elise_seen is 0 and $dead is 0)[ (goto:"Go down the stairs") ] (elseif: $elise_seen is 0 and $dead is 1)[ (goto:"go down for breakfast") ] (elseif: $elise_seen is 0 and $lav_firstdeath is 0)[ (goto:"Hurry down the stairs") ](elseif: $elise_seen is 0 and $lav_firstdeath > 0)[ (goto:"Gather your courage and go down") ] (else:)[ (goto:"ground floor") ] ]

$att To hell with the rules! You're curious to see what's at the top of the tower(if:$dead is 0)[ and if it turns out to be just a bunch of dusty furniture, then at least the view will be worth it.](else:)[, the mysteries of the Crooked Elm awaiting to be uncovered. If you don't understand what's really going on, then there will be little chance of ever turning back...] <img src="images/attic_door.png" width="500" align="right" > Besides, when you get back down you'll lock the gate behind you and sneak the key on Ionut's keyring. Nobody will ever know a thing... You start climbing, using the screen of your phone as a source of light to guide your way. Even if there isn't any reception up here, at least it's good for something. The staircase continues for quite some time, spiraling upwards for what seems like hundreds of steps. From time to time there are doors on the side, but you're really interested in getting to the top. After what seems like an eternity, you reach the last step and a small platform leading to a single wooden door. Fortunately enough, there isn't any lock here, only a brass handle that looks like it hasn't been used in a while. You draw a deep breath and [[enter the room]].

$dark The faint light of your screen illuminates a small halo around you in what seems like complete and total darkness. There aren't any silhouettes of objects around you - no furniture, no old stuff, nothing at all. You turn to all directions but as far as you can tell the room is empty. And completely dark. It's a darkness that envelops you and sticks to your clothes, a rich and dense darkness which makes it hard to breathe and almost drowns you. Walking in a straight line you reach the wall - and indeed the windows - and examine them with increasing astonishment. They have been covered with some black and impenetrable material that makes it impossible to tell that it's actually day outside. Raising your phone higher, you see the something big and round hanging from the ceiling above. It shifts uneasily, as if irritated by the light you're pointing towards it, it's enormous leathery wings curling to protect it's head... '**Vat have you done!!!**' You turn around to the enormous figure of Ionut charging towards you at full speed. $A[**'Wait, I was ju-'**] He swings at you in a blur and you feel something cold and heavy on the side of your head, followed by a metallic taste in your mouth and the world [[fading away....]] $I[Task completed: **Locks, keys, and secrets**] (set: $task_elder to 3) $sc1[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Tower] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc1 to false )]

$end The ground beneath you is cold and rough, the rocks painfully digging into your spine. Your entire body feels numb and heavy, as if an enormous weight is pushing you down. With great effort you force your eyes open and stare at the grey sky above. And the walls of earth around you. $A[**'Mhmhmhmhmhm!!!'**] You try to scream, but your mouth is gagged. Ionut, towering somewhere above you, continues his work with the shovel, slowly and methodically burying your body five feet into the barren soil. Panic sets in and you begin to struggle, trying to get out, but your(if:$dead>0)[ weak, feminine] hands and feet are bound and the increasing weight of the earth on top of you is too much. The dirt piles up on your $breasts, eventually covering them completely. <img src="images/grave.png" width="900" align="center"> $A[**'MMMHHMMMMNNNN!!!!'**] you try to shout one last desperate time, but the next shovelfuls of dirt fall on your face, slowly blocking your vision and stifling the remainder of your efforts. The sensation of weight merges with a feeling of light-headedness as the sound of the shovel becomes more and more distant and your extremities slowly stop responding to your agonising mind, merging and dissolving with the ground around you. The world fades to black once more, [this time for good...]<end1| (set: $lastdeath to "ionut") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "Ionut")) (set: $ionut_level to 1) (click:?end1)[(goto:"DIE")] $sc2[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Faithful Servant] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc2 to false)]

$base A bulky metal device, the generator is full of brass cylinders, cogs and pistons, topped with wires connecting to tesla coils with glass protectors and bulky silver handles. In the center is a giant round shape, the home of the dynamo that makes the whole thing work. It's a device from another era and you wonder how it even works anymore. (if: $gen is 3)[At present the fuel tank gauge shows that it's full. $A[Zach did it! The generator is running!]] (else:)[At present the fuel tank gauge shows that it's empty.] (if: $maintask is 3)[(link:"Look around for fuel")[You check around the room for something that you can use, but the only barrels you find are already empty. $A[I guess I'll have to find fuel from somewhere else...] (set: $maintask to 4) $I[Task in journal updated] ] ] (display:"bk")[[Back->Enter the basement]] (set: _ti to 10)

$kit The opportunity is too tempting to pass on it. $a[With his collection of keys, I'll finally be able to properly look around..] And besides, what's the harm? You're just curious and there's a whole day ahead of you with nothing better to do. After a little exploration you'll return the keys back. (set: $tower_key to 1) [[Continue->ground floor]] (set: $keys to it + (a: "as well as unknown lodactions")) (set: _ti to 10)

$kit The servant is probably going to be very angry if you steal his keys, and it's only your first day on the job. For now it's better to make a good impression and follow the rules. You can always fool around once you're more familiar with your environment. (set: $keys_not_taken to 1) [[Continue->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 5)

$fl2 The floor is quiet and empty. (if: $28done is 0)[You should probably go and [[clean the woman's room]](if: $lied_to_elise is 1)[before she notices your little morning manouver].](elseif: $elise_conv is 1)[As far as you know there aren't any guests staying here, apart from the woman in room 28. (if: $elise_level is 0 and $ach2 is false)[Speaking of her, you still don't know anything about this mysterious individual, apart from her bossy character, and undisclosed relationship with $M[Mihai]. $A[I've talked to her already though, perhaps I shouldn't bother her anymore for today...]] ](else:)[As far as you know there aren't any guests staying here, apart from the woman in room 28. (if: $elise_level is 0 and $ach2 is false)[Speaking of her, you still don't know anything about this mysterious individual, apart from her bossy character, and undisclosed relationship with $M[Mihai]. (if: $dead is 0)[ $A[Perhaps paying her a little visit will yield useful information about this place? I can always ask her what she knows about the locals...]](else:)[ $A[She doesn't seem related to my predicament, but might still know something useful.] ] ](elseif: $elise_level is 0 and $ach2 is true)[If you can even call her a "woman". Your mind shivers at a shadow of a memory. $A[Whatever that thing is, it isn't human. But that was before. Now... now she doesn't know that I know. And if she can talk, she can be reasoned with. Perhaps it's worth a shot.] ](elseif: $elise_level <3)[You've already talked with her before, but you have a feeling that there's more information that can be squeezed out, if you only ask the right questions.] (if: $flowers is 1)[(display:"excl")](else:)[(display:"goto")][[Visit the guest in room 28->room 28]] ] (display:"goto")Climb to the [[attic->Back]]. (display:"bk")Descend down to [[Floor 1]] or all the way to the [[reception->ground floor]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$fl1 The corridors are silent, except for the muffled creaking of the wooden floor. But there is no one around. You scratch your head, feeling uneasy. For some reason you get the feeling that someone is watching you. Move up the stairs to [[Floor 2]]. Go all the way up to the [[Attic->Back]]. Go down to the [[Reception->ground floor]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$vil Much the same as the day before, the village has few places of interest. There is the [[hunting cabin->cabin2]], but you doubt that you'll find anyone today either as the place looked pretty abandoned. There's also the [[inn->inn3]] - though you remember the welcome you received last time. Perhaps it really was closed, but most likely the owner simply didn't like you. $A[Maybe if I befriend one of the locals, they'll be willing to let me in.] And of course, there's the [[antique shop->antique]]. You look at the bracelet on your wrist, somehow finding its presence comforting. $A[Did $Felicia give me a lucky charm? She definitely seemed the type to believe in that kind of stuff.] (if: $gen is 1)[Unfortunately, you can't think of any place where you'd be able to find fuel for the generator. Nor buy clothes that live up to the owner's style. You guess you'll have to ask around.]

$kit You put the keyring back on the counter. There. Nobody will ever know. (set: $tower_key to 0) (display:"bk")[[Back to reception->ground floor]] (set: $keys to it - (a: "as well as unknown lodactions")) (set: _ti to 5)

$mount You take the familiar path downhill following the little stream. Perhaps the mountain air is already having a positive effect or perhaps you're getting used to the road, but this time the trip is less exhausting. The forest around you is beautiful in an eerie way, the tall trees casting a deep shade that has stifled most of the low vegetation between them, creating a surprisingly clear space on the ground, filled mostly with lots of dry pinecones and the occasional bush. (set: _ti to 60) Before you know it, you [[arrive at the village->Village2]].

$vil A small wooden building in the outskirts of the village, the hunting cabin has a distinct look thanks to the various antlears and animal heads hanging from its walls. You approach the window, but it's too dirty to peer inside. (link:"Knock on the door")[You wait, but there's no answer. Perhaps nobody's home?] (display:"bk")[[Return to the village->Village2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$vil You approach the door of the inn, knocking on the little wooden trap-door. It opens and the same angry face appears in the frame. 'You again. Go avay! We closed!' the man shouts, slaming it in your face. (set: _ti to 10) (display:"bk")[[Back->Village2]]

$ant As soon as you push the door open, the little overhead bell anounces your arrival. You look towards the counter and meet the green eyes of the enigmatic woman. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['I see that you're still alive and well.'] $a['Yes, why wouldn't I be?'] you reply, perhaps a little more sternly than you intended. $M[The mountains can be a dangerous place. One never knows.] She gives you a mischevious smile. $M[So, back to look around?] $a['Uhm, actually...'] (display:"talk")[['I'm looking for some clothes'->clothes]] (if: $gen >0)[(display:"talk") [['Do you know where I can find any fuel?'->fuel?]] ]

$ant $M['Clothes, you say...'] She looks you up and down judging your appearance. $M['Yes, you do look like you need some.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Hey! Is it that bad?'] $M['Well... yeah. Bleak, uninspiring, ordinary.'] $a['That bad, huh?'] $M['Come. We'll get you sorted.'] $a['You have clothes here?'] You look around, surprised. All you see are trinkets and knick-knacks. $M['This is a respectable shop. We have everything... for the right customer. Come now.'] She waves hand and disappears towards the interior of the Antique Boutique. (display:"goto")[[Follow her]]

$ant $M['Sorry, I have no idea. You'll have to ask some of the villagers, perhaps at the pub.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Alright, thanks for the advice.] (display:"talk")[['I'm looking for some clothes'->clothes]]

$ant You rush into the antique shop, running straight into the bemused green-eyed owner. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['What the hell is going on?! You.... this bracelet...!'] You try to pull the bracelet off your wrist but it's harder than steel. $M['Calm down, princess. I only saved your life. You're welcome, by the way.'] She gives you a little smirk. $a['Wait... you remember! Everyone else has forgotten! How many times have we talked?'] $M['Once, at least. It's hard to tell, even for me.'] $a['What do you mean, it's hard to tell?!'] $M['You're in the middle of a temporal loop, so everything is fuzzy. Once you exit it will become clearer to see.'] (set: _ti to 5) (display:"talk")[['A temporal loop?']] (display:"talk")[['So why am I a woman?'->why woman]]

$ant $M['Your life ended but was reset back. You're still in the loop because you haven't bypassed the time of your previous death.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['So all that I have to do is not die?'] $M['Yes. But it might be harder than you think.'] $a['Why?'] $M['Reality has a way of adjusting... of course you're not important enough to be considered a fixed event...'] $a['Thanks, I guess. Good to know I'm insignificant.'] $M['But I'd still be careful if I were you.'] (unless: (history:) contains "why woman")[(display:"talk") [['So what does this have to do with me being a woman?'->why woman]] ] (else:)[(display:"talk") [[why<-'One thing I don't understand - why did you give me the charm in the first place?']] ] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['Don't you know that cats have nine memories?'] $a['Nine what?'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['We remember what was, what should have happened, what was meant to be...'] $a['You're not a-'] $M['...what almost was, what could have been, what everyone forgot...'] $a['-this doesn't make any-'] $M['...what ought to happen, what should have never happened and what would never be.'] $a['This doesn't make any sense! And you're not a cat!'] $M['Aren't I?'] Felicia wiggles her tail again. You rub your eyes. Only shadows... (set: $task_felicia to 2) (display:"talk")[['I think I'm going insane...'->insane]] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['It's a side effect from the bracelet. You see, this charm isn't meant to be used on humans.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Not... on .... humans...?'] The whole thing is starting to become a little too much for you. $M['Yes, it's mostly used by demons, particularly succubi. Since you were so different... the charm had to make adjustments to make you compatible.'] $a['But what if I didn't want to be **compatible**?'] (set: $why_woman to 1) $M['Then you'd be dead. Like I said, you're welcome'] You remain silent for a while, trying to gather your thoughts. Even without a full grasp on the situation, your rational mind tells you that any option is better than being dead. $a['So....'] (display:"talk")[['Are there any other side effects that I should know about?'->side effects]] (display:"talk")[['I'm still a little confused about the transformation'->transformation]] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['Well, you're already a woman, buuuuut...'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['But what?'] $M['If you activate the loop again you'll probably get another dose of transformations. Hard to know exactly how many, but safe to say less drastic than the first time.'] $a['You... you're having fun, aren't you?'] $M['Yep.'] There's a movement of shadows behind her, as if a giant tail slowly wiggling. (unless: (history:) contains "transformation")[(display:"talk") [['I'm still a little confused about the transformation'->transformation]] ] (unless: (history:) contains "trans back")[(display:"talk") [['Can you turn me back?'->trans back]] ] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['Hmmm?'] $a['Well you say that the charm transformed me into a woman because I was... //incompatible//. Let's say I believe you. Why does nobody seem surprised that I'm suddenly a woman? Surely something like this doesn't happen every day!'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['You're getting the facts a little wrong here.'] $a['How so?'] $M['This isn't a simple spell for metamorphosis. This is one of the rarest demonic charms, made from succubi soulgems. It can protect its bearer by altering reality itself and resetting the timeline, up to 24 hours.'] $a['It- what?!'] $M['You see, it didn't transform you into a woman. It made it so you've always been a woman. Your entire lifeline has been adjusted.'] (unless: (history:) contains "side effects")[(display:"talk") [['Are there any other side effects I should know about?'->side effects]] ] (unless: (history:) contains "trans back")[(display:"talk") [['Can you turn me back?'->trans back]] ] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['Hmm... because I was bored? To see what would happen? Perhaps I suffered a sudden and irrational desire to save your life? Honestly, your pick is as good as mine.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> You push back the urge to swear, knowing that she did save your life and, more importantly, is probably your only chance of turning back. Staying on her good side is essential right now. $A[At least I know a bit more about the bracelet and how it works...] $I[Task updated: **An unexpected gift**] $I[Character entry updated in journal] (set: $task_felicia to 2)(set: $felicia_avatar to 2) (display:"talk") [['But **you** remember that I was a man?'->remember]] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['You're not going insane, just becoming a little more perceptive. Probably another side effect from the transformation. Demons are known for their low tolerance to bullshit.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Okay, okay, hold on a little. Not only have I somehow travelled through time, not only have I switched gender, but you're telling me that demons are real and that you're.... a cat?'] It all sounded so steamy and angry in your head, but with your new girly voice you sound mostly puffy and a little hysterical. The difference is alarming. $M['Of course there are demons. And don't tell me you've never seen cats. All the rest are pretty much the same.'] $a['Of course I've seen cats! I used to own a cat! And who are the rest?'] $M['Oh, it's a long list - the usual suspects, you've read about them in old books - werewolves, vampires, banshees, creaky trunks...'] $a['Creaky trunks?! Are you fucking with- wait, vampires?'] $M['Yeah, like the owner of the hotel for example.'] $a['Mihai? Don't be redicilous he can't be a va-'] $M['Have you ever seen him during the day?'] $a['Yes!! He had breakfast this morning...' //..In a room sealed tight from any sunlight... oh shit...//] $M['I see that you're starting to [[get it]].'] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant $M['Not while you're inside the temporal loop. If I did it would just kill you.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['And after that?'] She seems pensive for a while. $M['That would be boring, wouldn't it?'] $a['It's my life on the line here! I'm not your toy!' She gives you a charming but vicious smile.] $A[Fuck, I'm exactly her toy....] $M['We'll see when we get there, vvrright?'] $A[Damn this woman!] $a['Alright I guess.'] (unless: (history:) contains "'A temporal loop?'")[(display:"talk") [['A temporal loop?'<-'What is this temporal loop?']] ] (else:)[(display:"talk") [[why<-'But why did you give me such a powerful charm? You don't have a dozen laying around I suppose.']] ] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant 'So everything is an illusion?' <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['Humans are oh so easy to trick... all you need is a little nudge and you practically fool yourselves.'] $a['So how can I stop being fooled?'] You slam your feminine hands on the counter, leaning in to stare $Felicia in the eyes. She holds your gaze, not blinking, her irises slowly stretching vertically... then you blink and she returns to normal. $M['It's up to you really... though being a fool is a persistent habit. There are certain items that could help you, but I wouldn't advise it.'] $I[Task updated: **Putting the pieces together**] (display:"talk")[['What items?']] (set: _ti to 5) (set: $felicia_level to 2)(set: $task_female to 3)

$ant $M['Illusion breakers - such as this ribbon -'] $Felicia pulls out a thin silver ribbon from one of the drawers underneath the counter $M['- can help you see the truth. But like I said, I'm strongly against it.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> 'Why?' $M['Ignorance is bliss and, more importantly, ignorance is a shield. As long as they are veiled in illusion, the creatures around you pay little attention to a tiny human. If you start seeing them for what they truly are, they might feel threatened.'] 'I'm tired of being a fool. I'll take my chances.' $M['Are you sure? I'll say it one more time - bad idea, girl.'] (display:"talk")[['Give me the ribbon'->ribbon]] (display:"talk")[['Okay, I guess you're right'->noribbon]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant (if: (history:)'s last is "ribbon2")[$M['Illusion breakers - such as this ribbon -'] $Felicia pulls out a thin silver ribbon from one of the drawers underneath the counter $M['- can help you see the truth. But like I said, I'm strongly against it.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Why?'] $M['Ignorance is bliss and, more importantly, ignorance is a shield. As long as they are veiled in illusion, the creatures around you pay little attention to a tiny human. If you start seeing them for what they truly are, they might feel threatened.'] $a['I'm tired of being a fool. I'll take my chances.'] ] The green-eyed woman pounces next to you, gives you one last, measuring look, then shruggs and wraps the silver ribbon around your neck. There is a tingling sensation that propagates from it through your entire body, like a shockwave of a million small needles pricking your skin all the way to your fingertips. Your vision wobbles for a few seconds and then stabilizes, becoming somehow more crisp. (display:"goto")[[Observe]]

$ant Trusting the cat's judgement seems slightly naive, but not trusting her is probably even worse. You've just stepped into this wild world of creatures and magic, a world in which - you remind yourself - you didn't last mora than a few days. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> Right now, for better or for worse, $Felicia is the only person - thing - willing to share information or give you advice. Disregarding that advice can be quite litterally a question of life and death. $a['So, now that we have this settled...'] $M['Yes, darling?'] She flashes you a toothy smile. $a['I'm afraid I need some clothes. Mihai said he wanted me to be representable... and I'm also a girl now.'] You gulp. $a['I don't have any girl clothes.'] $M['Not to worry!'] The green-eyed catwoman springs up. $M['We'll get you sorted right away! You will be so pwetty! [[Follow me!]]'] (set: _ti to 5)

$vil You stumble outside, half-expecting the town to be a hellish dungeon or a monster-infested den, but to your dissapointment it turns out to be neither of those. In fact you can't spot any differences from before. You briefly consider lingering around to look for something unusual, but your curiosity gets the best of you and you set towards the manor at a [[brisk pace]].

$ant The shop, long and narrow, truly stretches inwards like the entrails of a giant beast, twisting left and right with openings occasionally appearing to either side, the weak yellowish light from the bulbs in a constant loosing battle to the shadows sprouting everywhere. As $Felicia leads you farther along rows of jars with strange thick substances inside and shelves filled with books of every shape and size, you wonder how the architecture of the boutique is even possible. From the outside it looked like a small construction nuzzled between two houses, but it just seems to continue winding somewhere else entirely. Eventually you reach a section where numerous dresses and overcoats are left hanging, followed by other old garments of all varieties. $M['Hold on for a minute, I'll fetch something for you'] Your green-eyed host disappears somewhere between them all. You sit on an old box. (display:"goto")[[Wait for her to return->woman to return.]]

$ant After a bit, your friend pops out, carrying with her two sets of costumes that she hangs on a nearby rack. $M['They're your size, my eye never lies. Pick the one that suits your style.'] You approach to examine the clothes. The first set appears to be some sort of $in[butler uniform]. $A[It would certainly fit a receptionist.] The second one is more neutral, like an old $in[gentleman's outfit]. $I[ [ ]<exam| ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Examine the butler uniform")[(replace: ?exam)[A white shirt underneath a black morning coat, accompanied by grey striped trousers, white golves and a black tie.] ] (display:"eye")(link-repeat:"Examine the gentleman's outfit")[(replace: ?exam)[A double-breasted deep blue overcoat with blue trousers a waistcoat of a lighter aquamarine shade. ] ] (display:"goto")[[Choose the butler uniform->uni1]] (display:"goto")[[Choose the gentleman's outfit->uni2]]

$ant It seems to be the most appropriate option. While you're not exactly a butler, you're part of the staff and at the service of the owner and the guests. This garment is the most befitting of your social ranking. $I[Task completed: **Clothes maketh man**!] (set: $task_clothes to 0) (display:"goto")[[Proceed]] (set: $suit to "butler's uniform")

$ant If Mr. Petrescu wants you to look like a real gentleman and not embarass him in front of his (obviously important) guests, then this is surely the best option. Besides, the British practically invented the gentleman's style. Your blood demands it! $I[Task completed: **Clothes maketh man**!] (set: $task_clothes to 0) (display:"goto")[[Proceed]] (set: $suit to "gentleman's suit")

$ant Well, why the hell not? If Mihai wants you to look fashionable and not embarass him, why not go all the way? You'll look like one of those Romanian counts from the fairy tales. //"Vat business brings you to my humble abode, oh magnificent female stranger lost in ze dark forest?"// You chuckle to yourself. [[Proceed]] (set: $suit to "duke outfit")

$ant $Felicia brings out a mirror from somewhere and you take a look at yourself. You have to say you look rather good in your new $suit. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $A[Mihai ought to be happy with this - at least I won't embarass him in front of his guests.] $a['Thank you, I like it. How much do I owe you?'] $M['For this one - 100'] $A[100! That's not too expensive for such good quality, and an antique no less.] (display:"goto")[[Pay and leave]] (set: $hour to 22) (set: $money to it - 100) (set: $Felicia_level to 1)

$vil Stepping out of the Antique Boutique, you're greeted with a $in[night sky and a full moon overhead.] $A[**What the hell?!**] You take out your phone and check the time - it's $hour:$minute. Your jaw drops and you feel a deep unease and vertigo. How could this be? It doesn't make any sense. You remember distinctly entering the boutique not so long ago and it was still early! You didn't spend more than 30-40 minutes in there, maximum an hour, and yet somehow... With a racing heart you run through the village and reach the stream. With no idea what's going on, getting back to the manor seems the best option. (display:"goto")[[Return tot he hotel->best option]]

$dark The road is dark and barely distinguishable, even under the full moon. If you hadn't already walked it a number of times you'd be long lost. The forest, black and forbidding, is eerily quiet save for the wind blowing between the pines. Then there is another sound - the distant howling of wolves, somewhere to the east. You're accutely aware just how dangerous this path can be at night. You should have never stayed this late at the village, but damn the time flew impossibly at the antique shop. Suddenly you catch something with the corner of your eye, a blurry movement between the trees on the other side of the stream. Curiosity however is topped by the voice of caution and your pace quickens, not waiting to see what is lurking about. As you turn a corner on the road, a few hundred feet farther upstream, you see a silhouette of a man blocking the way. <img src="images/wolf.png" width="900" align="center"> (display:"goto")[[Approach the man]] (display:"goto")[[Turn back and run]] (set: $Felicia_level to 1) (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolf")) (set: $bracelet to 1)

$dark With a cautious step you approach the figure, it's outline becoming more unnatural and bizzare to your silent horror. When it's barely a few feet away you can see that the thing is half-human half-wolf, wearing the torn remnants of clothes through which fur and claws portrude. It emmits a low growl and you peer up straight into two flaming yellow eyes and a giant drooling jaw... <img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> A scream and a few steps is all you manage before the monster leaps on top of you and pins you to the ground, its jaws sinking into the back of your neck. It's a small mercy that your spine breaks, stopping the agony, but leaving you a helpless observer of the ground beneath you and a growing puddle of blood accompanied by the spasms and jerks of your body as the beast feeds on your flesh. Slowly the world [fades into darkness...]<fade| (set: $weredead to 1) (set: $lastdeath to "wolf") $R[You have learned a new secret: The thing in the forest] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (click:?fade)[(goto:"DIE1")](set: $wolf_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$dark You turn around and start running without looking back. There was something sinister and unnatural in the silhouette that you saw and you're not going to stick around to see up close what it was. A howl tears through the night, long and piercing and, worst of all, right behind you. You switch into a sprint, running as fast as you can, but soon you can hear steps behind you, approaching fast. With the blood pumping in your ears and the world spinning wild, you leave the clearing of the path and plunge into the [[darkness of the trees]].

$dark You manage to gain some distance and can no longer hear the steps behind you, but carry on running anyways, the thorns and bushes catching on your newly acquired outfit and tearing it up with a hundred small cuts. When you feel that you've lost your pursuer, whoever it was, you finally stop to catch your breath, leaning your back behind a big mossy boulder. Your lungs feel on fire and every breath is a pain in your chest, but at least you got away. The bad part is that the forest is utterly dark and you have no idea where you are. Without much of a choice, you [[pick a direction at random]].

$dark You walk a dozen feet, trying not to stumble over the invisible rocks and roots littering the ground. You stop by a giant fallen trunk, crouching next to rough bark, when suddenly you hear a low growl and look up straight into two flaming yellow eyes and a giant drooling jaw... <img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> A scream and a few steps is all you manage before the monster leaps on top of you and pins you to the ground, its jaws sinking into the back of your neck. It's a small mercy that your spine breaks, stopping the agony, but leaving you a helpless observer of the ground beneath you and a growing puddle of blood accompanied by the spasms and jerks of your body as the beast feeds on your flesh. Slowly the world [fades into darkness...]<fade| (set: $weredead to 1) (set: $lastdeath to "wolf") $R[You have learned a new secret: The thing in the forest] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (click:?fade)[(goto:"DIE1")] (set: $wolf_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal]

$T[-è#@~ùµç-] {(live: 0.2s)[ (set: _app to $rebirth's $test) (replace: ?wind)[_app] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 10 and $dead is 1)[(goto: "reborn1")] (if: $test is 10 and $dead >1)[(goto: "reborn")] [ ]<wind| ]} (set: $hour to 8) (set: $minute to 0)

(set: $rebirth to (a: "You turn around and start running without looking back. There was something sinister and unnatural in the silhouette that you saw and you're not going to stick around to see up close what it was. A howl tears through the night, long and piercing and, worst of all, right behind you. You switch into a sprint, running as fast as you can, but soon you can hear steps behind you, approaching fast. With the blood pumping in your ears and the world spinning wild, you leave the clearing of the path and plunge into the darkness of the trees", "The shop, long and narrow, truly stretches inwards like the entrails of a giant beast, twisting left and right with openings occasionally appearing to either side, the weak yellowish light from the bulbs in a constant loosing battle to the shadows sprouting everywhere. As Felicia leads you farther along rows of jars with strange thick substances inside and shelves filled with books of every shape and size, you wonder how the architecture of the boutique is even possible. From the outside it looked like a small construction nuzzled between two houses, but it just seems to continue winding somewhere else entirely. Eventually you reach a section where numerous dresses and overcoats are left hanging, followed by other old garments of all varieties.", "You take the familiar path downhill following the little stream. Perhaps the mountain air is already having a positive effect or perhaps you're getting used to the road, but this time the trip is less exhausting. The forest around you is beautiful in an eerie way, the tall trees casting a deep shade that has stifled most of the low vegetation between them, creating a surprisingly clear space on the ground, filled mostly with lots of dry pinecones and the occasional bush.", "The doors of the hatch take some effort to lift but you eventually manage to open them, removing the vines that have already started to crawl on top. The inside of the basement is more akin to the opening of a dungeon, with a cold stony floor and pillars supporting the manor on top. There are matches left near the hatch and you use them to light a torch which illuminates well enough the space several feet around you. There are pipes and valves covering most of the east wall and going into the ceiling, as well as a handful of crates, a workbench and some tools hanging near it, more torches and cobwebs wobbling by the cold draft; and of course, there is the generator. On the opposite side of the room there is another door leading further down...", "With a hungry stomach, you enter the dining hall and are greeted with a strange sight. All the windows have been civered with heavy wooden shutters from the exterior, such that barely any sunlight enters the room at all. To compensate for this, candles have been lit on almost all of the tables, their faint flames doing little but pushing the darkness a coupleof feet away. Sitting on a large ornate table not far from the entrance, you recognise the silhouette of a man with a golden cane. 'Ah, Mr. Reid. Coming for some breakfast?' 'Yes, I was hungry... pardon my curiosity, Mr. Petrescu' - you decide to lean on the side of caution when adressing your boss - 'but what is all this?' 'Just having breakfast with an old friend, no cause for worry. It's much more romantic this way, don't you find?' Something in his tone implies that disagreement is not really an option. 'Yes, of course, Mr. Petre-' 'Although it would be better with the grand chandelier' - he points upwards towards a heavy ball of light bulbs and crystals - 'but unfortunately the power is still down. Speaking of which, have you any intention of going down to the village today?'", "'Eggs and bakon, ja?' You give him a nod and he disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling. A few minutes later, while you're eating in the semi-complete darkness of the dining hall, a new silhouette enters the room. You immediately identify the bizzare outline of the woman you met earlier. She takes a seat across the table from Mihai, occupuing what appears to be the biggest armchair you've ever seen, with a seat large enough for two people to sit on side by side comfortably and a tall back covered in numerous fancy cushions. Her slim body and small round head look almost ridiculous in comparison, yet somehow she seems to fill the chair quite nicely with the rest of her body... Looking at her you start getting a headache and you move your gaze away, rubbing your tired eyes. The room is so dark and the candles so faint that the shadows are starting to play tricks on you.. Bits of the conversation make their way to you, but it's too low and jumbled to make any sense.", " To your surprise, one of the doors on your right opens and a woman walks out in the hallway, walking towards you without a sound. She is tall and dark - her skin and short hair black as ebony. However what is most peculiar about her are her proportions - as she advances you can see the outline of her body: her head is small and thin, and her stick-like arms flail around her equally skeletal torso which, if it has breasts at all, hides them very well under a tight leather jacket. And still despite this slim and skinny upper section, under her waist her body bulges out into an entirely different shape: her ass - round and portruding - is almost a seperate entity altogether, occupying - you genuinly wonder - almost as much space as the rest of her. ", "You leave your room and head instictively towards the staircase, when a cold breeze brushes an icy finger on your cheek. You look both ways - all the windows are closed - but after all this is a pretty old house... Suddenly, you're feeling a little curious to explore the top floor. Both Mihai and Ionut were very brief about it, and you wonder if there aren't some hidden delights to find - perhaps an opening to the roof? Surely the view to the mountain will be breathtaking. And then there are the towers... you could always take a peek around. ", "You wake up full of energy and ready to take on the world! Despite the limited comodities, you had a good night's sleep and are looking forward to your first day of work. ...which starts at 6pm. In your enthousiasm you'd almost forgotten. Still, you'll probably find something useful to do during the day! ", " "))

$room You slowly wake up, your eyes opening to the familiar view of your room's ceiling. The dark mist in your mind slowly disperses and is replaced with mounting confusion. (set: $A to ((color:#FFCCE5)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $a to (color:#FFCCE5)) $A[What was that....? A dream..? Hallucination? Drugs? How the hell am I alive? It was all so real...] You rise in your bed and toss the covers aside. There is an immediate and profound sensation that something is off. Then apprehension strikes - your body is different. Smaller waist; leaner, hariless legs; you raise up your hands - they're similar, but deffinitely different - smaller, more delicate; your gaze falls down on a pair mounds bulging your pyjama. You shoot out of bed and into the small bathroom attached to your chamber, where a strange new face is looking at you in the mirror. Well, some of it is not new - your eyes are the same, dark brown, unchanged; your hair is almost the same, dark straight, though perhaps longer. You concentrate on your features - they have shifted around in slight but important ways, crafting the face of a young, beautiful woman staring with an open jaw and wide, terrified eyes. Stumped in shock, you fall a few steps back. (display:"goto")[[Sit on the bed]]

{(live: 0.1s)[ (set: $print to ((history:)'s (((history:)'s length) - $test ))) (display: $print) (if: $test<((history:)'s length))[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is (((history:)'s length)-1))[(goto: "reborn1")] [ ]<wind| ]}

<div style="text-align:center;">$T[CHAPTER 1: THE WOLF, THE BAT AND THE SPIDER] </div> You've finished the introduction of Transylvania! From now on you will have more freedom to explore the world and make a variety of choices that lead to branching paths. I recommend saving the game here in case you want to go back and do things differently. [If you wish to continue with the story blind and without spoiling anything, [[wake up<-click here.]] If you wish to know the basic mechanics of the game, [click here]<info|. ]<chap1| (click: ?info)[ $I[-the goal of each chapter is to finish the day successfully; -there are different success states that can be optained; -most actions cost you time and as such you may not be able to do everything you wish; -some options are only available at specific times of day, such as **breakfast** and **dinner**; -likewise the options in a given location (such as the inn or library) will change throughout the game, based on your past actions and other circumstances; -your death is not the end of the game; [[Continue->wake up]] ] (replace:?chap1)[ ] ] (set: $bracelet to 1)

$room Thinking is hard and as you clutch your head with both hands your thoughts buzz inside like a swarm of angry wasps, too fast and dangerous to catch. Minutes pass until you manage to calm down your beating heart. Your gaze absent-mindedly falls on the bracelet on your hand and the (colour:"#FFCCCC")[four crimson beads] that decorate it. $A[Alright, Alex.. what's going on? Did I take any drugs? Did someone slip me something?] You let the confusion was over you for a few minutes, then your rational mind kicks in. $A[This is real.] You pinch your thigh and the pain reaches your brain, sobering it up. $A[I'm Alex, I was a student, I grew up with my parents in England...] A wave of new and confusing memories swirls around your head, but you chase them away. $A[...and then I travelled to Romania for a summer job. I'm currently in a hotel in a village located high in the mountains above Timisoara] You look down at the two small bumps on your chest currently covered by your pyjamas. $A[...and apparently somehow, for some reason, I have become a girl] You try to think very hard about the last thing you remember, but your recollection from last night is vague at best. $A[Given the irrefutable weight of reality, I must allow the possibility that the supernatural exists and it has affected me in some way. In some very peculiar way indeed...] The shock subsiding, you look down at your changed body again, with a pique of curiosity. Ignoring the circumstanes of the event, it is quite the extraordinary experience. $A[What is it like, being a girl?] you wonder. <img src="images/heart.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">(display:"none")[[Give in to curiosity]] (display:"goto")[[Focus on more important matters]] $R[Feat unlocked - "What the hell was that?"] (set: _ti to 30)

$att You leave your room and head instictively towards the staircase, when a cold breeze brushes an icy finger on your cheek. You look both ways - all the windows are closed... curiosity grips you -perhaps you could take a peek around? $A[What the...] you rub your temples. You get the eerie sensation that this has happened before. (display:"10m")[[Explore the hallway->take a peek around]] (display:"goto")[[Go down the stairs->go down for breakfast]] (set: _ti to 5)

$fl2 $E['Tsk, tsk. Not in a bit. Now, servant.'] She pushes her bony fingers in your back with surprising strength, lunging you forward. $E['I'm having breakfast with the boy and I shall want to rest afterwards. Make sure it's spotless.'] Swallowing your pride you give her a small nod to which she returns a poisonous smile before letting you stroll down the hallway. Her room is almost at the end, and as you approach you notice that the door is slightly ajar. (if: (history:) contains "clean28.1")[ $A[Okay... I remember. I was here. Need to concentrate... and find a way to check what's real.] You close your eyes and stand there for a long moment, trying to pull out fragments from the mist in your head. $A[Need to be rational. What do I remember? A silver room... silk everywhere... if it turns out to be true, I'll know that I'm not going crazy!] (display:"75m") [[Enter room 28->clean28.2]] ] (else:)[ (display:"75m") [[Enter room 28->clean28.1]] ]

$din With a hungry stomach, you enter the dining hall and are greeted with a strange sight. All the windows have been civered with heavy wooden shutters. Barely any sunlight enters the room. Candles have been lit on almost all of the tables, their faint flames doing little but pushing the darkness a coupleof feet away. Sitting on a large ornate table not far from the entrance, you recognise the silhouette of a man with a golden cane. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Ah, Ms. Reid. Coming for some breakfast?'] $a['Yes, I was hung- wait, "Ms."?'] You look at Mihai, who seems to roll with your new look without batting an eye. $Mi['I do prefer to use formal etiquette, dear Miss, though once we grow to know each other I shall call you Alexandra if that is your wish.'] $a['A-Alexandra?'] $Mi['That is your birthname, is it not? It was written on your papers and I have quite excellent memory.'] You stare at him with an open jaw. $A[How is this possible?!] $a['I-I prefer Alex.'] $Mi['In time, perhaps. For now, **Ms.Reid**, is there anything else I can help you with?'] (set: _ti to 20) $a['Pardon my curiosity, Mr. Petrescu, but [[what is all this?]]']

$din $Mi['Just having breakfast with an old friend, no cause for worry. It's much more romantic this way, don't you find?'] Something in his tone implies that disagreement is not really an option. $a['Yes, of course, Mr. Petre-'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Although it would be better with the grand chandelier'] - he points upwards towards a heavy ball of light bulbs and crystals - $Mi['but unfortunately the power is still down. Speaking of which, have you any intention of going down to the village today?'] Combatting the waves of déjà vu, you try to get a grip of yourself. Whatever is going on... (if: $lastdeath is "wolf")[You get a flash of a moonlit forest and long, white fangs closing in. Your hand instinctively reaches towards your neck, covering the spot where they sunk into your flesh... the pools of blood, so dark and overflowing...] $Mi['Everything alright, Mrs Reid?'] $a['Uh- Yes. I'm fine.'] You compose yourself. $Mi['Good. So, have you any plans to visit the village today?'] (display:"talk")[['Yes, I'll go'->'Probably2']] (display:"talk")[['Actually, I had something else in mind for the day'->Not planning2']] (set: $din_vis to true) (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 $E['Good girl. I like them docile'] $a['What?'] You turn around, but the woman is already walking away, her large butt swaying left and right as she goes. $A[What the hell was that all about...] Trying to supress the mixed feelings bubbling inside you you gulp down your pride and stroll down the hallway. The woman's room is almost at the end, and as you approach you notice that the door is slightly ajar. (if: (history:) contains "clean28.1")[ $A[Okay... I remember. I was here. Need to concentrate... and find a way to check what's real.] You close your eyes and stand there for a long moment, trying to pull out fragments from the mist in your head. $A[A silver room... silk everywhere... if it turns out to be true, I'll know that I'm not going crazy!] $I[task updated: **Putting the pieces together**] (set: $task_female to 2) (display:"75m") [[Enter room 28->clean28.2]] ] (else:)[(display:"75m") [[Enter room 28->clean28.1]] ]

$T[-ROOM 28-] The first thing that strikes you is the silk. The sheets on the bed, the curtains on the windows, the tablecloth, even the carpet is made from a silvery silky-smooth material that gives the place an overall light-greyish tone. It feels like stepping in some eerie dream. There is a (link-repeat:"bed")[(replace: ?obs)[It looks mostly well-made, but you still give it a few brushes, straightening the sheets and puffing the pillow. There, that should do it. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] (set: $e1 to 1)], queen-sized and surrounded by drapes of the same silvery cloth. It reminds you of exhibits you've seen at museums of the old royalty. There's also a (link-repeat:"small round table")[(replace: ?obs)[Small and made from black wood, the table holds a single vase filled with dry, long-dead flowers. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ], a (link-repeat:"wardrobe")[(unless: $e3 is 1)[(replace: ?obs)[Opening the wardrobe you experience the same eerie feeling and your view blurs. Once you refocus you see that it's filled with more $con[old sticks] and $con[deflated dolls]. Clean out the wardrobe.]](else:)[(replace: ?obs)[The wardrobe is already clean. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ] ] and a (link-repeat:"giant mirror")[(replace: ?obs)[You brush the surface with a cloth, making appear the image of a $mirror. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done")]] ] . [$A[What did she want me to clean again?] Your head feels oddly heavy and unresponsive, as if swimming through thick, silvery mist. Then you notice the obvious. Of course. How could you miss that? The floor is littered with $in[**dead branches**] and $in[**ragged dolls**].You should probably [clean them up]<e5|. ]<ap| $I[ [ ]<obs| ] (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done")] (click: ?e5)[(replace: ?obs)[In a slow, dream-like state you pick up the dead branches ($A[what am I doing?]) and the ragged dolls ($A[why are these here?]) in a big black bag ($A[how did it get here?]) and then bury them in the back garden ($A[when did I go there?]). In the end the room looks much cleaner. (if: $e3 is 1)[(display:"cleaning done")]] (set: $e5 to 1)(replace:?ap)[] ] (click: "Clean out the wardrobe")[(replace: ?obs)[You gather the sticks and dolls in a dark bag and bury it in the garden. You shake your head. The wardrobe is now clean. (set:$e3 to 1) (if: $e5 is 1)[(display:"cleaning done") ]] ] (set: _ti to 75)(set: $28done to 1) (set: $sanity -=5)

$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" >You approach through the woods, your heart pounding ever quicker. $A[How does it look without illusions? A big spooky castle? A large demain hidden from human eyes?] The Crooked Elm looks pretty ordinary. Dissapointment crawls in your mind, but then you remember what the cat told you about Mihai. $A[Is he really a vampire? What kind? Is he Dracula or Edward? Will he notice that I can see him? Does he have giant black wings? Am I putting myself in danger?] With these thoughts buzzing inside your head, you find yourself [[at the reception.]]

$rec $Mi[Ah, Ms. Reid. Back already? Have you taken care the generator?] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I- Uh- Not yet-'] You glare at the owner, trying to spot anything unusual - long ears, fangs, wings, red eyes.... Mihai has none of those and seems to notice you staring. $Mi[Can I help you, Miss?] $a['Nothing! I'm sorry Mr. Petrescu, [[I'll be on my way]]']

$fl2 You run two floors up, stopping to catch your breath. $A[Well, that was embarassing! I hope he didn't notice anything weird... But is he really a vampire? He looks odd and all, but it's all too much to swallow... perhaps that darned cat is taking me for a fool and mocking me behind my back!] You look up and freeze in horror as a giant, truck-sized eight-legged black nightmare glides along the corridor straight towards you. You fall back on the floor, your leggs wriggling and scrambling to push you towards the wall, as far away as possible from the thing. <img src="images/elise_spider.png" width="800" align="right"> The spider reaches you in seconds, its long stick-like legs gripping on the walls and ceiling as it moves and its large, round abdomen dragging behind it. It cocks its head to one side, peering towards you with 8 black pearls. You try to stifle a whimper looking at its long hairy jaws just an arm's reach from your face. $E['What's the matter, girl? Did you bite your tongue?'] You scream hysterically and spring up on your feet, dashing at full speed away from the thing. $E['Tsk, tsk, we can't have you running around like that...'] <img src="images/figure_escape.png" width="500" align="left"> You feel something sticky grip at your leg and you tumble and fall, splashing face-down on the floor. With the corner of your eye you see 4 black legs halt on either side. $E['A shame really, and she was kinda pretty. Tsk, tsk.'] There is a sharp pain on the side of your neck and your vision begins to fade, the sensations in your limbs growing weaker and somehow distant. $A[I guess Felicia was right about this place... spiders, vampires, monsters...] $I[Task completed: **Putting the pieces together**] (set: $task_female to 0) The truth offers you a cold consolation in your final moments, then [[everything goes dark.]]

$dark You slowly wake up on a silky bed underneath silky drapes. No! Your view shifts again and grows sharper, the veil fading away. You're on a giant spiderweb, intricate and complex, woven like a bed and drapes, and like blankets and sheets, like carpet and curtains. All around, the room is littered with bones of various shapes and sizes, all gnawed to a clean white. Beside them lay the corpses of smaller animals, sucked dry and shrivelled as if there remained nothing but a layer of skin covered by dry fur. Your attention shifts back to yourself - laying on your back, body wrapped in a cocoon neck to toes, with only your head sticking out to breathe. You can't help but notice that your belly is bulging out abnormally, swollen to the size of a basketball. Your terror is multiplied as you feel a soft movement inside you and you start screaming again. $E['Hush, my dear, no need to fret.'] The teeth sink into your neck again and the darkness returns, this time deeper and final... $E['A shame, you were pretty... but you will be such a wonderful mother, I promise... when my children eat their way through your flesh... now sleep..'] <img src="images/sdeath.png" width="600" align="center"> You wriggle helplessly, but the toxin does its work quickly and the [world disappears]<worlddis|. $I[Character entry updated in journal] (set: $elise_avatar to 2) $I[Task updated in journal: **Of silk and terror**] (if: $task_elise is 3)[(set: $task_elise to 4)] $R[Feat unlocked - "Broodmother"] $R[You have learned a new secret: The Spider] (set: $secrets to (it +1))(set: $ach2 to true) (click:?worlddis)[(goto:"DIE")](set: $deathlist to it + (a: "spider"))(set: $lastdeath to "spider")(set: $bow to true)

(if: $deathlist contains "lavius" and $lav_firstdeath is 0)[ (set: $sanity -=10) (goto:"first sex") ]$room You slowly wake up, your eyes opening to the familiar view of your room's ceiling. The dark mist in your mind slowly disperses. (set: $A to ((colour:#FF99CC)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $a to (colour:#FF99CC)) $A[ (either: "I really should be more careful...", "Here we go again...", "I hope I don't make a habit of this...", "Oh, fuck, not again...") ] You rub your temples, trying to push away the headache. This time the confusion subsides faster, your fragmented memories slowly returning. It's Monday morning again, the grey light of day seeping through the dirty window. You're Alexandra and you're a receptionist in a hotel near a small isolated mountain village in Romania. You have just died, again. Whatever mistakes you made last time, you'll have to try and avoid. You sigh and get up. (display: "bracelet.recap") (if: $dead>4 and $ach3 is false)[$R[Feat unlocked - "Serial Victim"] (set: $ach3 to true)] (display:"10m")[[Recap what you know so far->recap]] (display:"10m")[[Examine yourself->mirror]] (display:"20m")[[Get dressed->getdressed2]]

$fl2 (if: (history:)'s last is "Floor 2")[It's about time you got it done anyways. Her room is almost at the end, and as you approach you notice that the door is slightly ajar.] (else:)[You walk down the dark hallway until you arrive in front of the wooden door.] [Enter room 28]<ent28| (click:?ent28)[ (if:$dead is 0)[(goto:"clean28.1")] (elseif:$dead is 1)[(goto:"clean28.2")] (elseif:$dead >1 and $deathlist contains "spider" and $flashspider is 0)[(goto:"room flashbacks")] (elseif:$dead > 1 and $flashspider is 0)[(goto:"clean28.3")] (elseif:$dead > 1 and $flashspider is 1)[(goto:"clean28.4")] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-1px;" >You don't know why neither Mihai nor anyone else seems to notice your tranformation, but whatever is happening, it appears to be connected to the bracelet that $Felicia gave you. You just hope that she at least would be able to provide some answer. (set: _ti to 50) It is a strange feeling, walking down the mountain trail all by yourself. Even when the sun is high up, there is a darkness between the trees that cannot be disperesed. (if: $lastdeath is "wolf")[Eerie images flash in your mind and send shivers down your spine. You can't quite recall what happened, but the trees are there and you can smell your own fear in the air.] You feel vulnerable walking alone, even more so than before. $A[There are all sorts of things that could happen to a young girl walking alone through the woods...] your sweat feels cold, but your skin is strangely hot. You hasten your pace, eventually descending to [[the village->explanations]].

$ant The shop, long and narrow, truly stretches inwards like the entrails of a giant beast, twisting left and right with openings occasionally appearing to either side, the weak yellowish light from the bulbs in a constant loosing battle to the shadows sprouting everywhere. You vaguely remember this part and move through the motions, following your friend deep into the belly of her shop. Eventually you reach a section where numerous dresses and overcoats are left hanging, followed by other old garments of all varieties. $M['Hold on for a minute sweetie, I'll fetch a few things for you'] She disappears somewhere between the rows. You sit on an old box and wait for the [[woman to return]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$ant After a bit, your friend pops out, carrying with her two sets of costumes that she hangs on a nearby rack. $M['They're your size, my eye never lies. Pick the one that suits your style.'] You approach to examine the clothes. The first set appears to be some sort of [butler uniform]<uni1|, suited for a woman. $A[It would certainly fit a receptionist.] The second one is a flirty [housemaid outfit]<uni2|, something that reminds you of questionable late-night movies. You wonder why the woman thought it was a good idea at all. $I[ [ ]<exam| ] [[Choose the butler uniform->uni11]] [[Choose the housemaid outfit->uni12]] {(live:1s)[ (click: ?uni1)[(replace: ?exam)[A white shirt underneath a black morning coat, accompanied by grey striped trousers, white golves and a black tie.] ](click: ?uni2)[(replace: ?exam)[A short black and white skirt with a corset and deep cleavage.] ] ]} (set: _ti to 10)

$ant It seems to be the most appropriate option. While you're not exactly a butler, you're part of the staff and at the service of the owner and the guests. This garment is the most befitting of your social ranking. Plus, the other option certainly doesn't look like something you would dare wear in public. You dress in silence, battling with the diverse and unfamiliar pieces of your new garment. When you're done, you do a little whirl in front of your host. $M['Elegant, but professional. I like it. Doesn't do much to play your womanly charms, though'] You frown but do not respond. 'Womanly charms' are not something you want to advertise right now. [[Continue]] (set: $suit to "butler's uniform") (set: _ti to 15)

$ant Your eyes stay glued on the housemaid outfit. It looks outrageously flirty, but part of you is intrigued. $A[Why not, after all...?] The shop owner observes your hesitation with quiet amusement. You can feel her green eyes on you and you start to sweat a little. You reach for the skirt and then stop mid-way, turning towards the butler's uniform. $a['I'll have that one.'] $M['A pity.'] She hands you the clothes and you dress in silence, battling with the diverse and unfamiliar pieces of your new garment. When you're done, you do a little whirl in front of your host. $M['Elegant, but professional. Doesn't do much to play your womanly charms, though'] You blush a little but do not respond. [[Continue]] (set: $suit to "butler's uniform") (set: _ti to 15) (set: $chosen_maid_first to true) (set: $outf2 to false)

$T[-ROOM 28-] <img id="backg2" src="images/sdeath.png" width="800" align="center"> The room is exactly as you remember it. The sheets on the bed, the curtains on the windows, the tablecloth, even the carpet is made from a silvery silky-smooth material that gives the place an overall light-greyish tone. It feels like stepping in some eerie dream. You step uncertainly on the $str[silky web]silver carpet, glancing at the $str[bones]sticks littered around the room. The nausea mounts in your throat and hits you like a truck. You fall to your knees. $A[What the hell...] You see yourself, $str[cocooned]tied on the bed, a giant silhouette of a black $str[spider]woman behind you, $str[descending from the ceiling]coming out of the wardrobe. Your constrained figure moans, half-unconscious, as the $str[spider]woman pushes something inside her and $str[starts laying its eggs]pushes her fingers inside you. Without you noticing your hand has darted down between your legs, your fingers rubbing vigorously the wetness between your folds. It's something that you've never done before. No. You've done it hundreds of times. The memories come rushing to your head. As a little girl, rubbing yourself under the sheets, hoping no one would see you; as a teenager, home alone, browsing the dark side of tmblr and fantasizing you'd run off with your own billionnaire sadist; as a liberal in college, finally ordering all those toys you'd always wanted and stockpiling on batteries for the lonely weekends at the dormitories. [[Give in to the feeling]] [[Get a grip]] (set: $flashspider to 1) (set: _ti to 10)

$T[-ROOM 28-] It takes you a moment to recover, your mind coming to terms with the reality of the situation. In another life, you were killed in this room. And yet - you shiver to admit - this turned you on. $A[What the hell is wrong with me?] In any case, this isn't what you came here for. There is work to do. You get down to business, tiding up the room. When you're done, you head [[downstairs->ground floor]]. (set: _ti to 80) (set: $28done to 1)

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.5s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You always helped your friends when they needed you and were always kind to your family as well as to strangersjust like your father had always taught you.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you were meant to (colour:#CC0000)[succeed],that one day you would do great things and then you'd come back home to your parents and they'd tell you how proud they were.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - her name was (colour:#FFCCFF)[Angela] - she was a fragile blue-eyed creature that adored you] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ ...but in the end you just had to let her go. Why did you have to let her go? You don't quite remember. Something happened between the two of you and then things were never quite the same.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[few friends], mostly boys from the hood whose parents weren't well off enough to send to summer camps or boarding schools, so you played together, exploring the backstreets.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It wasn't the most glorious childhood, but you have nontheless fond memories of it and it definitely taught you a lot about life.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] died when you were 16. It was only a (colour:#FFFFCC)[goldfish] but you were just starting to get attached to it. His name was Mr. Rogers.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Mr. Rogers was pretty cute, as far as goldfish go; or so you had thought at the time...] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [school]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[decent grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, you had a decent life, for what it was worth. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $lastdeath to "ionut")

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You always helped your friends when they needed you, even if you were a little rebellious with your parents, something they occasionally complained about but always forgave.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you were meant to (colour:#CC0000)[succeed],that one day you would do great things and find your place in the world, wherever it may be.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - his name was (colour:#CCFFFF)[Marc] - was a shy guy who had always adored you] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ ...but in the end you just had to let him go. Why did you have to let him go? You don't quite remember. Something happened between the two of you and then things were never quite the same.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[a decent amount of friends], mostly boys and girls from the hood whose parents weren't well off enough to send to summer camps or boarding schools, so you played together, exploring the backstreets.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It wasn't the most glorious childhood, but you have nontheless fond memories of it and it definitely taught you a lot about life.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] died when you were 15. It was a (colour:#FFFFCC)[beautiful dog] that your parents had bought for you when you were little. His name was Anthony and you loved him like family.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Anthony had meant the world to you and his death didn't go by easily. You slipped in a depression which lasted until the early years of college.] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [school]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[okay-ish grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, your life was ordinary and unfullfiling. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $backstory to "You had a quiet and peacful childhood, until your first love left you heartbroken. You didn't allow it to show, but you felt dead inside for years. Life never really surprised you much, until you decided to take that summer job.")

$T[-ROOM 28-]<img id="backg1" src="images/sdeath.png" width="800" align="center"> The insticnts kick in, instincts you're discovering, instincts you've always had. Your fingers rub faster as you watch flashback of the helpless figure wriggling as your belly gets inflated. (text-colour:#FFCCCC)[Captured.] (text-colour:#FF6666)[Used.] (text-colour:#CC0000)[Killed.] The orgasm shakes you and you give in to it, shaking uncontrollably as fantasies merge with reality into a [[dreadful bliss]]. (set: $elise_servant to true) (set: $lust to it +1) (set: _ti to 15) (set: $sanity -=5)

$T[-ROOM 28-] $A[What the hell is wrong with me?! This isn't the time for this! Not to mention it's just-] Words fail you. You're not how exactly to describe that you're turned on by the place of your own death, but it's definitely not right. Slightly disguested with yourself, you get to cleaning the room, trying to forget about your little accident. By now you know the ropes of it so well you can do it on auto-pilot. When you're done with the room, you head [[downstairs->ground floor]]. (set: _ti to 80) (set: $28done to 1)

$ant $M['For you, it will be only-'] $a['100, right?'] You give her a wink. $a['I remember.'] (if: $dead is 1)[$M['You're learning fast.'] She gives you an odd half-smile. $M['Just don't get ahead of yourself. Your knowledge of prior events can be a double-edged sword. There is no guarantee things will go down the same way, so don't over rely on it. You might regret it.'] $a['I understand.'] You nod and [[hand her the coins.]] ](else:)[ $M['Excellent. Now if you could only not die this time, that would be great.] Your eyes fall to the floor. It wasn't your fault really, but somehow you feel guilty, as if you'd let her down. $M['Anyways now that you have an outfit we can head back.'] The two of you [return to the entrance]<back|.] (click:?back)[(goto:"antique boutique")] (set: $money -=100) (set: _ti to 10)

$ant The two of you walk in silence towards the front of the Antique Boutique. $M['So, can I ask you an indiscreet question?'] $a['Uhm, yes?'] You blush. It's true that you've been a woman for your entire life, but it's also true that it has been just a day since you've been a woman for your entire life. And there are so many things that you're still uncertain about. $A[Oh god is she going to ask me about all of-] $M['How did you die?'] $a['Huh?' You blink stupidly.] [[Be honest with her]] [[Mumble some excuse]] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant You hesitate for a moment, but find no reason to hide the truth. As soon as you start talking, the memories seem to come back and fit into place, as if helped by the woman's presence. (if: $lastdeath is "ionut")[ 'I'm not sure what happened exactly, but I stuck my nose where I shouldn't have. There was this tower, up in the attic.. $M['A tower?'] 'Yes. The top was a room in pitch black darkness. All the windows were completely covered. I tried opening one but then the servant came after me.' $M['And you didn't see anything else?'] $a['There was just this... figure; up at the ceiling. It seemed like it had giant wings, but I blacked out before taking a proper look.'] $M['And you died?'] You gulp. $a['Not quite. I woke up some time later, tied in a shallow grave. The servant buried me alive.'] A cold shiver runs through your spine. $M['Better be careful where you poke your nose, girl. I'd stay away from that tower for now, if I were you.'] $a['I know.'] You shiver again. $A[Although dying and telling the tale... that's quite the experience. Can't say that I'm not fascinated.] It seems that $Felicia has nothing more to ask you, so you head [[exit the shop.<-towards the exit.]] ] (if: $lastdeath is "wolf")[$a['It happened at night, while I was climbing the hill back to the manor. There was a strange silhouette on the road...'] You shiver at the memory, your voice faltering while you struggle to describe it. (if: (history:) contains "Approach the man")[$a['I was careless and got close.... close enough to see that it wasn't human.']] (else:)[$a[I tried to run away but eventually it caught up with me.] ] $a[The last thing I remember was falling to the ground and fangs biting into my neck.] You shiver again, a wave of cold propagating through your body. Talking about your own death is an uneasy topic. $M['Sounds like you ran into a werewolf.'] $a['A werewolf? I suppose at this point I shouldn't be surprised, but still... is that common?'] $M['It's a full moon, so folks know not to wander about in the forest. You should too.'] $a['But I have to get back to the manor!'] $M['Then better do it before nightfall. Or take some protection. Or both.'] [['What protection?'->protec]] ] (set: _ti to 8)

$ant $a['Sorry but.... I don't really want to talk about it.'] $M['That bad, huh?'] (if: $lastdeath is "ionut")[$a['Just plain stupidity, that's all'] The though of the cold grave sends a shiver down your spine and you halt in awkward silence.](else:)[$a['Just an unfortunate encounter'] The though of the thing in the forest sends a shiver down your spine and you halt in awkward silence.] $M['Fine, won't push it. But a little honesty with your friends might help you to prevent future incidents.'] You nod but don't say anything. It's true that she's helped you a lot, but you're not sure to what extend you can really trust the green-eyed woman. Before you know it, the two of you reach the front of the Boutique and $Felicia takes her place behind the counter and begins polishing some watches. It seemes like there's nothing more to say, so you [[exit the shop.]]

(if: $dead>1)[(goto:"antique boutique")]$ant $M['It's very easy - just blow a puff from the bottle on yourself and try not to act suspicious.'] $a['Not to act suspicious?'] $M['Don't act like prey. Don't show fear. Be confident.' ] $a['And one single puff is going to be enough? Are you sure?'] You eye the tiny bottle. $M['Yes. It should last for several hours.'] (set: _ti to 5) $a['Alright, thanks.'] (if: $money<30)[$A[But what am I going to tell Mihai? that I lost the money? Perhaps I got robbed? Or simply that I didn't find any fuel..?] ](elseif: $money<=50)[$A[I just hope that I have enough money left to buy fuel...] ](elseif: $money>=100)[$A[I should have plenty of money left for fuel, I just hope that oweing $Felicia won't come to bite me in the ass..] ] With these thoughts in mind, you [exit the shop.]] (set: $phero_explained to 1)

$vil Taking a deep breath, you stroll towards the village center. Everything is happening so fast that you need some time to gather your thoughts. Perhaps a [drink at the inn]<drink| would help bring some clarity to things? (if: $gen is 1)[It could also be a good opportunity to ask around for fuel.] You could always [head back to the manor.]<back| (set: _ti to 5) (set: $explained to 1) (click:?drink)[(if: $inn_level is 0)[(goto:"innc2")] (else:)[(goto:"innc2")] ] (click:?back)[(goto:"head back to the manor.")]

