Undeath and Rebirth

Thumps and crashes drew Zeloph and Demi-Trix towards the attic, where angry snarls and mumbling were backed up by the sound of stuff breaking. Peeking through, they could see Ana trashing furniture, hurling old wardrobes, and tearing dusty paintings with neon claws.

With a deep sigh, the male demi-human creaked the door open, saying calmly, “Sister, I-”

The demoness snapped her head in his direction while chucking a vase at the intruding voice. Zeloph instantly ducked as the decoration shattered upon impact. Heated eyes softened, giving way to regret.

“Gaagh! for tits sake, Zell! I told ya ter fuck off!”

“No,” he stated flatly before flash stepped in front of her, securing her wrists. Ana made a fuss, struggling to push him off. But her anger steadily faded as illuminated rays rippled around her tense form. The two siblings took deep breaths together until the demoness was calm.

Staring into Zeloph’s concerned blue eyes, a hollow laugh left her painted lips. “... I've gotten that sorry and sad again, 'uh?”

The seraphic demi shook his head. “You were never this livid. Even on your worst days. What's gotten into you, sister?”

“Yeah, Annie, are you okay?” Demi-Trix spoke up, fluttering close with buzzing transparent wings.

The busty demi-human sniffled before looking down. “I thought trainin' wif Bellatrix would 'elp me get a better 'andle on me impulses. Do ya 'ave any idea 'a long I've been abstainin' myself?”

Zeloph hummed, letting go of her wrists. “I can take a guess at when you started….”

Ana scoffed. "Oh, was it that obvious? I thought I 'ad lost ya when I sealed ya into the bloody Necronomicon! By limitin' me sexual cravings, I thought I would be 'onorin' your memory.”

“But that hasn’t stopped you from making others horny!” the tulpa reminded, drawing the neon demoness's narrowed gaze.

“It's me way of ventin' off,” insisted Ana, who rubbed at her forearm like treating an invisible wound. “Me copin' mechanism. wot else was I ter do wifaht ya, Zelly?”

She leaned in closer to hug him tightly, pressing herself fully onto him. Zeloph awkwardly returned the embrace as she continued. “I was ecstatic. not only did me brother back ter 'is senses, but 'e found love! Wif Shadow Scythe of aw people! Things were garn great…”

“But..?”

The fallen one felt her claws dig into his back as his sister did her best to hold back more sobs. “... Do ya remember 'a we initially met?”

Zeloph nodded. “Deus sent me to smite you,” he recalled. “Under the guise that you were an evil demoness stirring up trouble near the coast. But all I found at that nightclub was a wild spirit flaunting her beauty as a way to hide how badly she hated herself. Back then, we didn't think others like us existed. We were so enthralled...”

“Until we learned the awful truf,” she cut off, staring longingly at him. “The bloomin' wahn person 'oo looks at me wifaht wantin' me body. 'Oo genuinely chairs and bears for me 'eaven and 'ell being… and it's whom I share this accursed bloodline wif. I kna it’s selfish ter say, Zell. But seein' ya and Shady gettin' aw ‘lovey-dovey’ drives me mad. And I don’t kna if I’ll ever be able ter snuff aahhht these feelings…”

“Ohh, Ana,” he said uneasily. “Even if we weren’t related, I can’t say if our relationship would have been… more.” He brushed a hand through her hair. “You have to understand. I love her with all my heart. And now, she’s been given a chance to reconnect with her estranged father. She needs help, Ana! She needs me!”

“But I need ya, too,” whined Ana, whose lip quivered. “I don’t want to lose ya again…”

“You won’t,” swore the taller demi-human, who pulled her into a tight hug. “We’re free now. No matter what stands before us, be it Mortis, Varys, or other demi-humans. We’ll get through it together, through thick or thin. Okay?”

Pulling away from her brother’s embrace and after rubbing the salty tears from her eyes, the neon demon gave a short nod before sitting down on a torn mattress. Sensing she was still depressed, the male demi turned to the tulpa, who nodded and fluttered over to Ana.

“H-hey! Chin up, doll! Everything’s alright,” the little cartoonish mage insisted as she summoned a small stage with spotlights.

