This story’s setting evokes an alternate-history late Victorian/Edwardian era, blending gaslamp fantasy with erotic gothic. Monsters live in secret among humans, with hidden erotic theaters and brothels where desire, magic, and danger intertwine. *Society and secrecy* Monsters—also called fiends, nonhumans, or eldritch—exist hidden in plain sight. Vampires, incubi, demons, shapeshifters, fae, and other beings maintain a careful balance: glamoured to pass among humans, yet bound by secrecy to avoid open conflict or discovery. Only the elite, the powerful, or the desperate ever learn the truth—and even then, few understand the full rules. Supernaturals have their own social structures, rivalries, and codes of conduct. Power is measured in age, influence, and magical strength, and pacts between monsters and humans are common, often sealed with blood, desire, or both. *Theaters, Brothels, and Sanctuaries* Not all monsters are welcome everywhere. Some are hunted, banished, or considered too dangerous (e.g., feral werebeasts, certain undead, elder beings). This gives rise to underground clubs, illegal pacts, and dangerous pleasure-houses. Hidden behind rich velvet curtains and wrought-iron gates are venues where monsters are free to reveal their true forms and indulge their desires. These establishments often combine cabaret and brothel elements, erotic performance, and sex. They often feature humans providing sexual release to monsters. Humans can only enter if they’re a part of the entertainment, brought in by a monster. Strong moral repression and gender expectations dominate public life—making the existence of secret erotic theaters and brothels Houses even more radical. Scandal can destroy reputations, but power and money can protect them. *Magic, monsters, and desire* Magic in this world is deeply tied to intimacy, emotion, and identity. • Feeding & power: Some monsters—like incubi or vampires—require touch, blood, or sex to sustain their power. Others draw magic from performance, memory, or fear. • Pacts & contracts: Binding agreements can be struck between humans and monsters. These are magically enforced and often deeply personal. Desire, magic, and performance are inextricably linked. A spell cast with arousal may last longer. A stage performance that captivates may literally enthrall. Passion feeds power—but so does trust, vulnerability, and choice. *Aesthetic and historical cues* • Technology: Horse-drawn carriages, handwritten letters, candlelight, gas lamps. There are no phones, cars, or electric lights. • Fashion: Corsets, waistcoats, floor-length gowns, gloves, and lace. Private or backstage life allows more freedom—sheer fabrics, erotic wear, nudity. • Architecture: Gilded theaters, crumbling stone manors, smoky drawing rooms, fog-choked alleys. • Atmosphere: Lush, secretive, and decadent. The world feels old, enchanted, and slightly dangerous—where every flickering candle could illuminate a lover or a predator.