Chapter 3: Table For Three
The next day
A warm ray of light softly settled on my face. My sore body felt warm and comfortable. I pulled the cover closer and over my head, plunging myself into darkness. Wait…when did I get a blanket? With my eyes still closed, I moved my hand around feeling the soft mattress beneath me. I forced my aching body up and cracked my crusty eyes open. The morning sun entered through the window, illuminating the entire room. I remember passing out on the hard floor, but not climbing into bed. Did I half-asleep drag myself up and under the covers? Or…did he?
I shifted my sight to the piles of clothes on the dresser. Sliding out of bed, I approached the neat stacks. Various shirts, blue jeans, hoodies, socks, and even underwear. He even got my size right. My skin crawled by the thought as I crossed my arms protectively. When could he of got these clothes? Did they belong to his multitude of sacrifices subjected to his twisted deeds? Knots formed in my stomach from the idea.
I was about to back away from them, sickened, when a flash of white caught my gaze. I reached out a shaky hand for the shirts. It was a small card attached to one of the shirts with "$15.99" written on it, a price tag. A killer bought me clothes… he bought me clothes. Honestly, the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, even if it's from a murderous psychopath. Sighing to myself, I picked out an outfit and went to shower.
The door squeaked when it opened. Beldam was telling the truth when he said it was "fully equipped." Plush grey towels hung from a towel rack on the light blue walls. A granite sink top with black cabinet doors. Chilly white tiled floor met with grey rugs. A wicker clothes basket was set beside the sink.
"Grey n' blue, I'm starting to sense a theme here." I mumbled to myself. Closing the door behind me, I sat my clothes on the edge of the sink so I could relieve myself. After flushing, I pulled the ocean blue curtain aside. There was shampoo, conditioner, and body wash inside. Grabbing a washcloth, I turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature. I look at the door behind me, it has a lock on it. This is the only barrier I have between me and him. My only safe place in this house of death.
Immediately, I turn the lock, securing myself in here. I got undressed and stepped into the steamy oasis. I stood there for a while, letting the running liquid relax my body. The hot water felt intoxicating against my tan skin. I washed my body and hair with the lavender scented soap. After turning off the water, I dried off and got dressed. I threw my old clothes into the hamper, except my black hoodie. Putting it back on, I felt safer. As safe as I could get anyway.
Leaving the bathroom, I found the door to my room wide open. I cautiously headed towards the door and peaked my head out. An empty hallway greeted me. The doors I saw yesterday were shut and likely locked. Stepping out of my safe-ish zone, I went to my right where the stairs are. I tested each step for any creaks, but only the third to last made a sound. I made it to the main floor. The front door was directly in front of me. Only a few feet and I could run free.
The only problem is, run where? I don't even know where I am. To make things worse, I'm enveloped by miles of forest. If I follow the dirt path, I could make it back to the main road. Unfortunately, even though it was night, I never saw a single car pass us. I would need to steal his car. It's the only way to escape.
Removing my eyes from the door, I search the hall for possible important items. There was a table with some plants by the door along with a coat rack. There were no drawers or coats hanging. Other than the door, there were three other ways to go. Ahead of me, there was a closed door and an open archway. I creeped around the entrance of the opening, sneaking a look in.
It looked like a living room, an excessively big living room. A black leather couch was pushed against the far side of the room against a massive window. A rectangular mahogany coffee table was placed in front of the couch. Then, there was the T.V. It covers the whole wall! Correction, it is the wall. Who needs such a monstrous thing!? The only thing wrong with room are its barren walls. They were blank. No pictures decorated the room either. There was no warmth that should be in a living room. Then again, I'm in a killer's house, so this should be the norm.
Backing out of the doorway, I head towards the shut door across from me. I try to turn the knob, but it won't budge. Letting go, I stalk past the stairs. There is a door under the stairs that should lead to basement. And as I know, all the good things happen in the basement. So, I simply bypass the door. Down the hall I can see another three doors, one leading to the backyard. The left door was locked, like the rest of the house. This next room must be a kitchen, it's probably going to be amazing too.
I was right, the kitchens huge. This damn place is a nightmare, dream house. Admiring the place, my gaze landed on a silver hair figure by the stove. He was wearing a black long-sleeved mock turtleneck, black pants, and a pair of black boots. It seems he's a fan of the color black, probably because his souls the same. His broad back faced me as he cooked away. I wasn't expecting the smell coming from the room, it was mouthwatering. I hadn't eaten since noon yesterday, and I only had a cheese sandwich. Not exactly the best, but it's all we had usually. I could see a plate of steaming hot sausages on the black marble counter. They look heavenly.
"They taste like it, too" Beldam eyed me over his shoulder with a smirk. Did I just say that out loud?
"No, you didn't say it out loud. The drool on my floor told me." He snickered before going back to cooking what seems to be eggs. Embarrassed, I wiped the slobber from my chin. He's probably seen or done worse, but that means nothing right now.
"You hungry?" he asked.
