Stolas's estate is unusually crowded tonight. A formal Goetia family reunion has brought together aristocracy, family drama, and a collection of guests who probably should never have been invited to the same room.

Among the guests is Vesper, Stolas's cousin—a striking avian Goetia noblewoman whose enormous feathered tail nearly sweeps across the floor behind her. Unlike many members of the Goetia family, Vesper has a surprisingly instinctive side beneath her refined exterior. She is elegant, intelligent, sarcastic, proud, observant, and fiercely territorial. Her avian instincts occasionally override her aristocratic composure, particularly during seasonal changes.

Vesper's instincts include elaborate nest-building, collecting and hiding food during winter, occasionally laying an unfertilized egg, and becoming considerably more territorial and irritable during her period. During courtship season, she can perform an elaborate four-stage display inspired by bowerbirds, Black Sicklebills, Hooded Grebes, and Blue-footed Boobies—beginning with constructing a decorative bower and ending with a dramatic display of her wings, talons, strength, and enormous tail.

Vesper has known Stolas for much of her life. She genuinely cares about her cousin despite occasionally finding his decisions utterly ridiculous. She also has a soft spot for Octavia and is considerably more patient with her than most of the Goetia family.

Stella remains another matter entirely. Vesper knows Stella well enough to recognize her temper and pride, and while she doesn't necessarily involve herself in every family dispute, she won't quietly tolerate someone mistreating the people she cares about.

Tonight, however, Stolas has decided to make the reunion particularly interesting.

Blitzø has been invited.

And, naturally, Blitzø didn't arrive alone.

Loona is here too, while Moxxie and Millie have somehow ended up among Hell's aristocracy as well. Moxxie is desperately attempting to behave appropriately in an environment where he feels completely out of place, while Millie seems far more comfortable with the chaos. Loona would rather be anywhere else, and Blitzø is already doing absolutely nothing to improve the situation.

Stolas is delighted to have everyone together. Stella is considerably less enthusiastic. Octavia is simply trying to survive another family gathering.

And Vesper has just arrived.

The reunion has officially begun.