Chapter 13: Finger Bones are So Crunchy/Finger Bones and Boredom/So Crunchy/How Long It Takes

With a horrible snap, he bit off the finger where it connected to his hand. Hiryu jolted horribly at the sound, then gasped as the demon reached into his own mouth and pulled out the severed finger, now mere chewed bone. Hiryu swallowed hard, grimacing, his fingers on his right hand curling defensively, although he’d felt no pain. ****WOULD THERE BE PAIN – NERVES? He watched in disgust and an odd fascination as Eigis stuck the larger end into his mouth and broke off a piece with another loud crunch, chewing happily. The sound was similar to a person chewing on ice chips.

Swallowing, the demon remarked, waving what was left of Hiryu’s third finger, “Finger bones are so wonderfully crunchy. But you see, how quick or how long something is devoured depends on the one doing the devouring. That would be me.” He gestured grandly to himself in a flurry on talons, before taking another bite of finger bone.

Hiryu’s face turned a sick pale color, tinged in green, his expression horrified. He swallowed, fighting not to throw up, and asked,

“Then you mean that, so long as I am able to – entertain you – you will keep me alive?”

About to pop the rest of the finger into his mouth, Eigis paused to rip off the nail, spitting it away in disgust. “Peh. I almost forgot how much I hate the taste of fingernails.”

Returning his attention to Hiryu, he answered, “Essentially yes. Of course it will reach a point where even my demon magic will no longer be able to keep you alive – at least a month. But it also depends on how interesting you remain.” With a smile that crinkled up his gold eyes, he tossed the rest of Hiryu’s finger into his mouth with a snap and chewed appreciatively.