"No, you probably poisoned it anyway." I stubbornly answered. My stomach had its own ideas, on the other hand. I could feel the heat rush into my face, but I kept a straight face.
"Hmm, it's definitely poisoned. I think I should add some more for good measure." He proceeded to sprinkle salt and pepper onto the food.
"While I'm corrupting the food, why don't you take those plates to the dining room? You can keep our guest company while they wait." I froze in place. What does he mean by "guest"? He looked over his shoulder at me, a wicked grin played on his lips.
"Go on. We can't have them waiting for too long." He said sinisterly. I shivered but did as told. I grabbed the pancakes, sausages, and bacon off the bar and headed to the room connected to the kitchen. Inside was a dining table that could seat six. In one of the end seats sat a young man with hazel eyes. The man was bigger than me, looked like he lifted weights quite often. He looked nervous, until his eyes landed on me.
"You fucker! I'll fucking kill you for this! You freak!!" The hazel eyed man erupted. I was so startled by his outburst that I almost dropped the plates. He must have mistaken me for Beldam. It left a bad taste in my mouth, but I couldn't blame the man. If I hadn't seen when he attacked me in the alley, I wouldn't have thought the silver haired man cooking breakfast is a serial killer.
Setting the food down on the table, I glance into the doorway. It seems Beldam is still busy cooking. Maybe I can try to help this new victim… maybe he can help me.
"Shhh, he might hear you. What's your name?" I quietly asked him. I slide into a seat closest to him. The man seemed confused, but realization came into his eyes. And then… something else but it quickly disappeared.
"Derek. You?" He conservatively said.
"I'm Anthony. How long have you been here?" He couldn't have been in this hell hole long; he hasn't even seen Beldams face yet.
"I don't know. Last thing I remember was walking home from the gym, getting dragged off the street, and then something stabbed into my neck. That was… May 30th, I think." Derek said with uncertainty. That raises more questions. If Beldam already had his prey, then why did he come out to hunt? Does he collect people before he disfigures them? Maybe I'm just another tragedy in this sick game.
"How long have you been here? Do you…help him?" He suspiciously questioned.
"What? No, no, no. I just got here last night. I'm like you." I quickly tried to explain. He doesn't seem to be convinced; I wouldn't be either.
"Then why aren't you tied up?" I kept silent with no answer for him. Even I don't know, really. Beldam says it's because of my eyes, but it can't be that simple, right? Then again, he kills people just because he doesn't like hazel eyes.
"He's not tied up because he's not a disgusting person like you~" A sickly sweet voice said behind me. Whipping around, I saw Beldam leaning against the door frame with eggs and hash browns in hand. His face was smiling, but his purple eyes held an insidious glint.
He sat the plates on the table before sitting across from Derek. The air was tense and suffocating. No one uttered a word. I felt like a sitting duck with nowhere to go but the open maw of an Alligator. That just might be better than where I am now.
"Since we're all here, let's not waste the food I've painstakingly prepared." The silver haired man said with eagerness.
"What kind of sick game are you playing, you son of bitch?" Derek growled out. Beldam's toothy grin froze as his eyes locked with Derek's. I looked back forth between the two, just twiddling my thumbs, daring not to touch the food displayed on the table. Or should I dare?
The plate of pristine sausages is right in front of my plate. I could sneakily snatch a few. They shouldn't notice me if I move cautiously and slowly…maybe quickly, I don't know nor care at this point. I throw a quick glance between the two, neither have broken eye contact. This should be my chance. Slowly, I bring my hand from under the table and sat it on top. I inch my hand ever so delicately towards the plate. Almost there, I thought. And then…I grabbed my prize! I gradually but impatiently drew my hand back to feast. I popped one end of that bad boy in my mouth and started chomping. The flavor exploded in my mouth: the rich spices, the hint of smoke, the tender juices; it was wonderful. It might be I'm just hungry, but I swear this was the best thing in the entire world.
"How can you eat at a time like this?!" Derek's voice knocked me from my fantasy land. I hadn't even notice I closed my eyes during the experience. Cracking my eyes open, I could see Derek and Beldam both looking at me. One amused and the other flabbergasted. So instead of answering, I just took another hunk out of the tubed meat.
"You're very entertaining, ma petite poupée de chiffon~" I don't know what Beldam chuckled out, but I know it's French and I don't like it. I knew I should've paid more attention to Madam Martin in high school. I only remember two phrases from her class, "Va te faire foutre" and "Tu es une pute", which means "Fuck off" and "You're a whore". Best things I could have ever learned. But back to reality, unfortunately.
"What's the point of starving myself? It'll only backfire on me in the end." And that's the truth. I'm more than aware that I'm in the house of an unpredictable serial killer. That's even more of a reason to eat. I'll only become weaker, and that will only burden my escape. Beldam made this house; this is his domain. He knows every nook and cranny; I only know the rooms that are unlocked. I must find the keys to his car, and to do that, I must deceive him and play his game. Those purple eyes can't hide the malicious thoughts that exist in that callous bastard. And maybe, just maybe, Derek is smart enough to understand. Then, we might have a chance to survive.