Ana remained embittered. “'A can ya still be friendly towards me after aw that? I roped ya into keepin' me brother and Shadow Scythe apart wifaht even tellin' ya why!”

Demi-Trix stuck out her tongue. “Pft! Please, I was having a ball! Everyone’s been too serious for my liking, so I’ll take any chance to liven up the place. Even if it comes at someone’s expense~!”

With the miniature magician putting on a show for her crestfallen friend, conjuring some clones to perform a standup routine, Zeloph took the opportunity to depart from the attic and return to his beloved’s side.

Retiring to her room, Shadow Scythe had settled into the bed, waiting for him in azure lingerie. Giving a slight smile, he stripped down to his underwear and shuffled under the covers with her, the bedstand alit by the soft lamplight.

Her icy blue eyes scanned the walls, which had begun sealing over after the last attack. “I'm surprised the mansion has healed up so fast,” she commented. “What with all it endured recently.”

“Perhaps it's why Bellatrix hasn't been around much,” theorized Zeloph, who ran a hand through his ethereal feathers, each eye closed. “She's always been a solitary sort, but ever since shifting focus on the manor's health, she's been a recluse."

"It makes sense. Bellatrix is probably busy trying to fortify the beast if there's another invasion.” There was a pause before the pale unicorn eventually asked, “How’s your sister?”

“It’s… complicated,” answered Zeloph, who rubbed the back of his neck. “Let’s just say she’s trying her best to support our relationship, despite herself.”

“I figured she was jealous,” the reaper confessed when she looked away. “Though I can’t blame her for harboring resentment. Intended or not, I did essentially steal you away…”

The fallen angel placed his hand atop hers. “You can’t steal anything I willingly gave you,” he reassured. “We'll find a time to settle things. But for now, I'm more concerned about Mortis and his league of undead miscreants. Not to mention Varys and the other Vice Lord are still at large.”

"Yes…" She lowered her head. "I don't believe my father would ever serve someone like Mortis, no matter how scornful he feels. He must be forced under mental domination. I have to figure out a way to free him. Maybe if I could locate my mother's soul in the afterlife..."

After the word left her mouth, Shadow Scythe lost her speaking ability. A steady stream of sadness poured down the unicorn’s face, her body trembling with grief. Zeloph cupped her cheek when she choked back tears. "You don't have to talk about it-"

"N-no, it’s fine! I need to," she sniffled before recomposing herself. "You've heard about what I did in my world. Reapers like Mortis and myself are necromancers, which is why I coveted power. My actions disgraced my family to the public, which… led to my mother's suicide. If I could reach Quiver Bolt, see her one more time and make amends for my sins, I think that may help release my father from Mortis’ grasp. Are… a-are you sure you still wish to help me?"

"Of course,” replied Zell, who curled his wingspan around her, the manifold eyes on the feathers closed like his own. “I’ll do whatever I can.”

A grateful smile crossed her face as she nuzzled into his warm plumage before drifting their heads back into the pillows. Once the couple cuddled closer, his sights wandered back to the Vorpal Blade, which he reached for from the nightstand to examine.

"Why did it send Ebony Ivory and Natural Selection away?" he wondered aloud.

"Apparently, it was forged from a legendary steel material that no longer exists,” she explained while tracing her finger over his bare chest. “It cuts so finely, it can breach the barriers between dimensions. Maybe that's why it proved so effective against the Jabberwocky I slew many years ago. Not even the sturdiest of armors could withstand its blows!"

"And that's what we know on the surface,” the fallen one mused. “Your father claimed it houses many secrets. Much like the beautiful mare who once wielded it."

Shadow Scythe cringed, her cheeks flourishing as she poked his chest. “Ugh! Can’t go one night without your romantic babble, can I?”

He chuckled and tenderly caressed her cheek. “You love it. You know you do~!”

“S-shut up!”

“Make me~!”

Her brow rose before she leaned in to answer his challenge with a kiss. Once their lips pressed together, so did their bodies as she fully straddled atop him. Zeloph’s face flustered as she slipped off the strapless bra, her dark nipples erect. What little sexual attraction he felt sprouted as his member hardened against her grinding pelvis.