$rec The reception desk is massive and filled with many drawers and compartments. The sign on top currently reads {(live:1s)[ $desksign]}, but you can [change it]<change|. Behind the desk there is a large board on which hang the keys to the rooms. You can [take some.]<take| $I[ [ ]<info6| ] [Finish fiddling]<finish| {(live: 1s)[ (click: ?change)[(replace: ?info6)[ [CLOSED]<cl| [OPEN]<open| [BACK IN 10 MINUTES]<back10| [BEWARE OF DOG]<beware| ] ] (click: ?cl)[(replace: ?info6)[You change the sign to "CLOSED"] (set: $desksign to "CLOSED") ] (click: ?open)[(replace: ?info6)[You change the sign to "OPEN"] (set: $desksign to "OPEN") ] (click: ?back10)[(replace: ?info6)[You change the sign to "BACK IN 10 MINUTES"] (set: $desksign to "BACK IN 10 MINUTES") ] (click: ?beware)[(replace: ?info6)[You change the sign to "BEWARE OF DOG"] (set: $desksign to "BEWARE OF DOG") ] (click: ?take)[ (if: $keysneeded is 0)[(replace:?info6)[At the moment you don't need any keys] ] (else:)[ (replace: ?info6)[ Take the key to [room 28]<r28|] ] ] (click: ?r28)[(replace: ?info6)[You take the key from the board and add it to your keyring.] (set: $key28 to 1) (set: $keysneeded to 0) ] ]} (click: ?finish)[(goto: (history:)'s last)]

$fl2 You stroll down the corridor and approach the door to room 28. This time it's closed, as you left it. (display:"goto")[Enter the room]<ent1| $I[ [ ]<in4| ] (click: ?ent1)[ (if: $key28 is 0)[(replace: ?in4)[You press the handle but nothing happens. The door is locked. You could get the key from the desk at the [reception]<gf2| ] ] (elseif: $elise_level is 0)[(goto:"r28l1") ] (elseif: $elise_level is 1)[(goto:"r28l2") ] (elseif: $elise_present is 3)[(goto:"r28l5") ] (elseif: $elise_level >1 and $deathlist contains "spider" and $lav_firstdeath > 0)[(goto:"r28l4")] (elseif: $elise_level > 1)[(goto:"r28l3") ] ] (click:?gf2)[ (goto:"ground floor")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] She looks at you for a long moment, circling sideways. You can see her skeletal arms twitching, like blades ready for battle. At last, she halts. $E['All is good. Tsk. Leave.'] It's clear that she doesn't wish to speak with you right now. Despite her cold answer, you feel curious about the guest in room 28. With a quick glance behind her back, you notice an open book on the small table next to the window. Next to the book there is also $I[an empty vase for flowers.] $A[It seems I interrupted her reading... but perhaps I can bring her a little gift or something to brighten her mood...?] (display:"talk")['Sorry to have disturbed you']<fl2| (set: _ti to 5)(click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] $E['You have?'] She looks taken by surprise. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> You get out the handful of fresh thistles you've picked from the garden and place them in the vase, taking away the crumbling remains of the previous batch. They look nice, just starting to open up their bright violet heads, sure to last for some time throughout their bloom. $E['That's.... nice of you.'] $a['I thought you'd like them changed. Do you like them?'] She circles around you, moving in a strange sideways motion. $E['I do.'] (display:"talk")[[Strike a conversation->elise conv]] (display:"bk")[[Leave the room]] (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: _ti to 10)

$T[-ROOM 28-] $a['So, uh, what brings you to The Crooked Elm?'] She continues to circle around you, visibly awkward and unsure. Her large butt wobbles softly, almost behind her body. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> $E['I've come to seek a home for my children. The Elder has promissed me help.'] $a['The Elder?'] You raise an eyebrow. $E['Mihai's father'] $a['Ah.'] You pause, thinking. $a['So, he's going to pull some strings, get them a job? Perhaps here at the hotel?'] The dark woman blinks, perplexed. $E['Not a job. A home.'] $a['Yeah, I get it. Just like me!'] You laugh nervously. $a['That's the good thing about working at a hotel, right? You get a bed and a roof, even a breakfast...'] The woman blinks again and continues to circle around you. Feeling uneasy, you decide you've outstayed your welcome. $a['Hope I haven't disturbed you too much. Good luck for your kids!'] You laugh again, nervously. There is more that you need to learn, but you feel that now is not the right time. Maybe you can continue the conversation later? $I[Task updated: **Of silk and terror**] (set: $task_elise to 2) (display:"goto")[Leave]<fl2| (set: $elise_level to 1)(set: _ti to 30) (click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] The woman blinks again and continues to circle around you. Feeling uneasy, you decide you've outstayed your welcome. $a['Hope I haven't disturbed you too much.'] You laugh nervously and [leave.]<fl2| (set: _ti to 5)(click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] (if: $hour >11 )[You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. Just as the previous time, the dark woman emerges from the shadows. $E['Tsk, what are you doing here?'] (if: $flowers is 0)[$A[Dammit, I forgot the flowers!] (display:"talk")[['I'll be right back!'->brb elise]] ] (if: $flowers > 0)[$A[Alright, let's see if this will work a second time...] 'I've brought some flowers for you!' You give a wide smile and brush past the woman, taking out the old crumpled flowers from her vase and replacing them with a rather large bouquet of [[violet thistles.]] ] ] (else:)[You enter the familiar silvery room and your mind is immediately invaded by the strange haze that makes it difficult to think. Suddenly, you're much more alert. $A[What is this room? What is this hotel?] The silky smooth surfaces suddenly feel less comfortable and more like a trap. Something is weird. Something is wrong. You don't feel like it would be a good idea to touch anything, so you decide to [leave]<fl2| ] (set: _ti to 10) (click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$vil You approach the old building, thinking of ways you could convince the man to let you inside. He didn't seem very friendly last time. You knock and wait for a moment before the trap door opens. The man squints at you for a moment, then his expression changes. 'Ah, a visitor! Please, Miss, come inside!' The trap door closes and the door opens, a large hairy man gesturing you [[inside.]] (set: _ti to 10)

$mount (if:$fuel is 0 and $gen is 1)[You feel a little overwhelmed by all the recent events, so you decide to head back to the manor ofr the time being. The fuel for the generator can wait. The village isn't going anywhere, you could always return later in the day, or even tomorrow... Mihai would probably understand. After all, he didn't give you a deadline or anything. ]The climb up is a little harder in your new $suit, but after a while your body adjust and your movement becomes a little more fluid. You still have roughly (print: (18-$hour)) hours unil your workday begins. This leaves you some time, but you better hurry. Eventually you arrive back at [[The Crooked Elm.->ground floor]] <img src="images/mansion.png" width="1200" align="center"> (set: _ti to 60)

$T[-ROOM 28-] Remembering your previous conversation with the mysterious guest, you run off to [[the garden]]. (set: _ti to 10)

(if: $pheromones is 1 and $pherochoice is 0)[(goto:"pherochoice")]$mount You swear under your breath as your $suit makes movements harder than you're used to. The path is luckily easy enough to see under the light of the full moon, but even so you're going to probably be late for your first shift. $A[What am I going to tell Mihai? That I lost track of time? Hopefully no guests will have arrived in the meantime, and he'll just let it slide...] Even so, you don't quite regret it. You had a good time with Lavius and even as you hurry uphill your mind drifts back to that moment when he kissed you. $A[I wonder if I had stayed...] He is without a doubt the most intriguing man that you've ever met. Your body reacts to your thoughts, kindling a fire in your lower belly. (if: $howl is 1)[Walking this path at night is definitely something that you no longer do lightly. Thinking of your past experiences in the forest makes your heart pound faster. Are you really hoping to avoid the beast? Whatever your intentions are, the invitable encounter is upon you. Just like before, a crooked figure is obsertving you from some distance ahead. A shiver of anticipation runs down your spine.](else:)[About halfway through the climb, you spot an eerie silhouette standing in the shadows on the side of the road. Squinting to see better, you try to indentify the shape - upright but not quite human, with a large head and even larger jaw... It cocks its head to the side, two flaming yellow eyes fixing on your position.] <img src="images/wolf.png" width="900" align="center"> [[Continue calmly]] [[Turn around and run away]] (set: _ti to 30)

$mount (if: $phero is 0)[ (display:"no_phero")] (elseif: $phero is 1)[You gulp and continue your path towards the figure, distinguishing more of its definitely inhuman features the closer you get... It turns its head towards you, pinning two hungry yellow eyes straight at its new target. A freezing chill runs down your spine and you feel the cold sweat on your forhead. $A[This was a bad idea. A **very** bad idea!] Somehow you manage to carry on, making one step after the other, until you're at the same level as the silhouette, standing a few paces away in the shadows. You look straight forward, not trusting your body to keep calm if you looked directly at the thing, which on the other hand is looking directly at you, as you can tell by the corner of your eye... There is a sound like a low growl, and a dog sniffing the air... (if: $lewd<20)[Then you make another step. And another one. The thing doesn't move to attack you and you decide not to turn back. $A[Just keep going... keep going...] After what seems like an eternity you've taken several turns up the trail and are drawing ever closer to the manor. You can't hear anything, but your heart is still beating fast in your chest. ](else:)[You can't help yourself and you turn your head, glancing at the monster. It's inhuman features are hard on the eye, but you nevertheless catch yourself staring at its big, muscular body... [[Stray a little closer]]] [[Continue forward]]] (elseif: $phero>1)[(display:"phero.overdose")]

$mount You turn around and start running without looking back. There was something sinister and unnatural in the silhouette that you saw and you're not going to stick around to see up close what it was. A howl tears through the night, long and piercing and, worst of all, right behind you. You switch into a sprint, running as fast as you can, but your $suit is uncomfortable for running and your feet get tangled in the extra garments you're not used to. Panicking, you scramble to get up, your ankle gets caught in a root and you fall flat again, while the thing is [[fast approaching...]]

$mount (if: $phero is 0)[<img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> The monster leaps on top of you, pinning you down, its claws digging down and shredding your new clothes. Your frail, feminine body trembles in terror as the teeth sink into the delicate flesh without hesitation. There is little mercy for you this time and you convulse in agony as the beast tears off chunk after chunk, your helpless limbs flailing in the swelling pools of blood and splattering crimson spots all over the remains of your $suit. The force is finally sapped from your body and the pain fades into a dull background. The last thing you feel is your bracelet getting warmer, before [the darkness takes you]<worlddis|. (set: $weredead to 1) (set: $lastdeath to "wolf")(set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolf"))] (elseif: $phero<5)[<img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> The monster leaps on top of you, pinning you down, its claws digging down and shredding your new clothes. There is a moment of hesitation, as the beast sniffs you, confused, its nuzzle digging into your neck and its warm, stinky breath caressing your skin. You start sobbing, tears of terror rolling down your cheeks, a dead giveaway that ultimately costs your life. Your frail, feminine body trembles in terror as the teeth sink into the delicate flesh of your neck. There is little mercy for you this time and you convulse in agony as the beast tears off chunk after chunk, your helpless limbs flailing in the swelling pools of blood and splattering crimson spots all over the remains of your $suit. The force is finally sapped from your body and the pain fades into a dull background. The last thing you feel is your bracelet getting warmer, before [the darkness takes you]<worlddis|.(set: $weredead to 1)(set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolf")) (set: $lastdeath to "wolf") ] (elseif: $phero>=5)[ (display: "phero.overdose2") ] (click:?worlddis)[(goto:"DIE")]

$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" >You continue as calmly and as deliberately as you can, never looking back or speeding up until you [reach the manor.]<rec| (set: _ti to 40) (click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")]

$mount You take the familiar path downhill following the little stream. Perhaps the mountain air is already having a positive effect or perhaps you're getting used to your new $suit, but this time the trip is less bothersome. The forest is starting to get dark and you wonder whether you'll make it back in time. You should hurry. (set: _ti to 50) Before you know it, you [[arrive at the village->village3]]

$T[-ROOM 28-] $E['Err, thank you.'] She looks taken by surprise. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> $a['Don't mention it.'] You give an even wider smile. $a['What's your name, by the way?'] Visibly confused, the black woman circles around you. $E['I'm Elise.'] $a['Nice to meet you, Elise! I'm Alex- errr- andra.'] You finish your sentence in a confused tone. $E['Are you unsure of your name?'] $a['Yes. Er- No! Maybe... I'm having a rough time...'] She observes you silently, inviting you to continue. $a['It's just that... being a woman... how do I put it- it's hard!'] Elise comes closer and places a sympathetic hand on your shoulder. $E['Yes. Tsk, tsk. It's not easy to be a woman. Even more so a mother. Do you have offspring?'] You take a few steps back, the thought of it hitting you with an anvil. $A[I couldn't, could I?! I mean... this whole thing... it's only temporary, right?!] The thought makes you feel vulnerable. It's scary, but also a little exciting. (display:"talk")[['Children terrify me, I could never be a mother.'->no children]] (display:"talk")[['I guess I could be a mother one day...'->want children]]

$fl2 $A[Phew, that was a weird conversation!] You back away slowly from her room, the silver mist dissipating from your head. $A[What a strange woman... though she did seem sympathetic, in a way. Maybe she isn't that bad after all?] Without thinking, your legs take you back to the [ground floor]<gf1|. (if: $deathlist contains "spider")[(set: $task_elise to 4)](else:)[(set: $task_elise to 3)] $I[Task updated in journal:**Of silk and terror**] (click:?gf1)[ (goto:"ground floor")](set: _ti to 5)

$rec You take your place behind the heavy wooden desk and sit on the old, creaky chair. It's not super comfortable and the cushion is torn in a few places, but it will have to do. (if: $gen is 3)[The lights are on this time and the atmosphere is more comfortable and inviting. The old manor is still spooky of course, but at least you can see what's going on around you.] The sign on the desk currently reads $desksign. [[Fiddle with the desk]] [Patiently wait]<wait| (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour >5000000 and $work_elise is 0)[(goto: "elise encounter") ] (elseif: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ]

$lib The book is old, but well preserved. On the cover, instead of a title, is writen in big, gothic numbers "20-06-1763". You open a random page and find an odd, unrecognisable language: $B1[Teemee teela dohlasomee la laladohtee: Mee laladohtee. Ray teesosotee dohlasomee la mee teelaso; sorayfa mee ray laladohtee mee fasolala. Dd sofa ray meemeelateetee mee fasotee, lasorayfa, tee meefafa ray teesosotee dohlasomee la soraytee mee sosotee ray meeteetee dohsotee tee meesoraysofa mee ray meeso teesosotee tee dohmeetee so 'mee' solalatee tee mee fasotee (teedoh); teesofa so dohfa lalatee tee meeteetee faladoh teesosotee. Soteemee ray dohlasomee meetee mee solalasotee so raysotee solalatee teesosotee, la tee solala mee sofa sotee! meetee tee mee meemee ray teefa mee ray dohlasomee, tee doh so Lateeso fasoso teetee mee fasolala tee meesoraysofa. Ray lameetee so sotee sosolatee teela..] What is really odd however is not the unfamiliar language, but the fact that however neatly, the book is clearly written by hand, the occasional ink dot punctuating the otherwise flawless caligraphy. You place the book back and take another one, titled "05-03-1648", only to find the same mysterious language and identical almost perfect handwritting. $A[It's rather unusual to find manuscripts these days... is this a family record? But then if it was some form of ancient Romanian, I would have been able to pick up at least a couple of words. Interesting.] The dates stretch back a few hundred years at least, from what you can tell. The most recent title is "02-01-1945" and after that the records stop. There are, however, a number of untitled books waiting on the shelf. (display:"goto")[[Take an untitled book]] (set: _ti to 20)

$lib The book is completely blank, its white grainy paper giving off a peculiar scent as you flip through the pages. It feels nice to the touch, as if inviting you to grab a quill and write down something on it. You glance at the shelf - $A[There are a dozen more empty books, nobody would notice one missing..] (display:"goto")[[Take the book for yourself]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib You've always wanted a cool old book to write in. You could make it your diary, or try writing the manuscript for your book in it. If you remember correctly, there was an inkwell in your room. $I[Blank diary added to inventory!] (display:"bk")[[Back->Enter the library]] (set: $diary_found to 1) (set: _ti to 10)

$din When you enter the dining hall the room is already prepared, white table cloths with candlesticks covering all tables, despite the apparent lack of guests. $A[Ionut mentioned that there are only two guests at the moment, but this is still a little sad. Are they not hungry, or just busy elsewhere?] On a table close to the window, Mihai is sitting alone, a glass of wine in his hand but no plate infront. When he sees you he beckons you forward, gesturing a chair across from him. (display:"goto")[[Accept the invitation]] (display:"goto")[[Politely refuse and eat alone]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din You smirk and take the bait, sitting on the designated chair. There's nobody else around anyways, so you might as well talk to the eccentric owner. $Mi[So, Mr Reid, how do you find my hotel? Is it everything that you had hoped for?] Mihai's deep voice bears only the slightest of foreign accents, resembling more the intonation of a 19th century earl. Even now his golden headed cane is with him, leaning casually on the side of his chair. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> You ponder your reply: (display:"talk")[[It's easy to see that this is a respectable establisment->respect]] (display:"talk")[[It's yet too early to hold an opinion, Mr. Petrescu->undecided]] (display:"talk")[[It looks good, but it's all just a façade for tourists->scam]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din You shake your head politely, raising your hands in an improvised gesture of apology. The owner nods dryly and doesn't insist. $A[What an eccentric guy..] Drinking wine alone in an empty hall may seem classy, but you suspect its just part of the façade that Mihai puts up to make his hotel more attractive to tourists. No doubt he expects you tell tales of the haunted manor and mysterious owner when you get back home, hopefully fooling some of your freinds and relatives into checking out the place. Now that you think about it quite a few of the guys you know are guilible enough to at least hope there would be ghosts around the place, and no doubt the owner has arranged the occasional strange noise at night to keep the visitors coming... All in all the place is quite inspiring for the right kind of person, if you forget for a moment that it's all just a front. With grim cynicism you dig into your dinner which Ionut has brought discretely on your table. (set: _ti to 80) (display:"goto")[[Finish and leave]]

$din By the time you're done with your meal, Mihai has gone and none of the guests have bothered to show up. Slightly dissapointed, you hed to [your room]<room|. (set: $diner_1 to 1) (click:?room)[(goto:"Go back to your room")]

$din $a['There's clearly more to it than meets the eye'] - you smile at the owner knowingly - $a['such an ancient manor full of history and mysteries is clearly the sign of a dynasty that goes back many generations. I looked around a bit and I can't help but be very impressed.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['And what are your observations so far?'] You draw in a deep breath. $a['Your library is rich and the books in it are authentic, from what I can tell. Your family portraits are numerous and masterfully crafted, especially for the periods when they were drawn. This gives away your noble roots.'] Mihai nods but doesn't say anything. $a['The building itself is more complex than is expected from a simple hotel, and I have no doubt that the towers that rise on top hold many family secrets. One even might wonder, Mr Petrescu, if your livelyhood truly comes from guest fees...'] $Mi['I shall let you draw your own conclusions, Mr. Reid.'] You're a little unsure where to go from here, but luckily for you at this time Ionut comes with a full plate of meat and vegetables that he leaves in front of you before quietly walking away. You smile at the owner and [[concentrate on your food]]. (set: _ti to 20) (set: $din_mihai to "respect")

$din $a['Hard to decide from merely a glance'] you reply, immitating your host's language mannerisms. $a['There's clearly more to it than meets the eye, but the question arises - is this truly an ancient manor full of history and mysteries or is this merely an effect that you've worked to achieve.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['And what are your observations so far?'] You draw in a deep breath. $a['Your library is rich and the books in it seem authentic, from what I can tell. Your family portraits are also unlikely to be forged or fake. So that is a point towards your noble roots.'] Mihai nods but doesn't say anything. $a['On the other hand'], you continue, $a['the gate opens by some hidden mechanism that is clearly made to look spooky. Your servant Ionut is a little too odd for pure coincidence and the whole atmosphere of the place looks like it's *meant* to scare people.'] You look at the owner, inviting him to confirm or deny your subtle accusations. $Mi['I shall let you draw your own conclusions, Mr. Reid.'] You're a little unsure where to go from here, but luckily for you at this time Ionut comes with a full plate of meat and vegetables that he leaves in front of you before quietly walking away. You smile at the owner and [[concentrate on your food]]. (set: _ti to 20) (set: $din_mihai to "undecided")

$din $a['Hard to decide from merely a glance'] you reply, immitating your host's language mannerisms, $a['but if I had to guess I'd say that the whole air of mystery and ancient history is merely an effect that you've worked to achieve in order to attract more visitors. I've looked around and observed, and this is my conclusion.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['And what are your observations so far?'] You draw in a deep breath. $a['Your library is rich but the books in it appear too ancient to be authentic, from what I can tell. Your family portraits are unlikely to be completely forged, but could have been tampered with to seem older. To be blunt, most of the decoration incide is too over the top spooky to be real.'] Mihai observes you calmly but doesn't say anything. $a['On top of that'], you continue, $a['the gate opens by some hidden mechanism that is clearly made to look creepy. Your servant Ionut is a little too odd for pure coincidence and the whole atmosphere of the place looks like it's *meant* to scare people.'] You look at the owner, inviting him to confirm or deny your accusations. $Mi['I shall let you draw your own conclusions, Mr. Reid.'] You're a little unsure where to go from here, but luckily for you at this time Ionut comes with a full plate of meat and vegetables that he leaves in front of you before quietly walking away. You smile sardonically at the owner and [[concentrate on your food]]. (set: _ti to 20) (set: $din_mihai to "scam")

$T[-FEATS-] $ach1["What the hell was that?" - you died once ] $ach2["Broodmother" - you got caught in the spider's web] $ach3["Serial Victim" - die five times] [Back]<b| (click: ?b)[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

$din The two of you spent the rest of the diner in silence, the only events punctuating your quiet munching is Ionut coming to occasionally refill Mihai's glass from a plump opaque bottle. When you finish eating the servant comes to take away your empty plate and, giving a formal nod to your boss, you [retire to your room]<room|. (set: _ti to 40) (set: $diner_1 to 1) (click:?room)[(goto:"Go back to your room")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] The room is exactly as you remember it! The sheets on the bed, the curtains on the windows, the tablecloth, even the carpet is made from a silvery silky-smooth material that gives the place an overall light-greyish tone. It feels like stepping in some eerie dream. $A[**It's real! I'm not mad! It really happened!**] You collapse on the floor, your heart pounding in your ears. $A[But what does this all mean? I need answers. But first, I have to take care of this mess.] There is a (link-repeat:"bed")[(replace: ?obs)[It looks mostly well-made, but you still give it a few brushes, straightening the sheets and puffing the pillow. There, that should do it. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] (set: $e1 to 1)], queen-sized and surrounded by drapes of the same silvery cloth. It reminds you of exhibits you've seen at museums of the old royalty. There's also a (link-repeat:"small round table")[(replace: ?obs)[Small and made from black wood, the table holds a single vase filled with dry, long-dead flowers. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ], a (link-repeat:"wardrobe")[(unless: $e3 is 1)[(replace: ?obs)[Opening the wardrobe you experience the same eerie feeling and your view blurs. Once you refocus you see that it's filled with more $con[old sticks] and $con[deflated dolls]. Clean out the wardrobe.]](else:)[(replace: ?obs)[The wardrobe is already clean. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ] ] and a (link-repeat:"giant mirror")[(replace: ?obs)[You brush the surface with a cloth, making appear the image of a $mirror. (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ] . [$A[What did she want me to clean again?] Your head feels oddly heavy and unresponsive, as if swimming through thick, silvery mist. Then you notice the obvious. Of course. How could you miss that? The floor is littered with $in[**dead branches**] and $in[**ragged dolls**].You should probably [clean them up]<e5|. ]<ap| $I[ [ ]<obs| ] (if: $e5 is 1 and $e3 is 1)[(display:"cleaning done") ] (click: ?e5)[(replace: ?obs)[In a slow, dream-like state you pick up the dead branches ($A[what am I doing?]) and the ragged dolls ($A[why are these here?]) in a big black bag ($A[how did it get here?]) and then bury them in the back garden ($A[when did I go there?]). In the end the room looks much cleaner. (if: $e3 is 1)[(display:"cleaning done") ]] (set: $e5 to 1)(replace:?ap)[] ] (click: "Clean out the wardrobe")[(replace: ?obs)[You gather the sticks and dolls in a dark bag and bury it in the garden. You shake your head. The wardrobe is now clean. (set:$e3 to 1) (if: $e5 is 1)[ (display:"cleaning done") ]] ] (set: _ti to 75)(set: $28done to 1) (set: $sanity +=5)

$T[-GAME OVER-] It seems you were unfortunate. (link: "Load game?")[(load-game:"Slot A")]

$room $A[Yep, still a woman. Although...] (if: $deathlist contains "lavius")[(display:"changes3") ](elseif: $dead<4)[(display:"changes1")] (else:)[(display:"changes2")] $A[ (either: "Well, might as well be pretty..", "Wow, I could get used to this body...", "Damn, I'm hot!") ] At the moment, you're wearing $suit. $I[]<info| (display:"10m")[[Recap what you know so far->recap]] (if: $suit is "night gown")[(display:"20m")[[Get dressed->getdressed2]] ] (display:"bk")(link-repeat:"Head out")[(if: $suit is "night gown")[(replace: ?info)[You can't go out dressed in a night gown!]](else:)[(goto:"Head out")] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$att (if: $lav_firstdeath > 0)[You step out of your room with quiet trepidation of what the new day can bring. (display: "outfit.start") (display:"ionut_start") (display:"elise_start")](else:)[Stepping outside, you experience the familiar breeze and a gist of curiosity to [[take a peek around]]. (display: "outfit.start") (display:"goto")[[Hurry down the stairs]]] (set: _ti to 2)

$T[-FLOOR 2-] [You descend to the second floor, the velvet carpet muffling your footsteps. Even in the cold light of the morning the manor looks shadowy and unwelcoming, the dust hanging in the air like a thick goo. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> Right on cue, one of the doors on your right opens and the black woman walks out in the hallway, approaching without a sound. Her ebony skin and peculiar proportions create a tingling sensation in your mind as the memories of your past encounters bubble up from your scrambled memory. (set: _ti to 10) (if: $lastdeath is "spider")[There is a terror that grips you as your mind rejects a vision of venomous jaws and long, black legs. The green-eyed woman addresses you:] (else:)[You blink fast, fighting with your headache and confusion. The black woman raises a hand gloved in black leather and points a bony finger towards you:] (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[$E['Ah, a maid approaches! You look pretty, tsk. My room requires assistance. Get to it, girl!'] You blush in your new outfit. There's no room for arguing with the woman.](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[$E['Ah, a servant approaches. My room requires assistance.]](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[$E['Tsk, tsk, Mihai has some interesting new personnel. Be a dear and take care of my room, darling.]](else:)[$E['You must be the new maid. My room requires assistance.'] ] ]<floor2| (set: $elise_seen to 1) (set: $keysneeded to 1) (if:$dead >1 and $deathlist contains "spider" and $flashspider is 0)[ (display:"heart")[You feel an irresistible urge to accept.]<pacc| ](else:)[[Politely accept]<pacc| [ [[Get it over with]] ]<gdone| ] (if: $deathlist contains "spider" and $elise_level>=2)[ $special[Eagerly accept]<bowb| ] (click: ?pacc)[ (replace:?floor2)[ $a['Of course, Madam, I'll do it right away!'] you reply. The black woman seems pleased. $E['You're a pretty little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['Eeeh-'] You do a few mental calculations. $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. You have much to learn, then. Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['As you wish, Madam.'] You give her a nod and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]]. ] (replace:?pacc)[ ] (replace:?gdone)[ ] (replace:?bowb)[ ] ] (click: ?bowb)[ (replace:?floor2)[ $a['Of course, Madam, whatever pleases you'] you reply, bowing deeply in front of the dark creature. She raises an eyebrow, an amused smile on her lips. $E['You're a pretty little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['Eeeh-'] You do a few mental calculations. $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. And eager to learn?'] $a['Very much so, Madam.'] You hold your gaze on the round green glasses, sensing a strange hotness inside you. Somehow you only want to be given orders and to obey. $E['Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['It would be my pleasure, Madam.'] you reply softly without thinking. The creature gives you a lustful smile. You give her another deep bow with a generous and prolonged view of your $breasts and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]]. ] (replace:?pacc)[ ] (replace:?gdone)[ ] (replace:?bowb)[ ] (set: $lus +=1)(set: $elise_level +=1)] (set: _ti to $ti)

(set: $breasts to "chest") (set: $hair to "short dark hair") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes") (set: $name to "Alex") (set: $mirror to "young man dressed in $suit") (set: $horny to 1) (set:$suit to "jeans and t-shirt") (set: $suit to "jeans and t-shirt") (set: $backstory to "You lived a quiet suburban life and acquired your street smarts from boys and girls in the hood. Life never really surprised you much, until you decided to take that summer job.")

$T[-ROOM 28-] (if: $hour >11)[ You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. $A[Why is everything so soft and silky?] Your gaze falls on the small round table with the vase. The flowers have been dead for such a long time, that their brittle leaves are crumbling into dust. (if: $flowers is 1)[$A[I may have just the thing...] ](else:)[$A[Perhaps someone should change those?] ] From the corner of your eye you catch some movement and the dark woman emerges, almost out of nowhere. $E['Tsk, what are you doing here?'] She cocks her head sideways, at an almost unnatural angle. (display:"talk")[['I came to see if everything's alright.'->came to see]] (if: $flowers is 1)[(display:"talk") [['I brought you some flowers.'->brought flowers]] ] ] (else:)[You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. $A[Why is everything so soft and silky?] At this time the woman doesn't appear to be home. Looking at the time, she's probably still having breakfast with Mihai. Your gaze falls on the small round table with the vase. The flowers have been dead for such a long time, that their brittle leaves are crumbling into dust. $A[Perhaps someone should change those?] You don't feel like it would be a good idea to touch the guests's stuff, so after you linger for a while you decide to [leave]<fl2| ] (set:_ti to 5)(click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] (if: $hour>11 and $elise_servant is true)[You enter the warm silvery haze of the room, a happy feeling burning in your tummy. Elise emerges from the shadows, a thin smile on her lips. $E['So you came.... good.'] She gestures you inside and you [[accept her invitation->thistles3]]. ](elseif: $hour >11 )[You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. Like each previous time, the dark woman emerges from the shadows. $E['Tsk, what are you doing here?'] (if: $flowers is 0)[$A[Dammit, I forgot the flowers!] (display:"talk")[['I'll be right back!'->brb elise]] ] (if: $flowers > 0)[$A[Alright, I know what I have to do!] 'I've brought some flowers for you!' You give a wide smile and brush past the woman, taking out the old crumpled flowers from her vase and replacing them with a rather large bouquet of [[violet thistles.->thistles3]] ] ] (else:)[You enter the familiar silvery room, giving your mind to the strange haze. $A[It is so nice and peaceful in here...] The silky smooth surfaces no longer bother you and you're tempted to linger for a while, but you have other things to do, so you decide to [leave]<fl2| ] (set: _ti to 10)(click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] $E['Err, thank you.'] She looks taken by surprise. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> $a['Don't mention it.'] You give an even wider smile.... $in[The conversation plays out much like the last time and you don't manage to learn anything new about Elise this time. ] You excuse yourself and [[leave the room.]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0)

$T[-ROOM 28-] (if: $hour >11 )[You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. Just as the previous time, the dark woman emerges from the shadows. $E['Tsk, what are you doing here?'] (if: $flowers is 0)[$A[Dammit, I forgot the flowers!] (display:"talk")[['I'll be right back!'->brb elise]] ] (if: $flowers > 0)[$A[Alright, let's see if this will work again...] $a['I've brought some flowers for you!'] You give a wide smile and brush past the woman, taking out the old crumpled flowers from her vase and replacing them with a rather large bouquet of [[violet thistles.->thistles2]] ] ] (else:)[You enter the familiar silvery room and your mind is immediately invaded by the strange haze that makes it difficult to think. Suddenly, you're much more alert. $A[Something feels off...] The silky smooth surfaces suddenly feel less comfortable and more like a trap. Something is weird. Something is wrong. You don't feel like it would be a good idea to touch anything, so you decide to [leave]<fl2| ] (set: _ti to 10) (click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> (if: $elise_servant is true)[You carefully examine the creature that killed you. She appears human, now that you're not wearing the ribbon to dissipate her mist of illusion. It seems that somehow you are as interesting to her as she is to you. There is a dangerous lust in those green eyes, but there is something else as well...] (else:)[$E['Thank you'] says Elise, visibly confused. You take a step back to examine the creature that killed you. She appears human, now that you're not wearing the ribbon to dissipate her mist of illusion. $A[She's not malicious. She did what she had to do because she felt threatened, because I saw her true form.] ] The black woman moves in her strange sideways manner, her green round spectacles fixated on your you. $A[ [What an extraordinary woman...]<think2| ] $elise_servant[ $E['So, maiden... what brings you to me?'] ] (display:"talk")['I want to be your friend.']<friend| (display:"talk")['You fascinate me.']<fascinate| $elise_servant[(display:"talk")['I want to serve you.']<serve| ] {(live:1s)[ (mouseover: ?friend)[(replace: ?think2)[ (either:"She must be so alone...","People probably hate her...","She even gave me a gift...","After all, why not?","If I could gain her trust...","Might be a good move...") ] ] (mouseover: ?fascinate)[(replace: ?think2)[ (either:"Strong, independent, unique...","There is just something about her...","She might be a spider, but she's also a woman...","I wish I could be like her...","I can't stop thinking about her...","It's the truth, after all...") ] ] (mouseover: ?serve)[(replace: ?think2)[ (either:"My body grows hot...","It might be wrong on so many levels, but fuck it...","I just want it...","My heart beats faster...","I'm sweating...","What is this feeling...") ] ] ]} (click: ?friend)[(goto: "elise_friend")] (click: ?fascinate)[(goto: "elise_fascinate")] (click: ?serve)[(goto: "eliseserve")] (if: $elise_level is 2)[(set: $elise_level to 3)] (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 $A[Not much change this time... but who is that woman, really? I'm certain I could learn more!] You back away slowly from her room, the silver mist dissipating from your head. Without thinking, your legs take you back to the [ground floor]<gf1|. (click:?gf1)[ (goto:"ground floor")](set: _ti to 5)

$T[-ROOM 28-] You enter the gentle silver haze that envelops your mind. You know what you have to do. There is a (link-repeat:"bed")[(replace: ?obs)[There's something about this bed that you can't quite put your finger on. A part of you wants to lay on it sensually, srtetching out your arms up like a pin-up girl, and a part of you wants to scream and run very, very far away. (if: $e5 is 1)[ Your job seems done, you can [[return downstairs->ground floor]] ]] (set: $e1 to 1)], queen-sized and surrounded by drapes of the same silvery cloth. The (link-repeat:"giant mirror")[(replace: ?obs)[You brush the surface with a cloth, making appear the image of a $mirror. (if: $e5 is 1)[ Your job seems done, you can [[return downstairs->ground floor]] ]] ] stands innocently in a corner. [ The floor is littered with **dead branches** and **ragged dolls**. You recall the same **things** filling the wardrobe. You should probably [clean them up]<e5|. ]<ap| $I[ [ ]<obs| ] (click: ?e5)[(replace: ?obs)[In a slow, dream-like state you pick up the dead branches ($A[what am I doing?]) and the ragged dolls ($A[why are these here?]) in a big black bag ($A[how did it get here?]) and then bury them in the back garden ($A[when did I go there?]). In the end the room looks much cleaner. Your job seems done, you can [[return downstairs->ground floor]] ] (set: $e5 to 1)(replace:?ap)[] ] (set: _ti to 80)(set: $28done to 1)

$din You enter the twilight of the dining hall, glancing at the condemned windows. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> (display:"Mihai_clothes_reaction") Mihai taps his fingers on the golden head of his cane. $Mi['Tell me, are you planning to visit the village today?'] [['Yes, I'll go'->Probably3]] (set: $din_vis to true)(set: _ti to 10)

$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" >(either: "It's a beautiful day in the mountains, the clear path by the stream cheerful and sunny despite the twilight between the trees. As long as you don't wander into the actual forest, all will be well.","The day is grey, light invisible raindrops falling from the sunless sky. Was it raining last time? You're not entirely sure, but you don't think so. This raises some interesting questions about the nature of time. Is it random? Or did you change something in the past that somehow affected the present? The answers are beyond your grasp.") You make your way down, enjoying the silence of nature and the scent of pines. The moment is so peaceful you're almost ready to forget your troubles. After an hour of a brisk walk, you [[arrive.->village3]] (set: _ti to 60)

$T[-THE INN-] A little bewildered you cross the doorstep and hear the man closing the door behind you. The inn is a dimly lit building with low ceiling, the majority of it filled with old wooden tables on which eastern men are drinking beer. (display: "enter_inn") You hurry to [[sit on a table in the corner->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$rec (set: _unev to (either: 1,2,3)) (if: _unev is 1)[(if: $gen is 3)[The minutes pass. The gloomy hallway is silent. The electric lights flicker. You tap your fingers on the desk, waiting for something to happen.](else:)[The minutes pass. The dark hallway is silent. You tap your fingers on the desk, waiting for something to happen.] (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: _unev is 2)[You take out a book and start reading. It's good that you brought a few to kill the time. The story is interesting and you get lost in it. (set: $ti to 20) ](if: _unev is 3)[You lay back on your chair and watch the dust settle. Why is it always so dusty in here? Perhaps you should try cleaning up a little. (set: $ti to 10) ] [Patiently wait]<wait| (set: _ti to $ti) (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ]

$rec (set: _ev to (either: 1,2,3)) (if: _ev is 1)[As time passes, the silence deepens. Isn't there supposed to be people around? Ionut was in the kitchen the last time you saw him. You stretch your ear but there's no sound coming from there. Mihai isn't anywhere to be seen either. The silence deepens again. $A[Am I alone? No, that's absurd...] (if: $gen <3)[A breeze passes and you shiver, the flames of the candles dancing. If only you had fixed the generator...](else:)[The lights flicker again. Are they supposed to do that? You're pretty sure they're not supposed to do that.] (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: _ev is 2)[Tired from the long day, you sense your eyes starting to close. $A[I can't fall asleep, not on my first day..] You force yourself to stay awake but fall into a half-slumber, your mind lulled by the silence of the (if: $gen<3)[dark](else:)[bright] hallway. Suddenly you feel a hand on your shoulder. You jump in your chair, turning around. No one is there. A dream? You rub your eyes, suddenly awake again. (set: $ti to 20) ] (if: _ev is 3)[While you wait you become aware of a distant sound like wings flapping. You try to concentrate on it, but it's too faint to be sure that it's even there. After a time it's gone, or it probably never was in the first place. (set: $ti to 10) ] [Patiently wait]<wait| (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ] (set: _ti to $ti)

$rec Your mind wanders off to the events of the day. A lot has happened and it's overwhelming to try to wrap your head around all of it at once. You remember... (set: _ev to (either: 1,2,3)) (if: _ev is 1)[...that a lifetime ago, you woke up as Alex, your cynical eye assuming that the whole place was nothing but a scam, a cardboard decoration of a spooky mansion. $A[Boy was I wrong... ] You're still far from knowing the truth of this place, but you have learned at least one thing: Nothing is at it seems. (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: _ev is 2)[ (if:$gen is 1)[...that Mihai had asked you to fix the generator. Was that important? You're not sure. The dim candles barely illuminate the dark interior of The Crooked Elm. Perhaps with electricity back things would be different? Perhaps not. You can try to fix it tomorrow.] (else:)[...that Mihai had sent you to get better clothes. Were you that unpresentable? The thought stings a bit. $A[Did he mean to tell me that I'm not pretty?] You pout at the air. ] (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: _ev is 3)[... your conversations with $Felicia. When it comes down to it, she's probably the only person around here who genuinely wants to help you, the closest thing you've got to a friend. You aren't yet prepared to trust her completely though. Caution is a good thing. (set: $ti to 10) ] [Patiently wait]<wait| (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ] (set: _ti to $ti)

(if: $lewd<10)[ (goto: "horny_explore") ] (else:)[ (goto: "horny2") ]

$rec Your shift is almost over and you're beginning to think about your coming dinner when suddenly there is a sharp knock on the door. Before you can react the door opens and a hooded man steps in. He looks to be in poor shape - his clothes, clearly too big for him, are rumpled and dirty as if he'd recently had a brawl in the mud with somone. Then the odor hits you - a strong, rich smell that invades the space around him, a smell of sweat and musk with a tinge of something feral behind it. $A[Wow... eh.. damn] It's not an entirely unpleasant smell either and you have to admit that concentrating on it does weird things to your head. He takes off his hood, exposing his face - rough, unshaven, dark sunken eyes looking at you with an impenetrable stare. There's something weird about this face though, something familiar that you can't quite put your finger on. While distant alarm bells keep ringing in your mind, the man approaches the desk. $W['Room please.'] (if: $werefucked is 1)[ $I[You are pretty certain that the man is the same creature that you met earlier in the forest. Your face blushes, but he makes no indication of recognizing you.] ] $a['Any preferences?'] $W['No.'] You reach behind the desk and grab a key at random, tossing him one with the number "(either:1,2)(either:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9)" on it. He takes, sniffs it, then places it in his pocket. $W['I'm hungry'] he growls in a low voice. $a['Right this way, sir.'] you reply, pointing towards the dining room. $A[Though at this hour Ionut probably isn't there... shit, do I have to cook for him? Probably...] (if: $wolf_avatar is 1)[$I[Character updated in journal](set: $wold_avatar to 2) ] (set: _ti to 20) (if: $gen<3)[ [[Lead the way]] ](else:)[ [[Lead the way->lead2]] ]

$vil (if: $hour>=17)[ $A[**Oh God look at the time! I was supposed to start work at 18! And it's almost dark!** ] Those drinks at the inn took way longer than expected. If you don't hurry like the wind, you're going to be late for work! Horrified, you [[start running uphill.]] ] (elseif: $hour>16)[ It's starting to get late, the sun almost hidden behind the tall mountain ridges. Soon it will be dark, and your workday will begin. (if: $elise_present <3)[If you don't want to be late, you should [[go.->head back to the manor.]] ](elseif: $elise_present is 3)[(display:"30mg")[[Return quickly to The Crooked Elm]] ] ](elseif: $hour<17)[You stroll towards the village center. Everything is as you remember. The [[antique boutique]] seems to be an epicenter for strange things and you wonder if $Felicia will offer you any new words of advice. Or perhaps you just want to see her? (if:$lav_firstdeath is 0)[The [[hunting cabin->cabin]] has always been closed and you see no reason for that to have changed, but perhaps you'd like to go and take a look anyways.](else:)[ The [[hunting cabin->cabin]] is actually a $in[secret vampire lair]. Perhaps you'd like to go poke around? ] Then again, perhaps a [drink at the inn]<drink| would help bring some clarity to things? (if: $gen >0 and $gen<3)[It could also be a good opportunity to ask around for fuel.] (if: $elise_present <3)[You could always [[head back to the manor.]] ] (elseif: $elise_present is 3)[(display:"30mg")[[Return quickly to The Crooked Elm]] ] ] (set: _ti to 5) (click:?drink)[(if: $withzach is true)[$R[I can't go back to the inn now, Zachary is waiting for me!]] (else:)[(goto:"innc2")] ]

(if: $shop2 is 0)[(goto:"secrets")](if: $lav_firstdeath is 1 and $recharge_explained is 0)[(goto:"first_recharge")]$ant (if: (history:)'s last is "village3")[You enter the narrow space of the boutique, submerging into the ocean of trinkets and shadows. The green-eyed woman pops behind the counter as usual, that is to say out of nowhere. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['Good to see you again! Another day, another life?'] $a['Eeeeh-'] $M['Nevermind, we can discuss this later. What can I do you for?'] ] (else:)[ (either:"There is a silence in the shop. The woman taps her fingers on the counter.","The two of you stand in silence for a moment.","You look around the shop, thinking what to say.")<img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">] $beadsexpl[(display:"talk") **[[Ask about the crimson beads]]** ](if: $elise_present is 1 and $potion_explained is 0)[ (display:"excl") [[Show her the green bottle]] ](elseif: $elise_present is 1 and $potion_explained is 1)[(display:"excl") [[Give her the green bottle->potion chose]] ] (display:"talk")[[Talk about your death]] (display:"excl")[[See what the Antique Boutique has to offer->shop]] (display:"bk")[[Exit the shop->village3]] (if: $catnip is 1 )[ (display:"excl") [[Show her the flowers you picked]] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$vil A small wooden building in the outskirts of the village, the hunting cabin has a distinct look thanks to the various antlears and animal heads hanging from its walls. You approach the window, but it's too dirty to peer inside. (if: $deathlist contains "lavius")[$I[The inconspicuous building gives you chills knowing what's buried beneath it. Memories of the grim laboratory and your night with Lavius flood your mind, filling you with a mixture of repulsion and curiosity.] $A[What horrors does he have hidden in there, I wonder...] $I[Last time you barely managed to get a decent look around and you were pretty drunk... you sense an urge to investigate, despite knowing the dangers.] (display: "excl")$special[[Circle around the cabin]<circle| ] ] [Knock on the door]<k1| (click: ?k1)[(replace: ?ac)[You wait, but there's no answer. Perhaps nobody's home?]] $I[[ ]<ac|] [[Back->village3]] (click: ?circle)[(if:$hour<16 and $withzach is true)[(goto:"cabindanger")] (elseif: $withzach is true)[(goto:"backcabin2")] (elseif: $visited_lab_alone is 1)[(replace: ?ac)[You'd rather not repeat the experience today.]] (else:)[(goto:"backcabin")] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $L['Splendid! A fine lady knows she has to be treated well!'] <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> You blush a little, shifting in your seat. $A[Is this how women are treated? Certainly doesn't feel bad...] The man calls the waiter and orders two glasses of "Ivy '83", which doesn't mean anything to you. $L['I'm Lavius, by the way.'] He extends his hand. $a['Alexandra.'] You return the gesture, but instead of a handshake he takes your hand and leans in, giving it a quick kiss. It's a surprise, but not an unplesant one. $L['So, Alexandra, what brings such a beautiful lady to a secluded village such as our own? Certainly it's not the sights.'] He laughs. (display:"talk")[[Work at the hotel]] (display:"talk")[[New experiences]](set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['Very kind of you, but I can pay for my own drinks.'] $L['Oh, don't be like that! I insist!'] <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> Not waiting for your next reply, the man calls the waiter and orders two glasses of "Ivy '83", which doesn't mean anything to you. $L['I'm Lavius, by the way.'] He extends his hand. $a['Alexandra.'] You reply a little grumpily, leaving his hand hang in the air. After a few moments he pulls it back. $L['So, Alexandra, what brings such a beautiful lady to a secluded village such as our own? Certainly it's not the sights.'] He laughs. (display:"talk")[[Work at the hotel]] (display:"talk")[[New experiences]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn You see no reason to lie, so you tell Lavius about your job at The Crooked Elm, giving him a brief overview of how you wound up here. He listens to your story, sipping wine from his glass. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['So you work for Mihai? Interesting...'] There's a new note in his tone that you immediately pick up. $a['You don't like Mihai?'] He flinches at the question, as if insulted that you even dare think something like that. $L['I just think a beauty such as yourself can do better than being stuck in that crooked old manor.'] You're spared from coming up with a reply since the waiter brings the bottle of wine and Lavius pours you a full glass of it. (display:"goto")[[Drink]](set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['I've always wanted to travel the world and see new places'] you reply, giving him a mysterious smile. He doesn't need to know about your loser job at the hotel. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['A worthy enterprise! I immediately knew you were a woman of culture! Let's drink to that!'] At that moment the waiter brings the bottle of wine and Lavius pours you a full glass of it. (display:"goto")[[Drink]](set: _ti to 10)

$inn The wine has a strong and rich taste, a mixture of sour sweetness, a fruity aftertaste and something else, unrecognisable. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['Do you like it?'] $a['It's really good!'] The wine is indeed delicious and you finish the glass quickly. Lavius gives you a radiant smile. $L['I am so happy that you like it! It's my favourite - have another one!] He pours again, filling your glass generously. (display:"goto")[[Drink->drink2]](set: _ti to 15)

$inn The second glass tastes somehow even better than the first one and before you know it Lavius is sitting next to you, chattering about the anecdotal misadventures of the village buffoons. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['You should have seen them, Alexandra, 3 grown men chasing a pig inside this very inn, and before they could catch it, it drank half their beers!'] You laugh together, banging your fists on the table. Lavius casually wraps a hand around your waist, pulling you closer. A happy warmth is spreading through your entire body - you haven't felt that good in ages. $L['Ah, that bottle was simply amazing! We should order a second one, it's on me!'] He waves at the waiter and soon enough your glasses are full again. (display:"goto")[Drink]<drink| (display:"goto")[[Continue conversation without drinking->cont1]] (set: _ti to 20) (set: $inn_level to 1) (set: $lav_talked to 1) (click: ?drink)[ (if: $bcharges>2 and $elise_level<3)[ (goto:"notready")] (else:)[ (goto:"drunk 1")] ]

$inn There's no way you can pass on that delicious wine, and you're not even the one paying! You raise the glass to your lips and take another generous gulp. You feel very warm now. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['Aren't we having am amazing time? I'm so glad that I met you here tonight!'] His hand has a solid grip of your waist now. $L['Tell me, Alexandra, have you ever dreamt of doing something crazy, something wild? To seize life to its fullest, to drink from the fountain of youth, to pluck the apple of Eden?'] You turn your head to see Lavius looking at you intently, a strange brilliance in his velvet eyes. You open your mouth to reply but he leans in and kisses you, his arm pulling your feminine body into his embrace. (display:"goto")[[Give in to the kiss->kiss drunk]] (display:"goto")[[Pull away->Pull drunk]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $myst_level to 1)

$inn $a['I'd really rather not'] you smile politely, pushing the refilled glass away. $L['Ah, don't be like that, love. I insist!'] Something in his voice strings an unpleasant cord in your mind and you wince. $a['No.'] You reply with a stern voice. $L['Is that a way to repay my generosity? I feel offended.'] Lavius makes an exaggerated grimace. $a['Sorry, but no.'] $L['Fine!'] He rises to his feet. $L['If you don't want to drink with me, I shan't insist!'] Lavius walks away demonstratively. You're left alone. (display:"goto")[[Return to the bar->innhub]]. (set: $lav_react to "deny")(set: _ti to 10)(if: $lavius_avatar is 0)[(set: $lavius_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal] ]

$ant 'There's something strange that I've noticed about the bracelet' you say, lifting your wrist for the shop owner to see. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> 'When you gave it to me, I can quite distinctly remember there being **5 crimson beads** on top of it. However the following day there were **only 4**. And now there are **$bcharges**.' You raise en eyebrow towards the woman. $M['Quite so. A keen observation - like I told you, this is a demonic bracelet. It holds the power to protect its bearer from death. That power, however, is not unlimited. The crimson beads on top of it show you the number of times it can be used.'] 'So this means...' $M['Exactly. If there are only dark beads left, when you die - you die.'(if: $bcharges is 0)[Sadly, this appears to be the case.'] (elseif: $bcharges is 1)[But you have at least 1 left. That is good.'] (elseif: $bcharges>1)[But for now you should be fine.'] ] 'Is there- is there any way to recharge it?' You swallow hard. $M['Of course there is! Don't be silly - who'd go through all the trouble of making a demonic bracelet - a rare, powerful and not to mention expensive artefact - if you couldn't even recharge it!' ] 'Oh, thank God!' You breathe a sigh of relief. 'So how do I recharge it?' $M['You need to devour the *energia vitalis* of a willing victim.'] 'I- WHAT?!' $M['You need to have consensual sex with someone and take the energy from their orgasm.'] You blink stupidly. $M['You know how succubi feed, right?'] You nod. $M['Well there you have it. Shouldn't really be a problem. Any questions?'] (if: $task_felicia is 2)[$I[Task updated: **An unexpected gift**] (set: $task_felicia to 3) ](else:)[$I[Task completed: **An unexpected friend**] (set: $task_felicia to 0) ]] [['So... eeeh.... it's not gonna kill anyone?'->kill anyone]] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $felicia_level to 3)

$ant $M['No, they'll be just fine. A little exhausted, perhaps, but that's about it.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> You still feel a little uneasy about the topic. 'Can't I just masturbate or something?' $M['The energy can't come from **you**, silly, that wouldn't make any sense!'] Her eyes tingle with amusement. 'But I- I mean - there isn't anyone-' $M['Oh, I'm sure a pretty girl such as yourself will surely have no trouble recharging her bracelet. It doesn't have to be a man, mind you, though you do need your victim to climax.'] 'Oh! Wait, if it doesn't have to be a man, then does that mean-' $M['Nope, forget about it.'] 'But I might **literally die!!**' The woman gives you a steel look, all the whimsical joy evaporating from her eyes. For a moment you see her irises stretch vertically, the shadows gathering around her... $M['If it's such an issue I can always tie you up and drop you naked in the inn's basement. You'd be fully recharged in no time'] she remarks coldly. You swallow. $A[That sounds...] you don't want to think about how that sounds. Your body is both hot and covered in cold sweat. 'It's fine. I'll manage.' $M['Good.'] The topic seems [[over->antique boutique]]. (set: $beadsexpl to false) (set: _ti to 15)

$ant You can see $Felicia's eyes burning with curiosity. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I suppose you'd like to know'] you sigh. She nods. $M['What happened this time?'] (if: $lastdeath is "wolf" and (history:) contains "protection")[ (display:"eaten2") ](elseif: $lastdeath is "wolf")[(display:"eaten1")] (elseif: $lastdeath is "ionut")[ (display:"buried alive") ] (elseif: $lastdeath is "spider")[ (display:"spider") ] (elseif: $lastdeath is "lavius")[ (display:"lavius") ] (elseif: $lastdeath is "wolfguest")[ (display:"wolfguest") ](elseif: $lastdeath is "trapped")[ (display:"trapped.d") ](elseif: $lastdeath is "suicide")[ (display:"suicide.d") ] (set: _ti to 30) [[Continue->antique boutique]]

$inn You give yourself in to a long, passionate kiss, the sweetness of the wine filling your mouth and bubbling in your head. Lavius pulls you closer, his hand on the back of your head as the kiss stretches on. Your lips finally part, giving you the opportunity to breathe again. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $A[Wow..! That was.... just..!'] $L['Ah, you truly are amazing my dear Alexandra.'] He caresses your hair, holding you still close to him. $L['What do you say we finish this bottle here and then go someplace more... private?'] 'Lavius, we need to speak.' says a man behind you. You jump in your seat, startled. $L['Cant you see I'm busy? Go away'] Lavius hisses at him, his beautiful face distorting with dissaproval. 'It's **urgent**. You need to come. Now.' You can't really see very well the man who's speaking, but Lavius doesn't seem to like him at all. $L['I'll be right back, my darling, don't go anywhere.'] He kisses you again and gets up from the table, following the other man. Things are going a little faster than anticipated, but perhaps it's for the best. $A[I just have to get this over with, it's not like I really want it...] While you wait for Lavius to return, you are [[left alone->alone drunk]]. (set: $lav_react to "kiss") (set: _ti to 10) (set: $lust to (it + 1))

$inn $a['I-I'm sorry, but I can't.'] You gently but firmly push him away, regaining your composure. $A[I've only just met this man... however charming he may be... and he's very charming indeed... ] <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> A fleeting sadness passes in Lavius's eyes. $L['Forgive me my lady, I assumed too much! Surely, undoubtedly, a woman such as yourself- you must have someone. It is my fault - and I take all the responsibility!'] He finishes his declaration with solemn dignity, a mixture of regret and apology. $A[What am I doing?! If I push him away I might actually die... I need o recharge the bracelet at any cost.] (display:"goto")[[Correct his false assumption->correct him drunk]] (display:"goto")[[Pretend you have someone->pretend drunk]] (set: $lav_react to "pull") (set: _ti to 10)

$inn (if: $lav_react is "kiss")[There's still wine in your glasses left to drink, and the bottle has probably a serving each left in it too. You have no idea what time it is, but you probably ought to be starting work soon. You better make this quick... ](else:)[The prospect of a hidden, mysterious wine reserved only for the elite sounds very alluring and your curiosity is burning. On the other hand, you have no idea what time it is, but you probably ought to be starting work soon. But still, you could perhaps stay a little while more... ] You mind is distracted and it's hard to focus. You know you have other, more important things to be doing, but a new part of yourself is enjoying the moment and wants to keep going. Can this really be a bad thing? $A[ [What should I do?]<think| ] [Wait for him]<wait| [Leave]<leave| (if: $lavius_avatar is 0)[(set: $lavius_avatar to 1) $I[New character entry added to journal] ](elseif: $lavius_avatar is 1)[ $I[Character entry updated in journal] ] {(live: 1s)[ (mouseover:?wait)[(replace: ?think)[(either: "He looks like a real gentleman..", "He's so classy..","I really want to stay..", "I want to kiss him again..", "He probably has a big house..","I need to find a way to recharge the bracelet...","If I don't do this things might get bad...","I really don't have much of a choice if I want to live...") ]] (mouseover:?leave)[(replace: ?think)[(either: "I should be going..", "I'll be late for work..","This is going a bit too fast..", "He'll understand..", "I can see him later..", "I'm getting side tracked here..") ]] ]} (click: ?leave)[(goto: "leave inn drunk")] (click: ?wait)[ (if: $lav_react is "kiss")[ (goto:"wait drunk")](else: $lav_react is "pull")[ (goto:"spiced drunk")] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn It's a bit sad not to say goodbye, but you're sure he'll understand. You could probably make it up to him another time. $A[That could be fun...] In any case, he said that he's paying for everything, so nothing's really stopping you from leaving right now. You get up, swaying gently as you walk. That wine really got to your head. Hopefully you'll sober up quickly. The men throw you a few glances as you mak your way to the door, but none of tme interrupt you. $A[ Is that because they saw me kissing with Lavius?] You straigten up, pat down your $suit and [[step outside-->village3]]. (set: $hour to 17) (set: $minute to 25)

(if: $deathlist contains "wolfguest")[(goto:"Ionut windows")]$din With the windows sealed off and all the candles out, the dining hall is in pitch black darkness. You make a few steps forward and hit your toe on the foot of a table. $a['Ouch!! Damn it. Let me just...'] You make your way through the blackness, cussing and complaining, until you reach one of the boarded windows, peeling off the blockage. A ray of moonlight penetrates the room, illuminating the chairs and tables and falling on the guest's terrified face. $W['NOOOOORRGHHHHH!'] The man convulses, clunching his stomach with both hands, his expressions contorting in agony. His limbs begin to grow, thick black fur sprouting from his skin, his jaw morphing and extending forward. $W['AAAAHHHHHOOOOOWWWLLLL!!!'] <img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> The monster leaps on top of you, pinning you down, its claws digging down and shredding your new clothes. Your frail, feminine body trembles in terror as the teeth sink into the delicate flesh without hesitation. There is little mercy for you this time and you convulse in agony as the beast tears off chunk after chunk, your helpless limbs flailing in the swelling pools of blood and splattering crimson spots all over the remains of your $suit. The force is finally sapped from your body and the pain fades into a dull background. The last thing you feel is your bracelet getting warmer, before [the darkness takes you]<worlddis|. $sc3[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Guest] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc3 to false)] (click:?worlddis)[(goto:"DIE")] (set: $lastdeath to "wolfguest") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolfguest"))

$T[-ROOM 28-]<img id="backg2" src="images/sdeath.png" width="800" align="center"> You enter the familiar room with trepidation, almost as if approaching something sacred. Your heart pounds faster as the silvery mist penetrates your mind, dulling your senses and rendering you blind to reality... $A[ [There's something incredibly hot about this...]<thi| ] Your eyes fall on the [bed]<bed|, an image of a [tied figure]<figure| flashing in your head. [[Lie on the bed]] [[Get on with cleaning->Get a grip]] {(live:1s)[ (mouseover: ?bed)[ (replace: ?thi)[(either:"Just for a moment...","I know I shouldn't...","It looks so tempting...","Why does this turn me on so much?","There's no harm in it...")] ] (mouseover: ?figure)[ (replace: ?thi)[(either:"That was me...","An inflated belly...","Arms tied together...","Legs stretched...", "Completely immobilised...","Waiting for the end...")] ] ]} (set: $28done to 1) (set: _ti to 10)

$lib You step inside a place of twilight and silence. The library is filled with tall, thin bookshelves that extend upwards towards a ceiling that is unusually high. The narrow alleys are illuminated by the dissipated rays coming from hidden windows somewhere up above. Every now and then there are small tables with armchairs left for the comfort of the reader. (unless: $tome_madness is 1 and $dead <2)[As you're walking, you get the impression that hear a faint voice calling your name, though it's so barely audible it might as well be just in your imagination. (display:"excl")[[Try to find the voice]] ] (if: $dead>0)[ [[Find a table with a quill]] ] (display:"bk")[[Back->ground floor]]

$lib You find a comfy corner between the shelves - there is a round table with a big armchair next to it, as well as an inkwell and a gaslamp. Sinking into the leather cushions, you take out the strange empty book that you found. $A[What should I make of this? A personal diary? Or just a story?] You're still shaken by the unusual events that befell you, but writing them down on paper seems like an appealing way to deal with them. And something tells you that you'll end up with quite the extraordinary story to tell. //This feature will come in a later build// [[Back->ground floor]] [ [[Begin writing->write1]] ](hidden| (set:_ti to 5)

$lib $A[Where do I even start? I suppose that I'll need to introduce the hero of the story-] [ [Alexandra]<alex| [Sarah]<sarah| [The Girl With No Name]<noname| ]<intro| (click: ?alex)[(set: $hero to "Alexandra") (replace: ?intro)[ $A[-which is myself of course. No need to be shy. I will record the truth as it happens, the memoirs of a lost girl.] You chuckle to yourself nervously. $A[I am a lost girl, aren't I? I wonder where this path will lead me.] Now, for the [[setting]]. ] ] (click: ?sarah)[(set: $hero to "Sarah") (replace: ?intro)[ $A[-which is an ordinary girl. No one in particular, same as me. She just ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. ] You chuckle to yourself nervously. $A[I am a lost girl, aren't I? I wonder where this path will lead me.] Now, for the [[setting]]. ] ] (click: ?noname)[(set: $hero to "The Girl With No Name") (replace: ?intro)[ $A[-she is nobody, same as me. Her name is not important, it is dispensible, it is destined to change and to be eventually forgotten.] You chuckle to yourself nervously. $A[I am a lost girl, aren't I? I wonder where this path will lead me.] Now, for the [[setting]]. ] ] (link:"test1")[Test123]

this is a test (print: (history:) )

$T[-ROOM 28-]<img id="backg2" src="images/sdeath.png" width="800" align="center"> You lie face down on the sliky whiteness, arms together clutching the pillow and legs slightly spread apart. Your body grows hotter and you sense a deep need in your belly, an itch that you can't quite skracth. The moisture between your legs grows. Slowly you slide a hand down under your garments and inside your pants. It's warm and wet. It feels good. You imagine the creature appearing from behind you, its sting plunging between your folds. Laying its eggs inside you. Inflating your belly. Your fingers accelerate, rubbing your little bud and occasionally reaching inside you. You have been blessed, you were able to experience being taken by the creature, and yet live to remember it. You rub yourself faster still. In fact, nothing is stopping you from doing it again. You could just make yourself a present. Lie on the bed. Spread your legs. Present your snatch, wet and willing, to the creature when it comes. It will gladly comply. And if worst comes to worst, the bracelet would bring you back... It would be so simple. All you have to do is stay... Your flower twitches and an orgasm washes over you, mixing with the silvery mist into a pure cocktail of desire. Eventually, you come to your senses and get up from the bed. Shaking yourself out of it, you (unless: $elise_present is 3)[clean the room and ]head [[downstairs.->ground floor]] (set: $elise_servant to true)(unless: $elise_present is 3)[(set: _ti to 80)] (set: $28done to 1) (set: $lust +=1) (set: $sanity -=5)

$din Mihai goes through the familiar explanations, telling you to get better suited clothes and to try to find some fuel for the generator. He takes out a small pouch from the inner pockets of his suit and produces a handful of coins which he leaves on the table in front of you. $Mi['This should be enough to cover your expenses plus some extra for doing me a favor.'] As usual, he is offering you $I[£200] for your expenses. [[Take the money]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din $a['Thank you, Mr. Petescu!'] you say gratefully, taking the coins in your pocket. After a few silent moments, you retire to your table. The servant appears shortly, asking if you'd like to eat the usual. (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[For an instant your blood freezes and a deep sensation of dread overtakes you.(if:$ionut_level is 1)[You see Ionut's figure towering above you, holding a shovel. The dirt splashes on your tied body..] The moment passes and you get a grip. Slowly, you reply with a nod and the servant ](else:)[You give him a nod and he ]disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling. (if: $elise_level <2)[ A few minutes later, while you're eating in the semi-complete darkness of the dining hall, a new silhouette enters the room. You immediately identify the bizzare outline of the woman you met earlier. She takes a seat across the table from Mihai, occupying what appears to be the biggest armchair you've ever seen, with a seat large enough for two people to sit on side by side comfortably and a tall back covered in numerous fancy cushions. Her slim body and small round head look almost ridiculous in comparison, yet somehow she seems to fill the chair quite nicely with the rest of her body... Looking at her you start getting a headache and you move your gaze away, rubbing your tired eyes. The room is so dark and the candles so faint that the shadows are starting to play tricks on you.. Bits of the conversation make their way to you, but it's too low and jumbled to make any sense. $E2['My $ups[children] will....yes that's right....safe place...$rev[new host] very soon...'] $Mi2['I'll see what I can do.... will be $ups[arranged]....for $rev[your brood]..' ] $A[I wonder what this is all about...] ] (elseif: $elise_level is 2)[Sometime during your breakfast Elise comes in, sitting on Mihai's table. The two of them make a pretty odd couple, and on closer observation, a tension is visible between them. $A[I can't quite make out what they're saying, but it seems... it seems that Elise wants something from him...] She leans on the table, pinning Mihai with her black gaze and speaking in a low susurrus. The host places a hand on his golden cane, making an indescernable gesture. $A[Did he refuse? Or ask her to wait? In either case, she doesn't look too happy...] Looking at her you start getting a headache and you move your gaze away, rubbing your tired eyes. The room is so dark and the candles so faint that the shadows are starting to play tricks on you.. Bits of the conversation make their way to you, but it's too low and jumbled to make any sense.] (elseif: $elise_level is 3)[During your breakfast you see Elise arriving in the dining hall and carefully making her way to Mihai's table. She looks human enough at first glance, but the signs are there, if you know what to look for. The way she occupies space, carefully manouvering between the tables and chairs; the slight headache you get when trying to counter her limbs; the big chair she finally sits in, somehow filling it all despite her body appearing small and thin. The arachnid woman converses with Mihai, and even though you don't know the details of it, you can imagine the broad strokes. A home for her offspring. A host she can lay her eggs into. Your blood chills while at the same time a certain part of your body grows hotter. You struggle to continue eating calmly. $A[Why does she need Mihai, though? Surely she's more than capable of just snatching someone... Something is afoot here.] Your headache increses the more you look at her, so finally you pull your gaze away and concentrate on your meal. You can deal with that later.] (display:"goto")[[To the kitchen]] (display:"bk")[[To the reception->ground floor]] (set: $seen_mihai to 1) (set: $gen to 1) (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 45)

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$T[-ROOM 28-] $a['I just wanted to say - I mean, I know we don't really know each other'] you remind yourself quickly - $a['but I wanted to say that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here.'] $E['I am confused, tsk.'] $a['Well, us women have to stick together, right?'] You give her a wide smile. $a['It's a big scary world out there, men always wanting something. And, and it's not easy being a woman! You have to be strong, and independent, and you have to take care of your children and find them a nice home, you know?'] $E['I-I know.'] She seems speechless for a long moment. $E['It is good of you to offer companionship, young girl. You may not be aware of this, but there are many who regret having crossed my path, tsk tsk...'] You stare into the black woman's green eyes. The unhuman creature seems pensive. $E['But I find myself strangely fond of you. And you are a pretty little thing.] Her eyes sway from your $breasts to your $hair and $eyes. $E['I shall consider your offer.'] She approaches one of the drawers and fishes something out of it. $E['Here, take this, tsk. A small gift. I have a strange feeling it might serve you.'] You politely take the small green bottle and slip it into one of your pockets before excusing yourself and [[leaving the room.->leave2]] (set: $task_elise to 0) $I[Task completed: **Of silk and terror**] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $elise_present to 1) (set: $elise_level to it +1) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $elise_choice to "friend")

$fl2 $A[I don't know where this is going to lead me, but somehow it felt right.] You walk away slowly from her room, the silver mist dissipating from your head. Without thinking, your legs take you back to the [ground floor]<gf1|. (click:?gf1)[ (goto:"ground floor")]

$T[-ROOM 28-] $a['I just wanted to say - I mean, I know we don't really know each other'] you remind yourself quickly - $a['but I wanted to say that I think that you're truly an extraordinary woman.'] $E['What do you know about me, tsk?'] $a['Well, I've heard some things from Mihai'] You lie quickly, giving her a knowing smile. $a['I have heard how strong you are, what you have had to deal with... and I-I really respect you a lot. Doing everything to take care of your children... '] you trail of. $a['Children really are important to us women, are they not?'] $E['They are, tsk.'] She seems to think for a long moment. $E['I thank you for your words, young girl. You may not be aware of this, but there are many who regret having crossed my path, tsk tsk...'] You stare into the black woman's green eyes. The unhuman creature continues. $E['But I find myself strangely fond of you. And you are a pretty little thing.] Her eyes sway from your $breasts to your $hair and $eyes. $E['I shall consider your offer.'] She approaches one of the drawers and fishes something out of it. $E['Here, take this, tsk. A small gift. I have a strange feeling it might serve you.'] You politely take the small green bottle and slip it into one of your pockets before excusing yourself and [[leaving the room.->leave2]] (set: $task_elise to 0) $I[Task completed: **Of silk and terror**] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $elise_present to 1) (set: $elise_level to it +1) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $elise_choice to "admirer")

$T[-ROOM 28-] <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> (if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt" or "butler's uniform")[(display:"serve.butler")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[(display:"serve.devil")](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[(display:"serve.maid")] (set: _ti to 20) (display:"talk")[[Thank her for letting you serve]]

$room $A[Okay, let's see what I managed to do last time... (display: "felicia.recap") (display: "elise.recap") (display: "ionut.recap") (display: "inn.recap") ] [ ]<info| (display:"10m")[[Examine yourself->mirror]] (if: $suit is "night gown")[(display:"20m")[[Get dressed->getdressed2]] ] (display:"bk")(link-repeat:"Head out")[(if: $suit is "night gown")[(replace: ?info)[You can't go out dressed in a night gown!]](else:)[(goto:"Head out")] ] (set: _ti to 10)

You take up a summer job as a receptionist at The Crooked Elm hotel, which is also an ancient manor. When you arrive you meet with Mihai, the son of the owner and effectively your boss (also a vampire), and Ionut, the domestic servant (and also basically a mix between Igor and Frankenstein's monster). When you go down to the nearby village, you enter an antique shop and meet the owner, Felicia. She gives you an enchanted bracelet. On your way back to the hotel you get ambushed by a werewolf and die. After your death the real game begins. You wake up as a woman (side effect of the bracelet) and start realizing you're in some shit. The goal of the game is to complete the day without dying (which is not easy to do). Each time you die your bracelet loses life charges and if you reach 0 it's game over. You can recharge it by draining sexual energy from victims (it's a succubus bracelet.)

