The Dinner Game

Chapter 1 - There Is No Chapter One

Just a head's up y'all, this story contains horror elements such as blood, slight violent thinking, overall a delicious read for Halloween and best read with the lights left on and doors closed for privacy~

================================== ===

There was no light in the dining room, except for the silver wolf-headed chandelier that carried a flickering death in each candle-lit jaw.

In fact, much of the room was accented with silver gilt designs; swirling patterns that made one disoriented and forgetful from the moment of staring directly at them. But the worst part was the shade of blue that seemed to crawl like a deadly fungus across the walls. It was the color of the wine dark seas, the color of a bruise that left more scars on the soul than the mortal body. It made Henry feel cold. Achingly, bitterly, freezing cold.

And alone.

But while he felt alone, staring blankly forward, barely blinking, he was right in-between his two Owner's sides. Henry was on the ground and chained with their favorite collar for him; a light iron chain that one could easily grasp and clutch with greedy, insatiable hands. The two Owners of Henry were talking with the other guests in loud voices; each guest was desperate for the attention of another, the sins of Pride and Vanity hung thickly in the air. Henry was kicked into serving wine to everyone, and he did so in pleading whispers to each and every high judge and doctor and professor at the table.

The vintages pouring out of the countless bottles reminded Henry of blood, in the dark glooms of his mind. It reminded him of the twin exotic knives his Owners gave him on his collaring ceremony. They told him (as he was smothered between them) in alluringly honeyed tones that he was to be domesticated, but never tamed. A knife has no purpose if left to be beautiful. It must cut and it must cut deep.

It didn't take long for Henry to learn this lesson, to the enjoyment of his Owners. Because Henry learned he loved to hunt and always brought the beasts back with a smile that reminded them all of a cat and its kills.

He was a good pet in that way.