She pulled away with a heated sigh. "A shame most of my secrets aren't pleasant ones. I've already confessed my crimes, but that won’t change what happened. I think it's partially my fault Midnight awakened his hyper-stallion nature, too. Back when I once bonded with this accursed mansion and battled Beatrix."

"Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch,” groaned Zeloph, who trailed his hands up her lissome shape. “Say that was the case. I don't think he would blame you. No one does, for that matter."

"Honestly, that might make things easier." She quivered, releasing soft mewls as his hands cupped her small breasts. “T-the first time I met Cerise, I took her hostage and intended to slit her throat, just to hurt Belladonna. I also beheaded Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse...they still bear those scars around their necks. Then I turned them into my zombie slaves and captured Midnight. I even threatened to hunt down and kill Abadonna, or raise her like my own, simply to twist her as revenge for my defeat. Not to mention-"

“Atalanta, enough!!” Zell interrupted, sitting up fully to hold her. “Redemption isn't blaming everything you've done. You don’t deserve to be punished anymore!”

“But I do deserve it,” she whined, clutching his feathery shoulders. “I-I want you to know what I'm capable of so there are no secrets between us. If you couldn't love me anymore after you heard that, I...I'd understand."

"Don’t be ridiculous," the demi-human cupped her head to stare directly at her with a loving gaze. "You never played on Beatrix’s insecurities just to have your way with her. Nor did you manipulate thousands of people into blindly following your scheme. Only then to try and erase everything that despised you.”

She could sense a similar self resentment in her lover as he took a large breath and then exhaled. “I’ve done far worse, Atalanta. I’m still convinced Cerise hasn’t fully forgiven me after what I did to her parents. Even after helping recover her body, I don’t feel redeemed in her eyes. So, believe me, I get it. But this isn’t the way to heal…”

“T-then what is the way?” she asked, her fingers running over his torso, where he directed his hand to rest on her panty-clad tush.

With a smile and bringing his face closer, he huskily whispered, “Let me show you~.”

For all his cheesy dribble, Zell knew exactly what to say to make her heart swoon. So Shadow Scythe happily rewarded her silver-tongued lover with a deep, passionate kiss as the two rolled over in the covers. With him on top, he trailed his kisses down her neck, caressing every inch of her lithe form with the lightest touch and the sweetest kiss. The reaper shuddered as he suckled her hard nipples, briefly taking a moment to appreciate her tiny yet supple tits before continuing his seduction south.

Zeloph glided his fingers over her soaked mound, sliding the soiled garments off her slender legs before bringing his mouth to her thighs, inching closer and closer to her dripping marehood. And once she felt his tongue make contact, her body arched up, and an enlightened gasp coaxed out her vocal cords. Warmth and ecstasy flowed throughout her being once Shadow Scythe brushed through Zeloph’s midnight locks, pushing his face further into her pussy.

“A-aaaauh~! Ooooh yes! Yes, please! Right there,” she whimpered as his tongue wriggled around her honey pot, digging for more of that sweet nectar.

Muffled slurps resounded from her feathery eared lover, whose nose lightly brushed against her clit for further stimulation. The pressure in her loins continued to build with each stroke and lick until Atalanta couldn’t hold back a loud moan, rewarding the fallen one with a splash of fem cum, drenching his mouth.

He lapped at her slit for its juices before crawling over top of the heavily panting mare, his swollen cock resting against her crotch. The reaper stared longingly at the seraphic angel before pulling him for a rough kiss. Feeling his shaft pulsate against her swollen labia, she whispered needily, “I-Inside me. P-please, Zell. F-fuck my pain away~!”

With a nod, Zeloph once more latched onto her lips while he pushed his manhood through her velvety love tunnel. His feathers stood on end, her insides squeezing him, trying to suck in every inch of his cock as her inflamed pussy winked.

Certain that Moxxi and Demi-Trix were too preoccupied to disturb them, the demi-human pressed on with making love to his beloved death angel, who was utterly grateful to finally have some quality alone time.

While away from prying eyes, their affectionate moans were audible to the room next door. Beatrix’s ears perked up when she overheard her friend’s romantic endeavors and the thump of flesh. “Hehe~! Who would have guessed the merciless death goddess and the false messiah would make sure a cute pair!” She tittered.