"Well put, poupée. I really can't be having you get all weak, it would dull all my fun plans. Now eat, you might not get another chance to." Beldams jolly tone turned icy. He might have been directing it towards Derek, but I felt it was for me too.
With that said, this may be my last meal. I grab my fork and start dragging the different items to my plate. Looking over to Derek, I see he hasn't moved. I forgot an important fact; his hands are literally tied. Even if he wanted to eat, he wouldn't be able to reach his fork much less the food. I glance to my right; Beldam doesn't seem perturbed by it. Our eyes meet, and I know what he's doing. He's waiting, waiting to see what I'll do. Will I help and feed Derek, or will I take his share of food for my own survival? I'm oblivious to his plans for me, but I know what will happen to Derek. The hazel eyed man's future is already set in stone, and it's not going to be pretty.
I pile more food onto my plate, enough for two people. In the corner of my eye, I could see that damned smirk. A knowing look in those violet eyes. But he's wrong. I turned to look the snake in the eye, putting a smile on for myself. Curiosity danced in his orbs, then realization consumed them. I had switched Derek's empty plate for mine.
"Eat as much as you can. You can still move your head, right?" I'm no saint, but I'm not a selfish bastard either.
"Thank you." Derek said nodding his head. He leaned himself down to eat his food. I know I could have fed him, but… I don't know, dignity? No, it's more like control. I gave him control, even if he's eating like a dog.
The rest of breakfast went on without any other interruptions. Derek finish his meal for two; I took a few more sausages, eggs, and a pancake; and Beldam stayed docile. I watched him from the corner of my eye throughout the meal. He kept his face blank, never said a word, he just ate. Sometimes I would catch his eyes discreetly observing me and Derek, more me than the bulky man.
"Anthony, why don't you help our esteemed guest to the basement? It's the door under the stairs. While you do that, I'll clean up before joining you two." Beldam said with a small smile. I knew the basement was where all the magic happens, how great. But why ask me? I could just untie Derek and we could jump him… It couldn't be that simple though.
While I was in my thoughts, I hadn't noticed the very man was behind me. He leaned over my shoulder and stretched his long arms for my dishes. Ear length strands of silver hair brushed against my cheek. I could feel his hot breath fan my cool skin. And then, he whispered into my ear, "Remember the rules. I wouldn't want to you to experience something… indecent." His deep voice sent chills down my spine.
I nodded my head like an obedient child. His hand lingered on my shoulder as he left my side. Picking up Derek's plate, Beldam wickedly smiled before he left.
"Fucking freak…" Derek mumbled when he couldn't see said freak anymore. Slowly, I got up from my chair and went to untie Derek.
"Stupid of him to let his prisoners loose." Derek said condescendingly.
"I don't think it's that simple, Derek. He's not stupid, he wouldn't be able to get away with all this for who knows how long if he was." I reasoned with him. The knots he was tied with were complex and neatly done. I guess it comes with the profession.
Derek tugged the ropes as he pressed on with the matter. "This might be our only chance! There are two of us and one of him. And you definitely do not look like some wimpy stick." He's not wrong, I've had my fair share of fights. Even started a few because of a nerd who's addicted to energy drinks. That also doesn't mean I won them all, either. I've lost plenty of battles. That's how I ended up here now, even if it wasn't much of one.
Sighing, I tried convincing him again. "It wouldn't be smart. We don't know what he has up his sleeves. And even if we do take him down, what next? We don't know where we are, or if we are even still in South Dakota. There's too many if's and maybe's, we'll need to find the keys to his car at the very least." I finally got the rope off his right wrist, freeing it. The skin around it was bruised and rubbed raw. I went over to the next one, this time with Derek's help.
"Or find a phone and the keys while he's tied up, which we can definitely do. We don't have time for your worries, I don't have time. What do you think he'll do when we get to the basement?!" The hardness in his voice made me hesitate. He really didn't have time. Derek could be dead by tomorrow and it would be all my fault.
"…fine. But wait 'till we get to the basement. We'll take him by surprise down there. Please be patient until then. You have to promise me that" I urged him. There was a high possibility there will be weapons on the floor below.
Derek nodded in understanding as his other hand was freed. He rubbed his wrist with a sigh of relief. I stepped away from him so he could stand. The muscled man stood up with little difficulty, his joint's popping as he stretched. It's really a wonder how Beldam dragged this muscle man off the street. Derek's like a short and stocky bull. And then having to drag him anywhere, that's just too much. The good thing, though, is that he is larger than the murderer, so it should help with the attack... hopefully.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Chaotic_Tears
Chaotic_Tears Oop, what a long chapter. Would cut it down a bit butttt that wouldn't help the crazy flow thats going. %ᵕ‿‿ᵕ%
Well, it looks like Anthony isn't alone in this nightmare... or is he? (͠◉_◉᷅ ) ( ≖.≖)
Weekly Power Status
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