$inn $a['Ah, no, it- it's not that..'] <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['Truly?'] His eyes light up again. $L['But then- Was I unpleasant? Unfitting? Too forward, perhaps?'] You look as his face changes from a range of emotions and finally stils in an expression of polite confusion. $a['No! You're very charming - it's just a bit too fast...'] You attempt to explain yourself. $L['Ah, not to worry!'] he lights up again - $L['if time is what you require, time is what you shall have. Allow me to offer a small present - a token of my good intentions.] He hushes his voice, leaning closer to your ear and speaking in a low, conspiratorial tone. $L['There is a secret drink you can order, a special wine reserved only for the rich and noble families....such as my own. Share a drink with me, you won't regret it! Such wine you have never tasted before and shall never taste again! What do you say?'] 'Lavius, we need to speak.' says a man behind you. You jump in your seat, startled. $L['Cant you see I'm busy? Go away'] Lavius hisses at him, his beautiful face distorting with dissaproval. 'It's **urgent**. You need to come. Now.' You can't really see very well the man who's speaking, but Lavius doesn't seem to like him at all. $L['I'll be right back, my darling, don't go anywhere.'] He gives you another radiant smile and gets up from the table, following the other man. You are [[left alone->alone drunk]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['I'm sorry Lavius, I should have told you earlier!'] You run along with the lie. You can find another way to recharge the bracelet... probably... <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['I sincerely apologise my dear Alexandra. In fact - let me make it up to you!] He hushes his voice, leaning closer to your ear and speaking in a low, conspiratorial tone. $L['There is a secret drink you can order, a special wine reserved only for the rich and noble families....such as my own. Share a drink with me, you won't regret it! Such wine you have never tasted before and shall never taste again! What do you say?'] 'Lavius, we need to speak.' says a man behind you. You jump in your seat, startled. $L['Cant you see I'm busy? Go away'] Lavius hisses at him, his beautiful face distorting with dissaproval. 'It's **urgent**. You need to come. Now.' You can't really see very well the man who's speaking, but Lavius doesn't seem to like him at all. $L['I'll be right back, my darling, don't go anywhere.'] He gives you another radiant smile and gets up from the table, following the other man. You are [[left alone->alone drunk]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$inn You sit patiently on the table, waiting for Lavius to get back. You feel hot and sweaty, your mind in a happy haze from the wine. While you wait for your generous friend to return you sip nonchalantly from the expensive wine he bought for you. $A['Damn, this is a nice life!'] After a few minutes, he returns. $L['I'm terribly sorry for the interruption my dear, my *friend* over there needed my immediate council on a private matter. But I shan't bother you with such trifles. Now, where were we?'] Lavius leans in and kisses you again, filling your mouth with the taste of wine, lavender and something else, unrecognisable. When he draws away, you can't help but get a feeling of void. $L['Let's finish the wine, shall we?'] [[Drink->drunk 2]] (set: $lavius_level to 1) (set: _ti to 20)

$vil The two of you finish the rest of the wine between more jokes and kisses. When the bottle is empty he takes your hand and leads you outside. You have to admit that you're not paying too much attention where you're going, but after a while you leave the village and walk a short way towards the forest, after which the familiar silhouette of the $in[hunting cabin] appears among the trees. $L['We're almost there my love.'] You look around surprised. There are no other buildings in sight. 'Lavius, I didn't take you for a hunter!' $L['A hunter? I am also that I suppose.'] - he adresses you a strange grin. $L['But the place where we're going is not inside the cabin, but *beneath* it. Come, darling.'] Wrapping a hand around your shoulders Lavius leads you around the cabin. The backside is just a dull wooden wall with no distinguishable markings. Your companion approaches the left corner and grabs one small twig sticking from the planks and gently twists it around. A portion of the wall caves in and slides away, opening to a flight of stone stairs descending somewhere into the darkness. Reaching a hand inside, he flips something with a loud *click!* and a row of lamps lights up, illuminating the passage with a yellow glow. $A[Electricity!] Something inside your mind stirs, but you're too drunk to pay much attention to it. $L['Welcome to my lair, love'] says lavius, taking you by the hand and [[leading you down.->drunk 3]]

$T[-LAVIUS' SECRET LAIR-] After a couple dozen steps the staircase ends with a heavy wooden door that Lavius pushes open. You step into a long hallway with a handful of doors to each side. There are more of the lamps spraying dirty yellow light around. Copper pipes run the length of the ceiling, punctuated with valves and pressure gauges. $L['Welcome to my secret laboratory!'] 'It won't be secret for long if you invite every girl to visit' you chuckle. $L['Perhaps, perhaps not'] he replies with a mischevious smile. 'And what's to stop from just anyone barging in anyways?' you ask, strolling down the hallway. $L['First of all, nobody knows where it is. And even if somehow they did, how would they get out once they're in? Nobody knows that the password is Lastra Mora'] $sc4[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Password] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc4 to false)] 'Good of you tell me.' You approach one of the doors - it has a small round window through which you can see a variety of chemical instruments and concoctions. 'What is all this, anyways?' $L['Ah, my dear, it is nothing that fits the tastes of a lady such as yourself. Come.'] He takes your hand again and leads you down the hallway through several doors and down another flight of stairs. At the end of your short walk you end up in a small, dim lit room with a king-sized bed in the middle. 'So is this your-' Not letting you finish, Lavius kisses you again, passionately, his lips stealing the breath from your lungs. It's a long kiss, a demanding kiss that takes everything you've got and gives nothing back. Your body grows even hotter, lust flaring between your legs. He pushes you [[onto the bed.->drunk 4]]

$lav You land flat on your back, the satin sheets cushioning your fall. He is on top of you, kissing your lips, kissing your neck, kissing your breasts, his hands tearing apart your clothes as he descends lower in a flury of desire. $a['What are you-'] He silences you with another brute kiss, completely shredding your $suit to pieces. Your naked body glistens in the darkness, beads of sweat covering your skin. Lavius runs his hands along it, feeling every curve. Reaching your arms, he places them in an outstretched position above your head and you soon feel the soft touch of leather wrapping around your wrists. $A[Oooh, kinky!] A fleeting hesitation crosses your mind. Should you really be doing this? You've barely just met. (display:"goto")[[Let him tie you up->let drunk]] (display:"goto")[[Object->object drunk]] (set: $lastdeath to "lavius")

$lav You giggle and relax your body, letting him tie first your hands and then your legs, pulling them apart. You feel completely defenceless and exposed, your flower twitching as he stares hungrily at it. $A[Maybe this is exactly what I wanted...] He bends down and kisses it, leaving a trail of saliva along your slit. You feel that you can't resist him anymore. $A[Just take me already!] Slowly, Lavius undresses in front of you. In the darkness you can't see much, but his body is clearly lean and muscular. When he's done he approaches you, sitting on the bed in front of you and wrapping his strong arms under your legs. You feel a finger run along your wet slit. A shiver runs through your body. (display:"talk")[['I want you'->lavius.end]]

$lav $a['Hey, don't...'] You try to pull your hand away but his grip is too strong. The leather tightens around your wrist, pulling our arms up. $a['Let me-'] He silences you with another kiss, gently caressing your hair as he does. You relax again, giving in to his seduction.He binds your legs as well, pulling them apart. You feel completely defenceless and exposed, your flower twitching as he stares hungrily at it. $ A[Maybe this is exactly what I wanted...] He bends down and kisses it, leaving a trail of saliva along your slit. You feel that you can't resist him anymore. $A[Just take me already!] Slowly, Lavius undresses in front of you. In the darkness you can't see much, but his body is clearly lean and muscular. When he's done he approaches you, sitting on the bed in front of you and wrapping his strong arms under your legs. You feel a finger run along your wet slit. A shiver runs through your body. (display:"talk")[['I want you'->lavius.end]]

$a['I'm not sure what happened exactly, but I stuck my nose where I shouldn't have. There was this tower, up in the attic..] $M['A tower?'] $a['Yes. The top was a room in pitch black darkness. All the windows were completely covered. I tried opening one but then the servant came after me.'] $M['And you didn't see anything else?'] $a['There was just this... figure; up at the ceiling. It seemed like it had giant wings, but I blacked out before taking a proper look.'] $M['And you died?'] You gulp. $a['Not quite. I woke up some time later, tied in a shallow grave. The servant buried me alive.'] A cold shiver runs through your spine. $M['Better be careful where you poke your nose, girl. I'd stay away from that tower for now, if I were you.'] You give her a small nod.

'It happened at night, while I was climbing the hill back to the manor. There was a strange silhouette on the road...' You shiver at the memory, your voice faltering while you struggle to describe it. (if: (history:) contains "Approach the man")[I was careless and got close.... close enough to see that it wasn't human.] (else:)[I tried to run away but eventually it caught up with me.] The last thing I remember was falling to the ground and fangs biting into my neck. You shiver again, a wave of cold propagating through your body. Talking about your own death is an uneasy topic. $M['Sounds like you ran into a werewolf.'] 'A werewolf? I suppose at this point I shouldn't be surprised, but still... is that common?' $M['It's a full moon, so folks know not to wander about in the forest. You should too.'] 'But I have to get back to the manor!' $M['Then better do it before nightfall. Or take some protection. Or both.'] [['What protection?'->phero2]]

You look down at your feet in embarassment. 'It was the wolf again.' (if: $pheromones>0)[$M['What? I told you what to do!'] 'I know, it's just... I messed up, okay?' $M['Stupid humans.. okay, one more time, and pay attention!'] She throws you a vicious stare. $M['Apply one puff and **one puff only** to yourself before going through the forest. Do **not** run from a werewolf. They can smell the fear. For this to work you need to convince him that you're a werewolf yourself. Act confidently. Got it?'] 'I think I got it', [[you nod.->antique boutique]] ](else:)[$M['And little Ms. Know-it-all thought she could handle things perfectly on her own. Pfeh!'] exclaims Felicia, jokingly lifting her chin. You sigh, knowing that she's right. $A[I better get those pheromones soon..] ]

$a['You killed me is what bloody happened!'] you lash out at $Felicia. $M['Oh? And I suppose I never gave you a warning beforehand?'] $a['You said it might not be a good idea, not that I was going to die!'] $M['Do you need me to tell you not to jump from the roof also?'] There's an awkward pause. $M['So what happened exactly?'] $a['You gave me a silver ribbon... then I began to see the truth of this place. I saw that you are a cat'] - $Felicia gives you a devilish smile - $a['and then I returned to the manor. Mihai looked normal, but when I was walking around I ran into a giant spider. I think it was the woma- one of the guests. When she saw my panic she dragged me into her lair and then-'] You leave the last part out. $a['And here I am again.'] $M['Interesting. And this woman, this creature, did she seems evil to you before?'] $a['I don't know... perhaps, a little, but then again...'] $M['Not everything is at it seems, little human. Perhaps you got on her wrong side. Remember: she doesn't know about what happened. It **hasn't happened**. You are the eye of the storm, only you remember your past lives.'] $a['And you.'] $M['And me.'] She smiles.$M['But only partially. In any case, wield that information wisely. Perhaps that woman can be a powerful ally, in another lifetime.'] You nod.

$a['I was stupid, that's what happened!'] $M['What did you do?'] $a['I met this strange man at the inn... he seemed charming at first, handsome, witty, funny - a true gentleman. Buthe turned out to be a monster.'] $M['A charming monster? Let me guess, you've met Lavius.'] $a['You know him?!'] $M['He's a bit of a prick if you ask me, but he does have some rather fascinating research going on in that secret lab of his. He's mostly harmless, unless you get in his way.'] $a['**MOSTLY. HARMLESS.** He tied me to a bed and sucked my blood out!! How the is that MOSTLY HARMLESS?!?!'] $M['I'll admit he has his weaknesses, mostly for young naive girls that wonder into our village. That doesn't happen particularly often, so he has to jump on the fresh opportunity, lest it escapes him.'] $a['So I'm a fresh opportunity now?'] $M['For a bored vampire - pretty much, yeah.'] $a['Didn't you say Mihai was a vampire? How many exactly are there?'] $M['Oh, there are a bunch of them around. I'd be more careful if I were you.'] $a['A bunch of them...'] you sigh. $a['Anything else I should know?'] $M['Just try to decline his invitations, however polite they may be. But if you do somehow end up in his lab again, try to look around. Who knows, you might find something interesting.'] Resigned, you nod.

You cup your breasts in front of the mirror, squeezing them gently. The first time around your chest was almost as flat as board, but now you have a pair of $a[cute little B cups] that nicely fill your palms. Or rather, you've always had them... Your face is also prettier, rounder and more feminine, with $a[soft inviting lips] and elegant eyelashes.

Somehow, your feminity has definitely been further enhanced. Where your body used to be average and almost masculine, now stands a $a[seductive hourglass figure] with a thin waist and $a[well rounded, alluring breasts]. Coupled with that is a fair face with white skin and $a[full lips], which are a little more than inviting...

You are different. Before, the changes were gradual, barely pereceptible from cycle to cycle. A little larger breasts, a little fuller lips.. Now, you are different. There's no doubt about it. You blink at the mirror. Your hair is longer, and your face is more feminine for sure. Where your body used to be average and almost masculine, now stands a seductive hourglass figure with a thin waist and well rounded, alluring breasts, the kind of girl that you used to stare at the street, many lifetimes ago. You also **feel** different. You are no longer staring back at a pretty face, you **are** the pretty face. You've finally slipped in the skin and feel almost at home in your new body.

$inn In the end your curiosity prevails and you follow Lavius' request to stay around while he finishes whatever business he has with his friend. When he returns you see him carrying an odd-shaped purple bottle, from which he pours you a generous glass. $L['Let's call it a welcoming present for your arrival to our humble village. May it be just the beginning of many fine adventures for a fine lady!'] You blush a little, lifting the glass to your lips and taking a long sip. It's a strong, sweet wine with a fruity aftertaste that leaves you wanting for more. Within the minute you've downed the whole glass and Lavius serves you another. The haze in your head quickly thickens and the laughter, smiles and glasses seamlessly mix into one great (text-style:"blurrier")[BLUR]<blur|. (click: ?blur)[(goto:"wakeup drunk")]

$fl2 You know that you can't get out of cleaning her room, but you have other things on your mind right now and you don't plan to waste any time. $a['Right away, Ma'am'] you nod politely before heading to her room. The familiar confusion of the silvery room sets in but you don't pay it any mind, taking care of business as quickly as you can before [[heading downstairs->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 80) (set: $28done to 1)

$lav You wake up lying flat on your back on a bed of satin sheets. He is on top of you, kissing your lips, kissing your neck, kissing your breasts, his hands tearing apart your clothes as he descends lower in a fluty of desire. 'What are you-' He silences you with a brute kiss, completely shredding your $suit to pieces. Your naked body glistens in the darkness, beads of sweat covering your skin. Lavius runs his hands along it, feeling every curve. Reaching your arms, he places them in an outstretched position above your head and you soon feel the soft touch of leather wrapping around your wrists. $A[What's going on?!] You begin to struggle but then a part of your mind seems hesitant. $A[Do I really not want this? My body is so hot, it would be so easy to just let him...] (display:"goto")[[Let him tie you up->let drunk]] (display:"goto")[[Object->object drunk]] (set: $lastdeath to "lavius") (set: $lavius_level to 1)

$ant $a['You once mentioned a magical item that could help me?'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['I also advised strongly against using it. You're not ready. It could cost your life.'] $a['I appreciate your warning...'] (display:"talk")['... and heed your advice. Better safe than sorry.']<back| (display:"talk")[['...but follow my own rules. What is this item?'->ribbon]] (click:?back)[(goto:"antique boutique")]

(unless: (history:)'s last is "fading away....")[ (if: $ionut_level is 1)[ (set: $ionut_level to 2)] ] (if: $deathlist contains "lavius" and $lav_firstdeath is 1)[(set: $lav_firstdeath to 2)] (if: $dead is 0)[(goto:"DIE1")] (elseif: $dead>0 and $death_animation is 2)[(set: $dead += 1) (if:$dead is 1)[(set: $Felicia_level to 1) (set: $backstory to "You lived a quiet suburban life and acquired your street smarts from boys and girls in the hood. Life never really surprised you much, until you decided to take that summer job.") (set: $sanity -=50)] (else:)[(set: $backstory to(either: "You had a quiet and peacful childhood, until your first love left you heartbroken. You didn't allow it to show, but you felt dead inside for years. Life never really surprised you much, until you decided to take that summer job.","You left your quiet suburban life and ran away with a juggler from a visiting circus. Life was hard, but also intriguing, until you ran out of money and decided to take that summer job.","You were a weird kid from the start, interested in magic and the occult, looking for something more in life. You were starting to get bored, until you decided to take that summer job.","You had a hard childhood, being an introvert with no friends. Everyone called you the weird girl and stayed away. Your parents helped with your education, until they ran out of money and you decided to take that summer job.","You were a normal person with a normal life. Nothing really interesting happened to you, until you decided to take that summer job."))] (goto:"..............") ] (elseif: $dead is 1)[(goto:"DIE2")] (elseif: $dead <6)[(goto:(either:"DIE3","DIE4","DIE5"))] (else:)[(goto:"DIE6")]

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You were obsessed with |fontbig>[street magic], coin flips and card tricks that you performed on the passerbys while your agile friends slipped tiny hands in the pockets of the distracted.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you were (colour:#CC0000)[a crazy little thing],that one day life would sweep you away from her and take you somewhere far, far away.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - his name was (colour:#CCFFFF)[Zachary] - was a juggler from the circus that seduced you with his skills and charms] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ eventually you left with him, abandoning your home town and conventional education for life on the road and stary nights with your new lover..] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[many friends], outcasts such as yourself, lost souls that gathered around your troupe like moths to a flame.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It was one of the best times of your life and you would give anything for it to last forever..] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] was (colour:#FFFFCC)[an old python] that Zachary bought for you on your 18th birthday. You named him slimy and loved it with all your heart until it died 3 years later.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[As you grew older things between you and Zachary soured. You were no longer his little girl and the witty and skillful juggler sudenly turned into a cliché comedian with secondhand tricks. You slipped in a depression and later left the circus, returning to your home town after many years.] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ You tried to finish your [education]<fontbig| but you were never really any good at it and (colour:#FF99FF)[got in trouble with the teachers.] After high school your parents encouraged you to explore alternative venues in life, which led you to a brochure about a summerjob abroad. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ With no other options at hand, you decided to take it...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, you had an odd life, which never made much sense to you. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $backstory to "You left your quiet suburban life and ran away with a juggler from a visiting circus. Life was hard, but also intriguing, until you ran out of money and decided to take that summer job.")

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You were always attracted to the mysterious and the occult,constatnly digging your nose in all the old books from grandma's attic.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], had a tendency to attract weirdness in your life. You (colour:#CC0000)[ drove your mom crazy] with the pictures you drew, misshapen creatures that spoke in unknown languages and always foreshadowed events in the family's life.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - her name was (colour:#e216e2)[Chelsea] - was a shy girl who had always stared at you from afar] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ In the end your weirdness drew you together - tarot cards, fortune telling, walks after dark around the outskirts of town. You kissed at night, when no one could see you, and her kisses were sweeter than cherry cream.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[some friends], most boys and girls stayed away from you and Chelsea, but those who liked you turned out to be true.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ After high school |fontbig>[she broke your heart], running away with another girl. You slipped in a depression which lasted until the early years of college.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] was a (colour:#a51906)[black tarantula] that you got from a shop to keep you company after she departed. Your parents were horrified.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Chelsea had meant the world to you and her betrayal left a gaping void that you couldn't fill. ] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [college]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[good grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, you had a |fontbig>[strange life], however brief it was. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $backstory to "You were a weird kid from the start, interested in magic and the occult, looking for something more in life. You were starting to get bored, until you decided to take that summer job.")

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You were uninteresting and antisocial most of the time, staying away from anything new that might put you out of your comfort zone.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you (colour:#CC0000)[should go out more], that if you stayed home all the time you would never amount to anything muchin your life.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - his name was (colour:#CCFFFF)[Kevin] - never even noticed your existence. ] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ Throughout most of high school you just stared at him, too shy to say or do anything. You were part of the background, an invisible observer. Kevin never even knew you were interested in him.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[almost no friends], except for Lynda, the other class introvert that tagged with you due to misfortune and circumstance. You were both always left out so you ended up forming an awkward type of friendship.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It was a miserable childhood and you have almost no fond memories of it. Sometimesyou wish you could just forget it all ever happened.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] died when you were 18. It was a (colour:#FFFFCC)[stray dog] that you picked from a shelter, despite knowing that he didn't have much time left. You named him Roger and cared for him like family.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Roger had meant the world to you and his death didn't go by easily. You slipped in a depression which lasted until the early years of college.] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [school]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[okay-ish grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to do something different and take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, you had a dull life, for what it was worth. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $backstory to "You had a hard childhood, being an introvert with no friends. Everyone called you the weird girl and stayed away. Your parents helped with your education, until they ran out of money and you decided to take that summer job.")

(set: $test to 1) {(live: 2.0s)[ (if: $test is 1)[ (append: ?fadeout1)[You always helped your friends when they needed you, even if you were a little rebellious with your parents, something they occasionally complained about but always forgave.] ] (if: $test is 2)[(append: ?fadeout2)[|fontbig>[When you were little], your mother always used to say that you were meant to (colour:#CC0000)[succeed],that one day you would do great things and find your place in the world, wherever it may be.] ] (if: $test is 3)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ |fontbig>[Your first love] - his name was (colour:#CCFFFF)[Marc] - was a shy guy who had always adored you] ] (if: $test is 4)[(append: ?fadeout2)[ ...but in the end you just had to let him go. Why did you have to let him go? You don't quite remember. Something happened between the two of you and then things were never quite the same.] ] (if: $test is 5)[(append: ?fadeout3)[You had |fontbig>[a decent amount of friends], mostly boys and girls from the hood whose parents weren't well off enough to send to summer camps or boarding schools, so you played together, exploring the backstreets.] ] (if: $test is 6)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ It wasn't the most glorious childhood, but you have nontheless fond memories of it and it definitely taught you a lot about life.] ] (if: $test is 7)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ |fontbig>[Your first pet] died when you were 15. It was a (colour:#FFFFCC)[beautiful dog] that your parents had bought for you when you were little. His name was Anthony and you loved him like family.] ] (if: $test is 8)[(append: ?fadeout3)[Anthony had meant the world to you and his death didn't go by easily. You slipped in a depression which lasted until the early years of college.] ] (if: $test is 9)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ In [school]<fontbig| you were never the most brilliant of students, but you got by with (colour:#FF99FF)[okay-ish grades] for which your parents left you mostly alone, judging you competent to take care of yourself in life. ] ] (if: $test is 10)[(append: ?fadeout3)[ Before you know it the years flew by, until you decided to take that summer job at that hotel...] ] (if: $test is 4)[(replace: ?fadeout1)[ ] ] (if: $test is 7)[(replace: ?fadeout2)[ ] ] (if: $test is 11)[(replace: ?fadeout3)[ ] ] (if: $test<14)[(set: $test +=1)] (if: $test is 13)[ (show:?next) ] (if: $test is 13)[(stop:)] ]} [ [Thinking back, your life was a wild ride. ]<fadeout1| ] [ [ ]<fadeout2| ] [ ]<fadeout3| |next)[ [[..............]] ] (set: $dead += 1) (set: $backstory to "You were a normal person with a normal life. Nothing really interesting happened to you, until you decided to take that summer job.")

$gar You sit on a bench and admire the dry, sickly grass that covers the grounds. It's not exactly pretty, but there is an odd charm to it, a beauty in the death and decay that hang in the air. A cold breeze touches your cheek. The mountain pines rustle in the distance. Despite the morbid scenery, this is a moment of respite, a moment that allows you to gather your thoughts and reflect on the situation. Time wraps you like a soft cocoon and you lose tracks of the minutes passing. Slowly, some (colour:#77cff7)[**clarity**] returns. (click: ?enter)[ $R[You don't have the key] ] (display:"key")(if: $gen >1)[ [[Enter the basement]] ](else: )[ [Enter the basement]<enter| ] (display:"20m")[[Take a walk along the fence->fence]] (if: $knowflowers is 1)[ (display:"20m")[[Pluck some flowers]] ] (display:"bk")[[ground floor<-Back to the reception]] (set: _ti to 60) (set: $sanity +=10) (set: $rested to 1)

$inn (if: $hour>=17)[$A[When did it become so late?! I need to hurry or Mihai is going to kill me!] You gather your stuff and hurry outside. Time is ticking and you can't waste any more at the inn. You head to the [[village center->village3]].](else:)[You sit alone, submerging in the background noise of low chatter, glass clings and occasional laughter. It's nice to be out of the spotlight. You take a menu from the table and glance at the contents - mostly drinks, mixed with a few simple meals. It's meant for a local clientele. (if: $inn_level is 0)[(display:"lavius1")](else:)[ (if: $lav_busy is 1)[A quick look around gives you the essence of your surroundings - on the opposite side of the room, $L[Lavius] is talking in a low voice with the mysterious man. They seem busy and considering you just bailed on Lavius, you decide not to bother them for the time being. On the bar there is a $in[lonely man] drinking beer, head down and back to the rest of the room.] (else:)[A quick look around gives you the essence of your surroundings - on the opposite side of the room, $L[Lavius] is sitting on a round table, a glass of wine in his hand. He might be throwing glances at you, but it's hard to tell. (if: $lavius_level is 0 and $bcharges<2)[(color:#99FFCC)[You gather your courage. You **have to** do it. You're pretty sure he's the type to take women home, and you can be convincing enough. It's your only option to survive.] ] A couple of tables behind him, a $in[mysterious man with a hood] is drinking whiskey with a few other shady individuals. Most of the tables are filled with groups of three to five, drinking together and paying seemingly little attention to you, though you can feel the stares on the back of your head as soon as you turn away. On the bar there is a $in[lonely man] drinking beer, head down and back to the rest of the room. $I[ [ ]<thi| ] ] (if: $lav_busy is 0)[[Go to Lavius]<lav| [Approach the mysterious individual]<myst| ] $zach[ [Sit next to the lonely man]<lone| ][[Leave the inn]] ] (set: _ti to 15) (click: ?lav)[ (if: $lavius_level is 0)[ (goto:"lav1") ] (else:)[ (goto: "lav2")] ] (click: ?myst)[ (if: $myst_visited is 1)[(replace:?thi)[Your cheeks burn. One encounter with the man seems quite enough for today.] ] (elseif: $myst_level is 0)[ (goto:"myst1") ] (elseif: $myst_level is 1)[ (goto:"myst2") ] (elseif: $myst_level > 1)[ (goto:"myst3") ] ] (click: ?lone)[ (if: $zach_friends is 1)[(goto:"shake hands")] (else:)[(goto:"lone1")] ] ]

<img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['I wouldn't bother with the beer if I were you, it's clearly not suited for a fine lady such as yourself.'] You lower the menu down to discover a strange man sitting across the table from you, a glass of wine in his hand. Dressed in finer clothes than the masses surrounding you and with multiple jeweled rings and glittering bracelets, he's clearly some kind of noble or at least wealthy. $A[When did he get there? I didn't even hear him sit down.] $L['There is, on the other hand, quite a fine selection of wines that I do recommend you trying.'] $a['I- I don't know anything about wine..'] $L['Not a problem, one simply has to start somewhere as I always say. Might I offer you a drink?'] (display:"goto")[[Accept]] (display:"goto")[[Decline]](set: _ti to 10)

$inn You carefully get your stuff and head to the exit trying not to attract much attention. Your efforts are successful and you [[leave without any trouble->village3]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$inn (if: $lav_talked is 1)[You approach Lavius cautiously, wondering how to pick up the conversation. He lifts his head, a fleeting shadow passing over his face, then he lights up again. $L['Ah, my dear Alexandra! Come, join me for a drink!'] ](else:)[You approach Lavius cautiously, wondering how to engage in conversation. It turns out that this isn't an issue at all. As soon as he sees you coming closer, he gestures for you to sit next to him and raises a bottle of wine.] (display:"goto")[Accept his invitation]<drink| (display:"goto")[[Politely decline]] (set: _ti to 5) (click: ?drink)[ (if: $bcharges>2 and $elise_level<3)[ (goto:"notready")] (else:)[ (goto:"Accept his invitation")] ]

$inn You nod and sit, picking up a glass that he fills generously. The wine is delicious and it quickly envelopps your head in a warm, happy haze. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="500" align="right"> $L['I have always admired women with $eyes.'] He says, though it's quite clear that he'd rather look at your $breasts. You laugh at that and let it slide, playing along with the cheesy jokes that fly out of his mouth. You have little choice but to do this, although a part of you seems to be enjoying it as well. (if: $lav_talked is 0)[The two of you exchange pleasantries and you tell him about yourself and your work at the hotel. ] When the bottle is done, he [[offers to buy another->drunk 1]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$inn You smile and shake your head, [[returning to your place->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 2)

$inn The man in the hood barely moves as you approach his table. $rando['What do you want, doll?'] $a['I- eeh-, I just wanted to-'] $rando['Scram off, will ya?'] Wide-eyed with shock at the man's rudeness, you quickly turn your back. (display:"bk")[[Return to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$inn The stranger barely registers your presence as you approach his table. You stand there for a few moments, until he finally turns towards you. You eye the man up and down. In a previous life, he was the one that interrupted your conversation with Lavius. What's more interesting is that your companion deemed the matter important enough to rsik you walking away. $A[Luckily for Lavius I was naive enough to stick around... that bastard...] You consider asking the man about that, but you're not too certain he'd be willing to discuss it with you. On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a quick "recharge", he seems like an easy option... $rando['What do you want, doll?'] the man asks with a smirk. [['I want to know what is your relationship with Lavius.'->about lavius0]] (display:"h10")(if: $lewd>9)[[[Why, I wanted some company-> want company]] ](else:)[(display:"unav")] (display:"bk")[[Run away]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn (if:(history:)'s last is "Take it")[You jerk away from his hands and straighten your $suit. He seems a little disapointed, but then gives you a sly grin. $rando['I'll see you around, doll'] In the end, you didn't learn anything new about Lavius, but at least avoided public humiliation.](elseif:(history:)'s last is "myst3" or "myst2")[At the last moment, you have a change of heart and turn around with embarrassment, much to the amused remarks of the men. ](else:)[Your face grows red with anger and you grind your teeth, but say nothing. The hooded man looks scary and his friends aren't any friendlier. (if: (history:)'s last is "Resist intimidation")[You jerk away from his hands and straighten your $suit. He gives you a sly grin.]] Defeated, you [[head back to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 5)

(if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(goto:"resist2")]$inn $a['Hey, that's no way to talk to a-'] you begin, but a round of rude, loud laughter interrupts you. $rando['To a *lady*? Please, doll, save the pretense for Lavius. I know a **dirty wench** when I see one.'] The man reaches and crudely fumbles your $breasts. You freeze in shock as his massive hands squueze and grope your tender flesh. Without skipping a beat he moves lower, boldly reaching under your garments as his fingers sink into places you'd rather not think about. An electric shock breaks your frozen terror as a wave of pleasure propagates from the sensitive spot that his index is so vulgarly rubbing. [Take it]<take| [[Run away]] (set: _ti to 10) (click:?take)[ (if: $deathlist contains "lavius")[ (goto: "Take it")] (else:)[ (goto:"notready2")] ] (set: $myst_visited to 1)

$inn Ever so slowly, you move your legs further apart, allowing the man free access to your moistening slit. His fingers continue to run along it, probing deeper and deeper between your folds. $rando['There's a good slut, told you guys, I'm never wrong.'] The men next to him snigger and that somehow makes you both embarassed and aroused. Soon you're wet enough for his finger to easily slide all the way inside you. $rando['I think she's ready boys!'] Your heart is pounding and you realize that things are about to take a major turn right here right now. You have a final moment left to act.. [[Run away]] [[Let him do what he wants]] (set: _ti to 5)

$inn Somehow you feel compelled to approach the man again, despite how things turned out for you last time. (if: $lewd<15)[$A[Or is it because of that?] You shake your head slightly, chasing away the uncomfortable thought. The bracelet pulsates slowly as you make your way over to the hooded man's table.](elseif: $lewd<20)[$A[Though it wasn't bad at all...] You sense a hotness inside you and a growing need to be taken and used. The bracelet warms up on your wrist, pushing you towards the group of men. You gulp and move forward, pushing your breasts together with your elbows.](else:)[$A[Despite? Who am I kidding, I enjoyed every bit of it...] The bracelet warms up in approval, reminding you about all the pleasures you crave. You lower your cleavage shamelessly and walk up to the men.] $rando[(either:"'Hey boys, look what's coming our way!'","'Oh, a little doll walks our way!'","Well I'll be damned, look what's coming all on its own!")] The men around chuckle and exchange dirty looks. $rando['How can I help you, darling?'] (if: $lewd<15)[You stand in front of him, a wave of arousal already spreading through your body. The bracelet is warmer still and you feel a kind of hunger bulding inside your belly. $A[Okay, need to focus! If I ask the right questions, maybe I'll get some info out of him this time... or something...] ](elseif: $lewd<20)[Your body grows hot in anticipation. You know where this is going but you can't help yourself. $A[I'll try to get some information at least... maybe...]](else:)[You feel like a little bitch in heat coming up to the men. Tha bracelet burns hot, hungry for new charges. $A[It's all the bracelet, I want to be filled, eer, I meant it wants to be refilled...]] [[Can you tell me anything about Lavius?->about lavius]] (display:"h10")(if: $lewd>9)[[[Why, I wanted some company-> want company]] ](else:)[(display:"unav") ] (if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(display:"unav")](else:)[(display:"h20")(if: $lewd>19)[$special[Abandon all pretense] ]<abandon|(else:)[(display:"unav") ] ] (display:"bk")[[Run away]] (click:?abandon)[(goto:"no pretense")] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn The men look you up and adown, amused. $rando['Have you fallen in love, doll? The man's right there, go talk to him! Or do ye need a pimp?'] The men laugh loudly, hitting the table with their tankards. $a['I just wanted to know more about him, that's all.'] you say with an innocent voice. $rando['Well that's a shame, because we're busy. If you want Lavius to notice you just get your tits out and your hole wet, he'll be sure to notice, ahahahah! Now run along doll, before we decide to have a little taste ourselves!'] The man slaps you on the ass, pushing you away from the table. Defeated, you [[return to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 10)

(if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(goto:"refuse_company")]$inn $a['Eeer, I was feeling kinda lonely sitting all by myself...'] $rando['Well you've come to the right place then!'] The men laugh again and the hooded figure extends a hand, pulling you into his lap. You fall down in a slight surprise, your small figure nesting comfortably on the large man's knees. Up close you are able to peer under the hood, seeing a broad, weathered face with a short stubby beard and a wide smile revealing a pair of golden teeth. He places a large hand on your hip, a casual gesture that nevertheless ensures that you won't be going anywhere unless he lets you. $A['So what brings you to these parts, doll?'] [Traveling the world]<r1| [Got a new job at the hotel]<r3| (click: ?r1)[(set: $reply1 to 1) (goto:"company2")] (click: ?r3)[(set: $reply1 to 3) (goto:"company2")] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn (if: $reply1 is 1)[$a['I wanted to travel around, see the world...'] $rando['And did you find what you were loooking for?'] the man asks sarcastically, a hand fondling your breasts. You blush but don't resist. $rando['I'd say that you have']](else:)[$a['I was looking for something to do, got a newjob at the hotel...'] $rando['And do you enjoy sitting at a desk all day? Or are you performing other *favors* for the guests?'] the man asks sarcastically. $rando['I'd say a girllike you needs some action to keep things fresh. In fact']]- the hooded man continues - $rando['I'd say that I know exactly what it is you need, little **slut**.'] His hand reaches underneath your garments and pulls your panties down. A silent gasp escpaes your lips as you feel a finger brush along your slit. Your eyes circle around, meeting the amuzed gazes of the other men. Something tells you they know exactly what's going on but you're unable to break eye contact even as the fingers dig deeper and your breathing becomes hot and steamy. The humiliation of being touched in front of all these men drives you crazy and you feel your flower grow wet and hungry from the older man's caresses. (if:$reply1 is 1)[$rando['You call it travelling the world, I say you wanted to check which dick fills your holes best and decided to try them all!]](else:)[$rando['For your next job I recommend applying to something that better suits your talents, why not be our private maid? We'll be sure to keep you busy...']] <img src="images/lewd1.png" width="750" align="center"> The men around you laugh. You sense a fumbling underneath you and then a hard crock presses against your entrance. You instinctively wiggle and slide yourself on top of it with a soft moan. The men laugh again. The group leader wraps his arms around your body, holding you tight as he begins thrusting inside you. Your $breasts bounce up and down with every motion. Your breaths come in short. Some of the other customers in the inn are also turning their heads now, but only for a second. This only makes you wetter. After a minute or two of this the pace accelerates and then he grows still in an instant, his throbbing cock emptying a warm puddle inside your belly. Another bead on the bracelet blossoms in crimson. (set: $bcharges +=1) $rando[Thanks for the stress relief, doll. I'd love to keep you for a second round, but unfortunately us men have business to take care of. Feel free to drop by later if you miss your holes drilled.] There is another round of laughter as you straighten your skirt and go [[back to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 30) (set: $lust +=1) (set: $myst_visited to 1) (set: $myst_level +=1) (if: $first_willing_sex is "none")[(set: $first_willing_sex to "myst_man")]

$inn (if: $myst_visited is 1)[Approaching the counter, you take a closer look at the lonesome figure - a man in his early thirties with a bushy beard and dark, sunken eyes. He's wearing plain clothes and doesn't seem to pay much attention to the rest of the clientele. $a['Hello'] you say, taking a seat on the empty stool beside him. The man looks at you with a mixture of pity and disgust. $z['I saw what you did with those men.... I'm sorry but I'm not interested in speaking with your kind.'] The man turns his back, leaving you no choice but to [[return to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 10) ](else:)[(if: (history:)'s last is "innhub")[Approaching the counter, you take a closer look at the lonesome figure - a man in his early thirties with a bushy beard and dark, sunken eyes. He's wearing plain clothes and doesn't seem to pay much attention to the rest of the clientele. $a['Hello'] you say, taking a seat on the empty stool beside him. He grunts something barely audible in return. You order a beer and begin to drink it, bu after 10 minutes of waiting the man continues his lonely sulking without any visible intention to speak to you.] (else:)[You carry on drinking your beer in silence. Perhaps a change in tactic is required to get through to the man.] [[Try to charm him]] (if: (history:)'s last is "innhub")[ [Buy him a drink]<buydrink|](else:)[ [Buy him another drink]<buydrink| ] [[Leave->innhub]] $R[ [ ]<info| ] (set:_ti to 10) (click: ?buydrink)[ (if: $money<10)[(replace:?info)[You don't have enough money]] (else:)[(set: $money -= 10) [(goto:"lone2")] ] ] ]

$inn You lean closer, pressing your $breasts against his shoulder. $a['So, what is a big, handsome boy like yourself doing all alone?'] You are surprised by your own sultry voice but there's something exciting in playing the role. $z['Fuck off, doll'] [[Be more seductive]] [[Back away->lone1]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['Come on, don't be like that! I'm sure you could enjoy a woman's company...'] You gently wrap your hand around his arm, tracing slim fingers down his sleeve. $a['I can be pretty persuasive, you know...'] $z['I told you to get lost!'] The man growls at you, pushing you away with force. You stagger a few steps back before regaining your balance. It seems that you blew your chances with the man, at least for now. You [[return to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 10) (set: $zach to false)

$inn Finishing your beverege with a few long gulps, you signal the bartender for two new ones, sliding one of them towards your silent companion. $a['You look like you could use a cold one.'] You say with a mild, neutral expression. The man shrugs barely percetibly but accepts the offer and the two of you drink in silence for a while. [['I'm new here.... could you show me around?'->imnew]] [['People aren't very friendly around here'->notfriendly]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn The man frowns and takes a long sip from his beverege before replying. $z['Sorry sweetheart....I'm not a guide. Run off to someone else for that.'] He turns your back slightly towards you, letting you know that the [[conversation is over for now->lone1]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$inn He shoots you a sharp look, but then his face grows softer. $z['It's true, they aren't.... especially to outsiders.'] [['I've always had trouble fitting in.'->nofit]] [['Are you an outsider too?'->outsider]] (set: _ti to 5)

$inn The man raises an eyebrow. $z['A pretty girl like you...?'] $a['I wasn't always pretty...'] $A[Neither always a girl...] You pause for a moment, thinking. $a['I know what it's like to be different. Didn't want you drinking alone.'] $z['Listen, darling, if you're somehow trying to hit on me...'] The man trails off. $z['You're wasting your time. You're not my type, if you catch my drift.'] $a['I wasn't hitting on you!'] you quickly blurt out. $a['Is it bad to try and make a friend?'] He takes a few more sips, giving you a measuring look. $z['I'm Zachary'] $a['Alexandra'] You [[shake hands]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$inn As you ask the question you notice his face change slightly, becoming harder, a tinge of pain in his eyes. $z['No, doll, I'm from around here, born and raised in this village... not that it's enough for **them**.'] You try to say more but he turns your back slightly towards you, letting you know that the [[conversation is over for now->lone1]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$inn (if: (history:)'s last is "nofit")[With the ice broken the conversation with Zachary becomes much smoother and the two of you talk for a while, cautiously opening up to one another. You learn that he works as a carpenter in a shop at the outskirts of the village. He grew up with few friends most of which left him in adolescence, since people like him were frowned upon in the small community. When the conversation winds down, you ponder your next question.](elseif:(history:)'s last is "innhub")[You approach Zachary again and he quietly gestures to the empty chair beside him. It seems that the lonely man has grown a liking to your company.](else:)[(display:(either:"zach1","zach2","zach3"))] [['What do you think about Lavius?'->whatlavius]] [['What do you think about the hooded man?'->whathooded]] [['What do you think about the owner of the antique shop?'->whatant]] [['What do you think about the Crooked Elm?'->whatelm]] (if: (history:) contains "opensecret")[ $special[(display:"excl") [[I have a business opportunity for you->ask zach]] ] ] [[Leave Zachary for now->innhub]] (set: _ti to 5) (set: $zach_friends to 1) (set: $zach_level to 1)

$inn $z['That sleezeball?'] Zachary spits on the floor. $z['Don't like him one single bit, but he's rich and the Elder likes him.'] $a['He seemed quite charming at first...'](if: $deathlist contains "lavius")[ $A[Until he tied me on that bed and drained my blood...] ] $z['He's a ladies man alright'] your companion frowns $z['at least until he's had his way with them, then he discards them like trash, or worse. Stay away from him doll. Nothing good would come of talking to him.'] (if: $hour<17)[ [[Ask about someone else->shake hands]] ](else:)[$A[Oh my god look at the time!! I'm gonna be late for work!] ] [[Say goodbye]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $z['That vagabond and his band of good for nothings...'] Zachary spits on the floor. (if: $myst_visited is 1)[$z['Can't say I was pleased seeing you in their company. But what can a man do? It's your life, doll. If you want to be treated like a whore at least you know where to go.'] ](else:)[$z['Stay away from them if you don't want to end up dumped in some back alley.']] You give him a small nod. (if: $hour<17)[ [[Ask about someone else->shake hands]] ](else:)[$A[Oh my god look at the time!! I'm gonna be late for work!] ] [[Say goodbye]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $z['The owner of the Antique Boutique? Never met him.'] $a['But you live in the same village! You've never gone into the shop, never crossed Felicia randomly walking around?!'] you exclaim, surprised. $A[And it is a pretty small village!] $z['Felicia, hm? Interesting.'] $a['You didn't even know her name?!'] $z['I see that you're still new to this place, doll.'] Zach sighs. $z['No, I didn't know her name. The shop has always been closed for me and I know better than to poke my nose where I'm not supposed to.'] You stare at him, digesting the information. (if: $hour<17)[ [[Ask about someone else->shake hands]] ](else:)[$A[Oh my god look at the time!! I'm gonna be late for work!] ] [[Say goodbye]] (set: _ti to 10) $sc5[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The invisible presence] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc5 to false)]

$inn $z['The Manor.... it was once the hope of this village, but now it has fallen into dissaray. The old man is too weak to take care of things as he used to and his son lacks the wit and experience.'] $a['Sounds like you knew Mihai's father?'] $rando['Everybody knows the Elder, doll, not that you'd understand...'] You give Zachary a quizzical look but he doesn't seem inclined to elaborate. (if: $hour<17)[ [[Ask about someone else->shake hands]] ](else:)[$A[Oh my god look at the time!! I'm gonna be late for work!] ] [[Say goodbye]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['Listen, I have to go for now, buut.... I'll see you around, OK?'] Zachary gives you a silent nod. It tells you everything you need to know. A lonely man drinking his beer. He doesn't have a family to go back to nor friends to come calling. When you need him, he'll be here. (if: $hour>=17)[You gather your stuff and hurry outside. Time is ticking and you can't waste any more at the inn. You head to the [[village center->village3]]. ](else:)[Leaving him behind you head back to [[your old table->innhub]].] (set: _ti to 5)

Silence instills between the two of you for a moment as each drinks his beer, pondering life. You open your mouth; Zach raises an eyebrow; you close it again. FInally, the question comes:

Zach quitly finishes his beer. 'You want another one?' you offer, hoping to keep the conversation going. $rando['Don't worry doll, next round's on me.'] He beckons the bartender who refills your glasses. The inn's background chit-chat increases, providing a blanket cover for a private exchange of words.

You study the man's features closer as he drinks - a face weathered and rough, a man of the land and the woods, with big bulky arms and hands hardened from sweat and splinters. A carpenter's hands, no doubt. $A[It's strange, but somehow I feel compelled to trust Zachary, there is an air of rough honesty to him that's impossible to fake...] You catch yourself staring and quickly return to your drink.

-reactions to start of work depending on circumstances (late/on time, interactions, etc) -Meeting with wolf on way back, thoughts of lavius kiss occur even if you walked away -replace live macros with link-repeat whenever possible -add more butt to descriptions -fill death comments from Felicia -create quests for pheromones -breakfast 3rd variation -FLOOR 1 (another guest?) -Basement door -recap for first death, more exploration/detective mechanics -sex scenes self-progress database -solo self-exploration/transformation database -Ionut recap fix -Elise room link repeat and visual interface

$vil It's either your nerves or common sense, but you get cold feet and decide to get away from the cabin as quickly as possible. It's a wonderful summer day and the shade of the mountain forest is too refreshing to risk your untimely death. You walk around for a bit to calm down and then [[head back to the village->village3]]. (set: _ti to 30)

$vil Curiosity pushes you and you reach for the barely noticeable twig sticking out of the left corner of the wall and twist it downwards. A portion of the wall slides open, revealing the hidden staircase. The tunnel is dark and foreboding, but the switch on the wall is easy enough to spot. As soon as you press it the electric lights flicker on, making the entrance easy to navigate though no less sinister. $A[So far so good...] With a pounding heart, you [[press on]]. $sc6[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Hidden Entrance] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc6 to false)] (set: _ti to 5)

$vil The back of the cabin is plain and dull, just as you remember it. A decent way from the village, the forest has taken most of the surroundings and it's hard to tell anyone even comes here anymore, save for the small trail that circles around the building and continues, barely visible, among the trees. $z[Zachary] is leaning on the side of a tree, arms crossed. $z['Alright, we're here. Now what?'] (if: $bcharges >0)[The bracelet emits a reassuring warmth on your wrist. It still has $bcharges crimson bead(if: $bcharges>1)[s] left on it. $A[Even if things go terribly wrong, I should be fine...] You get a little excited thinking about all the ways things could go wrong. Perhaps it's the adrenaline rush, perhaps it's the memories of your first night with Lavius.... or perhaps you're starting to aquire a taste for these things. ](else:)[Galncing at your bracelet you remark that there are no crimson beads left on it. $A[If things go wrong... this is the end of the line.] You gulp and try to pretend that you aren't a little aroused thinking about all the ways things could go wrong. Perhaps it's the adrenaline rush, perhaps it's the memories of your first night with Lavius.... or perhaps you're starting to aquire a taste for these things.] You shake your head and pull yourself together. $A[I'm with Zach now, everything should be fine.] You reach for the barely noticeable twig sticking out of the left corner of the wall and twist it downwards. A portion of the wall slides open, revealing the hidden staircase. $z['Woow!'] The tunnel is dark and foreboding, but the switch on the wall is easy enough to spot. As soon as you press it the electric lights flicker on, making the entrance easy to navigate though no less sinister. $z['I've always wondered where the little bastard disappears. I guess he relies on keeping it secret rather than any conventional security. How did you find this place anyway?'] $a['I-- eh, I happened to be walking around in the forest when he went in.'] you lie to Zach. The guy seems nice but you're not ready to share your secret with him. $z['Talk about beginner's luck... many people have been looking for his hideout for years. Now some girl shows up and stumbles upon the entrance. Fate really is cruel.'] $A[My fate was cruel too..] you think to yourself. $z['Alright, let's get going, doll. Lavius ain't gonna drink forver!'] [[Enter the lair]] (set: _ti to 15)

$lav After a brief descent you reach the wooden door at the bottom of the staircase. It's not locked, but heavy enough that you have to lean on it with both hands to push it. Your feminine body and slender arms aren't as strong as you're used to. The inside opens into a long hallway bathing in dirty yellow light from the electric bulbs. The walls are covered in copper pipes and valves with several large doors on either side. The air is heavy and humid, leaving a metal taste in your mouth. $A[Last time I didn't notice how large this place actually is...] There is a low humming coming from the closest door on the left. Through the round glass window in the door you can see that the room is filled with machinery. [[Enter the first room on the left->left room]] [Keep exploring]<explore| (click: ?explore)[$R[This option is not available in this game version.]] (set: _ti to 10) (set: $visited_lab_alone to 1)

$lav Fate is on your side and the door is also unlocked, allowing you to easily get into the room. $A[I guess he was counting on nobody actually finding this place... I was expecting tougher security measures.] Amidst the piles of machinery and unknown contraptions, there is one which immediately grasps your attention. The source of the humming is a large metal cylinder with various buttons and levers, with wires branching outto the other devices and out of the room. It is unmistakingly an electrical generator. A few feet away from it there is a group of metal barrels with flammable stickers on them. $A[Bingo!] (display:"goto")[[Take a barrel]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lav You try to pick up one of the barrels but after stumbling with it for a few feet yo drop it back on the floor. $A[Aargh!! The damned thing is too heavy!] The weight of the barrel combined with a weaker body than you're used to makes it impossible to carry the barrel around, not to mention to get it up the stairs. $I[It seems like you'll need to find another solution, or somebody stronger to help you.] $I[Task updated: **A helping hand**] (set: $maintask to 5) (display:"goto")[[Give up for now]] (set: _ti to 5)

$lav With a deep sigh you leave the barrel on the ground. You were so close! $A[Time to get out of here before Lavius decides to visit his lair...] Returning to the main hallway, you hear a faint noise coming from the depths of the laboratory, like voices calling out, though it's hard to make out over the electric buzz of the old yellow bulbs. A cold shiver runs through your spine and you feel the goosebumps crawling on your skin. $A[Stay calm, Alexandra, you can do this!] Unfortunately for you, the big exit door is now **closed**. $A[What the hell?!] You reach out to pull it open, only to discover that there is no handle on the inside. You run your hands along the smooth surface, searching in vain for buttons or hidden mechanisms. There aren't any. Just when panic starts to invade your brain and your heart is pounding in your chest, you notice a small digital screen with a smallkeyboard on the side of the door. (text-style: "mark")+(colour:#9bfe00)[PASSWORD?] (display:"goto")[[Enter the password->password]](set: _ti to 10)

$lav (set: $pass to (prompt: "PASSWORD?", "")) (if: $pass is "Lastra Mora" and $withzach is true)[(goto: "escape2")] (elseif: $pass is "Lastra Mora")[(goto: "escape")] (else:)[(goto:"trapped")]

$lav The device beeps a couple of times and the door slowly creaks open accompanied by the sound of hidden pneumatics. $A[Phew! For a moment I was quite worried...] The way back up is no less sinister as the first time but after a short while you reach the fake wall and with the push of a button it slides away, revealing the clear sky. You breathe a sigh of relief. $A[I could have been trapped in there! Thank god I remembered the password.] With a fast stride you head [[back to the village->village3]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$lav (text-style: "mark")+(colour:#9bfe00)[ACCESS DENIED!] You're trapped! //This content is not yet available. A sequence of mysterious and erotic events leads to your unfortunate [demise]<fade|.// (set: $lastdeath to "trapped") (set: $deathlist to it + (a:"trapped")) (click:?fade)[(goto:"DIE1")]

$inn You lean in closer, talking in a hushed, consipratorial voice. $a['There is something I need ... eeh..*help* with. Would you be interested?'] Zach gives you a long, measuring look and takes another sip from his beer. $z['I'm guessing you need more than simply showing you the sights...?'] A cheeky smile appears on your lips. $a['I want to rob Lavius.'] There is a surprised look on your new friend's face, followed by a wide grin. $z['You've got some guts, girl, I'll give you that. And I have to admit I don't like Lavius one bit, but still... this is a dangerous thing you're proposing. And it can get us both in a lot of trouble, or worse.'] 'I'm not saying I'm asking you to do it for free...' $z['Oh? And how much are you offering, exactly?'] 'How much do you want?' $z['It's true that I'm no friend of that vile slime and robbing him would definitely put a smile on my face... but a risk's a risk. At least a 100, doll.'] (if: $money>=100)[You look at him, weighing your options. 100 is a lot, but your chances of success without his help are pretty slim... $a['Alright, it's a deal.'] You extend your hand and [[he shakes it]]. (set: $money-=100) ](else:)[You look at him for a long moment, then you sigh. $a['I'm sorry but I don't have that much.'] He shakes his head. $z['I'm sorry doll, I'm quite fond of ya but I'm not quite ready to go risking my neck for the sake of friendship alone.'] You sigh again and [[return to your table->innhub]]. ] (set: _ti to 20)

$inn You ignore the question and walk up to the leader confidently, lewdly swaying your hips. You bend over the table, reaching for a mug on the opposite end. You take a small sip and wink ath the man who was drinking from it. The leader, right behind you, gives off a small chuckle as he examines the view offered by your lack of underwear. (display: (either:"scene1","scene2")) <img src="images/lewd2.png" width="750" align="center"> $rando['Well, since you're asking so nicely...'] the man behind you laughs and licks his finger, sticking it inside your exposed entrance. You sense the hotness in your belly flare up. He continues to prod you for a while, until your face grows red and you begin to moan softly. Then he unzips his pants and pulls you back in his lap, where you collapse on top of his alredy erect member. The need overtakes you again and you begin bouncing up and down on your own, much to the men's amusement. The leader reaches and pulls your breasts out, allowing them to jiggle freely as you ride his cock. $A[Why does this feel so damn good?] you ask yourself as you feel his cock stiffen inside you and you push back to get it as deep as possible inside you while he delivers his load. Another bead on the bracelet blossoms in crimson. (set: $bcharges +=1) $rando[Thanks for the stress relief, doll. I'd love to keep you for a second round, but unfortunately us men have business to take care of. Feel free to drop by later if you miss your holes drilled.] There is another round of laughter as you straighten your skirt and go [[back to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 30) (set: $lust +=1) (set: $myst_visited to 1) (set: $myst_level +=1)

(if: $ionut_level is 2)[Alright, (colour:#B3B3B3)[the servant] isn't as much of a psychopath as I thought last time. As long as I don't go anywhere forbidden he seems to be harmless. Maybe if I talk to him I could learn more?](elseif: $ionut_level is 1)[Oh my god, (colour:#B3B3B3)[Ionut] is a psychopath! And that thing up in the tower.... I should be more careful where I poke my nose in the future... ](elseif: $ionut_level is 0)[I don't really know much about the servant, (colour:#B3B3B3)[Ionut]. He tends to stay out of sight and say little of himself or anything else. I don't know enough about The Crooked Elm either. The place is huge and it seems to be hiding more than one secret. **Perhaps I should look around some more this time?**](else:)[]

(if: $elise_level >2)[ Over the last few days, or should I say the last day over several times, I have developed a deep fascination for the creature that I came to know as $E[Elise]. (if: $elise_servant is true)[Despite an unfortunate early encounter, we became friends and eventually, **something more**. Whether this is induced by the bracelet or not, I can't hide the way I feel about her...] ](if: $deathlist contains "spider")[(if: $elise_level is 0)[It turns out that the $E[mysterious woman] on the **second floor** is a FREAKING SPIDER! How crazy is this place? To be fair, when I met her as a human she came across as odd but reasonable, so perhaps there is some chance for negotiation.... perhaps I should find a way to talk to her?](elseif: $elise_level is 1)[I spoke with the $E[spider creature] without getting eaten. She can definitely be reasoned with. Perhaps in our next conversation I'll learn more?](elseif: $elise_level is 2)[I talked to $E[Elise] again and managed to get to know her better. Despite being a giant spider she can also be surprisingly sweet. She even offered me a $E[little gift]!] ](else:)[ (if: $elise_level is 2 and (history:) contains "thistles2")[I've had a few conversations with $E[Elise] but they don't seem to be going anywhere. I've got a hunch there is more to her, but I have no idea how to dig it out...](elseif: $elise_level is 0)[I don't know anything about the $E[mysterious woman] that rents a room on **the second floor**. She seems to be having some sort of intense conversation with Mihai during breakfast, but other than that, she's nowhere to be seen. If I want to know more perhaps I should be the one to go to her?](elseif: $elise_level is 1)[I talked to the $E[mysterious woman] and it was a pretty awkward conversation... I guess it could have been worse? It's worth a shot to try again, perhaps I'll learn something new...](elseif: $elise_level is 2)[I learned that the mysterious woman on the second floor is called $E[Elise] and she even gave me a little $E[gift]. She still seems odd but can definitely be sweet in her own way. I wonder if I can learn more about her?](else:)[$R[Elise history error. If you're seeing this text, something has gone wrong.]] ]

$rando['Nice tits, darling!'] says the man in front of you. (either: "You blush and look down at the table.","You hold his gaze and give him a wink.") The other men cheer. $A[(either:"Damn, this is even hotter than last time...","Why are embarassing situations so arousing?")] $a['How can you tell just by looking?'] you reply boldly.

$rando['Are those lips only good for smiling?'] says the man in front of you. (either: "You blush and look down at the table.","You hold his gaze and give him a wink.") The other men cheer. $A[Why are embarassing situations so arousing?] $a['They can be good for all sorts of things'] you reply boldly.