“An unexpected outcome, fur sure,” agreed Oona, who brushed down her maternity gown. “But one A'm delighted tae have happened. Further proof that our actions resulted in positive things te prosper.”

The witch beamed while casually waving away all her clothes. "Yeah! Whatever Iclyn says, Omen's been nothing but helpful to us! Sure, he might have his own agenda, but that doesn't mean we can't all stand to benefit from it! We can hardly expect everyone to be totally altruistic!"

"Ah pray mah old friend will come around," admitted the dream faun, a hand resting on her belly. "Ah know she is difficult, Ceann Oga. But deep in her core, Iclyn is as soft as snow. Try tae be on yer best behavior, an' show her what ye're capable of."

"Don’t worry, I will," winked Beatrix. "Otherwise, I'll have to consider early retirement!"

The subject made the pregnant sheep frown. “An' would that be such a bad thing? It’s an idea ye’ll have tae seriously consider, one way or an'ther. If not fur th' sake ov every universe...then fur our sweet wee Abby."

"Yes, that’s true," admitted Beatrix meekly. The violet mare placed a hand on Lady Ewe's stomach and felt the child kick beneath.

Was this how her own mother had felt when first learning she was with child and ended up forced to settle down? But even then, her mom had clearly been happy, albeit troubled, and continued to travel about as the pair then put on wondrous shows around the world...

"Don’t think on it too much. We'll still be able tae see many places as a family. Such as my homelain," reminded her teacher, her fingers brushing through her lover's platinum locks.

Beatrix pepped up. "Yeah, that'll be nice! I always wanted to meet your father one of these days."

Oona giggled. “Haden is a stout an' assiduous lord, but A’m sure he’ll adore ye an' Abadonna. Though Ah must confess, A’m a wee bit worried about what he’ll think ov me fur bringin' Omen intae our affairs. It's tough tae convince mah father tae stray from tradition. Just ask mah brother.”

The witch tapped her chin. “Hmmm, that is an issue. But all the more reason Dion should take over once he’s back from Zebrica!”

The azure sheep nodded, though she couldn’t help pursing her snout in anxiety. “It’s likely he, Ebony, an' th' Twins had their vacation plans interrupted. Hopefully, Mortis hasn't sent trouble their way yet, but Ah know he can take care ov it."

“I mean, when you’re built like a shit brick house, it’s hard to allow to let anything get past you… except maybe a cute mare with nice tits~” Beatrix snickered as she fondly remembered some of their more passionate encounters. She’d have to make his coronation extra special once he took the mantle.

“Ohh! Speaking of Omen, where is he? I was half expecting him to sleep with us.”

Oona arched an eyebrow. “When ye say ‘sleep wit us,’ dae ye mean actually sleepin' or…”

A sly grin spread the witch’s heated cheeks when she admitted, “W-whatever everyone's comfortable with! I’m just saying, for how sophisticated he is, Omen ruts like a savage beast~” She rubbed one of her breasts, vividly imagining a fantasy where the Nightmare Stag properly skewered her.

Lady Ewe promptly sighed and shook her head, failing to suppress a smile as her loins burned. “Enticing as that is, he opted tae sleep in his own room, wantin' us tae share our night together befur th' big journey ahead.”

“O-ooh! Well, that’s nice of him,” said Beatrix, partially disappointed. "Although it makes me wonder if he’s been watching us sleep all this time. Not gonna lie, kinda creepy!"

"Tae be fair, we're surrounded by an eldritch beast that's always watchin' over us."

"Point taken, teach!" Beatrix booped her nose. "I checked on the paintings downstairs and made absolutely sure Ebony Ivory's okay. Dion and the twins might have met up with her already!"

Oona felt the child squirm inside her when she said, “That means Natural Selection is likely wit them, as well..."

"Like you said, they can handle it. He was also in bad shape when the Vorpal Blade sent him away. Serves him right! I can't believe he'd be so low as to try and harm a baby!" She scrunched up her face, blood chilled at what almost happened.

