He walked into the room, his grace never leaving his steps. Placing the wooden tray in front of me on the bed with poise, he backed away slowly, watching me. French toast was laid before me, accompanied by a cut orange revealing a vanilla-creme syrup. My stomach grumbled embarrassingly.

"Dr. Lecter…thank you. This is beautiful. Seems a shame to eat it," I stated, smiling nervously. I couldn't help but grow even more guilty, as he continued to treat me so kindly.

You're blind, Starling. He has something evil up his sleeve and you're falling so easily into his trap. Way to go, ex-special agent. Might as well call you that.

"Food is an art, Clarice. The entirety of the process is like a film. You must absorb it from its beginning to its end. That is the only way to fully understand the finer message."

I looked down at the sophisticated meal; it sure was a beautiful film.

"Now, did you rest well last night? You slept soundly, from my view. Any nightmares plaguing your mind?

"None, thank you. Just peace."

I couldn't remember anything except peaceful darkness. It was the pill he had given me, yes, but I couldn't lie and say that it wasn't wonderful. Why did I need a pill this time?

Because you're insane, Starling. Simple.

"That leaves me in peace as well, Clarice," he stated, pacing in front of my bedpost. I noticed the small black shape following behind him, meowing energetically.

"Dr. Lecter?"

He waited patiently for my question, the rays of the morning sun illuminating the burgundy irises I once feared.

"Where are you taking me?"

And there it was: that cunning smile. Some would call it manipulative, even evil. But I knew it wasn't that simple. He was planning something I knew I could not control.

"You never cease to peak my interest, Clarice. You never, how do they say, miss a beat. I am a man of my word, dear. I said I would take you away from this hell. I intend to do that."

This isn't kidnapping, Starling. You want to leave, don't you?

"How?" I asked; I tried wrapping my head around this whole plan. I knew deep down, I needed to leave this place. My mind raced to the warm water, and his arms holding me tightly. He was promising me to take me away.

I tried forgetting that event quickly, as my face was burning scarlet.

"I have taken the liberty in packing all your things, and everything that you might need. We'll be gone a while", he stated calmly, looking toward the window. Midnight seemed to agree with him at his feet.

"You might want to hurry and enjoy your breakfast. Your plane leaves this afternoon."

My mouth dropped slightly, shaking myself into looking a little less like an idiot.

"Wait, today?! But what about- Ardelia, and wait, if someone finds out-"

His hand stopped my words. He smiled to himself, and approached the bed, closer.

"You should not worry about anything, Clarice. Jack Crawford already knows, since you have alerted him of your future absence. Ardelia will know from the chain of whispers in the Bureau. There aren't many others to tell. You have nothing to fear," Dr. Lecter stated calmly.

I had to hold my forehead to focus on his words.

Come on, Starling, stop panicking. A close purr snapped me back.

"And the cat?" I asked, sounding a bit childish.

"I took the liberty of buying sufficient food, and water will be abundant. I knew you were doubtful of me, but this pains me, Clarice," he proclaimed, his face adorned with that cunning smirk.

"But where-"

"Ah, now that would spoil the surprise, Clarice. Patience, dear, patience. Eat your breakfast, and change into the clothes I left for you in your closest. Everything else is packed and downstairs."

He started to walk out, Midnight at his heels. I was too confused to ask any more questions. My hand reached for the silverware on the tray.

"Oh, and Clarice?"

My eyes met his once again. My stomach churned, but not from hunger.

"It might be beneficial if you started trusting me at this point. It'll be more fun that way, don't you think?"


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