The Meal

Her blood? Trisha couldn't shake those two words out of her head no matter how hard she tried. How much blood would be involved in this cooking contest of theirs? But no, it didn't matter.

She had to save Nakuni. She couldn't let them just kill him.

Westworth led her away from the twins that watched Trisha's every gesture with a glazed look. They licked their lips as their eyes dipped to her throat or to the veins on her wrist. Trisha was grateful the old woman was so strict. She could really only imagine what she would have done otherwise.

"He's in here." The woman turned on the lights in a small room and the area was flooded with a yellow glow.

Nakuni was in the center of the floor in a fetal position. Crusted blood covered his face and his hands. His clothing had been torn to shreds. "Nakuni?" Trisha whispered.

The man turned slowly. Taking his time as if moving too quickly would erase the dream he was in. His eyes met hers and he smiled. "Mistr