After a few seconds, Ethan made his way toward the dining room, but his mind was full of questions about his stepmother, who turned out to be a succubus—and a Queen, from the looks of it.
This alone was enough to make him question everything, but to hear that she fit the system's requirements for his so-called harem members?
He wasn't opposed to the idea, necessarily. The system had already told him that it existed to help him gradually awaken his bloodline and that he needed to embrace his nature to speed up the process.
Seduction, attraction—these were the very core of what it meant to be an incubus.
But to think that Lilith—his own stepmother—would be included in that equation? That changed everything.
He sighed. "This is insane."
Before he could dwell on it any longer, he reached for the door handle. The moment he pushed it open, three figures rushed toward him in a blur.
Warm bodies pressed against him as he stumbled slightly backward from the impact. Soft curves, delicate fragrances, and the tight embrace of three women surrounding him made his brain short-circuit.
"Happy birthday, little brother!"
"Happy birthday, Ethan~"
"Finally, you're awake. Happy birthday!"
His senses were overwhelmed as the voices and sensations blended together in a confusing jumble. He recognized them instantly, even without looking—his three sisters.
But something was different. The way they hugged him—it wasn't just familial affection. It lingered. Their arms wrapped around him a little tighter, their warmth seeped into him as if they were reluctant to let go.
And it wasn't just his perspective that had changed after learning about his bloodline. No, this felt as if his sisters had been holding something back for a long time, and now, for some reason, they had finally let go.
His heart skipped a beat. Oh god. Please tell me they didn't have the same problem as Lilith.
His gaze flicked across the three women as they pulled back, their gazes locking onto his. Their eyes weren't just full of excitement for his birthday. There was something more.
Seraphina, the eldest, always composed and reserved, held his gaze longer than usual. She gave him a small smile, one that was softer than the usual cold professionalism she showed the world.
It wasn't just fondness—it was appreciation. A silent acknowledgment of something... something that made his stomach twist in uncertainty.
Liliana, the second sister, was more direct. Her fiery, scarlet eyes studied him with quiet intensity. Normally, she was the type to ruffle his hair or punch his shoulder as a sign of affection.
But now? She wasn't moving away. Her hand rested on his arm, her grip firm but warm, as if confirming something.
Then there was Isabella, the youngest. The boldest. She grinned up at him, her amethyst eyes gleaming with mischief.
Unlike the others, she didn't even pretend to hold back. Her fingers clung to his sleeve, and she practically bounced on her feet, overflowing with excitement.
"Ethan~ you're finally awake! Are you ready for today?"
His breath hitched. What the hell does that mean?
Their excitement wasn't just about his birthday. It felt bigger than that. It felt planned. Like they had been waiting for this moment longer than he could possibly understand.
Lilith's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."
He turned to see her standing near the table, a knowing smile on her lips. Unlike the others, she didn't rush forward, but there was a glint in her crimson eyes that told him everything he needed to know. She knew something.
Ethan swallowed hard. He felt it now, clearer than before. The way they looked at him—it wasn't the same as before. It wasn't the way family looked at each other. It was... deeper.
Softer. Almost... hungry?
A strange warmth spread through his body, a sensation both foreign and familiar. It made his skin tingle, his pulse quicken, and for a moment, he felt like something inside him was stirring.
He was suddenly aware of them in a way he had never been before. Their breathing, their heartbeats, the subtle shifts in their bodies as they stood close to him.
His instincts were telling him not to hold back, but his mind was still attached to the familial bond he had with them.
But he kept his face and did not show his emotions and instead showed a relieved smile as he replied. "Uh... thanks, everyone."
The moment the words left his mouth, a loud, blaring alarm went off in his head.
[WARNING: DESTINED HAREM MEMBERS - 3 IDENTIFIED - RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!]
Hearing this confirmed what he had in his mind, as the only three people the system could have detected are his sisters.
As they were the only ones present and had no one else, the only possibility is that the three are his harem members.
However, this makes things very complicated, and Ethan did not know how he would react to all of this, especially considering the fact that they are his adoptive sisters.
'Sigh... show me their status pages,' he mentally asked the system.
In a second, a page appeared in front of his mind's eye.
Seraphina Nocturne
Race: Succubus Princess
Affinity: Max (100%)
Bloodline Compatibility: Ideal
Status: Virgin, Single
Liliana Nocturne
Race: Succubus Princess
Affinity: Max (100%)
Bloodline Compatibility: Ideal
Status: Virgin, Single
Isabella Nocturne
Race: Succubus Princess
Affinity: Max (100%)
Bloodline Compatibility: Ideal
Status: Virgin, Single
Ethan sighed, a strange feeling building in his chest. This is really going to happen, isn't it?
"Let's have breakfast," Lilith said, gesturing toward the table. "Then we can celebrate later."
"Yes!" Isabella shouted, her voice full of enthusiasm.
His sisters giggled, their gazes lingering on him as they walked back to the table. Seraphina glanced at him, her emerald eyes glinting with curiosity.
Liliana brushed against him as she passed, her hips swaying with exaggerated seduction. "See you soon, brother," she murmured, her voice low and sultry.
Isabella's hands wrapped around his arm, and she grinned up at him, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Hurry up, Ethan~"
Ethan stood frozen, his mind struggling to catch up. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. How could his morning turn so weird in just a few minutes?
He didn't know what to say or do. All he could do was watch his sisters as they made their way back to the table.