$inn It's hard to say what draws you to this man, even after what he did to you last time. The excuse you tell yourself is that you need to dig out more information. The way your heart rate increases when you look at those beautiful cruel lips suggests that this is not the whole story. You casually walk past him and take a seat on a nearby table, making sure he can get a good view of your $breasts. You look away and start counting to 10 in your head. $A[Seven, eight, nine...] Right on cue, the exquisitely dressed figure of a man sits next to you. A bejeweled hand extends a wine glass towards you. $L['Will the beautiful lady care for a drink? The beer really is dreadful in this place.'] You smile and take the glass from his hand. Your gazes lock for a moment, a static sparkling in the air as you see yourself undressed in his eyes. $A[Damn this cursed creature!] you think, trying to resist his charms. $L['So what brings you to our humble village?'] he asks, taking a small sip from his wine. [[Follow with the usual smalltalk]] //Try to get more information out of him (option not yet available) // (set: _ti to 15)

$inn $z['So, what's the plan?'] You lean closer and whisper in his ear: $a['You know the old hunting cabin? It's actually Lavius' secret lair. We can go in and out while he's busy drinking. Go and wait for me behind the back, I'll slip out shortly afterwards.'] $z['Alright, I'll meet you there.'] The two of you return to your normal posture and chit chat aloud about the beer and the village, trying to disperse any suspicion in case anyone was paying attention to your little exchange. After a while, Zachary finishes his drink and leaves the inn. Nobody seems to care much about that. You stay behind for another 10 minutes, scanning your surroundings. $L[Lavius] is still at his table, drinking wine and chatting to some girl. The opportunity is ripe. Quietly, [[you leave the inn.->village3]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $withzach to true) (set: $zach_level to 2)

$lav After a brief descent you reach the wooden door at the bottom of the staircase. It's quite heavy, but this time $z[Zachary] pushes it and it easily opens. The inside opens into a long hallway bathing in dirty yellow light from the electric bulbs. The walls are covered in copper pipes and valves with several large doors on either side. The air is heavy and humid, leaving a metal taste in your mouth. $z['Strangely enough, this is exactly what I expected from Lavius. So, what are we actually here for? Some secret experiment? Are we going to steal his blueprints?'] $a['A-actually I just need the fuel from the generator...'] you suddenly realise how stupid this must sound to Zachary. He just shrugs. $z['Whatever you want doll, you're paying. So where can we find this?'] $a['Right here!'] you point to the room on the left. $z['Did you also happen to see where he keeps his generator while you were strolling through the forest?'] Zach laughs, but nevertheless moves to open the designated door. [[The two of you enter the room->left room2]] (set: _ti to 15)

$lav Inside there are a bunch of weird machines, though the electrical generator is easy to identify by its low humming and nest of cables going out to the rest of the contraptions. A few feet away from it are the metal barrels with flammable stickers on them. $a['There, get one of those! They're too heavy for me.'] Zachary puts his back into it and lifts one of the barrels. Though he puffs and complains a little, it seems that the woodcutter is strong enough to carry it around without much trouble. $z['I really hope you don't need anything else...'] $a['No, that's everything, let's go!'] The two of you leave the room and [[head for the exit.]] (set: _ti to 15)

$lav $A[Time to get out of here before Lavius decides to visit his lair...] Returning to the main hallway, you hear a faint noise coming from the depths of the laboratory, like voices calling out, though it's hard to make out over the electric buzz of the old yellow bulbs. A cold shiver runs through your spine and you feel the goosebumps crawling on your skin. $A[Stay calm, Alexandra, you can do this!] Unfortunately for you, the big exit door is now **closed**. $A[Damn, just like last time...] $z['What the hell, Alexandra, we're trapped!'] Zachary drops the barrel on the ground and leans on the door, trying to push it open. It doesn't move and there is no handle on the inside. He runs his hands along the smooth surface, searching in vain for buttons or hidden mechanisms. There aren't any. Trying to remain calm, you move towards the green digital screen with a small keyboard on the side of the door. (text-style: "mark")+(colour:#9bfe00)[PASSWORD?] [[Enter the password->password]] (set: _ti to 15)

$lav The device beeps a couple of times and the door slowly creaks open accompanied by the sound of hidden pneumatics. $A[Phew! For a moment I was quite worried...] $z['You have some questions to answer doll, as soon as we get out of here.'] Zach picks up the barrel again and you walk up the stairs together. When you exit the cabin and the hidden door slides shut behind you, both of you breathe a deep sigh of relief. $z['So what now?'] $a['I just need you to leave the barrel...... at The Crooked Elm.'] You certainly won't be able to bring the barrel uphill yourself, but judging by his expression, Zachary isn't too happy about it either. $z['This thing is heavy, you know!'] You give him a pleading look. $z['Fine, fine. I'll bring the stupid barrel to the hotel. You paid me well and I always keep my end of the bargain.'] $a['Could you fill the generator in the basement? It would be a life saver!'] He sighs again, then nods. $a['Great! Thank you so much!'] you jump with glee. $z['Hope this was worth it doll.... take care, I'll see ya around. Don't get yourself into a mess, OK?'] With the barrel on his back, Zachary heads uphill through the woods. $A[He probably knows some shortcut that would get him to the hotel faster...] $I[Task updated: **A helping hand**] (set: $maintask to 6) Feeling very optimistic, you [[return to the village->village3]]. (set: _ti to 20) (set: $gen to 3)

$din You show the guest to the dining room at the end of the hallway. While the windows are all barred shut, the two electric chandeliers provide more than enough light for the room. The guests growls something and takes a seat. 'What would you like for dinner?' asks Ionut, popping seemingly out of nowhere. $W['Got any good meat? Extra rare.'] 'Why, most certainly. It will be right away.' With a bow, the servant disappears into the kitchen. You realise you're not needed anymore and head back, when you almost bump into your patron, $Mi[Mihai]. He smiles graciously and ignores your clumsiness. $Mi['My dear, your shift is nearly over. I don't expect we'll be having any further guests for the evening. Would you care to join me for dinner?'] $I[Task completed: **Let there be light!**] (set: $maintask to 7) $I[New task added: **Back to normal**] (display:"goto")[[Accept->accept2]] (display:"goto")[[Politely decline->decline2]] (set: _ti to 15)

$din You follow Mihai to a table in the back, where the two of you sit, facing each other. The owner of the hotel smiles and hands you the menu. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['We have quite the splendid collection of delicacies. Order anything you like - it's my treat.'] As you browse through your options, the servant brings him a glass of red liquid, which Mihai sips in silence, smiling silently. $a['I'll have the frigărui, I think.'] $Mi['Excellent choice, dear!'] He nods at the servant, who heads to the kitchen. $Mi['So tell me, how did you find your first work day?'] [[Okay but uneventful]] [[I met a lot of strange characters]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din $a['Thank you, Mr. Petrescu. But I've had such a long day that I'd really rather just go to bed.'] you give him an apologetic smile. $Mi['Ah, you're too young to be tired, Mr. Reid. But very well, perhaps you can join me tomorrow.'] You smile again, and [[head out of the dining room.]] (set: _ti to 10)

$rec As you walk up to your room, realisation slowly down on you. $A[I- I think I did it! I survived!] You can't help but skip and jump along the way, rushing up the wooden stairways. $A[Nothing killed me! I didn't fall into Lavius' trap, fixed generator, managed to stay out of trouble, and survived the werewolf!] Filled with euphoria, you [[rush all the way up to your room.]] (set: _ti to 10)

$att $A[I survived!!!] You look left and right. The floor is calm. Nothing is coming to get you. (if: $bcharges >0)[The bracelet emits a reassuring warmth on your wrist. It still has $bcharges crimson bead(if: $bcharges>1)[s] left on it. $A[This means that if I go to bed now, tomorrow Felicia will be able to turn me back!] You can't believe that you've made it. All you need to do now is go to bed and it will all be over... Your hand on the doorknob, you stop and pause for a moment. It will all be over. Did you truly do everything you wanted to do? Did you learn all there is to learn? With the bracelet, you have the unique opportunity not to fear death, and you aren't completely out of charges yet... Hesitation sets in. Are you truly ready to break the cycle and return to normal? $A[ [ ]<thi| ] [Enter your room]<room| [Approach an open window...]<walk| ](else:)[And just in time, too. On your wrists, the bracelet has no charges left on it.] (click: ?room)[(if: $outf3_owned is true and $outf2_owned is true and $outf1_owned is true)[(goto:"room2")](else:)[(goto:"outfits.lastchance")]] (click: ?walk)[(goto:"walk2")] { (live:1s)[ (mouseover: ?room)[ (replace:?thi)[ (either:"It would be so good for this all to be over...","I probably shouldn't risk it..","Better safe than sorry...","Alex, why are you even thinking about this?!") ] ] (mouseover: ?walk)[ (replace:?thi)[ (either:"I'll never get a second chance for something like this...","Do I really want the adventure to end..?","My ordinary life wasn't that good...","To leave behind all these possibilites...") ] ] ]}

$room You push the door open and get in your room. There's no more room for shenanigens. It has been a truly, truly long day. You lie on the bed and despite the previous euphoria, exhaustion soon overtakes you. Your eyes begin to close as you [fall asleep]<chap|. (set: $av to 3) (set: $day to "Tuesday")(set: $hour to 9)(set: $minute to 0) (if: $dead is 0)[(set: $dead to 4)] (set: $backstory to "Once, in another lifetime, you were a human that sought out a summer job at a hotel in a remote mountain village in Transylvania. There you met Felicia, a mysterious owner of an antique shop who gave you a special bracelet. Then you died, and the bracelet brought you back to life, and you died again, and again, and again. Every time you changed - sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Now, your history is a mess, your memories an amalgamation of what was once your reality. Thinking back, you no longer remember your true origin. With every death your existance takes a new, separate shape, one that deviates from the linear path of a human lifetime. You are frightened and excited.") (click:?chap)[(goto:"chapter2")]

$dark Congratulations, you have successfully completed Chapter 1! Content ends here for now, but don't forget to check regularly for updates=)

'I made it safely back to the Manor this time,' you say with a bit of pride in your voice. At least this time it wasn't your fault. 'Then a guest arrived, and he turned into a werewolf and jumped me!' $M['How did he turn into a werewolf if you were inside the Crooked Elm?'] 'I-I opened one of the windows and the moonlight hit his face...' $M['Not the brightest, are you?'] Felicia looks at you with a glimmer of pity. 'How was I supposed to know?!' Felicia looks slightly amused, but doesn't say anything. 'It was the same man from the forest.' $M['What makes you think that?'] 'How many werewolves are there in this village...?' She chuckles. $M['I suppose it must have been the same indeed. Better not do that next time.']

You look down at your feet. 'I got stuck underground at Lavius' lair.' $M['Oh? That sounds like you were trying to take things into your own hands for a change.'] 'For a change?' $M['Well, so far things have been happening **to** you. All I'm saying is that this time you took initiative. Good on you.'] She gives you a little pat on the head. 'Eeer...' $M['That place definitely seems worthwile to explore. Perhaps you should let Lavius take you down again and snoop around some more?'] 'But he'll kill me for sure!' $M['So? That's what the beads are for. Figure it out.']

$att Slowly, you let go of the door handle. You feel like you've made a decision, though you're not quite sure what it is yet. Walking down the hallway, you pass several doors and stop next to a large window door leading on to a balcony. The full moon basks the manor and surrounding forest in a showerof silver rays and the black dead branches creak in the gusts of wind. Here from the attic, the fall is surprisingly high, you remark as you stand up on the railing. The cobblestones on the ground below are hard and thick. You seem to have made up your mind. Your descent is quick and silent. Your body breaks on impact, leaving a crimson splash on the black and silver canvas of the night. Darkness [takes you]<fade|. (set: $lastdeath to "suicide") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "suicide")) (click:?fade)[(goto:"DIE")]

(if: $felicia_level<2)[The $M[owner of the antique boutique] was the one who gave me the bracelet that seems to be somehow connected to all of this. I should make it a priority to talk to her as soon as possible.](elseif: $felicia_level<3)[I spoke to $M[Felicia] and she explained the basis of the time loop and the bracelet, but I'm still not entirely clear on everything. I should definitely find the time to ask her a few more questions about the beads.](else:)[The $M[owner of the antique boutique] explained how the bracelet and beads work, and what I have to do to break the cycle. She's not my top priority at the moment, but she definitely seems to know a lot.] (if: $deathlist contains "spider")[ Oh, and let's not forget - she's actually a cat! I'm still not entirely sure what to make of that...](elseif: $felicia_level > 1)[Oh, and she also offered me a **ribbon**. I'm not entirely sure if it's a good idea to take it, but perhaps it will help me learn something new. ]

(if: $inn_level is 0)[I've never visited the **inn** at the village, perhaps I should go and take a look?](elseif: $myst_level is 0)[ I visited the **inn** briefly, but did not get much information out of the people there. There were at least 3 people there that looked interesting, and with so much going on, one of them is bound to know something useful. Perhaps I should spend some more time there.](elseif: $myst_level is 1 and $lavius_level is 0)[Things got pretty heated with Lavius, but I pulled out at the last moment. He seemed nice enough, and maybe I could learn even more if I went with him. ](if: $lavius_level>0)[I had some drinks at the inn with Lavius and went home with him. Turns out he's a **vampire** and a massive **douchebag**! The good thing is that the ...eeeh... *events* from that recharged the bracelet, but I will think twice before going with him again!](if: (history:) contains "opensecret")[ $in[I managed to poke around Lavius' secret lair and even found some **fuel**, but it's definitely too heavy for me to carry alone. I'll need to think of something, or ask someone to help.] ]

$inn $a['Oh, I just wanted to travel a bit, nothing special. I'm pretty sure your story is much more interesting to tell.'] you lean forward, your $lips curving into a mysterious and seductive smile. $a['What does a gentleman do in his spare time, I wonder?'] You take a few small sips from the wine. It's as sweet and delicious as last time and the warmth quickly spreads through your body. $L['Mostly look for good company, it's so dreadfully rare these days I'm afraid. Although'] - he gives you a confident look - $L['things seem to be looking up right now. I'm Lavius, by the way.'] A hand is extended towards you and you take it. $a['Alexandra.'] He gently pulls your hand closer and leans to kiss it. $a['You didn't answer my question.'] you insist. $a['What does a man do... all the time... so alone...?'] you pull down your cleavage casually, giving him an even better view of your $breasts. $L['You could say I'm something of a man of science, particularly interested in biology. Perhaps you'd want to take a tour of my secret laboratory? I promise not to bite...'] he gives you a lusty look and licks his lips.

(display:"self.mirror")**STORY:** You're $name, a 22 year old student travelling abroad. $backstory **APPEARANCE:** You have $hair and $eyes. (if: $dead is 1)[Your face is prettier, rounder and more feminine, with $a[$lips] and elegant eyelashes and you have a pair of $a[$breasts] that nicely fill your palms.] (elseif: $dead<6 and $dead>0)[You have a beautiful face with $a[$lips] and a $a[seductive hourglass figure] with a thin waist and $a[$breasts].](else:)[] **CLOTHES:** At the moment you're wearing $suit. **MIND:** (if: $lewd<10)[You feel fine.](elseif: $lewd <15)[You feel a little uneasy, a strange hotness in your body pushing you towards things you wouldn't normally do.](elseif: $lewd <20)[You feel hot and $a[aroused], a purple haze clouding your mind and making it $a[hard] to concentrate.](elseif: $lewd<25)[Your body burns with shameless lewdness. You can't think anymore, you need something, anything, here and now!](else:)[You can't picture yourself anything but being $a[fucked]. Your nipples are erect, your body burns. You're ready to do anything.]

(color:#99FFCC)[(if: $lav_firstdeath is 0)[The servant's oddly shaped body moves in slightly unnatural ways as he works and you try your best not to stare.] (else:)[(if: $lewd<30)[(if: $lewd<15)[The servant's oddly shaped body moves in slightly unnatural ways as he works and you try your best not to stare.](elseif: $lewd<25)[The servant certainly isn't and never was a handsome man, but for some strange reason you find yourself staring his oddly-shaped body with a little more than just plain curiosity.](elseif:$lewd<30)[You look at the servant as if you're seeing him for the first time. His odd and unnatural body seems to hide strong, muscular arms. You had never noticed before how ribbed his torso actually is, underneath that butler's uniform. You find yourself unconsciously licking your lips.] ](else:)[You find it quite difficult to control the burning sensation below your belly. The misshapen body of the servant suddenly appears to you as a hideous but powerful beast that feeds on a steady stream of fair maidens provided by the scared villagers. You lick your lips as you picture the servant on top of you, tearing your clothes apart with those long and muscular arms. ] (display:"h15")(if: $lewd>14)[ [[Offer to help him with the dishes]] ](else:)[(display:"unav") ] (display:"h30")(if: $lewd>29)[ [[Offer to help Ionut with the dishes...and something more]] ](else:)[(display:"unav") ] ] ]

$kit $a['Don't worry, I got this!'] you blurt out, rushing to replace Ionut at the sink. He gives you an odd stare as you snatch the wet dishes from his hands and get to work. Some time passes while you work together, him giving you the dirty dishes and taking away the clean ones, while you slave away at the sink. A couple of times he brushes past you and you feel his large, strong body against your petite figure. You rub the dishes harder. Occasionally, you catch Ionut staring at your... wrists while you do the dirty work. After a while, the work seems done. Ionut thanks you, vigorously shaking your soapy hands. You smile at him, a little frustrated. $A[Was I expecting more?] [[Return to the reception->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 40) (set: $ionut_visited to true) (set: $lust to (it + 1)) (set: $ionut_dishes to 1)

(if: $ionut_sex is 1)[(goto:"ionutlewd2")]$kit <img src="images/ionut_lewd1.png" width="500" align="right"> $a['You look like you need some help, big guy.'] you say mischeviously, slipping under his arms and in front of him as you take the dishes from his hands. You feel his large, strong body pressed against your petite figurine as he hands you the dirty dishes and takes away the clean ones. Ionut certainly seems to be enjoying himself, but you decide not to take any chances this time. Your nipples are so hard and aroused that every movement makes them rub against the fabric of your shirt. You lean forward even more, pushing your backside towards him. To make sure the signal isn't misinterpreted, you carefully reach around with your soapy fingers and push your jeans down under your buttcheeks. Your heart pounding with every passing second, you [[continue washing]].

(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(goto:"secrets2")]$ant You enter the small antique shop. The woman behind the counter throws you a meaningful glance. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['Again?'] 'Yes', you nod. It's a little embarassing how much trouble you tend to get into. $M['I'm sorry, but this can't go on.'] 'What do you mean?' The cat woman sighs. $M['Listen, you were here before, and let's not fool ourselves - you will be here again. I can't keep selling you stuff over and over again with money that just vanishes out of existence.'] 'But you get your stuff back!' you protest. 'The world is reset, everything is back to normal...' $M['That's a simplistic view that is ultimately false... for reasons I don't have the time to get into. If reality truly was undone, you wouldn't remember anything and neither would I. As it turns out, that isn't the case - reality is cyclical, time is a hoax, and I want my due.'] 'But I can't pay you for last time!' you wail. 'The stuff is yours again, and besides I'd run out of money immediately.' $M['Then we'll find another solution - you'll pay me with something else - something I shall carry with me no matter how time turns and reality twists, for I shall remember it..... I want **secrets**.'] 'Secrets?' you raise an eyebrow. $M['Yes. They're the best currency worth keeping. And in return, I shall make my small arrangements to make sure that you keep whatever you buy from me as well...'] [['All right, that sounds fair...'->antique boutique]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $shop2 to 1)

(if: $shop2 is 0)[(goto:"buy2")]$ant <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">(if: (history:)'s last is"antique boutique")[$M['So, what can I do you for?'] the cat-eyed woman wiggles her shadow tail.](elseif: (history:)'s last is "phero2")[ $M['Alright, suit yourself.'] She puts the bottle back in the cabinet and starts polishing some watches. You look around at the other wares. ](else:)[The cat woman quietly observes you as you look around.] $R[]<msg| (display:"talk")(link-repeat: "I'd like to get some new clothes")[(if: $outf1 is false and $outf2 is false and $outf3 is false)[(replace:?msg)[You have all the clothes you need for now. ] ] (else:)[(goto:"clothes2")] ] (if: $pheromones is 0)[(if: $lav_firstdeath>0)[<img src="images/excl.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="25">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp](else:)[(display:"talk")] (link-repeat: "About those pheromones...")[(goto:"phero2") ] ] (unless: $deathlist contains "spider")[(display:"talk") [You mentioned a ribbon?]<rib| ] (display:"bk")[[Back->antique boutique]] (click:?rib)[(goto:"ribbon2")]

$ant <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">$M['Hmm, let's see what would fit you...'] Felicia disappears into the depths of the shop and silently plops into existence moments later, carrying a few things. $outf1[(if: $lewd<25)[(display:"heart") -*Butler's Uniform* (link-repeat: "*Examine*")[(replace: ?desc)[A nice and professional uniform, ideal for making a good impression to Mihai]] (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<2)[(replace:?desc)[ $R[Not enough secrets!] ]] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-2)) (set: $outf1 to false) (set: $outf1_owned to true) (goto:"buy_outf1") (replace:?desc)[] (replace:?evb)[(display:"buy_outf1")] ] ] $M[2 Secrets] ] ] $outf2[(display:"h10")(if: $lewd>9)[-*Maid's outfit* (link-repeat: "*Examine*")[(replace: ?desc)[Though somewhat revealing around the chest, this elegant outfit would turn any girl into a beautiful hand maid. ]] (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<2)[(replace:?desc)[ $R[Not enough secrets!] ]] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-2))(set: $outf2 to false) (set: $outf2_owned to true)(goto:"buy_outf2") ] ] $M[2 Secrets] ](else:)[(display:"unav") ] ]$outf3[(display:"h20")(if: $lewd>19)[-*Devil's Gown* (link-repeat: "*Examine*")[(replace: ?desc)[The peculiar piece of clothing seems to shift in front of your very eyes, making it hard to focus. ]] (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<5)[(replace:?desc)[ $R[Not enough secrets!] ]] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-5)) (set: $outf3 to false)(set: $outf3_owned to true)(goto:"buy_outf3") ] ] $M[5 Secrets] ](else:)[(display:"unav") ] ] (display:"bk")(link: "I'm done with clothes")[(goto:"shop")] $I[]<desc| []<evb|

$ant $a['It happened at night, while I was climbing the hill back to the manor. There was a strange silhouette on the road...'] You shiver at the memory, your voice faltering while you struggle to describe it. (if: (history:) contains "Approach the man")[$a['I was careless and got close.... close enough to see that it wasn't human.']] (else:)[$a[I tried to run away but eventually it caught up with me.] ] $a[The last thing I remember was falling to the ground and fangs biting into my neck.] You shiver again, a wave of cold propagating through your body. Talking about your own death is an uneasy topic. $M['Sounds like you ran into a werewolf.'] $a['A werewolf? I suppose at this point I shouldn't be surprised, but still... is that common?'] $M['It's a full moon, so folks know not to wander about in the forest. You should too.'] $a['But I have to get back to the manor!'] $M['Then better do it before nightfall. Or take some protection. Or both.'] [['What protection?'->phero2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant(if: $lav_firstdeath is 0 and $phero_talk is 0)[ $a['I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I don't think any armour would really help...'] $M['It won't. You need something that would convince the werewolf not to attack you in the first place.'] $a['And what would that be?'] $M['Werewolf pheromones. One tiny drop and you'll emit the scent of a werewolf yourself, granting you safe passage. They don't tend to attack one of their own, much less a female.'] $a['Oh, wow! That's amazing! Exactly the thing I need!'] $M['The only problem is that I don't have them at hand, and it's a difficult item to acquire.'] You give her a puzzled look. Somehow you're used to the idea that the Antique Boutique has everything. $a['But you can find them, right?'] $M['There's nothing that I **can't** find, little human.'] Smirks the owner. $M['But I will need some time. Come ask me later.'] You [[nod->antique boutique]]. (set:$phero_talk to 1)](elseif: $lav_firstdeath>0)[$a['Hey, I was just wondering if you have those pheromones yet?'] $M['Glad you asked. As a matter of fact, I do!'] The green eyes woman darts to the side, rummaging through a cabinet full of flask of different shapes and sizes. In a few moments she emerges with a small perfume bottle filled with a grey translucid liquid. $M['Here it is, freshly acquired. Werewolf pheromones. One puff of this and you'll emit the scent of a werewolf yourself, granting you safe passage. They don't tend to attack one of their own, much less a female.'] $a['Oh, wow! That's amazing! Thank you so much!'] You reach for the bottle but $Felicia pulls it away. $M['Not so fast little human. Do you know how hard these are to acquire? I've been generous with you, but everything has it's boundaries. This will cost you **5 secrets**.'] (if: $secrets<5)[$a['5! But I don't know that many!'] $M['That's too bad for you.'] [['Please, I'll die!'->please2]] [['Fine, I can manage to return before nightfall anyways.'->shop]] ](else:)[ $a['You really ask a lot, cat. I payed with my life and you're playing games.'] You give her a stern look full of blame. $M['Tough call for you, girl. These are bloody hard to come by. You should be thanking me I'm even considering selling one to you.'] [['Alright, I'll pay'->Pay2]] [['Isn't there anything else we could arrange?'->please2]] [['I can just return to the manor before nightfall'->shop]] ] ](else:)[$a['Hey, I was just wondering if you have those pheromones yet?'] $M['Patience is a virtue, girl. I'm working on it.'] The owner seems slightly annoyed by your question. Or is the fact that she's missing an item? $a['I'm just feeling really passionate about not being eaten alive today, you know. No big deal...'] $M['Careful now... I like you, so let's keep it that way.'] You [[nod->antique boutique]]. ] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant You look imploringly at $Felicia for a long moment and she finally caves in. $M['Fine, for your pretty eyes. I'll give you two options.'] she twirls her hair absent-mindedly. 'I'm listening.' $M['Option number one - I'll give you the pheromones, but you'll promise to steal a particular secret for me.'] 'A particular secret?' $M['It's something Lavius has. It is very well guarded and difficult to uncover. I don't expect you'll make it out without using a charge.'] You gulp. 'What's option number two?' $Felicia grins widely. $M['I give you the flask for free.... but you'll settle one of my debts'] 'Settle one of your debts?' you raise an eyebrow suspiciously. $A[Something tells me I won't like this at all...] $M['It should be an easy matter for you'] the cat woman laughs. ['and I won't need it right away. So you can take the flask now and deal wth it later. I'll let you know what you have to do.'] There is a hungry and mischievous glimmer in her eyes, like she's almost begging you to accept the bargain. Something tells you that learning 5 secrets will be safer to do... but you also need those pheromones badly. She leaves you a few moments to consider. $M['So, what will it be?'] $R[]<msg| [[Promise to settle the debt->settle debt]] (link-repeat:"Steal a Secret")[(replace:?msg)[This option isn't yet available]] [['On second thought, perhaps not...'->shop]] (set: _ti to 15)

$ant Reluctantly you start talking and tell Felicia about all the things you've learned about the eer.. "people" around you. She listens with interest, but doesn't comment. When you're done talking, the cat woman hands you the flask. $M['Happy doing business with you. Hopefully this will keep you alive long enough to become a loyal customer!'] She grins a toothy smile. $a['Yeah, yeah.'] You take the bottle and place it in one of your pockets. $I[Werewolf pheromones added to inventory.] (set: $pheromones to 1) (set: $flaskful to 100) (set: $secrets to (it-5)) (set: _ti to 5) [['So how does this work?'->how work2]]

$ant <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">You turn the butler's uniform in your hands. The fabric is light and flexible but durable. You can tell the work of a master craftsman. It's very similar to the one Ionut is wearing. $A[I'll look very professional in this outfit... certainly what Mihai wanted.] You know what you owe her, so you lean in and whisper $M[2 secrets] in her ear. She nods and smiles, her face showing no emotion. $A[Did she already know this?] you can't really tell. The woman smiles at you. $M['Why don't you try it on?'] (display:"goto")[[Put the butler uniform on]] (display:"goto")[[Stay in your current clothes]]

$ant <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">You examine the maid's outfit - it's a mostly black and white pair of a short skirt and a revealing top that gives your $breasts ample opportunity to be noticed. It's not the sort of outfit you would approve back in the day, but now you find yourself inexplicably drawn to it. You know what you owe her, so you lean in and whisper $M[2 secrets] in her ear. She nods and smiles, her face showing no emotion. $A[Did she already know this?] you can't really tell. Her fingers brush on your back as you step away. $M['Why are you staring, try it on!'] the cat woman prods you. $I[Task completed: **Style maketh woman**] (set: $task_clothes to 0) (display:"goto")[[Put the housemaid outfit on]] (display:"goto")[[Stay in your current clothes]]

$ant <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right">$a['What is this?'] you ask in awe, as the material flows like a waterfall in your hands, changing colour and texture. $M['The Devil's Gown is an item of master seduction - it takes the appearance of whatever would influence the person you're with. There's also a slight essence of confusion, making everyone ignore the fact that the dress is changing. It's one of the most excusite items I have.'] You know what you owe her, so you lean in and whisper $M[5 secrets] in her ear. She nods and smiles, her face showing no emotion. $A[Did she already know this?] you can't really tell. Her fingers brush on your back as you step away. (display:"goto")[[Put the devil's gown on]] (display:"goto")[[Stay in your current clothes]]

$ant $M['It's very easy - just blow a puff from the bottle on yourself and try not to act suspicious.'] $a['Not to act suspicious?'] $M['Don't act like prey. Don't show fear. Be confident.' ] $a['And one single puff is going to be enough? Are you sure?'] You eye the tiny bottle. $M['Yes. It should last for several hours.'] (set: _ti to 5) $a['Alright, thanks.'] You examine the flask one more time, then [[put it away in your pocket->shop]]. (set: $phero_explained to 1)

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$mount It's not really a conscious decision, but your feet take you closer and closer towards the silhouette until you can clearly see one another. The creature looks like some sort of feral man, hunched and mutated, with a hairy body and long, sharp claws on his hands. He cocks his head to the side as it eyes you up and down. You can hear him sniff the air intently, his body tensing and ready for action. You're close enough that the smell hits you, a bestial smell of sweat and mucus that is both repulsive and attractive in its repulsiveness. Your body responds to it with a growing hotness an a light-headed feeling that borders on euphoria. The creature takes a step towards you and your eyes fall down to its giant erection. $A[This is bad!! If I don't do something, that thing is probably going to tear my clothes to shreads and take me, I mean rape me...] In the few heartbeats you have to react, you take the only logical way out by dropping to your knees and offering the beast your open $lips. It doesn't wait for an invitation and sticks its member inside your mouth, grasping your hair with its abnormally large hands. <img src="images/wwbj.png" width="900" align="center"> You start sucking and the bracelet emmits a warm, pleasant glow as if to reward your efforts. You try to ignore the desire to take your clothes off right here right now and instead continue servicing the creature. In a short while it begins growling and grasps you tighter, a long warm load emptying in your throat. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist as it absorbs the energy. The creature finally pulls its enormous member out of your mouth, giving you room to breathe. The fresh mountain air feels pleasant on your burning body. You look up to the hideous creature with an overt longing in your $eyes. It looks away and runs off into the darkness of the woods, leaving you wet and frustrated. After a while you get up on your feet and [continue on your way to The Crooked Elm]<rec|. (set: $bcharges to (it +1)) (set: _ti to 70) (set: $werefucked to 1) (set: $lust to (it + 2)) (click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")]

You gulp and continue your path towards the figure, distinguishing more of its definitely inhuman features the closer you get... It turns its head towards you, pinning two hungry yellow eyes straight at its new target. A freezing chill runs down your spine and you feel the cold sweat on your forhead. $A[This was a bad idea. A **very** bad idea!] It lunges towards you and by the time you turn around it's too late to run. <img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> Claws sink into your shoulders and the weight pushes you down, the ground suddenly digging painfully into your jaw. Your frail, feminine body trembles in terror as the teeth sink into the delicate flesh without hesitation. There is little mercy for you this time and you convulse in agony as the beast tears off chunk after chunk, your helpless limbs flailing in the swelling pools of blood and splattering crimson spots all over the remains of your $suit. The force is finally sapped from your body and the pain fades into a dull background. The last thing you feel is your bracelet getting warmer, before [the darkness takes you]<worlddis|. (set: $weredead to 1) (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolf"))(set: $lastdeath to "wolf") (click:?worlddis)[(goto:"DIE")]

$mount You gulp and continue your path towards the figure, distinguishing more of its definitely inhuman features the closer you get... It turns its head towards you, pinning two hungry yellow eyes straight at its new target. The creature looks like some sort of feral man, hunched and mutated, with a hairy body and long, sharp claws on his hands. He cocks his head to the side as it eyes you up and down. You can hear him sniff the air intently, his body tensing and ready for action. You're close enough that the smell hits you, a bestial smell of sweat and mucus that is both repulsive and attractive in its repulsiveness. Your body responds to it with a growing hotness an a light-headed feeling that borders on euphoria. The creature takes a step towards you and your eyes fall down to its giant erection. $A[Damn it, I used too much pheromones!] Your error is clear now, but it's too late to fix it. The intentions of the beast are clear and you doubt you can outrun or dissuade it. On one hand, attempting to flee can at least save you some face and if you don't manage to escape, you'll know that at least you've tried. On the other hand, if you cooperate perhaps things will go down a lot smoother for you... [[Go down willingly]] [[Save your honor and try to flee]] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $werefucked to 1)

$ant $M['I'm pretty sure I had something around here somewhere...'] Felicia mutters to herself, darting to different shelves and cabinets. $M['Come by tomorrow and I'll have something for you. Till then, try to be responsible, OK?'] You nod grimly to the shop owner, thinking to yourself that it isn't really your fault that you happen to be a werewolf snack. In any case, you'll swing by tomorrow to see what she's on about. You [[exit the shop.]] (set: _ti to 5)

$room It hardly seems the most appropriate moment, but a mysterious phenomenon requires investigation. You slowly unbutton the top of your pyjama and take it off. $A[Woah...] You stare mesmerised at your breasts. They're small and cute, reminding you of an Asian girl that was once in your class. Your nipples are dark and... sensitive, you observe, touching them lightly with the tip of your index finger. The sensation is warm and somehow electric, different from anything you've known so far. You trace a hand on your flat belly, admiring the softness of the skin. $A[So this is what it's like to be a girl...] Your gaze falls down, following the train of thought. You can tell that something you've grown used to is missing, though there is a new, alien sensation in its place. Tentatively, you dip a hand in your panties and run your fingers underneath yourself. There is an explosion of new sensations and you quickly draw away. $A[Well that was... something..] you think to yourself, blushing despite being alone. Utimately, you decide to postpone further exploration of your newfound condition. Time is ticking and your efforts are doubtless better spent looking for answers. (display:"goto")[[Focus on more important matters]] (set: _ti to 20)(set: $lust to it +1)

$room $A[Answers, Alex, answers.... But I'm not going to find them here. I need to be calm and carry on as usual and they'll come to me.] In what seems like the best temporary solution, you put on a pair of jeans and t-shirt and decide to go with the flow. $I[New task added to jounral: **Putting the pieces together**] (set: $task_female to 1) (display:"goto")[[Head out ]] (set: _ti to 10)(set: $suit to "jeans and t-shirt") (set: $suit_mod to 0)

$din You take a table at the opposite side of the room, leaving Mihai at a safe distance. Ionut's head appears at the kitchen window, giving you a clumsy wink: 'Eggs and bakon, ja?' (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[For an instant your blood freezes and a deep sensation of dread overtakes you.(if:$ionut_level is 1)[$special[You see Ionut's figure towering above you, holding a shovel. The dirt splashes on your tied body..] ] The moment passes and you get a grip. Slowly, you reply with a nod and the servant ](else:)[You give him a nod and he ]disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling. While Ionut is cooking, you try to assess your situation. $A[No one seems to be noticing anything wrong with me... and those memories that keep flashing... am I in another life? An alternative universe? A quantuum leap to another dimension?] You have so many questions and so few answers. You munch your food in the candle-lit penumbra of the dining hall, when the strange woman comes in and sits at Mihai's table. You lend an ear to their conversation, though you aren't able to hear much, and your mind is distracted with other matters: $E2['My $ups[children] will....yes that's right....safe place...$rev[new host] very soon...'] $Mi2['I'll see what I can do.... will be $ups[arranged]....for $rev[your brood]..' ] (set: _ti to 30) $A[I wonder what this is all about...] (display:"goto")(link:"To the kitchen")[(goto:"To the kitchen")] (display:"bk")(link:"To the reception")[(goto:"ground floor")] (set: $seen_mihai to 1)

$T[] As a student, [[you->YOU]] have decided to take a gap year to see the world and get a better sense of what you want in life. After some searching you stumble upon an add in the paper that offers the job of a receptionist at a hotel in a small mountain Village in Romania. You pack your bags and head on a long trip, eventually crossing over Europe and arriving at your destination. Getting off the bus, you look around. The village itself is very small - barely a few dozen stone houses at best. The mountain air is clean and fresh, filling your nostrils with the scent of old pines and green moss. Save for a few electric lamps barely illuminating the street, it doesn’t look very modern. Judging by the architectural style, it hasn't moved in the last few centuries. Unable to locate the hotel, you talk to a strange man who sends you upwards a mountain trail, going along the river. The path is steep and it's getting dark, but after an hour of walking, you eventually arrive. The hotel is an ancient manor several storeys high, a central part and two wings with several towers and balconies looming over the mournful garden. It’s hard to make out everything in the darkness, but you estimate it has at least two dozen guest rooms, perhaps more. $A[Wow... the place must have been a real luxury resort back in the day, perhaps then the village was a popular tourist destination? A shame, now it reeks of disuse and decay... Could be a cool place to stay, but I doubt they get many visitors. On the bright side, my job as a receptionist is probably going to be a whole lot of sitting around, waiting and doing nothing. Perhaps I could go back down to the village and find a pub, befriend the locals? Or maybe get back to that book I've always wanted to write?] There is a fence around it, with a gate that is locked. You shout out but nobody answers. [[Ring the doorbell]] (set: $day to "Saturday") (set: $hour to 19) (set: $minute to 0)

(goto: "Begin")

(if: $dead is 0)[(goto:"spooky")]$rec (if: $horny is 1)[In your boredom you find your hands unconsciously wandering to your breasts, feeling the soft flesh that is familiar yet new. $A[Being a girl definitely doesn't feel bad...] You continue for a while. It feels good and you have nothing better to do. When you feel your body get hotter however, you decide it would be a good idea to stop. (set: $ti to 10)] (if: $horny is 2)[You catch yourself fondling your $breasts again. You ought to stop, but it feels so damn good. You gently twist one of your nipples and feel a delightful shiver run through your body. $A[Get a grip girl, you're here to work..] (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: $horny >2)[Is it just you or is it hot in here? You take a look around the hallway. The place is empty. There are no sounds. You could easily just reach down with a hand and just... $A[No, no! Bad idea!] You try to shake off the thoughts and get a grip. (set: $ti to 15) ] [Patiently wait]<wait| (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ] (set: _ti to $ti) (set: $horny to it +1)

(if: $dead is 0)[(goto:"spooky")]$rec (if: $horny is 1)[In your boredom you find your hands unconsciously wandering to your breasts, feeling the soft flesh that is familiar yet new. $A[Being a girl definitely doesn't feel bad...] You continue for a while. It feels good and you have nothing better to do. Curious by nature, you can't let the opportunity slip. Sometimes you've wondered what it would be to be a girl and now you get to experience it first hand. When you feel your body get hotter however, you decide it would be a good idea to stop Enough is enough and it's starting to get awkward. (set: $ti to 10)] (if: $horny is 2)[You catch yourself fondling your $breasts again. You can get used to this new body. It actually feels quite nice. $A[Boredom truly is the mother of curiosity...] (set: $ti to 10) ] (if: $horny >2)[You're certainly starting to get more than a little distracted by your new body. If only there was something to do! You yawn and rest your head on the desk. There's no one around. You wonder how it would feel //down there//.... $A[No! This is ridiculous!] You shake yourself awake again. (set: $ti to 15) ] [Patiently wait]<wait| (click: ?wait)[ (if: $hour<21)[(goto: (either: "unevent","spooky", "memory","horny")) ] (else:)[ (goto: "wolf arrival") ] ] (set: _ti to $ti) (set: $horny to it +1)

$T[-PATREON-] Thank you for supporting the game! You are absolutely amazing. As a thank you, please find below a list of navigation links that can help you explore the game's content more easily. Of course, beware of spoilers ;) I would also like to stress that everything here $R[**is accessible through normal gameplay**.] This is about convenience, not getting more. (link-repeat:"Change your clothes")[(replace: ?spoilers)[(display:"change.clothes")]] (link-repeat:"Gimme the lewds")[(replace: ?spoilers)[(display:"lewd.scenes")]] (link-repeat:"Reveal fast travel links")[(replace: ?spoilers)[ **Quick Start** The first death: [Meet the wolf]<wolf| (click:?wolf)[(goto:"best option")] End of day: [The guest comes]<arr| *(use ****ONLY AFTER**** first death)* (click:?arr)[(goto:"wolf arrival")] COMPLETION OF DAY 1: [rush all the way up to your room.]<rush| (click:?rush)[(goto:"rush all the way up to your room.")] **Navigation** Go to the [Tower]<tow| (click:?tow)[(goto:"Use one of Ionut's keys")] Accept Felicia's [ribbon]<rib| (click:?rib)[(goto:"ribbon")] Teleport to the [Inn]<in| (click:?in)[(goto:"innhub")] Teleport to the [reception]<rec| (click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")] Teleport to the [antique boutique]<ant| (click:?ant)[(goto:"antique boutique")] **Characters** Speak to [Lavius]<lav| (click:?lav)[(goto:"Accept")] Speak to [the guest in room 28]<el| (click:?el)[(goto:"the guest in room 28")] Replay the [Spider Elise dialogue]<sp| ]] (click:?sp)[(goto:"Proceed downstairs")] (link-repeat:"Reveal game tips")[(replace: ?spoilers)[You can access the tower on the top floor by taking Ionut's keys. Think of a way to distract him. You can pick flowers in the garden and give them to someone to unlock more dialogue options. Do not try to avoid death, try to gather as much information as possible.] ] (link-repeat:"Tweak stats")[(replace: ?spoilers)[ $R[You have to make a game choice before stat changes will become visible. Please note: modifying stats here may mess with the natural progression of the story.] **SANITY** (link-repeat:"Increase sanity by 10")[(set: $sanity to it + 10)] (link-repeat:"Derease sanity by 10")[(set: $sanity to it - 10)] **LUST** (link-repeat:"Increase lust by 5")[(set: $lust to it + 5)] (link-repeat:"Derease lust by 5")[(set: $lust to it - 5)] **SECRETS** (link-repeat:"Learn 5 new secrets")[(set: $secrets to it + 5)] **MONEY** (link-repeat:"Become rich")[(set: $money to it + 500)] ]] [ ]<spoilers| [Back]<b| (click: ?b)[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

$inn Your hand hovers around the glass. You feel uncertain. $A[What am I doing here, with this man?] The drinks are nice. He seems friendly. But things are moving too fast, way too fast for you. $A[What if he wants me to come to his place...?] You blush uncomfortably. You are **not** ready for this yet. The memory of being a man is still fresh in your mind, and you feel a strong unease at the situation. Perhaps $L[Lavius] has the best intentions, but right now you [[can't keep this up->cont1]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$T[End of Content] $R[Content for the game currently ends here.] If you wish, you can [DIE AND EXPLORE A BIT MORE]<die| (click:?die)[(goto:"DIESUCCUBUS")] Special thanks to all the patreon supporters! 157 People supported the project last month. It wouldn't be possible without you! <3 The awesome supporters help $I[decide how to use the funding of the project.] We have currently $I[almost erached our next goal] We just need a few backers more, which will allow us to make different variations for the sexy scenes in the game, based on your current clothes. Other <a href="https://www.patreon.com/XFiction">Patreon!</a> benefits include: -a patreon only version of the game with cheats to make total exploration of all content easier! $I[(Change clothes at a whim, boost secets, teleport around, change your stats, redo choices)]. -access to the $I[Discord] to talk and discuss; -access to patreon polls and posts; As a direct result of Parteon funding, you can see below all the art that was added in this patch. <img src="images/Lav0.png" width="300"><img src="images/Lav2.png" width="500"><img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="200"> If you would like to support this project, help add more great art to the game and vote what it will be, you can join me on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/XFiction">Patreon!</a> Right now we have also opened a new <a href="https://www.patreon.com/XFiction">Patreon!</a> tier, which will allow you to request 1 custom made, **illustrated** scene in the game. Check it out! Thank you for playing and feel free to leave any feedback or comments either on the game's page or directly on Discord. If you find any bugs let me know so I can fix them.

$inn Part of you is curious to see what's going to happen. You close your eyes and grit your teeth. But you just can't do it. This is too much. You jerk away from his hands and straighten your $suit. Enough is enouh. He gives you a sly grin. Defeated, you [[head back to your table->innhub]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$att The darkness is waiting for you. Your curiosity burns. However... $A[Ionut did warn me not to go there, and it's only my first day...] It would really suck if you got fired on your first day. Now that you've learned the key trick, you're pretty confident you could get back here tomorrow. As long as it's $I[not your first day], you should probably be OK. You can come back later. But for now, it's probably best to go [[Back]]. (set: _ti to 5)

You look at the bracelet on your wrist - it has (colour:"#FFCCCC")[(if: $bcharges is 0)[no crimson beads left on it.](elseif:$bcharges is 1)[a single crimson bead left on it.](else:)[$bcharges crimson beads on it.] ] (if: $Felicia_level<3)[ (if: $bcharges<2)[You're not entirely sure what that means, but you're worried about the beads dissapearing. It might be a sign of something bad. You get a trickle of cold sweat down your back. Perhaps you should talk to the the owner of the Antique Boutique.] (elseif: $bcharges<5)[You're not entirely certain if this bears any significance. Perhaps you should look into it.] ](if: $Felicia_level>2)[ (if: $bcharges<1)[This is terrible! A cold sweat covers your back. If you don't find a way to recharge the bracelet, you'll die, this time for good!](elseif: $bcharges<2)[$R[This isn't good at all!] You still have a tiny breathing room, but if you don't find a way to recharge the bracelet soon, you can die for good! ](elseif: $bcharges<4)[You're starting to get a little worried, but push it to the back of your mind. For now you have enough charges left.](else:)[You have plenty of charges left for now. That's good.] ]

$room You slowly wake up, your eyes opening to the familiar view of your room's ceiling. The dark mist in your mind slowly disperses. And then you remember. The dark wings. The Crooked smile. Teeth sinking into your neck, and the fire of desire burning in your belly. You blush and lift the covers of the bed to hide your face in shame. Somehting pops into your mind and you lift your wrist. The bracelet is there, and it has (colour:"#FFCCCC")[$bcharges crimson beads on it.] You breathe a deep sigh of relief. The haze in your mind is less now and you can think a little more clearly. But that's not the only change. While you have regained some clarity, there's also something else. You feel like a door has been opened, a door that you can't close back. You $A[liked] what happened. Despite the circumstances and despite your untimely demise, on a deep, visceral level you $A[needed] that. And now, another day begins. Somehow you know that the world is going to be different now. You want it to be. You wonder where all of this is going to lead you. (display:"10m")[[Recap what you know so far->recap]] (display:"10m")[[Examine yourself->mirror]] (display:"20m")[[Get dressed->getdressed2]] (if: $dead>4 and $ach3 is false)[$R[Feat unlocked - "Serial Victim"] (set: $ach3 to true)] (set: $lav_firstdeath to 1)

$din (display:"mihai.breakfast")The servant appears shortly, asking if you'd like to eat the usual. (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[(color:#99FFCC)[For an instant your blood freezes and a deep sensation of dread overtakes you.(if:$ionut_level is 1)[ You see Ionut's figure towering above you, holding a shovel. The dirt splashes on your tied body..] The moment passes and you get a grip. Slowly, you reply with a nod and the servant disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling.]](else:)[You give him a nod and he disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling.] (if: $lav_firstdeath is 0)[(display:"bracelet.think")](elseif: $lav_firstdeath is 1)[(display:"bracelet.think2")] Before you know it, you're [[done with your eggs]]. (set: $seen_mihai to 1) (set: $din_vis to true) (set: $gen to 1) (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 45)

(if:$felicia_level<3)[ (if: $bcharges<2)[While you chew, your mind returns to the ever diminishing crimson beads on the bracelet. You don't fully understand how they work, but you're almost certain that this is not a good sign. You play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. The black ones however feel dead and inert. $A[I wonder what happens when they all turn black?] Some gut feeling tells you that this won't be good.](elseif: $bcharges<4)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet. You're pretty certain that it used to have more beads on it. The memory is a bit hazy though, so you can't be certain. You play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. The black ones however feel dead and inert. $A[I wonder what this means...?]](else:)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet. You're pretty certain that it used to have a different number of crimson beads on it. The memory is a bit hazy though, so you can't be certain. You play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. $A[I wonder what this means...?] ] ](if:$felicia_level>2)[(if: $bcharges<1)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet, on which there are now only dark beads left. $R[You feel Panic slowly creeping into your mind.] You have no more free passes left. If you die, you die. $A[I really have to recharge the bracelet this time, whatever it takes!] You swallow hard. Whatever it takes. The words echo in your head.](elseif: $bcharges<2)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet, on which there is a single crimson bead left. You feel anxiety creeping into your mind. You have very little leeway left. One more chance. That's it. $A[I really have to recharge the bracelet soon, even if it costs me. The way things are going, I won't last for long...] You swallow hard and re-assess your options.](elseif: $bcharges<4)[While you eat, you play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. The black ones however feel dead and inert. The crimson beads are not as many as you'd like them to be, but you still have enough left not to be panicking. $A[There's still time, but I should start thinking about recharging the bracelet, just in case.] But that can wait. For now, you can focus on uncovering the mysteries of the Crooked Elm.](else:)[While you eat, you play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. There are enough of them to feel comfortable for now. Recharging is not a pressing matter. While you chew your food, you ponder what to do with your day. There are still many mysteries left to uncover.] ]

$E2['My $ups[children] will....yes that's right....safe place...$rev[new host] very soon...'] $Mi2['I'll see what I can do.... will be $ups[arranged]....for $rev[your brood]..' ] (if: $deathlist contains "spider")[You shiver from the woman's voice. Woman. Ha-ha. You know better, now. Your hand instinctively moves to your abdomen, shivering at remnants of the memory. You don't remember everything, not in detail, but you remember enough.](else:)[You feel like you have to find more about the guests. Somehow you're certain that she's hiding something.]

$din Your breakfast is done, and you're almost ready to go. In the corner of the room, Mihai is having the familiar conversation with the guest from room 28. (display:"elise.think") There's still a little bit of time left, so you try to plan out your day. Learning from your past mistakes will be key if you are to get out of this alive. (display:"woman.think") $A[I have to get going now...] (display:"goto")[[To the kitchen]] (display:"bk")[[To the reception->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 30)

(if:$lewd<10)[Your head is still relatively clear. You're thankful for that. Despite the changes to your body, your mind still seems to be in the right place. Not that being a woman is altogether too bad. In the grand sceheme of things, it's much preferable to being dead. Even if you remain in this body, it's not going to be the end of the world. But you'd still rather change back if you can. This feels uncomfortable, foreign. It's not you.](elseif:$lewd<15)[Thinking is a little bit difficult. There is a haze clouding your mind and you just can't shake it off. You're certain it's related to the changes. There's also the matter of your body. It seems to have a mind of its own, and urges of its own. They feel like intrusive thoughts in your head, messing with you. You wonder how life would be if you don't manage to change yourself back. Surely it won't be too bad, being a woman. And you're pretty. In many ways you might have an easier life. Maybe you'll find a rich husband to take care of you. You shake your head. These are exactly the kind of thoughts you want to chase away but can't. Maybe it will get better with time. It's hard to tell.](else:)[Thinking is becoming progressively hard with each death. It's the damn changes and you know it, but there's nothing you can do about it. Your body has a voice of it's own, and it's whispering in your ear what it wants you to do. Sweet, delicious, unspeakable things. And the worst part is that saying "no" is a little harder every time. You wonder how long you'd be able to resist these urges.]

You have been equiped with a handful of violet thistles. You may proceed to [room 28]<go|. (set: $flowers to 1) (click:?go)[(goto:"room 28")]

(if: $gas is 1 and $ionut_seen is 0)[ (color:#99FFCC)[ You see Ionut rushing through the entrance with a large spoon in hand. 'Vat is going on? No gas, no cook!' $a['I don't know, haven't touched anything...'] you shrug. 'Vat a mess..!' He rushes outside, probably towards the basement. $a[He probably won't take long... but in the meantime the kitchen is empty. What if he forgot something there?] (set: $ionut_seen to 1)] ]

(if: (history:)'s last contains "clean28" or "Get a grip")[$1ref[ (if:$dead is 0)[ As you head back to the reception, you try to shake your thoughts from the black woman's room. $A[Great, I feel like a servant now...] ](elseif:$dead is 1)[You had no choice, this time. The woman obviously enjoys bossing others around... (if: (history:) contains "rightaway2")[and you somehow enjoyed it a little. $A[Alex, you realize this isn't the time to be roleplaying?] you scold yourself with a smirk.](else:)[perhaps a little too much for your taste. But who knows - you will see her around for some time, perhaps she'll grow on you?] ](elseif:$dead >1 and (history:) contains "clean28.4")[You make your way down to the reception, still breathing a little heavily. (if: $elise_servant is true)[This is becoming an addiction. You can't stop thinking back to what happened that night, and no amount of shame can mask how arousing the whole ordeal is to you right now. Perhaps you're going insane. You start worrying about the side effects of the bracelet. It's a fleeting thought. Your mind wanders to the silky bed again.](else:)[You continue resisting the strange urges, but it's starting to become an issue. You worry about the side effects of the bracelet. How long will you be able to keep your sanity if this goes on? You have to do something.] ](elseif:$dead >1 and (history:) contains "room flashbacks")[You stagger your way down to the reception, your body both hot and numb from the shock. $A[What in the world is wrong with me?] (if: $elise_servant is true)[There is something disturbingly arousing about your gruesome demise. Your mind wanders to the concept of *la petite mort*. Isn't it strange how love and death are interlinked, how desire leads to peril and peril leads to desire? Perhaps it's the adrenaline, the primal rush, the desire to overcome death with life, and life means reproduction... Your intellectual mind carries on with that train of thought for a while. It's a nice distraction from the truth of the situation.](else:)[You did not expect to have this reaction, and it was unsettling hard to get your thoughts under control. $A[This new body seems to have a mind of its own sometimes.] Your mind wanders to the concept of *la petite mort*. It's odd how love and death are connected. It could certainly explain your reaction, or at least that's what you think. You don't remember everything really well, but right now you'd like to think that it's a perfectly normal reaciton.] ](else:)[ (either:"It takes you longer than usual to regain concentration. There's something about that room that messes with your mind. You make a note to try to find out what.","Your head is hazy again after dealing with room 28. It's strangely peaceful, but also worrying. You're not sure how you feel about it.","Just like the last time, you are left feeling ill at ease after dealing with the woman's room. There's definitely something there that messes with your perceptions, you're sure of it.") ] ] ](elseif: $elise_seen is 1 and $28done is 0 and $seen_mihai is 1)[$A[I probably should hurry and take care of that guest's room before doing anything else... (if: $lied_to_elise is 1)[and I hope she hasn't noticed yet that I lied about taking care of her room earlier.]] ]

(if: $hour<11)[The early morning rays barely penetrate the dirt and soot layered on the windows of the reception.](elseif: $hour<14)[It's noon and despite the sun high in the sky, the reception hall still manages to somehow look dark and gloomy.](elseif: $hour<18)[The afternoon sun pierces through the dirty windows, giving the reception hall a little bit more light than usual.](else:)[The sun has fallen behind the mountain ridges and only the faint yellow light of the lamps is illuminating the old reception hall.]

(if: $hour>14 and $dead is 0)[The day is starting to roll by and you promised Mihai that you'd make yourself presentable for your first day of work! The village isn't that close, so if you want to make it in time, you have to [get going]<tra|. ](elseif: $hour<11 and $seen_mihai is 0)[It's still before 11 o'clock. (display:"goto")[Have breakfast]<breakfast|](else:)[(if: $felicia_level is 1 and $explained is 0)[ (color:#99FFCC)[There's only one person who could know something about your condition. The bracelet clings to your wrist, an unnatural warmth emanating from it. You need to go look for answers. (display:"excl")(link:"Go to the village")[(goto:"go look for answers") ] ] ] (if: $hour>=18)[It's time. Whatever you haven't done already you'll just have to leave for later. Your first work day is about to [[BEGIN]]!](if: $hour<18)[(display:"goto")Ascend to [[Floor 1]], [[Floor 2]] or directly to the [[Attic->Back]] $din_vis[(display:"goto")Go and have a peek [[inside the kitchen.->To the kitchen]] ] (display:"goto")Have a walk [[in the garden.->the garden]] (display:"goto")Visit the [[library]]] (if: $tower_key is 0 and $felicia_level is 0)[(display:"60m")[Visit the village]<tra| ] (elseif: $tower_key is 1 and $Felicia_level is 0)[ [Visit the village]<visitvil| (click: ?visitvil)[ $R[Leaving the manor with Ionut's keys seems like a bad idea] ]] (elseif: $elise_present is 3)[(display:"30mg")[[Travel quickly to the village]] ](elseif: $felicia_level>1 and $hour<16)[(display:"60m")[[Visit the village->visvil2]] ] (elseif: $explained is 1 and $hour <16)[Time is pressing and you need to start work at 18, but you can probably still afford a trip to the village...barely. (display:"60m")[[Visit the village->visvil2]] ] (elseif: $hour>=16)[It is now too late to travel to the village and back.] ] (click: ?tra)[(goto:"travel")] (click: ?breakfast)[ (if:$dead is 0)[ (goto:"Go to the dining hall")] (elseif:$dead is 1)[ (goto:"breakfast1")] (elseif:$dead is 2)[ (goto:"breakfast2")] (elseif:$dead > 2)[ (goto:"breakfast3")] ]

(if:$deathlist contains "Ionut")[You peer towards the [[end of the hallway->take a peek around]], a winged shadow emerging in your mind. In another lifetime, your curiosity led to even more questions, as well as your untimely demise... (if: $lewd<20)[... a demise that you would prefer to avoid in the future. You make a note to thread carefully when exploring forbidden sections.](else:)[...a demise that you know in your heart you will meet again. It's a disturbing thought, though in truth you are more disturbed by your calm acceptance of the fact.] Despite how things ended last time, you feel an odd fascination towards the servant, and a desire to know more about him. $A[He seems to be loyal to his master... but he is still a man. I wonder if his loyalty could be bought somehow?]](else:)[You peer towards the [[end of the hallway->take a peek around]], the light draft in the air taking your thoughts to the forbidden tower. $A[I wonder what secrets lie in there? Surely it's something Felicia would love hearing about...] Now that you have (colour:"#FFCCCC")[$bcharges crimson beads] again, you feel a little emboldened to resume your exploration of the mysteries of the Crooked Elm. After all, what's the worst that could happen? ]

(if: $elise_trial is 1)[Of course, first you have to go through your morning encounter with Elise. You stretch a bit, your feet as nimble as before. $A[I wonder if this time she will be a spider or a woman?] [[Proceed downstairs->proceed downstairs2]] ](elseif: $elise_present is 3 and $lastdeath is "spider")[Of course, first you have to survive your morning encounter with Elise. $A[Come on, Alex, you're a clever girl, you can do this...] Given how things turned out last time, you decide to be extra careful with choosing your words. Being spider breakfast is not how you'd like your day to start. [[Proceed downstairs]] ](elseif: $elise_present is 3)[Of course, first you have to go through your morning encounter with Elise. You stretch a bit, your feet as nimble as before. $A[I wonder if she will be able to tell that something is up?] Your outwards appearance hasn't changed in any way, and so far you have no reason to suspect that the spider woman is in on your peculiar skills... but something tells you that this time might be different. You decide to stay sharp. [[Proceed downstairs]] ](elseif:$deathlist contains "spider")[Of course, before you can get anywhere, you must first deal with the creature waiting for you downstairs. (if: $lewd<20)[The thought sends a shiver down your spine. $A[It will be okay, Alex, she doesn't know that you know, just act natural...] ](else:)[The thought is a little scary, but the shivers you get are not entirely unpleasant. You almost look forward to the encounter. $A[I wonder how things would go down this time...] ] ](else:)[Of course, before you can get anywhere, you must first deal with the woman downstairs. (if: $lewd<20)[You're not entirely sure if you're looking forward to that or not.](else:)[She can definitely feel a bit bossy, but right now that doesn't actually seem too bad...] ] (unless: $elise_present is 3)[ [[Gather your courage and go down]] ]

$T[-FLOOR 2-] [You go down, preparing for what is to come. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> Right on cue, the black woman walks out in the hallway, gliding in total silence towards you. Her ebony skin and peculiar proportions create a tingling sensation in your mind as the memories of your past encounters bubble up from your scrambled memory. (set: $ti to 10) (if: $deathlist contains "spider")[There is a terror that grips you as your mind rejects a vision of venomous jaws and long, black legs. The green-eyed woman addresses you:] (else:)[You blink fast, fighting with your headache and confusion. The black woman raises a hand gloved in black leather and points a bony finger towards you:] $E['You must be the new maid. My room requires assistance.'] ]<floor2| (set: $elise_seen to 1) (set: $keysneeded to 1) $bow[ [(display:"excl")]<bowb| $special[Bow before her]<bowb| ] [Politely accept]<pacc| [ [[Get it over with]] ]<gdone| (click: ?pacc)[ (set: $sanity to it -1 )(replace:?floor2)[ $a['Of course, Madam, I'll do it right away!'] you reply. The black woman seems pleased. $E['You're a pretty little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. You have much to learn, then. Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['As you wish, Madam.'] $in[You feel much more comfortable in the body of a woman. Doing tasks such as cleaning and serving seem more natural to you. Somehow this feels right.] You give her a nod and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]]. ] (replace:?pacc)[ ] (replace:?gdone)[ ] (replace:?bowb)[ ] ] (click: ?bowb)[ (replace:?floor2)[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"bow_maid")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[(display:"bow_devil")](else:)[$a['Of course, Madam, whatever pleases you'] you reply, bowing deeply in front of the dark creature. She raises an eyebrow, an amused smile on her lips. $E['You're a pretty little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['Eeeh-'] You do a few mental calculations. $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. And eager to learn?'] $a['Very much so, Madam.'] You hold your gaze on the round green glasses, sensing a strange hotness inside you. Somehow you only want to be given orders and to obey. $E['Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['It would be my pleasure, Madam.'] you reply softly without thinking. The creature gives you a lustful smile. $in[You feel much more comfortable in the body of a woman. Doing tasks such as cleaning and serving seem more natural to you. Somehow this feels right.] You give her another deep bow with a generous and prolonged view of your $breasts and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]].] ] (replace:?pacc)[ ] (replace:?gdone)[ ] (replace:?bowb)[ ] (set: $lust +=2) (set: $elise_level +=1)]

(if: $lav_firstdeath is 0)[You enter the twilight of the dining hall, glancing at the condemned windows. $Mi['Ah, hello Ms. Reid....'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> This time you don't pay much attention to the conversation with Mihai. Such things seem somehow unimportant in the face of your current predicament. You absent mindedly take the coins and promise to try to get the generator working. ](else:)[You enter the twilight of the dining hall, glancing at the condemned windows. $Mi['Ah, hello Ms. Reid....'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> This time you don't pay much attention to the conversation with Mihai. Such things seem somehow unimportant in the face of your current predicament. You absent mindedly take the coins and promise to try to get the generator working.]

(if: $bcharges<1)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet, on which there are now only dark beads left. $R[You feel Panic slowly creeping into your mind.] You have no more free passes left. If you die, you die. $A[Why am I waiting so long to recharge the bracelet? I know what needs to be done, I should get it over with as soon as possible...] ](elseif: $bcharges<2)[While you chew, your mind returns to the bracelet, on which there is a single crimson bead left. You feel anxiety creeping into your mind. You have very little leeway left. One more chance. That's it. $A[I really have to recharge the bracelet soon, even if it costs me. The way things are going, I won't last for long...] You swallow hard and re-assess your options.](elseif: $bcharges<4)[While you eat, you play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. The black ones however feel dead and inert. The crimson beads are not as many as you'd like them to be, but you still have enough left not to be panicking. $A[There's still time, but I should start thinking about recharging the bracelet, just in case.] But that can wait. For now, you can focus on uncovering the mysteries of the Crooked Elm.](else:)[While you eat, you play absent-mindedly with the trinket. There is a faint, but perceptible warmth coming from the red beads. There are enough of them to feel comfortable for now. Recharging is not a pressing matter. While you chew your food, you ponder what to do with your day. There are still many mysteries left to uncover.]

