Loved it! The mechanics were clear and there is a gradual difficulty, as well as the locked away content.
Your aesthetic was even more supported with the lovely visuals, the music and the environmental story telling. The player and follower sprites speak volumes. I liked how even though you give them instructions, they tend to do what they wish at times, which is conceptually supported by the fact they are actually monsters. So "it makes sense" for them to act this way!
I was aiming to do something similar, but could never reach your level of gameplay!