She's hungry

Silas stood there, speechless, as he observed her dark lashes fluttering shut, resembling delicate wings in a gentle breeze. He noticed her lips brushing softly against one another. The only question swirling in his mind was why this enigmatic woman had tasted his tears. If her goal was to astonish and unsettle him, she had certainly succeeded.

Her dark eyes sparkled with mischief as they opened. "It's a bit salty, but not too bad," she remarked. Silas found himself at a loss for words, and silence enveloped him like a thick fog.

Just then, Lila entered with a tray, the enticing aroma of food wafting through the air. She paused, her gaze landing on Keira, who had taken a seat beside Silas. A playful smile danced on her lips as she shot a knowing glance at Keira. "Looks like you couldn't resist your boyfriend's charm. I can't blame you; he's quite the catch."

Silas felt his eyes widen in disbelief, his mind racing as he turned to Keira, who returned Lila's smile with a gentle one of her own. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden mockery in her gaze that Lila remained oblivious to.

He longed to shout out to the waitress, to explain that Keira had taken his best friend's life and was holding him against his will. But he knew that revealing his predicament to this kind stranger would only lead to disaster. Instead, he felt trapped, his lips sealed tight, as if he were glued to his chair.

As Lila placed the plate of food in front of him, he couldn't help but notice how fresh and appetizing it looked, yet he felt no hunger; the meal seemed dull and uninviting. With a cheerful wave, Lila departed, her empty tray in hand. "Enjoy your meal! I'll check in on you later."

Silas remained silent, prompting Keira to flash him another grin before she focused on the food, her hands resting under her chin. Silas raised an eyebrow, and with a playful smile, Keira casually handed him the knife, saying, "You should probably eat now."

Though he wanted to decline, Silas understood the importance of conserving his strength if he hoped to find a chance to escape. So, he swallowed his pride and took the fork from the table, snatching the knife from her grasp without any pretense of politeness.

He chose to ignore the disapproving glare from her, unwilling to express gratitude or kindness—after all, she was his captor. He felt a sense of numbness wash over him, though he knew he might later regret not showing at least a hint of respect.

As he sliced into the steak and savored the rich, beefy flavor that burst in his mouth, Silas began to devour the meal with a ferocity that reflected his hunger from a long day without food.

Glancing up at Keira, he noticed she hadn't moved, and he was taken aback to find her watching him with a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Is it good?" she asked.

Silas set down the knife and fork, nodding in acknowledgment. He didn't want to give her the satisfaction, but he was acutely aware that his life depended on her whims. Taking a sip of water, he felt his ravenous hunger begin to subside, the cool liquid soothing his dry throat.

After placing the glass down, he turned to see Keira still observing him with that same amused expression.

He inquired, a hint of unease in his voice, "What?"

She shook her head, her hair cascading gently, and then Lila returned with a warm smile, "Are you done? How was the meal?"

Keira turned to her, nodding appreciatively, "Yeah, I'm done, thanks for the meal."

With a smile, she replied, "No worries, I'm just doing my job."

Silas furrowed his brows in silence, pondering why Keira seemed so oddly calm yet friendly. He questioned whether this was her way of fitting in, avoiding any attention in public.

He noticed her gentle smile directed at the waitress, reminiscent of a delicate flower devoid of thorns. Silas raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Keira extended her soft, pale hands toward the waitress, prompting a frown of confusion on the waitress's face as Keira softly asked, "May I see your hand?"

Silas's brows knitted together, a wave of dread washing over him, an unsettling premonition stirring anxiety in his heart for reasons he couldn't quite grasp.

He observes the waitress squinting in confusion but ultimately complying with Keira's request. She extends her hand toward Keira, who grips it tightly and calmly instructs, "Don't scream and stay still."

Silas lightly tugs at her shoulder, his touch revealing how icy-cold her skin has become. He whispers urgently, "Keira, what are you doing?"

Releasing her shoulder suddenly, his eyes widen in disbelief as he swallows hard, witnessing the shocking change in Keira's irises, shifting from black to a deep, blood-like crimson.

Beneath her eyes, tiny, almost invisible veins pulse beneath the skin, giving her face an eerie beauty that is both captivating and monstrous.

"What is going on?! She wouldn't behave like this in front of everyone!"

In a state of panic, Silas scans the room, realizing that those around them are blissfully unaware, enjoying their meals with loved ones, completely oblivious to the peril that lurks nearby.

His attention shifts to Lila, whose eyes have become vacant and hollow, reflecting the same emptiness he had seen in the old man's gaze in the car. Her face is disturbingly devoid of any emotion.

A wave of dread washes over Silas as he recognizes the familiar cruelty etched on Keira's features.

Her soft voice slices through the atmosphere, "If you're finished eating, I'm hungry now. I haven't had anything."

His heart races in terror as he grasps her intentions—she's going to kill Lila.

He watches in horror as her teeth elongate, shimmering in the light.

The once pristine teeth pierce through the skin with a sickening crunch, while Lila squirms, yet remains still, surrending to Keira's insatiable hunger, the sound of gulping echoing as blood begins to trickle slowly from her wrist.