“When he found me, there was a bit ov hesitation,” Oona claimed. “Ah sense that pride has caused him tae surrender his honor. A pitfall that could have befallen mah brother had he not proven stronger than that. Ov course, he's still too driven by his libido, but thankfully, the Twins can tend tae that." She tittered quietly before cozying up to her unicorn lover to fully relax.

"Oh yeah, he’s quite lucky to have two lovers~!” giggled Beatrix, who teased Oona by poking at her erect areola, visible through the thin silk. "Granted, I couldn't have picked a better partner!"

"Ye flatter me,” mewled Oona, who shared her playful mirth. Sighing softly, she said, “Ah suppose we have a little time tae indulge...but make sure ye get plenty ov rest!"

“Yes mommy,” cheekily retorted Beatrix before taking hungry kisses from the gravid ewe. She rolled on top of her, their fat breasts squished against each other’s chests, though the witch quivered upon feeling something leak onto her mammaries. Thus she took her investigation by trailing kisses down Oona’s face, neck, and collar bone. And, much to her giddy excitement, she found her partner’s dress stained by breast milk.

“O-oh, fur goodness sake,” she whined, her face beyond flustered. “Ah just washed this gown!”

“Relax, babe! I’ll clean you up~,” Beatrix said with titillation. Helping Oona slide the straps down to expose her mountainous breasts, the witch eagerly ran her tongue over her lips upon seeing her lactate. Gently kneading and massaging her lover’s swollen chest, Beatrix attached her mouth over one inverted nub to suckle out more creamy milk, making Lady Ewe moan in relief.

The wayward witch swapped between tits, muffling her own mewls while pressing her mound against hers.

“A-aahh~! Sweet lucid dreams that feels good,” brayed Oona, who petted her student’s head as she drained her teats of their succulent juices. And, much like the couple next door, Beatrix spent ample time caressing and loving her partner before sleep could take hold of them.

Under a cloudy moon, other people met back in the graveyard. Cerise couldn’t shake off how guilty she felt for Moonlight's tragedy. Perhaps if she had been more robust, faster, the soldier had taken a blow that would have likely been fatal to save her. She shivered when a pea soup mist rolled across rows of fresh headstones.

"Alright, people. The moment of truth," announced Wispy Willow, whose usual crimson catsuit was traded for a scarlet cheongsam. The twin-tailed tigress revealed the mechanized set of wings from her briefcase, which gleamed under the moon's rays, pinions stylized to razor points. “These bad boys are based on ones used by Rainbow Dash in our world! Built for speed, agility, and power!"

"Plus, they're efficient," noted Kitsune at her sister's side, who also wore an elegant kimono instead of her kunoichi get up. “They should last for a long time.”

Moonlight couldn't contain her giddiness, her eyes watering at the idea she might be able to fly again! She rubbed the false plume Moon Hammer had offered and felt the familiar phantom limb pain that made her ache. "I-I'm ready! Please, lock them into place!"

"Allow me," chirped Cerise as she sidled up behind her herd mate. Carefully, she unlocked the enchanted plumage and removed it from her friend's back nubs. She had invited Moonlight to form a herd, considering her a lover too, since they had partaken in skinship many times.

Midnight watched from the sidelines. He couldn't bear to see his fellow cadet suffer like his wife! But he'd also known from the moment he took up this role he would have to lay it all on the line for the sake of everyone. It was a miracle more of them hadn't been lost.

Clicks sounded when Cerise latched the new set into place. "Better keep the old ones as a backup, just in case. Especially since Moon Hammer worked so hard on them! How do they feel?"

Moonlight waited for Cerise to back up before she flexed her pinions. "They're … not bad! A little bulky compared to Moon Hammer's arcane set, but...wow, a lot more flexible!"

Wispy laughed. "Got to love cyber tech! Why not give them a test drive?"

"No need to rush," warned Kitsune, yet Moonlight had already started to unfurl her metallic plume and leaped into the air. She began to sail up high, a broad smile on her face.

"Yeeeesss! This is fantastic!" More tears filled Moonlight's eyes and made a few small loops. "Whoo-hoo~!"

"Go Moonlight~," called Cerise, hands cupped around her snout to help her voice carry.

"Look at her, go!” Midnight exclaimed. “It's like she’s back at the obstacle course!" The blue pegasus unfurled his massive wings before taking to the night skies.

