Understanding A Killer

Hannibal's job allowed him to entertain his valued guests only so much, but when he had the time, he wanted to make it worthwhile. Eliana, in particular, was still overly stiff and untrusting. She needed to be softened, and what better way was there then some food and quality conversations.

He cleaned the old factory thoroughly, making one of the rooms a worthy dinner place. He made the rusty table presentable, covering it with a red cloth and decorating it with candles and flowers. Making the kitchen work was more complicated, but possible with his skill and experience. Soon, the abandoned factory smelled like a luxury restaurant.

The lone chef prepared a gorgeous meal for two that contained 3 courses. Pleased with the outcome, he put a glass cover over it and prepared to summon his guest. The dimly lit hallway led him to Eliana's room which wasn't far from the 'dining hall'.

He knocked before entering, but remained on guard, never completely sure she hasn't found a way to outsmart him.

"Good evening." - He greeted.

She sat on the bed in silence, pulling her knees to her chest at the sight of him. Her widened eyes told him she was terrified, more then before, and he smiled slightly as he thought about the reason.

"Aren't you going to say hi?"

No answer.

"Well, kind of rude to treat the person who made dinner for you like that." - He took a step closer, reaching for something in his pocket, "Come, we won't be dining in this room."

"...I don't think I want dinner." - Eliana avoided his eyes.

"Eliana, I don't think you have the option to refuse." - His voice darkened, "We'll discuss whatever's bothering you there."

She pulled her legs down heavily, as a puppet that that had no other choice.

"Just for caution, please put thease on." - He pulled out handcuffs and extended his hand.

She took them without looking at him, handcuffing herself without further questions.

He gestured she must walk in front of him, which she did obediently. The walk was quiet and calm, with only the squeaky floor making noise. Even though Eliana kept her head low, Hannibal could feel her scanning the hallway, her eyes darting around subtly while taking in every detail. There was nothing much too see either way, as the place was sealed shut at every corner.

Upon arriving at the pretended dining room, he placed her further away from the door, pulling out a chair and making her sit down. Her eyes examined the showy dishes, eyes sparking with amazement and fear simultaneously. Hannibal served the first course, a soup, freed her hands, and sat across her at last. At least 2 meters of the long table divided them, each sitting at their own corner.

"Shall we eat?" - Hannibal smiled, taking a spoon in his hand.

Eliana continued looking at the dish as a few seconds passed before she spoke. "I won't eat." - She said in a cold, but resolute voice.

"You had no problems with my cooking before." - He raised an eyebrow, "Since suddenly you're bent on not eating, I must assume something has changed."

"Just thinking about it... Makes me sick." - She frowned, covering her mouth in disgust.

"It seemed to me you enjoyed it."

"I did... I shouldn't have." - She shook her head, "Please tell me, what exactly did you make me eat?

"Just ordinary dishes. Including ordinary meat."

"Ordinary? Do you consider hu-" - She had to swallow before continuing. "Do you consider humans ordinary meat?"