Chapter 7: A Wild Swan (5) R-18.
As he sank his teeth into the first bite of the tough, chewy meat, Lucien felt like he was in heaven. The initial burst of flavour plain as it was, followed by the soft fattiness coating his tongue, overwhelmed his senses.
"Is this... what it feels like to eat after three days?" Lucien thought.Tears welled up in his eyes. He knew very well this meat held no spices, no herbs just the raw, metallic taste of blood and sinew.
Yet to him, it was divine.
He chewed slowly, savouring every bite like it was the last piece of meat he'd ever eat.
When he finally swallowed, he exhaled softly, his mind a little clearer, the edge of desperation dulled.
"So... what now?" he asked, turning his eyes to Marina.
The portion had been small, far from filling—but it was enough to remind him he was still alive.
Marina remained silent.
Her lips trembled, but no words came out. Fear coiled in her chest, not just for her brother who is starving back in the village, but for the man sitting before her. He was no longer just the arrogant young master she once avoided. There was something else within him, something dangerous and calculative.
"Do you have any water?" Lucien asked, his voice low, distant—still caught in thoughts of what lay ahead. His future felt as uncertain as the trembling girl before him.
Marina froze.