The footsteps that follow are unhurried, deliberate.

A slow, almost lazy rhythm, like someone savoring the moment before revealing themselves.

Then—a voice.

"Ahhh..."

It's a sigh.

Not of relief, not of frustration.

Something else. Something closer to pleasure.

The girl forces herself to stay still, eyes locked on the doorway.

She doesn't want to see. But she has to.

A figure steps inside.

At first glance, she looks normal. Freakishly normal.

A red cap, a loose hoodie, dark hair spilling over her shoulders in unkempt waves.

A white apron, stained with something dark and dried, tied neatly around her waist.

Then, the details hit.

Her cheeks—smeared crimson, like she's forgotten to wipe them clean.

Her hands—fingers curled loosely around something, a knife, long and gleaming.

Her eyes—deep red, unfocused, lidded like she's drunk on something thick and intoxicating.

She looks at her.

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Looks through her.

"You're awake."

The girl swallows. Her throat burns.

The butcher tilts her head, stepping closer. The scent of iron thickens.

"That's good," she murmurs, voice soft, almost sweet. "I like to start fresh."

A single, cold finger presses against her stomach. A light touch, trailing up, up, until it reaches her collarbone.

"Mmm..." A shudder rolls through the butcher's body.

Her lips part slightly, and for a moment, her breathing hitches.

The girl jerks away instinctively, or tries to. The restraints bite into her skin.

She can't move.

The butcher exhales, slow, steadying.

The ecstasy in her gaze dims just a little, replaced with something closer to focus.

"Don't squirm too much. I need you still."

She lifts the knife. Tilts it. Lets the overhead light catch the edge, lets it glint.

"You're beautiful, you know?"

She hums, tracing the blade down her arm, not cutting—not yet.

"But I think... I can make you better."

The girl thrashes this time, panic taking over, a scream bubbling up her throat—

A sharp, stinging pain.

Not deep. Just a small nick along her shoulder. A test.

The butcher inhales sharply.

Her red eyes flutter half-shut. A tremor runs through her fingers.

She's savoring it.

"Mmm... Just a little more. Just a little longer."

Her tongue flicks over her lips. "I won't eat just yet. I promise."

The girl gasps, chest heaving, heart hammering. She can't stop shaking.

The butcher smiles. Leans in close.

"But ohh..."

Her breath is warm against the girl's ear. "You smell so, so good."