Stella and Simon copy our movements and are a few steps behind when Lucien appears at the bottom of the steps. He’s wearing a tailed tuxedo, complete with a top hat and cane. He smiles, opening his arms wide, and reminding me of a ringmaster…that’s actually the perfect description of our host. “Welcome, my guests of honor. You all look quite lovely and ready for a meal.” He motions toward the dining room grandly. “Dinner…is served.”
We follow our host through the living room into a room nearly as large. The walls are adorned with amixture of deep mahogany wood and dark green wallpaper featuring large magnolia blooms. I count twenty chairs as we approach the oversized table.
Standing behind one of the chairs is the immortal child from earlier. He’s dressed much the same as Lucien, and his body language reminds me more of a soldier than a child. “Welcome,” he says as we enter. “I’ve taken the liberty of assigning your seats. Please check the name card underneath the cloche.”
Cyrus moves to the first chair, lifting the silver lid. He pulls the card to his face with a soft laugh. “Simon, I’m guessing this is you. However, the card readsHot Lycanthrope.”
“It felt more…appropriate,” Lucien says, sitting at the head of the table.
Simon’s cheeks turn bright red as he pulls the chair out for his sister before sitting next to her. “Thank you for the clothes,” he says toward our host. I stare at Simon, seeing him as the handsome young man for the first time. His suit is a similar style to Cyrus’s but is a deep navy blue. He and Stella match, and I realize how much they resemble each other. It’s obvious they’re siblings.
“You are very welcome,” Lucien answers quickly. “Terrin, I believe we’re ready for dinner.” At his words, the small vampire exits through a swinging door into the back part of the house. Lucien looks toward us. “For a vampire, Terrin is a remarkably wonderful chef.” He lowers his voice. “I think you’llfind the meat he’s prepared perfectly roasted for lycan.”
“Thank you?” Simon answers awkwardly, making me smile. The door opens wide as Terrin enters, carrying a large silver tray. He moves quickly to the lycan, exchanging their plates for new ones. Steam rolls off, and even for my oversensitive nose, they smell delicious. He sets a plate in front of Lucien before setting a soup bowl in front of Cyrus and me. Each bowl is full of bright red liquid, and the smell of copper makes my stomach growl. He sets a final bowl at an empty seat before joining us at the table.
“Please, enjoy your meal,” Terrin says, picking up his spoon.
“Thank you, Terrin,” Lucien says, uncovering his plate. “This smells divine.”
I glance at Cyrus before copying the boy’s movements and picking up my spoon. He does the same and takes the first drink from the bowl. He nods with barely any movement, telling me it’s okay to eat. The moment the liquid hits my tongue, I forget all civility. Picking the bowl up, I lift it to my lips and drink from the edge. My bowl is empty seconds later.
I set the bowl down, realizing all eyes are on me. Red stains remain on the crisp white napkin as I lay it back across my lap. “I apologize,” I say after several awkward moments. “I was hungrier than I thought.”
“Would you care for more?” Terrin asks.
Yes! My brain screams. Instead, I choose the politeanswer. “Maybe in a few minutes.” I smile as I speak, hoping to cover the desire that looms inside. I watch as the rest of the dinner party eats painstakingly slow. No one speaks, and the energy that fills the room is strange to say the least.
I pick up my plate. “I’ll get more, Terrin.” Before he can object, I’m through the swinging door and in the kitchen. My bowl crashes to the ground as I lay eyes on the source of our meal. In the corner of the kitchen is a woman. Her hands and feet are bound, and dark circles under her eyes are larger than they should be.
“Hello,” she whispers with a faint smile. “I hope you enjoyed your meal.”
I rush to her side, fighting the urge to eat that her blood brings. “Are you okay?”
She smiles once more. “I will be.”
Lifting her bound hands away from her gaunt body, “Why are you tied up?”
She shrugs. “Sometimes I wander around when I get this low.”
“I’m sorry,” I answer, breaking the bindings on her wrists and ankles. “I didn’t realize…”
“It’s okay, dear. I chose this.” She struggles to sit up. “Terrin doesn’t normally take as much as he did tonight.” I pull her forward, leaning her against the wall.
“You feed Terrin?”
“I do. I’ve been with him for many years.”
“She’s not hurt,” a young voice says behind me.Terrin moves to her side, gently lifting her higher. “Are you okay, Doris?”
She rubs his tiny head. “I’m fine, my love.”
Remembering Harrison’s word for this, I ask the question I don’t want to know the answer to. “Are you his donneuse?”
Her frail hand waves in my direction. “I don’t know what that means.” She gently rubs the side of Terrin’s cheek. “I take care of him and feed him. If that’s whatever you called me, then yes.”
“What’s the meaning of this?” Cyrus asks. I don’t know how long he’s been standing behind me. “Did she feed all three of us?”
“Yes,” Terrin answers. “It was the only way.”
