Chapter 3

A hush fell over the dinner table, sending a chill rippling through the group and dragging their hearts down into the pit of their stomachs.

“No need for anyone to worry too much,” Mrs. Bennett said with a gentle smile, easing the tension in the air. “These are just some unwritten rules around here. As long as we all follow them, everything should be fine.”

“Well, you’ve all traveled a long way to get here, so I’m sure you’re starving by now. Our chef is quite skilled, and I think you’ll find the meal quite enjoyable.”

As Mrs. Bennett had promised, the table was laden with an array of exquisite dishes: appetizers, main courses, desserts, everything one could want. In any other setting, it would have felt like the height of luxury, a lavish buffet to savor without a second thought. But with the eerie atmosphere hanging over them, and the sense of impending danger, most of the guests had lost their appetites entirely.

And beyond that, no one could be sure if the food was safe to eat.

Ethan paused for just a moment in thought, then followed Rosie’s lead by tucking a napkin into his collar and picking up his knife and fork to slice into the steak on his plate.

The steak was a perfect rare, the meat tender and juicy; a light cut with the knife released a trickle of bright red juices.

Ignoring the stunned stares from the others, Ethan speared a piece with his fork and popped it into his mouth without hesitation, all the while keeping a close eye on the expressions and movements of the host family.

The man and woman of the house displayed impeccable table manners, eating in complete silence with graceful chews, though their eyes darted among the guests, laced with a subtle scrutiny and an undercurrent of icy detachment buried deep within.

The little girl sat right next to Ethan, her head bowed as she focused on her slice of cream cake. Since their arrival, she hadn’t spoken to anyone beyond that startling greeting at the door, as if the newcomers held no interest for her at all.

Lucas, who had always looked down on the others, shot Ethan a surprised glance when he saw him start eating. But soon enough, he let out a scoff and reached for his own food, digging in with evident relish.

“Aren’t you worried the food might be poisoned, Ethan?” Serena asked, her right hand clamping onto his arm. He could feel the chill radiating from her palm.