$ant You enter the small antique shop. The woman behind the counter throws you a mischevious look. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['I see that you've found a way to recharge your bracelet.'] 'Yes', you nod and blush. 'It wasn't that bad, honestly. Except, you know, for the dying part.' $M['You managed to die **and** recharge at the same time? That must have been an interesting story.'] 'I'm sure you'd love the details.' The cat woman grins. $M['You're a clever girl. Next time try to find a way to recharge without putting your neck on the line.'] 'I doubt that jerk will let me just walk away...' $M['So find other victims! Work those lady charms morrrre.'] You give her an odd look. $A[The damned cat is having fun!] 'Okay, I will try,' you sigh. $M['The **inn** is always an easy source of horny men. It's not classy and I personally think you can do better, but if your imagination fails you it can always be a safe bet.'] You hold back the desire to say something snarky. [['All right, I'll try to be smarter next time...'->antique boutique]] (set: $recharge_explained to 1) (set: _ti to 30)

$inn The man looks half amused by the quesiton, but then gives you a stern look. $rando['None of your business, sweetheart. Now why don't you bugger off and let the **men** do their business.'] His companions give you equally sour looks, one of them toying with a dagger. [[Run away]] [[Resist intimidation]]

$inn He stands up and grabs you by the wrist, jerking you to follow as the two of you head towards the far end of the hall. There, he shoves you inside a small storage room filled with boxes and barrels. You're forcefully pushed against the wall, where you meekly place your hands, and wait passively as he slides down your panties, rubs your wet hole a few more times and then has his way with you unceremoniously. When he reaches climax you sense a warmth around your wrist, one of the bracelet's black pearls blossoming into crimson. The hooded man groans, filling you with a different kind of warmth. After he's done the two of you come out together, walking the walk of shame back to his table to the sniggering looks of his friends. With a deep blush, you walk back to [[your table->innhub]]. (set: $myst_level to 2) (set: _ti to 20) (set: $bcharges to it + 1) (set: $lust +=1) (set: $myst_visited to 1) (if: $first_willing_sex is "none")[(set: $first_willing_sex to "myst_man")]

$ant $a['All right, I'll settle your debt...'] you sigh, sensing trouble brewing. $M['Purrfect! I knew you'd be a good girl and agree.'] she grins. $M['Here, you can have the pheromones for now. Hopefully it will help you to stay alive in the meantime.' ] $a['Yeah, yeah.'] You take the bottle and place it in one of your pockets. $I[Werewolf pheromones added to inventory.] (set: $pheromones to 1) (set: $flaskful to 100) (set: _ti to 5) (set: $debt to 1) [['So how does this work?'->how work2]]

$mount You know there's only one way things could end. $A[Might as well do it the easy way..] (if: $first_willing_sex is "none")[You get down on the ground and assume the doggy position on all fours. Considering how things went down with Lavius, you were hoping that your next encounter would at least be both more consensual and less life threatening. But whatever you tell yourself there is no denying that your heart is pounding hard and you feel more than a little excited as the beast gets on top of you. ](else:)[You get down on the ground and assume the doggy position on all fours. It's alarming how quickly you're getting used to this. No matter how many times you tell yourself that you have no choice, there is no denying that your heart is pounding hard and you feel more than a little excited as the beast gets on top of you.] (if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt" or "butler's uniform")[The werewolf's giant member is poking at your garments but still has no easy access to its target. The beast begins to growl in frustration. $A[Damn it, damn it, damn it...!] By now your body is also in heat, wet and ready for what is to come. You curse all the gods and reach back to [[remove your pants->pull down your panties]].](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[The werewolf's giant member is poking at your black and white skirt and rubbing against your crotch. Currently, the last little thing standing between the erect werewold penis and your tender flesh are the lace panties that you're wearing. It's clear that they won't last for long. Resigned, you reach around with your hand and [[pull your panties to the side.->pull down your panties]]](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[The werewolf's giant erection is poking against your dress. Resigned, you reach around, thinking of lifting it up to give access to the beast. Then, you [[feel the gown shifting]].] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $lust to (it + 2))

$mount You may have gotten yourself in this situation, but you're not going to give in to the beast just like that! $A[I still smell like a werewolf, so the beast probably won't eat me this time. Perhaps I can get around it...] You quicken your pace and try to brush past the beast. However as soon as it sees you running away, it leps after you, easily pinning you to the ground. $A[Damnit!!] At least you tried. It's little consolation, but it's all you have. Despite your body's burning heat, you still tried to resist. You didn't want this. As the beast's erect member pokes under your garments, you [[prepare for the worst.]] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $sanity to (it + 5))

<img src="images/excl.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="25">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$din With the windows sealed off and all the candles out, the dining hall is in pitch black darkness. You remember this and are ready to not repeat the same mistake again. $A[I'm not opening any windows this time around!] You lead the guest through the darkness, sitting him at a table in the corner. Just as you struggle with his luggage, you hear a voice behind you. 'Mrs Reid, vat are you doing, ve can't see anyfing here!' You turn around with a horrified look on your face, just to see Ionut opening one of the windows. 'It really is shit vitout light in here...' the server mumbles under his breath. A ray of moonlight penetrates the room, illuminating the chairs and tables and falling on the guest's frowning face. $W['NOOOOORRGHHHHH!'] The man convulses, clunching his stomach with both hands, his expressions contorting in agony. His limbs begin to grow, thick black fur sprouting from his skin, his jaw morphing and extending forward. $W['AAAAHHHHHOOOOOWWWLLLL!!!'] <img src="images/ggwolf.png" width="900" align="center"> The monster leaps on top of you, pinning you down, its claws digging down and shredding your new clothes. History repeats itself. Your frail, feminine body trembles in terror as the teeth sink into the delicate flesh without hesitation. There is little mercy for you this time and you convulse in agony as the beast tears off chunk after chunk, your helpless limbs flailing in the swelling pools of blood and splattering crimson spots all over the remains of your $suit. The force is finally sapped from your body and the pain fades into a dull background. The last thing you feel is your bracelet getting warmer, before [the darkness takes you]<worlddis|. (click:?worlddis)[(goto:"DIE")] (set: $lastdeath to "wolfguest") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "wolfguest"))

$inn You know the part to play and you execute it splendidly. Words and wine flow generously and soon enough $L[Lavius] has his arm around your shoulder, leaning in for a kiss. (if: $lewd<20)[You don't really want to, but backing off now would be suspicious. Reluctantly, you let yourself fall into his embrace. ](elseif: $lewd<30)[Your heart is pounding fast and you give in to his kiss with ease. Part of you realises that you should definitely get a grip, but damn, you're enjoying this too much.](else:)[In your current state, you almost forget why you're doing it in the first place. It doesn't matter. Your lips open and accept his, your body craves so much more.] After a long session of making out, the charming vampire is interrupted by a voice from behind. 'Lavius, we need to speak.' $L['Cant you see I'm busy? Go away'] Lavius hisses at him, his beautiful face distorting with dissaproval. 'It's **urgent**. You need to come. Now.' You know that the man behind is the mysterious individual that was sitting at the table in the corner. (if: $myst_visited is 1)[You try not to stare at the man, your cheeks flaring from your recent encounter. What's even more embarrassing is that he doesn't even acknowledge your presence, focusing entirely on his conversation with Lavius. $A[It's like I'm just some pretty object on the table...]](elseif: $myst_level is 1)[](elseif: $myst_level > 1)[You try not to stare at the man, your cheeks flaring from your past encounters. He doesn't recognise you in this timeline, but your brain is quick to remind you in detail what he did yo you. You turn your face away, blushing.] $L['I'll be right back, my darling, don't go anywhere.'] Lavius kisses you again and gets up from the table, following the other man. If you want to back off from your plan, now's the time. [[Wait for Lavius to take you to his lair]] [[Abort mission]] (set: _ti to 40)

$inn You sit patiently on the table, waiting for Lavius to get back. You feel hot and sweaty, your mind in a happy haze from the wine. $A[Keep it straight, Alex, you're doing this for a reason...] After a few minutes, he returns. $L['I'm terribly sorry for the interruption my dear, my *friend* over there needed my immediate council on a private matter. But I shan't bother you with such trifles. Now, where were we?'] Lavius leans in and kisses you again, filling your mouth with the taste of wine, lavender and something else, unrecognisable. When he draws away, you can't help but get a feeling of void. $L['Let's finish the wine at my place, shall we?'] You know exactly where this is going, but gather your courage and [[follow him out]]. (set: _ti to 20)

$inn Catching a serious case of cold feet, you decide to bail while Lavius is busy talking to the other man. $A[Perhaps I'm not ready just yet to be eaten alive again...] You doubt he'll be happy with you, but that's something you can sort out later. For now, you sneak out of the inn and go back to the [[village->village3]]. (set: _ti to 10) (set: $lav_busy to 1)

$T[-LAVIUS' SECRET LAIR-] You make your way out the inn and to the hunting cabin, sharing more sweet nothings and kisses along the way. When Lavius reveals his secret lair you gush with a surprised voice, counting on the wine to cover your bad acting. The two of you go down the staircase and through the heavy wooden. You step into a long hallway with a handful of doors to each side. There are more of the lamps spraying dirty yellow light around. Copper pipes run the length of the ceiling, punctuated with valves and pressure gauges. $L['Welcome to my secret laboratory!'] $A[It won't be so secret for long ....] you think, but just chuckle politely. $a['And what's to stop from just anyone barging in anyways?'] you ask, strolling down the hallway. $L['First of all, nobody knows where it is. And even if somehow they did, how would they get out once they're in? Nobody knows that the password is $I[**Lastra Mora**]'] If there's any chance you were about to walk out of here alive, it's gone now. You decide to roll with it and make the best out of the situation. [[Flirt with him]] (set: _ti to 20)

$T[-LAVIUS' SECRET LAIR-] $a['You didn't take me all this way just to brag about some basement,I hope?'] $L['Of course not, my dear Alexandra! Right this way...'] He takes your hand and leads you to his private chamber, where he pushes you on the giant, king-sized bed. You land flat on your back, the satin sheets cushioning your fall. He is on top of you, kissing your $lips, kissing your neck, kissing your $breasts, his hands tearing apart your clothes as he descends lower in a flury of desire. Lavius ompletely shreddes your $suit to pieces. Your naked body glistens in the darkness, beads of sweat covering your skin. The vampire runs his hands along it, feeling every curve. Reaching your arms, he places them in an outstretched position above your head and you soon feel the soft touch of leather wrapping around your wrists. You let him tie you up. After all, resistance is futile. You feel completely defenceless and exposed, your flower twitching as he stares hungrily at it. $A[Maybe this is exactly what I wanted...] He bends down and kisses it, leaving a trail of saliva along your slit. You are ready. You feel a finger run along your wet slit. A shiver runs through your body. Finally he comes, sliding inside your dripping cunt with ease. A moan escapes your throat. $L['Ah, my dear Alexandra, what a wonderful, beautiful, **naive** girl you are.'] Getting on top of you, his teeth sink into the side of your neck, punctuating your artery. Then you feel him penetrate you, starting to pump a rhythm as the blood is drained out of your body. Your head spins. There is no pain. The thrusts continue, filling your aching pussy over and over again. Your body twitches as you feel yourself grow weaker. He fucks you harder and faster. Indescernable screams escape your mouth. The crescendo comes, one last final stroke that plunges into your depths and stays there, his seed spilling into your womb as his teeth drain the life out of your neck. You twitch again, your flower clenching tightly around him into one last, powerful orgasm, before everything fades into darkness. <img src="images/laviusd.png" width="750" align="center"> On your wrist, the bracelet grows hot, dark beads flaring into crimson. Everything goes black. (set: $bcharges to it + 3) (set: $lust to (it + 3)) (if: $bcharges>5)[(set: $bcharges to 5)] (click: "goes black.")[(goto:"DIE")] (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "lavius"))

$mount You are exposed and ready. This isn't how you planned things to go, but now it's too late... The beast enters you with a growl, stretching you wide with a single thrusts. He's too big, way too big for you, and you immediately realize that your human body could never safely handle anything of this size. You are surprised to find out that you're wrong. Your flesh stretches and adapts with unnatural ease, letting the werewolf's giant phallus plunge deep inside you. <img src="images/scene1.png" width="1000" align="center"> $A[It's this damn bracelet....] You somehow know that it's the bracelet's fault. Your body has changed, and it's not just in outward appearance. You have become more adaptable, more resilient.... and [[more sensitive]]. (set: _ti to 15)

$mount (if: (history:)'s last is "prepare for the worst.")[<img src="images/scene2.png" width="1000" align="center">](else:)[<img src="images/scene1.png" width="1000" align="center">] (if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt" or "butler's uniform")[(display:"wolf ending pants")](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"wolf ending maid")] With a dizzy head, you slowly recover from the experience. The smell of wet earth is mixed with the musky aroma of bestial sweat and sex. A wave of guilt and shame overcomes you. When you finally manage to get up, your legs shaking, the beast is nowhere to be seen. Slowly, you [continue on your way to The Crooked Elm]<rec|. (set: $bcharges to (it +1)) (set: _ti to 15) (click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")]

$mount You were ready for what you expected, but you weren't ready for this. In its lust and rage, the werewolf pushes its member into your back entrance, howling with pleasure. $a['Aaargh!!'] Your ass stretches wide with a single thrust. He's too big, way too big for you, and you immediately realize that your human body could never safely handle anything of this size. You are surprised to find out that you're wrong. Your flesh stretches and adapts with unnatural ease, letting the werewolf's giant phallus plunge deep inside you. <img src="images/scene2.png" width="1000" align="center"> $A[It's this damn bracelet....] You somehow know that it's the bracelet's fault. Your body has changed, and it's not just in outward appearance. You have become more adaptable, more resilient.... and [[more sensitive]]. (set: _ti to 15)

<img src="images/heart_10.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

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$unav1[$unav2[(either:"n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂Ꮈຖ໓s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ŝᶠֆʄʝǟf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜千n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂ᎸŜᶠֆʄʝǟf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ꮈຖ໓n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂千","h҉s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ŝᶠֆժʂƒʝąղƒd̶s̶f̶j̶a̶♐︎🙰","♐︎ʝǟ♎︎⬧︎千n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂Ꮈ◆︎ຖ໓n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂🙰Ŝᶠֆʄʝǟf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜千n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂ᎸŜᶠֆʄʝǟ𝔫𝓕𝔡ｓυⒿђf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ꮈn̸̘̣̉͐̃͂千","đsᵘנĦⓝʝǟf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ꮈf̶j̶a̶♐︎🙰n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂Ꮈຖ໓s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆ŜᎸŜᶠֆʄʝǟ","ηＦĐ𝐬ỮʲᕼŇn̸̘̣̉͐̃͂🙰Ŝᶠֆʄʝǟǟf̴̨̤̣͍̳̣̆̒͜s̵͖͎͖̰̪͆Ꮈຖ໓n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂♎︎⬧︎千n̸̘̣̉͐̃͂Ꮈ◆︎f̶j̶a̶♐︎🙰")]]

<img src="images/10m.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-20px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

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$gar You head to the far end of the garden, where you last saw a large patch of thistles growing by the cemetary gate. Using a swiss knife you have the habit of carrying with yourself, you cut some of the violet thistles. They'd make for a pretty bouquet, though a bit thorny. (if: (random: 1, 100) <= 15)[While working on the thistles, you notice a familiar plant growing just behind a large boulder. A closer examination reveals that your assumptions are correct - it's $I[catnip]! You're not quite sure why, but you decide to get some. You never know when it can come in handy. (set: $catnip to 1)] (display:"bk")[[Return to the front->the garden]] (set: $flowers to 1) (set: _ti to 20)

<img src="images/key.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-5px; margin-left:10px" width="35">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$fl2 You decide to ignore the woman's request for now, turning away from her room. The day has just begun and you'll have plenty of time to do it later. You'd much rather start easy, perhaps with a $in[breakfast]. $a[I hope she doesn't notice the delay.... it will probably be a good idea to make sure I clean her room before she gets back, I don't want to piss off a guest on my first day...] You sneak back towards the staircase and, after checking that she's gone, [[go down to the reception->ground floor]]. (set: $lied_to_elise to 1) (set: _ti to 5)

$kit $A['Since we're out of power, Mihai told me to fetch some fuel for the generator in the basement.'] $Io['I see.'] Ionut takes the keyring and hands you one of the keys. $Io['Bring vack when you done.'] (display:"bk")[['Thanks, that's all for now'->ground floor]] (set: $gen to 2) (set: $keys to ((a:"the basement")+$keys))

$kit (if: $tower_key is 0)[There's no one in the kitchen, though a number of pots and pans are on the stove, evidently in the middle of preparation. Ionut must have left in a hurry, as the tap is left running and his $in[keyring] is left on the counter. (set: _ti to 5) (display:"key")[[Take Ionut's keys]] (display:"bk")[[Mind your own business]] ] (if: $tower_key is 1)[There's no one in the kitchen, though a number of pots and pans are on the stove, evidently in the middle of preparation. (display:"key")[[Return Ionut's keys]] (display:"bk")[[Back->ground floor]] ] (set: _ti to 10)

(if: (passage:)'s name is "clean28.1")[Your job seems done, but your head spins. Something doesn't feel quite right. You know that more than an hour has passed, but your memory feels hazy. ](elseif: (passage:)'s name is "clean28.2")[Your job seems done for now. The room still feels very confusing to be in, but getting part of your memories back has helped you to regain some (colour:#77cff7)[**clarity**]. ] (display:"bk") [[Return downstairs->ground floor]]

$ant 'Hey, there's something I've been meaning to ask you...' you trail off with uncertainty. Now that you mention it, you're not entirely sure if it's wise to put all your cards on the table. But then again, the owner of the antique boutique has saved your life on multiple occasions. $M['What is it, dear?'] the woman purrs with veiled curiosity. 'What can you tell me about this?' You pull out the tiny green bottle, handing it to the shop owner. She flicks it through her fingers with an expression of faint surprise on her face. $M['I won't ask where you got this from... but I need to know if it was given or taken.'] (display:"talk")[['What difference does it make?']] (display:"talk")[['It was given to me.']] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant 'Why does it matter?' The cat gives you a stern look. $M['This is a really rare and powerful item. If you stole it from somebody, I need to prepare for the consequences.'] 'I didn't steal it, it was a gift!' $M['A gift?'] She raises an eyebrow. $M['Someone just casually... gave it to you?'] 'Well, it was just something from a friend.' Felicia's eyes narrow, piercing through you. $M['You're not lying... I see that perhaps a new player has entered the game. Things are becoming very interesting.'] 'The game? What do you mean?' $M['No matter. The important thing is that you didn't steal the bottle. So, what do you want to do with it?'] (display:"talk")[['Eeeh, what **can** I do with it?'->potion options]] (set: _ti to 5)

$ant $M['A gift?'] She raises an eyebrow. $M['Someone just casually... gave it to you?'] 'Well, it was just something from a friend.' Felicia's eyes narrow, piercing through you. $M['You're not lying... I see that perhaps a new player has entered the game. Things are becoming very interesting.'] 'The game? What do you mean?' $M['No matter. The important thing is that you didn't steal the bottle. So, what do you want to do with it?'] (display:"talk")[['Eeeh, what **can** I do with it?'->potion options]] (set: _ti to 5)

<img src="images/dialogue.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-10px;" width="45">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$ant $M['You can't just drink it, that's for sure. But I can use it to make various potions that may prove beneficial.'] You peer into the poisonous green bottle. If it is what you think it is, you could just pour it into someone's glass... 'What can you make of it?' you ask the owner. $M['The easy option would be to use it as an enhancer in a standard speed potion. It's an extremely potent agent and will effectively supercharge the effects of the potion. If I add a little extra, it might even last through your death...'] 'Oh wow! So I will permanently become very nimble?' $M['effectively, yes. You will be quicker, more enduring, and with improved reactions in certain situations.'] 'Certainly sounds useful. But you mentioned this was the "easy" option. What else can you make out of it?' $M['There are a few things, but I'm currently missing the ingredients. I'll try to look around and we'll talk then.'] (display:"talk") [['Okay, so right now my options are...'->potion chose]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant Felicia holds the green bottle in her hand. $M['Right now, I can either use this to make an enhanced potion of quickness, or you can keep it for later. However, to make the potion of quickness, I will need additional ingredients, and they won't come for free. I think **2 secrets** should cover it. What do you chose?'] [ ]<msg| (display:"excl")[Make a potion of quickness]<quick| $M[*(2 secrets)*] (display:"bk")[[Decide later->antique boutique]] (set: $potion_explained to 1) (click:?quick)[(if: $secrets>1)[(set: $secrets to it - 2) (goto:"quickness") ] (else:)[(replace:?msg)[$R[You don't have enough secrets!]] ] ]

$ant You feel like the cat is driving a hard bargain, but drinking the potion might just be worth it. Reluctantly, you hand it over and whiper two of your secrets to her. Her expression remains neutral as ever, not giving away anything. $A[Did she already know this? What games is she playing?] You are left with more questions than answers, as usual. The owner smiles mysteriously and leaves you to wait, dissapearing somewhere in the depths of her shop. There is an eerie sensation of time stratching and condensing, like a bubble gum being chewed by a lazy panther. You have no idea where that mental image came from, but for some reason it sticks in your head. The minutes stretch, thick like honey, and the hours flow, quick like a mountain stream. After 5 minutes, according to the mechanical clock on the wall, the antique boutique regurgitates its owner back to the reception. $M['This is for you,'] the cat says, handing you a vial of a yellow-ish looking decoction. $M['Drink it quickly before the effect wears off.'] [[Drink the decoction]] (set: $elise_present to 3) (set: _ti to 30)

[$T[-Transylvania-]]<fontbig| Before we proceed, let's take a moment to tailor the experience to your personal preferences. **STEP 1/2 - INTRODUCTION LENGTH** What kind of narrative experience do you prefer? 1. [**Total Immersion**]<sel1| *(default)* You will experience the full introduction and the backstory leading up to your peculiar predicament. You will meet every character in the introduction. 2. [**Shortened intro**]<sel2| You will experience a short introduction, followed by the complete backstory leading up to your peculiar predicament. You will skip the introduction of minor events and characters and you will meet them during gameplay. 3. [**Get me into the action**]<sel3| You will experience a short introduction and a condensed version of the backstory. You will meet only the most central characters in the intro sequence (the rest you will meet directly during gameplay). (click:?sel1)[(set: $intro to 1) (goto:"start3") ] (click:?sel2)[(set: $intro to 2) (goto:"start3") ] (click:?sel3)[(set: $intro to 3) (goto:"start3") ]

[$T[-Transylvania-]]<fontbig| You're almost done! The below settings are already set to default, but you can tweak them now if you wish. Settings can also be changed later in the game. **STEP 2/2 - Settings** **ANIMATIONS**: **A) (link-repeat:"Full length animations")[(set: $death_animation to 1)(replace:?info)[$I[Text animations set to full] ] ]** *(default)* Text animations in the game will always be displayed. **B) (link-repeat:"Short animations")[(set: $death_animation to 2)(replace:?info)[$I[Text animations set to short] ] ]** Text animations will only be displayed the first time you encounter them and will be skiped from then on. [ ]<info| (display:"goto")[Continue]<cont|(click:?cont)[(if:$intro is 1)[(goto:"Start")] (else:)[(goto:"Short intro")]]

You follow the servant around as he gives you a tour of all the rooms and locations around the hotel. You converse in bits of small talk, but he doesn't seem very talkative. The only incident that happens is in the attic, where your room is located. As you try to explore further down the hallway, the servant abruptly pulls you back. $in[In the attic there is a staircase leading up to a tower. However **you are forbidden from entering.**] After two long hours, [the tour is finally over.]<rec| $I[*This section has been shortened due to your introduction preferences.*] (set: $library_found to 1)(set: $tour to 1) (set: $hour to ($hour+2)) (click:?rec)[(goto:"Reception")]

$din You have breakfast, chatting with the odd servant. After you're done, he gives you a tour of the hotel, showing you the different rooms and locations. The only incident that happens is in the attic, where your room is located. As you try to explore further down the hallway, the servant abruptly pulls you back. $in[In the attic there is a staircase leading up to a tower. However **you are forbidden from entering.**] Once you're familiar with all the locations around The Crooked Elm, you decide to have a stroll down to the village. [[Visit the village]] $I[*This section has been drastically shortened due to your introduction preferences.*] (set: $library_found to 1)(set: $tour to 1) (set: $hour to ($hour+3))

$rec Once you're back at the hotel, you spend some more time looking around and reading old books at the library. Eventually night falls and the peculiar owner invites you to have dinner with him. [[Have dinner with Mihai->have dinner]] $I[*This section has been drastically shortened due to your introduction preferences.*] (set: $hour to 20)

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$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" >You head down the mountain path, hopping lightly on your feet as never before. Every rock feels familiar, every turn greets you like an old friend. Instead of tripping on the tree roots as usual, you jump lightly off of them, the distance flying under your feet. In no time at all, you [[make it down to the village->village3]]. (set: _ti to 30)

$mount You take the familiar path uphill following the little stream. Perhaps the mountain air is already having a positive effect or perhaps you're getting used to your new $suit, but this time the trip is less bothersome. The forest is starting to get dark and you wonder whether you'll make it back in time. You should hurry. Before you know it, you [[arrive at the hotel->ground floor]] <img src="images/mansion.png" width="1200" align="center"> (set: _ti to 30)

$ant As you gulp down the contents of the vial, you vaguely remember a talk you once had with your mom about not taking drugs from strangers. At the time you thought that you would be very lucky if a stranger decided to give you drugs for free. But that was all in another lifetime, and even as you think about it the memory fizzles out and fades. Was it even yours to begin with? As the last drops of the decoction slide down your throat, you notice the woman staring at you with a glimmer in her yellow eyes. $M['Good girl,'] she praises you, giving you a little pat on the head. [[Accept the compliment]] [[Protest]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant You let the cat pet you, akwardly accepting her approval. $A[I suppose she's happy that I managed to get this all by myself.... and it really wasn't that easy, I had to work for it! I suppose that I am doing well...] The effects of the potion start kicking in, and you feel a light-headed sensation, and a warm wave spreading through your muscles. Your movements become easier and quicker, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. $A[Wow this feels great!] You flash Felicia a little smile and she gives you another encouraging pat. [[Continue->antique boutique]] (set: _ti to 10)

$ant You akwardly pull away, interrupting her pats. 'I'm not some pet you know!' $M['Oh, does it feel dimeaning to have your head patted?'] You look into a pair of cold yellow eyes. 'No! I means yes... I don't know....' $M['It's okay, I know that humans are easily confused.'] Her smile flashes again and you breathe a sigh of relief. For a moment you thought that she was mad at you, and you just realized how bad this would be for your situation. The effects of the potion start kicking in, and you feel a light-headed sensation, and a warm wave spreading through your muscles. Your movements become easier and quicker, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. $a[Wow this feels great!] You flash Felicia a little smile and she gives you an encouraging nod. [[Continue->antique boutique]] (set: _ti to 10)

$T[-ROOM 28-] (if: $hour >11 )[You enter the familiar silvery room, the soft haze invading your mind. With deadly grace, the dark woman emerges from the shadows. $E['Hello, my dear. what brings you to me?'] (if: $elise_relationship is "lie")[$a['What can a succubus want?'] you smile at her mischeviously. $E['I see how it is, tsk. Then say it, girl! Don't be shy.'] (display:"talk")[['I want to serve you.'->eliseserve]] ](elseif: $elise_relationship is "honest")[$a['I just wanted to talk to you for a while.'] $E['Really, tsk? And what does the cat have to say about that?'] $a['She's not my boss, you know! I can do whatever I want!'] $E['Then what **is** it that you want, girl? Why are you here?'] (display:"talk")[['I want to serve you.'->eliseserve]] (display:"talk")['Nothing, I'll see you later.']<fl2| ] ](else:)[You enter the familiar silvery room, giving your mind to the strange haze. $A[It is so nice and peaceful in here...] The silky smooth surfaces no longer bother you and you're tempted to linger for a while, but you have other things to do, so you decide to [leave]<fl2| ] (set: _ti to 10) (click:?fl2)[(goto:"Floor 2")]

$T[-FLOOR 2-] (if: $lastdeath is "spider")[You go down, trying to conceal your anxiery. Elise isn't there. $A[Here we go again...] You fake your best nonchalant expression, strolling down the hallway.](else:)[You go down, waiting for Elise to appear as usual. She doesn't. You peer down the hallway, towards the direction of her room. There is only darkness and silence.] $E['Who are you exsssactly?'] whispers a voice behind your ear. [[Turn around]] (set: _ti to 5) <img src="images/spider_hanging.png" width="800">

$fl2 You twist slowly, coming face to face with the head of a giant spider, it's many eyes black gleaming at you like gemstones. Her fangs hang relaxed and you sense more curiosity than danger, but your past enounters have thought you to be weary. $A[If I'm honest and tell her everything perhaps she will be kind to me... but that also means revealing my secrets. I could try to weasel my way out of this and keep my aces up my sleeves... but is it worth the risk?] You stare at the jaws of death, keeping your best poker face. (display:"talk")[['Hello, Elise.']] (display:"talk")[['I'm the new maid.']] <img src="images/spider_hanging.png" width="800"> (set: _ti to 5)

$fl2 The spider's fangs twitch and she leans in even closer to your face. $E['How do you know my name, girrl? Think carefully and anssswer the truthh.'] (display:"talk") [['Mihai told me you were a guest here']] (display:"talk") [['You told me, in another life.']] (set: _ti to 5)

$fl2 The spider cocks it's head to the side. Her fangs twitch and she leans in even closer to your face. $E['You can ssee me, tsk. Why can you see me? What are you?'] (display:"talk")[['I'm just an ordinary girl.']] (display:"talk")[['I'm a succubus.']] (display:"talk")[['What do you mean "see you"?']] (set: _ti to 5)

$fl2 The spider's gaze narrows on you. $E['**He** told you that name?'] You sense your wiggle room growing narrower. $a['Yeah, he eeh- gave me a rundown of the guests when I arrived for my job.'] $E['You lie, little human!'] hisses Elise. $E['I know Mihai, he would never speak my name to someone like you. Who sent you?'] $a['Nobody!'] you cry out. $a['I came here for this job and-'] The spider's fangs dart in a flash, and you feel a burning sensation in your neck. The world grows blurry and yourbody feels weak. You try to run but your limbs fold like spaghetti and you collapse on the floor. The last thing you remember is being wrapped in something soft and dragged off down the hallway as you slowly [[lose consciousness]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 Elise twists her head in confusion. $E['Exssplain...'] $a['It's kinda complicated, and I'm not sure I understand everything myself.'] You take a deep breath and start recounting how you arrived here at first and the strange events that lead to your current situation. You tell her about the bracelet and about Felicia, but try to leave out some of the details regarding the secrets you've found. You still don't know exactly what her relationship is with the other characters in the village and you'd rather not open any unnecessary weak spots. Then comes the tricky part, your relationship with Elise. (if: $elise_choice is "freind")[$a['We were friends, then. Two women trying to survive in the world. You told me about your children and how you were looking for a home for them. I offered my help, and as a token of your gratitude you gave me a little green bottle.']](elseif: $elise_choice is "servant")[$a['We... we were something like lovers, then.'] $E['Loverss? I find this hard to believe, tsk.'] Thinking about a particular moment makes your face flush red with embarrassment, but you somehow force the words out: $a['Not lovers exactly, more like... I was your servant... and after we did... *some things*... you gave me a little green bottle as a reward.'] The tension hangs in the air. $E['Ahahaha!'] $a['What?!'] $E['You're a cute little thing, tsk. I see why I would do to that.'] You feel a wave of relief washing over you.](elseif: $elise_choice is "admirer")[$a['And then... it's a little hard to put into words, but the more I came to know about you, the more fascinated I grew... and you seemed to like me for some reason, so you decided to give me a present, which was a small green bottle..'] you trail off, aware of the absurdity of your story. The spider remains still for a moment, then erups in laughter. $E['Ahahaha!'] $a['What?!'] $E['You're a cute little thing, tsk. I see why I would do to that.'] You feel a wave of relief washing over you. You won't be breakfast today.] $E['What did you do with the bottle, tsk?'] (display:"talk")[['I made a potion out of it and drank it... and here I am.'->made a potion]] (set: _ti to 10) (set: $elise_relationship to "honest")

$fl2 $E['I see. IIt seems that a certain cat is playing her games again, tsk tsk. I wonder if it's some simple mischief out of boredom, or she's plotting something big. I'll have to take measures, tsk.'] Elise paces around. You aren't usually very good at reading's spider expressions, but if you had to guess you'd say that she looks concerned. (display:"talk") [['I'm sure she's just bored.']] (display:"talk") [['She's probably up to something.']] (set: _ti to 5)

$dark The worst thing is that you know what's going to happen. Somehow, you are still present. Not truly awake, but not deep in the endless darkness like last time. This time, you can still think, slowly and hazily. You can still feel your body, with vague and muffled sensations, as if it's a distant memory, something that happened a long time ago, far away. You feel Elise's presence too, in the darkness of your mind's eye. The long thin legs dangling around you, her imposing body looming somewhere above. Your movement ceases and you know you have arrived at your final destination. You feel a small opening being torn at the back of your cocoon, and the spidery presence abruptly draws closer. <img src="images/spider_lewd1.png" width="800" align="center"> You brace yourself [[for what is to come]]. (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "spider")) (set: $lastdeath to "spider")

$fl2 $a['I don't think she's really up to something,'] you offer tentatively. $a['If anything, I think she's... alone. Everyone else is taking themselves way too seriously around here, always the secrecy... believe me when I say, for an outsider here, one wrong step and you're dead.'] $E['Tsk. Do you think we can just let humans like you learn everything about us?'] You try to thread carefully with your next words. $a['She isn't like you, Elise. You are big and strong, and you are cunning... you can take care of anyone that tries to get in your way.'] Elise seems flattered by your words. $E['I guess you are right... when you are something as soft and squishy as a human or a cat, I guess we can be gracious and allow some minor mischief...'] You seem to have pacified Elise, at least for now. $E['Thank you for being honest with me, girl. Now I understand why you were able to see me. But perhaps it would be better for everyone if I made a few changes.'] Your vision tilts and a familiar silvery fog washes over your mind. You blink fast, trying to shake off the wave of confusion. Suddenly, a female silhouette is standing in front of you, her green spectacles reflecting a light that doesn't exist. $E['This is better, isn't it my dear?'] (display:"talk")[['Is there anything else I can do for you?'->tasks after potion]] (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 $a['She seems nice at first, but often acts in strange and unpredictable ways. And she loves gathering secrets, about everything and everyone. I'm sure this isn't just a weird hobby - she's definitely plotting something.'] Elise considers this. $E['Thank you for your warning, tsk. I may have underestimated her as a player. Perhaps I should take measures.'] Her words seem ominous and for a moment you wonder about the extent of the consequences of this conversation. $A[I guess what's done is done...] $E['Thank you for being honest with me, girl. Now I understand why you were able to see me. But perhaps it would be better for everyone if I made a few changes.'] Your vision tilts and a familiar silvery fog washes over your mind. You blink fast, trying to shake off the wave of confusion. Suddenly, a female silhouette is standing in front of you, her green spectacles reflecting a light that doesn't exist. $E['This is better, isn't it my dear?'] (display:"talk")[['Is there anything else I can do for you?'->tasks after potion]] (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 $E['My room still requires cleaning. Get to it, girl!'] $a['Of course, right away Ma'am!'] (display:"30mg")[[Quickly clean Elise's room->clean28.5]] (set: $elise_trial to 1)

$T[-ROOM 28-] You've done many times before, so it takes you no time at all. The floor is littered with **dead branches** and **ragged dolls**, which you swiftly gather and take care of. You recall the same **things** filling the wardrobe, so you clean them up as well. You straighten the bed sheets and tidy the table. The room is spottless before you know it. Just as you're about to leave, your eyes fall on the [bed]<bed| again, an image of a [tied figure]<figure| flashing in your head. [ ]<thi| (display:"heart")[[Lie on the bed]] (display:"bk")[[ground floor<-Finish up and leave]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $28done to 1) {(live:1s)[ (mouseover: ?bed)[ (replace: ?thi)[(either:"Just for a moment...","I know I shouldn't...","It looks so tempting...","Why does this turn me on so much?","There's no harm in it...")] ] (mouseover: ?figure)[ (replace: ?thi)[(either:"That was me...","An inflated belly...","Arms tied together...","Legs stretched...", "Completely immobilised...","Waiting for the end...")] ] ]}

<img src="images/heart.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$fl2 The spider's gaze narrows on you. $E['**Ordinary** girl?'] You sense your wiggle room growing narrower. $a['Yeah, I grew up in England and then I arrived here for my job...'] $E['You lie, girl!'] hisses Elise. $E['I see how you flinch! I see where your gaze falls! You can sssee me, and no human can sssee me! Who sent you?'] $a['Nobody!'] you cry out. $a['I came here for this job and-'] The spider's fangs dart in a flash, and you feel a burning sensation in your neck. The world grows blurry and yourbody feels weak. You try to run but your limbs fold like spaghetti and you collapse on the floor. The last thing you remember is being wrapped in something soft and dragged off down the hallway as you slowly [[lose consciousness]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 $E['A succubusss? What is a succubuss doing here? Where are your horns?'] $a['They, eeh- they haven't grown yet. I'm still very young. And I came here for this job, and to see Mihai...'] $E['Mihai? What is your business with him?'] $a['Can't a girl have her little secrets?'] You stare back at the giant spider. The last bit about Mihai was a lie, but you already know that the owner of The Crooked Elm has a number of strange connections. Your bluff might just hold up. $E['I understand now, tsk.'] Elise seems to relax. $E['But perhaps it would be better for everyone if I made a few adjustmentss.'] Your vision tilts and a familiar silvery fog washes over your mind. You blink fast, trying to shake off the wave of confusion. Suddenly, a female silhouette is standing in front of you, her green spectacles reflecting a light that doesn't exist. $E['This is better, isn't it my dear?'] (display:"talk")[['Is there anything else I can do for you?'->tasks after potion]] (set: _ti to 10) (set: $elise_relationship to "lie")

$fl2 The spider's gaze narrows on you. You sense your wiggle room growing narrower. $a['I mean obviously I can *see* you, you are a dark-skinned woman with green spectacles...'] $E['You lie, girl!'] hisses Elise. $E['I see how you flinch! I see where your gaze falls! You can sssee me, and no human can sssee me! Who sent you?'] $a['Nobody!'] you cry out. $a['I came here for this job and-'] The spider's fangs dart in a flash, and you feel a burning sensation in your neck. The world grows blurry and yourbody feels weak. You try to run but your limbs fold like spaghetti and you collapse on the floor. The last thing you remember is being wrapped in something soft and dragged off down the hallway as you slowly [[lose consciousness]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$fl2 You go down, preparing for what is to come. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> Surprisingly, you don't run into the 8-legged creature this time, but rather into her more pleasant, humanoid form. $E['Surprised, my dear?'] $a['Eeer-'] The woman flashes you a deadly smile. (if: $elise_relationship is "honest")[$E['It's okay, I understand your confusion, tsk. Since you told me that there were some temporal shenanigens afoot, I took my own precautions to stay in the loop.'] $a['So, you...'] $E['That's correct, tsk. I remember. But it will be our little secret. Right, girl?'] You nod.](elseif: $elise_relationship is "lie")[ [$E['It's okay, I understand your confusion, tsk. Since you told me that you were a succubus, I took my own precautions keep things between us smooth.'] $a['So, you...'] $E['That's correct, tsk. I remember a little from last time. But it will be our little secret. Right, girl?'] You nod.] ] $E['Good. Now go and take care of my room.'] (display:"30mg")[[Quickly clean Elise's room->clean28.5]] (set: _ti to 10)

$dark <img src="images/ovi1.png" width="800" align="center"> The ovipositor prods your body and for a moment it seems to hesitate where to go, but then it settles on your back entrance. The thin tube-like organ presses down and easily overcomes the resistance of your relaxed muscles, sliding inside you. You realize that part of you is anticipating the action. Whether it is the spider venom or your perverted mind, you're almost looking forward to it. It's comforting to know that it doesn't matter. It's not your fault that you're enjoying it, and it doesn't change anything. Whether you want it or not, [[it's going to happen]].

$dark <img src="images/spider_lewd3.png" width="800" align="center"> A hard, round object presses against you. Despite knowing what it will do to you, you realize how much you want it inside. The end begins to stretch you open and despite your relaxed body it struggles to get in. As the pressure slowly increases you sense your hole growing wider. In your half-awake state you dream of wolves under the full moon and nights of lust and passion. When the round object is halfway through, there is a brief moment of equilibrium, a stillness as you lie stretched and waiting. Then the tipping point comes and it sinks a millmeter further, after which your body takes over and greedily sucks it all the way in. There is a sudden and intense wave of pleasure, along with sensation of fullness in your gut. [[Then comes the next one]].

$dark <img src="images/Oviposition.gif" width="800" align="center"> The process repeats over and over, until you lose count, drifting into a haze of death and desire. Eventually the darkness takes you, [this time for good.]<fade| (click:?fade)[(goto:"DIE1")]

$lib You take a stroll along the dusty shelves, trying to follow the source of the voice. Sometimes it's undeniably getting stronger, but just when you think you have it, it starts fading again. After a long game of cat and mouse, you eventually reach a strange place at the back of the library, where the tomes look especially old. One of them in particular draws your attention - you're either going crazy or it's the source of the voice. As soon as your fingers touch the ancient covers you feel a strange electric sensation run through you. This is not an ordinary book. You turn the front page - it's covered with odd symbols and diagrams that are moving and shifting in front of your very eyes. Just looking at them gives you a headache. $A[Reading this is going to be a complete nightmare! But who knows what secrets may be hidden inside...] (display:"brain")[[Try to read the tome]] (display:"bk")[[Leave the book alone->library]]

$lib You turn the pages and are immediately engrossed into a world of ancient stories of secrets and madness. The words seem to come alive on the page andbefore you know it an hour has passed and your mind is filled with tales of horrors you have never heard before. With a trembling hand, you close the tome. $A[They're right to say that knowledge has a price...] For all that you've learned, you feel that your grip on reality is a little looser. The shadows in the corner of your eye seem to be watching you, waiting for a moment of carelessness to strike at your back. You feel like you've lost a portion of your $clarity[sanity], but you've learned a few $M[secrets]. You leave the library in a hurry, [[returning to the reception->ground floor]]. (set: _ti to 60) (set: $secrets +=3) (set: $sanity -=30) (set: $tome_madness to 1)

<img src="images/brain.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-5px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$ant You don't know why, but you feel like showing Felicia some of the flowers you found in the garden of The Crooked Elm. As soon as you pull them out, her eyes widen and she pounces on them, snatching them from your hand and running off somewhere inside the Antique Boutique. $a['Hello...?'] There is an eerie sensation of time stratching and condensing, like a bubble gum being chewed by a lazy panther. You have no idea where that mental image came from, but for some reason it sticks in your head. The minutes stretch, thick like honey, and the hours flow, quick like a mountain stream. After 5 minutes, according to the mechanical clock on the wall, the antique boutique regurgitates its owner back to the reception. $M['Let's forget this ever happened.'] Felicia straightens her clothes and returns behind the counter. [[Continue->antique boutique]] (set: $catnip to 0) (set: _ti to 5)

**Settings** **ANIMATIONS**: **A) Full length animations** *(default)* Text animations in the game will always be displayed. (link-repeat:"Select")[(set: $death_animation to 1)(replace:?info)[$I[Text animations set to full] ] ] **B) Short animations** Text animations will only be displayed the first time you encounter them and will be skiped from then on. (link-repeat:"Select")[(set: $death_animation to 2)(replace:?info)[$I[Text animations set to short] ] ] [ ]<info| [Back]<b| (click: ?b)[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

'Actyally, this time it was my choice,' you say proudly. $M['Your choice? You mean you got killed on purpose?'] the cat woman raises an eyebrow. 'I didn't get killed at all, actually. I found fuel for the generator, made it back, end everything went smooth this time.' $M['So how did you die?'] 'Well, I was about to go to my room at the end of the day. But then I remembered that this would break the cycle, like you told me.' $M['Oh, I see. You've developped a preference for your new form. I'm not surprised.'] 'That's not it!' you blush. 'I **want** to turn back. But I've gotten myself so deep into this now, and I have a unique opportunity to learn more. Now that I know what to do to survive, might as well make the most of it while I can. Who knows, the knowledge might save me later.' The owen of the antique shop gives you a long, measuring look, then laughs. $M['You have some brains girl, I'll give you that.'] She pats you on the head. $M['Information is the most important thing around here. You are correct to gather it when you can. One day you might become a formidable player in The Game, who knows. Keep it up.'] (if: $suicide_smarts is 1)[(set: $sanity += 10) (set: $suicide_smarts to 1)]

(set: $suicide_smarts to 0) (set: $work_elise to 0)(set: $ionut_sex to 0)(set: $succubus_lust to 0)(set:$succ_counter40 to 0)(set:$succ_counter60 to 0)(set:$succ_counter80 to 0)(set:$succ_counter100 to 0) (set: $succubus_level to 0)(set: $housemaid_first to 0)(set: $butler_first to 0)(set: $devilgown_first to 0)(set: $chosen_maid_first to false)(set: $worn_housemaid to 0)(set: $din_vis to false)(set: $pherochoice to 0)(set: $howl to 0)(set:$merfed to 0) (set: $ionut_avatar to 0)(set: $mihai_avatar to 0)(set: $felicia_avatar to 0)(set: $elise_avatar to 0)(set: $elder_avatar to 0)(set: $lavius_avatar to 0)(set: $wolf_avatar to 0)(set: $ach1 to false) (set: $ach2 to false)(set: $ach3 to false)(set: $ach4 to false)(set: $ach5 to false)(set: $ach6 to false)(set: $ach7 to false)(set: $ach8 to false)(set: $ach9 to false)(set: $ach10 to false)(set: $ach11 to false)(set: $ach12 to false)(set: $ach13 to false)(set: $ach14 to false)(set: $ach15 to false) (set: $sc1 to true)(set: $sc2 to true)(set: $sc3 to true)(set: $sc4 to true)(set: $sc5 to true)(set: $sc6 to true)(set: $sc7 to true)(set: $sc8 to true)(set: $sc9 to true)(set: $sc10 to true)(set: $sc11 to true)(set: $outf1 to true)(set: $outf2 to true)(set: $outf3 to true)(set: $outf4 to true)(set: $outf5 to true)(set: $outf1_owned to false)(set: $outf2_owned to false)(set: $outf3_owned to false) (set: $lav_react to "null") (set: $maintask to 0)(set: $task_felicia to 0)(set: $task_elder to 0)(set: $task_elise to 0)(set: $task_clothes to 0)(set: $task_female to 0)

<img src="images/ionut_lewd2.png" width="500" align="right"> It seems the servant has finally taken the hint and you feel him get his cock out of his pants and start rubbing between your thighs. His breath is right behind your ear. You put the plate down and spread your legs apart obligingly, helping him get to the sweet spot. His member is rough and misshapen like the rest of his body, but you don't really care. There is something excitingly wrong as you feel the odd shape slide it's way inside of you, the rough bumps triggering points of pleasure you didn't even know existed. You let the servant wrap his muscular hands around your hourglass figure and rock you violently back and forth like an animal. You push a plate and it breaks, but neither of you care. Your $breasts jiggle with every motion. Your soft moans turn into loud screams escaping your $lips as he fills you up. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist. [[Return to the reception->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 40) (set: $ionut_visited to true) (set: $lust to (it + 2)) (set: $bcharges to (it + 1))(set: $ionut_sex to 1)

$rec

$kit <img src="images/ionut_lewd1.png" width="500" align="right"> (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[$a['You look like you need some help, big guy.'] you say mischeviously, slipping under his arms and in front of him as you take the dishes from his hands. You feel his large, strong body pressed against your petite figurine as he hands you the dirty dishes and takes away the clean ones. You know where this goes, but that doesn't take away from the thrill. In fact, it even hightens it. You lean forward even more, pushing your backside towards him, carefully reaching around with your soapy fingers and lifting up your servant's skirt up for him.](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[$a['You look like you need some help, big guy.'] you say mischeviously, slipping under his arms and in front of him as you take the dishes from his hands. You feel his large, strong body pressed against your petite figurine as he hands you the dirty dishes and takes away the clean ones. You know where this goes, but that doesn't take away from the thrill. In fact, it even hightens it. The devil's gown reacts, turning into a pair of old worker jeans and shirt covered in oil drips and soil. A musky smell of freshly turned earth raises to your nostrils. $A[A man of the earth, eh?] You lean forward even more, pushing your backside towards him, carefully reaching around with your soapy fingers and pushing your jeans down under your buttcheeks.](else:)[$a['You look like you need some help, big guy.'] you say mischeviously, slipping under his arms and in front of him as you take the dishes from his hands. You feel his large, strong body pressed against your petite figurine as he hands you the dirty dishes and takes away the clean ones. You know where this goes, but that doesn't take away from the thrill. In fact, it even hightens it. You lean forward even more, pushing your backside towards him, carefully reaching around with your soapy fingers and pushing your jeans down under your buttcheeks.] $A[Come on, don't keep me waiting now big guy...] Your heart pounding with every passing second, you [[continue washing->washing2]].

$kit <img src="images/ionut_lewd2.png" width="500" align="right"> It seems the servant eagerly accepts your invitation and you feel him get his cock out of his pants and start rubbing between your thighs. His breath is right behind your ear. You put the plate down and spread your legs apart obligingly, helping him get to the sweet spot. As always, his member is rough and misshapen. It is by far the oddest thing you've had inside of yourself, and that's saying something. There is something excitingly wrong as you feel the weird shape slide it's way inside of you, the rough bumps triggering unnatural pleasures. You let the servant wrap his muscular hands around your hourglass figure and rock you violently back and forth like an animal. Your $breasts jiggle with every motion. Your soft moans turn into loud screams escaping your $lips as he fills you up. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist. [[Return to the reception->ground floor]] (set: _ti to 40) (set: $ionut_visited to true) (set: $lust to (it + 2)) (set: $bcharges to (it + 1))(set: $ionut_sex to 1)

$room The early morning rays seep through the stained window glass, warming your face. You wake up with a sudden movement, rising in your bed. $a['What's going on?'] you say out loud. There's no one to answer. There is a brief period of confusion, than the memories flood your mind. Lavius, Felicia, Elise, Mihai, Ionut. Death by fangs and acts of desire. It all seems so distant, so surreal. $A[Was it all a dream? I feel weird...] You look down at yourself, feeling your body. $A[That's odd, I'm still a woman... Did I manage to break the cycle? Or did time reset again?] You hastily grab your phone from the night stand. $A[It's TUESDAY! I made it, I survived!] It seems that you've managed to pull it off after all. You expected to be turned back by now, but perhaps Felicia can help you with that. Now that you've escaped the loop, it should be just a formality. You leap from a bed and start getting dressed, when a glimpse in the mirror [[catches your eye]]. (set: _ti to 10)

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$room $A['What the bloody HELL?!'] In the mirror, a beautiful young creature stares at you. She has a pair of small white horns sticking out of her head. Your hands dart up and sure enough they're there - a tiny pair, barely a few inches out of the skin. They feel hard and rough, almost like stone. You stand awestruck, refusing to acknowledge reality. $a[What is happening to me?] With your heart racing, you sit back on the bed, trying to catch your breath. You've seen a lot of weird things around here already, but this strikes too close for comfort. It isn't the first time your body has changed, but so far you've always been.... human, you suppose. And now you've become [[something else]].

<div style="text-align:center;">$T[CHAPTER 2: HORNS, FANGS & SECRETS]</div> $backstory $R[It's a good moment to save your progress.] [[Continue->day2]] (set: $day to "Tuesday")(set: $hour to 9)(set: $minute to 0) (set: $suit to "night gown")(set: $suit_mod to 0)(set: $succubus_lust to 1)

$room You are no longer human. The thought just pops in your head, both frightening and arousing you. You can't tell why, but you are absolutely certain of it. If you have horns now, perhaps there are other changes to your body as well. You're not sure if you're brave enough to know. But then again, you have to. $I[Journal updated] (set: $maintask to 8) (display:"goto")[[Check your body for changes]] (display:"goto")[[Get dressed]]

$room Fighting with your rizing panic, you decide to take a moment and assess the situation. Of course, the first thing that you can't ignore are your horns. Small and curly, they barely stick out through your hair, but are nevertheless impossible to miss. Looking at yourself in the mirror you can't take your eyes off of them. You gently touch them - your horns are rough and hard, with a coarse texture. Still, the tip is pointy enough to prick your finger. Moving on to your face, not much has changed from what you last remember - you still have $hair, $eyes, soft white skin and $lips. You are drop-dead gorgeous. On your chest, you can't really tell if your $breasts are the same, but they feel perhaps a little bigger and softer. What does feel different however is you touching them - even from a simple and non-sexual examination of your own body you can feel goosebumps and tingles on your skin, and your nipples are already growing hard. $A[I should be careful with this... I don't want to get myself into embarassing situations] Right now you have more pressing matters. You need to figure out what the hell is going on... again. (display:"goto")[[Get dressed]](set: _ti to 10)

This page will allow you to simulate some key choices made throughout $T[Chapter 1]. You can also leave them as default values. (set: $breasts to "soft round breasts") (set: $hair to "long dark hair with a red sheen")(set: $eyes to "mysterious dark eyes")(set: $lips to "full, seductive lips") (set: $dead to 6) (set: $horns to "small white horns") (set: $bracelet to 1) (set: $bcharges to 3)(set: $elise_present to 3) **PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION** 1. Expected progression *(default)* (link-repeat:"Select")[ (set: $breasts to "soft round breasts") (set: $hair to "long dark hair with a red sheen")(set: $eyes to "mysterious dark eyes")(set: $lips to "full, seductive lips") (set: $dead to 6)(replace:?info)[$I[Physical changes set to expected] ] ] 2. Maximum progression (link-repeat:"Select")[ (set: $breasts to "big round breasts") (set: $hair to "long dark-red hair")(set: $eyes to "mysterious dark eyes with purple sheen")(set: $lips to "shamelessly plump lips") (set: $dead to 8)(replace:?info)[$I[Physical changes set to maximum] ] ] **MENTAL CHANGES** (set: $sanity to 35) (set: $lust to 20) 1. Expected progression *(default)* (link-repeat:"Select")[ (set: $sanity to 35) (set: $lust to 20) (replace:?info)[$I[Mental changes set to expected] ] ] 2. High progression (link-repeat:"Select")[ (set: $sanity to 20) (set: $lust to 30) (replace:?info)[$I[Mental changes set to high] ] ] []<info| [[Begin Chapter 2->chapter2]] (set: $outf1_owned to true) (set: $outf2_owned to true) (set: $outf3_owned to true) (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "Ionut")) (set: $av to 3) (set: $A to ((colour:#FF99CC)+(text-style: "italic"))) (set: $a to (colour:#FF99CC)) (set: $backstory to "Once, in another lifetime, you were a human that sought out a summer job at a hotel in a remote mountain village in Transylvania. There you met Felicia, a mysterious owner of an antique shop who gave you a special bracelet. Then you died, and the bracelet brought you back to life, and you died again, and again, and again. Every time you changed - sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Now, your history is a mess, your memories an amalgamation of what was once your reality. Thinking back, you no longer remember your true origin. With every death your existance takes a new, separate shape, one that deviates from the linear path of a human lifetime. You are frightened and excited.")

$room At the moment, you are still wearing your $suit. Perhaps you should slip into something more appropriate before heading out. []<mirror| $outf1_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a butler's Uniform")[(if:$suit is "butler's uniform")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the Buttler's uniform.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "an elegant butler's uniform that hides your curves and gives you an air of professionalism") (set: $suit_mod to -4) (replace: ?info)[You carefully slip out of the $suit and dress into the butler's uniform, keeping the edges sharp and the folds flat. Some of your sex appeal fades, giving way to an air of strictness and professionalism.](set: $suit to "butler's uniform")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Butler.png" width="500" align="right">] ]] $outf2_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a maid's Outfit")[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the maid's outfit.]](else:)[ (set: $suit_description to "a beautiful maid's outfit that outlines our body figure and provides a generous view of your $breasts") (set: $suit_mod to 4) (replace: ?info)[You slip out of the $suit and get into the maid's outfit, admiring yourself in the mirror. You really look very cute. The outfit is sure to boost your powers of seduction, while maintaining a smidget of professionalism. You hope that Mihai won't complain.] (set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Maid.png" width="500" align="right">] ] ] $outf3_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a Devil's Gown")[(if: $suit is "devil's gown")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the devil's gown.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "a Devil's Gown that has the amazing ability to morph into the most effective garment for any situation") (set: $suit_mod to 8) (replace: ?info)[You get out of the $suit. The Devil's Gown wraps around your hourglass figure. It is like liquid fire. It is elegant and sublime. It is the dress that will make any creature want to fuck your brains out. This will have consequences. You lick your lips with unnatural hunger. ] (set: $suit to "devil's gown")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Devil.png" width="500" align="right">] ] ] $I[]<info| (display:"20m")(link-repeat:"Finish dressing")[(if: $suit is "night gown")[(replace: ?info)[You can't go out dressed in a night gown!]](else:)[(goto:"Finish dressing")] ] (set: _ti to 20)

$att (if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(display:"mihai2")](if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(display:"mihai.butler")](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"mihai.maid")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[(display:"mihai.devil")] Mihai turns his back at you and wanders off towards the far end of the attic. You can hear the metal click of a key, then the tapping of his cane as he climbs up, towards the forbidden tower. (display:"goto")[[Follow him]] (display:"goto")[[Go downstairs]] (set: _ti to 15)

$room You finish getting into your $suit and take one last glance in the mirror. You look good. It's crazy how in a moment like this you're focusing on your clothes, but somehow they feel important. They're like your armor for taking on the world. In this complete chaos that your life has become, where you are no longer certain who you are and what you are, you feel a desperate need for control. And right now the only thing you **can** control is looking sharp. $A[You can do this Alexandra... onwards to hell and back again!] [[Continue->start day2]]

$att You tiptoe silently down the hallway and towards the tower. To your great surprise, the door has been left behind unlocked. $A[Is Mihai that careless or does he really trust me?] You are a little puzzled by this oversight, but decide not to question your luck. If the owner has some business up in the tower, perhaps you can gain some important information by $str[eavesdropping] accidently overhearing things. But then again, if you are found it, things might go badly for you... (display:"goto")[[Climb up the tower]] (display:"goto")[[Turn back]] (set: _ti to 5)

$rec (if: (history:) contains "Move the box")[(display:"downstairs2")](else:)[As soon as you arrive downstairs, you notice that the servant is fussing about a big black box placed on the floor. $a['Hey Ionut, what's going on?'] The hunched man lifts his head towards you. $Io['Guests vill be coming. Ve vill need to prepare!'] $a['When are they coming?'] $Io['Vell this one already 'ere! Vill you give a hand?'] The servant springs with surprising agility behind the big box, lifting its end. Bewildered, you go and grab the other. $a['This damn thing is heavy...!'] Larger than a coffin and made of black wood, the box is not easy to carry, even for the both of you. $A[Who even managed to get this thing in here, all the way up the mountain...?] (display:"goto")[[Move the box]] ] (set: _ti to 10)

$gar Ionut makes a step towards the front door and you follow, trying to keep balance. The damned thing sways a little, as if the content is liquid. Taking breaks every dozen steps or so, the two of you manage to get it through the front door and into the garden. $a['Ionut, where are we going?'] $Io['Not var now,'] he replies, panting with effort. The servant heads down the familiar path along the side of the manor and towards the basement. It takes you a few more minutes of grunting to get there, but the box is finally in front of the basement door. The clattering of Ionut's $in[keyring] draws your attention as he selects the right key and the door unlocks with a click. $Io['Inside.'] [[Move the box inside the basement]] (set: _ti to 15)

$dark You are dead, again. It is an oddly familiar feeling. (if: $bcharges is 0)[This time there is no warmth from the bracelet. All the crimson beads are spent. The cold spreads through your body [[until there is nothing left->second chance]]. ](else:)[(if: $succubus_level is 1)[And yet it is new. You haven't died like this before.] The darkness is not as absolute as before. You are not in a lifeless abyss. You can touch, and you can think. It is warm. You are you. You remember. A charge is consumed from your bracelet, sending you back again. It feels like sliding down a very high roller-coaster. There is a feeling of falling, and excitement, and a little fear. Your horns sprout a little farther. You are ready to [go back]<revive| ](display:"succ.stat.reset") (click:?revive)[(if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(goto:"revive.succ")](else:)[(goto:"revive.quick")] ]

(unless:$dead is 0)[(set:$lust +=1)(set: $lewd to ($lust + $Bmod + $suit_mod))(if: $lewd>40 and $succ_counter40 is 0)[ (display:"heart") $R[You feel the heat in your body increasing. This feels more intense than before.] (set:$succ_counter40 to 1)](if: $lewd>60 and $succ_counter60 is 0)[ (display:"heart") $R[Your unnatural desires grow stronger. You must feed.] (set:$succ_counter60 to 1)](if: $lewd>80 and $succ_counter80 is 0)[ (display:"heart") $R[You are starting to feel delirious, unwell. The hunger must be quenched, at any cost.] (set:$succ_counter80 to 1)](if: $lewd>99)[(set: $bcharges -=1)(if: $bcharges<0)[(goto:"DIESUCCUBUS")] (display:"heart") $R[Your hunger consumes you. It is unbearable. Your bracelet glows hot, burning into your skin. One of the crimson beads fades, and your need subsides. You are safe for a while longer, but you should feed soon.] (set: $lust -=70)(set:$succ_counter40 to 0)(set:$succ_counter60 to 0)(set:$succ_counter80 to 0) ] ]

$base (if: (history:) contains "Try to get more information out of him")[(display:"box.basement2")](else:)[With a final effort, you manage to move the heavy box down to the basement of the Crooked Elm, placing it on the cold stone floor. There is a faint sound coming from the inside, as if water is swishing around. Ionut leans on a nearby table, lighting a cigarette. The smoke drifts through the damp air of the basement like thin grey mist. $a['So, what was that all about?'] The servant gives you a grumpy look. $Io['You vant to know? Ask Mihai.'] He takes another slow puff from his cigarette. (display:"challenge")[[Try to get more information out of him]] (display:"bk")[[Leave]] (set: _ti to 10) ]

$base (if: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[$a['I bet there's something pretty interesting in the box,'] you wink at the servant. Ionut seems to hesitate. $Io['It's not secret, miss... but I shouldn't.'] He takes another puff, fidgeting. $a['I promise I won't tell Mihai anything - it will be our little secret.'] $Io['I don't vant to get in troubvle...'] You can see that you're close to convincing him. Maybe you just need to apply the correct approach?](else:)[$a['Come on, Ionut, don't be a tease! Tell me what's in the box!'] you wail in frustration, making your prettiest eyes at the him. The servant seems to hesitate. $Io['It's not secret, miss... but I shouldn't.'] He takes another puff, fidgeting. $a['I promise I won't tell Mihai anything - it will be our little secret.'] $Io['I don't vant to get in troubvle...'] You can see that you're close to convincing him. Maybe you just need to apply the correct approach?] (display:"brain")[[Try to guess what's inside]] (display:"heart")[[Try to seduce the information out of him]] (set: _ti to 5)

(if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(goto:"Leave2")]$gar (if:(history:)'s last is "Move the box inside the basement")[It's probably not worth it to bother Ionut this early. Besides, Mihai did say he would be waiting for you and will explain things. (set: $ionut_challenge to "skipped") ]You head out of the basement and into the garden, squinting at the early morning sun that is just rising over the treetops. It's $hour:$minute. You take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. $A[So this is it, huh? Alex, the... whatever the fuck I am now.] It feels like you came to this village a lifetime ago. The crumbling facade, the haunted look of the age-old manor - it all seemed like a joke at first. $A[Well, nobody's laughing now...] Felicia told you that once you were out of the loop you could return to normal. You are a little sceptical if it would really be that easy. Your changes have progressed a lot. $A[Do I really want to turn back to an ordinary man? These powers are actually pretty great, when you think about it.] As always, your only source of reliable information is down at the village center. You don't doubt that the mysterious owner of the Antique Boutique will be able to offer some explanation of your current condition. But then again, Mihai did say he was waiting for you... (display:"goto")[[Have breakfast with Mihai]] (display:"goto")[[Visit the village->ionut.block]]

$mount <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" >(if: $elise_present is 3)[You head down the mountain path, hopping lightly on your feet as never before. Every rock feels familiar, every turn greets you like an old friend. Instead of tripping on the tree roots as usual, you jump lightly off of them, the distance flying under your feet. In no time at all, you [[make it down to the village->village4]].](else:)[(either: "It's a beautiful day in the mountains, the clear path by the stream cheerful and sunny despite the twilight between the trees. As long as you don't wander into the actual forest, all will be well.","The day is grey, light invisible raindrops falling from the sunless sky. Was it raining last time? You're not entirely sure, but you don't think so. This raises some interesting questions about the nature of time. Is it random? Or did you change something in the past that somehow affected the present? The answers are beyond your grasp.") You make your way down, enjoying the silence of nature and the scent of pines. The moment is so peaceful you're almost ready to forget your troubles. After an hour of a brisk walk, you [[arrive.->village4]]] (if: $elise_present is 3)[(set: _ti to 30)](else:)[(set: _ti to 60)]

$vil Making your way down the steep forest trail, you finally emerge at the village. The familiar group of stone houses nested together at the mountain slope initially look unchanged, but you quickly pick up that things are not the same as before. The usually lethargic village is now somehow restless. There are people moving hurriedly through the village center and an almost tangible sense of tension in the otherwise calm mountain air. Something is definitely going on. [[Visit the Antique Boutique]] [[Go to Lavius' Lair->noboutique2]] [[Visit the inn-->noboutique]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din The dining room is lit up with the yellow light of a hundred electric light bulbs, hanging from the giant chandeliers. The windows barred shut and the tables set for guests, it looks like a scene out of a movie. Mihai is sitting on a large round table and gestures for you to take a seat opposite of him. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['You must have been wondering these last few days why I would go through the trouble of employing someone like you,'] he begins with a clam, even voice. $Mi['I doubt that you came here expecting to just sit at a desk. But first and foremost, I want to say that I am thankful that you chose to come here in the first place.'] $a['Eeer- thank you! It is an honor to be here,'] you reply awkwardly. (if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[$Mi['I like your professional style,'] Mihai continues, nodding toward your $suit.](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[$Mi['I may have some doubts about your style,'] Mihai continues, nodding toward your $suit.](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[At the same time your $suit melts, turning into a baroque dress in much the same style as Mihai is wearing. $Mi['That's a neat trick,'] he notes with a small smile.] $Mi['But let's get to the point. There will be a gathering. Guests will arrive today. I want everything to be **perfect**. So much depends on this-'] His gaze focuses on a distant spot somewhere behind you. $Mi['But you need not concern yourself with the details. The important bit is that I want every guest to be **personally** taken care of. And if there are any issues, let me know, immediately. Is that clear?'] $a['Yes, Mr. Petrescu.'] $Mi['Good. Have your breakfast quickly and get to work. They will be arriving soon.'] [[Eat breakfast]](set: _ti to 15)

$rec [[Climb to the attic->climbroom]] (set: _ti to 5)

$att You climb the series of stairs all the way to the top floor of the mannor. At the moment, there isn't anyone else in hallway. [[Enter your room]] [[Explore the hallway]] (set: _ti to 5)

$room Your room is unremarkable - a bed, a desk with a chair, a wardrobe. (display:"20m")[[Change clothes]] (display:"bk")[[Leave->climbroom]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$Mi['Good morning, Alexandra.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> The owner of the Crooked Elm greets you with a polite nod. $Mi['I see that you're looking sharp and presentable today. Good.'] The owner checks the tie knot of your $suit, giving a thin approving smile. $a['Mr. Petrescu? I didn't expect to see you up here so early.'] $Mi['Indeed I wasn't planning to be here so early,'] Mihai replies with a chuckle. $Mi['But something has come up. I will need you to go downstairs and give Ionut a hand.'] $a['Of course, I'll be there right away.'] $Mi['Good. After you are done, I will expect you to join me for breakfast. This will allow us to go over your tasks for the day.'] $a['Tasks for the day?'] you raise an eyebrow in surprise. $a['Aren't I supposed to start working the reception at 6pm?'] Mihai gives another short, dry chuckle. $Mi['Surely you did not expect me to employ the services of someone like **you** simply to stand behind a desk? But we will talk druing breakfast. Now go!']

