Page 74 of Fanged Desire
“You know what to do.”
She nodded, her lips pressed into a determined line. Without another word, she slipped away, disappearing down one of the dimly lit corridors. A lump formed in my throat as I watched her go, a knot of fear tightening in my chest. She was on her own now, but we had a plan. We had to stick to it.
Still, the thought of her wandering these halls alone made my stomach churn. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew – deep in my bones – that I’d sense it if something went wrong. I had to trust that, and trust her.
Ethan and I wove through the crowd, dodging ear-piercing laughter and clinking glasses as we went. The elves were elegant and imposing, the masks only adding to their unsettling nature, accentuating their unusual eyes that gleamed like jewels.
Ethan stuck close to my side, his mask slipping down his nose. I resisted the urge to fix it.
We sidled up to a small group standing near a sparkling tower of champagne glasses. A tall elf with silver hair and a crescent moon mask was speaking animatedly, gesturing with a macaron pinched between her fingers.
“It’s quite an art, really,” the woman chattered, her voice light and musical. “I’ve high hopes for this batch.”
“What batch is that?” I asked casually, shouldering her companion out of the way.
The elf turned to me, her eyes gleaming behind her mask.
“The new humans, of course,” she said with a lilting laugh. “Cathy’s been absolutely meticulous with this selection. I hear the flavor profiles are unparalleled.”
“Flavor profiles?” I repeated, keeping my tone neutral. My smile stayed in place, but my pulse picked up the pace.
“Oh, yes,” another elf chimed in, elbowing me aside as she sidled up to the other woman. “The A-gene makes such a difference. It’s like the difference between a fine vintage and… well, swill.”
A muscle feathered in my jaw, my serene smile frozen on my face despite the sudden ice in my veins. “Right… I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this before. Cathy must be quite the visionary.”
The crescent-masked elf beamed, talking through a bite of macaron. “Oh, she is. This entire endeavor has been her brainchild for decades. A true connoisseur.”
“Decades, you say?” I asked, feigning intrigue. “And all centered around this… A-gene?”
Another elf, one with a golden feathered mask, leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Exactly. The A-gene is rare, almost mythical. It’s like striking gold when you find a human with it. It enhances every aspect of their essence.”
“It’s all about the balance,” the silver-haired elf explained, dabbing crumbs from her mouth with a hankie. “The gene alters their blood, their flesh – it gives them a certain… depth. A richness that’s impossible to replicate.”
“Like a perfectly aged wine,” the feathered elf added with a chuckle. “Except, of course, far more decadent.”
My stomach turned, but I kept my expression serene, as though I was simply another fascinated guest. “And this batch you mentioned… I assume Cathy has outdone herself?”
“Oh, without question,” the silver-haired elf gasped, her excitement palpable. “The selection process was exhaustive.She went to extraordinary lengths to ensure only the finest specimens were chosen.”
Another elf joined in, their voice muffled slightly by their intricate mask. “I heard some have been sourced globally.”
I forced myself to nod, my fingers itching to grab the nearest glass and smash it against the preening elf’s head. “Impressive. And these… specimens? Where are they now?”
The silver-haired elf laughed lightly, a sound that grated against my nerves. “Oh, they’re being prepared as we speak. I imagine the first course will be served shortly.”
“First course?” Ethan’s voice cracked slightly beside me, and I nudged him sharply with my elbow, willing him to keep it together.
“Of course,” the feathered elf said, smirking behind his mask. “It’s not just about the taste; it’s an experience. Cathy ensures the presentation is as exquisite as the cuisine itself.”
I stared at the elf woman, the pieces falling into place with a sickening clarity. They weren’t just capturing humans with the A-gene – they were consuming them.
Beside me, Ethan was rigid. His hand brushed his pocket, discreetly recording the conversation, his face strained but blank even as his eyes darted to mine, wide with burgeoning horror.
“Excuse me,” I said, my voice tight. “I need to fetch a drink.”
The elves nodded, their attention already drifting to the next round of drinks being served. I turned on my heel, grabbing Ethan’s arm and steering him away.
“Humans?” Ethan hissed under his breath, his voice shaking. “Hunter, they’re eating humans. What the hell is this?”
