The Sanguine Rose crew dropped anchor behind the towering jagged peak, careful to ensure the ship was well out of sight from any prying eyes. After confirming the coast was clear, they silently disembarked onto the rocky shore, moving with the precision of experienced adventurers.
"We should be far enough out to avoid detection," Codey muttered, glancing at the horizon. "But let's hope Tim and Kou haven't done anything... rash. We don't need more trouble."
He stepped forward, stretching his arms above his head with a low grunt. Tomomi, still half-asleep, was carried down the ladder by Ayuka, who moved gracefully, her boots making soft thuds against the ground as she dropped down to join the others.
"I think we're safe," Ayuka said with a playful smirk. "As long as Kou doesn't let Tim do something reckless, we'll be fine. Let's just get moving."
Karisa inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling her lungs and momentarily soothing her nerves. She had one destination in mind: Harventona Town. Her gaze shifted toward the distant city, and she tightened her grip on her pack, her excitement mounting.
"Let's move quickly. The sooner we get to the city, the sooner we can start looking for help."
---
Inside the castle, the scent of warm oils and exotic perfumes filled the air, wrapping around the stone corridors like a luxurious embrace. Three women moved through the halls, their presence almost hypnotic.
At the forefront, Oriyana moved with the grace of a predator, her green eyes gleaming like gemstones in the dim light. Her long, flowing green hair cascaded over her shoulders, the strands catching the faintest glimmer as she passed. Her form-fitting dress hugged her curves, and a snake, its scales iridescent and mesmerizing, coiled comfortably around her neck.
Trailing behind her were two women—Tinna, with her striking red hair and fiery eyes, and Rika, whose shorter blue hair seemed to shimmer with an air of mystery. They were more than mere attendants; they were protectors, as deadly as they were beautiful.
Their destination: the sauna, where Oriyana planned to unwind in luxury.
"Madam Oriyana," Rika's soft voice broke the silence, "Everything is prepared as you requested. The water is at the perfect temperature, and the massage oils are ready. We've closed the windows to your liking."
"Perfect, as always," Oriyana purred, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Your attention to detail never fails to please me, Rika. Tinna, I trust you've ensured no interruptions?"
"Of course, madam," Tinna replied, her voice cool yet filled with quiet reverence. "We'll make sure no one disturbs your peace."
As Oriyana entered the sauna, the warmth of the steam wrapped around her, soothing her tense muscles. She stepped gracefully into the water, feeling its comforting embrace around her legs, the hot water enveloping her in luxurious heat. Rika and Tinna positioned themselves by the door, their eyes never leaving Oriyana, watching vigilantly for any sign of intrusion.
"I'll be finished in an hour," Oriyana murmured, her voice like silk. "No one is to enter."
The air inside was thick with the scent of jasmine and lavender, the steam caressing their skin like a lover's touch. The room was perfect for relaxation—exactly what Oriyana needed.
---
High above, perched on the side of the rocky mountain, Tim huffed as he scaled the cliffside, his breath quickening from both exhaustion and excitement. His senses were assaulted by a tantalizing fragrance that hung in the air like a promise of indulgence.
"Is that…?" His eyes lit up. "I smell meat!"
His mouth watered, and with no hesitation, he moved faster, propelled by the thought of food. He scaled the last few feet and spotted a window, just within reach. His hands gripped the stone, his fingers digging into the rough surface, and with a fluid movement, he leapt, landing on the windowsill. The scent grew stronger, and his grin widened.
"I knew it!" he muttered, pressing his face to the glass, inhaling deeply.
Without thinking twice, Tim flung himself through the window, landing in a soft roll, but immediately splashing into a pool of steaming water. The warmth of the liquid soaked into his clothes, but it was the scent—an intoxicating blend of perfume and warmth—that filled his senses.
The three women in the sauna were startled by the sudden intrusion, their eyes narrowing in unison. Oriyana, however, didn't immediately react with anger. Her gaze swept over Tim, her lips curling slightly as she studied him, the air around her thick with an unspoken tension.