"Hey, wait for me!” cried Cerise, as she too shot up after them. The herd flew in formation, and the charcoal princess was reminded of the first time she saw her brother, Penumbra, sail over the deserts.

HIgher-and-higher Moonlight River climbed...only for her wings to suddenly shut down. "What the-" She shrieked, attempted to reactivate her plume, which failed to respond, and spiraled towards the earth. Thankfully, Midnight and Cerise raced to catch her from both sides as land curled closer.

Wispy watched them lower before leaping towards them. "Whoa, what happened up there? There shouldn't have been any defects!"

"I feel it too," said Kitsune, while she transmuted her hand to a liquid metal much slower than before. "In our world, advanced tech is common. But in other universes? Magic sees tech as a threat and weakens its potency. I fear my systems have also been compromised here."

"Are you sure?" Yet when Wispy formed her usual plasma ball, she noticed the colored sphere, like a miniature sun, built up smaller than before. "Aaagh, damn it! I hate it when you’re right! Glad that didn't happen when we were in the middle of that last attack! But shouldn’t we be able to use magic since we’re mystical creatures ourselves?"

"Not by natural means, but yes,” noted the fox woman, who briefly reminisced over the loss of her birth name. She and her sister had been reduced to their labels, though the latter playfully turned ‘Will o’ Wisp’ into the friendlier ‘Wispy Willow.’ Sadly, she lacked her sister's wild flare.

“As a kitsune and nekomata, we should have access to some of their traditional spells. We may have to make further adjustments."

Moonlight was crestfallen once they landed. "So, these wings are useless...?"

Kitsune shook her head. "Perhaps a fusion between the two sets of plumes?

"Ahh, maybe! While often opposites, magic, and technology can create amazing stuff when used together,” considered Wispy aloud.

Rubbing her herd mate's shoulder, Cerise comforted her best she could. “We'll find a way, Moonie. I promise!” Before throwing her arms around the bat mare when she kissed her.

"Yeah!" Midnight also embraced them and pecked them both. "Magic's far more powerful in my homeworld, so who knows? We'll take these there, see what we can do!"

"Sure," said Moonlight, her hopes dashed once more. Yet she couldn't deny it had been nice to fly once more, if only for a while. "Thanks...all of you. I really appreciate it!"

“Of course,” nodded Kitsune, who offered a rare smile. “If our old enemy wasn’t involved, we’d be delighted to come with you.”

"Though from the sounds of it, Zeloph has beef with Varys as well," acknowledged Wispy before returning focus to Midnight and his herd. "Sorry, we couldn't help more! Thankfully, I'm no slouch without my superpowers!” The tigress flashed her retractable claws before striking martial art poses, a glint in her cat eyes. “That mechanical vulture will never know what hit him~!"

“There’s also Triad to deal with,” muttered Kitsune, who reminded me of when he was a politician they had been sent to terminate by the unknown organization that had experimented on all three of them. He was a victim, too, raised in solitude until his usefulness had been outlived.

Yet she couldn't afford to be too sympathetic, or else it could end in their deaths.

"Anyhow, we'd better rest up for tomorrow," glumly stated Moonlight.

"Mhm," replied Cerise, her hand linked with hers.

"See you tomorrow!" Midnight waved to the sisters before he led his herd out.

Yet like his herd, his thoughts were consumed by the changelings, impatient to return home. At least if Penumbra would come with the party, perhaps they could strike them a decisive blow?

Morning dawned as everyone gathered in the foyer, prepping for their respective adventures. Everyone except Bellatrix, who would typically see them off. “Sister? Where are you~?" Beatrix called out, aware that the walls had ears. But after several moments, no answer came.

“Hmmm. Maybe she's taking a long bath? I know she loves them, especially when the twins catered to her needs!"

“Or something else is holding her up,” Omen considered before stepping towards the witch and a fallen angel. He held up two glimmering pendants in his clawed hands. "I've infused these with a telecommunication spell. You should be able to contact each other, no matter what dimensional plane you’re in. But please keep in mind that if you use them too much, they’ll need to be replenished. So I advise you to reserve them for emergencies!"

