Page 16 of The Cannibal

“Your gums must have been on fire,” she laughed, placing the plate down. “Look at all that venom.”

I stared down at the plate, a liquid mixed with a bit of spit and citrus juice. It was pooling on the plate.

I leaned down, studied it. That’s my venom.

“If you come back next week, we should be getting exotic fruit if you are curious about those flavors.” She laughed.

“What is your name?” I looked to her. She quieted down.

“Amelia.” She straightened, suddenly remembering her station. “I will leave you be if I have bothered you.”

“No, no.” I brushed it off. “Thank you for the offer.”

She gave a humble nod, a small smile of pride.

“How long have you worked here?”

“Not long. A few months.”

“Have you seen the owner of the house?”

Her shoulders tensed.

Secretive?

“The Sire? Yes.” She remained polite, possibly put off by my sudden questions.

“Sire?”

“The Sire is the title for the head of a Nest⁠—”

“Yes, but whom?” I interrupted.

“Mr. Forbes.”

“Silas?” I needed to be extra clear.

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“What about Mr. Novikov?”

“He’s around most days.” She sighed.

“Will you bring me to them?”

She paused. Not a great sign. “They aren’t here at the moment.” Her tone settled, as if talking to a guest who was being all too curious. I couldn’t blame her. I imagine I’d do the same for my own Nest.

But I didn’t have the time for silly games.

My fingers snapped to her ear, like a naughty child. Her yelp made my heart flutter, then a small part of me felt a small rush. My nails pinched the tender flesh. I could feel the pulsing of the sensitive nerves, practically vibrating under the pad of my thumb.

I leaned down to her eye level. “Dear girl, I need you to answer my questions thoroughly and truly if you want to remain here. Whatever is happening, whatever is keeping you from divulging, I will handle it. But I need some answers before I eat my way through the walls of this house.” I had to remember to put on a smile. “Do you understand?”

Her eyes watered, gripping my hand on her ear. Her stare was so wide, she couldn’t utter words.

I tugged her closer, I could almost hear the blood rushing. “Tell me everything, and all will be well.”

Amelia’s shocked state didn’t allow for the most concise information, but I was able to confirm a few things.