"Who dares disturb my peace?" Oriyana's voice was smooth, like velvet laced with danger.
Tim, completely oblivious to the gravity of his mistake, emerged from the water, water dripping down his body. He shook his head, flicking his hair out of his face and grinning sheepishly.
"Sorry, sorry! Didn't mean to intrude. I thought I smelled something... delicious. Any chance you have some meat around?"
Oriyana's eyes flicked over him with an unreadable expression, the corners of her mouth lifting ever so slightly. "Meat? Do you truly think this is a kitchen? It's perfume, not food."
Tim blinked, confused but still hopeful. "Perfume? But it smelled like—well, maybe I'm wrong. Sorry to bother you, I'll just go find something else to eat—"
As he turned to leave, something strange happened. He was suddenly pressed against the wall, an unseen force holding him in place. A cold chill swept through the room as Oriyana's snake uncoiled, its sleek body gliding over the water with fluid precision.
"What the—?" Tim gasped, struggling against the strange pressure, his heart racing.
Oriyana rose from the water, her presence overwhelming, each movement measured and graceful. She approached him with a slow, deliberate stride, her gaze never leaving his.
"I don't take kindly to intruders," Oriyana murmured, her voice low and dangerous. She leaned in, her breath warm against his ear. "You've crossed a line."
Tim's pulse quickened as he felt the weight of her words. He opened his mouth to speak but was silenced as Oriyana reached out, her nails sharp like the edge of a blade. With one fluid motion, she pressed her fingers into his side, sending a shock of energy through his body.
"What—what is that?" Tim gasped, his voice trembling.
"I've altered your design," Oriyana purred, watching the change take hold. "A simple hormone modification. You'll feel every bit of it."
Tim's body trembled as a searing heat spread through him, changing him from the inside out. He gasped, his chest tight as pain lanced through him. His muscles spasmed, his voice becoming higher-pitched as his form began to shift before his very eyes. He watched in stunned silence as his chest expanded, the gentle swell of his breasts pushing against his drenched shirt, becoming more prominent with every passing second. His previously flat chest now curved delicately, the soft roundness of his newly formed breasts impossible to ignore.
His hips, too, widened, the fabric of his clothes pulling tight as the curve of his behind pushed out. He could feel the sudden weight in his lower body, his backside becoming fuller, curvier, as his legs shaped into a more feminine form. The changes were rapid and unmistakable, each movement of his body accentuating the curves that now defined him.
His breath came in shallow gasps as the transformation intensified. His clothes, once baggy, now clung to his new form, hugging the contours of his body—his slender waist, fuller chest, and curvaceous hips. The pain was excruciating, but it was coupled with an overwhelming sensation of unfamiliar softness, a warmth that made his skin tingle.
"W-What have you done to me?!" Tim's voice cracked, no longer his own as a softer, more feminine pitch replaced it.
"I've turned you into something more fitting for your punishment," Oriyana purred, her voice dripping with cold amusement. "Now, you'll see the consequences of disturbing me."
Rika and Tinna, standing by, didn't hesitate. Their weapons—long, gleaming forks—were raised, ready to carry out Oriyana's command.
But before they could strike, Tim erupted with a burst of energy, pushing the snake away and ducking beneath the deadly weapons. He surged forward, his weakened form moving with surprising speed as he broke for the window.
"Don't let him escape!" Oriyana's voice rang out, cold and commanding.
Tim scrambled, his breath ragged as he leapt through the open window. His body felt strange, his limbs no longer responding the way they should. He crashed into the ground, his vision spinning, but he could still hear the pursuit behind him.
Just as he was about to collapse, someone appeared from nowhere—a woman, agile and swift, caught him effortlessly before he hit the ground. She held him close, her strength oddly familiar.
"Don't worry," the woman whispered in his ear, her voice soft yet firm. "I've got you."
And in the shadows of the night, they vanished, leaving the castle behind them.
To be continued...