"Got it! Thanks~!" Beatrix plucked up one while Zeloph claimed the other. The violet mare tucked it into her Prima Materia, while the demi-human tied it with a rope to wear as a necklace.

"Guess this is farewell for quite a while,” said Midnight, his emerald eyes turned to the paintings on display which started to shimmer, ready to carry them into other dimensions.

"Don't make it sound sae ominous," said Lady Ewe, leaning on her dream catcher staff. “Omen will take care ov Abby an' me while ye're away. An' th' clockwork maids have been upgraded.”

"Yeah! Plus, I'll be here!" Demi-Trix cast open her cape in a flourish. “I'm practically a one mare army now! No one's getting past me~!"

“How very noble of you,” complimented Shadow Scythe, secretly relieved to only deal with one half of the chaotic duo. She scanned the groups before asking, “Where’s the imp, anyway?”

As if on cue, the sultry demoness stepped out of the dark corridor, her heeled feet clicking with every step. Everyone gasped not because of her but rather what she wore. Instead of the tiny jacket, fishnet shirt, and jean shorts, Ana was fully garbed in her own skintight jumpsuit, a heart-shaped belt around her wide waist. The material shined under the hearth's flames, highlighting every curve her body boasted; the collar and cuffs were embedded with bright pink fur. A topaz zipper was pulled beneath her bust, exposing plenty of jiggling cleavage.

While everyone was astonished that the promiscuous creature was fully clothed for once, Wispy let out a sharp whistle. “Hot damn~! You really know how to work a catsuit, girl~!”

Ana seductively tittered while panting a hand to her hip. “I’ll admit, I got a bit inspired by seein' ya and your sister. Figured I’d up me wardrobe wif sum hot leather before we venture out~!” Her other hand stroked the ‘chin,’ which parted its jaws to roll its long tongue out.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay behind, sister?” Zeloph asked, sensing a more profound reason for this sudden change in fashion. “You’ve been rather… frustrated lately. Why not use the time to clear your head?”

“And let ya reap aw the bloody glory? Please!” the neon demon huffed. “Nows me chance ter strut me stuff! Regardless, ya promised we’d find the ovver demi-humans together, did ya not?”

“No, I did… and I’m a man of my word,” the feathered demi relented with a troubled sigh.

“Good boy~!”

Shadow Scythe glared heavily at Ana, incredibly upset by this drastic setup. But she said nothing, aware that there were bigger concerns than getting jealous of her lover’s sibling!

Ana turned her attention to Beatrix, who was still shaken up by yesterday’s scuffle. Frowning, she said, “Sorry abaht lashin' aahhht at you, love. It wasn’t wite.”

“H-hey, let bygones be bygones,” accepted the witch, who smiled. “I should have told you and Zeloph sooner. So let’s kiss and make up and-mmmghm~!?!”

She pressed herself firmly into Ana’s voluptuous shape as the demoness took a long wet liplock from the stunned witch. Pulling away, she sultrily said, “Me thoughts exactly~!”

Beatrix waved a hand in front of her face while giggling like a flustered schoolgirl, much to Oona’s concern.

“Typical,” grumbled Iclyn, her arms folded into her chest. “Let’s get a move on already!”

One-by-one, everyone made their way into the portal. Oona shared one more kiss and hug from Beatrix before the witch took the lead and guided Midnight, Moonlight, Cerise, and Iclyn through the portraits. The former couple shared a look before the deighdyr disappeared. Once Zeloph and his group were gone, the foyer became quiet, save for the clock's tick.

Omen wrapped an arm around the dream faun’s shoulder, helping her settle down by the fireplace. “You have nothing to fear, my dear,” he reassured her as she reclined into a chair. “Beatrix will be back in our arms before you-”

"H-hey, guys?!" Demi-Trix cried in alarm when she pointed toward the paintings. The depictions of Beatrix's past adventures were closed over by walls of discolored flesh that rapidly spread across the surface, sealed over like thick scabs.

Oona’s anxiety spiked. "Ah have a terrible premonition. Bellatrix? What is-"

"I’m afraid she’s unavailable, Lady Ewe.” They turned to see Camellia stride in, followed by Esmeralda. Both wore unnerving smiles as they crept closer.

