Between Victor studying him like a goldfish in a tank and the regular reports of either the princesses being awake, sleep, or aging nothing changed between the numbing pain in his throat, forcing Seth to focus on nothing and everything all at once. Days, weeks, maybe even months passed like this, there was no measurement of time. Just an endless imprisonment. Victor hadn’t spoken again since his neck was skewered. It was a wonder Seth was still alive with the constant puddle of blood accumulating at his feet.

No motive was stated. He clearly didn’t want Seth to speak, think or admit anything since all seemed inexplicitly denied. Seth obeyed the only clear demand: Do not think about escaping.

Three deliberate knocks on the door.

It was Marcus.

Only ever Marcus. He couldn’t even mark time by his presence because that was the only irregularity. Victor’s naps were more consistent, but he made little sound when he took them and Seth gaze was bound to the high ceiling so he couldn’t view his slumped back head next to the bickering flames again. That when hungry went on forever.

“State your purpose.” Victor would demand like it would be anyone else.

“It is Marcus, NZri. It is time for your meal.” Another robbery of time.

A slow rising crooked line possessed Victor's face as if he was going to pull the fish up by its tail and see how far it jumped before it died, a sad pathetic attempt at otherwise. “Are you hungry?” Victor asked as if Seth could answer. Well, his stomach answered for him. “I suppose everything has to eat, be it light, plants, other beings, even souls. What do you eat, child?” Seth wish he could see him roll his eyes like he believed he was any different from him.”

“NZri, Marcus entering.” The heavy door exhale as it separated from its locking mechanism. Seth could hear the dishes rattle and shiver, but no footsteps, breathing, or shuffling of posture. Marcus made no sounds that he did not want heard. He placed a large heavily populated plate in front of Victor, three smaller lighter plates surrounded it like evenly placed sun beams, then he refilled his seiz. Marcus did the same to the opposite of the unoccupied table.

“Marcus.”

“Yes, NZri.”

“Sit.”

Marcus sat the table for himself as well. Dragged the chair half between Seth and Victor, sat and ate. Victor followed suit. The sound of Seth’s stomach begin to echo off the walls in harmony with hands and bones scraping across dish after dish. Chewing and gulping. New sounds filled the space creating a new form of torture he craved and regrated. He longed for the fire and the erratic updates instead meats, fruits, salads and sauces choked his senses and intoxicated his nerves. Just a taste. Seth could feel his palate wetting, tears streaming, and his cock erect. New sensations rippling through his body. Just a lick.

“look at that.” The excitement of Victors voice danced across the untraceable hairs of Seth skin. “It wants to live.”

“NZri, you are being cruel.” Marcus sighed.

“look there.”

“Yes, two shadows.” Marcus spoke not like Master and servant, but two friends a matter-a-factly. “Is he possessed?”

“I don’t know. Maybe, he is the possession?”

“Is he not like Tsukki of Tongue and not of Body?”

Victor leaned back in his chair studying Seth again. “I had thought so.”

“and now, NZri?”

“more?”

“Hmmm….let’s set it loose.”

Victor gulp the remainder of his drink. “Let it loose?”

“Alda-Cassidy when consciences ask about him. We cannot show him in this state: drippling with blood, tears and whatever else. NZri.”

“She’s becoming a lot of trouble. Should I get rid – “

Before Victor finished his sentence Stryard was at his throat with the nail he pulled out from his own. It pierced through Marcus’s hand; he made a second in time to protect Victor. “your foot is in my meal.” Victor touched the tip of the nail and it dissolved then set ablaze Marcus hand. Marcus blew his hand, fine then took his seat. Seth dropped to the ground flipping on the end of the table on the way down. “Can you put this back?” Victor pointed down.

In-between scooping up meat and mash Marcus look from Victor to Seth. “Do you believe there is a point.?” He asked sincere. Victor looked down at the boy. “Let’s eat. We can leave him in the chair.”