$room At the moment, you are wearing your $suit. You could change into something else: []<mirror| $outf1_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a butler's Uniform")[(if:$suit is "butler's uniform")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the Buttler's uniform.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "an elegant butler's uniform that hides your curves and gives you an air of professionalism") (set: $suit_mod to -4) (replace: ?info)[You carefully slip out of the $suit and dress into the butler's uniform, keeping the edges sharp and the folds flat. Some of your sex appeal fades, giving way to an air of strictness and professionalism.](set: $suit to "butler's uniform")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Butler.png" width="500" align="right">] ]] $outf2_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a maid's Outfit")[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the maid's outfit.]](else:)[ (set: $suit_description to "a beautiful maid's outfit that outlines our body figure and provides a generous view of your $breasts") (set: $suit_mod to 4) (replace: ?info)[You slip out of the $suit and get into the maid's outfit, admiring yourself in the mirror. You really look very cute. The outfit is sure to boost your powers of seduction, while maintaining a smidget of professionalism. You hope that Mihai won't complain.] (set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Maid.png" width="500" align="right">] ] ] $outf3_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a Devil's Gown")[(if: $suit is "devil's gown")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the devil's gown.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "a Devil's Gown that has the amazing ability to morph into the most effective garment for any situation") (set: $suit_mod to 8) (replace: ?info)[You get out of the $suit. The Devil's Gown wraps around your hourglass figure. It is like liquid fire. It is elegant and sublime. It is the dress that will make any creature want to fuck your brains out. This will have consequences. You lick your lips with unnatural hunger. ] (set: $suit to "devil's gown")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Devil.png" width="500" align="right">] ] ] $I[]<info| (display:"bk")(link-repeat:"Finish dressing")[(goto:"Enter your room")] (set: _ti to 20)

$room You stand in front of the mirror, wearing $suit. (if: $shop2 is 0)[ $A[I haven't brought any other clothes to wear. Perhaps I should talk to the owner of the Antique boutique...]] []<mirror| (link-repeat:"jeans and t-shirt")[(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[(replace: ?info)[$R[You are already wearing jeans and t-shirt.] ]](else:)[(set: $suit to "jeans and t-shirt") (set: $suit_mod to 0) (replace: ?info)[You get dressed in your jeans and t-shirt. Sometimes plain clothes are the best.](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Devil.png" width="500" align="right">] ] ] $outf1_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a butler's Uniform")[(if:$suit is "butler's uniform")[(replace: ?info)[$R[You are already wearing the Buttler's uniform.] ]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "an elegant butler's uniform that hides your curves and gives you an air of professionalism") (set: $suit_mod to -4) (replace: ?info)[You carefully slip out of the $suit and dress into the butler's uniform, keeping the edges sharp and the folds flat. Some of your sex appeal fades, giving way to an air of strictness and professionalism.](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Butler_shy.png" width="500" align="right">](set: $suit to "butler's uniform")] ]] $outf2_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a maid's Outfit")[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the maid's outfit.]](else:)[ (set: $suit_description to "a beautiful maid's outfit that outlines our body figure and provides a generous view of your $breasts") (set: $suit_mod to 4) (replace: ?info)[You slip out of the $suit and get into the maid's outfit, admiring yourself in the mirror. You really look very cute. The outfit is sure to boost your powers of seduction, while maintaining a smidget of professionalism. You hope that Mihai won't complain.](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Maid_shy.png" width="500" align="right">] (set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")] ] ] $outf3_owned[(link-repeat:"Dress in a Devil's Gown")[(if: $suit is "devil's gown")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the devil's gown.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "a Devil's Gown that has the amazing ability to morph into the most effective garment for any situation") (set: $suit_mod to 8) (replace: ?info)[You get out of the $suit. The Devil's Gown wraps around your hourglass figure. It is like liquid fire. It is elegant and sublime. It is the dress that will make any creature want to fuck your brains out. This will have consequences. You lick your lips with unnatural hunger. ](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Devil_shy.png" width="500" align="right">] (set: $suit to "devil's gown")] ] ] $I[]<info| (display:"10m")[[Recap what you know so far->recap]] (display:"10m")[[Examine yourself->mirror]] (display:"bk")(link-repeat:"Head out")[(if: $suit is "night gown")[(replace: ?info)[You can't go out dressed in a night gown!]](else:)[(goto:"Head out")] ] (set: _ti to 20)

$dark Mihai's footsteps echo faintly in the darkness above and you decide that the distance is enough to tail him safely. <img src="images/attic_door.png" width="500" align="right" > You follow the winding staircase up, walking blindly by keeping a hand on the cold stone wall. The darkness is just as impenetrable as last time, and you begin to wonder if what you're doing can really be considered wise. $A[There is something at the top of the tower, something big. I should be careful...] You remember a glimpse of a giant winged shape, just moments before Ionut knocked you out cold. You shiver at the thought. $A[Funny how things turned out with Ionut, despite that little accident...] The sound of Mihai's footsteps is suddenly gone and you realize that he must have reached the top of the tower. Which means that you will too. You slow down your progress to a crawl, placing each foot down as carefully and as silently as you can. Eventually, you reach the door leading to the top of the tower. There is a draft blowing in your face. You reach forward, but your fingers grasp only darkness... $A[Mihai must have left the door open... this will make it easier to hear what they're talking about.] (display:"goto")[[Eavesdrop]] (set: _ti to 10)

$att This is clearly way too dangerous to be worth a few overhead sentences. Last time you climbed into the tower, it cost you your life. $A[Perhaps I can try again, when Mihai isn't there?] You're not certain what good can this do either, but at least you won't run into **two** vampires at once. For now, you decide to listen to the owner's request and [[head downstairs->Go downstairs]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$Mi['Good morning, Alexandra.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> The owner of the Crooked Elm greets you with a small nod, then whinces. $Mi['I must say that this isn't exactly what I expected when I asked you to wear something presentable.'] The owner examines your $suit, his lips pursed in disapprovement. $a['I- I thought it would bring out my feminine side,'] you mumble back. $Mi['That it does,'] he sighs. $Mi['No matter. This might even prove useful today.'] $a['What do you mean, Mr. Petrescu?'] Now that you think about it, it is rather odd to see Mihai up here so early. $Mi['Something has come up. I will explain later, but now I need you to go downstairs and give Ionut a hand.'] $a['Of course, I'll be there right away.'] $Mi['Good. After you are done, I will expect you to join me for breakfast. This will allow us to go over your tasks for the day.'] $a['Tasks for the day?'] you raise an eyebrow in surprise. $a['Aren't I supposed to start working the reception at 6pm?'] Mihai gives another short, dry chuckle. $Mi['Surely you did not expect me to employ the services of someone like **you** simply to stand behind a desk? Especially since you've already gone ahead and placed yourself in that outfit, I expect you to at least make yourself useful. But we will talk druing breakfast. Now go!']

$Mi['Good morning, Alexandra.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> The owner of the Crooked Elm greets you with a small nod, then squints his eyes. $Mi['I must say that this isn't exactly what I expected when I asked you to wear something presentable... but I must admit it is an interesting choice.'] The owner examines your $suit with restrained curiosity. $a['I- I thought it would bring out my feminine side,'] you mumble back. $Mi['That it does,'] he nods. $Mi['It is a very useful garment. I won't ask how you got your hands on it, but I'm glad that you have it. It might even prove useful today.'] $a['What do you mean, Mr. Petrescu?'] Now that you think about it, it is rather odd to see Mihai up here so early. $Mi['Something has come up. I will explain later, but now I need you to go downstairs and give Ionut a hand.'] $a['Of course, I'll be there right away.'] $Mi['Good. After you are done, I will expect you to join me for breakfast. This will allow us to go over your tasks for the day.'] $a['Tasks for the day?'] you raise an eyebrow in surprise. $a['Aren't I supposed to start working the reception at 6pm?'] Mihai gives another short, dry chuckle. $Mi['Surely you did not expect me to employ the services of someone like **you** simply to stand behind a desk? Especially since you've already gone ahead and placed yourself in that outfit, I expect you to at least make yourself useful. But we will talk during breakfast. Now go!']

(if:$sanity<50)[(goto:"box sanity fail")](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[(goto:"guess2")]$base You turn your eyes to the box, circle it with curiosity. A little knock on the wood reveals a hollow sound. It is probably not entirely full of water. $a['I sensed some swishing while we were moving it, is it a tank?'] You glance at Ionut, judging his reaction. $Io['Vell, can't say-'] $a['Not a tank then. A reservoir? Oh, I know! An aquarium!'] You look at the servant again, he seems to be trying his best poker face, which isn't going "vell" for him at all. $a['What's in the aquarium, Ionut?'] The servant looks away. You remember his earlier words about the new guests and your face lights up. $a['**Who's** in the aqarium, Ionut?'] $Io['Alrigt, vine! It iz a mermaid.'] $a['A mermaid!'] you exclaim. $a['Can I see her? She must be so lonely and sad there in the dark! Maybe if I open the box just a little, she will be happy!'] $Io['Abvsolutely not!'] cuts the servant with an angry voice. $Io['Do you vnow anyvyng about mermaids?! They like ze dark and they vill eat your head if you open ze box! Stay avay! It for your own good!'] You consider this. With everything that you've alerady seen around her, perhaps you shouldn't be expecting to find Ariel. You remember the mermaids of the old myths, luring sailors to the rocks and feeding on their bodies with long sharp teeth.... $a['Alright, Ionut, I'll trust you on this one. And don't worry, I won't tell Mihai anything.'] You nod to the servant and [[leave->Leave]].(display:"secret.mermaid1") $clarity[You have successfully passed a sanity check!] (set: _ti to 15)(set: $sanity +=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "brain")

$base (if: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"ionut.maid2")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[(display:"ionut.devil2") ](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(display:"ionut.butler2") ]](else:)[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"ionut.maid")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[(display:"ionut.devil") ](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(display:"ionut.butler") ] ] (display:"bk")[[Leave]] (set: _ti to 15)

(if: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[(goto:"box sanity fail2")]$base You turn your eyes to the box, circle it with curiosity. A little knock on the wood reveals a hollow sound. What could that mean? You try to concentrate and to think about it rationally, but for some reason you are having issues getting your thoughts in order. $A[Why does my mind feel so **hazy**?] (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[The housemaid outfit also isn't helping. You suddenly feel like one of those **dumb girls** in the pornos. The way that the servant is looking at you isn't helping either. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. $A[Why would a giant box be here? Why would you bring it down to the basement? It doesn't make any sense!] $Io['You know, I have never been with your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] You hesitantly appoach the servant. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with more eagerness than is really required. At the end, just when you can feel him hard and throbbing, the servant pulls out, emptying his load on your generously exposed tits. $a['So, tell me what's inside!'] you exclaim in an eager, high-pitvced voice. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, no bead charge, and only more frustration than before.(set: $lust +=10)](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[The devil's gown also isn't helping. You can sense the servant's eyes on you at all times, and you can guess what he's thinking about. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. Why would a giant box be here? Why would you bring it down to the basement? It doesn't make any sense! $Io['You know, I have never been witvh your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] It's the simplest way. You appoach the servant confidently. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You start giving him a wet, sloppy blowjob with more eagerness than is really required. Suddenly the fibers of the devil's gown start melting and the garment reshapes in front of your very eyes. Bewildered, you find yourself in the outfit of a Russian ballerina. Your hair turns blonde and your waist shrinks to the tiniest possible size. $Io['Natasha!'] The servant's eyes grow wild and he lifts you up in the air, spinning you around. Suddenly you are placed face down on the old work table and the servant is on top of you. Before you can say anything his cock rams into your petite ass with more passion than you ever thought possible for such an old man. His weight pushes you down and you just have to take it, waiting until he's done. After several minutes you finally feel his warmth inside of you, and he rolls off, allowing you to breathe again. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['I have to go now.'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers. At least you got a charge out of it. (set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust +=7)](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[The way that the servant is looking at you isn't helping either. You can feel his barely hidden amusement at your struggle. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. Why would a giant box be here? Why would you bring it down to the basement? It doesn't make any sense! $Io['You know, I have never been witvh your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] You hesitantly appoach the servant. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and look up at him. To your surprise, you don't see the lusty expression you expected. $a['What's wrong?'] $Io['Your butler's uniform. Not sexy. You look like a boy.'] $a['So tell me what's inside!'] you exclaim in an eager, high-pitvced voice. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes? Vear someving better next time.'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, no bead charge, and only more frustration than before.(set: $lust +=5)] [[Leave]] $R[You failed a sanity check.] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $sanity-=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed")

$din Mihai gets up, leaving you alone on the table. Ionut shows up to serve you breakfast, but somehow this time the food has lost its taste. As you chew absent-mindedly, you get no pleasure from it. (display:"lust.recap") But time is pressing. You take a deep breath and head [[towards your desk]]. (set: _ti to 30)

$rec You've barely arrived at the reception, when you hear footsteps coming down the staircase. A few moments later, a grumpy face appears before you. $W['Morning.'] You blink stupidly at the guy. You had completely forgotten his existence. $W['Coffee please.'] He's wearing a giant fluffy bath robe and bunny slippers. Unwashed, unshaven, the wolf man gives you a questioning look. $a['Eeeh, it's in the dining room!'] You point for him. $a['Just tell the servant what you'd like and he'll get it for you.'] The man nods and ever so slowly drags himself in that direction. $E['Tsk, don't be surprised, darling. He's never really been a morning person.'] You jump in your seat. You hadn't realized when Elise crept up behind you. (if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[$E['The suit is rather nice, but it doesn't quite bring out the woman in you, I must say. Tsk tsk.'] $a['I'm sorry,'] you reply meekly. $E['When you come to tend to me later, do wear something nicer.'] The woman flashes you a poisonous smile, then slides towards the dining room.](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[$E['This outfit is really good for you, brings out your feminine side, I must say. Tsk tsk.'] $a['Thank you'] you reply meekly. $E['Do wear it when you come to tend to me later. Perhaps I will be nice with you too.'] The woman flashes you a poisonous smile and winks, then slides towards the dining room.](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[$E['Interesting thing that you're wearing, darling. I wonder what it can really do. Tsk tsk.'] $a['I'm not entirely sure'] you reply meekly. $E['When you come to tend to me later, perhaps we can find out.'] The woman flashes you a poisonous smile and winks, then slides towards the dining room.] You blink stupidly again. It's going to be a long day. (display:"clock")[[Wait at the reception]] (set: _ti to 20)

$rec 20 or so minutes pass uneventfully, the only sound being the distant chatter of the guests in the dining room. The long hallway muffles the sound, so you can't make out any words, but they seem to be enjoying themselves. Suddenly the front door enters and a young man walks in. He is wearing fine aristocratic clothes, a multitude of bright multicolored gemstones shining on his rings and necklace. $L['Am I late to the party?'] You try not to stare as Lavius approaches the front desk, giving you a measuring look. (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(display:"lavius.maid")](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[(display:"lavius.devil") ](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(display:"lavius.butler") ] $L['Speaking of which, I am expected. Would you kindly give me the key and drop these in my room?'] The vampire drops his luggage in the middle of the hallway, waving you to take care of it. $L['Also, my companion should have arrived earlier in a box. Be a dear and feed her soon, alright? She gets very irratble if she skips breakfast.'] You give him a small nod. $L['Time to see what the devils are up to,'] he proclaims to the world, heading towards the dining room. (display:"20m")[[Take his luggage to his room]] (set: _ti to 20)

<img src="images/clock.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-18px;" width="40">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

You approach Ionut confidently, flashing your sexy housemaid outfit. You feel like one of those dumb girls in the pornos, but the way that the servant is looking at you shows that it's working. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything, but you can see that he has a large bulge in his pants. You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me what's inside, Ionut.'] you say with a velvet voice. The servant groans with pleasure. You pull back, allowing his cock to slip out of your mouth. $a['Tell me now, big boy.'] His hand reaches to the back of your head, beckoning your forward. (if: $lewd<70)[$a['Uh-uh,'] you say with a teasing, cruel voice, giving a small lick of his shaft. $a['Talk first, fun later.'] $Io['Okay!'] the servant gives up. $Io['There iz a mermaid in the box. Just ve carevul, Okay? She iz dangerous!'] $a['Good boy!'] You take his cock in your lips and finish the job. It takes you just a minute to feel his warm cum erupt in your mouth, feeding another charge on your bracelet. (set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust -=20) (set: $ionut_challenge to "heart")(display:"secret.mermaid1") $I[You were successful on a lust check! You satiate your hunger a little.] ](else:)[You find yourself unable to resist the urge. There is a need inside of you that you can't control. Your head lunges forward again, taking his cock. You let yourself be guided back and forth by the hand on your head. It feels good to be obedient. You close your eyes, enjoying the moment. Eventually the servant cums, emptying his seed down your throat. You are almost dissapointed that it's over. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, and a growing frustration, but at least you got a bead charge.(set: $lust +=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") $R[You failed a lust test.]]

You approach Ionut confidently, flashing your extravagant devil's gown. You feel like you are completely in control, and the way that the servant is looking at you shows that it's working. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything, but you can see that he has a large bulge in his pants. You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me what's inside, Ionut.'] you say with a velvet voice. The servant groans with pleasure. You pull back, allowing his cock to slip out of your mouth. $a['Tell me now, big boy.'] Suddenly the fibers of the devil's gown start melting and the garment reshapes in front of your very eyes. Bewildered, you find yourself in the outfit of a Russian ballerina. Your hair turns blonde and your waist shrinks to the tiniest possible size. $Io['Natasha!'] exclaims Ionut with wide eyes. Suddenly you know what to do. You bend over the table, lifting the miniskirt up and exposing the cutest little butt in the world. Ionut grabs you with eager hands, pressing his cock against the petite asshole. (if: $lewd<70)[$a['Uh-uh,'] you say with a teasing, cruel voice, clenching it tight. $a['Talk first, fun later.'] $Io['Okay!'] the servant gives up. $Io['There iz a mermaid in the box. Just ve carevul, Okay? She iz dangerous!'] $a['Good boy!'] You relax and let him in. He rams his big misshapen member in with such vigor and readiness as if the entire Bolshoï Theatre is watching his performance. It doesn't take long until you can feel his warm seed spill inside of you. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['I have to go now.'] He puts himself together and limps his way out of the basement.(set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust -=20) (set: $ionut_challenge to "heart") (display:"secret.mermaid1") $I[You were successful on a lust check! You satiate your hunger a little.]](else:)[You find yourself unable to resist the urge. There is a need inside of you that you can't control. As soon as he presses insisntenly you relax and let him in. He rams his big misshapen member in with such vigor and readiness as if the entire Bolshoï Theatre is watching his performance. It doesn't take long until you can feel his warm seed spill inside of you. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, and a growing frustration, but at least you got a bead charge.(set: $lust +=5)(set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") (set: $bcharges +=1) $R[You failed a lust test.]]

You approach Ionut a little awkwardly, trying to strike your most seductive pose despite the tightness of your $suit. The look on the servant's face tells you he's not all that impressed. $a['Ionut, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything. You fall on your knees and unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. It's not very hard, but you try to do your best work with a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me what's inside, Ionut.'] The servant seems unconvinced. $Io['I can't do that,'] Your $suit probably really isn't the best option to get a reaction from Ionut. Frustrated, you stop the blowjob and walk away. It's clear that you're not getting anything out of him this way. The only thing you achieved was to grow more frustrated. (set: $lust +=8) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") $R[You failed a seduction.]

<img src="images/challenge.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

Your attention shifts to your body and mind, and the changes happening to you. By now you are used to your transformations - it has happened more than once. You are aware of the effects of the bracelet on your mind, and the spikes in lust and desire you experience when the beads get low. However none of that can be compared with what you're experiencing now. Now, there is a constant $A[**hunger**]. You feel it in your blood, you feel it in the heat somewhere below your belly. Every passing minute, every action you take makes the $A[**hunger**] stronger. (if: $ionut_challenge is "skipped")[Back in the basement, you felt the electric tension in the air between you and the servant. Perhaps you should have done something at the time. It is too late to think about it now.](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "failed")[What happened earlier in the basement didn't help either. You wanted to get information out of the servant, but instead you got only frustration. The $A[**hunger**] grew worse.](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "brain")[What happened earlier in the basement was a small reassurance that you still have your wits about, but it didn't help to reduce desires rising in you.](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "heart")[However, what happened earlier in the basement was a small reassurance that you still have some means to counter it. After, uhm, *feeding*, your desires were somewhat reduced. If you can keep doing that, perhaps you can manage.] (if: $lewd<40)[For the moment, you somehow got things under control. The $A[**hunger**] is growing but it isn't unbearable.](elseif: $lewd <60)[For the moment, you can feel the $A[**hunger**] continue to grow at an alarming pace. It is beyond anything you have previously experienced. The impulses deep inside you are so strong you fear you may not be able to fully control them.](elseif: $lewd<80)[For the moment, you can feel the $A[**hunger**] continue to grow at an alarming pace. The feeling is overwhelming, beyond anything you have previously experienced. The impulses deep inside you are so strong you fear you may not be able to fully control them. $A[I need to satiate this desire before things really spin out of control...] ](elseif: $lewd>79)[Presently, the $A[**hunger**] is almost unberable. It is overwhelming, resonating in every fiber of your beeing. You need to $A[**feed**] soon. Your control of your actions is slipping away. $A[I need to satiate this desire as soon as possible...] ]

$L['Woah, what do we have here, a cute little maid? I'm genuinely surprised that the old man has accepted to have you running around in **that** outfit. Either Mihai's eyesight is getting poorer, or things really are about to change around here! But I'm certainly not complaining!'] You stare at the dashing vampire with a stupefied expression. How much does he remember? He doesn't seem to recognize you at all... $a['H-how can I help you?'] you mumble in a timid voice, twirling your skirt. $L['Aren't you the cutest thing! I'm Lavius, by the way.'] He extends a hand towards you. When you take to shake it, he pulls yours instead, lifting it to plant a gentle kiss on your fingers. (if:$lewd<40)[Something deep inside you awakens at his touch. Perhaps you could find him later, have some fun?](elseif: $lewd<60)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Surely, no one would find out if you happen to run into him somewhere private...?](elseif:$lewd<80)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. He could have you right then and there, if he wanted. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?] ](elseif: $lewd>79)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Your mind is a sweet haze. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. You want to bend over and lift your skirt then and there. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?]] $a['I'm Alexandra,'] you say softly. $L['A real pleasure, my dear. I'm looking forward to seeing you around, and I expect you to **personally** make sure that my room is in order.'] he winks at you, making you blush.

$L['Woah, what do we have here! I'm genuinely surprised that the old man has accepted to have someone like you running around - especially in **that** outfit. Things really are about to change around here, but I'm certainly not complaining!'] You stare at the dashing vampire with a stupefied expression. How much does he remember? He doesn't seem to recognize you at all... $A[Perfect. If he doesn't know who I am, things will be that much easier.] $a['How can I help you?'] you ask in a confident, velvet voice. The gown really does bring out the devil in you. $L['Oh you can help me in many ways. I'm Lavius, by the way.'] He extends a hand towards you. When you take to shake it, he pulls yours instead, lifting it to plant a gentle kiss on your fingers. (if:$lewd<40)[Something deep inside you awakens at his touch. Perhaps you could find him later, have some fun?](elseif: $lewd<60)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Surely, no one would find out if you happen to run into him somewhere private...?](elseif:$lewd<80)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. He could have you right then and there, if he wanted. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?] ](elseif: $lewd>79)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Your mind is a sweet haze. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. You want to bend over and lift your skirt then and there. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?]] $a['I'm Alexandra,'] you say softly and smile at him. $L['The pleasure is all mine. I'm looking forward to seeing you around, and I hope you really are as good as you look!'] he winks at you.

$L['What do we have here, a cute little butler? I see that the old man's taste hasn't changed, no matter what he says.'] You stare at the dashing vampire with a stupefied expression. How much does he remember? He doesn't seem to recognize you at all... $a['How can I help you, sir?'] you ask in a straight voice. He gives you a funny look. $L['No need to call me "sir", dear. Laviuswill do.'] He extends a hand towards you. When you take to shake it, he pulls yours instead, lifting it to plant a gentle kiss on your fingers. (if:$lewd<40)[Something deep inside you awakens at his touch. Perhaps you could find him later, have some fun?](elseif: $lewd<60)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Surely, no one would find out if you happen to run into him somewhere private...?](elseif:$lewd<80)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. He could have you right then and there, if he wanted. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?] ](elseif: $lewd>79)[The touch of his lips is electrifying. It awakens old memories and new desires. Your mind is a sweet haze. The burning sensation in your low belly grows stronger. $A[Surely, no one would find out if I happen to run into him somewhere private...?]] $a['I'm Alexandra,'] you say simply. $L['A real pleasure, my dear. I'm looking forward to seeing you around. If you are good at following orders, we'll understand each other just fine,'] he winks at you.

$rec It takes you a few round trips to get all of Lavius' luggage all the way to his room on the second floor, but you're finally done with it. You brush a line of sweat off your forehead. $A[Okay Alexandra, what now?] You were so busy dealing with all the errands since morning, that you've hardly had time to properly [[reflect on the situation]].

$vil You head down the main street, looking for the small facade of the antique boutique. To your surprise, you reach the other end of the main street without spotting it. You pause for a moment and scratch your head. Did you miss it? The narrow front of the shop was barely noticeable, squeezed betzeen two stone houses. You make a 180 and head down the main street again, looking even more closely at the narrow spaces between buildings. The Antique Boutique is not there. $A[What the hell is going on...?] You stroll down the street for a third time, but to no avail. The feeling that something is off keeps getting stronger. Perhaps someone at the inn could help shed some light on the situation? [[Visit the inn]] (set: _ti to 30)

$vil Knowing that the vampire is currently staying at the Crooked Elm, you decide to go and have a look at his lair. $A[No doubt I can find some valuable information about him] You circle to the back of the old hunting cabil and activate the secret entrance to his underground laboratory. [[Descend]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lav After a brief descent you reach the wooden door at the bottom of the staircase. It's quite heavy, but you manage to open it with some pushing. The inside opens into a long hallway bathing in dirty yellow light from the electric bulbs. The walls are covered in copper pipes and valves with several large doors on either side. The air is heavy and humid, leaving a metal taste in your mouth. You already know one of the rooms, where you found the fuel for the generator. Perhaps you should explore the rest? [[Enter the next room]] (set: _ti to 5)

$lav You make your way into an adjacent room. $A[Doesn't Lavius lock the doors?] It doesn't matter. You stare in awe at a giant electrical contraption made of giant metal spheres, wires and a multitude of panels with buttons and levers. $A[I wonder what this is for?] [[Touch the contraption]]

$lav You reach a hand towards one of the metal spheres, causing a spark to jump towards you. The high voltage hits you instantly, striking through your flesh and bones. You collapse on the floor, the life sapped from you. [[Continue->DIESUCCUBUS]] $R[**NOTE: This is not what actually happens in the story. This is the end of the current content. The main character is killed here only so you can easily try out a few more variations of the events in this chapter, namely with Ionut**]

(if:$succubus_level>2)[(goto:"revive.succ2")]$room The early morning rays seep through the stained window glass, warming your face. You wake up with a sudden movement, rising in your bed. It is Tuesday again. You didn't go back too far. $a['Those bastards!'] you swear under your breath. You knew that Lavius was not to be trusted, but never expected something like this. As for the rest.... you try to think back about what you last saw. $A[Elise was with them, but she didn't seem to like it. Perhaps the right words will persuade her to switch camp. Then there's the werewolf...] As far as you can remember, the man didn't seem very fond of Lavius. Down there he was in his bestial form, so perhaps he wasn't fully aware what he was doing... you will need to learn more. $A[Who does this leave?] You pace around the room. Mihai and Ionut were dead, but you have a feeling that you're missing something. $A[I don't think Felicia was involved...] Then you remember. $A[The box!] It was gone when you went to the basement. But it didn't seem to be in the room either. Where did it go, and how is it connected to all this? You have no clue. $A[And then there's also the Elder...] You take a deep breath. It's going to be a long day. [[Check your body for changes->body.changes2]] [[Get dressed]](set: _ti to 30)

$in[(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[You are wearing your plain old clothes today, just jeans and a regular t-shirt. It ought to do.](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" and $housemaid_first is 0)[$in[Still getting used to the maid's outfit, you make a little twirl on your toes. You feel pretty, even if the garment is a little on the revealing side. You definitely don't have the confidence to wear it like the maids in the movies. Perhaps it will come with time.] ](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" and $housemaid_first is 1)[Wearing the housemaid outfit again makes you feel giddy. You think of the looks and comments you attracted last time and you blush. You would have never believed yourself capable of wearing something like this, and if you have to be honest you still don't have the confidence to fill it like a proper maid. Nevertheless, you feel quite pretty.](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform" and $butler_first is 0)[Starting the day in uniform definitely feels a little bit different. The shirt is a little tight and the pants a tad stiff, but you can't deny that it gives you some class. Mihai will probably be happy with your choice.](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform" and $butler_first is 1)[You are in your butler's suit again, deciding to opt for professionalism over charms. Time will tell if it pays off.](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" and $devilgown_first is 0)[This time, you are wearing the devil's gown. The garment flows over your body like water, perfectly following each turn and curve. It is the most comfortable garment you have ever worn. You can almost forget that it's there at all. The feeling is a little worrying but also strangely liberating.(set: $devilgown_first to 1)](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" and $devilgown_first is 1)[You are wearing the devil's gown again. You are sure that the garment will get you into some kind of trouble, but you just can't help it.] ]

(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[A few of the men throw you curious glances, but quickly return to dipping their beards in ale. You notice that they are all dressed in pretty old fashioned clothes. $A[I guess jeans and t-shirts really aren't the norm around here..] Your outfit makes you feel a little awkward, but you try your best to ignore the feeling.](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[$in[As soon as you walk in, heads start turning. The men are looking at your maid's skirt with hungry eyes, though none of them make a move.] $A[Is this what being a pretty woman is all about?]](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[$in[A few eyebrows raise looking at your butler's uniform, but no one makes a comment. It seems almost like they try to not look at you directly, or even turn away from you. The uniform seems to command some respect from the locals.]](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[$in[Everyone is looking at you. You're not quite certain that you're ready for this kind of attention, but you try to make the best of it. The devil's gown shimmers like liquid gold in the dimly lit room, fulfilling a thousand fantasies in every man's imagination.] ]

(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[]

$inn At the inn you are greeted with unusual silence. There are fewer patrons today, and no familiar faces. $in[Just as you expect, no one reacts to your change of appearance - the horns are probably invisble to ordinary men.] Cleaning a glass with an old rag, the bartender gives you a weary look. Some of the villagers are throwing you glances from the corners of the room, but no one says anything. $a['Where is everyone?'] you ask, turning towards the bartender. 'Depends,' he shrugs. 'Who are you looking for?' (display:"talk")[['Where is the owner of the antique boutique?']] (display:"talk")[['Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?']] (display:"talk")[['Where is Zachary?']] (display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]] (set: _ti to 10)

$room You stand in front of the mirror, rubbing your eyes in your pyjamas. (if: $chosen_maid_first is true and $shop2 is 0)[(set:$outf2_owned to true) You open your wardrobe and to your surprise you find the housemaid outfit hanging next to your regular clothes. There is a note left in one of its pockets: $M[*The pen is mightier than the sword, a woman's charms are sharper than her tongue.*] The note is signed by a little paw print on the lower right corner.](elseif: $shop2 is 0)[ $A[I haven't brought any other clothes to wear. Perhaps I should talk to the owner of the Antique boutique...]] (display:"goto")[[Dress in your usual jeans and t-shirt->dress0]] $outf1_owned[(display:"goto")[[Dress in the butler Uniform->dress1]] ]$outf2_owned[(display:"goto")[[Dress in the housemaid outfit->dress2]] ]$outf3_owned[(display:"goto")[[Dress in the devil gown->dress3]] ]

$room (if: $housemaid_first is 1)[After wearing the housemaid's outfit, you feel like you need a little break and a return to something more "normal". Your old jeans and t-shirt are still there for you, welcoming you with their comforting familiarity. $A[It almost feels like I'm my old self again...] That would be true if your $breasts weren't rubbing against the fabric of your old t-shirt, reminding you that things are not *quite* the same. $A[Perhaps I should look for a bra somewhere?]](else:)[You get dressed in your typical jeans and t-shirt. Sometimes plain clothes are the best.] <img src="images/default_clothes.png" width="500" align="right"> (display:"end.dressed") (set: _ti to 20)(set: $suit to "jeans and t-shirt") (set: $suit_mod to 0)

$room <img src="images/Butler_shy.png" width="500" align="right">You carefully slip out of the $suit and dress into the butler's uniform, keeping the edges sharp and the folds flat. Some of your sex appeal fades, giving way to an air of strictness and professionalism. Your head feels a little clearer and your thoughts a little sharper. Being a woman doesn't mean that you can't be smart. (set: $suit to "butler's uniform") (display:"end.dressed") (set: $suit_mod to -4)

$room <img src="images/Devil_shy.png" width="500" align="right">(if: $devil_first is 0)[Looking into your wardrobe, you get the faint impression that the devil's gown is calling to you. It's a barely perceptible sussuruss, like the smallest raindrops tapping on the window glass. Or is it just your imagination? You slip out of your $suit and carefully let the Devil's Gown flow over you. It swirls around, then settles in the form of an elegant black evening dress that's soft to the touch and absorbs the light in its folds. It is the most excuisive piece of clothing you have ever worn. The light fabric wraps around your body like a warm embrace, kindling a gentle heat in your body. The devil's gown feels like light kissed on your neck, like gentle caresses on your breasts, like a lover's touch on every inch of your skin. Staring in the mirror, you catch a fleeting glimpse of two massive wings behind you, but then the vision fades. $A[Wow... this dress really is something!] ](else:)[As soon as your gaze falls on the devil's gown, your body longs to return to it. You quickly get out of your $suit and slip into the soft fabric. It feels like meeting an old friend after a long journey, like coming home after a rainy day. The devil's gown wraps around your body with gentle passion, soothing away all of your aches.] (display:"end.dressed") (set: $suit to "devil's gown")(set: $suit_mod to 8)

$room <img src="images/Maid_shy.png" width="500" align="right">(if: $housemaid_first is 0)[You take the outfit from the hanger and lay it on the bed. It the fabric looks soft and inviting. Swallowing your exniety, you reach for the skirt. Getting in takes a bit of fumbling around, especially with the corset. The laces are a bit of a mess and the pressure on your ribs takes some getting used to. On the flip side it pushes your $breasts up, making them look bigger. Staring at the final result in the mirror, you have to admit that you look good, even if you aren't convince that you have the confidence to pull this off. $A[Let see how this goes...] ](else:)[You reach for the housemaid outfit again, beginning the laborious process of getting into the corset. There is something about the process that is compelling despite the difficulty. $A[I never realized what women have to put up with to be pretty...] You don't yet feel completely confident in this outfit, but it's a little easier than last time. Thinking about this makes you realize that you **want** to be comfortable in it. It's an interesting thought. $A[Alex, what are you getting yourself into...?]] (display:"end.dressed") (set: _ti to 20)(set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")(set: $suit_mod to 4)

(display:"10m")[[Recap what you know so far->recap]] (display:"10m")[[Examine yourself->mirror]] (display:"bk")(link-repeat:"Head out")[(if: $suit is "night gown")[(replace: ?info)[You can't go out dressed in a night gown!]](else:)[(goto:"Head out")] ]

(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(set: $housemaid_first to 1)] (if: $suit is "butler's uniform")[(set: $butler_first to 1)] (if: $suit is "devil's gown")[(set: $devil_first to 1)] (set: $suit to "night gown")

You reluctantly pick the courtesan outfit, examining its revealing neck. $M['Worried that you don't have enough to show?'] The owner chimes in, as if reading your thoughts. $M['Don't be. All breasts are beautiful, and men love to stare.'] $a['I... to be honest, I never imagined myself wearing something like this.'] $M['Sometimes life's pace is abrupt, my dear. You either keep up or you fall behind. Personally, I think this dress is the right choice for you.'] $a['The right choice?'] The shop owner gives you a whimsical look. $M['A woman's best weapon is her looks. It can avert conflict, open doors, loosen tongues... you should learn how to use your cards, or else you'd be out of the game.'] You consider this. $A[I'm in a dangerous place, and I'll need every weapon I have. If charms can get me an edge, then so be it!] You dress in silence, battling with the diverse and unfamiliar pieces of your new garment. When you're done, you do a little whirl in front of your host. $M['Elegant and sexy. I like it. I'm sure in no time you'll be stealing a few hearts'] You give her a little nervous smile. (set: $suit to "courtesan dress") (set: _ti to 15)

$ant You enter the small antique shop. The woman behind the counter gives you a cheeky grin. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['I see that you liked my gift, my dear.'] You blush and look away. 'It's not like I had much of choice. I don't own any other female clothes.' $M['And I imagine this is what brought you here once more. After you managed to get yourself killed again'] 'Yes', you nod. It's a little embarassing how much trouble you tend to get into. $M['I'm sorry, but we'll have to change our arrangement a little.'] 'What do you mean?' The cat woman sighs. $M['Listen, you were here before, and let's not fool ourselves - you will be here again. I can't keep selling you stuff over and over again with money that just vanishes out of existence.'] 'But you get your stuff back!' you protest. 'The world is reset, everything is back to normal...' $M['If that were true, you wouldn't be wearing that outfit right now, would you?'] You scracts your head, not sure what to say to that. $M[Listen, that's a simplistic view that is ultimately false... for reasons I don't have the time to get into. If reality truly was undone, you wouldn't remember anything and neither would I. As it turns out, that isn't the case - reality is cyclical, time is a hoax, and I want my due.'] 'But I can't pay you for last time!' you wail. 'I'd run out of money immediately.' $M['We'll find another solution - you'll pay me with something else - something I shall carry with me no matter how time turns and reality twists, for I shall remember it..... I want **secrets**.'] 'Secrets?' you raise an eyebrow. $M['Yes. They're the best currency worth keeping. And in return, I shall make my small arrangements to make sure that you keep whatever you buy from me as well, just like this first outfit...'] [['All right, that sounds fair...'->antique boutique]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $shop2 to 1)

(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[$Mi['Ah, hello Ms. Reid. How are you feeling today?'] $a['I'm well, thank you Mr. Petrescu.'] You yawn, trying to give off a casual look. $Mi['Excellent, excellent.'] ](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[$Mi['Ah, Ms. Reid.'] Mihai pauses, looking you up and down. $Mi['I have to say, I was not aware that you already had- an outfit.'] His eyes pierce through you like arrows. $a['I-I thought I'd slip into something more womanly, Mr. Petrescu,'] you mumble, looking at the floor. $Mi['Consider it a success,'] he replies dryly.](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[$Mi['Ah, Ms. Reid.'] Mihai pauses, looking you up and down. $Mi['I have to say, I was not aware that you already had an appropriate outfit. I'm impressed with your level of professionalism.'] $a['Thank you, Mr. Petrescu,'] you smile, looking back at the owner. $a['I thought it would fit with your style.'] $Mi['Consider it a success then.'] Mihai pauses again. $Mi['Did you know that Ionut used to do this job? That was before the accident.'] $a['The accident?'] you raise an eyebrow. $a['What happened?'] Mihai gives you a thin smile. $Mi['Let's say that his hobby got a little out of hand. But there's nothing to worry about. He doesn't interact with guests anymore, and he's keeping all of his tools in a room in the basement.'] You give a nervous nod. $sc11[ $R[You have learned a new secret: The Room Below] (set: $secrets to (it +1)) (set: $sc11 to false)]](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[$Mi['Ah, hello Ms. Reid. How are you feeling today?'] $a['I'm well, thank you Mr. Petrescu.'] You yawn, trying to give off a casual look. As you sit at the table, the devil's gown shifts, turning into an old baroque dress with overflowing folds and lace. $Mi['Excellent, excellent,'] the owner smiles. $Mi['I must commend your style, but do put on something more practical for work.'] $a['Of course,'] you nod.]

$a['Of course, Madam, whatever pleases you'] you reply, bowing in front of the dark creature while holding your maid skirt in a curtsy. She raises an eyebrow, an amused smile on her lips. $E['You're a pretty little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['Eeeh-'] You do a few mental calculations. $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. A young maid eager to learn?'] $a['Very much so, Madam.'] You hold your gaze on the round green glasses, sensing a strange hotness inside you. Somehow you only want to be given orders and to obey. In your current position the deep cleavage of your outfit presents your $breasts on full display for the woman. $E['Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['It would be my pleasure, Madam.'] you reply softly without thinking. The creature gives you a lustful smile. $in[You feel much more comfortable in the body of a woman. Doing tasks such as cleaning and serving seem more natural to you. For the first time, you feel truly comfortable in the outfit of a housemaid. It is exactly what's right for you.] You give her another deep bow with a generous and prolonged view of your $breasts and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]].

$ant <img src="images/Devil_shy.png" width="500" align="right">Still in admiration, you slip out of your $suit and carefully let the Devil's Gown flow over you. It swirls around, then settles in the form of an elegant black evening dress that's soft to the touch and absorbs the light in its folds. It is the most excuisive piece of clothing you have ever worn. The light fabric wraps around your body like a warm embrace, kindling a gentle heat in your body. The devil's gown feels like light kissed on your neck, like gentle caresses on your breasts, like a lover's touch on every inch of your skin. Staring in the mirror, you catch a fleeting glimpse of two massive wings behind you, but then the vision fades. $A[Wow... this dress really is something!] You turn towards the shop owner and smile at her. The dress immediately shifts, flowing like water. You are now wearing a light fur coat over a pair of black stockings and leather strips. You also notice that there is a pair of cat ears over the top of your head. $M['Why hello there'] purrs Felicia, licking her lips. $A['Do you purposely try to make me feel like a cat toy?'] you object, blushing. $M['Oh, I'm doing a pretty good job at restraining myself, darling. You have no idea...'] You turn your gaze away and the dress shifts back to its previous form. Or has it always been that way? It's hard to tell. [[Continue->shop]]. (set: $suit to "devil's gown") (set: $suit_mod to 8)

$ant 'Acutally, I would rather keep my current attire for now.' $M['Suit yourself, dear. I'll make sure that it awaits you in your room at The Crooked Elm.'] [[Continue->shop]]

$ant <img src="images/Maid_shy.png" width="500" align="right">You shily get out of your current clothes and grab the maid's outfit, examining it closely. Felicia watches you with a glee in her golden eyes. Getting in takes a bit of fumbling around, especially with the corset. The laces are a bit of a mess and the pressure on your ribs takes some getting used to. On the flip side it pushes your $breasts up, making them look bigger. Staring at the final result in the mirror, you have to admit that you look good, even if you aren't convince that you have the confidence to pull this off. $M['You look delicious, my dear.'] she purrs with satisfaction. You turn your gaze to the [[other wares->shop]]. (set: $suit_description to "a beautiful maid's outfit that outlines our body figure and provides a generous view of your $breasts")(set: $suit to "housemaid outfit") (set: $suit_mod to 4)

$ant <img src="images/Butler_shy.png" width="500" align="right">You listen to the owner's advice and change into the uniform. It suits you really well, though it somewhat diminishes the effect of your $breasts. You do a little bow in front of the mirror, trying to get into the role. $A[I have to admit, I don't look half bad as a butler...] To your side, Felicia smiles mysteriously. You turn your gaze to the [[other wares->shop]]. (set: $suit to "butler's uniform") (set: $suit_description to "an elegant butler's uniform that hides your curves and gives you an air of professionalism") (set: $suit_mod to -4)

$a['Of course, Madam, whatever pleases you'] you reply, bowing in front of the dark creature. The devil's gown pulses and shifts, turning into a smooth black surface that wraps around your skin tightly. The woman raises an eyebrow, an amused smile on her lips. $E['You're an unusual little thing, tsk. When did you arrive?'] $a['Eeeh-'] You do a few mental calculations. $a['A few days ago, Madam. I'm still new.'] $E['Tsk, tsk, I see. A young maid eager to learn?'] $a['Very much so, Madam.'] You hold your gaze on the round green glasses, sensing a strange hotness inside you. Somehow you only want to be given orders and to obey. The suit tightens around your body, outlining your $breasts for the woman. $E['Perhaps you should visit me in my chambers when you have the time. I'll be sure to be gentle with you, tsk.'] $a['It would be my pleasure, Madam.'] you reply softly without thinking. The creature gives you a lustful smile. $in[You feel much more comfortable in the body of a woman. Doing tasks such as cleaning and serving seem more natural to you.] You give her another deep bow in front of the black woman and head towards [[her room->clean the woman's room]].

$inn $a['I'm asking you a question.'] you say calmly. The men exchange looks. 'Listen here, you little bi-' one of them begins, but then the leader of the gang places a hand on his shoulder, shutting him up. $rando['Just go, will you?'] he barks at you. $a['What's the matter, cat eat your tongue?'] He gives you an angry stare. $rando['You are lucky that you are one of Mihai's, otherwise this would go a whole lot different'] he says, pointing at your butler's uniform. $rando['Ignore her, boys. It's not worth the trouble.'] Knowing that you won't get much else from the men, you [[return toy our table.->innhub]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['Eeer, I was feeling kinda lonely sitting all by myself...'] The men exchange looks. 'Well then come join us and we'll-' one of them begins, but then the leader of the gang places a hand on his shoulder, shutting him up. $rando['Just go, will you?'] he barks at you. $a['What's the matter, cyou don't want a sweet girl like me?'] He gives you a long stare. $rando['You are one of Mihai's,'] he says, pointing at your $suit. $rando['It's not worth the trouble if he catches us. Sorry, doll.'] Knowing that you won't get much else from the men, you [[return toy our table.->innhub]] (set: _ti to 10)

However much you try to take control, your body craves it. It needs it. Even restrained by your shirt, your $breasts are jiggling with every thrust of the beast, moans escaping your $lips despite your best efforts. $A[How did things come to this...?] You let the beast do its thing, until it finally tenses up. Its member inflates inside you, locking into place and you feel a series of spurts shoot deep insde your (if: (history:)'s last is "prepare for the worst.")[guts](else:)[womb]. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist, a new bead blossoming crimson as your body absorbs the life energy. The werewolf keeps you in place for a few more minutes, until his knot finally deflates and he plops free from you. Pants around your ankles, you awkwardly clean yourself up and get dressed again.

However much you try to take control, your body craves it. It needs it. Sticking out of your corset, your $breasts are bouncing freely with every thrust of the beast, moans escaping your $lips despite your best efforts. $A[How did things come to this...?] You let the beast do its thing, until it finally tenses up. Its member inflates inside you, locking into place and you feel a series of spurts shoot deep insde your (if: (history:)'s last is "prepare for the worst.")[guts](else:)[womb]. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist, a new bead blossoming crimson as your body absorbs the life energy. The werewolf keeps you in place for a few more minutes, until his knot finally deflates and he plops free from you. You push your skirt back down again, awkwardly cleaning yourself up. It's crazy how easy it is to get fucked in this outfit. Perhaps that was the entire point?

(if: $howl is 1)[(goto:"gown.wolf2")]$mount You have already seen the dress at work, but this time it's different. The fabric becomes liquid gold, flowing down your skin under the silvery moonlight. Then it starts moving around, retracting from some parts of your body and condensing at others. Something starts growing at the your lower back, as well as the top of your head. You are surprised to discover a fluffy tail and a pair of wolf ears perking out of your hair. As the ears and the tail grow to full size, the liquid material drains away from the rest of your body, leaving your back, belly and breasts exposed to the cool mountain air. The heat inside of you flares again, your unprotected crotch pointing at the beast. This isn't how you planned things to go, but now it's too late... The beast enters you with a growl, stretching you wide with a single thrusts. He's too big, way too big for you, and you immediately realize that a human body could never safely handle anything of this size. But that's not a problem for you Your flesh stretches and adapts with unnatural ease, letting the werewolf's giant phallus plunge deep inside you. <img src="images/scene1.png" width="1000" align="center"> $A[It's this damn bracelet....] You somehow know that it's the bracelet's fault. Your body has changed, and it's not just in outward appearance. You have become more adaptable, more resilient.... and [[more sensitive->gown2]]. (set: _ti to 15)

-add ionut clothes variations -write Mihai diner scene end of day

$T[-MOUNTAINS-] |info1>[The full moon rises over the mountain ridges, spreading it's silvery light. (if: $flaskful is 100)[You take your first steps up the mountain trail, when a sudden realization hits you. $A[I still haven't used any of the pheromones I got... perhaps now's the moment?] You check your pocket. The pheromone flask is $flaskful% full. ](else:)[You take your first steps up the mountain trail, when a sudden nervousness hits you. $A[Did I use enough of the pheromones...? Perhaps I should apply some more, just in case?] You check your pocket. The pheromone flask is $flaskful% full. ] ] [[Continue on your way->climbphero]] (link-repeat:"Apply 1 puff of pheromones")[(if: $flaskful>9)[(set: $flaskful to it - 10)(set: $phero to it +1)(replace: ?info1)[(display:"1puff")] ](else:)[(replace: ?info1)[$R[There aren't enough pheromones for that.] ] ]] (if:$lav_firstdeath>0)[ (link-repeat:"Apply 3 puffs of pheromones")[(if: $flaskful>29)[(set: $flaskful to it - 30)(set: $phero to it +3)(replace: ?info1)[(display:"3puffs")] ](else:)[(replace: ?info1)[$R[There aren't enough pheromones for that.] ] ] ]](else:)[(display:"unav")] (if:$lav_firstdeath>0)[ (link-repeat:"Empty the entire bottle on yourself")[(if: $flaskful>89)[(set: $flaskful to it - 100)(set: $phero to it +10) (replace: ?info1)[You've had enough of being trated as dog food! You remove the bottle cap and empty all of its contents on yourself. $A[If this doesn't do the trick, nothing will...] The flask remains $flaskful% full.]](else:)[(replace: ?info1)[$R[There aren't enough pheromones for that.] ] ] ]](else:)[(display:"unav")] (set: $pherochoice to 1)

(set: $flaskful to 100) (set: $lav_firstdeath to 1) [[pherochoice]]

$mount (if: $flaskful is 100)[Who needs those stupid pheromones anyway? You're a strong independent woman. You cna handle things yourself.](elseif: $flaskful is 90)[Felicia said that 1 puff should be enough, so that's exactly what you did. Heeding her advice seems to have worked out so far.](elseif: $flaskful >50)[The owner of the Antique boutique adviced you to use only 1 puff, but being cautious is generally a good idea. You could barely tell any scent at all from just 1 puff. A few more couldn't hurt, right?](else:)[Screw this 1 puff thing. You will make sure that you smell like a proper werewolf.] [[Continue up the trail->start running uphill.]] (set: _ti to 5)

(either:"You apply a single puff to your neck.","You squeeze a delicate puff right over your breasts.","You spray a tiny puff under your armpit.") (if:$lewd<15)[$A[I can't smell anything... will this really be enough?] ](elseif: $lewd<20)[$A[I can't tell if there's any effect, but I certainly feel feminine.]](else:)[$A[It feels nice... perhaps another one wouldn't hurt?]] The flask remains $flaskful% full.

(if:$lewd<15)[You apply three puffs - one to your neck, one under the armpit, and one to your stomach. $A[There - that should do it. I hope...]](elseif:$lewd<25)[You carefully apply a few puffs around your neck and behind your ear. $A[There - that feels nice!]](else:)[You spray yourself with a few puffs on your neck and breasts. The scent is barely perceptible, but you can still catch a faint musky aroma. $A[Is that what werewolves smell like? Not too bad...]] The flask remains $flaskful% full.

$vil You carefully sneak around the cabin and towards the secret entrance. Just when you think that the coast is clear, you hear faint noises coming from inside. $A[What's going on in there?] You lean towards the wall of the cabin, placing your ear at the outside of the hidden door. You hear metalic sounds and something resembling footsteps. $A[I'm pretty sure Lavius as at the inn right now... but who knows what's going on in there. I'd rather not risk it right now.] It would probably be safer to come back later when things have quieted down. You decide to check back again after some time has passed. [[Return to the village center->village3]] (set: _ti to 15)

$mount The beast pushes on top of you with its full weight, forcing your head down in the mud as your ass raises to accommodate it's giant member. However much you try to take control, your body craves it. It needs it. Your $breasts are bouncing freely with every thrust of the beast, moans escaping your $lips despite your best efforts. $A[How can this feel so good?] Your tail, which isn't your tail, curles up obediently as the beast finally tenses up, its member inflating inside you. There is something primal, bestial deep inside of you, that is now $a[**awakening**]. The creature bites down on your neck, locking you into place and you feel a series of spurts shoot deep insde your womb. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist, a new bead blossoming crimson as your body absorbs the life energy. The desire grows inside of you, rising like a tidal wave that threatens to wash over your entire mind. You want to succumb to it so badly, though the last remaining voice of reason warns you that it may have dire consequences. You're not sure if you really care at this point. [[Howl with pleasure]] [[Try to retain control->Stay quiet]] (set: _ti to 10)

$mount A powerful thrust from the beast finally breaks you. A long, animalistic howl escapes your throat, echoing among the dakrness of the pine trees. The werewolf keeps you in place as more spurts spill from its inflated knot. Your mind succumbs to the overflowing pleasure as a pink haze drowns all remaining thoughts. Through the darkness of the forest, other howls answer yours in the distance. Your body shivers from fear and excitement. Something is about to happen. Even as the werewolf is still finishing up with you, you see a number of yellow eyes observing you among the trees and bushes. Unphased, the beast does one final thrust, before leaving your body to collapse on the mossy earth. You lie on the ground on all fours, head bowed down and ass up in the air as the pack of wolves [[emerges from the darkness]]. (set: _ti to 10) (set: $sanity -= 10) (set: $howl to 1)

$mount Trying your best to keep a fragment of control, you resist the unspeakable urges inside of you and remain quiet, letting the creature do its thing. The werewolf keeps you in place for a few more minutes, until his knot finally deflates and he plops free from you. A drip of semen spills to the ground, overflowing from your used pussy. With a dizzy head, you slowly recover from the experience. The smell of wet earth is mixed with the musky aroma of bestial sweat and sex. A wave of guilt and shame overcomes you. When you finally manage to get up, your legs shaking, the beast is nowhere to be seen. Without you realizing, the devil gown has returned to its normal shape, a long elegant dress covering your figure in the splendor expected from a dancing hall. Your shaking walk is the only indication that anything happened at all. Slowly, you [continue on your way to The Crooked Elm]<rec|. (set: $bcharges to (it +1)) (set: _ti to 15) (click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")]

(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt" and $dead>0)[<img src="images/default_clothes.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $day is "Tuesday" and $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[<img src="images/Maid.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $day is "Tuesday" and $suit is "butler's uniform")[<img src="images/Butler.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $day is "Tuesday" and $suit is "devil's gown" )[<img src="images/Devil.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[<img src="images/Maid_shy.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[<img src="images/Butler_shy.png" width="500" align="right">](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[<img src="images/Devil_shy.png" width="500" align="right">]

$mount Your legs shaking, your head is spinning. You can't quiete believe what just happened to you. You want to tell yourself that it wasn't your fault, but part of you knows that's not entirely true. $A[I hope nobody finds out about this... At least my bracelet is full now. So I don't have to worry about that for a while.] The beast and the wolves are nowhere to be seen. Without you realizing, the devil gown has returned to its normal shape, a long elegant dress covering your figure in the splendor expected from a dancing hall. You have transitioned from a feral bitch back to a lady again. Your shaking walk is the only indication that anything happened at all. Slowly, you [continue on your way to The Crooked Elm]<rec|. (set: $bcharges to 5) (set: $lust +=5) (set: _ti to 15)(click:?rec)[(goto:"ground floor")]

[]<mirror| (link-repeat:"Dress in a butler's Uniform")[(if:$suit is "butler's uniform")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the Buttler's uniform.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "an elegant butler's uniform that hides your curves and gives you an air of professionalism") (set: $suit_mod to -4) (replace: ?info)[You carefully slip out of the $suit and dress into the butler's uniform, keeping the edges sharp and the folds flat. Some of your sex appeal fades, giving way to an air of strictness and professionalism.](set: $suit to "butler's uniform")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Butler.png" width="500" align="right">] ] (link-repeat:"Dress in a maid's Outfit")[(if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the maid's outfit.]](else:)[ (set: $suit_description to "a beautiful maid's outfit that outlines our body figure and provides a generous view of your $breasts") (set: $suit_mod to 4) (replace: ?info)[You slip out of the $suit and get into the maid's outfit, admiring yourself in the mirror. You really look very cute. The outfit is sure to boost your powers of seduction, while maintaining a smidget of professionalism. You hope that Mihai won't complain.] (set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Maid.png" width="500" align="right">] ] (link-repeat:"Dress in a Devil's Gown")[(if: $suit is "devil's gown")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing the devil's gown.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "a Devil's Gown that has the amazing ability to morph into the most effective garment for any situation") (set: $suit_mod to 8) (replace: ?info)[You get out of the $suit. The Devil's Gown wraps around your hourglass figure. It is like liquid fire. It is elegant and sublime. It is the dress that will make any creature want to fuck your brains out. This will have consequences. You lick your lips with unnatural hunger. ] (set: $suit to "devil's gown")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/Devil.png" width="500" align="right">] ] (link-repeat:"Dress in your usual jeans and t-shirt")[(if: $suit is "jeans and t-shirt")[(replace: ?info)[You are already wearing this.]](else:)[(set: $suit_description to "your usual jeans and a t-shirt") (set: $suit_mod to 0) (replace: ?info)[You get out of the $suit and slip back into your regular clothes. ] (set: $suit to "jeans and t-shirt")](replace:?mirror)[<img src="images/default_clothes.png" width="500" align="right">] ] []<info|

$E['Is that right? Tsk'] Her overwhelming presence surrounds you as she brings her face to yours. You get down on your knees and remove your shirt, giving her a good unobstructed view of your naked $breasts. She rubs one of your nipples with her hand, making it stiff. Your heart punds faster. She leans closer still, gently kissing your neck. You feel a light prick and an injection of euphoria. The world turns on its head. $E['Now open wide, girl'] Somehow her clothes melt away and you see a long thick (text-style:"blurrier")[DoviIposiCtiorK] between her legs. Your lips part away as the creature gets on top of you and pushes the appendage in your mouth. $A[I want to be obedient. I want to submit. I want to please her.] You diligently suck her organ, refusing to think and refusing to care about the realities of the situation. You want to be a good girl for your mistress. After a while a burst of fluid fills your mouth and you eagerly gulp it down, feeling it splash inside your tummy. The creature backs away and after a few moments the world stops turning. Elise is back to her normal appearance, her lips curing into a smile of approval. (set: $sanity -=2)

$E['Is that right? Tsk'] Her overwhelming presence surrounds you as she brings her face to yours. You get down on your knees. The devil's gown morphs into a tight latex suit, covering your arms and legs with a smooth black surface, while highlighting your naked $breasts through a generous hole on your chest. She rubs one of your nipples with her hand, making it stiff. Your heart punds faster. She leans closer still, gently kissing your neck. You feel a light prick and an injection of euphoria. The world turns on its head. $E['Now open wide, girl'] Somehow her clothes melt away and you see a long thick (text-style:"blurrier")[DoviIposiCtiorK] between her legs. Your lips part away as the creature gets on top of you and pushes the appendage in your mouth. $A[I want to be obedient. I want to submit. I want to please her.] You diligently suck her organ, refusing to think and refusing to care about the realities of the situation. You want to be a good girl for your mistress. After a while a burst of fluid fills your mouth and you eagerly gulp it down, feeling it splash inside your tummy. The creature backs away and after a few moments the world stops turning. Elise is back to her normal appearance, her lips curing into a smile of approval. (set: $sanity -=2)

$E['Is that right? Tsk'] <img src="images/Serve_elise.png" width="600" align="right"> Her overwhelming presence surrounds you as she brings her face to yours. $E['I do have such a fondness for maids, tsk'] she says, as she reaches in your corset and brings your breasts out. You keep your hands behind your back, letting her do as she wishes. $a['Do you like them?'] $E['Very.'] She rubs one of your nipples with her hand, making it hard and erect. $E['If you were **my** maid, I'd get those pierced right away, tsk.'] Your heart pounds faster. She leans closer still, gently kissing your neck. You feel a light prick and an injection of euphoria. The world turns on its head. $E['Now open wide, girl.'] Somehow her clothes melt away and you see a long thick (text-style:"blurrier")[DoviIposiCtiorK] between her legs. Your lips part away as the creature gets on top of you and pushes the appendage in your mouth. $A[I want to be obedient. I want to submit. I want to please her.] You diligently suck her organ, refusing to think and refusing to care about the realities of the situation. You want to be a good maid for your mistress. Your hand reaches down under your skirt and rubs your wet slit, sinking with the rhythm of your lips. After a while a burst of fluid fills your mouth and you eagerly gulp it down, feeling it splash inside your tummy. The creature backs away and after a few moments the world stops turning. Elise is back to her normal appearance, her lips curing into a smile of approval.(set: $sanity -=5)

**Elise** [Serve her]<serve| *(clothes sensitive variations)* [Flashback ins her room]<flash| [Becoming a vessel for her brood]<ovi| (spider oviposiiton - explicit) **Ionut** [Washing dishes]<io| *(clothes sensitive)* [Tuesday seduction]<io2| *(sensitive to stats and clothes - different scenes)* **The Wolf** [Pheromone madness]<phero| *(special variation if devil)* **Men at the in** [Mild variaiton]<inn1| [Strong variation]<inn2| **Lavius** [In his lair]<lav| (click:?serve)[(goto:"eliseserve")](click:?flash)[(goto:"room flashbacks")](click:?ovi)[(goto:"lose consciousness")](click:?io)[(goto:"ionutlewd2")] (click:?io2)[(goto:"Try to seduce the information out of him")](click:?phero)[(goto:"phero.overdose")] (click:?inn1)[(goto:" want company")] (click:?inn2)[(goto:"no pretense")](click:?lav)[(goto:"follow him out")]

$din $a['It went pretty well,'] you nod at him casually. $a['I bought myself some clothes and fetched fuel like you asked me. There was only one guest in the evening, so no trouble at all.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> You hold Mihai's gaze for a few seconds longer than feels comfortable. $Mi['I see,'] he says briefly. Shortly after Ionut brings you the frigărui, which you dig into while Mihai keeps sipping from his glass. The two of you exchange some more polite conversation. Eventually, the dinner is done, and you [[head out of the dining room.]] (set: _ti to 30)

$din $a['I somehow managed, but it was a rough day,'] you give Mihai a faint smile. $a['I met a lot of interesting characters, but somehow I feel like almost everyone is out to get me.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> The owner examines you carefully. $Mi['I'm glad that you're safe and sound, my dear Alexandra. It's true that our village can sometimes be a dangerous place.'] Ionut brings you the frigărui, which you dig into while Mihai keeps sipping from his glass. $Mi['My father used to say that the only way to hold everything together is trhough fear and discipline. Unbreakable rules that must be followed.'] You look up at Mihai. There is a distant gleam in his eyes. $a['But you are not your father, are you Mr. Petrescu?'] $Mi['I think this place has grown stagnant over the ages. It's time to usher in a new era.'] $a['Uhmm...'] The owner looks at you and gives a small laugh. $Mi['Forgive me my dear Alexandra. I must bore you with my incmprehensible ramblings. Eat for now. There will be more guests coming tomorrow.'] The two of you exchange some more polite conversation while you finish your meal. Eventually, the dinner is done, and you [[head out of the dining room.]] (set: _ti to 30)

$att Just when you're about to enter your room, you hear a strange little voice behind you. $M['Psst, o'er here!'] In the darkness, two green eyes are peering at you. The black cat approaches into the light. $a['Uhm, Hello?'] $M['Evening, darling. You've made it this far. Good job. Just don't let it go to your head.'] The voice echoes in your head, with a smooth jazzy tone that is a little surprising coming from a small feline. $a['Do I know you?'] You look at the tiny creature. It looks just like an ordinary alley cat. $M['You know my mistress, if you didn't already guess that.'] He - for the voice is now undeniably male - manages to look down on you patronisingly despite the height difference. $a['Right. So, uhmm... what do you want?'] The cat looks you up and down. $M['I don't *want* anything, darling. Just here to lend a helping paw with your wardrobe.'] (display:"talk")[['What do you mean?']]