"You two sure love sneaking around, don’t you?" commented Demi-Trix, hand to her hips. “Why are the paintings gone? Where’s Bellatrix?!”

The two thestrals looked at each before letting out pompous laughter. Oona clung to Omen’s side when the gray deer stood up, his marron eyes narrowed, claws stretched at the ready.

The posh couple stepped away from the corridor as the rattling of chains echoed down the halls. Then out crawled Bellatrix, naked on all fours, her head lowered and face crestfallen. Her neck was collared, attached to a leash. And at its end rested the talons of a familiar female demon.

"Countess Alma!?" Oona said, aghast. The last she saw of the Vice Lord, the manor had swallowed her up like she was merely a morsel. "How-"

"Sp-spare them," pleaded Bellatrix, her eyes turned up to the Vice Lord. "You already have my home and my freedom! Please, let them-!"

"Hush!” Alma hissed, giving the chain a sharp tug to silence the succubus by choking her into submission. The Baobhan Sith returned her leer and sinister smile to the azure sheep. “Why would Ah stop when th' fun is only beginnin'~?”

"For your own sake, I suggest you stand down," glowered Omen when he took a protective stance in front of his pregnant lover, his dark aura manifesting around his staff, the stag skull eyes glowing red as his vast shadow was cast.

There was a rattle from all directions, after which the clockwork maids converged on the foyer and surrounded them from all directions, each of them armed with rapiers. “I admire your reputation, Nightmare Stag. But we’re holding all the cards here," purred Esmerelda as she unholstered a studded silver pistol at her belt and aimed the barrel at Oona’s gravid stomach.

"Through Alma, we have achieved true power befitting of the vampirum spectrum!” proclaimed Camellia, pale hands alight with the blackest magic.

"You filthy backstabbers! I always knew better than to trust you," yelled Demi-Trix.

“Mmm, yes. A pity yer gullible friend didn’t share th' same sentiment~” revealed the Vice Lord, who knelt down to roughly press Bellatrix’s face into the floor. “For it was her hospitality that brought me here! Thought she could keep me like some animal! But now who's th' one in chains~?!”

Oona gazed warily at the disheveled, enslaved succubus. “What is she sayin', Bella?”

Tears streamed down her face once she confessed, “T-this is my fault! I shouldn’t have imprisoned her here! I-I’m so sorry, Oona!!”

Panicked, Demi-Trix tried to conjure a portal, only to yelp when a marionette maid seized her trim form. "Hey! Put me down, you freak!!"

Tentacles oozed from the walls and floors, akin to a black nest that hatched them out. "Ye’re under mah roof now,” cackled the Baobhan Sith. “An' if ye wish tae continue livin', ye’ll dae as Ah say, when Ah say it! Are we clear?”

Omen begrudgingly dispelled whatever enchantment he had prepared, not wanting to risk Oona and Abadonna’s life. Alma’s smirk widened, satisfied that none of them could dare act. Pulling Bellatrix along, she studied the interiors. “To start, I think it's time we redecorated our new home!" She waved an arm, and at her mental command, the eldritch beast started to reshape its insides to better suit her.

"Follow us," commanded Camellia once she and Esmeralda helped the automaton maids lead their prisoners out. "And for the baby’s sake, I hope you don’t attempt any foolish heroics!"

"Please be safe," murmured Oona, aware that their friends wouldn't be able to return now. Her sole hope was that Beatrix could use a portal to track them down eventually. But would they last until then? With Alma leering at her swollen belly, it was only a matter of time before the countess would fulfill her dark promises…

Bellatrix watched while her companions were taken away before glaring up hatefully at Alma. "I should have fed you to the damned manor at the first opportunity," she bitterly stated.

“But ye didn’t, did ye~?” the Vice Lord mused, kicking her to roll the she-devil onto her back. She bumped into her breasts with a hoof, watching them wobble before straddling on top of her. She dragged her sharp nails along Bellatrix’s cheek, threatening to puncture the skin and draw blood.

“Trust me, Bella,” Alma lowly cooed, breasts pressed into her pinned prey's tits beneath. “Ah know this all seems bad now. But ye’ll soon learn tae relish life as mah sweet concubine~!"