The Contamination (4) The Monster Food

Estella's wide eyes were fixed on the makeshift cooking setup that Mikhailis had thrown together from salvaged materials and their sparse rations. A small pot bubbled over a controlled flame, releasing a tantalizing aroma that drifted across the camp. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then finally managed to mutter.

"I can't believe this. It actually smells… great." Her disbelief was palpable.

The rest of the group slowly gathered, their curiosity outweighing their initial revulsion. Even Cerys, who had spent the better part of the last hour silently glaring at the grotesque remains Mikhailis had dissected, stepped closer. She stopped just short of the range of the drifting steam, her arms crossed tightly.

"What are you doing?" Vyrelda's voice cut through the tentative silence as she eyed the bubbling pot with suspicion.

Mikhailis looked up, a smirk playing on his lips.