Jerome (part 2): Kidnap

In an instant, Jerome felt a change in him. His throat became dry and burning, and he craved water to quench his thirst. He ran to the sea, cupping the seawater to drink in vain because he was getting thirsty.

"You can't be satisfied with plain water. Drink this." A lion cub suddenly emerged from the black fog.

The lion cub was severely injured, with blood splattering out, which increased little Jerome's thirst.

Jerome had never seen blood before; he didn't even know the scent of blood. Now faced with the bloodied lion cub, the smell was so enticing and mouth-watering, and he gulped nervously.

'Jerome, remember this. You are a special child, unlike Lionel. Whatever happens, you must not taste blood in any form. If you see blood, you must run as fast as you can and call me.'