$att $M['Couldn't help noticing that you don't have an outfit for every occasion. I'm here to help with that.'] $a['So what are you proposing, cat? That I run through the night to go visit your owner?'] The furry creature seems to smirk at you. $M['Not at all. Whisper your secrets to me, and I'll pass them along. Your outfits will be waiting in your room in no time. I can assure you that I am both efficient and discreet.'] (if: $outf2_owned is true and $outf1_owned is true and $secrets <5)[(display:"insufficient.secrets")](elseif: $outf3_owned is true and $secrets <2)[ [['I don't have enough secrets'->insufficient.secrets]] ](else:)[You give the furry bastard a measuring look, and finally decide that you can probably trust him. How many talking cats can there be around? [['Alright, what are my options?'->cat.clothes]] ]

$att $a['I don't have enough secrets to afford your services.'] $M['That is... unfortunate.'] You look at him, puzzled. $a['What's with the rush, anyways? And would I even need these anyways? I've survived the day - I'm going back to normal now.'] $M['You never know when you might need a good outfit. I say this in your best interest.'] $a['What are you suggesting I do, then?'] The cat turns away from you, heading towards an open window. $M['Gather more secrets. I'm sure you can find a way.'] He leaps through the window, disappearing onto the rooftop. $A[ [ ]<thi| ] [Forget about him and enter your room]<room| [Approach the open window...]<walk| (click: ?room)[(goto:"room2")] (click: ?walk)[(goto:"walk2")] { (live:1s)[ (mouseover: ?room)[ (replace:?thi)[ (either:"It would be so good for this all to be over...","I probably shouldn't risk it..","Better safe than sorry...","Alex, why are you even thinking about this?!") ] ] (mouseover: ?walk)[ (replace:?thi)[ (either:"Perhaps I should listen to him...","One more day shouldn't hurt..","My ordinary life wasn't that good...","Maybe it would help after all possibilites...") ] ] ]}

(if: $outf3_owned is true and $outf2_owned is true and $outf1_owned is true)[(goto:"cat.done")]$att The cat smiles at you. $outf1[-*Butler's Uniform* (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<2)[(goto:"insufficient.secrets") ] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-2)) (set: $outf1 to false) (set: $outf1_owned to true) (goto:"cat.clothes") ] ] $M[2 Secrets] ] $outf2[-*Maid's outfit* (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<2)[(goto:"insufficient.secrets") ] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-2))(set: $outf2 to false) (set: $outf2_owned to true)(goto:"cat.clothes") ] ] $M[2 Secrets] ] $outf3[-*Devil's Gown* (link-repeat:"BUY:")[(if: $secrets<5)[(goto:"insufficient.secrets")] (else:)[(set: $secrets to (it-5)) (set: $outf3 to false)(set: $outf3_owned to true)(goto:"cat.clothes") ] ] $M[5 Secrets] ]

$att The cat gives you a little nod. $M['Pleasure doing business with you. You will have the outfits soon.'] Glad to have that whole ordeal over with, you finally [[enter your room->room2]]

$mount Your wolf ears lay low and your tail curles up in readiness. $A[Damn this devil gown! It got me into this mess on purpose..!!] The realization does too little too late. The Alpha jumps on you first, while the others watch and wait respectfully around him. <img src="images/Wolf_pack.png" width="800" > An actual wolf feels much smaller and weaker than the creature before him, but you moan all the same. In fact, you can't help it. It is as if you've completely lost control over your actions. The bracelet glows incredibly hot, and so do the different parts that of the transformed devil's gown. You suddenly feel something appear on your back, right under the wolf's belly. $A[What- what's going on? Dammit, I can't focus, can't think!] Your mind is a complete and total haze and you don't fully understand what's going on. Once the Alpha is done with you, he steps aside, leaving the rest of the pack to have their turn. After a while you lose track of beasts that have had their way with you, everything mixing into a blurr of sweat, sex and howling. [[...........]] (set: _ti to 20) (set: $sanity -= 10) (set: $bcharges to 5) (set: $lust to it +4)

$mount You are alone in the forest. The seconds drip by slowly like the juices down your thighs. Eventually, the cool mountain air brings some clarity back to your thoughts. You should move. [[Get up]]

$mount The creature is looming over you. It's close enough that the smell hits you, a bestial smell of sweat and mucus that is both repulsive and attractive in its repulsiveness. Your body responds to it with a growing hotness an a light-headed feeling that borders on euphoria. The creature takes bends over you and your eyes fall down to its giant erection. $A[Damn it, I used too much pheromones!] Your error is clear now, but it's too late to fix it. The intentions of the beast are clear and you doubt you can outrun or dissuade it. On one hand, attempting to flee some more can at least save you some face and if you don't manage to escape, you'll know that at least you've tried. On the other hand, if you cooperate perhaps things will go down a lot smoother for you... [[Go down willingly]] [[Save your honor and try to flee]] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $werefucked to 1)

$mount You already know what's going to happen, and it's driving you crazy. The fabric becomes liquid gold, flowing down your skin under the silvery moonlight. Just like before, it leaves most of your body naked, condensing into a fluffy tail and a pair of wolf ears perking out of your hair. The heat inside of you flares again, your unprotected crotch pointing at the beast. How did you find yourself in this position again? The beast enters you with a growl, stretching you wide with a single thrusts. He's too big, way too big for you, but your flesh stretches and adapts with unnatural ease, letting the werewolf's giant phallus plunge deep inside you. <img src="images/scene1.png" width="1000" align="center"> $A[Alex, why are you doing this to yourself?] This time, it's your own fault. There are few excuses that you can make to fool yourself. But that's something to think about later. Right now, your [[hips are opening willingly]]. (set: _ti to 15)

$mount The beast pushes on top of you with its full weight, forcing your head down in the mud as your ass raises to accommodate it's giant member. You no longer try to take control, your body craves it. It needs it. Your $breasts are bouncing freely with every thrust of the beast, moans escaping your $lips despite your best efforts. $A[How can this feel so good?] Your tail, which isn't your tail, curles up obediently as the beast finally tenses up, its member inflating inside you. There is something primal, bestial deep inside of you, that is $a[**awakening**] again. The creature bites down on your neck, locking you into place and you feel a series of spurts shoot deep insde your womb. The bracelet glows hot on your wrist, a new bead blossoming crimson as your body absorbs the life energy. The desire grows inside of you, rising like a tidal wave that threatens to wash over your entire mind. You want to succumb to it so badly. You want to give up. You want to give in. If you didn't want that, you wouldn't be here again. Resistance is futile. [[Howl with pleasure->howl2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$mount A long, animalistic howl escapes your throat, echoing among the dakrness of the pine trees. The werewolf keeps you in place as more spurts spill from its inflated knot. Your mind succumbs to the overflowing pleasure as a pink haze drowns all reason. Through the darkness of the forest, other howls answer yours in the distance. Your body shivers from excitement. Even as the werewolf is still finishing up with you, you see a number of yellow eyes observing you among the trees and bushes. $A[They are waiting for me.] Unphased, the beast does one final thrust, before leaving your body to collapse on the mossy earth. You lie on the ground on all fours, head bowed down and ass up in the air, inviting the beasts to [[emerge from the darkness]]. (set: _ti to 10) (set: $sanity -= 20) (set: $howl to 1)

$mount Your wolf ears lay low and your tail curles up in readiness. $A[Why did I get myself into this mess again ?!] The realization does too little too late. The Alpha jumps on you first, while the others watch and wait respectfully around him. <img src="images/Wolf_pack.png" width="800" > This time your wings appear instantly, blossoming on your back like a red flag to let all the males know that you're in heat. You can feel your reason draining out and being replaced with deep, insatiable lust. $A[More! I want more!] Once the Alpha is done, the pack descends upon you. This time there is no order. As soon as one jumps you, another approaches your face. Helpless, you part your lips and let him hump your mouth, swallowing the salty semen. The next one misses your pussy and plunges in your ass, though you don't seem to mind. Your body can accomodate anything. After a while you lose track of beasts that have had their way with you, everything mixing into a blurr of sweat, sex and howling. [[...........]] (set: _ti to 20) (set: $sanity -= 15) (set: $bcharges to 5) (set: $lust to it +5)

<div id="box2">$T[Patreon Quick cheats] (link-repeat:"Show")[(replace:?cheats)[ STATS (link-repeat:"Sanity +10")[(set: $sanity to it + 10)] (link-repeat:"Sanity -10")[(set: $sanity to it - 10)] (link-repeat:"Heart +5")[(set: $lust to it + 5)] (link-repeat:"Heart -5")[(set: $lust to it - 5)] (link-repeat:"Secrets +5")[(set: $secrets to it + 5)] CLOTHES (link-repeat:"Butler")[(set: $suit_mod to -4)(set: $suit to "butler's uniform")] (link-repeat:"Maid")[(set: $suit_mod to +4)(set: $suit to "housemaid outfit")] (link-repeat:"Devil")[(set: $suit_mod to +8)(set: $suit to "devil's gown")] $R[Changes take effect on next page]]] / (link-repeat:"Hide")[(replace:?cheats)[]] []<cheats| </div>

$rec It's a little past noon and you are alone at the reception. $A[Something very strange is going on...] Currently Lavius, Elise and the werewolf (in fluffy slippers) are having a late breakfast with Mihai in the dining room. You somehow doubt that all of them have gotten together just for a friendly chat. You don't know how long they will be at it, but it probably will give you some free time before you have to take care of the guests. $A[But before I worry about them, perhaps I should find Felicia to see what's going on with me...?] You glance at the front door. With your increased speed, you can make it down to the village and back to the mansion in about an hour. (if: $merfed is 0)[Then again, Lavius did ask you to feed the creature in the box, and Mihai will probably expect you to take care of things like this. ]It the other end of the hallway, you can hear the muffled conversation coming from the dining room. If you sneak closer, you might be able to gather some useful information. (display:"30mg")[[Go quickly to the village->visvil3]] (if: $merfed is 0)[(display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ](display:"15m")[[Eavesdrop at the door]] (set: _ti to 20)

(if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(goto:"feed2")]$rec (if: $hour<14 and $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart" or "brain2" or "heart2")[With the guests still busy in the dining room, now's probably the best time to take care of the mermaid's meal. $A[What do mermaids eat anyways? I hope I can find something suitable around..]](elseif: $hour<14)[With the guests still busy in the dining room, now's probably the best time to take care of Lavius' request. $A[What is in that box anyways? I have no idea what it eats, but hopefully I can find something suitable around..]](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[You are already late with this chore. All you can do is hope that the mermaid will not be too hungry and that Lavius will overlook that you didn't fulfil his request on time. $A[What do mermaids eat anyways? I hope I can find something suitable around..]](else:)[You are already late with this chore. All you can do is hope that whatever the creature in the box is, it will not be too hungry. $A[I better be careful, just in case...] Then there's Lavius. He did ask you to do this earlier - you hope that the extravagant vampire will overlook that you didn't fulfil his request on time. $A[What is in that box anyways? I have no idea what it eats, but hopefully I can find something suitable around..]] (display:"goto")[[Go to the kitchen->kitchen2]]

$rec You carefully approach the dining hall, your steps muffled by the heavy carpet. As you place your ear on the door, you can hear some of the voices inside: $Mi['...that's the old way of doing things, weneed to adapt...'] .... $L['....but not the way you see it, old man...'] .... $W['...this is stupid....'] .... $Mi['....we can convince my father....'] .... $E['...tsk, I don't agree...'] .... The voices come closer and you back away from the door. It's better if you don't get caught. (display:"30mg")[[Go quickly to the village->visvil3]] (if: $merfed is 0)[(display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ] (set: _ti to 15)

$inn 'That woman, huh?' the bartender scratches his head. 'I don't think there are many that can tell you where she is.' $a['So you haven't seen her around?'] 'Not in a long while.' $a['Any idea where she might have gone?'] The bartender shrugs. 'Ask around, but don't get your hopes up.' (unless: (history:) contains"'Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?']] ](unless: (history:) contains"'Where is Zachary?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is Zachary?']] ](if: (history:) contains "'Where is Zachary?'")[(display:"excl")[[Talk to Zachary]] ](display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn You point to an all too familiar corner of the room. $a['There was a group there yesterday. I think they were friends of Lavius. Do you know where they are?'] 'Looking to have some fun are you girl?' the bartender gives you a dirty look. $a['No...'] you blush. You're not even sure why you're really looking for them. (if: $lewd>80)[And it's true that a your urges are getting really strong...] 'Well they haven't come in today. As you said doll, they go with Lavius. They're probably wherever he is.' $A['That's odd, I didn't see them at the hotel. And I doubt Mihai would invite them anyway.'] (unless: (history:) contains "'Where is the owner of the antique boutique?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is the owner of the antique boutique?']] ](unless: (history:) contains"'Where is Zachary?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is Zachary?']] ](if: (history:) contains "'Where is Zachary?'")[(display:"excl")[[Talk to Zachary]] ](display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn $a['Do you know where Zachary is?'] 'The lumberjack? He's over there.' The bartenderr points to one of the corners of the room. You can see a hooded figure slouching behind one of the wooden pillars, a tankard in his hand. $a['Oh. Thank you!'] 'Just be warned doll. You're not really his type.' The bartender chuckles under his mustache. $a['Yeah, I know...'] (unless: (history:) contains"'Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?']] ](unless: (history:) contains "'Where is the owner of the antique boutique?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is the owner of the antique boutique?']] ](display:"excl")[[Talk to Zachary]] (display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]]

$vil (if: $felicia_level is 4)[It's clear that there isn't anyone at the inn who can help you find Felicia, but still there might be something to Zach's words.](else:)[Your chat at the inn didn't seem very productive, and you still have no idea where to look for Felicia.] In any case, time is pressing on, so you probably need to be heading back The Crooked Elm... (unless: $felicia_level is 4)[ [[Return to the inn]] ] (if: $elise_present <3)[(display:"60m")[[Return to the hotel]] ](else:)[(display:"30mg")[[Return quickly to the hotel]] ]

$inn You make your way to the corner and approach the hooded figure. $a['Mind if I sit?'] Zach looks up and you can see his eyes darting left and right around the room. $z['Whatever it is, make it quick.'] You sit on the bench beside him, trying your best not to draw any more attention. $a['Why the secrecy?'] $z['Because of your silly stunt, that's why darling!'] he answers angrily. $z['Word on the street is Lavius has found out that someone broke into his lair and he's furious. I haven't seen him all day and his goons are missing too, so you can bet your pretty ass that they're up to something, and probably trying to find out who did it.'] You look down at your feet, embarassed. At the time you thought that once the loop was broken, everything would just be back to normal. Now, the mess seems bigger than ever. (display: "talk")[[Ask about Felicia]] (set: _ti to 10)

$inn You lean in closer to the hooded man. $a['Zach, would you know where I can find Felicia? The owner of the antique boutique.'] $z['She's a tough one to find, doll. I imagine she didn't leave a note on her shop?'] You give a nervous laughter. $a['Not only is she gone, the whole shop is gone with her! It's like it never existed...'] Zachary sips from his tankard, deep in thought. $z['I believe you, doll. You are smarter than you look, and I've heard enough rumours about this place.'] $a['But you don't know where to find her, do you?'] you look at him with desperation. You realize just how much you've come to rely on your feline aquaintance. $z['Look for a place with books,'] Zach whispers in a low voice. $z['I doubt her shop will pop-up in a cave or something. Chances are it will latch to another building. Perhaps that will help, but what do I know?'] He takes another sip, pulling his hood down. You decide to leave Zach alone before your little duo starts drawing unnecessary attention. (display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]] (set: _ti to 10) (set: $felicia_level to 4)

$inn You get back into the inn, ignoring the funny look from the bartender. There are still a few things you'd like to ask while you're here. (unless: (history:) contains "'Where is the owner of the antique boutique?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is the owner of the antique boutique?']] ](unless: (history:) contains"'Where is Zachary?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where is Zachary?']] ](unless: (history:) contains"'Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?'")[(display:"talk")[['Where are the men that were drinking yesterday?']] ](display:"bk")[[Leave the inn->Leave3]] (set: _ti to 10)

$mount You take the familiar path uphill following the little stream. The forest is silent, and you feel an electric tension in the air, like something is about to happen. Trying to shake the unpleasant sensation, you concentrate on your feet and the path in front of you. Before you know it, you [[arrive at the hotel->Hotel2]] <img src="images/mansion.png" width="1200" align="center"> (set: _ti to 30)

$rec (if: $mihai_warning is 0)[(display:"mihai.warning")](else:)[You linger at the reception. Things are currently quiet - it seems all the guests are busy at other places.] (display:"h2.navigation") (set: _ti to 10)

(display:"goto")[[To the game room]] (display:"goto")$R[To the first floor] (display:"goto")$R[To the garden] (if: $merfed is 0)[(display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ]

$lib The library is quiet and eerie. There is a stillness in the air. You advance deeper down the aisles, following the familiar sense of distortion. You're getting closer, but it's not that easy to find the spot. On your way, you notice a small table with a book left on top of it. It looks like someone's been reading it recently. (display:"goto")[[Stop to examine the book]] (display:"goto")[[Go talk with Felicia]](set: _ti to 10)

Double-click this passage to edit it.

$gar Outside, the garden of the manor looks calm and uneventful. The flowers surrounding the pond are frail and withered, showing that the grounds have fallen into disarray. $A[Ionut should really take better care of these...] You wonder aimlessly, examining The Crooked Elm from the outside. Most of the rooms are empty, but there are lights here and there. The tower looms from the top of the building, its shuttered windows keeping its secrets from prying eyes. [ ]<info| (display:"goto")$R[Search around] (display:"clock")[Rest in the garden for a while]<rest| (display:"bk")[[Return inside->reflect2]] (set: _ti to 10) (click:?rest)[(if: $Mihaibrief is 0)[(replace:?info)[$R[I really should see Mihai before resting in the garden] ] ](elseif: $meditation is 1)[(replace:?info)[$R[I have already rested in the garden] ] ](else:)[(goto:"Rest in the garden for a while")] ]

(if: $dead is 0)[<img src="images/goto.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-5px; margin-left:5px;" width="40">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp](else:)[<img src="images/evilhand2.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:3px; margin-left:1px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp]

$game Strolling down the other hallway you emerge at the small game room. It has tall windows overlooking the garden, as well as a number of small tables surrounded by armchairs. Of course, the central feature is the old pool table, which is currently occupied by the two players. $L[Lavius,] dressed in the finest velvet, is skipping around with a glass of wine in his hand. On the other end the $W[werewolf], currently in his human form and still wearing his bath robe and bunny slippers, is trying to aim a trick shot while puffing on a large cigar. The two of them seem to be in the middle of a heated discussion, but their voices hush as they see you approach. $L['Well, well, well, if it isn't the beautiful damsel from the reception! Tell me, my dear, do you play pool?'] Truth is, you used to play with your friends back in the day, but it's been a while since you've had any practice. You wonder whether to boast your skills or to keep that information to yourself. (display:"talk")[['I am pretty good at it.']] (display:"talk")[['I have no idea how to play.']](set: _ti to 10)

$game $L['Splendid! In that case, we can have a little competition! We do have some time to kill after all'] The werewolf rolls his eyes at Lavius, but doesn't seem to care all that much. Ignoring his annoynace completely, the vampire sets the balls into place. $L['Loser owes a favor, agreed?'] he grins. $L['You can start first of course.'] It's pretty easy to see what Lavius wants, but despite your hindsight into his true nature you decide to play along. $A[I can probably beat him with some luck...] Unfortunately for you, Lavius seems to be pretty good. He lets you score a few times, but quickly overtakes the table with precise shots that clear his balls while leaving yours in devlishly tricky positions. As he walks past you for another shot, his hand rests comfortably on your waist. The $R[hunger] that has been growing in you since morning is now nearing a peak. Your belly is burning hot and you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate. $A[Damn, it's like my own body isn't listening to me...] Lavius' hand slides from your waist down to your butt. Without thinking, you press against him, allowing him to get a good feel of it. You take another shot, missing the ball completely. $L['It seems that it's not your best day, my dear!'] exclaims Lavius with such a sweet voice that you barely catch his mockery. $L['And now it's time to pay your due. Perhaps you would like to take a brief walk with me in the library?'] At the other end of the table, the werewolf sniggers, though it's not clear if it's at you or at his companion. [[Agree to go with him]] [[Politely decline->decline pool]] (set: _ti to 30)

$game $L['Splendid! In that case, we can teach you! We do have some time to kill after all'] The werewolf rolls his eyes at Lavius, but doesn't seem to care all that much. Ignoring his annoynace completely, the vampire pulls you closer to the table and begins walking you through the basics of pool. $L['You have to hold it like this,'] he explains, positioning your hand while leaning behind you. You can smell his perfume float towards you, the warmth of his breath at your neck as he showers you with sweet nothings. It's pretty easy to see what Lavius wants, but despite your hindsight into his true nature you still quickly find yourself under his spell. The $R[hunger] that has been growing in you since morning is now nearing a peak. Your belly is burning hot and you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate. $A[Damn, it's like my own body isn't listening to me...] Lavius' hand slides from your waist down to your butt. Without thinking, you press against him, allowing him to get a good feel of it. You take another shot, missing the ball completely. $L['I see that you're already starting to get the hang of it!'] exclaims Lavius with such a sweet voice that you barely catch his mockery. $L['I doubt I have any more to teach you. Perhaps you would like to take a brief walk in the library?'] At the other end of the table, the werewolf sniggers, though it's not clear if it's at you or at his companion. [[Agree to go with him]] [[Politely decline->decline pool]] (set: _ti to 30)

$kit There isn't anyone in the kitchen, so you help yourself through the various cupboards and drawers, looking for something fitting. In the end, you setle on a few cuts of raw meat, which you sprinkle with some spices. $A[Hopefully this will do the trick...] Now all you have to do is feed the creature. (display:"goto")[[Go to the box]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib You give a small nod and Lavius takes you by the hand, leading you to the next room. The two of you barely move past the first few bookshelves when he pushes you against the wall, his lips trailing up your neck. (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[$L['What a good little maid you are... I wonder where Mihai managed to find you.'] He lifts up your short skirt and slides down your panties while holding you firmly in place. $L['Always wet and willing... that's the best thing about the succubi!'] ](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[Lavius struggles to undo your butler uniform, visibly annoyed. $L['Only Mihai would think to put a creature like **you** into something like this...'] Eventually he manages to get your ass bare, still holding you firmly in place.](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[Cooperating with his advances, the devil's gown parts away at the back, leaving you completely exposed. Lavius reaches down, feeling you up. $L['Always wet and willing... that's the best thing about the succubi!']] Not wasting any time, he enters you eagerly, placing a hand over your mouth to silence your moans. You try to keep some control, but fail miserably. The $R[hunger], building up since morning, is now entirely in control of you. Like an animal in heat, your hips push back with his rhythm, helping him reach his climax [[in a few short minutes]]. (set: _ti to 15) (set: $lust -=50) (set: $sanity -=15)

$lib You try to decline, but Lavius hushes you and takes you by the hand, leading you to the next room. You try to formulate something that would drive him away, but your mind is a blank. You feel quite stupid and inadequte. Thinking straight is suddenly very difficult. Your body knows what's about to happen and it wants it. Lavius pushes you against the wall, his lips trailing up your neck. (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit" )[$L['What a good little maid you are... I wonder where Mihai managed to find you.'] He lifts up your short skirt and slides down your panties while holding you firmly in place. $L['Always wet and willing... Good girl. See? This is waht you wanted after all. You are made for sex - that's the best thing about the succubi!'] ](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[Lavius struggles to undo your butler uniform, visibly annoyed. $L['Only Mihai would think to put a creature like **you** into something like this...'] Eventually he manages to get your ass bare, still holding you firmly in place. His hand runs down your slit, testing its wetness. $L['See? This is waht you wanted after all. You are made for sex - that's the best thing about the succubi!']](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown" )[Even if you want to get away, your garment seems to disagree. Cooperating with his advances, the devil's gown parts away at the back, leaving you completely exposed. Lavius reaches down, feeling you up. $L['Always wet and willing... that's the best thing about the succubi!']] Not wasting any time, he enters you eagerly, placing a hand over your mouth to silence your moans. You feel ashamed by the pleasure he is able to inflict upon you, even against your will. You try to keep some control, but fail miserably. The $R[hunger], building up since morning, is now entirely in control of you. Like an animal in heat, your hips push back with his rhythm, helping him reach his climax [[in a few short minutes]]. (set: _ti to 15) (set: $lust -=50) (set: $sanity -=15)

$lib Sitting at the floor of the library you slowly compose yourself and get dressed again. Lavius has already gone, though you seem to have momentarily lost track of time. A few things bubble to your conscious attention. First, the $R[hunger] that has been increasing all day has finally subsided. What is worrying however is that even if the urges have gone down, your mind still feels very hazy. In fact, it even feels $A[hazier] than before. You feel as if you're a little drunk and concentration takes an effort. You know you should probably be more alarmed by this, but in your current state all you can do is quietly note the phenomenon. Another thing that you notice is that your bracelet hasn't changed, despite the recent "feeding". This is also something that should perhaps worry you. Back on your feet again, you finally manage to regain some of your focus, though it's clear that something isn't quite right. The library is quiet. Suddenly there is a tingling sensation at the back of your head. You turn towards the distant end of the room - the rows of shelves seem almost never ending. $A[Did someone- did someone call my name?] You hesitate. (display:"goto")[[Explore the deep end]] (set: _ti to 15)

$lib Walking down the dusty aisles you begin to experience a strange sensation, one that you have felt before. There is something wrong with the space around you. The lines of the aisles somehow bend in weird ways, strait paths loop back into themselves. The further you go, the stronger the feeling becomes. The air is thick and still like glass. The bits of dust hang frozen in the distance, illuminated by rays of still light. You follow the gut feeling, turning left and right. You reach a point where you make 4 consecutive right turns, which should have looped you around a shelf... but instead you come across a [[familiar desk]]. (set: _ti to 30)

$lib $M['Well well, I see that you're still alive and well.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> You blink at the catwoman, trying to shake the mist from your head. $a['It's hard - thinking...'] $M['I'm sorry about the confusion - getting into this place requires some extra distortion. But let's face it - you aren't in the best of shapes either.'] $a['What do you mean?'] $M['Take your time, darling. You can do this.'] Felicia pats you gently on the head. You pause, composing yourself. Your thoughts feel like noodles floating in a giant bowl. Then finally they straighten up a little. Last night, the loop, the bracelet. The missing Antique Boutique. But it's probably better to take this one thing at a time. (display:"talk")[['Why do I have horns?']] (display:"talk")[['Why did you move here?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib $A['What happened to me? I thought breaking the loop would return me to normal...'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['That's not what I said,'] pouts Felicia. $M['You can't return to normal while in the loop. But breaking it doesn't automatically reverse things.'] You give a sigh. You thought you were close, but now it sounds like there's still more to do. $A['Okay - can you turn me back now?'] $M['Nope.'] $A['Why not?'] $M['You're not a woman anymore, you're a succubus. Thought you might have noticed.'] You sigh again. (unless: (history:) contains"'Why did you move here?'")[(display:"talk")[['Why did you move here?']] ](display:"talk")[['Why am I a succubus?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib $A['I don't really understand what's going on... Where did your shop go? Why are you here?'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['So many questions... you're a curious little human, aren't you? Well, you used to be human anyways...'] She smiles mysteriously at you. $M['I have my reasons for doing what I do.'] You pout at her, but it's clear that she won't say anything more on this topic. (unless: (history:) contains"'Why do I have horns?'")[(display:"talk")[['Why do I have horns?']] ](display:"talk")[['Why am I a succubus?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib $A['So... does this mean I'm no longer human? Why?'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> Felicia gives you a funny look. $M['That's right. It seems that you've used the powers of the bracelet one too many times. There's a limit a mortal body can be pushed to, and you lasted longer than most.'] $A['So... what now?'] you ask, desperation creeping in your voice. $M['There is still hope. Hope to return to normal... or hope to be happy with your current condition. You seem to be enjoying it quite a bit.'] You look away from the catwoman. $A['It has had its moments...'] you trail of, blushing. Your mind shifts into the $a[haze] again, dreaming of all the things that happened. Thinking is hard again. With great effort, you focus on your present situation. (display:"talk")[['So what can I do to return to normal?']] (display:"talk")[['Why is it this hard to think?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib $A['It feels like my mind is refusing to function properly. Especially since the last thing that happened.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['I understand,'] Felicia nods. $M['Succubi are not naturally intelligent creatures. They are led by lust and carnal desires. Now that your physical transformation is accelerating, so is the mental one.'] You swallow hard. $A['Does this mean...?'] $M['Yes. If you're not careful and give in to your desires, you can easily end up as a mindless sex demon.'] It should have been frightening to hear that, but instead you feel an arousal bubbling from the the depths of your belly. The image of a succubus in heat fills your mind. She is a slave to the pleasure, willing to do anything and everything... $M['Hey, snap out of it!'] Felicia gives you a quick slap on the face, bringing you back. $M['I can't have you like this, you're no use. Hold on a moment.'] She turns away and dissapears somewhere between the bookshelves. (display:"clock")[[Wait]] (set: _ti to 30)

$lib $M['I'll have to dig through some books - your predicament is rather rare if I have to be honest. I expected you to either be cured or die before the transformation goes any further. You've managed to accomplish quite the number of time loops...'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> Felicia scratches her head, pensive. $A['I'm sure you can think of somehting...?'] You look at her hopefully. $M['It should be possible, but I'll need to do some more research. In the meantime, try not to go overboard with the deaths, OK?'] You give a small nod. (display:"talk")[['Why is it this hard to think?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib Time runs and stands still in the errie frozen light of the library. You can't tell how many minutes pass before the mysterious catwoman emerges behind the counter again. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['Here, this should help clear your head a little.'] She's handing you a steaming cup of tea. You take it, bringing it up to snif it carefully. It smells like a forest after rain, mixed with something fresh that you can't quite put your finger on. As you down the cup, the mist in in your mind clears away, as if blown by a gentle breeze. Your thoughts calm down and it becomes easier to concentrate. You slowly blink, as if waking up from a dream. $clarity[You've regained some sanity!] $M['Feels better, doesn't it?'] You nod, smiling timidly at the cat. $a[It's good to have a friend left around...] (display: "talk")[['Any chance you can give me some for the road?']] (set: $sanity to 50)(set: _ti to 10)

$lib $M['I'm glad you're feeling better, but I'm not a charity sweetheart. This one was on me because you were in such poor shape... but if you want more, you know the price.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $A['Secrets,'] you nod. $M['That's right.'] The two of you exchange meaningful looks. $A['I should probably be heading back to work.'] $M['You know where to find me,'] she winks at you, giving you another pat on the head. (display:"goto")[[Return to the game room]] (set: _ti to 5)

$game You make your way back the winding passages of the library. Eventually the aisles become straight again and the light form the windows no longer stays frozen in the air. With a sigh of relief, you return to the game room. Currently, there is no one there, but an ampty glass of whiskey and a cigar butt. $A[Damn, look at the time! It's $hour:$minute already! Mihain mentioned that there would be a meeting of sorts in the evening...] With fast paces, you walk [[back to the reception]]. (set: _ti to 5)

$gar You head to the garden gates. Mihai may be waiting for you, but there are more important matters at hand... $Io['Vait! You can't go now.'] Limping, the servants catches up to you just as you're about to head to the village. $a['It's okay, Ionut, I'll take care of stuff later...'] $Io['No! Mihai vaiting. You go, now!'] The servant grabs your wrist and pulls you back. You are yet again reminded of his incredible strength - he could easily move you around without breaking a sweat. Resigned, you bow your head and walk back to The Crooked Elm. (display:"goto")[[Have breakfast with Mihai]] (set: _ti to 5)

$rec There is no one at the reception either. You check the dining room, and it's empty as well. $A[Where is everyone?] If you hadn't been late, you would have known where to go. $A[Dammit! Mihai was expecting me to take care of the guests...] You start to panic a little. You better find where they are and hope your late arrival is forgiven. (display:"goto")[[Search the hotel]] (set: _ti to 10)

$end You take another tour of the ground floor, just to make sure. The kitchen and dining room, the game room and the library. Everything is silent. Climbing on the first floor, you make the rounds. Not a sound. The hotel is eerily still. You knock on $Mi[Mihai's room], but no one answers. You go to the second floor and try $E[Elise's room]. It's unlocked, but she isn't there. You try the other doors, with no luck. Your only option is now the attic. You climb up and listen. The silence is even deeper. $A[Perhaps in the tower?] You head to the end of the hallway, then pause. You are forbidden to go in there. But the gate is unlocked. You take a deep breath and climb the stairs. At the top, the tower lays in utter darkness. There is no one there. Confused, you go down again. You've checked every room in the hotel. (display:"goto")[[Go outside]] (set: _ti to 30)

$gar You step in the garden, looking up at The Crooked Elm. All the lights are out. The place looks like it's completely uninhabited. You rub your eyes, holding your head in your hands. $A[Think, Alex, where can they be...] Pacing back and forth in the garden, your gaze falls on the last place you haven't checked. The basement. (display:"goto")[[Go to the basement]] (set: _ti to 10)

$base You notice yet again that the inside of the "basement" actually resembles a dungeon, with a cold stony floor and pillars supporting the manor on top. There are several torches burning, which illuminate the room just enough. $A[Odd choice, given that the electricity is running...] As before, you notice the pipes and valves covering most of the east wall and going into the ceiling, as well as a handful of crates, a workbench and some tools hanging near it; more torches and cobwebs wobbling by the cold draft; and of course, there is the generator. The $in[box] that you left there earlier is nowhere to be seen. On the opposite side of the room there is another $in[door] leading further down... and it seems to be open. When you approach, you notice faint eachoes coming from below. $A[Are they really down there...?] There is an ominous feeling in the air, but what choice do you have? (display:"goto")[[Explore further down]] (set: _ti to 10)

$base You go through the door and creep down the corridor. There are more torches burning to the side. You go past a few junctions with smaller passageways branching to the sides, but they are darker and silent, so you decide to save your eventual exploraiton for later. At the end of the corridor you come upon a heavy wooden door. There is light seeping around the corners, and voices coming from inside. You sigh with relief. $A[This must be where they've gone... couldn't they leave a note?] [[Enter the room]] (set: _ti to 10)

$base You push the door open and step inside. $a['Sorry for being so late-'] The words freeze in your mouth, the eyes turn towards you. $L[Lavius], a silver dagger in hand, is looming over Mihai's body, which lays lifeless on the stone floor, dark blood forming a pool around him. $L['Hello, darling, you're a little late to the party,'] Lavius turns towards you with a sinister smile. $L['But don't worry, we'll take good care of you.'] On the side of the scene, you see a big, bestial figure, standing half-upright with an arm in its jaws. There is a big splatter of blood on the wall behind, and you catch a the edge of a familiar costume, sticking out of the mess. $A[Ionut...] you gasp. Your heart racing in your throat, you turn around to flee. The doorway is blocked by a tall, dark figure. $a['Elise! You have to help me, they have-'] You interrupt your sentence, seeing the cold light in her eyes. $E['I'm sorry sweetheart, it really isn't personal,'] she says with some bitterness in her voice. $E['I wish things could be different, tsk. What a mess.'] The pain in your neck comes before you see the bite. The world starts spinning as the toxin spreads through your veins. You collapse on the floorm [[sinking into the darkness->DIESUCCUBUS]]. (set: $lastdeath to "treason") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "treason"))

$base You go back to the basement, where the box is currently resting. Approaching it fills you with slight unease, which you try to shake off. $A[This can't be dangerous, otherwise they wouldn't let me do it alone. But then again...] You've been left in plenty of perilous situations, so you don't feel all too reassured right now. You circle the box cautiously. It looks pretty well sealed, but you finally manage to find a few clips and latches which hold the lid. After some work, it seems to be free. You carefully lift the lid of the box. As you expected, it's filled with water. You stand on guard, expecting something to jump or slither out... but nothing happens. You allow yourself to take a better look, peering directly on top of the surface. It's only water... as far as you can see. It feels like staring into the infinte depths of the sea. You take a piece of meat you drop it into the box. It starts sinking, further and further down, until it slowly disappears from view. You drop the rest of the meat and close the lid. It's an unsettling experience that your mind has some trouble dealing with. You try not think about the box. (display:"goto")[Return to the reception]<ret| (set: _ti to 20) (set: $sanity -=5) (set:$merfed to 1) (click:?ret)[(if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(goto:"reflect2")](elseif:$hour<14)[(goto:"reflect on the situation")](else:)[(goto:"Hotel2")]]

At the reception you are greeted by Mihai's frowning face. $Mi['I am disappointed by your absence. As I told you, today is a special day, so I expect you to do your best to accommodate our guests.'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I'm sorry, Mr. Petrescu... it was just a quick trip to the village. Did you wait for me for a long time?'] He gives a sigh and his expression softens. $Mi['We finished around half an hour ago, so it's okay. The boys are currently playing pool in the game room next to the library, while my dear friend has retired to her room. I trust you will make sure that all their wants and needs are taken care of.'] $a['Certainly, Mr. Petrescu...'] The owner gives you a small nod. $Mi['I will be in room 11 should you need me.'] With that, he climbs the ornate stairs, the tapping of his cane quickly muffled by the carpet. You are alone at the reception. (set: $mihai_warning to 1)

(set: $mihai_warning to 0)(set: $Mihaibrief to 0)(set: $O to ((text-style: "smear")+(text-colour:"#a1a1a1"))) (set: $second_chance to 0)(set: $reflect to 0) (set: $meditation to 0) (set: $sc20 to true)(set: $sc21 to true)(set: $sc22 to true)(set: $sc23 to true)(set: $sc24 to true)(set: $sc25 to true)

$vil You head down the main street towards the inn, when something catches your eye. The small facade of the antique boutique is not where it used to be. To your surprise, the two tall buildings that you distinctly remmeber on either side of the boutique are now right next to each other, with no space in between. You pause for a moment and scratch your head. Did you miss it? The narrow front of the shop was barely noticeable, but still. You make a 180 and head down the main street again, looking even more closely at the narrow spaces between buildings. The Antique Boutique is not there. $A[What the hell is going on...?] You stroll down the street for a third time, but to no avail. The feeling that something is off keeps getting stronger. Perhaps someone at the inn could help shed some light on the situation? [[Continue to the inn->Visit the inn]] (set: _ti to 10)

$room Of course, the first thing that you check are your horns. They seem to have grown larger, with big curves sticking out of your head. Looking at yourself in the mirror you can't take your eyes off of them. You gently touch them - your horns are rough and hard, with a coarse texture. Still, the tip is pointy enough to prick your finger. Moving on to your face, it is also somehwhat different - you still have $hair, $eyes, soft white skin and $lips, but your features have changed. It's subtle, but it's there. You are $A[devilishly gorgeous]. On your chest, you can't really tell if your $breasts are the same, but they feel perhaps a little bigger and softer. What does feel different however is you touching them - even from a simple and non-sexual examination of your own body you can feel goosebumps and tingles on your skin, and your nipples are already growing hard. (if: $second_chance is 1)[$I[As you look at yourself in the mirror, you notice that there is something on your back. It looks like some sort of symbol has been tattooed on it, but you can't see it very well. You decide that for now, it's the least of your worries.] ]Then, there's your mind. You can already sense the $A[haze] and the $A[hunger] creeping back. You remember your last conversation with Felicia. $A[I should be careful with this... if I use my powers too much, I'll end up like a mindless sex toy...] You try to ignore that arousing thought. Right now you have more pressing matters. You need to figure why the events from last Tuesday happened, and how you can prevent them. [[Get dressed]] (set: _ti to 10)

$in[You see the owner heading towards you and for a moment your mind freezes. $A[Should I warn him? Say something?] You briefly consider your options, but ultimately decide against it. You will work best if everyone is unaware of your special powers. $A[I have charges left... if worse comes to worse, I can reset again. There's no need to cause panic.] With your mind set, you put a smile on your face.]

$gar You head out of the basement and into the garden, squinting at the early morning sun that is just rising over the treetops. It's $hour:$minute. $A[Okay, no time to lose... I need to find what's going on. Where do I start?] You try to think who you could trust. Someone who isn't trying to kill you, someone who won't betray your secrets. The group of people narrows down to one. $A[The only question is, do I go now, or later?] You stare at the manor in the grey morning light. There's bound to be *something* unusual going around. Something that you missed last time. You could look around. (display:"goto")[[Go inside->reflect2]] (display:"goto")[[Look around->gar2]] (set: _ti to 10)

(if: $felicia_level is 5)[(goto:"Felicia5")]$lib You follow the gut feeling, turning left and right. You reach a point where you make 4 consecutive right turns, which should have looped you around a shelf... but instead you come across a familiar desk. <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $M['Well I'm surprised... didn't expect you here this early. What got you this time?'] (if: $lastdeath is "elder")[$A['Well, last time was technically my own fault, I poked my nose where I shouldn't have. But BEFORE that- THOSE BASTARDS!!'] ](else:)[ $A['All of them!'] ]You shout with frustration. $A['I think it was the spider's bite that got me, but Lavius was there with a knife, and there was also the werewolf, and blood everywhere-'] You tell her in as much detail as you can the events that happened before your reset. The catwoman listenes attentively, interrupting only for the occasional question. $M['It seems I was right - Lavius is up to something no good. I knew that the bastard was scheming.'] Her eyes twinkle with a deadly spark. $A['So what do we do?'] The woman seems thoughtful for a long moment. $M['I guess it's also time for me to tell you a secret.'] [[You are all ears]](set: _ti to 20) (set: $felicia_level to 5)

$lib You stride past the still empty game room and enter the manor's vast library section. The calmness of the place soothes you and your anxiety subsides. $A[It's alright Alex, you will sort this out...] You advance deeper down the aisles, following the familiar sense of distortion. You're getting closer, but it's not that easy to find the spot. On your way, you notice a small table with a book left on top of it. It looks like someone's been reading it recently. (display:"goto")[[Stop to examine the book]] (display:"goto")[[Go talk with Felicia]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib Drawn by curiosity, you decide to pick up the book. It has a hard black and red cover, with the title $R[Tales of love and horror]. Opening the book, you notice a handwritten note on the first page: $A[Happy Valentine's Day! Wish you the most delicious thrills and exciting moments! I hope that these tales will frighten and delight. To: You From Vincent, with love] You turn the book over in your hand. (display:"heart")<a href="http://xfiction.org/oracle.html" target="_blank"> Read the book </a> (display:"goto")[[Go talk with Felicia]] (set: _ti to 10)

$vil You head down the main street towards the hunting cabin, when something catches your eye. The small facade of the antique boutique is not where it used to be. To your surprise, the two tall buildings that you distinctly remmeber on either side of the boutique are now right next to each other, with no space in between. You pause for a moment and scratch your head. $A[Did I miss it?] Something feels off. The narrow front of the shop was barely noticeable, but still. You make a 180 and head down the main street again, looking even more closely at the narrow spaces between buildings. The Antique Boutique is not there. $A[What the hell is going on...?] You stroll down the street for a third time, but to no avail. The feeling that something is not right keeps getting stronger. Perhaps someone at the inn could help shed some light on the situation? [[Visit the inn]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lib $M['I know that for some time Lavius has been building something. He has a secret laboratory, as you have found out for yourself.'] <img src="images/felicia.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['He likes to bring girls there apparently - so much for secret.'] Felicia laughs. $M['I somehow doubt they make it out to tell the tale. In any case, I suspect that whatever he's making is related to his sudden action. He wouldn't make a move without a reason. So you must go and find out more.'] $a['To his lair?'] She nods. $M['It's your best bet to find more information.'] You consider this. $a['And since he's here, I can freely look around.'] Felicia nods. $M['Clever girl.'] It seems like an easy place to start your investigation. $a['I'm going for now... I'll find you when I know more.'] $M['I'll be here.'] (display:"bk")[[Exit the library]](set: _ti to 20)

(if: $deathlist contains "torture")[(goto:"pending")]$mount You sneak back to the reception and out of the manor without running into any of the guests. Whatever they need, you can take care of it later. There are more important matters at hand. <img src="images/trail3.png" width="1400" style="position:absolute; float:left; margin-top:-100px;" > It's a beautiful day in the mountains, the clear path by the stream cheerful and sunny despite the twilight between the trees. As long as you don't wander into the actual forest, all will be well. You make your way down, enjoying the silence of nature and the scent of pines. The moment is so peaceful you're almost ready to forget your troubles. After a brisk walk, you [[arrive.->village5]] (set: _ti to 40)

$vil Making your way down the steep forest trail, you finally emerge at the village. The familiar group of stone houses nested together at the mountain slope initially look unchanged, but you quickly pick up that things are not the same as before. Just like last time, the usually lethargic village is now somehow restless. There are people moving hurriedly through the village center and an almost tangible sense of tension in the otherwise calm mountain air. Something is definitely going on. $A[I wonder if I should ask Zach for help with this one...?] You know that the lumberjack is laying low, but perhaps you could persuade him somehow. (display:"goto")$R[Go to the inn] (display:"goto")[[Go to Lavius' lair]] (set: _ti to 10)

$vil You don't bother with the inn or even the main road, circling directly to the hunting cabin, and the entrance to Lavius' secret lair... $A[I can probably take care of this on my own!] You feel confident, despite the hazy clouds in your mind. You go behind the cabin and unlock the secret door. As you walk down the stairs, you remember another time, when Lavius walked with you. For all of his shortcomings, the bastard did show you a good time.. [[Continue->cont2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$lav After a brief descent you reach the wooden door at the bottom of the staircase. It's not locked, but heavy enough that you have to lean on it with both hands to push it. Your feminine body and slender arms aren't as strong as you're used to. The inside opens into a long hallway bathing in dirty yellow light from the electric bulbs. The walls are covered in copper pipes and valves with several large doors on either side. The air is heavy and humid, leaving a metal taste in your mouth. $A[Looks exactly as I left it...] You walk down the hallway, the electric buzz filling your ears. The machinery is alive, busy with some strange works. $rando['You shouldn't be here...'] comes a voice behind you. Startled, you turn around to see a man that is vaguely familiar. Then the metal pipe hits you, and the world [[blacks out->t drunk 1]]. (set: _ti to 10)

$dark A sudden and intense pain brings you back awake. You are sitting on a chair next to a wall. Your wings have appeared again, and someone just nailed one to the surface behind you. $a['Aaaargh!'] you cry out. The figure looming above you steps back into the light, and you recognize tha man from the inn. Before you can say anything he leans in and forces a nail through your other wing, securing it in place. You cry out again and begin to struggle, but your hands are tied and any movement causes a sharp pain in your wings. $rando['Hold still, bitch!'] orders the man. You whimper as he places a few final nails in your wings. $rando['You aren't going anywhere... so answer our questions and we can do this the easy way. How did you get in here?'] (display:"talk")[['I walked in by mistake.'->torture 1 drunk]] (display:"talk")[['Where am I?'->torture 1 drunk]]

$dark $rando['This bitch is messing with us!'] You realize that the man is not alone. His other friends are here too, hiding in the darkness. $rando['Let's make this a little more fun, boys!'] The man grabs your top and tears ot open, exposing your breasts. With a swift movement, two metal clamps click around your nipples, sending a jolt of pain through your body. $rando['I will ask again - how did you get in here? Who told you about this place?'] (display:"talk")[['Fuck you!'->torture 2 drunk]] (display:"talk")[['A little birdie told me.'->torture 2 drunk]]

$dark <img src="images/torture.png" width="700" align="right"> An electric shock hits your breasts, causing your entire body to shake. It hurts, but it in a good way. As you recover from the zap, you are surprised to feel that your groin is growing wet. $rando['Talk, bitch!'] Another shock hits you, sending waves of pain and pleasure through your spine. The $A[hunger] that was at bay for a while is now growing strong again. Your thoughts are becoming cloudy. The next shock sends you into the beginning of an euphoria. You feel lightheaded and numb. $rando['Last chance to tell me, doll.'] You meekly shake your head, struggling for words. Your only hope is to wait for death and reset. If they learn your secrets, they could keep you a prisoner forever. 'I know what will loosen her up!' says another voice. 'Here, try this!' [[Another shock hits you->torture 3 drunk]]

$dark <img src="images/torture.png" width="700" align="right" > The man approaches you with a small elongated object, connected to another cable. He caresses your cheek with a cruel smirk, before leaning down. $rando['Open your legs, sweetheart.'] To your horror and shame, you comly with his request. The metal slides easily in your already wet pussy. Soon after, the next shock comes, this time stimulating you from all sides. $a['Aaaah!'] You moan with pleasure. You never believed that it could be forced upon you like this. Another shock comes, and you can sense that they're increasing the voltage. Your mind starts going blank. You are unable to think straight. With the next zap, you start climbing towards an orgasm. The man grabs you by the hair and shoves his cock in your mouth. You begin sucking obediently, unable to help yourself. Completely defenceless, you give in to the pleasure, [[reaching an orgasm->torture 4 drunk]]. (set: $bcharges -=1)

$dark <img src="images/torture.png" width="700" align="right"> Shaking with pleasure, you reach a powerful climax, hightened by the next pulse on your nipples. At the same time, something strange happens. You can't explain how you know it, but you can see. Vivid as day in your mind's eye, the bracelet loses one of its (colour:"#FFCCCC")[crimson beads]. If this keeps on like that, you might lose all your charges. However the horrifying reality of the situation is still not enough to sober you up, and the next shock sends you moaning back into pleasure. $rando['How many orgasms do you think she'll take before she breaks, boys?'] The men in the darkness laugh. $rando['One last chance, creature! Talk! Who sent you?'] (display:"challenge")[Try to get out of the situation]<next| (click:?next)[(goto:"Next Patch")]

$dark You lean against the stone wall and perk your ears. $Mi[Mihai] is talking with someone in low wshipers, so despite the open door, the conversation isn't easy to follow. $Mi[...ly you understand tha... ...takes are hi....] $R[....are mistaken, my son... ] $Mi[They will support us... ...what we can offer...] $R[...are still young, foolish...] $Mi[The times.... ...we will bring change...] $R[...you must... ] $Mi[Thank you... .... I will go now...] The conversation quiets down. Mihai will probably leave the room soon. And run directly into you. $A[Shit, I didn't think this far!] You could go down, now. With some luck, Mihai won't hear you and you'll be on your way without anyone suspecting that you were ever here. Alternatively... Your mind races. The corridor is pitch black. You could probably slip inside the room quickly enough, without Mihai noticing anything. It's a gamble, but you could probably pull it off and get into the tower. It might be your only opportunity to enter the room without the keys. But then again, you could get locked inside... (display:"goto")[[Turn back while you can]] (display:"goto")[[Quietly slip into the room]] (set: _ti to 15)

$dark<img src="images/torture0.png" width="500" align="right"> A slap on your face brings you back awake. You are sitting on a chair next to a wall. The figure looming above you steps back into the light, and you recognize the man from the inn, who had his way with you while his buddies watched. But that was in another lifetime, while you were still human. $A[Does he remember me...?] Your memory is a growing mess. You blink at the man, confused. $rando['Well, well, well, what have we got here. A little lost, aren't you?'] There is an edge in his voice, a danger that sends your mind on high alert. You test your arms - they are tied behind your back. You can't move. $rando['Aye, you aren't going anywhere, better get comfortable darling.'] You try to calm down and observe your surroundings. You are in a room filled with various contraptions, no doubt still somewhere in Lavius' laboratory. There is a single yellow bulb illuminating the man in front of you. Squinting beyond the electric halo, you notice his friends, leaning behind in the shadows... There are four of them, and you are alone and tied up. The situation isn't looking good. $rando['How did you get in here?'] (display:"talk")['I walked in by mistake.']<walked| (display:"talk")['Where am I?']<where| (click:?walked)[(set: $td1 to "walked")(goto:"t drunk 2")] (click:?where)[(set: $td1 to "where")(goto:"t drunk 3")]

$dark<img src="images/torture0.png" width="500" align="right"> The man turns around to look at his friends, then erupts in laughter. $rando['Really, just like that? I find this hard to believe.'] You give a shrug, trying to look as innocent as you can. $rando['You are either very brave or very stupid, girl. You must take us for complete fools.'] The man leans in, peering down at you. $rando['We are not fools.'] His heavy breath carries whiskey, cigars and debauchery. You turn away. $rando['Hey! Look at me when I'm speaking, girl! How did you get in here?'] (display:"talk")[['Fuck you!'->t drunk fyou]] (display:"talk")[['I saw Lavius get in'->t drunk password]]

$dark<img src="images/torture0.png" width="500" align="right"> The man turns around to look at his friends, then erupts in laughter. $rando['You are either very brave or very stupid, girl. We ask the questions here.'] The man leans in, peering down at you. $rando['You understand, doll?'] His heavy breath carries whiskey, cigars and debauchery. You turn away. $rando['Hey! Look at me when I'm speaking, girl! How did you get in here?'] (display:"talk")[['Fuck you!'->t drunk fyou]] (display:"talk")[['I saw Lavius get in'->t drunk password]]

$dark $a['Fuck off!'] you roar in his face, mustering all of your confidence. So what if you're all tied up? You've faced way worse, and even if they decide to kill you, you will have the opportunity to have the last laugh. <img src="images/torture1.png" width="600" align="right"> The man's lips blossom into a wide, sadistic smile. $rando['You know, doll, you keep taking us for fools. You wouldn't be here if you were just a tourist. Let's see what truly lies underneath.'] He grabs grabs one of the devices from the counter behind him and points it at you. It looks a little bit like an oversized antenna, with lots of wires and gizmos attached to it. The device makes a bleeping sound, and you feel a tingling sensation in your bones. A heat spreads through your body and suddenly your wings materialize, along with a sharp spike of your $A[hunger]. The man stares at you with a mischevious smile. $rando['Oh, we caught a pretty one today. Grab her boys!'] The men emerge from the shadows and grab you with full strength. $rando['Hold her steady!'] (display:"talk")[['Hey, what's going on?!'->t drunk nail]]

$dark $a['I saw Lavius come in here and just decided to follow. I wanted to talk to him, that's all!'] you try to put on your most innocent face. What could be the worst that could happen? They'll probably have their way with you and let you go. <img src="images/torture1.png" width="600" align="right"> The man's lips blossom into a wide, sadistic smile. $rando['You know, doll, you keep taking us for fools. You can't just follow Lavius to his lair. No simple girl can outsmart him that easily. Let's see what truly lies underneath.'] He grabs grabs one of the devices from the counter behind him and points it at you. It looks a little bit like an oversized antenna, with lots of wires and gizmos attached to it. The device makes a bleeping sound, and you feel a tingling sensation in your bones. A heat spreads through your body and suddenly your wings materialize, along with a sharp spike of your $A[hunger]. The man stares at you with a mischevious smile. $rando['Oh, we caught a pretty one today. Grab her boys!'] The men emerge from the shadows and grab you with full strength. $rando['Hold her steady!'] (display:"talk")[['Hey, what's going on?!'->t drunk nail]]

$dark As quickly and quietly as you can, you make your way down the spiraling staircase, careful not to trip in the darkness. Eventually, you see the light of the exit and emerge back into the familiar hallway of the attic. $A[Phew! That was a little too close for comfort. I better hurry and head downstairs before Mihai makes it down as well.] You breathe deeply to calm your racing heart and pretend that nothing has happened. $in[Your gut tells you that you have gained a piece of valuable information, even if you're not yet sure how to use it.] Now, it's time to press on. (display:"goto")[[Head downstairs->Go downstairs]](set: _ti to 10)

$dark Your heart racing, you decide to go for it. You cross the threshold of the door, following it with your hand. The old wood is grainy and coarse. You slide along the open door and slip behind it, back against the wall. You can feel every beat of your heart resonate in your throat. $A[Calm down, Alexandra.... even if Mihai can see in the dark... you are behind the door, he won't notice you...] The owner's footsteps approach closer and closer. You can hear the gentle tapping of his cane on the wooden floor of the room. The door swings shut as Mihai passes by. Only after you hear him descend calmly down the stairs do you finally allow yourself to breathe. You exhale a deep sigh of relief. $R['Whhy are you hhere...?'] whispers a voice in the darkness. (display:"talk")[['I wanted to meet you.']] (if: $deathlist contains "treason")[(display:"talk")[['I wanted to warn you.']] ](set: _ti to 10)

$dark $a['I suppose I was just curious to meet you.'] There is the sound of flapping somewhere above you can feel the movement of air in a vast open space. $R['Churious.... you are a naivhe creature...'] You take a step back, pushing your back against the door. Something in the voice makes the hairs on your neck raise. $R['My son didn't tell you.... to sthay awhay...?'] the voice wheezes above you. $a['He did say something like that...'] $R['You arhe... disobhedhient...'] You reach behind you and feel the surface with your hand, searching for the door handle. After a few long seconds your fingers grasp the brass and pull towards you, but nothing happens. The door won't budge. $R['You shouldvhe listhened...'] The air shifts and you feel something descending towards you in the darkness. You leap to the side, but it's too late. Something big and heavy falls on top of you, pinning you to the ground. A sharp pain nails into your brain as teeth sink into your neck and you feel the warm blood seep into your clothes. Weakness begins to take you and your struggles grow feebler by the second, until your limp limbs become completely motionless. You fall into down, [[deeper into the darkness->DIESUCCUBUS]]. (set: $lastdeath to "elder") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "elder"))

$dark $a['I- I wanted to warn you about something bad that is about to happen.'] There is the sound of flapping somewhere above you can feel the movement of air in a vast open space. $R['Wharn....**me**? You are a naivhe creature...'] You take a step back, pushing your back against the door. Something in the voice makes the hairs on your neck raise. $a['It's true! Someone is plotting to kill Mihai-'] $R['To khill... my son...?'] the voice wheezes above you. $a['Yes...'] $R['Imphossible... no one whould be stupid enough... to angher me...'] There is more flapping of wings, circling in the darkness above you, coming closer and closer. (display:"brain")[[Try to convince him]] (set:_ti to 15) (display:"goto")[[Try to run away]]

(if: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[As soon as you arrive downstairs, you run into Ionut, fussing about the mermaid's box. $a['Hey Ionut, need a hand with that?'] The hunched man lifts his head towards you. $Io['Yes, thank you'] The servant springs with surprising agility behind the big box, lifting one end and letting you go and grab the other. $A[No wonder it's that heavy, I couldn't even see the bottom...] The fact that you got the information out of the old servant fills you with little reassurance, as you feel the eeries splashing of water inside the deceptively small container. It is not easy to carry, even for the both of you. You preserve your breath and help Ionut along the way. (display:"goto")[[Move the box inside the basement]] ](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "failed")[As soon as you arrive downstairs, you run into Ionut, fussing about the wooden box. $a['Hey Ionut, need a hand with that?'] The hunched man lifts his head towards you. $Io['Yes, thank you'] The servant springs with surprising agility behind the big box, lifting one end and letting you go and grab the other. $A[The damned thing is still so heavy...] Not knowing what lurks inside fills you with little reassurance, as you feel the eeries splashing of water inside the deceptively small container. It is not easy to carry, even for the both of you. You preserve your breath and help Ionut along the way. (display:"goto")[[Move the box inside the basement]] ](else:)[As soon as you arrive downstairs, you run into Ionut, fussing about the wooden box. $a['Hey Ionut, need a hand with that?'] The hunched man lifts his head towards you. $Io['Yes, thank you'] The servant springs with surprising agility behind the big box, lifting one end and letting you go and grab the other. $A[The damned thing is still so heavy...] Not knowing what lurks inside fills you with little reassurance, as you feel the eeries splashing of water inside. It is not easy to carry, even for the both of you. You preserve your breath and help Ionut along the way. (display:"goto")[[Move the box inside the basement]] ]

(if: $hour<14)[(goto:"Head to the library")]$game Strolling down the other hallway you emerge at the small game room. It has tall windows overlooking the garden, as well as a number of small tables surrounded by armchairs. Of course, the central feature is the old pool table, which is currently occupied. As you predicted, the two guests are already there. $L[Lavius,] dressed in the finest velvet, is skipping around with a glass of wine in his hand. On the other end the $W[werewolf], currently in his human form and still wearing his bath robe and bunny slippers, is trying to aim a trick shot while puffing on a large cigar. The two of them seem to be in the middle of a heated discussion. This time, you try to pay attention and manage to catch the last bits of the exchange: $L['...not sure if she would be convinced...'] $W['...don't like this...'] The two guests hush their voices as they see you approach. (display:"talk")[['Hello, boys']](set: _ti to 10) (display:"goto")[[Ignore them and continue to the library]]

$game $L['Well, well, well, if it isn't the beautiful damsel from the reception! Tell me, my dear, do you play pool?'] You eye them up and down. There is nothing in Lavius' charming smile that hints at the atrocities that he's about to commit tonight. But you know. The werewolf on the other hand seems very nonchalant about the whole thing. $A[They seemed to be discussing something important, perhaps their plans for tonight... I wonder if I can learn more, or even intervene in any way...] You suddenly realize that the two of them may not necessarily be in complete agreement. Perhaps you could try and divide and conquer this tricky situation? $a['I've been eager for a stroll in the garden, actually. Would one of you gentlemen care to acompany me?'] They exhange looks. $L['We're a little busy at the moment, my dear lady.'] Lavius is polite as ever, but you can tell from his look that he's firm. The other guest puffs from his cigar, disinterested in the conversation. (display:"challenge")[['I'll play you for it']] (set: _ti to 10) (display:"bk")[[Perhaps another time]]

$dark $a['It's true!'] you insist again. $a['I know that I shouldn't be here and I would never break your rules - if it wasn't for Mihai.'] Your frail voice echoes in the darkness, followed by silence. The creature in the darkness seems to have stopped its descent. $R['Hhow do you khnow... that they will khil him...?'] You take a deep breath, trying to piece everything together. Lavius, the werewolf. Elise. The box in the basement. (if: $sanity <80)[You find it hard to concentrate and stay on track. The air suddenly feels hot, your thoughts returning to Lavius and the library. The wolf in the woods. Your helpless body taken advantage of, over and over again. You fumble with the beads on the bracelet. You only have $bcharges left. This is bad. You will get killed again. Your heart starts racing. Why is this exciting you? No, you have to gather your thoughts together... $R['Whell...?'] $a['I- I can't quite explain it....'] $R['Fhoolish girl!!'] the voice raises in anger. You realize that you have foiled any chance of convincing the Elder. $R[You have failed a sanity challenge.] (display:"goto")[[Try to run away]] ](else:)[ SUCCESS! This is a placeholder text. If you see this please report it as a bug. (display:"goto")[[Turn back while you can]] (set: _ti to 20) ]

$dark You reach behind you and feel the surface with your hand, searching for the door handle. After a few long seconds your fingers grasp the brass and pull towards you, but nothing happens. The door won't budge. $R['You shouldvhe listhened to Mihai... you are dishobedient...'] The air shifts and you feel something descending towards you in the darkness. You leap to the side, but it's too late. Something big and heavy falls on top of you, pinning you to the ground. A sharp pain nails into your brain as teeth sink into your neck and you feel the warm blood seep into your clothes. Weakness begins to take you and your struggles grow feebler by the second, until your limp limbs become completely motionless. You fall into down, [[deeper into the darkness->DIESUCCUBUS]]. (set: $lastdeath to "elder") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "elder"))

With a final effort, you manage to move the heavy box down to the basement of the Crooked Elm, placing it on the cold stone floor. Ionut leans on a nearby table, lighting a cigarette. The smoke drifts through the damp air of the basement like thin grey mist. (if: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart")[$in[You know what's in the box already. The question is, could you learn even more?] ](else:)[$in[You still don't know enough about the contents of the box. Now could be a good moment to catch up.] ]$a['So, what was that all about?'] The servant gives you a grumpy look. $Io['You vant to know? Ask Mihai.'] He takes another slow puff from his cigarette. (display:"challenge")[[Try to get more information out of him]] (display:"bk")[[Leave]] (set: _ti to 10)

$base You turn your eyes to the box, circling it with curiosity. You already know that there is a mermaid inside. The quesiton is, what more could you learn? You try to concentrate and to think about it rationally, but for some reason you are having issues getting your thoughts in order. $A[Why does my mind feel so **hazy**?] (if: $suit is "housemaid outfit")[The housemaid outfit also isn't helping. You suddenly feel like one of those **dumb girls** in the pornos. The way that the servant is looking at you isn't helping either. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. $a['Who sent the box down here?'] $Io['Lavius, don't you remember?'] The servant gives you an odd look. You feel embarassed about your sudden gap of memory. $Io['You know, I have never been with your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] You hesitantly appoach the servant. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with more eagerness than is really required. At the end, just when you can feel him hard and throbbing, the servant pulls out, emptying his load on your generously exposed tits. $a['So, tell me about the box!'] you exclaim in an eager, high-pitvced voice. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no new information, no bead charge, and only more frustration than before.(set: $lust +=10)](elseif: $suit is "devil's gown")[The devil's gown also isn't helping. You can sense the servant's eyes on you at all times, and you can guess what he's thinking about. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. $a['Who sent the box down here?'] $Io['Lavius, don't you remember?'] The servant gives you an odd look. You feel embarassed about your sudden gap of memory. $Io['You know, I have never been with your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] It's the simplest way. You appoach the servant confidently. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You start giving him a wet, sloppy blowjob with more eagerness than is really required. Suddenly the fibers of the devil's gown start melting and the garment reshapes in front of your very eyes. Bewildered, you find yourself in the outfit of a Russian ballerina. Your hair turns blonde and your waist shrinks to the tiniest possible size. $Io['Natasha!'] The servant's eyes grow wild and he lifts you up in the air, spinning you around. Suddenly you are placed face down on the old work table and the servant is on top of you. Before you can say anything his cock rams into your petite ass with more passion than you ever thought possible for such an old man. His weight pushes you down and you just have to take it, waiting until he's done. After several minutes you finally feel his warmth inside of you, and he rolls off, allowing you to breathe again. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['I have to go now.'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no new information. At least you got a charge out of it. (set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust +=7)](elseif: $suit is "butler's uniform")[The way that the servant is looking at you isn't helping either. You can feel his barely hidden amusement at your struggle. $Io['Zo, did you vigure it out?'] $a['Hush, I'm thinking!'] You pace back and forth in the damp basement. $a['Who sent the box down here?'] $Io['Lavius, don't you remember?'] The servant gives you an odd look. You feel embarassed about your sudden gap of memory. $Io['You know, I have never been with your kind. If you are nice to me, maybe I tell you.'] Ionut has a smug look on his face. Your eyes fall down and notice a rather large bulge in his pants. $A[Well if that's what he wants...] You hesitantly appoach the servant. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] You fall on your knees and look up at him. To your surprise, you don't see the lusty expression you expected. $a['What's wrong?'] $Io['Your butler's uniform. Not sexy. You look like a boy.'] $a['So tell me about the box!'] you exclaim in an eager, high-pitvced voice. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes? Vear someving better next time.'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no new information, no bead charge, and only more frustration than before.(set: $lust +=5)] [[Leave]] $R[You failed a sanity check.] (set: _ti to 15) (set: $sanity-=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed")

You approach Ionut confidently, flashing your sexy housemaid outfit. You feel like one of those dumb girls in the pornos, but the way that the servant is looking at you shows that it's working. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything, but you can see that he has a large bulge in his pants. You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me, why is the box so important, Ionut?'] you ask with a velvet voice. The servant groans with pleasure. You pull back, allowing his cock to slip out of your mouth. $a['Tell me now, big boy. Why did Lavius have the box brought here?'] His hand reaches to the back of your head, beckoning your forward. (if: $lewd<70)[$a['Uh-uh,'] you say with a teasing, cruel voice, giving a small lick of his shaft. $a['Talk first, fun later.'] $Io['Okay!'] the servant gives up. $Io['There iz a friend of his inside! Someone he really cares about!'] $a['Good boy!'] You take his cock in your lips and finish the job. It takes you just a minute to feel his warm cum erupt in your mouth, feeding another charge on your bracelet. $in[You have learned that lavius cares about the mermaid, and that she only comes out at night.](set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust -=20) (set: $ionut_challenge to "heart")(display:"secret.mermaid2") $I[You were successful on a lust check! You satiate your hunger a little.]](else:)[You find yourself unable to resist the urge. There is a need inside of you that you can't control. Your head lunges forward again, taking his cock. You let yourself be guided back and forth by the hand on your head. It feels good to be obedient. You close your eyes, enjoying the moment. Eventually the servant cums, emptying his seed down your throat. You are almost dissapointed that it's over. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, and a growing frustration, but at least you got a bead charge.(set: $lust +=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") $R[You failed a lust test.]]

