Chapter Text
“Hello Emma, I’ve been waiting to meet you for so long. I am Leuvis. And you, young lady, are coming with me.”
Huh?
“What?” I’m confused.
“Ah, I’m sorry. This must be so confusing and terrifying for you.” Obviously. If I didn’t already know the truth I would be screaming…
“Although, you do seem to be taking this quite well. I can smell your fear, however, you aren’t surprised to see me. I wonder, why could that be?” He looks towards Mom’s blank emotionless face.
“I’m afraid I don’t know your Grace.” Yeah right. He is staring at her so intently, as if trying to see the bold-faced lie.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter.” Then he disappears right before my eyes. What? Where did he..?
“Although, I recommend dealing with any livestock that know the truth. Before your higher-ups know of this issue.” I whip around to find him leaning directly in front of Mom’s face. How did he move so quickly? He was over there one second, and then over here in the next…
“I… Yes, of course your Grace. I believe she is the only one who has discovered the truth, but I will investigate.” I can barely recognize the faintest quiver in her voice. She’s scared. It’s a startling realization, to know the woman who seems so unshakable, is scared . Wait. Why isn’t she telling him about the others? Is it so that she doesn’t get in trouble?
“Emma.” I jolt at the sound of my name. Looking up I see his attention is fully on me now. I suppose it’s time…
“Will it be painful?” I hope not. I hope it’s quick and painless. But, I doubt I will be granted such mercy. A light chuckle escapes his razor-filled mouth.
“Oh, I think you are a bit confused. I’m not going to kill you. Actually, you aren’t going to die anytime soon.” Wait, but, isn’t that why I’m here?
“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I don’t understand…” He’s already walking towards me before I can finish, crouching down till we are at eye level. Or, at least level with one of his eyes…
“I will explain everything come morning. However, we should take our leave, lest we reach the manor at dawn. But I can promise you that I will not hurt you, nor kill you.” He reaches his clawed hand towards me, but I flinch away. He must be lying. I am merely food in his eyes.
“Regardless of what you may believe , you must trust me, even if it’s just till the talk we will have tomorrow.” Standing up he takes a few steps back, giving me the space I so desperately craved. Glancing towards Mom she appears confused yet happy?
“Come.” Looking forward I see his hand is held out, palm face up. He wants me to take his hand? I look back at Mom, and she nods encouragingly. Well, it’s not like I can do anything anyway. I accepted my death here, so whatever comes next will be a surprise. I have nothing left to lose. His hand is cold, and feels like leather. He’s careful to not scratch me with his claws as he wraps his fingers around my much smaller hand.
“We will be taking our leave now.” Turning away from the gate he starts walking deeper into the tunnel, leaving me no choice but to follow. I take one more look back to my home, to my mom who raised me to be food, to the truck that I saw Conny’s body in, to the only place I ever knew.
“Goodbye…” To everything, to my home, to my family, to my best friends, to my future, to my hopes and dreams. Goodbye to everything I know. Mom smiles sadly and waves me off. I catch a glimpse of white in the forest beyond the gate, but it’s gone just as quickly. Must have just been my imagination.
“Goodbye Emma. I wish you luck.”