Chapter Ninety-three

Chapter Ninety-three

Kacy

"Where are we?" I asked as I stepped out of Francis's fancy Mercedes-Benz.

"Welcome to my house," Francis replied. He called the guards to help Bryan out of the car and inside the sprawling mansion. It's built far away from the city, a good place to hide from the enemies.

It has a wide front yard, a garden, and a swimming pool, surrounded by a dense forest. You can hear the chirping of birds. "Woah. I didn't expect you to own such a luxury house. You live here alone?" I asked.

"Yup. My parents sometimes pay me a visit. Don't worry, you and Bryan are safe here. For now, you'll have to stay here until the chaos is over," Francis said. "Come, let's get inside."

I've never heard Francis talk about his parents before. He's not someone who talks about family. We've been together for quite some time, but I don't fully know him. I don't ask Bryan about him either. Maybe there's nothing to worry about. I followed them inside the mansion.

This place makes me remember my house. It's been a long time since I left. I miss my parents very much. I hope they are happy now wherever they are. A lot of things happened already; I'm lucky I'm still alive.

Francis himself led us to our room. We walked through the long corridor. The two guards are helping Bryan, who is still asleep. Francis stopped in front of a door and opened it. "Alright, so this is your room. Just tell me if you need anything. I'll be around."

"Um, thank you so much, Francis."

"Don't think about it," he smiled.

The guards brought Bryan inside and laid him on the wide bed. This room is big enough for two people.

"I have to go now. Still got something to do. If you're hungry or need something, don't be shy to tell me or Mrs. Pippa; she's the majordomo," Francis said. He seemed to be in a hurry as he didn't wait for me to reply before leaving.

I opened the window and tied up the curtains to let in some fresh air. We've got a good view of the forest. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I hope everything will be over soon. I sat down on the bed beside Bryan. He looks so calm when he sleeps, as if he doesn't have any problems. I thought about what happened earlier. If it weren't for Francis, we would have been in trouble already. He had mentioned something that turns humans into monsters. He must be working on it.

My stomach growled, so I stood up to get something to eat. I left Bryan in the room, closed the door, and looked for the kitchen. While walking in the hallway, I heard Francis's voice. He was talking with someone over the phone.

"Right, that's right. They are here with me right now. Don't worry. With the dose I gave him, I'm sure he won't be able to escape this time. You should prepare the money," Francis said.

I wonder who he is talking with, perhaps a business partner. I heard footsteps approaching. It's the guards. I immediately left. It's not good to eavesdrop on other people's conversations. There's a woman, probably in her forties, in front of the large door.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Pippa?"

She turned around. Her lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She has long curly gray hair and a slightly scary face. "Yes. Are you Francis's friend?"

"Um," I nodded.

"Do you need anything?"

"Actually I—I'm starving. Do you have anything to eat?"

"Follow me." She turned around and opened the door, revealing the wide kitchen.

There's a long table at the center, chairs, glasses, plates, forks, spoons, and knives. Just typical stuff to be found in the kitchen. But it got me thinking. If Francis is living here alone, how could he have so many things?

"Please take a seat. What do you want to eat?" Mrs. Pippa asked.

I sat down in the chair. "Um... Can I have anything?"

"Yes, anything. We have a good chef here. He'll cook anything for you," Mrs. Pippa replied.

"Alright then. I want to eat something delicious." I know I'm not really in the position to demand anything. Francis had done a lot for us already. He saved us, helped Bryan, gave us money, and even let us stay here for free. I can't believe he did all these without asking for anything in return.

"We'll prepare the most delicious foie gras for you then," Mrs. Pippa said.

"I think that's—" I'm about to argue, but she raises her hand, stopping me.

"You're the master's friend, right? It's just normal to treat you well," Mrs. Pippa said. "Just wait a moment; it'll be ready soon. You can have lemon juice while waiting."

Without letting me reply, Mrs. Pippa went to the cooking room. It's been a while since I've eaten delicious foods. I took the pitcher and poured myself a glass of lemon juice. Smells good. I drank it.

A few moments later, the chef stepped out of the cooking room with a platter. He walked towards me, put it on the table, and opened it. "Your foie gras, ma'am. Bon appétit," he said before turning to leave.

"Thanks," I said, taking the fork and knife and starting to eat. "Mmm... This is so delicious. It tastes perfect with the lemon juice."

I continue eating until I'm full. Then I went back to our room. Bryan was already up when I entered. He looks like a lost little kid, yawning.

"Are you alright?" I asked, approaching him.

"I'm... I'm tired," he replied, simpering, though there was nothing funny. He lay down on the bed again.

"Okay. If you're tired, I will let you rest. Just tell me if you need anything."

Bryan didn't say anything as he closed his eyes. His face had gotten thinner. He must be hungry. I should go get him something to eat. I stood up and went outside. I saw the two guards standing in the hallway in front of Francis's room.

"Is everything alright?" I asked them.

They bowed their heads. "Everything's fine."

"Alright." I continued to the kitchen. When I got there, something had changed; no more kitchen stuff, the table and seats are empty. It's strange and quiet. I walked towards the cooking room and smelled something I couldn't describe. I knocked on the door, but nobody answered. I turned the knob and realized it wasn't locked. I turned the lights on and saw a table covered in blood. It looked so horrifying I covered my mouth and nose.

"Is everything alright?"