You approach Ionut confidently, flashing your extravagant devil's gown. You feel like you are completely in control, and the way that the servant is looking at you shows that it's working. $a['Indeed, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything, but you can see that he has a large bulge in his pants. You fall on your knees and let him unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. You give him a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me, why is the box so important, Ionut?'] you ask with a velvet voice. The servant groans with pleasure. You pull back, allowing his cock to slip out of your mouth. $a['Tell me now, big boy. Why did Lavius have the box brought here?'] Suddenly the fibers of the devil's gown start melting and the garment reshapes in front of your very eyes. Bewildered, you find yourself in the outfit of a Russian ballerina. Your hair turns blonde and your waist shrinks to the tiniest possible size. $Io['Natasha!'] exclaims Ionut with wide eyes. Suddenly you know what to do. You bend over the table, lifting the miniskirt up and exposing the cutest little butt in the world. Ionut grabs you with eager hands, pressing his cock against the petite asshole. (if: $lewd<70)[$a['Uh-uh,'] you say with a teasing, cruel voice, clenching it tight. $a['Talk first, fun later.'] $Io['Okay!'] the servant gives up. $Io['There iz a friend of his inside! Someone he really cares about!'] $a['Good boy!'] You relax and let him in. He rams his big misshapen member in with such vigor and readiness as if the entire Bolshoï Theatre is watching his performance. It doesn't take long until you can feel his warm seed spill inside of you. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['I have to go now.'] He puts himself together and limps his way out of the basement.(set: $bcharges +=1)(set: $lust -=20) (set: $ionut_challenge to "heart") $in[You have learned that lavius cares about the mermaid, and that she only comes out at night.](display:"secret.mermaid2") $I[You were successful on a lust check! You satiate your hunger a little.]](else:)[You find yourself unable to resist the urge. There is a need inside of you that you can't control. As soon as he presses insisntenly you relax and let him in. He rams his big misshapen member in with such vigor and readiness as if the entire Bolshoï Theatre is watching his performance. It doesn't take long until you can feel his warm seed spill inside of you. $Io['Natasha,'] mumbles the servant again. $Io['Sorry, I have to go now'] smirks the servant. ['I see you around, yes?'] You look at him limping his way out of the basement. You are left with no answers, and a growing frustration, but at least you got a bead charge.(set: $lust +=5) (set: $bcharges +=1) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") $R[You failed a lust test.]]

You approach Ionut a little awkwardly, trying to strike your most seductive pose despite the tightness of your $suit. The look on the servant's face tells you he's not all that impressed. $a['Ionut, we can help each other here...'] you wink at him. He doesn't say anything. You fall on your knees and unbluckle his belt, taking the misshapen cock in your mouth. It's not very hard, but you try to do your best work with a wet, sloppy blowjob with all the eagerness that you have. $a['Tell me about the box, Ionut.'] The servant seems unconvinced. $Io['I can't do that,'] Your $suit probably really isn't the best option to get a reaction from Ionut. Frustrated, you stop the blowjob and walk away. It's clear that you're not getting anything out of him this way. The only thing you achieved was to grow more frustrated. (set: $lust +=8) (set: $ionut_challenge to "failed") $R[You failed a seduction.]

$base You turn your eyes to the box, circle it with curiosity. You already know what's inside, the question is: what else can you learn? $a['Lavius had it brought here, correct?'] You glance at Ionut. $Io['Yes, that is correct-'] $a['So it must be important to him, to go through all the trouble.'] You look at the servant again, he seems to be trying his best poker face, which isn't going "vell" for him at all. $a['Why is it so important, Ionut?'] The servant looks away. You remember his earlier words about the new guests. $a['**Someone's** in the aqarium, right Ionut? Why does Lavius bring another guest?'] $Io['Alrigt, vine! It's a friend of his. Someone he cares about.'] $a['A friend? So am I!'] you exclaim. $a['Can I see her? I would love to talk about our mitual acquaintance.'] $Io['How do you know it'z a her?'] the servant raises an eyebrow. $a['Of course it's a **her**! This is Lavius we are talking about.'] you laugh. Ionut consideres this and shrugs. $Io['Can't talk with her, I'm avraid. She only comes out at night.'] You consider this and nod to the servant. $in[You have learned that lavius cares about the mermaid, and that she only comes out at night.] $clarity[You have successfully passed a sanity check!] (set: _ti to 15)(set: $sanity +=5) (set: $ionut_challenge to "brain2") (display:"secret.mermaid2") (display:"goto")[[leave->Leave]].

$rec (if: $Mihaibrief is 0)[(display:"reflect2.first")](else:)[(if: $hour<12)[(display:"reflect.beforeguests")](else:)[(display:"reflect.afterguests") ] (if: $merfed is 0)[(display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ](display:"goto")[[Head to the library->game room2]] (display:"goto")[[Go outside->gar2]] (if: $felicia_level>4)[ (display:"goto")[[Head to the village]] ] ](set: _ti to 10)

$din Just as you expected, the owner of The Crooked Elm is already waiting for you. As he goes through the same instructions you already heard last time, you wonder if you should say anything to warn him. $A[If I'm gonna do it, now would be the time to speak up...] (display:"goto")[[Don't mention anything]] (display:"goto")$R[Warn Mihai](set: _ti to 10)

It's $hour:$minute and you are alone at the reception. $A[I have to figure out what is going on...] You know that Mihai will is waiting for you to brief you on the day. (display:"goto")[[Have breakfast with Mihai->Mihai.briefing]] (set: _ti to 20)

$game Lavius raises an eyebrow, bemused. $L['You think you can beat us?'] $a['I can try,'] you reply coyly. $a['and if I do, one of you will accompany me in the garden.'] $L['And if you lose?'] his smile stretches. $a['Well, I'll leave it up to you to decide,'] you reply with feigned innocence. The hint is easy enough to get. $L['Very well then! A game of pool it is. Though I'm not sure that you can handle both of us at the same time, sweetheart.'] he smirks. $L['But I'll even make this fair for you - I will play, and my friend here will watch.'] The man with the bunny slippers, finally paying attention, seems equally amused with your challenge. Relaxed on the sofa with a glass of whiskey in his hand, he lays back, ready for some entertainment. (display:"goto")[[Begin the game]] (set: _ti to 10)

$game You nod at the two guests. $a['Apologies for the disturbance.'] (display:"goto")[[To the library->library2]] (set: _ti to 5)

$dark You are in a dark forest. You haven't opened your eyes yet, but you know that you are in a dark forest. You can **feel** the black trees around you, their roots digging down, deep through the soil and into the heart of the earth. <img src="images/dark_encounter.png" width="700" align="right" > This is not a place for mortals. You want to get out, you have to get out. But you can't. Your limp and lifeless body lies on the path, under a starless sky. There is no wind in this place, no animals, no flowers. Only roots going down, into eternity. You feel a dark presence coming along the path and stopping a few feet away. $O['Such a pity to see you here, young one.'] You try to lift your head up, but your body is like stone. Soon the roots will grow through you too. (set: $second_chance to 1) $O['I will help you this time. But know that you will bear my mark, and when the time comes, you will pay the price.'] The words seep into your flesh like autumn rain in dry soil. They are absolute, irrefutable. A warmth grows on your wrist and forest fades away as you are pulled up and away, [[out of a bad dream...->revive.succ]] (display:"succ.stat.reset")

$game You know that Lavius is good, but you are ready to meet the challenge. You saw his tricks and style last time and you are ready to match him with your own skill. The game starts and you quickly realize that you are deerily mistaken. The vampire is playing on an entirely different level than before. He shoots with elegance and precision that any pool master would be envious of. What's worse, you can tell by the gentle smirk on his face that he isn't even giving his best. $A[Damn, if this continues I don't stand a chance! I need to think of something if I want to win...] He has barely taken his first few shots but you already realize that there is a big gap between your abilities. On the sofa across the room, the wolf is quietly sipping his whiskey, observing you intently. (display:"heart")[[Distract Lavius with your charms]] (display:"brain")[[Bank on your wit for a clever plan]] (set: _ti to 15)

$rec (if: $hour<14 and $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart" or "brain2" or "heart2")[The day is still starting and now's probably the best time to take care of the mermaid's meal. $A[What do mermaids eat anyways? I hope I can find something suitable around..]](elseif: $hour<14)[The day is still starting and now's probably the best time to take care of Lavius' request. $A[What is in that box anyways? I have no idea what it eats, but hopefully I can find something suitable around..]](elseif: $ionut_challenge is "brain" or "heart" or "brain2" or "heart2")[You are already late with this chore. All you can do is hope that the mermaid will not be too hungry and that Lavius will overlook that you didn't fulfil his request on time. $A[What do mermaids eat anyways? I hope I can find something suitable around..]](else:)[You are already late with this chore. All you can do is hope that whatever the creature in the box is, it will not be too hungry. $A[I better be careful, just in case...] Then there's Lavius. He would expect this to be done earlier - you hope that the extravagant vampire will overlook that you didn't fulfil his request on time. $A[What is in that box anyways? I have no idea what it eats, but hopefully I can find something suitable around..]] (display:"goto")[[Go to the kitchen->kitchen2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$din You decide that right now the best thing would be to keep quiet and try to understand the situation before you really act on it. The conversation goes as before and you do your best not to give anything away. You skip breakfast, knowing that you might need the extra time and the food will not fill you up anyways. Just as before, the $A[hunger] is already growing. You will need to do something about that. With Mihai off your back, you are at last free to act. (set: $Mihaibrief to 1) (display:"goto")[[Continue->reflect2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$gar You take the moment to circle the pond and find a bench that is sheltered away from the eyes of the manor. No one can see that you're here. Sometimes it can feel that you are always on the run, that time is pressing you to make choices and to act now. But here, the quiet rustling of the mountain reminds you that you can always take a moment for a deep breath. You could stay here for a while and try to clear your mind or gain better control of your unnatural urges. (display:"brain")[[Seek inner clarity]] (display:"heart")[[Control the needs of your body]] (display:"bk")[[Return to the hotel->reflect2]] (set: _ti to 10)

$gar You cross your legs and contemplate the surface of the pond. Lately, your mind has been jumbled, with all the changes coming in too fast to process. You take deep breaths and let your stream of consciousness flow, sinking deeper within your mind. $A[I have changed, but I am still me. I am Alex. I will get through this, one way or another...] You let the thoughts flow freely, until they eventually quiet and settle down. For the first time in a long while, you feel your mind is clear. You are at peace. Time passes, but you decide not to think about the clock right now. $clarity[You have regained some clarity!] (display:"bk")[[Return to the hotel->reflect2]] (set: $hour +=2)(set: $sanity +=35) (set: $meditation to 1)

$gar You cross your legs and contemplate the surface of the pond. Lately, you have experienced so many changes to your body, and so many urges that have been difficult to control. You take deep breaths and you try to feel your new body and get in touch with it. $A[I have changed, but I am still me. I am Alex. I am a woman... I am a succubus now. But I won't let it define me.] You feel the femininity inside you. The soft raising of your chest with every breath. Your dark hair flowing down your shoulders. The warmth between your legs. $A[That's okay. I have needs as a succubus.] You are at peace. You have decided to accept your new nature. Time passes, but you decide not to think about the clock right now. (colour:#fab0ff)[You have reduced your hunger!] (display:"bk")[[Return to the hotel->reflect2]] (set: $hour +=2)(set: $lust -=35) (set: $meditation to 1)

$game You nod at the guests and walk quietly past them and into the library. (display:"goto")[[To the library->library2]] (set: _ti to 5)

<img src="images/goto.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-5px; margin-left:5px;" width="40">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

$game You decide that it's time to use all the cards that you've got. When it's your turn to shoot, you brush past Lavius, making sure that your breasts rub against his shoulder. Then you lean on the table, bending forward. You don't really need to take that long to aim, but you want to make sure that your short skirt is lifting as far up as possible. When you finally take your shot and turn around, you catch Lavius' hungry stare stuck on your ass. $A[Good, the strategy seems to be working!] On his next turn, the vampire takes more time than usual, but still manages to pocket his ball. $W['You're going down, girl,'] growls the wolf amidst a puff of smoke. You lift your head to meet his eyes, but you can't read his expression. (display:"goto")[[Step up your game]] (set: _ti to 10)

$game Lavius may pull of better shots than you do, but there may be a way to outsmart him. You carefully observe the positioning of the balls on the table. $A[If I let him have this one, and then I hit that one over there, then he might get himself into a trap and accidentally pocket the 8 ball... yes, that might work...] You formulate a plan in your head, now all that's left is the execution. The game is getting heated and understimating Lavius is a sure path to a quick defeat. (display:"goto")[[Execute your plan]] (set: _ti to 20)

$game You know what you have to do. If you manage to trick him into pocketing the 8 ball, you will win, despite his advantage. You concentrate, trying to calculate the angles and positions. $A[And this one goes here...] (if: $sanity>65)[You pretend to miss your shoot, while carefully positioning the balls for your strategy. $A[He will go for that one now, and won't notice that the white ball will bounce off just right...] Lavius shoots, just as expected. He gets pockets his target, but then the white ball bounces oof, just as you predicted... ...and it hits another ball, bouncing again... ...right on trajectory, it hits the 8 ball, very gently, but enough to push it in the corner socket. $L['Fucke mee!'] exclaims Lavius, a surprised look on his face. $a['Tough luck, **darling**,'] you wink at him. $clarity[**You have succeeded in a sanity challenge!**] (display:"goto")[[You win the game!]] ](else:)[You try to position your shot, but start getting confused. Your mind doesn't funciton as clearly as you would like it to. $A[I hit this one, and then it bounces off, hits that one... no, that's not right...] You hit the ball, which bounces off the edge and hits one of Lavius' balls instead. $L['You don't need to help me, darling, I am quite capable of winning on my own!'] he grins at you. On your next shot you try it again, but just can't seem your trajectories right. You try to position the 8 ball to get in his way, but you end up pocketing it instead! Lavius turns to you with a twinkle in his eye. $R[You have failed in a sanity challenge!] (display:"goto")[[You have lost the game]] ]

$game Lavius' look of exasperation quickly gives way to a gracious defeat. $L['I admit, I have lost... you are quite the formidable opponent.'] He bows deeply and takes your hand to kiss it. $L['As agreed, we will honor your request. Which one of us do you want to accompany you for a walk in the garden?'] You eye Lavius, who seems eager enough to go with you, and then move your eyes to the man in the bathrobe and bunny slippers, who is silently puffing on his cigar. $A[Either one of them could yeild a clue to what's going...] You consider your options. $L[Lavius] is sure to talk more, but he clearly wants to get in your pants. $W[Wolfie boy] is the silent type, but you might get some straight facts out of him. (display:"goto")[Choose Lavius to go with you]<next| (display:"goto")[Choose the werewolf to go with you]<next| (set: _ti to 10) (click:?next)[(goto:"Next Patch")]

$game $L['You were so close darling! It's a real shame...'] You bow your head, accepting defeat. You will have to try another time to get your plan to work. Just as you're turning around, Lavius' hand on your shoulder stops you gently but firmly. $L['I do remember that you owe us a wager, sweetheart.'] You swallow hard. It's not hard to guess what lavius has in mind. $A[At least an extra charge will come in handy...] The vampire starts going through the pockets of his coat, until he finally produces a small ornate box from within the lining of his garment. $L['I knew this will come in handy one day!'] (display: "talk")[['What's this?']] (set: _ti to 10)

$dark $a['Fuck off!'] you roar in his face, mustering all of your confidence. So what if you're all tied up? You've faced way worse, and even if they decide to kill you, you will have the opportunity to have the last laugh. The man's lips blossom into a wide, sadistic smile. $rando['I was hoping you would say something like that, doll.'] He grabs the top of your dress and rips it apart, yanking your whole body forward. Pieces of the gown fall down as your breasts are exposed to hang naked in the air. The man stares at you. You stare back. $rando['There's no way you managed to just get in here.'] The man's eyes narrow down. $rando['What are you, one of the vampires? Did Mihai send you?']

$dark The men hold your wings against the wall, leaving you not an inch to bulge. The leader grabs a hammer from a drawer, along with a handful of nails. <img src="images/torture2.png" width="600" align="right"> Your eyes grow wide with apprehension. $a['Get away from me you freaks!'] you shout, to no avail. With his friends holding you down, your interrogator nails your wings to the wall. The pain is sharp, but the worst part is the helplessness. You feel like a butterfly pinned to a board. They could do anything they want with you. That is both arousing and terrifying. $rando['So let me try this again. How did you get in here?'] (display:"goto")[[Tell the truth->t drunk truth]] (display:"goto")[[Lie->t drunk lie]]

$dark $a['Lavius brought me here! Then I died and came back in time, but I was a human then...'] <img src="images/torture2.5.png" width="600" align="right"> You break down and start blurting out your story, trying to make something coherent out of it. $rando['This doesn't make any sense! You're clearly lying - but worry not, we have ways of making you talk.'] He grabs the top of your dress and rips it apart, yanking your whole body forward. Your nailed wings scream in pain. Pieces of the gown fall down as your breasts are exposed to hang naked in the air. $rando['You're a succubus, right? These must be extremely sensitive...'] He pinches and twists one of your nipples, stealing a moan from your lips. You don't know whether it's the influence of his device or the strange relationship with pain that you've developped, but these horrifying things are also horribly turning you on. It's extremely embarassing. You know that he knows that he's turning you on. (display:"goto")[[Look away->t drunk electro]]

$dark $a['Lavius told me! We met at the inn and he told me to come meet him here. I swear it's the truth...'] <img src="images/torture2.5.png" width="600" align="right"> It's your best bet to get away with it. Lavius is a total womanizer, so you hope that your story sounds credible enough. $rando['Yer a persistent one... but worry not, we have ways of making you talk.'] He grabs the top of your dress and rips it apart, yanking your whole body forward. Your nailed wings scream in pain. Pieces of the gown fall down as your breasts are exposed to hang naked in the air. $rando['You're a succubus, right? These must be extremely sensitive...'] He pinches and twists one of your nipples, stealing a moan from your lips. You don't know whether it's the influence of his device or the strange relationship with pain that you've developped, but these horrifying things are also horribly turning you on. It's extremely embarassing. You know that he knows that he's turning you on. (display:"goto")[[Look away->t drunk electro]]

$dark After some rummaging in a corner the man produces another device, which he places on the table next to you. <img src="images/torture3.png" width="600" align="right"> He approaches you with two wires, ending with pincers. You know where this is going, and you don't like it. He tears away the rest of your dress, leaving your upper torso completely naked. Then he attaches a pincer to each of your nipples. $rando['Look at me, girl,'] he says in a low voice, lifting your chin up. $rando['Believe me, this gives me great pleasure. But I will make it easy on you if you cooperate. And if you don't...] His hand reaches under between your thighs, caressing your slit. $rando['We'll make this looong and painful.'] You give a quiet whimper as his finger enters your wet hole. $rando['Let's begin, boys!'] [[You feel the device turn on->t drunk electro 2]]

$dark It begins with a soft tingle, which grows slowly. You expected pain, but instead you're getting something... pleasant. <img src="images/torture4.png" width="600" align="right"> The pleasure continues to grow, kindled by the quickening pace of his fingers down your crotch. Despite your best efforts, the heat in your belly is growing. $rando['You're a good little bitch, aren't you? Don't worry, we can make you scream in more ways than one...'] The tingling increases, feeling like tiny needles sticking under your skin. There is some pain, but in your current state it only heightens your arousal. $a['Aaah!'] you cry out, failing to conceal your pleasure. The man's fingers plunge all the way inside your wet hole, stretching you open. $rando['Good little bitch! We'll break you, then we'll make you talk, then we'll break you again, just for the sport!'] He reaches to the device, turning a knob up. The tingling rises sharply, the needles growinginto knives. [[Scream->t drunk electro 3]] (set: $bcharges -=1)

$dark $a['Aaaaaaah!'] <img src="images/torture3.5.png" width="600" align="right"> The sudden increase of stimulation pushes you over the edge, and your body shakes with a powerful orgasm. $rando['This bitch came all over my fingers!'] exclaims the leader, still pushing his hand deep inside of you as you keep cumming, your juices wetting the chair underneath you. His subordinates erupt into laughter, visibly excited. Some of them seem eager to have fun with you as well. As your body finally stops shaking, you feel a sudden **cold** around your wrist. Even without looking, you can tell that **your bracelet has lost one of it's crimson beads!** You aren't sure what just happened, but in an instant your pleasure turns into panic. You only have $bcharges left! If this continues, you will have none remaining, and then your life will truly be in the hands of these bastards. One look at their leader tells you that they aren't letting you walk out of here alive. He doesn't let you sit and think on this though. Before you've even recovered from your orgasm, he turns the device on again. [[Moan->t drunk electro 4]]

$dark $a['Aaaaaaah!'] <img src="images/torture3.5.png" width="600" align="right"> You are climbing up with excitement again, the loss of your bead only further increasing your $a[hunger and desire]. You can't wait to be ravaged by these scoundrels, to be taken over and over again and used like the little fucktoy that you are. As it stands, this is exactly what's going to happen. Unless you do something, right now. (display:"goto")$R[Do nothing] (display:"goto")[[Kick the machine->t drunk suicide]]

$dark With your legs the only part that isn't tied up or nailed down, you reach out and kick the device on the table, managing to jostle the knobs considerably. <img src="images/torture3.9.png" width="600" align="right"> The power surges through your body, amplified tenfold. Every muscle that you have contracts in agony. After a few seconds that seem like an eternity, your heart gives up, overwhelmed by the current. Your pain peaks then subsides, your vision blurring. Your plan was successful. [You are dead]<die| (set: $lastdeath to "torture") (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "torture")) (click:?die)[(goto:"DIESUCCUBUS")]

$lib You follow the gut feeling, turning left and right. You reach a point where you make 4 consecutive right turns, which should have looped you around a shelf... but instead you come across a familiar desk. On it, there is a small note: $M[*I've gone hunting for information. Will be back soon. -xoxo F*] You blink at the piece of paper. It's written in violet ink that smells faintly of... roses and catnip? $A[Damnit, just when I need her!] (display:"goto")[[Return to the gaming room]] (set: _ti to 20)

(set: $sanity -= 20) (set: $bcharges -=1) (set: $day to "Tuesday")(set: $hour to 9)(set: $minute to 0) (set: $suit to "night gown")(set: $suit_mod to 0)(set: $succubus_lust to 1) (set: $succubus_level +=1) (set:$merfed to 0) (set: $meditation to 0)

$room The early morning rays seep through the stained window glass, warming your face. You wake up with a sudden movement, rising in your bed. It is Tuesday again. You didn't go back too far. $a['Damn it!'] you swear under your breath. You have failed in your mission again. You have gained some valuable information, but you will need more. You pace around the room, considering the situation. $A[Perhaps for now my focus should be learning more about what Lavius and the werewolf are up to...] You take a deep breath. It's going to be a long day. [[Check your body for changes->body.changes2]] [[Get dressed]](set: _ti to 30)

$game You head back from the library, returning to the gaming room. Lavius raises an eyebrow with you. $L['Did you miss us already?'] Now that you think about it, figuring out what does two are up to might be your best bet right now. $a['I'm still looking for someone to accompany me for a walk.'] $L['And we're still busy playing pool, love.'] (display:"challenge")[['I'll play you for it']] (set: _ti to 10)

$game Clearly, you need to distract Lavius even more if you want to have any chance of winning. You lean on the table again, making sure that he has a generous view. $a['I'm not sure if I'm holding the cue right... can you give me a hand?'] you ask, turning back towards him with a coy look. Not needing a second invitation, Lavius jumps to the opportunity. He wraps his arms around you, adjusting your grip on the cue. $L['There, if you can just hold it like this...'] As his body is pressing agaisnt yours, you can feel his erection poking against your butt. Your body grows hot as well, the $a[hunger] in you demanding to be satiated. <img src="images/pool0.png" width="1000" align="center"> You feel aroused, but so does Lavius. If you push just a little further, it might be enough to win the game... (display:"heart")[[Finish the job]] (set: _ti to 10)

$game You bend a little lower, rubbing your butt up and down at Lavius' crotch. It's easy to tell that the poor chap is hard as a rock... $A[There, that should do it!] Now it's time to take your shot. You position the cue and aim for the ball... ...when you feel fingers brushing along your slit. A shiver of pleasure runs up your spine and the wetness between your legs grows stronger, soaking up your panties. $L['Come on, dear, it's your turn. Take your shot...'] In an instant, the vampire has turned the situation around. $W['Can you get it in that hole or not?'] <img src="images/pool0.2.png" width="1000" align="center"> Looking up, the werewolf is smirking. You're not sure if he's talking to you, or to Lavius, and the vampire's fingers are growing bolder by the second. Your face reddens as one slips inside of you... $L['Tell you what, darling, I'll make you an amazing offer. If you get this shot in, I'll concede the game. What do you say?'] The offer seems too good not to take it up. (if: $lewd>50)[(display:"goto")[[Reluctantly agree]] ](else:)[(display:"goto")[[Accept the challenge]]](set: _ti to 20)

$room You blink rapidly at the dull morning light. $A[Well, that was quick...] You should be a little more careful with your own life. You still have little to no idea what's going on, and only have $bcharges (colour:"#FFCCCC")[crimson beads] left. (display:"goto")[[Check your body for changes]] (display:"goto")[[Get dressed]]

$game You barely have time to say "Yes" and your panties are pulled down to your ankles. $L['Don't ruin your stance now love, aim as I've shown you!'] You meekly follow his advice, keeping your shoulders square and your legs sperad apart. He spreads your entrance with two fingers and before you can even think of protesting, he's inside of you. <img src="images/pool1.png" width="1000" align="center"> You have handled Lavius before. You have already prepared for the heat in your belly, the sensitivty of your breasts, the $A[need] of that spot deep within that you long him to reach. What you are **not** prepared for is the pitiful smirk on the werewolf's face as he watches Lavius [[have his way with you]]. (set: _ti to 15)

$game A hand pushes your back down to the table, and your ass raises on its own, ready and willing. <img src="images/pool2.png" width="1000" align="center"> $W['You are surprisingly impatient for a man of your age, Lavius.'] A hard cock is inside of you and currently that's all you can think about. The room is spinning and your holes are burning with desire. You try to focus on the cue and the ball, but your hand is slipping. $L['And you choose to sit and watch surprisingly often for a man of your vigor, my friend.'] The pace is quickening and your hips are bouncing back, grinding against the man behind you. You want it and you want it now. Clenching your teeth, you take your shoot. $W['I had a rough night, what can I say.'] Your hand slips, the ball misses. You don't care anymore. With a final, deep stroke, Lavius finished inside of you. There is an explosion of pleasure and another beed blossoms on your wrist. Your head is spinning. $R[You have failed a lust challenge!] (display:"goto")[Close your eyes for a moment]<next| (set: _ti to 20) (click:?next)[(goto:"Next Patch")]

$game The vampire gives you a cheeky look. $L['Once, when I was young, I had a wonderful time with two succubi, such as yourself. As a parting gift they offered me a little artefact, a tool of the pleasures of the flesh.'] He opens the ornate box and carefully pulls out... a small butt-plug. You roll your eyes, trying not to chuckle. $a['I suppose they also offered you demonic lube.'] $L['I expected someone like you to be able to spot an item of power right away. I am disappointed.'] He locks your gaze and you can tell there isn't a trace of jest in his eyes. $a['What does it do?'] you ask in a small voice. $L['When it's inserted in a willing *victim*,'] he licks his lip, $L['it cannot be removed, except by the one who put it there. And as long as it stays in place, her arousal increases with every hour. It's quite delightful to observe, actually.'] You swallow hard as he turns the little plug in his hand. $L['Well, dear, what are you waiting for?'] (display:"goto")[[Bend over]] (set: _ti to 5)

$game You lean on the table not without a hint of eagerness, letting your panties slide to the floor. Having something inside of you that you will have **no** control over sounds both frightening and incredibly exciting. Lavius smacks your ass and presses the plug between your cheeks. $L['Are you ready, dear?'] Not waiting for your reply, he presses down and you feel it gently stretch your hole, sliding deeper and deeper inside. Soon the widest part is right at the threshold, and with just another small push and a little whimper from your lips it softly slides all the way in, lodging in place. $L['There, all done. You quite enjoyed that, it seems!'] he says gleefully, tracing a finger along your wet entrance. $a['H-How long do I have to keep it in?'] $L['As long as I decide, sweetheart! You lost, now you have to bear the consequences.'] Your butt feels surprisingly full for such a small thing. There is an odd feeling emanating from it, it's almost... *spicy*. You wonder if the plug really can't be taken out, or Lavius is just taking you for a ride. $A[Even if it really is enchanted, I **am** a succubus after all, perhaps it won't effect me?] (display:"goto")[[Try to push it out]] (display:"goto")[[Resign to wearing it]] (Set: _ti to 20)

$game You make your way out of the labyrinth of self-folding twists and turns and back to the normality of the gaming room. (if: $hour<14)[It's still early and there is no one here. $A[All of the guests must be busy elsewhere...] This gives you more precious time to take care of things. (display:"bk")[[Return to the reception->reflect2]](set: _ti to 15) ](else:)[While you were dealing with Felicia, the two guests have arrived here. $L[Lavius,] dressed in the finest velvet, is skipping around with a glass of wine in his hand. On the other end the $W[werewolf], currently in his human form and still wearing his bath robe and bunny slippers, is trying to aim a trick shot while puffing on a large cigar. The two of them seem to be in the middle of a heated discussion. This time, you try to pay attention and manage to catch the last bits of the exchange: $L['...not sure if she would be convinced...'] $W['...don't like this...'] The two guests hush their voices as they see you approach. (display:"talk")[['Hello, boys']](set: _ti to 10) (display:"goto")[[Ignore them and continue to the reception]] ]

$game You nod at the guests and walk quietly past them towards the reception. (display:"goto")[[To the reception->reflect2]] (set: _ti to 5)

It's $hour:$minute and you are alone at the reception. You know that the guests will be arriving soon and you will have to take care of things. $A[But do I really want to waste my time taking care of luggage right now? Perhaps I should use every minute to try to learn more...] (display:"goto")$R[Wait for the guests to arrive]

It's currently $hour:$minute. Luckily for you, the guests (if: $hour<14)[are still dining with Mihai](else:)[have already finished dining with Mihai and gone to their own occupations], so there's no one to bother you right now. (display:"goto")$R[Go upstairs]

$rec (if: $Mihaibrief is 0)[(goto:"reflect2.first")](elseif: $reflect <2)[It's $hour:$minute and you are alone at the reception. You know that the guests will be arriving soon and you will have to take care of things. $A[But do I really want to waste my time taking care of luggage right now? Perhaps I should use every minute to try to learn more...] (display:"goto")$R[Wait for the guests to arrive] (display:"goto")[[Head to the library]] (set: _ti to 10) (if: $merfed is 0)[ (display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ] ](else:)[It's currently $hour:$minute. Luckily for you, the guests (if: $hour<14)[are still dining with Mihai](else:)[have already finished dining with Mihai and gone to their own occupations], so there's no one to bother you right now. (display:"goto")$R[Go upstairs] (display:"goto")[[Head to the library->game room2]] (set: _ti to 10) (if: $merfed is 0)[ (display:"30m")[[Feed the creature in the box]] ] (display:"goto")[[Go outside->gar2]] ] (set: _ti to 10)(set: $reflect to 2)

$game $A[How hard can this be...?] You clench your butt, attempting to push the object out. It's an odd sensation. For such a small thing it's surprisingly hard to bulge. As you put more strength in, it's almost as if the harder you push, the bigger it becomes, lodging itself just after your little butthole. Your efforts become excrutiating as the object starts swelling and pushing against your inner walls. Despite your best efforts, you've made almost no progress at all into pushing it out. Resigned, you relax your muscles and it slides back in again, lodging itself deeper with a vengeance. $a['Eek!'] Laughter errupts from your two companions as they observe your reaction. $L['The more you push, the deeper it goes, love. You will have to learn to relax and accept it, unless you want to be butt-fucked as you walk around. Then again, the choice is yours.'] You quickly realise that you won't last very long with this thing. (display:"talk")[['Please remove this, I'll do anything!']] (set: _ti to 10)

$game $A[Better not test this thing...] Just as you are about to get dressed, you feel a warmth emanate from the object, causing a tidal wave of pleasure through your body. A hand pushes your back down to the table, and your ass raises on its own, ready and willing. <img src="images/pool3.png" width="1000" align="center"> $W['You are surprisingly impatient for a man of your age, Lavius.'] A hard cock is inside of you and currently that's all you can think about. The room is spinning and your holes are burning with desire. $L['And you choose to sit and watch surprisingly often for a man of your vigor, my friend.'] The pace is quickening and your hips are bouncing back, grinding against the man behind you. You want it and you want it now. $W['I had a rough night, what can I say.'] With a final, deep stroke, Lavius finished inside of you. There is an explosion of pleasure and another beed blossoms on your wrist. Your head is spinning. (display:"goto")[Close your eyes for a moment]<next| (set: _ti to 20) (click:?next)[(goto:"Next Patch")]

$game $L[That's all you had to say, sweetheart.'] A hand pushes your back down to the table, and your ass raises on its own, ready and willing. <img src="images/pool3.png" width="1000" align="center"> $W['You are surprisingly impatient for a man of your age, Lavius.'] A hard cock is inside of you and currently that's all you can think about. The room is spinning and your holes are burning with desire. $L['And you choose to sit and watch surprisingly often for a man of your vigor, my friend.'] The pace is quickening and your hips are bouncing back, grinding against the man behind you. You want it and you want it now. $W['I had a rough night, what can I say.'] With a final, deep stroke, Lavius finished inside of you. There is an explosion of pleasure and another beed blossoms on your wrist. Your head is spinning. (display:"goto")[Close your eyes for a moment]<next| (set: _ti to 20) (click:?next)[(goto:"Next Patch")]

$game You feel lavius' hands wander on your body, but you try to ignore them. $A[You cna do this, Alexandra! You are better than this!] The $W[werewolf] is smirking at you. You smirk back. Do they think you are just some toy to be used for pleasure? You will show them what a succubus can do. Lavius enters you and you feel his member grow hard inside of your wet pussy. Nevermind that. You focus your mind. <img src="images/pool1.png" width="1000" align="center"> $L['You like that, don't you sweetheart?'] You like it indeed. You like being in control. You shoot, you score. Lavius remains stunned as you pull away from him and get dressed, leaving him with an awkward erection. [[You win the game!]]

$gar You sneak out of the hotel and get ready to descend to the village, but you stop and linger at the gates. $A[Last time things went down pretty poorly, am I really prepared for this?] After a quick deliberation, you decide to return to the hotel. $R[This passage has prevented you from accessing content that is incomplete in the current version of the game.] (display:"goto")[[Back to the hotel->reflect2]]

$sc20[ $M[You have learned a new secret: The Mermaid](set: $secrets +=1) (set: $sc20 to false)]

$sc21[ $M[You have learned a new secret: An old friend... or something more?](set: $secrets +=2) (set: $sc21 to false)]

[(display:"Tasks")]<main| (link-repeat:"<img src='images/tasks.png' width=230>")[(replace:?main)[(display:"Tasks")]]&nbsp&nbsp(link-repeat:"<img src='images/characters.png' width=250>")[(replace:?main)[(display:"Characters")]]&nbsp&nbsp(link-repeat:"<img src='images/choices.png' width=250>")[(replace:?main)[(display:"Choices.journal")]]&nbsp&nbsp(link-repeat:"<img src='images/locations.png' width=250>")[(replace:?main)[(display:"World")]] [<img src='images/exit_journal.png' width="200">]<b| (click: ?b)[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">[<img src='images/arrow_none.png' height="20">]<prev|&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp$T[Characters - Page 1]&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp[<img src='images/arrow_right_red.png' height="20">]<next| </div> (if: $mihai_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.mihai")] (if: $ionut_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.ionut")] (if: $felicia_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.felicia")] (click:?next)[(replace:?main)[(display:"Characters2")]] $R[Module is a work in progress]

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">$T[Tasks]</div> $R[This module is not yet available]

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">$T[Locations]</div> $R[This module is not yet available]

<img src="images/felicia.avatar.png" width="150" align="left">(if: $felicia_avatar is 1)[ Felicia is the mysterious owner of the **Antique Boutique**, who offered you a trinket on a whim, before kicking you out of her shop. ](elseif: $felicia_avatar is 2)[ Felicia is the mysterious owner of the **Antique Boutique**, who offered you a succubus bracelet, saving your life and setting in motion powers beyond your control. ](elseif: $felicia_avatar is 3)[ Owner of the **Antique Boutique** and somehow a cat, Felicia is the one who offered you a succubus bracelet, saving your life and setting in motion powers beyond your control. ]

<img src="images/mihai.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> (if: $mihai_avatar is 1)[ Mihai Petrescu is the man who hired you to work at The Crooked Elm. His father, Vasil Petruscu is technically the owner, but Mihai is the one who *de facto* runs things these fays. ](elseif: $mihai_avatar is 2)[ Mihai Petrescu is the man who hired you to work at The Crooked Elm. His father, Vasil Petruscu is technically the owner, but Mihai is the one who *de facto* runs things these fays. ]

<img src="images/unknown.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> No information available

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">[<img src='images/arrow_left_red.png' height="20">]<prev|&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp$T[Characters - Page 2]&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp[<img src='images/arrow_right_red.png' height="20">]<next| </div> (if: $lavius_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.lavius")] (if: $elise_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.elise")] (if: $wolf_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.wolf")](click:?prev)[(replace:?main)[(display:"Characters")]](click:?next)[(replace:?main)[(display:"Characters3")]] $R[Module is a work in progress]

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">[<img src='images/arrow_left_red.png' height="20">]<prev|&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp$T[Characters - Page 3]&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp[<img src='images/arrow_none.png' height="20">]<next| </div> (display:"char.unknown") (if: $elder_avatar is 0)[(display:"char.unknown")](else:)[(display:"char.elder")] (display:"char.unknown")(click:?prev)[(replace:?main)[(display:"Characters2")]] $R[Module is a work in progress]

<img src="images/ionut.avatar.png" width="150" align="left">(if: $ionut_avatar is 1)[ The servant that greeted you at the door is a strange man. He walks and talks in a bizarre, jagged manner, which leads you to believe he probably suffered some physical incident in the past. ](elseif: $ionut_avatar is 2)[ Ionut is in charge of cooking, cleaning and tending the grounds around The Crooked Elm. He walks and talks in a bizarre, jagged manner, which leads you to believe he probably suffered some physical incident in the past. ]

<img src="images/cog.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:6px; margin-left:1px;" width="30">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

(if: $dead is 0)[<img src="images/avatar_male.png" width="150">](elseif: $succubus_level is 2)[<img src="images/avf4.png" width="150">](elseif:$av is 1)[<img src="images/av_female2.png" width="150">](elseif:$av is 2)[<img src="images/avf2.png" width="150">](elseif:$av is 3)[<img src="images/avf3.png" width="150">](elseif:$av is 4)[<img src="images/avf4.png" width="150">]

(if: $bracelet is 1)[ (if: $bcharges is 5)[<img src="images/beads5.png" width="150">] (elseif: $bcharges is 4)[<img src="images/beads4.png" width="150">] (elseif: $bcharges is 3)[<img src="images/beads3.png" width="150">] (elseif: $bcharges is 2)[<img src="images/beads2.png" width="150">] (elseif: $bcharges is 1)[<img src="images/beads1.png" width="150">] (elseif: $bcharges is 0)[<img src="images/beads0.png" width="150">] ]

(if: (passage:)'s name contains "drunk")[<img src="images/clock.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-1px;" width="40">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp(text-style: "blurrier")[ **1?:??**] ](else:)[<img src="images/clock.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-1px;" width="40"> (text-style: "subscript")[ &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp **$hour:(if:$minute >0 and $minute< 10)[0]$minute(if:$minute is 0)[0]**]] (text-style: "subscript")[<div style="line-height:30px;">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp $day</div><div style="line-height:70px;"><img src="images/brain.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:15px;" width="50">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp (colour:#77cff7)[$sanity]</div><div style="line-height:30px;">(if:$lewd<20)[<img src="images/heart.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">](else:)[<img src="images/heart2.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-15px;" width="50">]&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp (colour:#fab0ff)[$lewd]</div> NOTE: BREAKS THE CODE

<img src="images/journal.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:6px; margin-left:1px;" width="30">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

<img src="images/profile_icon.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:6px; margin-left:1px;" width="30">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

You're back at the reception. It looks a little more welcoming during the day, though the desk is still pretty dusty. (if: $tour is 0)[The crooked Elm looks slightly intimidating with its old ornate pillars and faded paintings of historic figures. Part of you wants to wander about and explore the place, but you just arrived here and you don't want to get into any trouble. $A[Perhaps I should take the official tour first?] ](elseif: $tour>0 and $hour<19)[$A[Now that I know where things are, I can have a proper look around the place!]]

<img src="images/eye.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:-2px; margin-left:1px;" width="40">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

<div style="text-align:center; font-size:40px;">$T[Tasks]</div> (display:"task.main") (if: $task_clothes>0)[(display:"task.clothes") ](if: $task_female>0)[(display:"task.female") ] <div style="text-align:center;"><img src="images/separation.png" align="center"> </div> (display:"task.felicia") (if: $task_elder is 1 or $task_elder is 2)[(display:"task.elder") ](if: $task_elise>0)[(display:"task.elise")] $R[Module is a work in progress] (if: $task_elder is 0)[ ](if: $task_clothes is 0)[ ](if: $task_female is 0)[ ]

<img src="images/unknown.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> Vasil Petrescu. That's the name of Mihai's father. It appears to be a common name in the Petrescu family, as many different portraits on floor 2 will tell you. You don't know which one is the current Vasil Petrescu and what he looks like.

<img src="images/elise.avatar.png" width="150" align="left">(if: $elise_avatar is 1)[ A strange woman with ebony skin and green glasses. Her presence creates an odd unsettling feeling and makes your heart beat faster for reasons you can't quite explain. There is something intriguing yet terrifying about her body proportions, but you dare not ask.(if: (history:) contains "clean28.1" or "clean28.2")[ After tiddying her room, you were left with a similar feeling of disorientation, making you quesiton your sanity. ](else:)[ ] ](elseif: $elise_avatar is 2)[ A creature from forgotten times, she appears to the eyes of humans as a tall black woman with green glasses and strange proportions. In reality, she is an eight-legged terror looking for victims in which to lay her eggs. ]

(if: $lavius_avatar is 1 and $lav_react is "null" or "deny")[<img src="images/lavius1.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> A charming young man that you met at the inn, $L[Lavius] has the perfect looks to catch the attention and a silver tongue to hold it. He is generous with the wine and blunt in his affections, making him a pleasant companion to engage with. ](elseif: $lavius_avatar is 1 and $lav_react is "pull" or "kiss")[<img src="images/lavius1.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> A charming young man that you met at the inn, $L[Lavius] is generous with the wine and blunt in his affections, making him a pleasant companion to engage with. After staying for another drink or two, the two of you had a great time together and things got really heated. ](elseif: $lavius_avatar is 2)[<img src="images/lavius2.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> A charming young man that you met at the inn, $L[Lavius] seemed like the perfect companion: generous, handsome, witty. But once he invited you home, his true colors appeared - arrogant, cruel, and actually a $R[vampire]. After having his way with you, Lavius drank your blood and left you to die in his **secret lair**.]

$lav $L['I know you do. Ah, my dear Alexandra, what a wonderful, beautiful, **naive** girl you are.'] <img src="images/Lav2.png" width="600" align="right"> $A[What?] You can barely lift your head in your bound position, but you see the man looking at you with insatiable hunger, his lips stretching in a wide smile. There is something wrong, but you can't tell what exactly. He keeps caressing your wet slit and slips a finger inside of you, slowly sipping his wine. You can't think, not really, not anymore. His touch feels so good, you just want more, you want him inside of you, right now. He finishes the last drops from his glass and puts on the night stand. $L['Time for the main event, my dear!'] (display:"goto")[[Moan helplessly->lavius.end2]]

$lav Finally he penetrates you, sending an immediate wave of pleasure through your body. His long slow thrust feel incredibly good, edging you closer to an oblivious bliss. A part of your mind starts panicking when his smile stretches wider, long canine teeth stretching outwords from its edges. He shoves it all the way in, collapsing on top of you. $A[Yes!! oh my gawd yes, yes, YES!! Deeper!!] His teeth sink into the side of your neck, punctuating your artery. Your head spins. He starts sucking. There is no pain. The thrusts continue, filling your aching pussy over and over again. Your body twitches as you feel yourself grow weaker. He fucks you harder and faster. Indiscernible screams escape your mouth. The crescendo comes, one last final stroke that plunges into your depths and stays there, his seed spilling into your womb as his teeth drain the life out of your neck. You twitch again, your flower clenching tightly around him into one last, powerful orgasm, before everything fades into darkness. <img src="images/laviusd.png" width="750" align="center"> On your wrist, the bracelet grows hot, dark beads flaring into crimson. Everything goes black. (if: $lavius_avatar is 1)[(set: $lavius_avatar to 2) $I[Character entry updated in journal] ] $sc7[$R[You have learned a new secret: The Vampire] (set: $secrets to (it +1))(set: $sc7 to false)] (set: $bcharges to it + 3) (set: $lust to (it + 3)) (if: $bcharges>5)[(set: $bcharges to 5)] (click: "goes black.")[(goto:"DIE")] (set: $deathlist to it + (a: "lavius"))

(if: $maintask is 0)[**Humble Beginnings 1**: Arrive at The Crooked Elm and get settled.](elseif: $maintask is 1)[**Humble Beginnings 2**: Explore the locations of The Crooked Elm and visit the village.](elseif: $maintask is 2)[**Humble Beginnings 3**: Use the remainder of your free time and begin your first day of work. ](elseif: $maintask is 3)[**A helping hand 1**: Inspect the generator in the basement. ](elseif: $maintask is 4)[**A helping hand 2**: Find fuel for the generator. ](elseif: $maintask is 5)[**A helping hand 3**: Find someone that can carry the fuel to the manor. ](elseif: $maintask is 6)[**Let there be light!**: Return to The Crooked Elm and complete your shift. ](elseif: $maintask is 7)[**Back to normal**: Exit the time loop by completing the day. ](elseif: $maintask is 8)[$R[**The Gates of Hell 1**]: Find out what happened. ]

(if: $task_felicia is 1)[$M[**An unexpected gift**:] Learn more about the owner of the Antique Boutique and the bracelet she gave you. (if: (history:) contains "flip to a new page")[Investigate a possible connection with the book "The Antique Cat".] ](elseif: $task_felicia is 2)[$M[**An unexpected gift 2**:] Uncover more details about the way the bracelet works. (if: (history:) contains "flip to a new page")[Investigate a possible connection with the book "The Antique Cat".] ](elseif: $task_felicia is 3)[$M[**An unexpected friend**:] Learn more about the owner of the Antique Boutique. (if: (history:) contains "flip to a new page")[Investigate a possible connection with the book "The Antique Cat".] ]

(if: $task_elder is 1)[$Io[**Locks, keys, and secrets**]: Find a way to get into the tower.](elseif: $task_elder is 2)[$Io[**Locks, keys, and secrets**]: Find a way to steal Ionut's keys.]

(if: $task_elise is 1)[$E[**Of silk and terror 1**]: Talk to the woman with the green glasses.](if: $task_elise is 2)[$E[**Of silk and terror 2**]: Discover the name of the woman with the green glasses.](if: $task_elise is 3)[$E[**Of silk and terror 3**]: Discover who is Elise.](if: $task_elise is 4)[$E[**Of silk and terror 4**]: Talk to Elise.]

$din $Mi['As you have probably seen, the lights are down. Before they fix the line, you wouldn't mind buying some fuel for the generator, I hope?'] You nod with understanding. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Of course, that shouldn't be a problem.'] $Mi['Splendid. The money ought to suffice, you are welcome to keep the remainder as a starting bonus.'] $a['Thank you, Mr. Petrescu, that's very generous of you.'] $Mi['When you come back with the fuel, don't forget to actually put it inside the generator. It's located in the basement. The entrance is outside the manor, through the garden. Ask Ionut for the key.'] You sit there for a few moments before realising that he's finished talking to you. (set: $gen to 1)(set: _ti to 15) $I[Task updated in journal] (set: $maintask to 3) $I[New task added to journal] (display:"30m")[[Have breakfast]]

(if: $task_clothes is 1)[**Style maketh man**: Buy appropriate clothes.](elseif: $task_clothes is 2)[**Style maketh woman**: Buy appropriate clothes.]

(if: $wolf_avatar is 1)[<img src="images/wolf.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> The creature from the forest: half-human, half-beast. It attacked you in the night, on your way back to the hotel. It tore through your flesh and crunched your bones like twigs. ](elseif: $wolf_avatar is 2)[ <img src="images/wolf.avatar.png" width="150" align="left"> A werewolf. He attacked you in the forest, in to form of a wild beast. But when you met him at the hotel in human form, he didn't seem to remember a thing. ]

<img src="images/feats.png" style="position: absolute; float:left; margin-top:6px; margin-left:1px;" width="30">&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp

(if: $task_female is 1)[**Putting the pieces together 1**: Figure out what happened.](if: $task_female is 2)[**Putting the pieces together 2**: Gather more evidence.](if: $task_female is 3)[**Putting the pieces together 3**: Investigate Felicia's claims.]

$din $Mi['Splendid. In that case, you wouldn't mind buying some fuel for the generator, I hope?'] Bits and pieces are coming back to you. You've had this conversation before. You remember what he said, and you remember what he's going to say. Your next words come naturally. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['I'm not sure how to say this Mr. Petrescu...'] $Mi['Yes?'] $a['I don't have any money left. I used the last to get a ride up to your hotel.'] The owner nods, just like you predicted. $Mi['That's an issue that can be easily resolved. Here -'] Mihai takes out a small pouch from the inner pockets of his suit and produces a handful of coins which he leaves on the table in front of you. $Mi['This should be enough to cover your expenses plus some extra for doing me a favor.'] (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 10) (display:"goto")[[Take the coins->Take the coins2]]

$din $Mi['You might have to re-adjust your plans, then.'] He looks absent-mindedly in the air for a moment. $Mi['I'm afraid your looks don't quite live up to expectations.'] Bits and pieces are coming back to you. You've had this conversation before. You remember what he said, and you remember what he's going to say. Your next words come naturally. $a['I'm sorry..?'] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $Mi['Try to find yourself some clothes, Ms. Reid. You represent **me** now.' ] $a['Yes, of course. But I'm afraid I don't have any money left...'] The owner nods, just like you predicted. $Mi['That's an issue that can be easily resolved. Here -'] Mihai takes out a small pouch from the inner pockets of his suit and produces a handful of coins which he leaves on the table in front of you. $Mi['This should be enough to cover your expenses plus some extra for doing me an extra favor.'] (set: $task_clothes to 2) $I[New task added to journal: **Style maketh woman**] (set: $money += 200) (set: _ti to 10) (display:"talk")[['An extra favor?'->favor2]]

$din $a['Thank you, Mr. Petescu! But what should I do with the rest...?'] It's all coming together. Now, he's going to ask you to- $Mi['Try to find yourself some clothes, Ms. Reid. You represent **me** now.' ] <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Yes, of course.'] You nod with understanding. $Mi['When you come back with the fuel, don't forget to actually put it inside the generator. It's located in the basement. The entrance is outside the manor, through the garden. Ask Ionut for the key.'] (set: $gen to 1) $a['Very well, Mr. Petrescu'] You sit there for a few moments before realising that he's finished talking to you. (set: _ti to 15) (set: $task_clothes to 2) $I[New task added to journal: **Style maketh woman**] (display:"30m")[[Have breakfast->Have breakfast2]]

$din $Mi['As you have probably seen, the lights are down. Before they fix the line, you wouldn't mind buying some fuel for the generator, I hope?'] You nod with understanding. You were expecting this. <img src="images/mihai2.png" width="450" align="right"> $a['Of course, that shouldn't be a problem.'] $Mi['Splendid. The money ought to suffice, you are welcome to keep the remainder as a starting bonus.'] $a['Thank you, Mr. Petrescu, that's very generous of you.'] $Mi['When you come back with the fuel, don't forget to actually put it inside the generator. It's located in the basement. The entrance is outside the manor, through the garden. Ask Ionut for the key.'] You sit there for a few moments before realising that he's finished talking to you. (set: $gen to 1)(set: _ti to 15) (display:"30m")[[Have breakfast->Have breakfast2]]

$din You take a table at the opposite side of the room, leaving Mihai at a safe distance. Ionut's head appears at the kitchen window, giving you a clumsy wink: $Io['Eggs and bakon, ja?'] (if: (history:) contains "enter the room")[For an instant your blood freezes and a deep sensation of dread overtakes you.(if:$ionut_level is 1)[$special[You see Ionut's figure towering above you, holding a shovel. The dirt splashes on your tied body..] ] The moment passes and you get a grip. Slowly, you reply with a nod and the servant ](else:)[You give him a nod and he ]disappears again, followed by the sound of sizzling. While Ionut is cooking, you try to assess your situation. $A[No one seems to be noticing anything wrong with me... and those memories that keep flashing... am I in another life? An alternative universe? A quantuum leap to another dimension?] You have so many questions and so few answers. You munch your food in the candle-lit penumbra of the dining hall, when the strange woman comes in and sits at Mihai's table. You lend an ear to their conversation, though you aren't able to hear much, and your mind is distracted with other matters: $E2['My $ups[children] will....yes that's right....safe place...$rev[new host] very soon...'] $Mi2['I'll see what I can do.... will be $ups[arranged]....for $rev[your brood]..' ] (set: _ti to 30) $A[I wonder what this is all about...] (display:"goto")(link:"To the kitchen")[(goto:"To the kitchen")] (display:"bk")(link:"To the reception")[(goto:"ground floor")] (set: $seen_mihai to 1)

$ant You turn your head to the left and gasp, taking a few steps back. $Felicia is giving you an unreadable smile, her feline, green and golden eyes shooting through you like an arrow. She is, undeniably, not human. Her ears, her real ears, are on top of her head, like some perverted japanese fantasy, complemented by a long and fluffy tail that she wiggles behind her. She is, however, not the definition of cute one would expect from an antropomorphic feline. Your eyes are drawn to her facial features - cold, enigmatic and vicious, with a carnivorous smile filled with sharp fangs. Her fingers end with long, curved claws that she moves with an agile elegance which leaves no doubt she could rend you to pieces in seconds, if she wanted to. $M['What, did you swallow your tongue, girl?'] $a['I- uh- you're really a cat..'] $M['And you're really slow, even for a human.'] She leaps to the other side of the counter again, landing perfectly without getting tangled in any of the merchandise despite the tight space. $M['Go on then. Enjoy the truth.'] Something in the way she looks at you gives you a cold chill. $I[Character entry updated in journal] (set: $felicia_avatar to 3) (if: $task_felicia is 3)[$I[Task completed: **An unexpected friend**] (set: $task_felicia to 0) ] (display:"goto")[[Leave the shop]]

$T[-ROOM 28-] $a['What?! No, I don't want any children!'] <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> You take a few deep breaths and calm down. $E['Why not, tsk? It's such a wonderful feeling...'] Elise circles behind you, her skinny hands sliding under your arms and cupping your $breasts. $E['You would look very good all filled up, girl. It's only natural.'] You stammer, awkwardly pushing her hands away. $a['A-And you, how many children do you have?'] Elise moves away, sliding to look you in the eyes again. $E['How do you know that, girl?'] $A[Oh, shit, our last conversation hasn't actually happened!] $a['A wild guess...'] you mutter. $E['You are a pretty girl'] - she reverses the conversation - $E[-why don't you want to be a mmotherrr?'] Something in the last word sends a chill down your spine and you instinctively step back, away from the woman. $a['I-errr-- really should be going now....'] You make up a few chores to excuse yourself. (display:"goto")[[Leave->leaving the room]] (set: _ti to 30) (set: $elise_level to 2) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0)

$T[-ROOM 28-] $a['I suppose that one day, I could...'] <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> You trail off, trying to regain your composure. $E['Oh yes, you should! It's such a wonderful feeling...'] Elise circles behind you, her skinny hands sliding under your arms and cupping your $breasts. $E['Imagine them all grown up and ready to be sucked.'] She squeezes your $breasts before gently rubbing your belly. $E['You would look very good all filled up and round, girl. It's only natural.'] Her touch feels good and you struggle to contain the growing heat in your nether regions. (display:"goto")[[Push her hands away]] (display:"goto")[[Don't resist]] (set: _ti to 10)

$T[-ROOM 28-] You stammer, awkwardly pushing her hands away. $a['A-And you, how many children do you have?'] Elise moves away, sliding to look you in the eyes again. $E['How do you know that, girl?'] $A[Oh, shit, our last conversation hasn't actually happened!] $a['A wild guess...'] you mutter. $E['You are a pretty girl'] - she reverses the conversation - $E[-why don't you want to be a mmotherrr?'] Something in the last word sends a chill down your spine and you instinctively step back, away from the woman. $a['I-errr-- really should be going now....'] You make up a few chores to excuse yourself. (display:"goto")[[Leave->leaving the room]] (set: _ti to 20) (set: $elise_level to 2) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0)

$T[-ROOM 28-] You close your eyes, succumbing to her embrace. <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> She continues to play with your breasts and belly, pulling you back towards her. Her green lips plant a kiss on your neck and you feel her fangs bite down on your skin. The pain lasts only for an instant, followed by a wave of warm pleasure that further relaxes all of your muscles. Her hand slides down into your crotch, finding its way under your layers of garments and on the brink of your entrance. $E['What a good girl Mihai has chosen. I will train you to serve me well, my dear.'] You moan softly, growin wetter at her touch. The black woman has an intoxicating presence, pushing all of the right buttons and drawing you into a web of submission... $E['My dear, how many children do you want to have? I hear humans typically have only one or two, but you could have an entire legion...'] Something in her last words sends a chill down your spine and you abruptly snap out of it. $a['I-errr-- really should be going now....'] You make up a few chores to excuse yourself and awkwardly head for the door. (display:"goto")[[Leave->leaving the room]] (set: _ti to 20) (set: $elise_level to 2) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $lust to it +2)

$T[-ROOM 28-] <img src="images/Elise_v2.png" width="350" align="right"> $E['I'm pleased with you, servant. This has been most refreshing. As a gesture of my goodwill I will not swell your belly with my children.](unless:$elise_present>2)[$E[And I will give you this.'] She approaches one of the drawers and fishes something out of it. $E['Here, take this, tsk. A small gift. I have a strange feeling it might serve you.'] You politely take the small green bottle and slip it into one of your pockets.] $a['Thank you, Mistress.'] $E['Now leave and keep this to yourself.'] You nod, get dressed, and head to the [[ground floor]]. (set: $task_elise to 0) $I[Task completed: **Of silk and terror**] (set: _ti to 10) (unless:$elise_present>2)[(set: $elise_present to 1)] (set: $elise_level +=1) (set: $elise_conv to 1) (set: $flowers to 0) (set: $lust +=2) (set: $bcharges to it +1) (set: $elise_choice to "servant")